The Longest Winter Read Online Free PDF Page A

running board and set about practical matters. Ludwig recited instructions for jacking the car. James paid no attention. He did what was necessary briskly and efficiently. He loosened the wheel nuts, jacked the car, took off the damaged wheel and fitted the spare. His paint-soiled shirt became car-soiled, his hands turned black. Anne watched in admiration, Sophie with her coolness evaporating. She thought of something. The steam, which was still wispily escaping. She asked James if he could help with that too.
    James, sweating, looked up. The young baronesses were colourful and picturesque in the summer light.
    ‘No, I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘that’s either a fault in the cooling system or a fault in the driver. A new car must be nursed like a baby. It must purr and hum, which it won’t do if it’s driven like a fire engine. When it’s growling and roaring the permitted revolutions are being exceeded.’
    ‘Oh, you are very knowledgeable,’ said Anne.
    ‘My relationship with these monsters is a love-hate one,’ said James. ‘I’ve crawled over them, into them, under them, and all for love. Realizing, however, that they’re only going to make the world a noisier place, I’m currently engaged in a hate crusade against them. Would either of you care to join?’
    ‘Although I’m fascinated,’ said Sophie, ‘I really don’t think I could take it seriously enough.’
    ‘In forty years time you’ll regret that,’ said James.
    ‘I think you are joking, aren’t you?’ smiled Anne, her green eyes swimming with the high tide of life and adventure.
    James was impressed by both of them. Neither had swooned nor had hysterics. They were both remarkably self-possessed and, it had to be said, engagingly attractive. She of the pink hat, with its cloudy halo of upturned veil perched enchantingly on hair the colour of golden corn, was gloriously young. She of the fine brown eyes, not quite so cool now, was undeniably striking.
    ‘In my present mood,’ he said, ‘I’m far from joking.’
    ‘I am not so cheerful myself,’ said Ludwig.
    James jacked down. He put the tools away, wiped his hands on a cloth from the box and said, ‘If you’ll switch on, I’ll turn her. If your axle is damaged you’ll have to leave her. If it isn’t you may be able to roll her into Vienna.’
    ‘Let us see,’ said Ludwig. He climbed in, switched on and James cranked. The engine fired. Ludwig reversed the Bugatti off the verge and straightened up on the road. Then he moved slowly forward. James detected the slightest of wheel wobbles.
    ‘You’d better follow me into Vienna,’ he said, ‘and if you get there drive straight to your engineers and leave it with them. If you wish, I’ll take the ladies up with me.’
    ‘It may be safer,’ agreed Ludwig. ‘I’m Lundt-Hausen, the ladies are the Baronesses vonKorvacs. Do you care to exchange cards, Herr –?’
    ‘Fraser,’ said James, ‘James Fraser. I carry no cards, I’m afraid.’ He was not surprised the young ladies were titled. They had the look, the air. He was aware that his old, well-worn clothes must make him seem more of a tramp than a gentleman. That, however, had not made the baronesses turn their noses up at him. Which, considering his initial reactions of anger and disgust, represented a triumph for their well-bred social qualities.
    ‘Unfortunate, the accident,’ said Ludwig, ‘but you’re a helpful chap, Herr Fraser. You – ah – you are visiting Vienna?’
    James smiled and said, ‘You can find me at the Ecole Internationale. I teach there.’
    ‘You’re a teacher?’ Sophie was agreeably surprised. He looked anything but academic. ‘I wish sometimes I might be as useful as that. To teach is to make a real contribution to life.’
    ‘Do you think so?’ James seemed amused. ‘You should tell that to the pupils. I feel they consider teachers, teaching and learning all rather boring.’
    ‘Herr Fraser,’ said Anne, ‘you have really been very