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Lady Rothman watched as her host pulled a piece of dried jerky from the pocket of his jacket and fed it to one of his many King Charles spaniels. Lord Chartwell had at least four that she knew of, though only one was in the garden with them today. His love for the beasts was well-known throughout society and every hostess who invited him for a stay in the country had to be prepared to have at least two of his beloved spaniels accompany him.
“And you’re sure of this?”
The question caught her by surprise, spoken without him looking up from his dog.
“Yes. It seems there cannot be any doubt. I made inquiries myself after Molly made me aware of the situation yesterday. This secretary appears to be everything that she claims to be.”
Lady Rothman watched as the Duke of Stafford straightened up. The spaniel shook itself after finishing its treat before turning to trot along the gravel path ahead of them.
“Sir Blackney has at least three personal secretaries,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back and resuming their walk. “Why a mere squire thinks he needs that many secretaries is beyond me, but there you have it. And this one is in Dorchester, you say?”
“Yes.”
“He’s hardly ever in Dorchester. I’ve only known him to be in residence there but once a year, and only for a few weeks then.” Lord Chartwell shook his head. “Still, it’s none of my business how the man runs his affairs. Have you told anyone else about this Miss Müller?”
“No. I thought it best to discuss it with you before committing to any plan of action.”
“Quite right.”
“If she is everything that we think she is, she could be invaluable in getting physical information out the country and to our contact on Guernsey,” Lady Rothman said slowly. “She could be the very answer to our difficulties.”
“Yes,” he said thoughtfully, watching his dog. “The challenge has become even greater since the authorities have begun eyeing everyone with suspicion these days. It’s a sad state of affairs indeed when a respected peer of the realm can’t go about his business without constantly looking over his shoulder. Would you believe that a sniveling office clerk had the appalling temerity to serve me with a summons last week?”
“What? What was the reason given?” she asked, looking at him in shock.
He waved a hand vaguely.
“Consorting with radical individuals. It’s a damned nuisance. I’ve contacted my solicitors, of course, and nothing will come of it.”
“Nevertheless, it’s certainly a problem,” she replied, shaken. “Why, if they dare to serve you with a summons...”
Her voice trailed off and Lord Chartwell looked at her. He clucked his tongue and reached out to squeeze her hand reassuringly.
“Don’t you let it worry you. My solicitors will nip it all in the bud, mark my words. Now, back to this secretary. She will have to be vetted, you understand. We must be very sure.”
“Yes, of course. Do you have someone particular in mind?”
Lord Chartwell was quiet for a moment, then he nodded slowly.
“Yes. Send Sir Ronald Clark down to talk with her. He speaks German well. He spent time in Berlin in ‘38, you know. Knows Hitler and Goebbels personally. If the woman isn’t a true sympathizer, Clark will make short work of sniffing it out.”
“That’s a fantastic idea. I’d thought perhaps Henry could go, but I do think Sir Clark is the better choice.”
“Ah yes. Henry. How is our young friend coming along?”
Lady Rothman frowned.
“He’s very stubborn. Do you know, I think he believes himself above the rest of us?”
Lord Chartwell looked at her, amused.
“My dear Lady Rothman, Henry thinks himself above most of England, and so do we. You can’t hold that against a man. He’s been working with Berlin for over two years.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that.”
“Well, then, you must give him some space. What have you been assigning to him?”
“Surveying the southern coast.”
Lord Chartwell stopped walking and looked at her in astonishment.
“Surveying the coast?” he repeated. “No wonder he’s being difficult! You can’t ask a seasoned spy to run around taking photographs of telephone wires and country bridges!”
“You said to start him out slowly!”
“Yes, but I didn’t mean that slowly! I meant not to have him raise any suspicion in his offices or in Whitehall! Do you have any idea what kinds of information a man in his position is privy to?”
“Well, yes, but—”
“I’ll be amazed if he stays with us at all if you’ve been sending him all over England on a fools errand,” he continued ruthlessly. Then he exhaled and shook his head. “My apologies. It’s been a trying week, and that took me by surprise. I’d advise you to allow him to begin gathering intelligence on what countermeasures, if any, are being put into place to repel an invasion. I mean on a military level. Which airfields are the most crucial to our fighter response? Which naval yards? Which factories? These are things he can discover easily, and things which the Abwehr can use.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Is he still having relations with Molly?”
Lady Rothman flushed pink.
“I hardly think that’s any of our business,” she murmured. “Really, my lord, you’re as bad as she is for bringing it up.”
