Leonida seized on the words as if they were her salvation. “Then why not simply write to them and demand the letters back? The Duchess has been dead for years—they could have no interest in your correspondence.”
Nadia gave an impatient wave of her hand. “Because they are first and foremost Englishmen with loyalty to the Prince Regent…. Oh, I suppose the hideous man has now become King.” She grimaced. “In any event, it is well known that the portly monarch was not at all pleased by Alexander Pavlovich’s last visit to celebrate the end of the war. If the King knew that those letters contained information that could harm the Emperor, I do not doubt he would demand they be given to him.”
Leonida wanted to argue, but she had heard the rumors of King George’s lingering resentment toward Alexander Pavlovich’s distant manner during his brief visit. Hardly surprising. The two rulers could not be more different.
The Emperor detested gaudy displays and false bravado.
She swiftly sought another excuse to avoid the appalling mission to England.
“One can hardly search the Huntley estate without permission. An English duke must possess an entire battalion of servants. I would not get past the door without being caught.”
Nadia smiled. “You could if you were a welcomed guest.”
“Mother…”
“The arrangements for your journey are being made as we speak,” Nadia interrupted, her tone resolute. “You will leave by the end of the week.”
It was Leonida’s turn to pace the floor, the rising panic making it difficult to think clearly.
“Even if I were willing to agree to this absurd scheme, which I assure you I am not, I could not possibly intrude upon the Duke of Huntley. Not only would it be extremely rude, but he is a bachelor.”
“I have already written to Lord Summerville and his new bride to inform them that Alexander Pavlovich has decided you are in need of a proper introduction to English society. They could not possibly turn you away.”
Dear heavens, this just became worse and worse.
“Does Lord Summerville live with his brother?”
“No, but the King has given the couple Lady Summerville’s previous home, which is less than a mile from Meadowland. No doubt you will often be calling on the Duke.”
Leonida shook her head in disbelief. “So you simply foisted a complete stranger on the newlyweds without regard to how awkward it will be for all of us?”
Nadia’s expression hardened. She had made her decision and nothing Leonida might say would sway her.
“Leonida, not only would I be ruined if those letters are indeed in the hands of my enemies, but Alexander would never be able to withstand the scandal,” she said, her voice harsh with warning. “Not again.”
Not again?
What the devil did that mean?
Leonida’s temper stirred. This was hardly the first occasion her mother had devised some outlandish scheme, but this…
“So you wish me to travel to England, intrude on a newlywed couple who have never met me, sneak into a duke’s well-guarded home and retrieve letters that might or might not be hidden there?”
Her mother did not so much as blink. “Yes.”
Leonida snorted. “Then, supposing I am to accomplish this unlikely feat, what am I to do? Burn the evidence?”
Nadia widened her eyes in shock at the mere notion. “No. I want you to return the letters to me.”
“For God’s sake, Mother. Have they not already caused enough trouble? They have to be destroyed.”
With a flurry of gauze and silk, Nadia crossed to stand directly in front of Leonida.
“Do not be a fool, Leonida. I need them.”
Caught off guard by her mother’s sharp insistence, Leonida frowned. “Why?”
Nadia paused, clearly choosing her words with care. “Alexander Pavlovich has always adored me, and over the years he has been quite…generous to us. But we both know that the Emperor’s brothers have never approved of me or Alexander’s continued support of our small household. If something were to happen, God forbid, I fear we might find ourselves cut out of any inheritance that rightfully should be ours.”