Last Friends by Jane Gardam ****

This is the final novel in the Old Filth Trilogy, and it tells Veneering's story- his mother, who collected coal, and his father, a former Russan spy- his marriage to Elsie, but not much about Betty, who was really the love of his life. The story of how Veneering and Filth become friends is in this novel, as well as the connection between poor old Fiscal-Smith and Dulcie, who was mainly a piece of fluff. 

I've really enjoyed this series, and I must read more of Jane Gardam's novels. She has a dry sense of humour and is able to say a lot in just a short scene or conversation.