He was amused, his short flash of anger a thing of the past.
“Of course it’s our business, my dear. As long as they are in a close relationship, we can keep our association with Henry a secret. I don’t need to tell you how important discretion is at this juncture. If he is still meeting with Molly in private, she can pass on any information to us, eliminating any need for contact between us.”
“Well, when you put it in that light, then I suppose you’re right,” she agreed reluctantly. “However, I do think it’s disgraceful how the youth today act without any decency whatsoever. It’s appalling what they get up to.”
“Yes, well, Molly is of a different class. We can’t expect too much, can we?” He whistled sharply as his spaniel darted off the path. The dog returned promptly, looking very disgruntled at having been called back from what was undoubtedly the beginning of a chase after a rabbit. “She’s very useful, of course, and her position makes her invaluable, but girls like her will be that way. At least in this instance, it is all to our advantage.”
“I would have expected more from Henry,” Lady Rothman said.
“My dear Mata, you really must learn to ignore these things. These types of affairs have been happening for centuries, and will continue.” He chuckled. “I daresay I sowed my fair share of oats in my day. It’s all to the better. Builds character.”
Lady Rothman snorted.
“From what I’ve seen, Henry is not lacking in character.”
“Arrange to meet with Sir Clark as soon as possible. I want to have this Miss Müller investigated immediately,” Lord Chartwell said. “Herr Schmidt is waiting for the list of our members, along with the names of those who are opposed to us. We must find a way to get those, and all the other information we’ve gathered, to him without any more delay.”
“Of course. And if Sir Ronald agrees that she is legitimate?”
“Then by all means, proceed with all haste. The sooner we start moving intelligence, the better for everyone.”
“When are you due back to your posting, Evelyn? It must be soon.”
Evelyn sipped her wine and smiled across the table at Anthony.
“Not for another week, actually.”
“Another week?” he raised his eyebrows in surprise. “That’s a long time, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. However, I haven’t had any leave since Christmas, so I suppose the WAAF decided I was due a nice holiday.” Evelyn set down her glass and looked at Maryanne. “That’s what you have to look forward to, Maryanne. Months of work with little time off!”
“Yes, but at least I know going into it that that’s how it will be,” Maryanne replied with a short laugh. “I’m prepared. Besides, here you are with a lovely, long holiday, so perhaps there’s hope for me.”
“Are you nervous?” Evelyn asked.
“No, not nervous. Apprehensive, perhaps. I have no idea what to expect. I won’t have the faintest clue what to do or where to go. How on earth did you get on when you first joined?”
Evelyn shrugged.
“I followed everyone else and tried not to make a mess of things, I suppose. It will be easier than you imagine. You’ll learn a lot in your training, and the rest you’ll learn as you go.”
“I hope so. I want to make a difference, you know. I know it won’t be much, but I want to do my part. I’m tired of feeling as if I’m not doing anything.”
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about not doing anything,” Evelyn said with a smile. “They’ll keep you busy, I’m sure.”
“I’m very proud of you, you know,” Anthony said, looking at his sister. “I know how important this is to you, and also how much it took to decide to do it. It’s ridiculous how some of our peers are making such a fuss over women doing their bit.”
“Did you hear what happened the other night?” Evelyn asked, her eyes twinkling.
“I told him,” Maryanne said.
“Giles can be an idiot most times,” Anthony said, reaching for his glass. “I’m not sure why you go about with him as much as you do. I find him rather dull.”
“He makes me laugh and is usually good for the occasional gem like the other night. It makes life interesting, darling. Evelyn wasn’t bothered by it, so no harm was done.”
“Nevertheless, it was dreadfully impolite, as much to you as it was to Evie.”
“Perhaps. Well, it’s all water under the bridge now. I leave for the army in a few days, Evelyn will go back to her station, and the war will go on despite the narrow-mindedness of some of our acquaintances.”
Anthony was quiet for a moment, then he sighed heavily.
“I hope it’s not all in vain, what the two of you are sacrificing to help in the war effort, but I’m very afraid that it will be. Some are saying that an invasion is inevitable and, if they’re right, it will all have been for naught.”
“I don’t believe an invasion is inevitable at all,” Evelyn said a little more sharply than she intended. “The people who are saying that are not taking into account the pilots who will fight to keep the Luftwaffe out of England.”
“They are very brave, without a doubt, but there are so few of them compared to Hitler’s air force,” he pointed out. “I don’t know how we can even hope to keep pace.”
