Rose’s voice answered, ‘What a lovely day!’

Bernie lay for what seemed to him a long time. The couple did not talk much because of the sound of the engine.

At last, the cab stopped. ‘I believe this is quite a good place for lunch,’ he heard the man say. ‘We can have lunch in the garden.’

She answered something as their voices faded away.

After a few minutes, Bernie cautiously lifted his head. He recognized the Star and Garter at Richmond.

Some people were passing, so he ducked down again. Then he tried again. No one around.

He nipped out of the rumble and strolled into the pub. He went to the bar and ordered a half pint of beer and then carried it to a table where he could look out into the garden.

He felt a pang of envy. They looked such a handsome, carefree couple. He took out his notebook and began to write.

His stomach rumbled after half an hour but he did not want to order any food and then lose them if they suddenly decided to leave. He regretted his decision after an hour.

Just when he thought they meant to spend the whole afternoon in Richmond, he saw the man calling for the bill and Lady Rose adjusting her driving veil.

He left quickly, getting a sour look from the bar-keep, who obviously did not favour customers who only ordered one drink and stayed for a long time.

Bernie went outside, looked around, and jumped back in the rumble.

As the couple approached the car, he heard the man say, ‘Are you going to the masked ball at the Twenders tonight?’

‘I believe so.’

He laughed. ‘I have a secret. I have already asked your parents’ permission to escort you.’

‘How delightful,’ he heard Lady Rose say. ‘I must thank you for lunch.’

‘The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.’

The car drove off. Bernie planned to escape when they stopped outside Lady Rose’s home. He knew if he stayed in the rumble, he might end up locked in a garage somewhere.

He waited when he heard them descend, waited until he heard them mount the steps to the front door. He poked his head up. The man was kissing Lady Rose’s hand. He quickly jumped down from the rumble, glad the enamoured couple had eyes only for each other.

When he was back in the office, he went in to see Harry and delivered his report. Bernie was not yet up to the mark in society gossip and did not know of Harry’s on/off engagement to Rose. So he was taken aback by the blind fury on Harry’s face when he delivered his report.

‘Have I done something wrong?’ asked Bernie plaintively.

Harry pulled himself together with an effort. ‘No, you have done very well.’

‘Would you like me to follow Lady Rose to this masked ball?’

‘No, I shall be going myself I would like you now to go to Bart’s Hospital and visit Mrs Becket and ask her if there is anything she or her husband needs.’