Page 105 of An Invitation to the Kennedys

‘Does it matter?’Doris said.‘Does it ever matter what women think about war?Does it much matter what anyone thinks at this stage?’From overhead came a thump, then the sound of a door slamming.‘The house awakes,’ she said.‘We’d better get on.’

‘Will you go back to Berlin?’

‘I will.For a while anyway.Now, go and pack.I heard your father say they have ordered the motorcar for twelve.’She twisted her wrist to look at the tiny gold watch.‘That gives you half an hour.’

Outside the library, the house was full of comings and goings.A second door slammed and there was the sound of running feet on the back stairs.Doris decided she’d go outside.But she was too late.

‘Doris, might I have a word?’Chips bustled up.He was clearly bursting with news of some kind.

‘If you must.’

He gave her a beady stare.‘Fritzi’s man, Albert, has disappeared.’

‘People don’t disappear.’

‘He can’t be found.He didn’t wake Fritzi this morning – the dear boy almost missed breakfast; I had to send my chap to shave him – and no one has been able to find him.He is certainly not in the house or anywhere in the grounds.’

‘I see.’

‘I wondered whether you might know anything?’

‘Anything about what?’

‘About Albert.’

‘Why would I know anything about Albert?’

‘So you don’t?’

‘I don’t.’It was as though she had taken a wrapped present away from a child, she thought, seeing how disappointed he was.‘I’m sure he will turn up.’

‘Fritzi is insisting we search the river banks.He says it is impossible that Albert should be gone anywhere for so long unless there is mischief involved.’

‘And will you?’

‘I suppose I must.It’s very awkward.I had just made up my mind to go to London.I have had a phonecall.My new car is ready.’He beamed at her.‘A Rolls, in deepest emerald green.Nerogreen, I call it.’His face softened.‘It is the loveliest and most expensive car in the world, and now that I know it is arrived, I must see it.’

Doris ducked her face so that he wouldn’t see her laughing.‘You’ll excuse me.I’m going to find Honor.’

‘She is still in her room,’ Chips said.‘And not at all in good form.’He sounded cross again.‘The ambassador is looking for you,’ he said then.‘I wonder why?’He looked beadily at her.

‘No idea.’Perhaps she would go to her own bedroom, Doris thought.At least there, no one would bother her.In the upstairs hallway she bumped into Duff.

‘This house is starting to be likeMrs Tittlemouse,’ Doris said with a laugh.‘Unexpected appearances at every turn.’

Duff ignored her reference.‘I believe we’re a man down,’ he said abruptly.

‘Albert?’

‘Yes.’

‘Fritzi is apparently distraught.And uncomprehending.Insisting Chips have the river searched …’

‘Is he indeed?And you, what do you think?’

‘I?’She opened her eyes every wide.‘I do not think anything.’

‘Do you not?’He stared at her and Doris did her best to return his gaze.‘Well, I’ll tell you what I think.I think Chips shouting about Fritzi’s destiny – how he must watch the Nazis and bide his time; how there will be a wave of useful sentiment when his grandfather dies – I think those were stupid things to say, and dangerous.’