“Have you had any news?” Cecily asked, sounding eager, her eyes lighting up.
“Yes. And it’s not good. However, he’s still trying.”
Cecily was silent, a worried expression suddenly crossing her face. “Other people have been able to get out, according to Greta.”
“Those extractions were early in the game … several years ago,” Diedre explained quietly. “The professor should have left long ago. Things are moving very swiftly in Berlin, from what my contact indicates. Nothing remains the same, everything’s constantly changing. Every day.” She stopped. She must not appear to know too much.
Cecily nodded, looked out across the lake, her face full of sorrow, her heart aching for Greta.
Diedre put her arm around Cecily’s shoulders. “I think it’s a good idea to be positive right now. You never know what might happen. Life is funny.”
“Thanks for being so helpful, Diedre. I do appreciate it.”
“You cannot say a thing to Greta. Or give her the slightest hope. That would be cruel. And you must not visit her father when we’re in Berlin. Not under any circumstances. That is absolutely mandatory.” Diedre gave Cecily a long, hard stare, her eyes narrowing.
“But she’ll know I’m in Berlin, and it’s not as if I’m going alone!” Cecily exclaimed, sounding startled. “She’ll think it’s strange if I don’t go and see him.”
“I realize that. And it will no doubt be common knowledge soon enough, because of the others going on the trip. They’ll talk about it. However, the professor may well be under observation, as are many prominent men in all professions, and especially intellectuals. You can’t go near him, you could endanger his life.”
“I swore on our ancient oath that I would be loyal to you. That still stands, as you well know. A Swann has never broken an oath made to an Ingham,” Cecily snapped.
Diedre nodded her understanding, and relenting slightly, she added in a gentler voice, “I will ask my contact if he can arrange a meeting between you and the professor accidentally, so to speak. I must leave it at that.”
“Just out of curiosity, is your contact in the War Office with you?”
“No, and I really can’t discuss him. I’m sure you understand why. Let’s just say I met him … accidentally. No more questions.”
Cecily made a moue. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. I was wrong, and I will do exactly as you say. I realize this matter is grave, not to mention dangerous.”
“You’re smart, Ceci, and I trust you to keep your silence. Do you recall my personal code?”
“Believe no one. Tell no one. Remember everything. Walk alone.”
Diedre inclined her head. “And now it is your code, Cecily Swann Ingham. Understand?”
“I do.”
At this moment they saw the rest of the family gathering on the loggia, and Diedre took hold of Cecily’s arm. She said, sotto voce, “Look surprised when Daphne announces that we’re all going to Berlin with Charlie.”
“I will.” Cecily fell into step with Diedre as they walked up the path. She was now fully aware that she was helpless, just as Diedre was. Aunt Charlotte was right when she had once said that no one was in control of their own life. It is the other way around. Life controls every one of us, she thought.
* * *
All evening Diedre kept her face still and said very little. She answered any normal questions about Berlin and the Third Reich, and that was it. Any questions which were extreme, political, or complex she left unanswered. She simply said she didn’t have a clue.
Not one person in the world, including every member of her family, knew she was with British intelligence. Even those loved ones who were dead had never known. Great-Aunt Gwendolyn was the only person who had once had the nerve to come out and ask her bluntly. Even then Diedre had not answered her aunt in any specific way, leaving her to speculate, still not sure of the truth. Her cover was intact.
When any of her friends or family broached the subject of her work, she always said exactly the same thing: That she was in administration, doing clerical work like the other women employed there. Diedre always left it at that and they didn’t press her. That was the way it must be now. A blank face, empty answers, a posture and attitude that proclaimed lack of knowledge.
Later, when she was alone in her bedroom, she would make her plans for Berlin. And she prayed to God that they would work.
* * *
Cecily looked at the clock on the bedside chest. It was well turned midnight and she was still wide awake, her thoughts running on unchecked. It had been a lovely evening, with sumptuous food and the best wines. Of course it had become extremely lively once Hugo had announced they would all accompany Charlie to Berlin.
