The others instantly recognised me as an academic. One told me that she had previously considered me a suitable candidate to co-supervise a PhD student with her, even before I confirmed my identity. Encouraged by her enthusiasm for my work, I offered my services as external examiner instead.

Formal introductions made, they then asked me if I’d heard from BMcNX. The only information that I was able to give them was that I was aware that she and her husband were apart during the week because of her job.

‘That’s what they would like you to believe’ they informed me. ‘However, the real reason that they barely see one another is that her husband is gay’.