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Alicia gave Miles her attention when she said, ‘But our royal family is rather German, isn’t it, Uncle Miles?’
‘Indeed. Our ex-king spoke the truth about his German blood. Let’s not forget that his great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, was German through her forebears, the Hanoverian kings, and her mother was German. Victoria married a German, her cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. That was the name of our royal family for years and years. King George V, Edward’s father, changed it in the Great War. That is when the family took the surname of Windsor.’
Miles cleared his throat and was about to speak when Daphne exclaimed, ‘I see Bruno hovering, so let us go and have lunch. And please, Miles, no history lessons. I grew up listening to them at every meal.’
Her brother had the good grace to laugh, and Cecily exclaimed, ‘I loved his history lessons, and still do. Miles has a fantastic memory for such marvellous historical details.’
As she rose, Daphne threw Cecily a warm look and teased, ‘Of course you love his history lessons. You love everything he does. You worship the ground he walks on.’
Grinning at Daphne, Cecily shot back, ‘That’s true, I do, and I don’t care who knows it.’
‘We’ve all known it since you were about twelve,’ Hugo murmured, squeezing Cecily’s arm as he walked past. Leaning over her shoulder, he whispered in her ear, ‘And I for one love you for the way you love him.’
TEN (#ulink_89f8a196-093b-5001-a268-fb2f6c71fed3)
Diedre, naturally observant, had had this particular trait underscored by years of training at the War Office, and she thought watching people was a fascinating occupation even when it was her own family under her scrutiny.
And so, as they all sat at the other end of the loggia enjoying lunch, she was able to indulge herself. Saying hardly anything at all, she made a show of savouring the food but kept her ears wide open.
During the first course, a cold vichyssoise soup with chives scattered on the top, her family talked about Wallis Simpson, the American divorcée for whom Edward VIII had given up the throne so that he could marry her.
Diedre was not especially interested, and only listened with half an ear, her thoughts focused at this moment on her immediate boss, William Lawson. He had joined ‘the firm’, as he called it, several years before she had returned in 1935, a year after Paul’s sudden and tragic death. He had welcomed her warmly, and with enthusiasm, and made no bones about his admiration for her and her many talents. In consequence, he had given her a lot of leeway in the three years she had worked closely with him, and he listened to her ideas.
She focused on that now, knowing that if she asked for a few extra days off, he would agree. Certainly he had had no qualms about her coming to Zurich today, to spend the weekend with her sister and other family members. She might phone Will later and ask for this favour.
Diedre had relaxed for the first time in months when she had arrived at the villa only a few hours ago. Much of that had to do with Daphne, who had always shown love and understanding to everyone. And Diedre was no exception to that rule.
Surreptitiously, she looked down the long table at her sister and couldn’t help feeling a great sense of pride. Daphne was now forty-two, but did not look it. She was still the great beauty of the family, the gorgeous peaches-and-cream blonde she had always been. She had put on a little bit of extra weight, but not much, and there was a lovely aura around her. It’s goodness, sincerity and devotion, Diedre decided, knowing how much of herself Daphne gave to others. Although underneath the loving wife and mother was a steely determination that had enabled Daphne to run Cavendon Hall since their mother’s departure and death.
Hugo, too, helped to make Diedre feel better, perhaps because he had such a gift with people, knew how to make them welcome. Also, he had been close to her Paul, her husband’s business partner and best friend. So many of her happiest memories were associated with her sister and brother-in-law, and these memories warmed her, took away some of the pain inside.
Diedre was brought out of her reverie when Bruno placed the main course in front of her, and Hugo said, ‘Anna does the best sea bass in the world, as you know.’
Smiling at him, she said, ‘I do remember. And Daphne always creates the greatest menus.’
‘Mama is the best,’ Charlie announced. ‘The magical mother. Who does everything perfectly.’
Hugo grinned and Alicia agreed, as did Miles and Cecily. It was Diedre who added, ‘And without a doubt the best sister that ever was.’
