‘I wouldn’t mind visiting East Berlin,’ said A.P., recovering from his reverie. ‘Jeremy and I had intended to, but we can go there by train. From the Zoo station, Karin told us—’

‘That will not be necessary, we shall make it part of our programme.’

‘This is really terribly good of you,’ said A.P. ‘We really appreciate the time you’re giving us and the trouble you’re taking.’

They had halted at a traffic light and Rachel turned to smile at him. ‘It is no trouble, I am looking forward to spending time with you. And Paula will be delighted to meet your cousin.’

Jeremy hadn’t any idea what Paula would be like, but for A.P.’s sake was pleased that the allocating of partners had indicated Rachel’s choice.

After giving them tea, Frau Schulmann went with Rachel to the door, leaving the butler to show A.P. and Jeremy to their adjoining bedrooms.

‘If the young gentlemen would care for their unpacking to be done for them?’ he said, trying to avoid looking at the shabby rucksacks they had not allowed him to carry.

‘Thanks, Parker, but you would have a job unravelling the contents of our luggage,’ A.P. said with a smile. ‘A pressing iron wouldn’t come amiss, though.’

‘I was about to suggest it, sir. If you would leave the garments in your rooms while you take a bath, you will find them as you would wish them on your return.’

‘That’s jolly nice of you, Parker.’

‘My pleasure, sir.’

‘We can draw our baths ourselves.’

‘As you wish, sir.’

The stilted exchange was conducted on the galleried landing while the butler opened with a flourish first one bedroom door and then the other.

‘Will there be anything else, Mr Dean?’

‘If we require something we’ll ring for the maid,’ A.P. replied.

‘Very good, sir.’

Parker waited for them to enter their rooms before departing.

A moment later they met again in the doorway allowing access from one spacious chamber to the other.

‘This is like a French farce!’ said Jeremy.

‘Not a French farce, a British one,’ A.P. said with a grin, ‘and the more farcical for its German setting. It’s always been my belief that an English butler can turn whatever setting into a bit of old England, and this proves it—’

‘If you say so, Mr Dean. The manner born isn’t in it! If you hadn’t been with me, I’d have wished the floor would open up and swallow me, not that I didn’t anyway. And a bit of old England is right. Shall you employ a butler when you become Lord Kyverdale?’