"It's amazing. London seems downright shabby by comparison. We're still morosely clearing out bombed wreckage, but this city is so ebullient."

He turns to face Neal and half raises his hand. He was going to rest his palm on Neal's chest, but stops himself just in time. This is still much too public.

"Neal, darling, I know people are trying to kidnap you and that's terrible important and we're in great danger, but can we find the time to go to a club while we're here? I'm aching to go to a proper club, with actual people around laughing and dancing and all the rest."