Charlie’s whoops of joy filled the air and even Alicia had wondered out loud if she should join them rather than returning to Cavendon on Monday. It had been an easy evening with everyone on an even keel, and for once no quarrels.
After her conversation with Diedre, earlier in the evening, Cecily truly realized that it would be a wild-goose chase as far as the professor was concerned. Diedre had made no bones about that, and had been extremely negative. Cecily let out a long sigh at the thought of the trip, now no longer meaningful.
Miles touched her arm, and she realized that he was awake. He said softly, “I can almost hear that busy mind of yours turning and turning. What is it, darling?”
“I don’t know really, I’m just a bit restless, Miles. Perhaps it’s the wine, you know it often keeps me awake. It must somehow fuel my imagination … or something like that.”
“The same happens to me,” he replied. “I’m just as restless as you. Tell you what, let’s go down to the kitchen and forage for—”
“You can’t possibly be hungry after that fantastic dinner,” Cecily interrupted, sounding surprised.
Miles laughed. “I was about to say forage for some bananas. Don’t you remember how Aunt Charlotte used to tell us to have a banana if we couldn’t sleep, when we were children? She said it would do the trick, and it did.”
“Of course, so let’s go and forage.” Slipping out of bed, Cecily put on her robe and slippers, and Miles followed suit.
A few minutes later they were standing in the sparkling kitchen which had been thoroughly cleaned by Anna and Bruno after the lavish dinner. A bowl of fruit stood on the countertop; Miles took two bananas, grabbed Cecily’s hand, and led her outside.
“It’s such a gorgeous night, let’s go and sit by the water,” Miles murmured, heading for the lake with her.
Although the sky was a dark midnight blue there were no clouds; the thousands of stars appeared more visible than ever in the pure air. The mountains stood out ruggedly against the sky, their white tips glistening in the moonlight. The lake was placid, like a sheet of silvered glass.
There was a low bench on the edge of the lake and Cecily and Miles sat down on it, the two of them enjoying the magnificence of their surroundings.
“Look at the mountains up there, tipped with snow, and the great arc of the sky glittering with stars … how beautiful it is here, Ceci.”
“I know. There’s a peacefulness, a serenity.” She shook her head. “And not too far away there’s madness, chaos, and rumors of an impending war. The earth we live on is staggeringly beautiful, and yet there are those who want to go out and destroy it. Evil men like Hitler, hungry for power and dominance.”
Cecily shivered. Instantly Miles put his arm around her. “I know exactly what you mean. The tranquility here is unique and it has kept Hugo sane all through those difficult years. At least that’s what I think.” There was a pause. Miles looked down at her, tilted her face to his. “Don’t you want to go to Berlin, Ceci?”
“Yes and no,” she answered truthfully. “I want to see what’s going on, and yet I don’t want to see anything at all. I suppose because I think I’ll be frightened by the ghastliness of the place.”
“Nothing will happen to us, darling. We’re totally protected
as a well-known English family,” Miles reassured her, pulling her closer.
“Yes, I know,” she muttered.
“Was Diedre able to do anything to help Greta’s father?” he suddenly asked.
“I don’t believe so,” Cecily responded quietly, alarm flaring inside. She must now be very careful what she said. She could not betray Diedre.
“I thought she had a contact?” Miles murmured.
“From what I understand, it’s an … old friend,” Cecily improvised. “She told me the person couldn’t do anything about helping to get travel papers. Seemingly they’ve become scarce. None available.”
Miles nodded. “The professor, like so many other Jews, believed they were German and therefore nothing would happen to them. How mistaken they’ve been. Tragically, in fact.”
Cecily remained silent.
Miles said in a somewhat reflective tone, “Did Diedre say anything to you about visiting Greta’s family?”
“Not exactly, Miles. She just made a comment about intellectuals being watched. She said she had read about this development in one of the British papers,” Cecily lied.
