"Non the contrary. It tends to set the bar lower, truth be told. I am very grateful for their patronage, of course, but their conversation..." He winces. "Mostly they try to show off, as if I'm not aware that the simple act of hiring me means they're well off. It's dreadful. You? A breath of fresh air. Plus, you dabble with the working class."

Benedict is here, after all, eating in his kitchen and talking of art.

"Unless you think I'm lying, which is entirely reasonable, if completely untrue."