A short silence fell over the table as Maryanne looked at Evelyn, her eyes filled with compassion.
“Really, Tony,” she finally muttered. “I’m sure Evelyn is well aware of the odds. Do you need to underline them for her?”
Anthony looked at Evelyn sheepishly, his lips tightening briefly before he gave her a small smile.
“I’m so sorry, my dear,” he said. “I’m clearly as bad as Giles. That was thoughtless of me. Will you forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive. You only speak the truth.” Evelyn took a steady breath and reached for her wine. “I know that things look grim, but I refuse to accept that a squalid little painter will topple Great Britain that easily. I must have hope, you see, otherwise there is no point to anything I do.”
And I will be one of the first executed as a spy, she added silently.
“Yes, of course.”
“And what of you, Tony?” she asked after a moment. “Have you decided whether or not to do something to aid in the war effort? Or shall you concentrate on your political career and do your part through Parliament?”
“What? Were you thinking of doing something yourself?” Maryanne asked, surprised.
“It was simply a thought,” Anthony replied, looking uncomfortable. “You know that I’ve been restless these past months.”
“Yes, but I didn’t know you were considering doing something different!”
“It really doesn’t signify,” he said brusquely, waving a hand impatiently. “It’s nothing. I’ll continue to do whatever I have to in order to keep my loved ones safe.”
Evelyn studied him from under her lashes. He looked almost angry at the questions, almost as if he were being attacked. Her lips pressed together and her eyes narrowed. He did feel attacked. She could see it in his body language, and in the way his hand tightened on his glass. Lord Gilhurst was feeling decidedly guilty about something, and with that last comment, she knew he’d decided to throw his lot in with the Round Club.
“Of course you will,” Maryanne said soothingly, her brow furrowed. “No one is suggesting otherwise. You’ve always done what was best for the country, and for us.”
“I’ve certainly tried.” Anthony seemed appeased and he swallowed a mouthful of wine before forcing a smile. “I seem to be making a habit putting my foot in it this evening. Forgive me.”
Maryanne nodded and looked relieved when their food appeared at that moment. They were quiet while their dinner was laid before them, and once the waiter had departed, she looked at Evelyn.
“What are your plans for the remainder of your leave?” she asked.
“I’m going down to Weymouth for a few days,” Evelyn lied, picking up her utensils. “I’m meeting Tante Adele and Uncle Claude. They want a little break from Auntie Agatha, I’m afraid.”
“Oh dear. Is it that bad?”
“It would appear so. I’m sure after a few days away, they will all be the best of friends again.”
“Your Aunt Agatha is rather impressive,” Anthony said, his lips pulling into a grin. “I still remember the time she upbraided me in the middle of Hyde Park for all the world as if I was a boy in short trousers again.”
“You deserved it,” Evelyn said, laughing at the memory. “I seem to remember you teasing me unmercifully that day.”
“Me? Tease you? You must have me mistaken with someone else, Evie. I would never dream of doing such a thing.”
The mock angelic look on his face made both women laugh and, as Evelyn reached for her wine, she felt a pang at the easy camaraderie between them. She’d been close to the Gilhursts for what seemed like forever, and she quite counted Tony as a second brother. Yet he was on a path that would pit him right up against herself, and everything she believed in.
“When do you leave?” Maryanne asked, drawing her attention from her grim thoughts.
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, what a shame! You won’t be back before I leave for my training!”
Evelyn smiled at her friend.
“Don’t worry, darling. You’ll do splendidly. I have every confidence in you. And we’ll see each other again soon.”
“That’s true.” Maryanne brightened. “And when you see me again, I’ll be in a uniform just as ugly as yours! Won’t that be a laugh?”
“You’ll be surprised how quickly you become accustomed to that ugly uniform. When every woman you see is wearing it, it doesn’t seem that terrible!”
“You will write to me, won’t you?” Maryanne asked suddenly. “I don’t know how I’ll manage without someone I know to talk to.”
“Of course I will,” Evelyn said reassuringly. “And I’m sure we can arrange to meet in London on an evening off.”
“You really must stop fretting, Maryanne,” Anthony said. “I’ve never seen you so excited as the day you signed up. You will be back here before you know it, and as Evie says, you can meet as often as you like. After all, it’s not as if either of you are leaving the country.”
Evelyn winced inwardly at that. Certainly Maryanne wouldn’t leave England, but she would. And when she left, there was never a guarantee that she would come back.
