The Royal Assassin (5 page)

Once we were settled with our tea, I told them all I'd learned or suspected.

After a moment of thought, Blackford said, “I think we may want to catch the young lady if Kira meets her again in the park.”

“No. Don't catch her. Follow her. Learn who she is. Emma, in the morning will you ask Jacob to follow this girl from the park? We don't want him to speak to her, only to learn who she is and where she lives.” I scrunched up my face and shook my head. Something about this didn't feel right.

“You think this girl is a side issue?” Emma asked.

“I can't see the princess having a hand in the guard's death or in any plot against herself or the royal family. Can you?” I asked Blackford.

His dark eyes kept me pinned to my seat while his expression gave no clue to his thoughts. “No. But I still believe the girl is at the center of whatever Princess Kira is up to. Everything else about the princess's life is regulated and expected.”

“Did Jacob learn anything at the Russian embassy?”

“Nothing we didn't know before. A clerk told him everyone was shocked that Lidijik was murdered. They said he was very ordinary. Competent, but not one for gambling or taking risks. He didn't raise strong feelings in anyone he met.”

I kept my eyes on Blackford's face. “Then we should proceed under the assumption that Lidijik was killed because he was Princess Kira's guard, not for anything he'd done.”

Blackford nodded. “That seems like the best way to proceed. Given the desires of two governments to wrap this up quickly, we'd better work on the most likely scenario first.”

Then he added, “Emma, since you're working on the burglary case, there's something you need to know. The burglars of the Marquis of Shepherdston's house have struck again. Lord Walker's residence was attacked today and the safe in his bedroom was blown up.”

“Two investigations and both sets of villains are getting away with anything they want. Your Grace, this isn't working well, dealing with two cases at once,” I told him.

The duke said, “Georgia, you concentrate on the princess. Other members of the Archivist Society will take care of the burglars. Whoever these villains are, they learned from their past mistakes. They did a better job of blowing the door to the safe. This time they left the rest of the house intact.”

“Was there any report of who was involved?”

“It sounds like the same two masked men, one very tall, the other average height and wiry. They were both reported to be carrying pistols and wearing half masks as if going to a ball. They worked faster this time and they got away without anyone having time to raise the alarm.”

“Was it another daylight robbery?”

“Yes. At a time when the streets were particularly busy due to an accident on the nearby main road. Traffic was using any route it could find to maneuver through the side streets.”

“The accident was either due to good luck for the thieves or great cleverness on their part.” I raised my eyebrows at Blackford.

“My thoughts exactly. Also, they timed the raid for when everyone was supposed to be on the lower floors of the house, giving the thieves access to the bedroom without being seen.”

“Supposed to be?” Emma asked.

“Two of the maids had snuck up to their room. They came down when they heard and felt the explosion in time to see the burglars escape.”

“And these two were smart enough not to stand between the thieves and the door?”

“Yes. That footman of Shepherdston's was foolish as well as brave.” Blackford shook his head. “Poor man.”

“But to know how to move through the household almost undetected tells me these thieves have a good knowledge of Lord Walker's routine as well as the layout of the house.” I set down my teacup. “What did they take?”

“They were seen carrying two Queen Anne chairs and two silver lanterns. Lord Walker discovered that all the cash and jewels in his safe had vanished as well.”

“Seen carrying chairs?” I burst out laughing at their audacity. “They just walked down the street with the furniture?”

“No. The two maids watched from an upstairs window and saw the cart they left in. They were able to give a vague description of their confederates. It appears there were five burglars in all, including the driver of the cart.”

“This is wonderful news, Your Grace. Does Sir Broderick know of this latest burglary?” Emma leaned forward, her eyes shiny with excitement.

“Yes. He's having the Archivist Society investigate this as well as the Shepherdston robbery in the hopes that something will lead them to the burglars.”

Blast.
They'd be doing something useful while I would be teaching English to a pampered princess who I suspected of using me. Why couldn't I be helpful?

•   •   •

WHEN I ARRIVED
the next morning, I discovered Lady Daisy's governess, Amelia Whitten, hadn't left her hat and gloves on the table. Until now she had always arrived before me. Had there been an upset in the household?

I had no more than entered the morning room and removed the cover from the typewriter when the duchess entered. I gave her a low curtsy. “Your Grace.”

“Miss Whitten, Lady Daisy's tutor, won't be in today. Illness. I'll have to see to more of Daisy's care, so you'll be on your own with Princess Kira and Lady Raminoff in the park today.” She seemed distracted, pacing the little room and rearranging small objects on tables and the mantel.

I didn't know what Princess Kira had in mind, but I decided to try to upset her plans. “Why don't you and Lady Daisy come with us? I'm sure your daughter could liven up our English lessons.”

