Chapter 3

Shocks for Ginger

Biggles looked up as Ginger came down to breakfast the following morning. He took in the shadows under the lad's eyes and surmised that he had had a troubled night. Ginger was dressed casually, in slacks and a shirt, knowing he would have to change before lunch.

"I asked Wendy to drop by this morning. I thought we would make up a foursome for lunch," Biggles announced as the young man sat down and prepared to tuck in to his breakfast. Ginger nodded absent-mindedly, pre-occupied with the task ahead.

"Aha!" exclaimed Algy, breezing in. "The condemned man - or should that be woman?" he grinned, "eating a hearty last meal."

"Shut up, big brother!" snarled Ginger mock angrily.

Algy laughed. "You even sound like my sister," he said amused, as he pulled the marmalade within reach. "Ginny could never take a ribbing, either."

"That's enough, you two," expostulated Biggles. "Ginny … yes, I'd forgotten that." He looked at Ginger amused. "At least that shouldn't cause you too much confusion if we call you that. It's near enough Ginger!"

Wryly Ginger nodded. "One less thing to worry about, not responding to my name," he smiled but his eyes looked troubled.

"You can always pull out, you know," Biggles told him as if reading his mind.

Ginger shook his head. "Only if I fail this test and can't do it. These people have to be stopped."

That was so patently obvious that conversation lapsed and the rest of the meal was conducted in silence.

Shortly after the breakfast things had been cleared away, the doorbell rang and WPC Newton was ushered in by the housekeeper. They all stood up to greet her. Biggles and Algy watched in amazement as she and Ginger exchanged kisses on the cheek.

"Can I do that?" asked Algy eagerly.

"Not unless you're prepared to go through what Ginger's been through these past few days," Wendy told him. "It's a girl thing," she grinned. Ginger blushed.

"You know the test is: I've got to have lunch with a couple of people, including someone who's met me before, and fool them, don't you?" explained Ginger. "It'll be make or break time. Come into my bedroom and help me get dressed." His blush deepened as he realised what he had said but Wendy seemed completely unperturbed by his invitation and slipped her arm through his as they disappeared together.

Algy could scarcely believe his eyes and stared mesmerised at the closed bedroom door. "Some people have all the luck!" he muttered under his breath.

Biggles gazed at him in amazement. "Just what do you imagine he's getting up to in there?" he demanded with asperity. "Ginger's got his mind on his work - something you'd be better advised to do, too!"

Algy grinned sheepishly. After a few moments he spoke again. "She likes him," he observed à propos of nothing.

"Why shouldn't she?" asked Biggles surprised. "He's a nice boy. He's good looking, intelligent and has a pleasant personality. There's no reason for her not to like him, even if he is dressed as a woman," he added incongruously. "He's still Ginger."

Further discussion was curtailed by the emergence of the subjects of the conversation. Algy looked stunned at Ginger's appearance and even Biggles found it hard to recognise his protégé in the attractive young woman who was accompanying Wendy. The previous evening Ginger had looked business-like but rather plain in a severe, tailored suit and shoulder-length wig. Now, in a well-cut dress, a long, flowing blonde wig and some discreet jewellery, he looked strikingly glamorous.

Involuntarily Algy wolf-whistled, causing Ginger to colour slightly. "I don't think you'll have any problems passing the test, Ginger," he told him. "You would certainly fool me if I didn't know better. You'll have all the scientists at the conference envying Biggles."

"We've got to get to the conference, yet," Ginger reminded him. "Where are we going to have lunch? " he wanted to know.

"You'll cause a sensation at the Aero Club," remarked Algy maliciously.

"I'm not going there!" interjected Ginger quickly, turning pale. "If I'm recognised in this get-up, I shall never live it down!"

"I agree," concurred Biggles much to Ginger's relief. "We are not going to the Aero Club. There are far too many people who know us too well. You would attract all too much attention there, much of it the wrong sort, I've no doubt," he smiled wryly. "I've organised a table at the Ritz."

