Page 38 of Fire Must Burn

‘Someone like Miss Sparks,’ said Mrs Bainbridge reluctantly.

‘Really?’ exclaimed Lowle, looking at Sparks in curiosity and disbelief. ‘And here I was thinking I’d have to fake upper-class for him. What is it about you that he fancies?’

‘My brain,’ said Sparks. ‘Can you fake one of those?’

‘He read History and Classics at Cambridge,’ she replied. ‘I got top marks in both in Manchester. I can hold my own. What else?’

‘He’s looking for a diplomat’s wife on the surface,’ said Mrs Bainbridge. ‘I take it you speak French?’

‘Fluently. And German. And Russian. I wouldn’t have got picked for this assignment if I didn’t.’

‘Can you dance?’ asked Sparks.

‘Ballroom or jitterbug?’ asked Lowle. ‘I can do both, as it happens. What did the two of you talk about when you were in school together?’

‘Everything under the sun,’ said Sparks. ‘History, politics, books, films.’

‘What sort of books? You made the recent connection at a bookshop. What was he buying?’

‘A book of Asian languages and a copy of Thucydides.’

‘Oh, God, do I have to read about the Peloponnesian War again? That was a slog and a half.’

‘It would endear you to him immensely,’ said Sparks.

‘But don’t be smarter than him,’ said Mrs Bainbridge.

‘That’s true of every man on every date,’ said Lowle with a laugh. ‘You should have seen me asking that poor bloke about tying flies the other night. How did he like me, by the way?’

‘He liked you,’ said Mrs Bainbridge shortly. ‘He was very disappointed that you turned him down after.’

‘Oh, Lord,’ she said, sighing with exasperation. ‘Good luck with that one. You should probably marry him off to a fish.’

‘In fact, he’s decided to drop our services,’ said Mrs Bainbridge.

‘Has he?’ she said with an absolute lack of surprise. ‘Honestly, that’s probably for the best. Right, so back to Danforth. You said he likes films, too?’

‘Yes.’

‘What kinds?’

‘Romances, musicals,’ said Sparks, thinking back. ‘Costume epics, but he liked to point out all the errors and anachronisms.’

‘So he likes to show off his big brain,’ she said. ‘Typical Cambridge type. Good, I think I’ve got a handle on him. Do you think he’s a commie? Still a commie, I mean?’

‘I don’t know,’ said Sparks. ‘Maybe. Maybe not.’

‘My job to find out,’ she said. ‘Well, it’s back to the ministry for me, and then I get to spend my free time rereading Thucydides, eûge, eûge! I guess this is the last time we’ll see each other. His Majesty’s government thanks you for your assistance in this matter.’

‘Did the Brigadier tell you to say that?’ asked Sparks.

‘No,’ said Lowle. ‘That was genuine. From me. I do take this assignment seriously, Miss Sparks. I was too young for the recent war, but I am going to fight this one with every breath in my body.’

‘Good luck to you,’ said Mrs Bainbridge. ‘And be safe.’

‘Thanks,’ she said.

She opened the door, gave them a quick wave, then headed towards the stairs.