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I’d have to say I’d like it even more in different circumstances.”
    “Indeed. Different circumstances. How I long for different circumstances. For the purposes of tonight, let us assume different circumstances and talk about pleasant things. I am tired of talking about the war. My aunt can talk about little else. Are you keen on country pursuits?”
    Pretending to a far greater affinity with horses and guns than was strictly accurate, Norton enjoyed his chat with Nancy Swinton. She might be an ungainly sort of girl but on further acquaintance she had a sweet nature and a certain sort of charm. Perhaps his first impression was wrong?
    Inevitably, to Miss Swinton’s disappointment and a little to his, the talk of the table at large soon turned to the war and they were not allowed to stay out of it.
    “And what do you think, Norton?” The robust colour of St. John’s nose had now extended to the rest of his face.
    “Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.”
    “I was saying that this war is a stupid mistake. It’s not Herr Hitler that we should be fighting. It’s the communists and socialists we need to worry about. We should be working with Hitler, not against him. What do you say?”
    “I don’t think that would be the Roosevelt administration’s line at present.”
    “Oh come on, Mr Norton. I’ve heard Mr Kennedy say much the same thing as I’ve just said.”
    “The Ambassador does have some strong views on Stalin, I have to admit.”
    “Strong views indeed. Look. I’ve met Herr Hitler several times. So he’s a strong man and has done some things we don’t like. But my God, sir, we can and should do business with him. Isn’t that so, Douglas?”
    Douglas finished his glass of the inspiring Chateau Lafitte, which had accompanied the roast lamb, and set down his napkin.
    “As you know, Major, government policy at present is to work with all our might in assisting our French and other allies in Continental Europe in maintaining at least the status quo for the present, while we go about the serious business of rearmament. It is of course legitimate to question whether that will remain government policy. I, and I think I can say many of my colleagues at all levels of departmental responsibility, would certainly concede that there is an argument that instead of confronting Herr Hitler, perhaps we should consider reaching some sort of accommodation with him. Might Herr Hitler, if allowed to expand and consolidate his power in Continental Europe, be content to leave us and our Empire alone?”
    “Exactly, my boy. And I am certain he would take that view. Then perhaps we can join forces against Stalin and his red hordes.”
    Reginald Pelham cleared his throat loudly. “Gentlemen. May I advise care. Some might say this conversation was verging on the treasonous.”
    St. John’s hand banged down on the table. “With respect, my friend, it would be treason to waste this country’s resources on an unnecessary and futile battle against Hitler’s formidable armies. We should recognise reality.”
    Lady Dorchester nodded her head vigorously. “Absolutely. Nancy and I couldn’t agree more.”
    Norton could sense Nancy squirming on the seat to his right.
    “I’m afraid, aunt, you’ll have to speak for yourself there. I can’t believe that any sensible person would wish to be friends with Hitler. What about his cruelty, the lack of liberty, the fanatical hatred. Look at the way the Jews have been treated. Mr Churchill says that…”
    “Oh for goodness sake, Miss Swinton. Don’t talk about that warmongering charlatan. Look, Hitler dragged his country out of the mire. He had to have a firm hand. He had to deal firmly with agitators, socialists, communists, many of whom were Jewish. You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs you know. I’m sure Mr Chamberlain has the right perspective and will follow the sensible path. Eh, Douglas?”
    Douglas nodded at the Major and wiped his mouth with his