The Camden Tales

73 - Family Jewels

-=₪ February 1934 ₪=-

Soirée / Mayfair / 8.17pm

"Before we go any further, Sir George, you simply must introduce me to this pretty cherub," said a sharp-looking man in a tailored tuxedo.

"This is Lady Mona Mao-Skolls, a talented businesswoman in antiquities," replied the ageing Sir George Philips, who was easily in his eighties.

The Lady extended her silk-gloved hand for the man to kiss, which he did so with a slight bow. She smiled sweetly.

"Charmed," he said, releasing her bejewelled silk fingers. "As for our business, Sir George, I wish it were possible, but the timing is unfavourable. I can't see this as a workable solution."

"George has no interest in what you wish, only in what can be done," Mona pointedly interjected. "It seems he is to be a bitter disappointment, George; I know a man of action who is always happy to line his pockets. Let me approach him; I am certain he is here this evening," she said, glancing at the large, glamorous ballroom.

As Sir George Philips opened his mouth to respond, the gentleman quickly interrupted, "Perhaps I've been a bit hasty. Tomorrow morning, I'll have my people contact yours to discuss details." With a sickening smile he bowed to Sir George Philips, shot Mona a filthy glance, and marched away.

"Thank you," said George to Mona.

"I know how much you need him, but that was at a cost. He has now ensured that I can no longer be a nuisance, so you are on your own," Mona stated officiously to the cherry-nosed old man. "I should like to go and play now, George," she said, eyeing the ballroom again.

Sir George nodded and released Mona from his arm. "Have fun, but please, try not to cause me any trouble."

"I will do my best," she said, kissing the balding, frail man on the head.

Before sauntering towards the bar, she spritzed her perfume from a small, stone-encrusted handbag.

"Well, the main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything... or nothing. My goodness, Mona," said a mature woman of striking presence, standing confidently among four men. "Where have you been? It has been an age since we've seen you."

"Lady Nancy Astor," said Mona, joining the small group. "I have been taking care of business interests in China. How is life in the Commons treating you?"

"Well, Mona, the penalty of success, as you know, is to be bored by people who used to snub you. That Churchill, honestly, I said to him that if I were his wife, I would put poison in his coffee."

"Yes, although I heard he had a rather witty retort, Nancy," said one of the well-dressed men whom Mona didn't recognise.

"I do not recall," Nancy replied haughtily.

"If you were my wife, I would drink it," replied Mona.

The men chuckled, but Nancy lost her sense of humour and glared at Mona darkly. "I saw you arrived with that George Philips again. Why do you spend so much time with that ancient Kike?"

"He has his uses, Nancy, and his perspectives can be curious. On the way here, I learned he doesn't read the Jewish papers because they're full of pogroms, antisemitic hate crimes, and other depressing stories. So, he reads the other papers instead. Says they make him feel better."

"Feel better!?" exclaimed a man with an American accent, holding a glass of whiskey.

"Yes, because, in those papers, Jews are touted as masterminded bankers with millions squirrelled away in secret accounts, ruling the whole world. You really should introduce me to these fine-looking gentlemen, Nancy." Mona then requested.