They all assented to this arrangement so Biggles rang to order a taxi.

They alighted at the famous hotel and made their way into the foyer, Algy escorting Wendy and Ginger on Biggles' arm. Concentrating on maintaining his character, Ginger took little notice of who was in the dining room until he had rounded the screen at the entrance and started looking for their table. Biggles felt Ginger stiffen beside him and grip his arm more tightly. "What is it?" he asked, "what's worrying you?"

"Not what," Ginger replied, his lips dry. "Who. Von Stalhein is sitting over by the window with a woman. He's seen us. I suppose he will think it very odd if we don't go over and talk to him."

"So he has," remarked Biggles imperturbably. "Yes, we shall have to go and have a word with him, if only to be polite." Biggles' eyes met Algy's and a glint of humour flashed between them, unappreciated by Ginger who felt sick with apprehension. He certainly felt in no mood to do justice to lunch, he reflected.

Ginger's heart sank at the prospect of facing the German, realising Biggles was right, but dreading meeting their former adversary in his present disguise. "Come on," Biggles encouraged him as he hesitated. "Put a brave face on it. I suggest you don't say too much once we've introduced you as Algy's sister."

Without further delay, Biggles steered the party over to the German's table and made the introductions. Von Stalhein stood to greet the ladies, bowed over their hands and clicked his heels in his usual Prussian manner. Ginger felt seized with an insane desire to laugh, but managed to control it.

Von Stalhein introduced his companion who turned out to be his sister, Elisabet, who was spending a few days with him on holiday from Berlin. Biggles made the introductions for Wendy. Algy, trying desperately hard to keep his voice steady and his face straight, did the same for Ginger.

"Ah," purred von Stalhein. "I am delighted to meet you at last, Lady Virginia. I understand you are a very keen horsewoman."

"I'm afraid my sister is recovering from a very bad bout of laryngitis," interposed Algy. "She hasn't quite got her voice back yet and finds talking very difficult."

Ginger flashed him a grateful look and nodded to von Stalhein.

"What a shame. I was looking forward to hearing about your hunting exploits," said von Stalhein, himself no mean horseman, with keen interest.

Ginger congratulated himself inwardly on his narrow escape, having already had one experience of von Stalhein talking horses while he constantly went in dread of discovery1, but the next moment his eyes widened in horror as the German continued, "but let us not stand on ceremony, Bigglesworth, do sit down. It was so good of you to arrange this lunch. To what do we owe the honour?" With a shock, Ginger realised the table had been set for six. This, then, was the test to which Biggles had referred. He thought he was going to faint.

"I wanted Lady Virginia to meet you," Biggles told von Stalhein, pulling out a chair for Ginger who sat down gratefully as his legs seemed to have turned to water. "She has heard so much about you and since she is only in town for a few days, it seemed an excellent opportunity. It's so unfortunate that she has lost her voice."

Von Stalhein looked round as if he was missing someone. "Where is your young friend Hebblethwaite?" he asked, pausing fractionally and taking great care over his pronunciation, but still stumbling very slightly over Ginger's surname. "Is he not going to join us? I do hope he is well."

'Not very,' thought Ginger, who was seated between Biggles and von Stalhein. He was not given to cursing but he thought of a few uncomplimentary names to call Biggles when they got back.

"Unfortunately, no," replied Biggles as though he could read Ginger's mind. "He's not at all himself at the moment," Biggles added with a hint of humour. "But I expect him to be back to normal soon. He sends his apologies."

"Ah," said von Stalhein. "We shall miss his ready wit. And Lord Lissie?"

"He's in Australia, visiting relations."

Von Stalhein nodded. "At least we have the lovely ladies to entertain us," he observed gallantly. He smiled at Ginger. "I am surprised we have not met before, Lady Virginia," he remarked. "I can't help feeling I know you from somewhere."

"It must be the family resemblance," put in Algy quickly.

