The Envoy Read Online Free PDF

half-dressed, touching the fragrance to her wrists, her neck, the backs of her knees. When he finally spoke, her name nearly stuck in his throat. ‘Jennifer.’
    ‘Kit.’ And then the perfect teeth smile and Left Bank bisou-bisou kisses. It wasn’t pretentious or affected; it was just the way she was. The fishermen’s wives continued gutting the morning catch – not staring, but watching all the same.
    ‘I hope you haven’t been waiting long.’
    ‘Not at all, you’re five minutes early. Shall we go for a walk? It’s supposed to rain later.’
    ‘Jennie, I live my life awaiting your commands.’ Kit offered his arm and they crunched off over the shingle to the sea. The firm pressure of her hand on his arm made his heart race and his head spin. His legs felt disconnected. It was hard work being happy – especially when you know it’s not going to last.
    ‘It’s always lovely to see you. I just hope the embassy is safe without you. I would hate to think that American national interests might be sacrificed because you’ve come to Suffolk to see me.’
    ‘I’m not that important.’
    ‘That’s not what my dad says.’
    ‘That’s because he’s been talking to my mom – she exaggerates.’
    ‘False modesty, Kit, does not suit you. Everyone knows you’re a rising star.’
    ‘Gosh, I didn’t know that. Can you give me a list of their names? And send a carbon to the Ambassador, please.’
    ‘My name would be at the top of the list.’ ‘Thank you, but praise from a host country national sometimes arouses suspicion.’
    ‘Oh, so you know about that.’
    ‘Know about what?’ said Kit.
    ‘That I’m a “host country national”, as you put it, that I’ve become a British citizen.’
    ‘You’re not citizens, you’re subjects.’
    ‘Don’t be silly. And don’t look at me like I’m a traitor. It’s because I’m married to Brian. And because of his position… well, you know how it is. By the way, you’ll find the walking on shingle easier if you dig your heel in first.’
    ‘Not a good surface for escaped prisoners – the bloodhounds and redcoats would have you in no time. I feel like Magwitch.’
    ‘By the way, you are going to stay for dinner? I’m sure we can find Magwitch a pie.’
    ‘Of course, I’m dying to meet Brian – the man who won la belle reine de pays Chesapeakais .’
    ‘I’m not belle, but Brian is very much looking forward to meeting you. I think you’ll get quite a grilling.’
    Kit flexed his arm to squeeze his cousin’s hand close to his side. ‘Is there anything you don’t want me to say?’
    ‘Of course not, talk all you want. I haven’t any secrets, I hate secrets – you know that. Why are you laughing?’
    ‘How did you survive in the cipher section?’
    ‘That was different,’ said Jennifer, ‘only a job. The secrets I hate are personal ones, like hiding things from someone you love.’
    ‘Like adultery.’
    Jennifer breathed in, as if Kit had uttered a swear word. ‘The worst thing about adultery is the secrecy. The lies are worse than the act. Unfaithfulness is worse than murder. Maybe those people who stone adulterers to death are right.’
    ‘You scare me, Jennifer.’
    ‘Why on earth?’
    ‘Why? You sound like you’ve converted to Islam.’
    Jennifer drew her scarf across her face, then laughed and let it down again. ‘But I can show my face to you. You’re close family – and immune to impure thoughts.’
    ‘Well thank goodness for that. I’m glad you don’t think I’m going to…’ Kit let the sentence hang in the air.
    Jennifer turned away. ‘I love the sound of sea on shingle. Just listen – it’s like dead sailors whispering, but their voices are so pebbly clear you lose the words. I can’t remember the Chesapeake Bay saying anything. The sand and marshes muffle the waves.’
    ‘What about the bell buoys – and the foghorn on Thomas Point light?’
    ‘Oh, I loved Thomas Point – that octagonal white clapboard house on