Mr.Churchill's Secretary(104)
“You do clean up well, Magster,” David said, as Will Archer and a few other agents joined the group.
As the Moonbeam Orchestra played a cover of Duke Ellington’s “In the Mood,” Frain ordered a bottle of champagne, which the waiter brought on a silver tray. First they toasted to Will Archer. Then to the whole MI-5 team. Then to Edmund. Then to Frain. Then to David, for driving. Then to John, for driving, too. Then to Sarah. And then to Maggie.
“To Mr. Snodgrass,” Maggie said, lifting her glass.
“Why, thank you, Miss Hope,” Snodgrass said, reddening slightly but looking pleased nonetheless. “I hope now you’ll forgive me for the private-secretary matter.…”
“Of course,” Maggie said.
“Let’s not forget poor Diana Snyder,” David said.
And she was toasted as well.
Suddenly, Maggie spotted a sparkle on Chuck’s left hand. “What’s this?” she asked, pulling it into the light.
“Nigel got me a ring,” Chuck said, surveying the huge cushion-cut diamond set in filigree. “I was thinking maybe a plain gold band, but he had to get this.…”
“And the wedding?” Maggie asked, her voice squeaking in excitement.
“This Christmas, in Leeds—if he can get leave. God help me,” she said, rolling her eyes.
The twins, breathless, joined the group. “The ring!” Annabelle said. “Isn’t it just—”
“—beautiful?” Clarabelle finished.
“It is, indeed. To Chuck and Nigel,” Maggie said, lifting her glass.
“Chuck and Nigel,” the table intoned.
Chuck blushed. “And to the Belles,” she said, raising her own glass.
“Really?” Maggie said. “Fill me in?”
“We’re going on tour,” Annabelle said. “It’s a great opportunity. We’ll be able to get out of London—”
“—and we’ve both been promoted,” Clarabelle added. “Annabelle’s going to be playing Rebecca and I’m going to be in charge of costumes.”
“Well, congratulations, girls,” Maggie said. “To you and the tour of Rebecca!”
When the song changed to “Bugle Call Rag,” Chuck and the twins left to dance once again.
“And what about Claire?” Maggie asked. It was easier, she found, to refer to Paige as Claire.
“What about her?” Chuck asked, her face dark. She’d only just been brought up to speed after signing her own Official Secrets Act. They’d all had to, even the twins.
“Should we toast to her?” Maggie really didn’t know anymore. “She died helping us find the key.”
“Her boyfriend built the bomb!” Will said, and took a swig.
“I understand she was your flatmate?” Edmund asked. “And that you were at school together?”
“Yes,” Maggie said. “You think you know someone …”
“And then they surprise you,” Edmund said with a wry smile. “I’m sorry to have been such a surprise, Maggie.”
“Of course,” she replied. “I’m just glad it all turned out all right in the end.” Then, “Well, mostly all right.”
“Miss Hope,” Snodgrass said. “I’ve been speaking to Mr. Frain about your new position—”
Maggie held up her hand. “I haven’t decided anything yet, sir.”
“You’re leaving?” John asked, face falling.
“Weren’t cleared for that piece of news, were you?” David muttered. John glared at him.
Maggie looked at John and smiled. “Nothing’s been decided. Besides, it’s not as though I’d be leaving London—”
“Well, good, then,” John said. He wants me to stay, she thought with a sudden thrill of happiness.
Edmund cleared his throat. “Working with Mr. Frain sounds dangerous.…”
“Working at Bletchley isn’t?” She had him there.
“Not the same thing,” he said solemnly. “Now that I’ve found you again, I’d hate to lose you.”
“Come on, all of you, this is getting much too serious,” Maggie said. “We’ll work it all out tomorrow. In the meantime, I’d like to dance.” She looked at her father and held out her hand.
“My dear,” he said, as he led her onto the floor and into the dim, smoky haze. “It would be an honor.”
Out on the dance floor, under the muted glow of the chandeliers, Edmund held Maggie easily, as though he’d taught her to dance when she was young. As though she’d made her debut on his arm.
“Are you going to take Frain up on his offer?” Edmund asked.