“I’ll be waiting outside at the elevators,” Matthias replied after a brief pause.
It was to be the first of many dances to maintain neutral ground over the coming weeks.
We shared a somewhat rambunctious elevator ride down with another family (rather like a lively gaggle of ducklings waddling after their paterfamilias) who spilled into the Art Deco foyer and out onto the bustling Strand. When we came out of the Savoy Court entrance off the Strand, a shiny olive green Bentley drew up alongside us and Matthias got out. We all exclaimed at its beauty.
“A Bentley Speed Six! Is it yours? Are you one of the Bentley Boys now? Have you taken it to Le Mans! What is it now—four years in a row? How fast does it go? May I try it?” asked Charley, eyes sparkling. Considering the notorious hard-drivin
