Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“What is this place?” she demanded.

Edmond tugged his hat low onto his brow and pulled on his gloves. “It is the home of a friend.”

There was an unmistakable hint of fondness in his voice, and Brianna clenched her teeth. “Is she beautiful?”

“She is exquisite.” He chuckled softly as he watched her eyes narrow. “She also happens to be old enough to be my mother.”

The sharp surge of relief was nearly as annoying as the smug glint in his eyes.

“I thought you were intending to keep your arrival in St. Petersburg a secret?” she snapped, her gaze returning to the grand house that bustled with activity. “This hardly looks a clandestine setting.”

“Quite the opposite,” he easily agreed. “Vanya Petrova is well known to entertain with lavish style. It is rare that her home is not overflowing with guests.” He wrapped a scarf about his neck, covering the lower half of his face in the process. “Which means that the addition of two more will hardly be noticed.”

“What of the other guests?”

He shrugged. “The crowd that attends her literary salons is discreetly kept confined in the public rooms, and she has promised to rid herself of all but those who can be trusted to remain as houseguests. They will not breathe a word of our presence.”

Brianna turned back, her lips parted to inform the ridiculous man that spreading gossip was the favorite sport of every houseguest, when she was struck by a sudden realization.

“Oh…this Vanya Petrova is one of your associates, is she not?”

He paused, clearly considering how much of the truth to reveal.

“Actually, it would be more accurate to say that I am one of her associates,” he at last replied. “Vanya has been one of Alexander Pavlovich’s staunchest supporters since he took the throne. She approached me after my arrival in St. Petersburg to assist her in her efforts to keep the jackals at bay.”

Brianna discovered her annoyance melting beneath a tide of fascination. Good heavens. What would it be like to know that the fate of an entire country was dependent upon your efforts? That each day you made a difference in thousands and thousands of lives?

For so many years, she had been obsessed with her own needs and desires, while Edmond had devoted himself to others. Who could ever have suspected?

Of course, the fact that he would be the last gentleman suspected of caring about his fellow countrymen was no doubt precisely why he was so successful.

“Why would she approach an Englishman to help protect the Czar of Russia?”

Warmth glowed in his eyes, his affection for the older woman clearly evident.

“She was a close friend to my mother when they were young.” He gave a wave of his hand. “And perhaps unwisely, Alexander Pavlovich has always preferred to surround himself with foreign advisors. It made it a simple matter for me to earn a place among those most intimate with the Emperor.”

Brianna grimaced. She had always envied those in power. To a young girl who was too often at the mercy of others, it seemed nothing could be better than to be in a position of command with no need to bow to the authority of anyone.

Now she realized that power came with a terrible price.

“Do you know, I feel sorry for the poor man.” She shivered. “How could anyone bear to exist with the knowledge that there were traitors lurking in every shadow just waiting for the opportunity to take his place, or even kill him?”

“It is a burden he wears with a heavy heart. There are times that I fear…”

“Fear what?”

“Nothing.”

Knowing Edmond would reveal no more, Brianna glanced toward the lavish mansion, her courage suddenly elusive.

“What have you done with Boris?” she demanded, wishing for the steady companionship of the silent warrior. Over the past weeks, she had come to rely upon his steadfast presence.

“He is remaining on the trail of Viktor Kazakov. I presume that his destination is St. Petersburg, but I will not be caught off-guard again. I intend to keep a vigilant watch on the traitor.” His lips twisted. “Besides which, I am weary of his incessant complaints of being denied the company of Janet. Your maid has a great deal to answer for.”

“I did warn you to bring her with us.”

“And be denied the pleasure of helping you undress? Do not be a fool.”