‘I am positive that they were speaking German.’ Alex left them in no doubt of his surety.
Colonel Swann spoke up, ‘Carlton, I truly don’t know what to make of you. I think you are a maverick, and I don’t like mavericks. You ignore sound advice and guidance, and get involved with a young woman, and, despite knowing our reservations, I now understand that you have loaded one in the breach!’
Neither preliminary niceties nor sensitivity, thought Alex,
Swann continued, ‘And, to make matters worse, she is the daughter of a hero; an utterly detestable man, but a hero nevertheless.’
That was news to Alex.
‘You disregard your work, so that we have to delay your deployment and send you for further training, but rather than putting your nose to the grindstone as we expected, you go out and shoot one of your fellow trainees.’
Alex bridled at this assertion.
‘You’re a rebel,’ declared Swann, ‘and, in this business, rebels are either extremely good or extremely dead. I have seen little to commend you as the former, and I confidently expect you to become the latter. In this game, the clear majority of successful agents are quiet and unassuming people who blend into the background. You choose to stand out like a sore thumb.
‘I have no idea what the board of inquiry will find, but I would wager good money that you will come out smelling of roses; your sort always does. The board of inquiry has been convened for a week on Wednesday, on 18th October, and it is being held in London; I don’t know where yet. You will need to make yourself available to the enquiry and also to the investigators. You are still a suspect.
‘I understand that you are stopping with your girlfriend?’
Alex nodded.
‘That’s hardly suitable, but we truly do not know where else to put you. Understand, though, you must not – under any circumstance – discuss this case with her or anybody else who is not directly involved with the enquiry, and make sure you report in with Commander Jeffers’s office every morning to see if there have been any developments. On the day of the inquiry, you need to wear your best uniform – not that rag. I presume you have something decent to wear?’
‘I have organised something better to be made at Hawkes, but whether it will be ready in time, truthfully, I do not know,’ commented Alex.
‘Well, chivvy them along, make sure it is and make sure that they get the rank right.’
Alex looked at him questioningly, wondering if there was actually any rank below that of a lowly sub-lieutenant.
Commander Jeffers smiled and said, ‘Your operational promotion to full lieutenant came through just after you left London and before this recent incident; apparently, the First Lord of the Admiralty sanctioned it himself.’ As a slight to Swann, he added, ‘Whom, it would appear, does not mind mavericks!’ He thrust out his hand and shook Alex’s.
Colonel Swann added sardonically, ‘God alone knows why. But at least the widow’s pension for full lieutenant is slightly better!’ He, too, shook Alex’s hand and congratulated him somewhat reluctantly.
Alex smiled and tried his luck. ‘By the way, sir, how does one go about getting married quickly?’ he asked the colonel.
Commander Jeffers smiled at Swann’s discomfort and at Alex’s nerve. ‘Talk to the chaplain at Greenwich; he should be able to advise you,’ was all he said.
As it was clear that the meeting had concluded, Alex rose and saluted smartly before leaving the office.
*
He went and found Simon in his cubbyhole, who congratulated him on his promotion, and when Alex asked him, readily agreed to be the best man.
‘I hope this is not a secret plot to convert me to Christianity,’ Simon remarked wittily, ‘because I have to tell you that it is unlikely to work!’
They talked about the situation and predicament in which Alex had found himself.
Simon commented, ‘It’s a bit of good fortune, that, finding yourself a spy and saving the nation the trouble of executing him. Did you know that, when they searched his belongings, they found cyphers and other articles that were out of context – things that only an agent would own?
‘You have become a bit of a celebrity, which many would argue is not a virtue, accepting the secret nature of our trade. No doubt as soon as this board of inquiry is out of the way, Swann will get you out of the country as quickly as possible, so I doubt you will have time for a honeymoon, even if you can arrange your wedding quickly.
‘By the way, the promotion thing was just a formality; traditionally, it is the lowest rank for an active agent in the field, so because you are now officially trained, you are considered to be “active”, but, because of your suspension from duty, you will not actually travel to Finland until after the board of inquiry.’
Alex and Simon chatted for a while longer, and then – remembering that Teddy was at home, nervously awaiting any news – Alex collected his belongings and left the building to catch the Underground railway back to Pembroke Road. As he stepped outside, it was raining, and, as his daily basic pay rate had just increased by four-shillings, he celebrated his promotion by flagging down a passing cab.
*
When Alex reached the flat, he let himself in and, from the volume of the wireless, decided that Teddy was either in the kitchen or bedroom. He removed his shoes in the hallway, leaving them neatly by the front door, and found her in the former. Teddy had been true to her word; she had waited at the flat for Alex’s return, and she looked adorable in her silk pyjamas and housecoat.
Alex crept up behind her and covered her eyes with his hands. ‘Guess who?’ he asked.
‘Well, it’s too late for Mr Evans, the milkman, and I did not order any bread from Mr Pearce. Mr Collins from next door is away, so that only leaves Harry the doorman or my fiancée!’
Alex took his hands away and stood there with them on his hips in mock disgust. ‘So, my girl, that’s what you get up to when I am off fighting tyranny, is it?’
