Page 20 of Be Less Panda

‘Thank you.’ There was nothing to lose.

Hans led the way down to the third floor and invited her in. The apartment had a similar layout to Olivia’s but with higher ceilings and taller windows, making the living room much brighter. It was neatly but sparsely furnished. Nancy’s gaze was drawn to the dining table. It looked as if Hans had been eating a snack.

‘Sorry! I’ve disturbed your meal.’

‘Not at all. I was just finishing.’ He walked over to the fireplace, turned on the two-bar electric fire then pulled one of the armchairs close to it. ‘This will help dry you off,’ he said.

‘I might make your chair soggy.’

‘Soggy?’

‘It means damp, from my wet clothes.’ she explained.

‘Oh, I see. I have a solution to stop you from making it soggy. Just a moment.’ He disappeared into what Nancy guessed must be the bathroom and returned with two fresh towels. He handed one to her. ‘For drying your hair,’ he said. Then neatly refolded the other to make it fit perfectly across the seat and the back of the chair. ‘There. You can sit now without fear of making it soggy.’

Nancy sank into the armchair, feeling grateful for the warmth of the fire as she watched its bars glow steadily more orange. She dried her hands on the towel, then dabbed her face with it.

‘I was going to pop down to see you anyway,’ she said, ‘I’ve got your book.’ She carefully removed the parcel from under her jumper.

‘Thank you for delivering it.’ Hans looked at the card. He appeared as puzzled by the message as Nancy had been.

‘Have you any need for bespoke bindings?’ Nancy asked.

‘No. It’s a very, how do say, niche market.’

‘One that seems to appeal to older men.’

‘What makes you say that?’

It felt a bit gossipy, but she’d have to say something now. ‘It’s just that Madame Dubois’s bespoke clients seem to be men who are over 50.’

‘I expect it’s an expensive service. Are there many of them?’

‘A few a day.’

Hans looked thoughtful. She decided to change the subject. ‘I’m curious. WhyBleak House?’

‘I’m trying to improve my English. Charles Dickens is one of your greatest writers, and it is supposed to be his finest book. Have you read it?’

‘No. I had enough of Dickens at school. Far too wordy for my tastes.’

‘Who would you recommend I read?’ Hans was sitting in the opposite armchair now.

‘I’m enjoying the latest John Le Carré.The Spy Who Came In From The Cold.’

Hans looked thoughtful. ‘I have heard of it. But it is not, how do you say, my cup of tea. Which reminds me, I’m forgetting my manners. Would you like a coffee?’

‘Have you got any tea? I’m not really a coffee drinker. It’s too bitter for my taste.’

‘Well, you haven’t drunk my coffee before. And I’m sorry we haven’t any tea. Can I offer you a glass of water instead?’

‘I think I’ve had enough water today, one way or another.’

Hans laughed. ‘I will make you a coffee to try. I won’t be offended if you don’t like it.’

He headed to the kitchenette.

‘No Dieter today?’ Nancy asked.

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