“Not a clue,” answered Arianna. “But we now know she’s vulnerable, and that’s a very valuable piece of information.”
Her smile hardened. “We just have to put it to good use.”
Chapter13
The notesof the violins and cellos gave way to the brassy trill of trumpets, announcing the arrival of Tsar Alexander to the grand ballroom. The guests began to shift and form a ring around the perimeter of the dance floor in order to allow the Emperor of All Russia to make a processional circle of the room before joining the festivities.
“It’s best we separate,” said Arianna to Fitzroy as they paused in the shadows of the side archway. She spotted Wolff close by. “You go on. I’ll join the count in a moment.”
Fitzroy lost himself in the crowd, and a moment later, the chattering ceased as Tsar Alexander made his entrance, followed by a retinue of attendants dressed in the gaudy uniforms of court officers.
Arianna quickly found a place beside Wolff.
“These theatrics put my humble efforts to the blush,” he said a little wistfully, just loud enough for her to hear.
“Given your gift for showmanship and the Russian love of spectacle and silver-tongued orators, you would have made a fortune in this country,” she replied, and then turned her attention to the Tsar.
Tsar Alexander’s wife, the Empress Elizabeth Alexeieva, had not accompanied him. On his arm was Mrs. Schuyler, the muted colors of her flowing caftan in stark contrast to the dazzling gowns and glittering adornments of the other ladies in the room. Her expression was somber as well. Unsmiling, she surveyed the crowd, her gaze inscrutable.
The crystalline light allowed Arianna a better look at the American’s features. The curling coil of hair beneath the Cossack-style cap was nearly as dark as the crushed velvet, which accentuated the paleness of her skin. Mrs. Schuyler was by no means a beauty—her cheeks were too wide, her nose too long, her mouth too thin. And yet, she radiated a certain magnetism that held a viewer in thrall.
As the Tsar approached and saw her, his steps quickened and a smile blossomed on his lips. “My dear Lady Saybrook!” He turned to his companion. “Katya, I must introduce you to my English friend, the Countess of Saybrook, who—like you—is a lady of extraordinary talents.”
Mrs. Schuyler had grey-blue eyes, and a momentary gleam made them look hard aspolished steel.
“Milady.” The American acknowledged Arianna with a barely perceptible nod.
“I’m quite sure you will find yourselves to be kindred souls,” continued the Tsar. To Arianna, he added, “Katya is sensitive to noise and dislikes crowds. After I finish making my circle of the guests, we’ll return and the two of you can go off and enjoy a quiet tête-à-tête in one of the side salons.”
“I would like that very much,” replied Arianna.
Mrs. Schuyler said nothing. Her gaze was locked on some faraway spot on the other side of the ballroom.
Tsar Alexander gave a solicitous pat to his companion’s arm. “Just a little longer, my Wise One. I know it is selfish of me, but having you by my side when I must navigate through a sea of strangers lifts my spirits.”
“Your well-being is why I am here, Your Majesty,” replied Mrs. Schuyler.
Wolff waited until the royal retinue moved on, then offered Arianna his arm. “Would you care for some refreshments, Milady?”
She could tell he was trying hard not to laugh.
“That would be most welcome, Count von Wolfram.” As they headed for the salon serving champagne and caviar, she added, “Mrs. Schuyler rivals you for theatrical presence.”
“Oh, she far outguns me.” An admiring sigh. “Would that I had ever been clever enough to establish myself as spiritual advisor to a monarch.”
“I shudder to think of the poor country,” quipped Arianna. “Besides, such arrangements rarely end well, Wolffy. When you fall out of favor with an absolute monarch, the consequences can be extreme.”
“A good point,” he agreed.
“All jesting aside, I’ve just discovered a clue that confirms she’s up to no good here.” She explained about the note. “And the clock is ticking.” They turned into the refreshment salon, where the fizzy laughter and conversation echoed the sparkling effervescence of the wine.
The Imperial Court lives a faerie tale life, reflected Arianna.Detached from the bitter realities of the world around them.
“The urgency may work in our favor,” she said, once Wolff had fetched two goblets of champagne and led her to a more secluded nook in one of the adjoining reception rooms. “It may force her to make a mistake.”
He nodded. “My own inquiries haven’t turned up anything as helpful. I’ve concentrated on trying to find out more about Madame Gruzinsky’s activities before she left St. Petersburg, and with whom she might have confided any secrets.”
“And?”
