Folly, fear and mistrust

"In matters of economic science," Julian would say, "the layman knows nothing, assumes much and fears more. All the press ever does is compound that ignorance, folly and fear; deliberately it fosters mistrust of change. Therefore, Eleanor, when faced with the ladies, gentlemen and guttersnipes of the media, let it be our policy to remain silent."

Unfortunately Eleanor/ Ellen/ Apricot (it's complicated) goes on to forget this rule when talking to Freddie Howard of the Daily Mail.

"Do you have a pet name for him?" asked Freddie.

"I call him Rasputin," said Eleanor.

Bad move.

• Darcy's Utopia, by Fay Weldon