“No, I don’t. But as long as we keep losing votes to the Tories in the Commons, reform of the House of Lords will have to be shelved until after the next election.”
“And if Mrs. Thatcher wins that election, reform of the Lords won’t be shelved, it will be buried.” Grace drained her glass of champagne before adding, “Touching on a more sensitive subject, “I’m so sorry you and Karin haven’t had any children.”
“God knows we’ve tried everything, even sex.” Grace didn’t laugh. “We both visited a fertility clinic. It seems that Karin has a blood problem and, after two miscarriages, the doctor feels the risk would be too great.”
“How sad,” said Grace. “No one to follow you into the Lords.”
“Or, more important, open the batting for England.”
“Have you thought about adoption?”
“Yes, but we’ve put it on hold until after the election.”
“Don’t put it on hold for too long. I know you’ll find this hard to believe, Giles, but there are some things more important than politics.”
“I apologize for interrupting you, Aunt Grace, but may I give you this small gift?” Jessica said, handing over another portrait.
Grace studied the drawing for some time before she offered an opinion. “Although I am not an expert, you undoubtedly have promise, my dear. Be sure you don’t squander your talent.”
“I’ll try not to, Aunt Grace.”
“How old are you?”
“Eleven.”
“Ah, the same age as Picasso when he held his first public exhibition—in which city, young lady?”
“Barcelona.”
Grace awarded her a slight bow. “I shall have my portrait framed, hang it in my study in Cambridge and tell my fellow dons and pupils alike that you are my great-niece.”
“Praise indeed,” said Giles. “Where’s mine?”
“I can’t fit you in today, Uncle Giles. Another time perhaps.”
“I’ll certainly hold you to that. How would you like to stay with me at Barrington Hall while your parents are away on honeymoon? In return, you could paint a portrait of Karin and myself. And while you’re with us you could visit your grandparents, who are just a couple of miles down the road at the Manor House.”
“They’ve already invited me to stay. And didn’t try to bribe me.”
“Never forget, my dear,” said Grace, “that your great-uncle is a politician.”
*
“Have you heard anything back from the Bank of England?” asked Hakim.
“Nothing official,” said Arnold Hardcastle. “But, strictly between ourselves, Sir Piers rang me on Friday afternoon to let me know that Gavin Buckland didn’t show up for his second interview, and the committee have decided not to pursue the matter any further.”
“I could have told them he was unlikely to turn up because his letter of resignation was on my desk even before I’d got back from our meeting with the Ethics Committee.”
“He’ll never be offered another job in the City,” said Arnold. “I can only wonder what he’ll do next.”
“He’s gone to Cyprus,” said Hakim. “Barry Hammond followed him to Nicosia, where he’s taken a job on the commodities desk of a local Turkish bank. He was good at his job, so let’s just hope there aren’t too many racetracks in Cyprus.”
“Any news of Sloane or Mellor?”
“Gone to ground, according to Barry. But he’s pretty sure they’ll resurface in the spring like all pond life, when no doubt we’ll find out what they’ve got planned next.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” said Arnold. “I was at the Bailey last week, and a police sergeant told me that—”
“A little gift for you, Mr. Bishara, on behalf of my father.” Hakim swung around nervously, thinking someone might have overheard their conversation.
“What a wonderful surprise,” he said when he saw the portrait. “I’ve always admired the drawing of your mother that hangs in your father’s office, and I’ll certainly put this one in mine.”
“I do hope you’ll do one of me,” said Arnold, admiring the drawing.
“I’d be delighted to, Mr. Hardcastle, but I must warn you, I charge by the hour.”
*
The loud banging of a gavel could be heard coming from the top table. The guests fell silent as Victor Kaufman stood up once again.
“Not another speech, I promise. I thought you’d want to know that the bride and groom will be leaving in a few minutes’ time, so if you would like to make your way to the entrance, we can all see them off.”
The guests began to rise from their places and drift out of the ballroom.
“Where are they going on honeymoon?” Emma asked Harry.
“No idea, but I know someone who will. Jessica!”
“Yes, Grandpops,” she said, running across to join them.
“Where are your mother and father spending their honeymoon?”
“Amsterdam.”
“Such a lovely city,” said Emma. “Any particular reason?”
“It’s where Dad first proposed to Mom, eleven years ago.”
“How romantic,” said Emma. “Are they staying at the Amstel?”
“No, Pops booked the attic room of the Pension De Kanaal, which is where they stayed last time.”