A slight blush crept up Daphne’s neck to her cheeks, and tears glistened in her eyes, but they all knew they were tears of happiness. She sat there smiling at them, obviously pleased.
Diedre let go of her people-watching habit and concentrated on her plate of food. The sea bass had been grilled; it was served with a lemon sauce, with tiny segments of lemon mixed with capers in it, and small new potatoes.
‘It’s delicious,’ Diedre said to Hugo, and added, ‘Are you going to be here next week, Hugo? Or will you be in Geneva?’
‘Oh, here, of course, Diedre. No business next week. We just want to enjoy the Villa Fleurir for a couple of weeks longer. Then it’s back to Cavendon.’
‘I thought I might go to Berlin next week,’ Charlie said, looking from his mother to his father, a brow lifting quizzically.
‘Berlin!’ Daphne exclaimed, staring at her son in astonishment. ‘Whatever for?’
‘To see it. Get a feel about it. I’ve read so much about all these little men prancing around in ridiculous, operetta-style uniforms—’
‘Which would only be funny if these little men, as you call them, weren’t a bunch of dangerous gangsters,’ Diedre interrupted, her tone serious, her face grimly set as she looked at her nephew. ‘Make no mistake, they are tyrants, and will stop at nothing to attain their aims. Be assured of that, Charlie.’
‘I’ve no intention of allowing you to go to Berlin,’ Hugo said in a firm voice. ‘And what would be gained by it, I ask you?’
‘This is a particular time in history,’ Charlie said in a mild, steady voice, not wanting to alienate his parents, who always stood together on all things. ‘As a budding journalist, I want to see what’s happening, take photographs with my Kodak camera, do a general walk around. I hear Unter den Linden looks amazing … Nazi flags, great German eagles atop high columns, searchlights beaming. Very colourful.’
‘No,’ Diedre said in a harsh tone. ‘They’ve ruined that beautiful avenue with their theatrical trimmings. Anyway, no one should go to Berlin alone, Charlie, and especially a twenty-year-old.’
‘I’ll soon be twenty-one,’ he interjected, still speaking in the mildest voice.
‘I’d go with you,’ Alicia said. ‘But I’m off to Cavendon on Monday.’ Wanting to avert a quarrelsome scene between her brother and her parents, she hurried on, ‘I had a letter today from Felix, who’s in Los Angeles with Dulcie and James. He and Constance have agreed to represent me, and be my managers. I want to make films, you see, not tread the boards.’
‘What? You? A film star!’ Charlie cried, shaking his head, chuckling. ‘You’re the ugly duckling of the Inghams.’
‘No, she’s not,’ Cecily said. ‘She’s a graceful and elegant swan, if you’ll excuse the use of my name.’
Charlie grinned at his aunt, and said, ‘I’m only teasing the beautiful Alicia, and every one of you knows that.’
‘Yes, we do, darling,’ Daphne said. ‘And you’ve taken lovely pictures of Alicia on your Kodak. But it’s still no to Berlin.’
Cecily looked at Diedre, and said hesitantly, ‘Maybe we all ought to go with Charlie … what do you think, Diedre?’ She sat waiting for an answer, quaking inside, hoping Diedre wouldn’t be angry with her.
Diedre didn’t respond immediately, not particularly surprised by Cecily’s suggestion. She always said what was on her mind. Her sister-in-law had never shown fear in her life. And, as a matter of fact, she had voiced what Diedre had herself been thinking at that moment. It would be a way for her to speak to Toby Jung in person, and plan the extraction, if there was going to be one. But how to pull it off? Finally she spoke.
‘What do I think …? Well, I believe a family like ours would be perfectly safe in Berlin. Particularly if we were invited to a reception at the British Embassy by Sir Nevile Henderson, the ambassador—’
‘Gosh, Aunt Diedre, could you arrange that?’ Charlie asked, cutting in, awe echoing in his voice.
‘Oh no, Charlie, I don’t have that kind of clout, but I know my superior has had wind of the annual reception being given some time soon. For important visitors to Berlin. I could investigate, find out if that’s true.’