“I did, too. The Gestapo are a menace … they swoop down on so many people who are perfectly innocent.” There was a small silence. Finally Miles added, “Perhaps it would be wiser if we didn’t draw attention to the professor by going to see him.”
“I agree. We might be doing him a favor if we stayed away.” She hesitated, being cautious. “Are you suggesting that the famous Inghams might be under surveillance?”
“There’s a strong possibility that we will be, my darling. So what? We’re just visitors passing through, so to speak. Diedre’s position at the War Office has always been a mystery to me, Ceci. She’s never told anybody one single thing, except that she does clerical work. What’s your opinion? Is that the truth? Or do you think my sister is in intelligence?”
“I’m certain she does clerical work, is in administration. Let’s face it, Miles, if Diedre was in intelligence, she might have had the ways and means to help Greta’s father.”
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I tend to agree with you. Anyway, Diedre’s not the type to play cloak-and-dagger, that sort of thing. She’s far too staid.”
“I agree,” Cecily replied assertively, relieved she had managed to throw Miles off the scent.
Thirteen
On their first morning in Berlin, Daphne, Diedre, and Cecily met for breakfast in the dining room of the Adlon Hotel where they were staying. Hugo and Miles had taken Charlie on a sightseeing tour much earlier and would not be back until late afternoon.
“I’m so glad we didn’t have to go,” Daphne murmured, looking from her sister to Cecily. “First of all, I didn’t want to get up at the crack of dawn, and secondly, I don’t really have the desire to see too much of this town, especially since there are so many uniforms underfoot.”
Diedre laughed. “Underfoot, indeed!” she exclaimed. “They’re everywhere.”
“Have you been out already?” Cecily asked, eyeing Diedre, unable to conceal her curiosity.
“No, I haven’t,” Diedre replied. “But I noticed when we went for a stroll after dinner last night how many Stormtroopers there were, crowding in among us poor pedestrians. They all looked like bullies to me.”
“What I noticed last night were how many smart women were dining here. In fact, some of them were extremely chic, very well groomed,” Cecily said. Turning to Daphne, she went on, “I’d like to browse around a few of the best shops later. Are you up for it?”
“I’d like that, Ceci, but I’d also love to go to the Tiergarten, either this morning, or this afternoon, if you prefer. Hugo told me that it’s a really beautiful spot, rather like an English park. It used to be the private hunting grounds of the Brandenburg princes several hundreds of years ago.”
“Let’s do that,” Cecily agreed.
“You’re very welcome to come with us, Diedre,” Daphne said. “Unless you’ve made other plans.”
“I have actually. I must make a courtesy call to the British embassy, for one thing.”
“So join us for lunch,” Daphne suggested.
“I can’t. Thanks for wanting to include me, though. I have an old friend who works there and we’ve made a lunch date. Also, I must see one of the attachés at the embassy, about the reception tomorrow evening. I understand we’re on the list.”
“I’m glad we’re being invited,” Cecily said. “I enjoy ogling all the women and their clothes.”
“Apparently it is black tie,” Diedre said. “So I’m relieved I told you to have the men pack their evening clothes.”
“And what shall we wear, Diedre?” Daphne asked, raising a brow. “I suppose we have to get all fancied up?”
“I’ll say. We’re the famous Inghams after all,” Diedre replied with a chuckle. “As far as you’re concerned, you can wear an old sack and still look beautiful. No doubt you’ll be the belle of the ball tomorrow.”
“I’m not so sure about that, but thank you for the compliment. I brought several summer evening frocks.”
Standing up, Diedre said, “I must go. I hope to be back by four. Shall we try and have tea together?”
“That’s a grand idea,” Cecily answered. “Have a nice day.”
“I aim to.” Diedre smiled and took her leave, hurrying out of the restaurant.
After buttering a piece of toast, Daphne looked at Cecily and said, “I’ve been wondering if Charlotte has said anything to you about Papa? About his health, I mean.”