"Perhaps that is it," concurred von Stalhein urbanely, looking from one to the other, "although your sister has been fortunate to receive more than her fair share of the family beauty."

'That's one in the eye for you, Algy,' thought Ginger, secretly enjoying Algy's discomfiture at the subtle insult disguised as a compliment. He stifled a laugh, knowing there is nothing so instantly recognisable, and turned it into a discreet cough.

"I see old habits die hard," chided Biggles gently. "I thought this was going to be a pleasant lunch. It's a pity to spoil it by scoring points. After all," he hinted meaningfully, "we don't get the chance to eat at the Ritz every day. It makes a dent in my budget."

Von Stalhein's cheeks flushed slightly as Biggles' point went home. "You are right," he acknowledged. "I regret the unfortunate way I phrased that remark."

"Then let's order," suggested Biggles and the next few minutes were taken up in perusing the menu. When they had all made their choices and Biggles, as host, had passed them on to the waiter, the conversation turned to more general matters.

Algy was profiting from the occasion to strike up a relationship with Wendy, but she was still able to devote enough time to von Stalhein to keep him from too close a scrutiny of his silent right-hand neighbour, although had good manners permitted, he clearly would have preferred to give more of his attention to the aristocrat than the working girl who sat on his left.

Biggles was intrigued to learn from von Stalhein that his nephew, Fritz, had a new career in the Bundesmarine.

Von Stalhein mentioned casually that his brother-in-law had been a naval officer. "He was based at Kiel, at the beginning of the war when I was in charge of Intelligence there2," he added. "He had a distinguished career in the U-Bootwaffe."

"Yes," sighed Frau Lowenhardt wistfully, "my husband was awarded the Ritterkreuz - the Knight's Cross," she explained for Wendy's benefit. "All that I could bring with me when I left East Berlin were his decorations and some of my jewellery. That, at least, was very useful in the difficult times after the war," she observed, sadly. "Fortunately," she added, fingering a diamond pendant at her neck, "Erich has always been very generous. Whenever he can, he sends me something."

"That's very nice," remarked Wendy, thinking it looked very expensive.

"A present from the Argentine3," supplied von Stalhein, with a sideways look at Biggles.

Biggles turned to von Stalhein's sister, who was sitting on his right. She bore a marked resemblance to her brother, being tall, slender and dark, with the same blue eyes and aristocratic features. "I hope you are enjoying your visit, Frau Lowenhardt," he remarked in the hope of turning the conversation to a happier subject, as the entrées were served. "Have you been to London before?"

"Not for a long time. This is my first visit since Erich decided to make his home here. I wanted to see that he is comfortable," she told him, her excellent English just faintly accented.

When Biggles remarked on this, she smiled in a superior way. "Our mother was English; she was a Courtney, one of the Warwickshire Courtneys," she told him surprisingly. "And, of course, we had a Scottish nanny. They are the best, are they not?" she asked Algy who sat on her right.

"Ours was English," he replied defensively. "She was a Norland nanny. They don't come much better than that. Nanny Lacey served two generations of the family. It would have been three, but none of us has produced any heirs yet." He winked at Ginger.

"Was she a relation?" asked Elisabet. "That she had your surname, I mean."

Algy smiled indulgently as he explained. "No. Nannies to the aristocracy usually take their family's surname. I don't know what her own name was, we always knew her as Nanny Lacey."

"How odd," remarked Elisabet. "You English are so eccentric, and especially your aristocracy. Those of us fortunate enough to be included in the Almanach de Gotha feel we have a duty to be responsible people."

"Ah," murmured Algy irrepressibly, "responsibility is so dull!"

"How English," remarked von Stalhein. "When you are not ruining your estates with wagering on horses you are riding them like fury after foxes." He smiled at Ginger. "Most charmingly, I'm sure," he added. "Is your sister still living at Merioneth Towers?" he asked Algy, apologising to Ginger for addressing the request to a third party, but explaining that he appreciated Lady Virginia found speaking difficult.