‘Hitler loves the British aristocracy. We all know that, and yes, of course, we would be safe,’ Miles said in a positive manner. ‘And I see what you’re getting at, Diedre. Being fêted at the British Embassy would give us the stamp of approval.’
‘Oh, surely we have that already,’ Daphne exclaimed. ‘We’re the Clan Ingham. Everybody’s heard of us. We’re sort of, well, famous in our own way.’
‘We’re certainly blond enough,’ Charlie added. ‘And we all have blue eyes. Well, almost. One of us does not.’
Cecily cut in through her laughter. ‘I know I’m not a blue-eyed blonde. However, I am quite famous too. Several German princesses are my clients.’
‘There, you see, we’re in!’ Charlie exclaimed. ‘Oh, Papa, do let’s go. I’m sure it would be quite an interesting experience.’
Hugo looked at Daphne, who looked troubled. She said very slowly, ‘Let’s talk about it, Hugo. Weigh the odds.’ Turning to Charlie, she added, ‘We’ll let you know tomorrow.’
‘I don’t know why you always do it!’ Alicia exclaimed, sitting down next to her brother on the edge of the swimming pool. This was located on the far side of the gazebo, at the edge of the lake.
Glancing at her quickly, he asked, ‘Do what?’ His blond brow drew together in a furrow.
‘Announce something that’s really provocative and bound to cause trouble, when we’re at lunch or dinner. Thank God you don’t do it at breakfast or tea.’
‘I don’t think what I said at lunch was provocative at all,’ Charlie protested. ‘You’re always exaggerating, and you’re very bossy.’
‘I’m neither. And you were provocative because you mentioned something that was bound to upset Beauty,’ she shot back, using the nickname they’d had for their mother since childhood.
‘Suggesting I was going to Berlin doesn’t seem provocative to me. I was only telling her, them, my travel plans. Actually, I thought it showed initiative on my part. As a future journalist I am naturally curious, focused on the news. And Germany’s certainly in the news these days. This happens to be an extraordinary time in history. The world is changing even as we speak.’
‘They won’t let you go,’ Alicia asserted. ‘Remember, they always stand together. Knight and Beauty are on the same page.’
‘Oh for heaven’s sake, I know that, and why are you going on about it? They weren’t as bothered as you’re making out.’ He was obviously exasperated with his older sister.
‘Oh yes they were! I could see another unpleasant scene developing. That’s why I saved your bacon by changing the subject, spoke about Felix.’
‘You enjoy talking about yourself, Miss Alicia Ingham Stanton. You’re all puffed up about your looks and your elegant figure. And your career.’
‘No, I’m not. But I am serious about my acting and getting my career off the ground.’
‘That’s the way I feel about working as a newspaperman. I’ve definitely settled on being a war correspondent. There’s bound to be a war, and I want to be right in the centre of it all, writing about it.’
‘Oh my God, don’t tell them. Beauty will have a fit and the Knight in Shining Armour will put his foot down. Hard. Forget about Berlin. It’ll never happen.’
‘Guess what Miss Know-It-All, I bet you five bob we’ll go to Berlin. Aunt Cecily gave me the solution.’
‘I’m sure you don’t have five bob to make a bet,’ Alicia muttered, eyeing him sourly.
‘Yes I do. And going en masse to Berlin will work. Pity you won’t be coming. You’re off to start your brilliant career as a film star. Ta da! Ta da!’
‘Oh do stop saying that, you sound utterly inane, and it’s irritating.’ She glowered at him yet again and he in return smiled at her, put his arm around her and pulled her close. ‘Don’t be like this … you know you’re my best friend and true companion. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for averting what might have turned into an angry confrontation with them – he is always on her side, you’re right about that.’
‘Mummy worries about you a lot … about all of her children, Charlie. That’s why she does seem a bit restrictive at times. Listen, she’s very smart and clever, that’s why I listen to her. Always. She just makes perfect sense. You, however, seem to flout her wishes and go out of your way to make dumb choices.’
‘None of that’s true. I do not. And, in case you’ve forgotten, I’m a man and I can certainly look after myself.’