This question surprised Cecily, and she frowned. “No, she hasn’t. But why do you ask? Do you think your father might be ill?”
“Not really. He was very good when we left, but that is several weeks ago now. It was just something Alicia said on Sunday … She really did want to come with us to Berlin, I suppose because Charlie has made it sound so exciting. And those two have always been joined at the hip. I agreed she should come along, but she suddenly said she couldn’t let her grandfather down. Then she added that he was longing for her to come back to Cavendon and at his age it was important for her to be there.”
“I don’t think she was referring to anything to do with his health,” Cecily reassured her. “Anyway, if the earl isn’t well, Miles would certainly know, and he would have told me.” Cecily paused, sipped her tea. “Your father has always adored Alicia, she is his first grandchild after all. He doted on her when she was little and they’ve been very close. I’m sure he has missed her. Alicia obviously understands this and just wants to keep her promise.”
Daphne nodded, a look of relief crossing her face. “I’m sure you’re right. I’m just being silly.” A smile slid onto her face. “The old man and the young girl have a special bond. I know that for a fact.”
“Alicia’s a lovely person, very considerate to everyone,” Cecily pointed out. “My mother adores her, you know.”
“The feeling is mutual, and I also adore Mrs. Alice.” Daphne looked off into the distance, as if staring back into the past. She said, after a long moment, “Your mother saved my sanity, saved my life when I was seventeen … well, you know all that.”
“I do indeed.” Cecily said no more, thinking of that terrible summer when Daphne had been violently assaulted. Only the Swanns had known about it, and Daphne’s parents.
As if reading her mind, Daphne said, “I’ve been terribly afraid of violence ever since. I think that’s probably why I’m not particularly happy here in Berlin. I sense an undercurrent of danger, of trouble brewing, then erupting. That’s why I’m relieved we’re only staying a few days.”
“There does seem to be a lot of tension and trouble in the streets. I know exactly what you’re referring to, Daphne. There’s fear in the air. But look, we’ll be back in Zurich on Sunday, and anyway we are perfectly safe.”
“Yes, I know, Hugo reassured me of that.”
As they finished breakfast a silence fell between them. They were both preoccupied with their thoughts. Cecil
y was focused on her father-in-law, wondering if Alicia had spotted something she had recently noticed. The earl did not seem as robust, and it had struck her several times lately that his health might be failing. She had not said anything to Miles, or anyone else, but he wasn’t the same anymore. Now, unexpectedly she could suddenly pinpoint it. The spirit had gone out of him, and this saddened her. She resolved to keep this insight into her father-in-law to herself. Nobody needed to know for the time being.
* * *
Diedre left the Adlon Hotel, stepped out onto the Unter den Linden, and turned right onto the Wilhelmstrasse where the British embassy was located. She thought about Tony Jenkins, whom she was about to see. It was a relief to know that she could talk to him face-to-face in plain language rather than on the phone in code. Even so she was quite certain he would call her Daffy Dilly but she had made up her mind not to address him as Toby.
Here at the embassy he was Tony Jenkins, an attaché. He did not really work for the Foreign Office; he was with British intelligence, working for her, although none of his colleagues knew this. Self-confident, in control, blessed with natural charm, he managed to play the role of an attaché with great élan, and success. Not for a moment was he like an agent.
Diedre came to a stop at number seventy and looked up at the Union Jack on a flagpole above the huge front door of the British embassy. It was flaring out in the light breeze, a dazzle of red, white, and blue, and she felt a little surge of patriotism. To her that flag represented not only her country, but democracy, justice, and freedom.
Glancing up the Wilhelmstrasse she saw the swastika on the German flag flying above the Reich Chancellery a few doors away. Inside that building sat Hitler and his henchmen, a bunch of gangsters in charge of the German government, plotting their evil schemes and the domination of Central Europe. Hitler’s vandalization of democracy was abhorrent to her, and what an irony it was that these two buildings stood on the same street.
The Cavendon Luck Page 8