“I know she'd like that. She's fascinated with the princess, from her title to her frocks. And I think I'm due a little diversion, after trying to keep the household on an even keel. A princess and her staff as houseguests, plus luncheon guests and afternoon
visitors for the princess, plus the worry about her safety.” The duchess gave me a small smile.

I smiled back. “Good. It'll take two carriages, but it will be great fun. And Lady Raminoff won't have anything to complain about.”

“Thank goodness.” She shook her head without wiggling the stylish curls carefully framing her face. “She nearly screamed the house down when she realized the princess had slipped out yesterday afternoon. And when she realized you were with her, she demanded I fire you.”

“I'm sorry. If I'd known what she planned, I would have warned you somehow.” The duchess was being a good sport about the disruptions to her home. I wouldn't like to put my house at the mercy of Whitehall's paranoia or the whims of anarchists. I didn't want to make things more difficult for her.

“Well, today we'll make sure things go better.” The duchess managed a weary smile and left the room.

After I had my solitary luncheon, I waited nearly an hour before a maid entered and told me I was expected immediately in the front hall.

I hurried to put on my hat and gloves and nearly ran until I would be in sight of anyone in the entrance foyer. Then I slowed to a respectable gait and stepped into the front hall.

The duchess was there with a nursery maid keeping close guard on Lady Daisy, Lady Raminoff watching Princess Kira with distrust on her face, and the two dukes, Sussex and Blackford, eyeing the whole party uneasily.

I gave the group a deep curtsy and said, “I hope I haven't kept Your Graces waiting.”

“Not at all,” Sussex said. “The coaches are pulling up now.”

We all walked outside and divided into two groups. Sussex and Blackford took the princess and Lady Raminoff in Sussex's coach. The rest of us climbed into Hereford's coach with the help of a footman, and we started off.

Hyde Park was only a stone's throw away. But by the time the carriages reached the fashionable road entering the gardens, I could have arrived at the park faster on foot. London traffic was its usual tangle of wagons, carriages, omnibuses, and hansom cabs, blocking and then spitting out vehicles at every crossroad.

Lady Daisy spent the ride bouncing from one seat to the other, commenting on every sight. The duchess smiled at her daughter's antics without trying to restrain her. The nursery maid would have her hands full once the child was let loose in the open space.

The two carriages pulled up together inside the park near the bandstand and we all climbed down into the sunlight of a perfect fall day. Lady Daisy skipped around us, chattering constantly. I walked over to the princess, curtsied deeply, and said, “Shall we begin our lesson?”

“Oui.”
She pointed at the carriages and asked what they were called in English. I answered and then she asked about horses, saddles, bridles, and reins.

A man pedaled past on a bicycle to the joyous shrieks of Lady Daisy. “What is that?” the princess asked.

I told her as Lady Daisy ran after him, her maid chasing after her as the tail of their parade.

Turning away from the fashionable traffic, the princess walked along a narrow path, asking the names of trees and flowers. The farther we walked, the princess leading us at a quick pace, the more Lady Raminoff struggled to keep up. Her breathing became labored.

We reached a bench and the older woman dropped onto it
gratefully. “Continue your lesson. I'll meet you back at the carriage,” she said in French as her chest heaved.

“As you wish,” the princess responded in a haughty tone and continued without a backward look.

I glanced over to ask if I could do anything for Lady Raminoff and caught a fleeting expression on her face. She was staring at the princess's back, and the look she gave her was pure malice.

B
OTH
dukes stopped and murmured something to Lady Raminoff, standing over her in such a way that they didn't see her expression. “Go on,” she said through gasps, “I've just overexerted myself. I am fine.”

“Arthur,” the princess called out in French, “look at this.”

The Duke of Sussex bowed to the older woman and then sprinted to Princess Kira's side. “What is it, my love?”

“The green of the grass in sunshine and in shadow. Look at the shades. Look at the texture. Beautiful.” She continued walking along the path, her view of Lady Raminoff cut off by some large bushes.

I glanced back at the older woman and saw her frown at me as she made a waving gesture, telling me to catch up to the princess. Since she wouldn't be chaperoning the princess on this walk, I suspected she wanted me to do her job.

When I caught up to Princess Kira, I asked in French, “You're not happy with Lady Raminoff, are you?”

“What is the English word for busybody?” she asked.

I told her.

“And the word for interfering . . . and tattletale . . . and grim,” she continued as I translated each word in turn.

“I take your point, but isn't she acting on your parents' instructions?” I asked.

“She's acting on the orders of the tsar's mother. Lady Raminoff sees anarchists under every bed and behind every tree. That is prudent in Russia, but not in England.” She gave the duke her arm and continued on her stroll deeper among the trees.

I followed behind, translating articles of clothing, the sky, clouds, shade, and sunshine. The Duke of Blackford caught up to us and walked alongside me in silence.

“Isn't she the most clever lady?” Sussex finally asked.