‘Why, Mr Carlton, I do believe you have caught me out in my sins.’
‘I do believe that I have, Miss Palmer,’ Alex mocked her, ‘and, to clip your flirtatious wings, I think we should go and see the chaplain at the naval base in Greenwich as soon as possible. He might be able to speed things up. Incidentally, I have already asked Simon to be my best man, and he has agreed.’
Teddy smiled at the news.
Alex explained to Teddy that it was likely that his posting would come through quickly after the board of inquiry had concluded, so even if there was a chance of getting married quickly, it was likely that they would have to postpone their honeymoon.
‘I don’t care,’ she replied, ‘Since we have been together, I have been feeling as though I am already on honeymoon.’
But Alex knew that Teddy did care, and was only managing to put a brave face on an unfortunate situation.
*
Alex was true to his word and telephoned Commander Jeffers’s office early the next morning, but Simon told him that the investigators were still in Hampshire and not expected back that day. He suggested that Alex and Teddy took the opportunity to go and talk to the chaplain at Greenwich, and deal with any other arrangements.
So, later that morning, Alex and Teddy made their way by Underground and train to the Royal Naval College at Greenwich. The sentry at the gate telephoned through and said that the chaplain could see them after matins, which they were welcome to attend.
Respectfully entering the chapel of St Peter and St Paul, both Teddy and Alex were overwhelmed by the beauty of the Christopher Wren inspired building. From the magnificence of the painting in the arch behind the high altar depicting St Paul surviving the bite of a viper when he was shipwrecked on Malta to the opulence of the pale-blue-and-gilt ceiling, and the simplicity of the finely laid marble floor, the chapel was spectacular in every way. Matins had just started, and the ch
aplain had a small congregation, comprising a midshipman and a couple of ratings, but he did not stint on the liturgy. Teddy and Alex at the back of the chapel holding hands.
After the service, the chaplain approached them and sat in the pew in front, turning to face them as he asked how he could help.
Alex posed the question, ‘Sir, we wish to be married before I get posted, which is likely to be soon.’
‘Of course, my children,’ the chaplain said equably, ‘may I ask, whether you have faith?’
Teddy replied, ‘I am of the Catholic faith, although it has been a while since my last confession.’
Alex confirmed that he had loosely been brought up and baptised in the Orthodox doctrine.
The chaplain became interested. ‘You were not born here, then?’ he asked Alex.
Alex replied, ‘No, sir, I was born in Finland in 1917, as my mother was fleeing the Bolshevik uprising. My heritage, you see, lies in Russia.’
‘I see,’ said the chaplain, ‘the only problem that I can see is that to be married by either of your churches, one of you must convert. Either you, Alex, must convert to Catholicism…’ He then addressed Teddy. ‘Or you will renounce your faith by marrying a non-Catholic. How would your families feel about this?’
‘My family would probably disown me,’ speculated Teddy, ‘not that it would be much of a loss.’
‘I do not know the implications for my position,’ said Alex, ‘but I would gladly give up everything to be with Theodora.’ It was the first time that she had heard use her full name, and it underlined the seriousness of what he had said.
‘You may think this strange,’ the chaplain said, ‘but religion is often a barrier to love. You are both Christians, but that may not be enough in the eyes of your churches. These are limitations that have been imposed by men, and by which, in all probability, our Lord Jesus Christ would have been appalled. Christianity should be welcoming to all and should not stop those who truly love each other from being together. But, sadly, that is the paradox that you face. The alternative, which may be more practical as it would be much quicker, is a civil ceremony in front of the registrar. Then, in the future, you may ask for God’s blessing on your union.’
‘How long will all this take?’ Alex asked.
‘If you wish to marry in a church, there is much preparation to be addressed, and that could take up to a year, but, because of the recent changes in the law, you could arrange a civil ceremony in about forty-eight hours.’
‘You are right,’ Teddy agreed with the chaplain, ‘a civil ceremony is more practical.’
‘Talk to the registrar in the borough where you live; I am certain that they will accommodate you, and if I can be of any assistance in the future, please call me. God bless you, my children, and may his face shine upon you in these troubled times.’ The chaplain stood and blessed them, and then took their hands so that they formed a circle, and he prayed for their marriage.
*
On returning to the city, they were fortunate enough to get a late lunch table at the Café de Paris, where they chatted over what the chaplain had said and their plans for the afternoon, which were relatively loose. Alex needed to visit Hawkes & Co. in Savile Row, and Teddy wanted to look at bridal gowns, but Alex refused because, although he was not overly superstitious, he certainly did not want to tempt fate. They agreed to postpone visiting the registrar until the next day, so they thought they might just enjoy some free time in the metropolis.
The tailors proved easy. Alex’s uniform had returned from the workroom that morning and was ready for the fitting, which was carried out in a professional and efficient manner. Alex collected the shirts that he had ordered at his first visit, which were neatly bundled and tied with string. The tailor congratulated Alex on his promotion and assured him that the finished uniform would show his new rank, and it would be complete that Thursday afternoon.
