The tolerantly fond way Nuala observes his additions of cream and sugar has an air of familiarity to it - she prefers her tea more bitter, usually, but Nuada has a sweet tooth that occasionally sees her reach for the honey pot in times of stress.

"How ideal," she says, of the Independence Front, and her pleasure at how promptly their interests align is genuine simply for an appreciation of Jack's propensity to point himself in a direction she approves of as well as the more pragmatic fact that this serves her so well. "I have a great interest in their politics - I would be very intrigued to hear what you make of the party."

The readily interested and warm way she turns her attention on him has another message, unsaid; she is ready and willing to be persuaded to lend him her support in his burgeoning political career, if it will serve her needs.