Thomas did not accompany Irene to her mother’s funeral. Six months after their discussion about Cologne, they were on reasonable terms, though Irene was often away, and when she was in Berlin she went to parties and openings he did not care to attend. But they slept in the same bed and looked after the children together and were perfectly cordial. Irene hoped, when she had time to think about such things, that they might become close again.
He wanted to attend the funeral, believing in proper conduct and having fond memories of Lady Benson. But he had business in Berlin, an interview for a job which could not be postponed.
When she returned to Berlin – after a rapid visit to Paris, to discuss an exhibition – she found him in high good humour. He had been offered the position and had accepted. It was a successful practice, he said, which was flourishing even in these difficult times. He was to design housing and other social projects: even if they could not be built immediately, the principals were convinced that the projects would be realised as soon as the political and financial situation stabilised. And an immediate commission for a large private house on the Wannsee had been entrusted to him. When she asked who it was for, he said only that it was for a leading financier and confidential.
She was delighted to have a cheerful husband again, he was much pleasanter to live with. She thought, if only the political situation could resolve itself, how happy they might be.