“I'm sure,” Blackford replied without a trace of irony in his voice. As the other two were ahead of us, they didn't see Blackford scowl thoughtfully.

The trail swung around and led us to a more public part of the park with a five-arched bridge over the Serpentine. On the far bank stood a small restaurant. After asking the English words for bridge and lake, the princess said, “I'd like an ice.”

“Of course,” Sussex said and started toward the refreshment area with the princess.

“No. You go on and take your friend with you. I wish to continue my lesson with Miss Peabody here,” the princess told him.

“Come on, then, Blackford. You can help carry the ices,” Sussex said and strode off down the path.

Blackford gave us a deep bow and ambled off on his longer legs to overtake Sussex.

I eyed the princess. “Well?”

“I am meeting the cook from our household in Russia. Don't tell anyone. Especially not Lady Raminoff.”

“Won't the men notice when they come back?”

“That is where you need to help me.”

That sounded backward to me. “Don't you mean you need me to help you?”

She made a breathy sound like a “pahf,” then said, “If you say so.” She turned on her heel and marched behind the closest tree. I followed her and found the same woman we'd seen the previous day in the art gallery.

Except that yesterday, she'd been a maid.

They hugged quickly and spoke in low-voiced Russian. The other woman's dress was dark green, making her hard to see among the trees and bushes.

I glanced around, pretending to be on guard when in truth I was looking for Jacob, Sir Broderick's assistant. I hoped he would follow the Russian to wherever she lived and find out her name. Twice Princess Kira had gotten rid of all her minders except me to speak to this young woman.

Jacob walked toward us carrying a newspaper-wrapped packet of fish and chips and sat down on a bench where he could see me, but not the princess or the girl. We exchanged nods as he began to eat in neat, efficient bites.

I waited until the dukes were fairly close before I whispered in French, “They're coming.” Jacob had already seen Blackford and had appeared to leisurely wrap up the rest of his dinner before he melted into the trees beyond the princess and the other woman. More murmured words and a handclasp between the two women. Then the unknown blonde hurried away, past where Jacob, half-hidden by a bush, tied his shoe.

Princess Kira stepped next to me and said, “What is that smell?” as she delicately sniffed.

“Fried fish. Didn't you see the old man on the bench eating
his lunch?” Jacob had by now disappeared as he followed his quarry.

She shook her head. “Fish,” she said in French as the men arrived.

I answered and she said, “Ices.”

We continued with the lesson as we retraced our steps, Sussex next to the princess and Blackford and I following behind. Just before we were in sight of the bench where we'd left Lady Raminoff, the princess managed to switch partners without seeming to do so. I walked next to her again as we came into view around the thick bushes, now working on phrases like “How are you?” and “Thank you for a lovely time.”

Lady Raminoff, staring in our direction, hopped up from the bench when she saw us. With frantic gestures, she spoke in rapid Russian.

What now?
I wished once again that I understood Russian.

Princess Kira replied in French, “And we shall return there soon.” She glanced at me. “The duchess and her household have already returned to Hereford House.”

“Then I suppose I am walking back,” I said in wistful French, relieved that nothing worse had happened.

“Nonsense. We won't leave a young woman to see to her own safety. There is room in the coach,” Blackford said in English.

Lady Raminoff continued to lecture the princess in Russian as we returned to the dirt and gravel lane for the carriage. There was nothing wrong with her breathing now.

I interrupted her in French with, “Are you feeling better, milady?”

She brushed an invisible speck off her dress. “Yes. Thank you. London air doesn't seem to agree with me.”

“You had the same problem in St. Petersburg, but you hid it from my father,” Princess Kira countered.

“Nonsense,” Lady Raminoff said, but she bit her lower lip.

“You missed a lovely bit of woodlands,” I said. The sounds of carriage wheels crunching stones and horses whinnying cut off any replies.

I was squeezed into the carriage on the return ride between Lady Raminoff and the hard wooden and metal side by the door. From my position, I could see that Sussex never took his eyes off his intended, while Princess Kira alternated between smiling at him and looking out the window on the far side. I'd have given anything to see her expression as she gazed out.

I stared at Blackford, hoping he'd get my mental message. I wanted him to tell me tonight if Jacob had been successful in following the girl.

Finally, after we traveled through knots of traffic amid surly drivers and tired horses, we arrived back at Hereford House. The footman handed me down last, as befitted my lowly position in this group. As I reached the ground, I heard Sussex say in French, “I could visit for a while if you'd like. If it would help.”

Princess Kira gave him a wan smile and said, “No. Thank you, but I'm feeling a bit tired. I'll see you tomorrow?” Her last words sounded eager, not fatigued.

Either she really liked his company, or she had planned something with the girl for tomorrow.

“Yes. Yes, my love,” Sussex replied.

