Page 32 of Fire Must Burn

‘University, of course,’ he said.

‘That’s the first answer you’ve given that wasn’t flippant,’ she said. ‘So her education is important to you.’

‘I will be making my way through a world where conversation at social events may be at a very high level,’ he said. ‘I would like a woman who could hold her own at that level, while looking stunning enough to intrigue every man in the room.’

‘Then her looks matter as well,’ said Mrs Bainbridge.

‘Presentation is all. She should be fluent in French, of course, and any additional language would be a plus.’

‘What about children? You mentioned that you didn’t like them as a teacher. Would you like them if they were yours?’

‘I suppose I would have to,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I hadn’t really considered that aspect of marriage.’

‘It does happen, you know,’ said Mrs Bainbridge.

‘To be sure,’ he said. ‘I would have to think about that. Children would be terribly inconvenient at the moment.’

‘Speaking from experience, there is never a moment in which they are convenient,’ said Mrs Bainbridge. ‘But this is an area which matters to people, whether it’s yea or nay.’

‘Do I have to vote yea or nay from the outset?’

‘Of course not. Just be aware that this is one of the criteria we use to match people.’

‘Then put me in the undecided column— no, let’s say no to children,’ he said.

‘Let me suggest that we stick with undecided for now,’ said Mrs Bainbridge.

‘It’s just that—’

He stopped.

‘What, Mr Danforth?’ she asked.

‘Fine,’ he said. ‘Undecided is my decision, he said decisively. For now.’

She looked at him, then put down her pen.

‘Mr Danforth, may I speak freely?’ she asked.

‘Please do,’ he said.

‘You are not the first person I’ve met who uses humour or flippancy as a defence mechanism,’ she said. ‘In fact, I work quite closely with one on a daily basis.’

‘A hit, a most palpable hit!’ cried Sparks.

‘She still does that, does she?’ observed Danforth, smilingat Sparks. ‘You have my deepest sympathies, Mrs Bainbridge. It must be a living hell being here with her.’

‘There are compensating factors,’ said Mrs Bainbridge. ‘However, the point of this interview is not only for you, Mr Danforth, but for the benefit of the woman with whom we set you up, whoever she may be. You’ve given us superficial requirements for the most part, but your potential match didn’t come to us merely to play-act a society princess to advance your career. She came here for the same reason everyone comes here: because they want to find someone. Someone with whom they can fall in love, or be happy with, or, at the very least, who will assuage their loneliness.’

‘Ah,’ said Danforth. ‘That might be asking a great deal from me.’

‘I don’t think so, Mr Danforth, or you wouldn’t be here,’ she said. ‘I have friends and family in the Diplomatic Service, so I know what life is like in that world. I have been to more than one embassy ball in my time, and have seen Diplomatic Service wives in action, smiling on behalf of their countries as they get their toes trodden upon by visiting dignitaries on the dance floor.’

‘That is an occupational hazard,’ agreed Danforth. ‘I should add dancing as a requirement. Or armoured shoes.’

‘But after all of that pretty artificiality, they still must return home with their husbands,’ continued Mrs Bainbridge, ‘and that is where the real marriage happens.’

‘In bed, you mean.’