Page 45 of The Last Night in London

“Jiri thinks we should work with the Germans, that our economies will prosper if we all go along with their demands.”

“Wouldn’t going along with the Germans be more peaceful, then?”

Mr. Danek smiled at her, lifting just a corner of his mouth. “Ah, the näiveté of youth. You are like a cat, I think. You will always land on your feet no matter what happens.”

She wasn’t sure if that was a compliment, so she didn’t say anything. Instead, she reached into the pocket of her dressing robe and pulled out her new cigarette case. “Do you have a minute to look at something? I’m trying to find out what this means.”

He took the case, raising an eyebrow as he felt its heft. “This is very nice. Expensive. Did your young man give it to you?”

Eva couldn’t meet his eyes, knowing she’d see disappointment in them. “No. It was given to me by another gentleman—someone I met at a dinner party.”

He was silent. When she didn’t look up, he continued to examine the silver case. “It’s very beautiful. But I hope you are planning on returning it to him.”

“Why?” But she already knew. She’d been hearing the words in her mother’s voice ever since Alex had given it to her.

“Because only a certain type of gentleman gives an expensive gift to a woman who is not his.”

Now their eyes did meet. “I’m not married or even engaged, Mr. Danek. Therefore I didn’t feel as if I should refuse.”

His eyes remained on hers for a long moment. Finally looking down, he flipped over the case. “Are these the words you need translated?”

She nodded. “Do you know what language it is?”

“Latin—from an old proverb.” He studied the case, then read the words out loud.“‘Nil credam et omnia cavebo.’”

She repeated the words, loving how the rounded vowels felt on her tongue.

“You really have an excellent ear, Eva. Your pronunciation is perfect.”

She blushed at the compliment. “But what does it mean?”

“Betray before you are betrayed. It’s not an exact translation, but that’s what it means more or less.” He lifted his gaze to her face. “An odd gift to a young woman from a virtual stranger, don’t you think?”

Eva agreed, but she didn’t want to admit it. “Maybe it was already engraved when he bought it. I doubt he knew what it meant. But the bee on the front is so lovely. He said it was exquisite and unique and that’s why he thought of me when he saw it.”

“Did he?” Mr. Danek pressed the button, and the case popped open, exposing Eva’s Matinée cigarettes.

“Yes. I found it charming,” she said, sounding defensive.

“As I’m sure was his intention.” He snapped the case shut. “Be careful, Eva. It is sometimes hard to recognize wolves because they are wearing sheep’s clothing.”

“Thank you for the warning, Mr. Danek, but I’m too old for fairy tales. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.”

“Yes, you are, my dear. But you have a fondness for beautiful things. Some might see it as a weakness and use it to their advantage. That is all I am saying.”

He placed the case in her hand, and she closed her fingers over it, then stood. “It’s only a cigarette case. He meant no harm.”

“Is that so? And what did your Graham say about it?”

Eva shook her head, flustered. “I haven’t had a chance to tell him yet, but he’ll understand.”

Mr. Danek stood, too, his face unsmiling. “I am sure he will.”

Eva nodded. “Thank you for fixing my makeup. You’re a genius.”

“Thankyou, Eva, for giving me such a beautiful canvas upon which to work.” He gave her a mock bow.

She said good-bye, then walked hurriedly back to the models’ room, which had erupted into a volcano of silk stockings, garters, and step-ins as the girls began dressing in their first outfits. She dressed, too, and chatted with Precious and the other models, their voices shriller and higher than usual because of nerves and excitement. Madame Lushtak had sent in champagne, and the atmosphere was almost festive as the girls sipped and offered one another encouragement. Even Freya had kind words for Eva, making Precious raise her brows.