I began to follow them into the house. Blackford was standing to the side of the doorway and as I passed, he muttered, “Tonight.”

Good. He had read my mind.

The butler let me pass, and as the two dukes turned away, he shut the door. I could hear voices in the front parlor from where I stood in the hall. Three female, one male. The Duke of Hereford
must have returned from his estate to see how his household was faring with the Russian “invasion.”

I followed the sound to the parlor and found that the door, surprisingly, stood open. I peeked in and saw not the duke but a bearded Russian soldier in full uniform holding his cap in his hand. At his feet was a large rolled bundle wrapped in canvas.

His hair and beard seemed greasy and his uniform looked worn, as if the wool fabric had previously been used for something else. His boots were scuffed, more the sort workmen wore than the polished boots favored by British officers. I took a step back, uneasy in his presence.

Russia must be a very poor country to send its soldiers abroad looking like this.

The soldier, the princess, and Lady Raminoff were all speaking in Russian. The women were talking over each other and waving their hands. The soldier wasn't getting a chance to say much, or perhaps it was his military training that kept him from answering sharply.

“Come in, Miss Peabody,” the duchess said from where she stood apart from the others. Her drawn face made her look ready to collapse.

I took a few steps in. “What is going on?”

“Apparently, we now have a Russian guard added to our household.” She eyed the tall, heavy-boned man distastefully. “I suppose he can stay in the coach house with the grooms.”

The man turned a fierce face on the duchess. “No,” he said in heavily accented English, “I have orders to sleep under the same roof. I can sleep in the kitchen with the servants there. Is all right?”

“You speak English,” I said, barely keeping my jaw from dropping.

“Is required of all guards for princess.”

Belatedly, I remembered Lidijik spoke English, too.

“Sleep in the kitchen?” the duchess said, frowning. “The servants don't sleep there. I don't believe my husband would approve.”

“Ask him. Is important I sleep in same building, where I can hear any attacks and protect the princess.”

The princess interrupted in French. “What is he saying?”

I translated.

“Does he think he's going on my afternoon outings? During my English lessons? No. He will stay with the carriage.”

“What?” the guard asked, staring with cold, black eyes at the princess. He looked angry, but I guessed it was because his orders were being countermanded by women.

I translated.

“No. On all outings I stay at her side. I am to protect princess, not carriage.”

I told her what he said. I hadn't bargained on translating an argument. My French wasn't that strong. I could feel a headache starting behind my eyes. No wonder the duchess appeared close to crumpling.

“Tell him to go back to Russia. I don't need him here.”

With a groan, I repeated her words.

“The tsar and her family sent me. Only they can recall me.”

My headache grew as I translated, surprised at his good command of English.

“Then we need to send telegrams immediately,” the princess said.

I continued in French, not wanting to translate another argument for the soldier. “Why not send a message to the embassy? Talk to them, see if they can have his orders changed.” We both turned to the duchess.

“Fine. I will send a message to the embassy immediately. Then perhaps we can straighten this out and get back to normal. Or what passes for normal,” I heard her add in English.

She beckoned to me as her supposed secretary and we both left the room.

We entered the morning room and she shut the door with some force. “I don't like him. I don't want him in my house.”

“Let's send that note to the embassy. And I'll see Blackford tonight. Perhaps he can do something through Whitehall to get him out of here.”

She rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if she were cold. “Quickly, I hope.”

“What's wrong?”

“The way he looked at me with his cold eyes. As if he'd like to kill me in my bed. I know I'm being fanciful, but he scares me.”

I'd learned intuition was a powerful indicator. And I agreed with her. I wouldn't want him sleeping in my house, either. “Tell him to sleep in the coach house. That's where your male servants sleep, isn't it?”

She nodded.

“I'll send Blackford over to enforce your decision as soon as I can.”

Pacing the room, she said, “I hate to involve him in such a silly domestic matter.”

The duchess was definitely uncomfortable with the Russian guard in her house. He didn't seem totally clean, for one thing, and her house was spotless. “It's not silly if the man frightens you. I'll send the duke over this evening.”

“Thank you. If I'd known I was putting Daisy at risk, I would never have agreed to host Princess Kira. I'll ask Blackford how soon we can be rid of her and the rest of these Russians.”

•   •   •

ONCE AGAIN, WE
heard a rap on our door after dinner. I jumped up to answer, earning me smiles from both Emma and Phyllida.

Throwing the door open, I found Blackford and Sumner, Blackford's bodyguard, on our doorstep. “Come in. Did Jacob find out who the mysterious girl is?”

They put their hats and gloves on the table by the door, and the duke set his weighted cane across it. The duke looked pristine as usual in his evening wear, but it was Sumner who caught my eye. He wore a smart suit, obviously new, as were his collar and tie. I'd never seen him look less like the former soldier and current hired muscle he was.