Freddie started talking and the audience fell completely silent. His voice was strong, always clear and unhurried. The first cheer came when he suggested a union with Tanganyika, Delamere’s dream. The woman on my right clutched my arm when Freddie went through the basis of British Fascism.

‘We believe in loyalty to the Crown,’ he said, ‘as a symbol of the strength of our nation, less than half the size of France, one fortieth of America, yet controlling one quarter of the world’s land. That’s the vigorous British spirit we want to encourage.’

The crowd cheered.

‘We believe in higher wages, and lower costs of living for the workers that keep our nation going.’

The crowd cheered again.

‘We believe in an insulated Empire, which we worked so hard for, and can strengthen us from within through trade. We don’t need to be at the mercy of other countries and we deserve a government that recognises such.’

Another cheer.

Now Freddie came out from behind his podium and pointed squarely at the middle of the crowd. ‘Above all, we believe in freedom, religious and social and physical freedom.’ He shook his finger. ‘It’s been nearly nine hundred years since we were successfully invaded and made subordinate, and we’re damn sure not going to start taking orders from anyone else now.’

The crowd were on their feet before he’d finished his last sentence. His face was calm, his back straight and shoulders relaxed, and he’d left his arm out, finger still pointing steadily over everyone’s heads. The lights had changed without me noticing, so now a spotlight shone at the front, illuminating Freddie with a pure, white glow, while the rest of us seemed dim and fuzzy. In that instant I knew if Freddie took on the government he’d win.

Maud looked sick. ‘I can’t believe they’re eating it up.’

‘He’s good at it, that’s why.’

She touched my arm. ‘Let’s get out of here, Theo, please.’

‘Don’t you think you’re overreacting a little?’

‘Please, Theo.’

As we left I turned around, and saw the whole room pressing forwards, trying to shake Freddie’s hand.

The next evening we drove to Edie’s for a small supper. I’d hoped Sylvie would be there, but apart from me and Maud it was just Edie, her husband Donald, and two friends visiting from America (Nan, I knew, had started school back in England). When I asked Edie how Sylvie was she waved her hand. ‘Don’t worry about her, darling. Sometimes she just needs to be alone. I’m sure she’ll be in touch soon.’

The meal was served at eleven and it was midnight before we finished. I could see Maud flagging. I turned down the pitcher of cocktail that Edie produced and kissed her goodnight.