Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

Edmond grimaced. “He was unable to avoid the Prince’s demand that he make an appearance at the Winter Palace, at least not without revealing the truth. Something he is loath to do, even to the Prince.”

“Do you suspect that the conspiracy is so well-connected?” Boris demanded.

“There have been rumors that would make such a claim, but no, I do not believe that the Romanovs are involved.” There was a pause. “At least, I hope they are not. I do not believe that Alexander Pavlovich could recover from such treachery.”

“So I am to spend the night standing on a cold street, keeping watch on a gentleman who dare not leave his house?”

Edmond clapped his companion on the shoulder. “You know it could be worse, my friend.”

“Worse?”

“You could be dining at the Winter Palace.”

Boris turned to stomp toward the nearest stall, his foul curses filling the air.

TO MOST VISITORS, THE VAST Winter palace was an overwhelming maze of marble and gilt and polished wooden floors. Even within the public rooms, it was an easy matter to become lost among the endless galleries, chambers and staircases. Thankfully, Alexander Pavlovich possessed a large battalion of uniformed servants who stood at every doorway, prepared to assist the flood of guests that arrived each evening.

Edmond, however, had long ago memorized the complex floor plans, including the Czar’s private antechambers and the servants’ narrow hallways.

Attired in a gray and mauve uniform that marked him as one of Richard Monroe’s personal footmen, Edmond managed to slip into the palace and to his lordships’ rooms without drawing attention. Not a difficult feat, considering Monroe had deliberately chosen chambers that possessed a private terrace with stairs that led directly to the back gardens.

Entering the sitting room decorated with Russian birch furnishings and plaster walls painted in a delicate ivory, Edmond crossed the inlaid wood floor to where Monroe leaned against his cluttered desk, looking every inch the aristocrat in his formal attire.

Although he had no official capacity, Monroe was the voice of England in those issues too delicate for an official ambassador to become involved. His shrewd intelligence, his calm ability to reason under pressure and his skills in negotiation made him an invaluable asset for King George.

There were few gentlemen that Edmond held in greater esteem.

Halting in the middle of the room, Edmond ran a hand down the jacket of his uniform, his smile wry.

“I must thank you for having my new attire delivered to me, although I believe the buttons are a trifle understated.” He touched one of the plain gold buttons. “Surely you should have your insignia stamped upon them?”

Surprisingly, the older gentleman’s expression remained grim as he studied Edmond.

“The uniform will fool others from a distance, but your face is too familiar not be recognized. You must remain out of sight.”

Edmond’s gaze narrowed at the unexpected words of warning. No matter how well-intentioned, he did not appreciate being told how to conduct his business.

“Is there a reason you are lecturing me as if I am a schoolboy fresh from the nursery, Monroe?” he said, the warning in his voice clear.

Monroe straightened from the desk, his gaze steady. “Because gentlemen who are distracted are inclined to make dangerous mistakes.”

“Distracted?”

“I was fortunate enough to encounter Miss Quinn this afternoon.” Monroe made no attempt at subtlety. “She is exquisite.”

Edmond took a step closer. Logically, he might understand Monroe’s concern, but the thought of any man, no matter how close a friend, attempting to interfere in his relationship with Brianna managed to stir his anger.

“Yes, she is. Do you have a point?”

“In all the years I have known you, this is the first occasion you have revealed your secrets to a female. You would never have done so if she were not important to you.”

“My relationship with Brianna is no one’s concern.”

“That is not entirely true.” Monroe absently adjusted the cuff of his black jacket. “By bringing her to Vanya’s you put us all at risk.”

With a muttered oath, Edmond stepped forward.

“Are you implying that she is a traitor?”