Free The Collected Short Stories by Jeffrey Archer Page A

dining room and entered the drawing room, where Ted paced up and down, trying to think if there was anything he had forgotten while they waited for the great man to join them for tea.
    A few minutes later, Mountbatten walked in. He was no longer dressed in his admiral’s uniform but had changed into a dark gray double-breasted suit.
    â€œDamn it,” thought Ted, immediately aware of what he’d forgotten to do.
    Hazel rose to greet her guest and guided him to a large, comfortable chair.
    â€œI must say, Lady Barker, your butler is a splendid chap,” said Mountbatten. “He even knew the brand of whiskey I prefer. How long have you had him?”
    â€œNot very long,” admitted Hazel.
    â€œWell, if he ever wants a job in England, don’t hesitate to let me know—though I’m bound to say you’d be a fool to part with him,” he added, as a maid came in carrying a beautiful Wedgwood tea service Hazel had never set eyes on before.
    â€œEarl Grey, if I remember correctly,” said Hazel.
    â€œWhat a memory you have, Lady Barker,” said the admiral, as the maid began to pour.
    â€œThank God for the Foreign Office briefing,” Hazel thought, as she accepted the compliment with a smile.
    â€œAnd how did the conference go, sir?’ asked Ted, as he dropped a lump of sugar—the one thing he felt might be their own—into his cup of tea.
    â€œFor the British, quite well,” said Mountbatten. “But it would have gone better if the French hadn’t been up to their usual tricks. Giscard seems to regard himself as a cross between Charlemagne and Joan of Arc.” His hosts laughed politely. “No, the real problem we’re facing at the moment, Ted, is quite simply …”

    By the time Mountbatten had dealt with the outcome of the summit, given his undiluted views of James Callaghan and Ted Heath, covered the problem of finding a wife for Prince Charles and mulled over the long-term repercussions of Watergate, it was almost time for him to change.
    â€œAre we dressing for dinner?”
    â€œYes, sir—if that meets with your approval.”
    â€œFull decorations?” Mountbatten asked, sounding hopeful.
    â€œI thought that would be appropriate, sir,” replied Ted, remembering the Foreign Office’s advice about the Admiral’s liking for dressing up at the slightest opportunity.
    Mountbatten smiled as Carruthers appeared silently at the door. Ted raised an eyebrow.
    â€œI have laid out the full dress uniform, M’lord. I took the liberty of pressing the trousers. The bedroom maid is drawing a bath for you.”
    Mountbatten smiled. “Thank you,” he said as he rose from his chair. “Such a splendid tea,” he added turning to face his hostess. “And such wonderful staff. Hazel, I don’t know how you do it.”
    â€œThank you, sir,” said Hazel, trying not to blush.
    â€œWhat time would you like me to come down for dinner, Ted?” Mountbatten asked.
    â€œThe first guests should be arriving for drinks at about 7:30, sir. We were hoping to serve dinner at eight, if that’s convenient for you.”
    â€œCouldn’t be better,” declared Mountbatten. “How many are you expecting?”
    â€œAround sixty, sir. You’ll find a guest list on your bedside table. Perhaps Hazel and I could come and fetch you at 7:50?”
    â€œYou run a tight ship, Ted,” said Mountbatten with approval. “You’ll find me ready the moment you appear,” he added as he followed Carruthers out of the room.
    Once the door was closed behind him, Hazel said to the maid, “Molly, can you clear away the tea things, please?” She hesitated for a moment. “It is Molly, isn’t it?”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” said the girl.

    â€œI think he knows,” said Ted, looking a little anxious.
    â€œMaybe, but we haven’t time to worry about that