Watching. Jeff Edwards
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thing for the rest of Europe. I also saw a lot of things happening to parts of the population that fill me with dread.’
‘You mean the Jews?’
‘Not just Jews, but anyone that doesn’t meet the government’s criteria of what a true ‘German’ should be.’
‘Actually, now that you mention it, Peter Haskins tells me that there’s been a lot of Europeans coming in to sell works of art. They’ve left their homes hurriedly, and are selling whatever they have of value so that they can start over again, either here or in the United States.’
Robert regarded Jade for a moment, deciding whether to continue this conversation. Realising that Jade had probably guessed many things about him, he decided to continue. ‘That’s part of the reason that I was at the auction house the day we met. I was trying to locate just that type of person; I need to talk to them. They may have the information to help us to fill in some of the blanks.’
‘I’m sure that Haskins and Green would be glad to supply the information — you’d just have to ask.’
‘I’d prefer that the fewer people that know, the better.’
‘You’re a spy. Aren’t you?’ Jade whispered.
‘Intelligence. There’s a great deal of difference.’
Jade looked Robert in the eye. ‘So you want me to find out the information for you?’
Robert considered the question, debating whether to commit Jade, or allow her to remain uninitiated. ‘Would you help me get the information?’
‘I’ll just ask Peter.’
‘No. I prefer you didn’t ask anyone. We don’t want to raise any suspicions. There are any number of people, in all levels of society, who have a high regard for Hitler, and the way he has turned Germany’s fortunes around.’
‘So, how do I get the information?’
‘I’ll pick you up for a picnic tomorrow, and then I’ll show you.’
‘You won’t tell me now?’
‘It’s something that you have to be shown.’
‘I suppose you’ll expect me to provide the picnic hamper.’
‘If you do, I’ll bring the champagne.’
‘Just as long as you don’t buy it from this pub.’
The following morning, Robert arrived in a small, open, two-seater sports car, and Jade felt exhilarated, as they wove between the city traffic. Once out into the countryside, Robert increased speed, causing Jade’s hair to fly out behind her, like a flag.
‘This feels wonderful!’ yelled Jade, over the sound of the motor, and rushing wind. ‘Where are we going?’
‘I don’t know; we’ll just keep going until we find the right spot.’
‘And what is the right spot?’
‘Quiet, with a view.’
They drove on, and came to a sign pointing to the right, for the town of Walton Village. Turning, Robert drove through the laneways leading to the rural market town. Just before the village, they came to another lane, and Robert turned into it. They were surprised when the lane ended at the low fieldstone fences of two houses, standing side by side in the loneliness of the countryside.
‘This looks like it’s as far as we can go,’ said Jade.
Pointing, Robert said, ‘I can see a rise over there with a few trees on it. That looks like the perfect place for a picnic. Let’s go.’
They climbed the fence surrounding the fields, circled the houses, and climbed toward the trees. When they arrived, they found welcoming shade, and Jade spread the blanket she carried, while Robert opened the first bottle of champagne.
Robert proposed a toast, ‘To picnics in perfect places.’
They clicked glasses, and surveyed their surroundings.
‘Those two houses look totally out of place down there, all by themselves,’ commented Jade.
‘Yes. They look as though they belong on a city street. But they’ve certainly found themselves an ideal place to stand. It must be so quiet and peaceful to live out here.’
Jade rested her head on Robert’s shoulder, as they surveyed the scenery from their lofty position, and sipped their drinks. She felt that she would like the moment to last forever.
‘What do you know about photography?’ asked Robert.
‘I left my Box Brownie at home. I should have thought to bring it.’
‘I have something here that might suffice,’ said Robert, taking a small leather case out of his pocket. Undoing the case, he revealed to Jade the smallest camera she had ever seen. ‘I bought it in Germany. It’s made by Leica. I’ll show you how to operate it.’
It had many more parts and settings compared to her trusty Brownie, and Robert’s explanation of exposure and shutter speed confused her completely.
‘I’ll never get the hang of this! It’s just too complicated!’
‘You’ll be surprised how easy it is once you get used to it. That’s why I’ve brought you out here. There are no distractions. Now, I’ll show you how to load film into the camera, and we’ll start taking photos.’
Robert took her slowly through the steps of loading, and shooting, being patient with her difficulties, and teaching her the correct settings for each situation. Finally, he was sure that Jade was losing her reticence with the camera, and learning to like it.
‘I’ll set out the food, while you practice with the camera.’
‘But how will I know if the photos are any good?’ asked Jade.
‘You won’t until they’re developed.’
‘When will that be?’
‘I might do them tonight.’
‘I thought they would have to go to a camera store?’
‘I have my own darkroom at home.’
‘Can I come, and see you develop them?’
‘I suppose you should learn to develop film. It might come in useful to you later. It’s also better that you know, so that you can do special things with the photo as you develop them.’
‘Like what?’
‘Like cropping, and toning.’
‘I’ve got no idea what you’re talking about.’
Robert laughed, and kissed her lightly on the cheek. ‘You’ll soon be an expert. Don’t worry. By the way, it might be a tight fit in the darkroom. It was only built for one.’
‘Do you mean my honour may be in danger?’ Jade joked.
‘No! Of course not!’
‘Oh, and I was so looking forward to repulsing your manly charms,’ laughed Jade.
Robert, on the other hand, was not sure how he felt about being forced to be so close to Jade and her obvious charms for an extended period of time, but he was definitely delighted to find out.
They drove back to London, and, for the first time, Robert took Jade back to his home, which proved to be a block of four flats, in a delightful tree-lined street, not far from Jade’s house.
‘I thought soldiers lived in a military camp.’
‘Most do,’ agreed Robert.
‘But you don’t.’
‘No, I don’t.’
‘What about the men under your command?’