Elisabet Lowenhardt looked curiously at Ginger, clearly undecided whether she liked the interest her brother was showing in this English aristocrat. Ginger secretly had no doubt whatsoever; he did not like it at all.

"How did you know where my sister lived and that she was a keen rider to hounds?" asked Algy, curious that von Stalhein seemed so well informed when they knew next to nothing about his background.

"You forget I spent so long in the German Secret Service," von Stalhein reminded him, a steely glint in his eye. "We were both thorough and efficient. We believed one should always know everything about the enemy."

"Everything?" asked Algy aghast.

"Well," amended von Stalhein, smiling indulgently, with a suspicion of humour in his voice, "I had not realised your sister was quite so charming."

Ginger was not sure whether he was amused or horrified. "Ask him about his English mother," he whispered hoarsely in Biggles' ear, keeping up the pretence of having lost his voice. "I'm dying to know more."

Biggles put the question to von Stalhein who surprised the comrades by admitting that his father had met and fallen in love with his mother when she gave a private recital to the German Embassy in London during the time when he was serving as military attaché.

"She was a violinist," disclosed von Stalhein to their amazement. "She could have been a professional, except of course that such a career was unthinkable for one of her station and upbringing."

Ginger thought what a snob the man was. 'No wonder he takes such delight in seizing every opportunity to sneer at me,' he reflected. It gave him a sense of grim satisfaction at the thought of deceiving the German who prided himself on being ever wary and so efficient.

Now that the initial shock had worn off, Ginger was almost beginning to enjoy himself, although he hoped that von Stalhein would continue to act as an officer and a gentleman and not take his obvious curiosity about Algy's "sister" any further than that. As the minutes passed and they progressed to the pudding without the deception being discovered, he became more confident. The danger of being found out, he realised, added piquancy to the encounter, although his nerves were constantly at full stretch.

Coffee arrived to signal the ending of his ordeal. To his relief they did not linger over-long. Soon Biggles called for the bill and they all stood up ready to take their leave. Ginger caught Algy's eye as von Stalhein bowed and kissed Wendy's hand, not expecting that he would be accorded the same courtesy. When it happened it shook him. He did not dare look at the others for fear of giving himself away by laughing, it felt so incongruous. Von Stalhein must have taken his dropped gaze for shyness.

"Gnadige Lady Virginia," murmured the German. "It has been so delightful to make your acquaintance. I hope I may be able to have the pleasure of your company for lunch again some time when you are next in London. I wish you a speedy recovery from your laryngitis. I feel sure we shall have a lot to talk about."

Ginger inclined his head gracefully, his eyes veiled by his long lashes, a slight smile playing on his discreetly made-up lips. Biggles and the others made their final farewells and they all left.

The doorman called them a taxi and was somewhat surprised to hear the men burst into loud gales of laughter as the vehicle drew away.

"I think we can safely say you've passed the test, Ginger," laughed Biggles wiping tears from his eyes. "Towards the end I thought von Stalhein was really quite smitten with you!" he teased.

"Words fail me," Ginger said, looking up at Biggles from under his long false eyelashes, an effect that even Biggles found disconcerting. "How could you do that to me?" He put his head in his hands and drew in a long, shuddering breath.

Wendy put her arm round his shoulders and hugged him. "Are you alright?" she asked him anxiously. "I thought you were wonderful."

Ginger looked up. He was shaking from reaction and had gone very pale. "It rocked me on my heels I can tell you when it dawned on me that having lunch with von Stalhein was your idea of a test," he told Biggles. "I expected any minute that he would recognise me and sneer, 'well, if it isn't our young friend with the difficult name. You really are not yourself today, are you?'"

The others hooted with laughter again. Ginger's impersonation of the German had been perfect.

1 See Ginger Learns A Lesson

2 See Biggles In The Baltic

3 See Biggles In The Argentine