“No, sir,” laughed Sasha. “I don’t believe in lost causes.”
“Neither do I, and I’ve voted Liberal all my life.”
Sasha turned bright red, and said, “I apologize, sir.”
“No need, dear boy. I think you’ll find my wife agrees with you.”
“Before I make a complete fool of myself, sir…”
“Susan’s a lifelong Conservative, although she sometimes has to hold her nose when she goes to the polls. So she’s even worse than you. But didn’t Charlie tell me that after you failed to become president of the Union, you promised her you would never stand again?”
“Never lasted for about a week, sir. Much to her dismay I’ll be standing for president again next term.”
“But being practical for a moment,” said Dangerfield, “if you were to take up Mr. Agnelli’s offer, where would you and Charlie live?”
“My mother has recently bought a large flat in Fulham, with more than enough room for the three of us.”
“Enough for four, possibly five?” said Dangerfield, raising an eyebrow.
“Both of us feel we should be established in our careers before we think about starting a family. Once Charlie has her PhD, she hopes to find a job that will make it possible for us to earn enough for two, never mind three, or four. Only my mother disagrees with me.”
“I look forward to meeting her. She sounds quite formidable. But tell me, how does she feel about her only son getting married at such a young age?”
“She adores Charlie, and doesn’t approve of us living in sin.”
“Ah, so that’s where you’ve inherited those old-fashioned values.”
* * *
“It would help if you knew which party you belonged to,” said Ben. “Although I’m confident you can still win as an independent, it would make my life a lot easier if you joined either the Tories or the Labour Party. Preferably the Tories.”
“That’s the problem,” said Sasha. “I still don’t know which party I support. By nature I believe in free enterprise, and less state intervention, not more. But as an immigrant, I feel more at home with the philosophy of the Labour Party. The only thing I’m certain of is that I’m not a Liberal.”
“Well, don’t tell anyone that, until the last vote has been cast. As an independent, you’ll need the support of voters from all three parties.”
“Do you have any beliefs or convictions?” asked Sasha.
“One can’t afford such luxuries until after you’ve won the election.”
“Spoken like a true Tory,” said Alex.
* * *
“I’m glad we’re spending the weekend with my parents,” said Charlie, “because I know my father has something he wants to ask your advice about.”
“What could I possibly advise him on? I know nothing about antiques, and he’s considered a leader in the field.”
“I’m just as interested to find out as you are. But I did warn him that you don’t know the difference between Chippendale and Conran.”
“I know which one I can afford,” said Sasha.
“You should read more Oscar Wilde,” said Charlie, “and less Maynard Keynes. By the way, will your mother be joining us? You know how my parents are looking forward to meeting her.”
“She plans to come on Saturday morning. Which should give me enough time to warn them that she’s already chosen the names of our first three children.”
“Have you warned her that that might not be for some time?”
* * *