His room is surprisingly small, but it is comfortable. He washes his face and looks at himself in the mirror. He’s wearing his best suit, the one he wore at church before he gave it up. It’s a bit hot for August, but he wants to look his best, to fit in with the rest of them. His hair is short and tidy, but he gives it a good brush anyway. He opens his suitcase—along with his washbag and underwear, it contains another shirt and a pair of flannel trousers. At the bottom there are several sheets of neatly typed paper—his speech. He is really going to impress them tonight. He wants the Union to go further than ever, to adopt more extreme policies. He is sure that Sir Oswald is going to like it, although it may be a bit strong for some.

They don’t notice him at first. There are at least twenty of them, all laughing in that loud way that always makes him feel so uneasy. Eventually, Sir Oswald spots him, and strides over, a broad smile forming under his dark moustache.

“Aaaaaah! There you are! Did you have a good trip down?”

He goes over and shakes Sir Oswald’s hand. The Leader looks the picture of health and is very much at ease.

“Very nice, thank you, Sir Oswald.”

“I’m so glad. I say, have you come from a funeral?”

He looks around—everybody else is wearing light summer suits or tweeds.

“My other suit is at the cleaner’s.”

It is a lie, and he knows they must know it is a lie, but what else can he say? That he has only got one suit?

“Never mind—so long as you are comfortable. Now then, we’re all having a drink before lunch—what would you like?”

He doesn’t know what to say. Normally he only drinks beer, but everybody else seems to be having cocktails.

“I think I’ll have a cocktail.”

“Any particular one? Jessop here can make you anything from a Stinger to a punchy Mint Julep.”

Is Sir Oswald doing this on purpose? Surely he knows that people like him don’t drink cocktails? He looks at Sir Oswald’s glass—it looks nice enough.

“I’ll have what you’re having, Sir Oswald.”

“Gin and French? Whatever you say. Jessop—could you get the man a gin and French? Now come along and I’ll introduce you to a few of our benefactors, especially Sir George, who has heard so much about you.”

He is glad that he hasn’t brought Eileen along. She would be an embarrassment, and besides, he wants to concentrate on making a good impression and not worry about her behavior. She’ll learn one day, when he has reached the top. Hopefully, she could become like one of the ladies here.