From Savile Row, Alex and Teddy walked through Burlington Gardens to New Bond Street, and to the side street where Feldman’s was located, and the jeweller, if surprised to see Teddy and Alex so soon, definitely did not show it.
‘Mr Feldman,’ Alex began, ‘our situation has moved on apace since last we met, and we now find ourselves in need of your services again in the fashioning of a wedding band or two.’
The jeweller smiled gleefully and congratulated them both. ‘Have you anything particular in mind?’ he asked.
Alex had been thinking of this, but had not discussed his thoughts with Teddy, who said quickly, ‘Something simple, I think.’
Alex asked the jeweller, ‘What can you suggest?’
‘As you know, sir, the engagement ring was made from platinum. I know that it is usual for the traditional Russian wedding band to be made from three colours of gold, representing the Holy Trinity in Christian faith, but it is almost impossible to create that using platinum. Nevertheless, if you will trust us, as before, I am sure that my father can make something that you will like. Presumably, you intend to wear the ring on the left hand and not on the right, as in Russia?’
‘It’s not something we have considered,’ replied Alex and – after looking at Teddy, who shrugged her shoulders slightly – he continued, ‘As my fiancée is English, I think that would be more appropriate.’
Teddy smiled.
‘I think it is an excellent choice,’ Mr Feldman ventured to suggest, ‘in which case, I just need to measure the circumference of the lady’s finger between the knuckle and the first joint, to ensure that the band is comfortable.’ He reached for a specialist tool, held Teddy’s hand and took the measurements quickly.
Alex looked Teddy and smiled.
Teddy smiled back and said to Mr Feldman, ‘I would like to consider something for my fiancé so that, when we are apart, he will always wear my love on his finger.’
Alex was pleasantly surprised at the suggestion; he was not one for wearing much jewellery – cufflinks were his limit – and he was uncertain whether he would be allowed to wear anything from his “real” life when serving, but he acquiesced to Teddy’s proposition, and they looked at Mr Feldman for inspiration.
Mr Feldman declared, ‘I would like to suggest that the rings should complement each other, but perhaps the ring that you will wear, sir, might be a little more discreet. I shall consult with my father, and I am sure that we will be able to accommodate your wishes.
‘Shall I render the account to you, sir, at the address we hold, or would you prefer separate accounts?’
‘To me,’ said Alex at the precise time that Teddy said firmly, ‘Separately.’
‘Oh, dear me,’ Mr Feldman said, ‘I do hope that I have not instigated your first disagreement!’
Teddy was definite, ‘I shall pay for my husband’s ring, and that is the end of the matter.’
Alex capitulated; it was clear that he was not going to win this point, so he smiled at Teddy and nodded, while wondering privately how many other quarrels he was going to have to concede during their marriage.
Mr Feldman concluded the meeting by saying, ‘Will two days be acceptable, sir? Madam?’
They agreed, shook his hand again and left.
*
Alex and Teddy spent the rest of the day walking around London and calling at shops with interesting window displays, only to discover that much of what was on display was missing from the shelves. There was an air of heightened desperation in the city, but Londoners were not normally like this. They were resolute; they looked adversity in the face and laughed at difficulties, but not just then.
Teddy read Alex’s thoughts. ‘It’s the children, my love; they’ve all gone to the country, they are not at home, and everybody is worried about them. Parents are missing their families, and the children are undoubtedly missing their parents. Your mother wondered about taking some in when we go to Gloucestershire; she said it would be good practice for me!’
‘What a wonderful idea; I wondered what you would get up to in Gloucestershire without me, with all those lusty young farmers around,’ pondered Alex.
‘Hardly, my darling,’ she said reflectively, ‘most are being called up. They have even started sending girls to farms to replace the young men – they are calling them “land girls” – I bet the old farmers are enjoying having young girls farming their land. If I were not expectant, I might even have joined them myself!’ she said mischievously, hoping she would know how Alex would react, especially after her thinly veiled allusion to old farmers enjoying their new recruits. He did not fail her.
‘Like hell, you will,’ he was shocked, ‘if I had wanted to marry a farm labourer, I could have had the pick of half the Bolshevik women in Russia. You, my darling, are far too precious to work the land. You will contribute, but only in a manner that befits the wife of a naval officer.’
In a teasing manner, she responded, ‘Awww, my beloved, won’t you like your Teddy Bear if she has muscular arms like a stevedore and thighs like oak trees?’
‘Categorically not.’ He was quite serious, even though he knew she was mocking him, ‘I like you just the way you are! Big enough to love as a woman, but small enough to beat if you tease me too much!’
She pushed him, laughing, and he laughed with her; those around could not help but see two young people deeply in love with each other, and if it brightened the gloom, even momentarily, then it was worth it.
XXIV
Alex and Teddy went to the registrar’s office in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which they found on the King’s Road in Chelsea, the next day. There was a queue of servicemen and the occasional civilian, with their girlfriends, standing in the teeming rain all waiting, presumably, for the same purpose. The lovers joined the back of the queue, where he and Teddy huddled together under Alex’s umbrella. In the age-old tradition of government offices and their queues, this one did not move quickly, irrespective of the weather. It took a whole hour for them to reach the front.
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