Page 64 of An Invitation to the Kennedys

‘What?Doris!Why?’

Doris laughed.‘We reached the house and as I was about to go in, he tried to kiss me, and I let him.’

‘How could you …?A servant …’

‘A jolly handsome chap!’Doris insisted.‘Call it an instant of madness.The tennis, the rain, the thunder, those absurd flashes of lightning.Who could resist?’

‘I could,’ Honor said.

‘Yes, I suppose you could,’ Doris agreed.‘You haven’t the habit of letting men kiss you.’

‘And you do?’

‘I do.Especially if it’s worth my while.’

‘How could it possibly be worth your while?’Honor sounded baffled.So baffled that Doris laughed again.

‘Really, darling, you are like a child sometimes.Or someone who is only half paying attention …’ And then she remembered all that Honor had told her and she put her hand to her mouth.‘I’m sorry.I didn’t mean—’

‘It’s alright, I know you didn’t.’Honor put a hand behind her and took hold of Doris’ so that she had to cease her brushing.‘How happy I am that you’re back.’

‘Me too.’

‘How long can you stay?’

‘I don’t know.It depends.Now, tell me about the Americans.’

‘And then you must change.You’re soaked too.I’ll find out what room you’re in.’

She met Duff on the stairs, coming up towards her.‘Doris.’

‘Duff.’She moved to one side, to let him past, but he stopped.

‘How’s Berlin?’

‘Interesting.’

‘Are you on an unexpected visit home?’

‘Not entirely.Perhaps undertaken a little sooner than expected.’

‘I see.’She moved to go past him and he put out a hand.‘I imagine the ambassador will want to chat to you.He seems keen to hear happy stories of Berlin and Germany.’

‘Just the kinds of stories I write,’ Doris said carefully.

‘He might also listen to other kinds of stories, if you had those to tell,’ Duff said, looking straight at her.

‘I see,’ Doris responded thoughtfully.Then, ‘Thank you.’

By the time she reached the drawing room, Chips was already there.‘It’s like being upside down,’ she said, gesturing to the painted ceiling.‘Or perhaps like watching the city from below the water of the Thames.A fish-eye view.’

‘You always did talk nonsense,’ he said peevishly.

‘It’s only nonsense if you don’t understand it,’ Doris said, smiling sweetly at him.

‘Have you settled in alright?’he asked.

‘No, but I will.’