“My mother was Russian,” he explained. “She met my father, who was serving as a diplomatic attaché in Berlin, at the spa in Baden-Baden.” A flash of sunlight gilded his lashes. “And apparently it was love at first sight.”
“It sounds like a fairie tale romance,” murmured Sophia.
He smiled. “Some fairie tales do come true.”
Arianna was more interested in down-to-earth matters. “We were recently in Paris,” she said. “To see the sights now that the city is finally open to visitors. The large Russian military presence must have kept you quite busy.” She paused. “My husband mentioned that the unfortunate death of Prince Orlov caused some reshuffling of the Russian General Staff.”
“Yes,” intoned Sophia. “We had met him at several diplomatic receptions here.”
Prescott hesitated, though she couldn’t read his expression. “So you were acquainted with the prince?”
“Not well,” answered Arianna.
“I’m glad to hear it,” replied the major. “He was . . . not a terribly nice fellow.”
Arianna wondered just how much Prescott knew about Orlov’s involvement in an international conspiracy.
“But please, I did not mean to cast a cloud over this delightful day,” he quickly added. “I’ve just recently returned to England and am awaiting a new posting. You must tell me what current plays and art exhibits are worth seeing while I’m here in Town.”
They spent several pleasant minutes discussing all the many attractions of London, and then Sophia asked, “Have you any preference for your next posting, sir?”
Prescott shrugged. “I enjoy new experiences, so I’m happy to do my duty wherever they think I may be most useful.”
“Perhaps back to Paris?” suggested Arianna.
“Or Vienna?” said Sophia. “The Peace Congress still has much work to do in deciding how to settle a number of important political questions.”
“You sound very well informed about politics,” he murmured.
Was he showing polite interest in a lady’s opinions? wondered Arianna. Or was it a subtle deflection of any further probing into his own affairs?
“It is my opinion that any thoughtful person should pay attention to the world around them,” replied Sophia.
“Indeed.” Prescott fixed her friend with a pensive look, which then gave way to an apologetic grimace as he pulled a pocket watch from his tunic pocket. “Much as I regret it, I must take my leave, ladies. I have a meeting at Horse Guards, and I dare not displease my superiors by arriving late.”
“I wish you good fortune in your next assignment, wherever it may take you,” said Arianna.
Prescott inclined a polite nod as he turned his stallion toward the exit at Hyde Park Corner. But after a few prancing steps, he reined to an abrupt halt. “I hope I am not being too forward, but my aunt and uncle are holding a Venetian Breakfast tomorrow, and there will be a number of diplomats attending, so it promises to be an interesting and engaging party. If you are free, I should very much like it if you both would come.”
“How lovely,” said Arianna. The so-called Venetian Breakfast had become quite popular among the beau monde. Despite its name, it was an afternoon party that could run well into the evening, with relaxed rules that added to its popularity. There were usually gambling tables open to both gentlemen and ladies—which resulted in a great deal of flirting as well as money changing hands.
“We would be delighted to come,” added Sophia.
“Excellent!” He gave them the address and added a jaunty salute before cantering off.
Arianna watched him disappear in a flutter of colors as he rounded thebend, of two minds on what to think of the encounter. On the surface, he seemed naught but a charming officer whose polished social graces made him well suited to keeping England’s allies happy. Was there a deeper cleverness that he was careful to keep hidden?
She wasn’t sure.
“He seems very pleasant,” observed Sophia. “Almost too pleasant.”
Arianna smiled, as exactly the same thought had occurred to her. “Perhaps we’ve both become too jaded from all our intrigues.” She let out a sigh. “Speaking of intrigue, Grentham stopped by our townhouse earlier this morning.”
Sophia quickly looked away. “Oh?”
“He appeared to know very little about the baroness, and why she had come to London.”
Her friend said nothing.
