Page 53 of The Last Library of Paris

‘You’re here late,’ she said.

‘Had some bits to do.’

‘I’m glad I’ve caught you. I’ve got good news.’

More good news. I grinned at her. ‘Tell me.’

‘Not here,’ she said. ‘Come upstairs.’

We went up to her office where Parrish was putting on his jacket. He looked at me with a strange expression, then he smiled.

‘You again. People will talk if they keep seeing us together.’

It was a clumsy joke, but it made me awkward. I felt my cheeks flush.

‘Edith and I are old friends.’

He held my gaze for a moment too long and then turned away.

‘Goodnight,’ he said. ‘I’m off for a drink. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.’

He shut the door behind him and Edith locked it.

‘Don’t take it personally,’ she said. ‘He thinks he’s irresistible to women.’

‘Like Archie Valentine.’

‘From what I hear, Valentine really is irresistible.’ Edith gave me a wink. ‘He’s very handsome.’

‘I’d not really noticed,’ I lied. I nodded towards the door where Parrish had gone. ‘What do you know about him?’

Edith looked thoughtful.

‘He’s worked here for years.’

‘Did you recruit him?’

‘No. He’s moved round departments a lot.’

‘Why is that do you think?’

Edith looked up at the ceiling, considering her answer.

‘If I was going to be honest …’

‘Please do.’

‘I think it’s probably because he’s insufferable.’

I laughed, surprised by her answer.

‘He does seem quite pleased with himself.’

‘On his first day he explained to me, very patiently, what the different types of British visas were.’

‘Oof,’ I said.

‘He didn’t make that mistake again,’ said Edith with a grin.