‘There was a remarkable article only a few days ago, I don’t know whether you saw it. Lydia Chukovskaya – she wrote a piece called “The People’s Wrath” in support of Sakharov.’
‘Oh dear, I’m so wrapped up in the nineteenth century that I’m a bit out of touch with the current scene. What will happen – will they go after her now?’
‘Perhaps, although she’s always lived on the edge. Ultimately her father’s status as a major Russian poet may protect her.’
‘Delicious food, I’ll give you that,’ said Edward as they left the restaurant later that evening.
‘It certainly was. And how was the company at your end?’
‘Not that exciting. The Russian woman was quite sparky – although very orthodox in her views. The American couple were a bit predictable, with all the usual moans about living in Moscow. You seemed to be getting on well with Larry?’
‘Yes, it’s curious…’ Marianne paused for a moment before continuing. ‘He says he wants to meet me for a coffee tomorrow.’
‘Are you serious? He’s trying to get off with you even though he knows you’re married. That’s outrageous.’
‘No, I really don’t think so. He wasn’t at all flirtatious. Said he has a meeting with a Professor Belozersky at the university and wanted me to join them. It sounds innocuous. Do you mind?’
‘No, I don’t mind. But don’t forget that this isn’t London or New York. You have to have some care who you are seen to be talking to.’
Marianne put an arm around Edward. ‘My very wise and understanding hubby. I promise I will be alert for anything untoward and if he makes a pass at me I’ll give him one of those slaps they do in the movies…’
‘Be serious, Marianne. I’m not sure I care for this Larry friend of yours.’
4
Marianne did not feel any great need to be wary as she approached the university for her meeting with Larry. She felt stimulated after the previous night’s dinner, and not for the first time she felt a spring in her step approaching the massive edifice which loomed before her. It was not fashionable to admire the new Moscow University building on Sparrow Hills, tarnished as it was in the minds of many by its Stalinist origins and the gulag labour used in its construction, but Marianne could not conceal from herself a sense of awe as she approached the grandiose structure; its central tower, the tallest building in Europe, flanked on either side by its massive gothic wings.
Once she had arrived at the cafeteria and armed herself with a coffee – the usual milky and metallic substance she was training herself to drink – Marianne was introduced to Professor Belozersky. The professor promptly made a few polite enquiries as to Marianne’s well-being, and then excused himself, leaving her alone with Larry.
‘So what was that all about? And why did your professor leave so quickly?’
‘Vasilli? He was just sharing a few thoughts with me. But he would naturally be circumspect with someone he didn’t know.’
‘What sort of thoughts?’
‘Well, he’s Jewish, or at any rate part Jewish, so that may give you some idea.’
‘Is there really much anti-semitism in the Soviet Union?’
‘Well, you know, it’s subtle and difficult to characterise. Jews flourish within the universities, in the film and television industries, in medicine and law. In fact, they say that Jews have three times more university graduates than other nationalities in the Soviet Union.’
‘You talk about nationalities, but Jewishness is not a nationality, is it?’
‘In the Soviet Union most definitely it is. Don’t forget there are a great many nationalities which make up the Soviet Union and a Soviet Citizen’s internal passport will have a box for nationality. If you are Jewish then it will say “nationality: Jewish”.’
‘So it does matter then?’
‘Well, there are definite restrictions on how far Jews can advance in the Party and in the uppermost reaches of the professions. But there is also the question of emigration and Israel. After the Six Day War the Soviet Union became aligned firmly with the Arab states and Israel and Zionism became dirty words.’
‘They do allow emigration now, though?’
‘Up to a point, but once a request to leave has been made then a whole programme of harassment begins. Pensions are cut off, people get fired from their jobs and sometimes attacked by “outraged citizens” for being anti-Soviet. If in the end their application to leave is turned down, then their future can be very bleak.’
‘I see,’ said Marianne. ‘But anyway, why did you ask to meet me here today?’
‘I’ll tell you. I want you to give me a little assistance. It’s my job to keep abreast of current Soviet culture; with ideas and opinions which may be circulating, particularly among what we might call the intelligentsia. That’s why I have a coffee with Vasilli from time to time and that’s why I would like to do the same with you. What’s the gossip in the university about political matters? Do you hear cynicism about the Soviet bureaucracy? Jokes about politicians? Hostility or admiration for the West? I would like you to keep your eyes open for any interesting samizdats – you know, self-published news sheets, essays, literary works and similar stuff which may be circulating informally around the university.’
Marianne sat in silence contemplating what she had heard. Although she had suspected some ulterior motive in Larry’s desire to meet her – and of course she had no reason to suspect he might make advances to her nor indeed, she was sure, any wish for him to do so – she nevertheless felt somehow used and not a little angered by his request. ‘You want me to spy for you?’
‘Well, I was coming on to the details. We’ll have to get you kitted out – the miniature camera, dead letter drops, the cyanide pill…’
She stared at him, her lips pulled back in a rictus.
‘Marianne, don’t dramatise – it’s not spying. I just want us to meet for a drink or an ice-cream every couple of weeks – here at the university or elsewhere if you prefer – and just chat and you can tell me of any interesting conversations you may have had with Russian colleagues at the university. You know, you are young – and, if I may say so, very attractive – and you speak excellent Russian. People will talk to you if you let them.’
Marianne drained the last of her coffee, wrinkling her nose in distaste. ‘I’m not sure. I don’t know whether my husband would like it.’ (God, why am I sheltering behind Edward, she thought – make up your own mind, girl.)
‘You can tell him, of course. We wouldn’t want him to get the wrong idea, would we? He may also have some interesting things to tell you from the medical world.’
‘Edward’s not like that. He wouldn’t want to get involved. He’s very English, you know, not American.’
‘If you say so. Though I thought Cambridge graduates were natural spies.’
‘That’s not so funny.’
‘No, sorry. Listen, just think about it. Same time, same place next week? You can tell me what you’ve decided then. If you don’t want to meet again after that, fine. It’s entirely up to you. We won’t talk about it anymore now. Tell me how your daughter is getting on. How is she finding the kindergarten?’