‘So can I.’
‘Mmmmm.’ He shook his head. ‘Not true. Sadly it’s a man’s world, Ally.’
‘Don’t call me that! Mummy doesn’t like it and neither do I.’
‘Let’s not quarrel.’
‘We’re not quarrelling,’ she answered, her voice changing, becoming softer.
‘We are bickering though,’ Charlie shot back.
‘I just feel very protective of you, brother of mine. I don’t want you to get hurt in any way, shape or form, and you can be a bit rash – reckless, even – at times.’
‘I know.’ He laughed, took hold of her hand. ‘Guilty as charged, old thing. I’ll try to mend my ways just for you. To please you.’
When she was silent, he added, ‘You can’t be that mad at me. You came down to have a swim, as I asked you to earlier.’
‘No, I came down to tell you off.’
‘Liar.’ He chuckled, his eyes holding hers.
Alicia leaned closer, kissed his cheek, then hugged him to her. She had mothered him since the day he was born, and still did. They were extremely close and had been hand-in-glove since their childhood. In a certain sense, they were more like twins than their siblings Thomas and Andrew, who were twins.
After a few moments of silence, Alicia murmured, ‘You win, Charlie, I did come down to swim with you. At the same time, I wanted to talk to you … to ask you to stop saying things that alarm our mother. She’s anxious enough, though she doesn’t want to show it. Remember, Uncle Guy died in the Great War.’
‘I will, I promise. I know I sort of blurt things out, spontaneously shoot before thinking. I’m sorry, I’ll do better.’
‘Just edit yourself a bit more, that’s all.’ She jumped up, and he followed suit. They looked at each other, smiled knowingly, and dived into the pool in perfect synchronization.
ELEVEN (#ulink_9f83fd1c-57b7-532a-bae6-5c29300fbfe3)
Whenever she came to stay with Daphne and Hugo at Villa Fleurir, Daphne always told her she could use the small office just off the library. And Diedre did so now. Everyone had scattered, gone off to do things, and she needed to do some thinking and make several phone calls.
Sitting down at the desk, Diedre glanced around, noting how much this room reflected Daphne and her taste. It had apricot-coloured walls and matching silk draperies, and the comfortable sofa and armchairs were covered in an apricot cotton fabric. The room came alive with the vivid colours in the paintings hanging on the walls, and the cushions on the sofa.
Diedre sniffed and smiled to herself. The room was redolent of Daphne’s favourite perfume, lilies of the valley, which had been created especially for her by Cecily.
A deep sigh escaped Diedre, and she focused on Cecily and her suggestion about Berlin. It would be a clever solution, it would please Charlie, and it would certainly suit her to go along with the family group, if Daphne and Hugo agreed. However, she would have to tell William Lawson, her immediate superior. She could see no reason why he would object; also, being in the middle of the Ingham family group was the perfect cover for her. Diedre had no intention of mentioning a possible extraction to Will. There was no need for him to know. Anyway, it was unlikely to happen quickly, if at all.
Diedre placed the call through the overseas operator, using Will’s private number. He answered immediately, was obviously glad to hear from her. Once she had explained about the family trip, he had agreed she should go. ‘It might prove useful,’ he said. ‘It’s the annual shindig next week. I’ll make sure you’re all invited. By the boss himself.’
‘That would be wonderful.’ She noted how careful Will was, even though he was on a safe phone. ‘I thought I might see the sights … if you get my drift.’
‘Your sister would enjoy it, too, if you get my drift.’
‘I do. Solo out.’
‘Correct. Don’t neglect me.’
‘I won’t.’
They hung up. His last words had meant that she must call him every day. That was mandatory when she was in a foreign country.
Her next phone call, via the international operator, was to Berlin.
‘May I speak to Toby Jung please?’
‘This is he, Daffy.’
‘I’m checking in as you asked.’
‘In the same place as yesterday, are you? Or did you do a bunk, follow your heart?’
‘How did you guess?’ She smiled to herself. How well he knew her.
