Best Kept Secret

jacket back on. ‘But when I told him he hadn’t been expelled, and they were still expecting
him at Cambridge in September, he relaxed a little. I suggested that he fly back to England with me, but he said he’d promised to take a package to Southampton on the
Queen Mary
, and
that as Martinez had been so kind to him, it was the least he could do.’
    ‘Southampton,’ repeated the ambassador. ‘Did he tell you what was in the package?’
    ‘No, and I didn’t press him, in case he stumbled on the real reason I’d travelled all this way.’
    ‘Wise decision.’
    ‘I also thought about going back on the
Queen Mary
with him, but I realized that if I did Martinez would soon work out why I was here.’
    ‘I agree,’ said the ambassador. ‘So how did you leave it?’
    ‘I promised I’d be there to meet him when the
Queen Mary
docks at Southampton.’
    ‘How do you think Martinez will react if Sebastian tells him you’re in Buenos Aires?’
    ‘I suggested it might be wise not to mention it, as he’d be certain to want Seb to fly back to London with me, so he agreed to say nothing.’
    ‘So now all I’ve got to do is find out what’s in that package, while you get back to London before someone recognizes you.’
    ‘I can’t begin to thank you for all you’ve done, sir,’ said Harry. ‘I’m painfully aware that I’m a distraction you could have done without at the
moment.’
    ‘Don’t give it a second thought, Harry. I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in years. However, it might be wise for you to slip away before—’
    The door opened, and the princess walked in. The ambassador bowed, as Her Royal Highness stared at the man dressed in a BOAC captain’s uniform.
    ‘May I present Captain Peter May, ma’am,’ said the ambassador, not missing a beat.
    Harry bowed.
    The princess took the cigarette holder out of her mouth. ‘Captain May, how nice to meet you.’ Giving Harry a closer look, she added, ‘Have we met before?’
    ‘No, ma’am,’ Harry replied. ‘I have a feeling I would remember it if we had.’
    ‘Very droll, Captain May.’ She gave him a warm smile before stubbing out her cigarette. ‘Well, ambassador, ring the bell. I have a feeling it’s time for the second
round.’
    As Mr Matthews accompanied the princess out on to the lawn, Becky took Harry in the opposite direction. He followed her down the back stairs, through the kitchen and out of the tradesmen’s
entrance at the side of the building.
    ‘I hope you have a pleasant flight home, Captain May.’
    Harry made his way slowly back to the hotel, with several thoughts colliding in his mind. How he wanted to phone Emma to let her know that he’d seen Sebastian, and that he was safe and
would be returning to England in a few days’ time.
    After he’d arrived back at the hotel, he packed his few belongings, took his case down to the concierge’s desk and asked if there were any flights to London that evening.
    ‘I’m afraid it’s too late to get you on this afternoon’s BOAC flight,’ he replied. ‘But I could book you on to the Pan Am flight to New York that leaves at
midnight, and from there you could—’
    ‘Harry!’
    Harry swung round.
    ‘Harry Clifton! I knew it was you. Don’t you remember? We met when you addressed the Bristol Rotary Club last year?’
    ‘You’re mistaken, Mr Bolton,’ Harry said. ‘My name is Peter May,’ he added as Annabel walked past them carrying a suitcase. He strolled across to join her, as if
they’d arranged to meet.
    ‘Let me help you,’ he said, taking her case and walking out of the hotel with her.
    ‘Thank you,’ said Annabel, looking a little surprised.
    ‘My pleasure.’ Harry handed their suitcases to the driver and followed her on to the bus.
    ‘I didn’t realize you were flying back with us, Peter.’
    Neither did I, Harry wanted to tell her. ‘My brother had to get back. Some problem with the dam. But we had a great party last night, thanks to you.’
    ‘Where did you end up?’
    ‘I took him to the Majestic Hotel. You were right, the food is sensational.’
    ‘Tell me more. I’ve always wanted to have a meal there.’
    During the drive to the airport, Harry had to invent a fortieth birthday present (an Ingersoll watch), and a three-course meal – smoked salmon, steak, of course, and lemon tart. He
wasn’t impressed by his culinary imagination, and was grateful Annabel didn’t ask about the wines. He hadn’t got to bed, he told her,