Jim's ministerial car was nearing Hen's flat in Knightsbridge. Jim turned to Hen and smiled.

"So," he said, grinning broadly. "Bernard Woolley, the object of your affections eh?"

Hen pursed her lips and turned her head away slightly.

"I knew you wouldn't let this drop," she said, looking out of the window at Harrods' lights.

"Well I have to admit it is a bit odd," said Jim. "I mean you are… well… and he is… well he's…"

"Oh for goodness sake Minister," said Hen turning back to look at him. "Don't tell me you believe in all that NQOCD rubbish? You're worse than Uncle Humphrey."

Jim, as a good politician always does, jumped on the defensive immediately.

"No, no course not," he said. "I hadn't even heard of this NQOCD until Bernard brought it up on Tuesday."

"Why were you talking about that with Bernard?" asked Hen, confused. "Oh God, Uncle Humphrey wasn't there was he?"

"Yes he was," said Jim.

"Oh Lord. He hasn't got a girlfriend has he?" asked Hen looking worried.

"Humphrey?" asked Jim with surprise.

Hen's look of worry turned to a smile.

"Bernard," she said.

"Oh," said Jim, realising. "No."

Hen looked intrigued.

"Really?" she asked.

Jim tried to look impassive.

"Not that I'm aware of anyway," he said.

"Hmm," said Hen with a thoughtful smile on her face.

The car drew up outside the building where Hen's flat was. Hen turned to Jim.

"Thank you for the lift home Minister," she said. "I think we've had rather an interesting night."

"Oh absolutely," replied Jim. "I'm looking forward to putting your paper to the Home Office."

"Oh yes," said Hen. "Might shut Richard Mathieson up for a while."

Hen gathered her things together and was about to get out of the car. She turned once again to Jim.

"Well goodnight Minister," she said, before leaning in to kiss his cheek.

However, just at that second, Jim turned his head slightly and Hen's lips met his. Both were frozen in shock for several seconds before pulling away from one another simultaneously.

"Oh my God, I'm sorry Minister," gasped Hen, who was deeply embarrassed.

"No, no," said Jim softly. "It was my fault."

"Oh God," went on Hen. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never meant to… oh God. I am so sorry Minister."

"No my dear," said Jim. "I was a stupid mistake. We'll say nothing more about it eh?"

Hen swallowed and nodded.

"Thank you Minister," she said softly and quickly got out of the car.

Fifteen minutes later, Jim arrived back at his flat. Annie was listening to "Today in Parliament" on Radio4.

"Hello darling," said Jim brightly as he entered the sitting room.

"Finally decided to come home have you?" asked Annie coldly.

"Whatever do you mean Annie?" asked Jim.

"Been with your secretary have you?" asked Annie, ignoring the question.

"My Private Secretary yes," replied Jim.

"Well she's made her move quickly enough," said Annie. "Only been there five days."

"Annie," said Jim, totally confused. ""Would you like to explain to me just what you're talking about."

Annie stood up and faced her husband.

"Her," she shouted. "Your new Private Secretary. You've been with her nearly every night this week. I know, I've heard – she's young, beautiful, intelligent. You're having an affair."

Jim stared at Annie before bursting into a fit of laugher.

"Oh Annie," he said, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Oh Annie you are so funny."

Annie looked furious.

"I don't see anything funny about it," she snapped.

"Me?" asked Jim, still laughing. "Having an affair? With Henrietta Fairfax? Absolutely ridiculous."

"You're denying it then?" asked Annie.

"Of course I'm denying it," said Jim. "Seeing as its not true. Oh Annie."

He sat down on the sofa and took Annie's hand and pulled her onto the sofa next to him.

"Three reasons why I'd never have an affair – especially not with Hen Fairfax," he said. "One – I'm married to you. I love you, I don't need anyone else. And besides, who else would put up with me? Besides you?"

This last remark made Annie smile a little.

"Two – Henrietta Fairfax is the Goddaughter of Sir Humphrey Appleby," continued Jim. "If you hadn't already killed me, then Humphrey would certainly not think twice."

Annie sighed.

"True," she agreed. "What about the third reason?"

Jim smiled.

"She's already in love with someone else," he said.

Annie looked interested.

"Oh," she said. "With who? Anyone we know?"

"Bernard," said Jim with a smile.

"Bernard?" asked Annie in amazement. "As in Woolley? As in your Bernard?"

Jim nodded.

"Mm," he said.

"Well," said Annie softly.

"Interesting thing is," said Jim. "He's completely in love with her too."

Annie's eyes widened.

"And they don't know?" she asked.

"Not a clue," said Jim.

"Does Humphrey know?" asked Annie.

"He knows Bernard is in love with Hen," replied Jim. "Didn't take it too well actually."

"I bet he didn't," said Annie smiling. "I'm sorry I ever thought you'd have an affair darling. Besides you're right – who else but me would put up with you?"

Jim smiled and kissed his wife.