Claudia said, “I will dance naked in front of Buckingham Palace if you didn’t cook tonight’s lunch and dinner between five and eight this morning, Brigid. Go on—admit it.” “Oh! Be a good sort and convince her that you didn’t, Brigid.” Kimpton winked at the cook, who responded with a huff of disapproval. “Meanwhile, I must work on getting myself hired as His Majesty’s head gardener.”

