Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

Edmond held up a warning hand. “I have no logical reason for my unease. Just a gut feeling that Viktor Kazakov is wise enough to know this will be his last opportunity to grasp the power he has always craved. If he fails, his life is forfeit.” His hands clenched at his sides. “He cannot hope for a dubious uprising among the serfs that might never occur. He will have to strike hard and fast at the very heart of the government.”

“A military coup,” Sergey breathed.

“Not if we have anything to say about it, Sergey.”

His companion lifted a clenched fist. “I happen to have a great deal to say, my friend.”

BRIANNA SLEPT NEARLY TWO hours after Edmond left, but rising from the bed, she discovered she still felt oddly lethargic with a hint of queasiness. She fully blamed Edmond and his intense bout of lovemaking. It was a wonder she was able to even leave her bed, she told herself as she slipped from beneath the covers and swiftly dressed in a round dress of rose figured silk. It was a struggle to pin her thick curls atop her head without the assistance of Janet, but she was reluctant to disturb Vanya’s servants. From the noisy echo of voices floating from the public rooms, it sounded as if there were enough guests to keep them occupied.

Pulling open the door, Brianna left her chambers, hoping to rid herself of the clinging lassitude. She avoided the wide staircase that led to the more public area of the vast house, and instead wandered down the corridor until she stumbled across what appeared to be a music chamber.

She smiled at the glossy parquet floors, the light lemonwood furnishings and the priceless tapestries framed upon the walls. There was an intimate comfort to the atmosphere, but she was willing to bet it cost a fortune in rubles to achieve.

Bypassing the gilded harp, Brianna moved to the window seat that overlooked the shallow garden. The air was chilled next to the tall windows, but it seemed to ease her unsettled stomach, and wrapping the heavy cashmere shawl she had brought with her around her shoulders, she watched the snow drift down in a soft, hypnotizing pattern.

She lost track of time, her brow pressed against the frosted window, as she allowed her mind to drift. It was the first time she had been completely alone in weeks, and the hushed silence was a relief.

Of course, the peace could not last forever. Eventually there was the sound of approaching footsteps, and before Brianna could think to retreat back to her chambers, a tall stranger entered the room and regarded her with a quizzical smile.

He was a distinguished gentleman with a handsome face and dark hair heavily threaded with silver. His elegant mauve coat and gray breeches marked him as a gentleman of wealth, as did the large diamond that shimmered in the folds of his cravat. But she had no way of knowing if the man was one of Vanya’s trusted guests, or a stray visitor who would question her presence in the house.

“Ah, you must be Miss Quinn,” he murmured, his hand lifting at her wary expression. “Do not fear. I am under strict orders to tell no one of your presence in Russia, and believe me, when Vanya issues an order, a wise gentleman is swift to obey.”

Her unease became surprise as he halted directly in front of the window seat.

“You are English.”

“For my sins.” He performed a deep bow. “Mr. Richard Monroe, at your service.”

She studied him for a long moment. There was unmistakable nobility carved into his handsome features, but the dark eyes held a kindness that instinctively eased her tension.

“What are you doing in St. Petersburg?”

“The truth?”

Brianna blinked in confusion. “If it is not a secret.”

“No, no secret.” His smile twisted with a self-derisive motion. “Vanya visited London near a decade ago, and I was foolish enough to tumble into love with her. Since then, I have been following her like a faithful hound, awaiting her to concede defeat and agree to become my wife.”

“Ten years?”

He chuckled at her expression of disbelief. “Astonishing, is it not?”

“I…yes, quite astonishing.”

“Miss Quinn? Have I said something to trouble you?”

“Ten years is a rather long time. You must be a very patient gentleman.”

He heaved a rueful sigh. “On occasion, I lose hope and travel back to my brother’s estates in Kent, but I always return.” He gave a lift of his hands. “My life is gray and tedious without Vanya to brighten it.”

Brianna tugged her shawl tighter as a shiver wracked her body. It had to be the chill in the air.

It had to be.

“Do you live in this town house?”

“No, I have rooms in the Winter Palace, which of course is the reason Vanya continues to encourage my companionship.”