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Stoker had been called to the bar,” Mr. Thring says, impressed.
    â€œIndeed he was, Mr. Thring.”
    â€œDid he practice often?”
    â€œNo, he didn’t actually practice,” Mrs. Stoker says, wondering why this always comes up as an issue.
    â€œNot at all?”
    â€œI believe not,” confirms Mrs. Stoker taking a sip of tea.
    â€œGoodness! Too busy with Sir Henry, I suppose.”
    The unhappy thought enters Florence’s mind that her husband could indeed have achieved much that was both respected and remunerative if he had not been so tied to Irving. Why had he made life so difficult for himself? It’s a dark puzzle she is afraid of unpicking. And there is another piece of business pertaining to Bram’s career. Mr. Thring is so charming she has almost forgotten the news he has come to give is not good.
    â€œNow, to get back to this film, Mr. Thring,” Florence prompts.
    â€œOf course,” he replies.
    â€œI understand that the company – “
    â€œ – Prana Films,” Mr. Thring nods.
    â€œQuite so … that has committed this atrocious theft has gone bankrupt and that this may delay punishment and destruction of the film itself.”
    â€œYes,” Mr. Thring replies colouring a little. “All the property of Prana Films has been in the hands of the official receiver, it transpires, for some weeks … “
    â€œAnd the culprits are free?”
    Mr. Thring shifts in his seat. “Prana Films no longer exists as a legal entity. So any claim to damages would have to go through the official receiver.”
    Florence lays her cup down. “This is most unsettling,” she says. “For a theft to take place and then for the perpetrators so simply disappear in a puff of smoke is …”
    â€œMost unjust, I quite agree,” Mr. Thring says firmly.
    â€œAnd it is not damages I want from them, Mr. Thring,” Mrs. Stoker continues, her courage rising. “It is damage I would like to do to them.”
    â€œQuite so,” Mr. Thring says very seriously.
    â€œWhen I think what might have happened, and that only providence prevented this thing from coming to London to smear my husband’s memory in the open. I must have this film destroyed at the very least.”
    Mr. Thring lurches forward in his seat. “Unfortunately,” he says wringing his hands, “there are probably a number of copies.”
    â€œA number!” Florence exclaims. She feels as though her problem has just multiplied like so many fast-breeding insects. “Why would there be more than one?” She hopes he has made a mistake, that he knows nothing about this business.
    â€œIt is common practice, I believe, to have many copies of a moving picture so it may show in many cities at one time.”
    Florence has to prevent herself from rising. The image of this horror spreading like a disease around the world is just intolerable.
    â€œPlease don’t alarm yourself, Mrs. Stoker,” Mr. Thring says calmly, “I’m sure we will find a way. We will be patient andhope for co-operation from the receiver. This is an outrage and we will do all in our power to put it to rights.”
    Florence looks into Mr. Thring’s dark, trustworthy eyes. She begins to breathe more easily.
    â€œNow,” he says, looking down at her Persian rug. “There is one last little problem.”
    The pause makes Florence worry.
    â€œThere is a very small ‘film society’ as they call themselves, here in London.” Mr. Thring takes out his handkerchief and dabs his mouth. “They meet somewhere in Knightsbridge, I believe. Only very limited numbers turn up, I’m sure.” Florence senses that a dark invasion is about to overtake the green and ordered land of her memory. “They appear to have got themselves a copy and are advertising among their very small membership a presentation of the film tomorrow