As the spiced chocolate dissolved on the Tsar’s tongue, Arianna added, “I have some ideas on pursuing the missing medallion, Your Majesty. However, it’s imperative that I speak with Mrs. Schuyler—that is, our dear friend Katya.” Since it was Tsar Alexander who had suggested that the two women were kindred souls, she sought to use that connection to her advantage.
“I understand that she’s on a spiritual retreat. But knowing how much she has your interests at heart, I’m quite sure she would allow me to interrupt. After all, as you noted, we two ladies feel a special connection.”
After a convulsive swallow, Tsar Alexander sighed. “Alas, it is a secret. For cosmic reasons, she didn’t tell me where she was going.”
Arianna picked up another chocolate and dangled it close to his nose. “But I’m sure Your Majesty has some idea of where she might be.”
He inhaled deeply, and blew out another long-suffering sigh. “Must you mention the missing medallion? It’s too distressing to contemplate with my nerves so on edge.”
She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or curse. The Tsar sounded like a sulky child—which might have been amusing if he wasn’t the absolute ruler of a vast empire, with countless lives depending on his judgment. Much as she wished to seize him by the shoulders and try to shake some sense into him, Arianna chose to continue using the carrot rather than the stick.
Lowering her voice to a seductive whisper, she replied, “Of course it is, Your Majesty. And that is why I am here,” she coaxed. “If I can meet with Katya, I’m confident that we will find a way to solve your problem.”
She touched the chocolate to his lips. “Are you sure that you can’t think of where she might be soothing her spirit?”
Tsar Alexander hesitated and then took a nibble of the confection. “It’s quite possible that she has gone to Peterhof Palace, the imperial country residence built by Peter the Great. There is a Hermitage Pavilion—the first one ever built in Russia—on the grounds, situated by the water’s edge on the western part of the Lower Park,” he mumbled through a mouthful of chocolate.
Arianna knew that it had become popular during the last century for wealthy Europeans to build a “hermitage pavilion” on their grand estates. It was designed as a place for seclusion, where one could escape for an interlude of quiet contemplation or to host a small dinner for intimate friends.
“It sounds like a perfect place for Katya to retreat for spiritual solace,” replied Arianna. But she couldn’t afford to be sent on a wild goose chase. “I take it she has been there before?”
The Tsar shifted uncomfortably, the damp cloth falling away to reveal the guilty look in his blue eyes. “Ummm . . .”
She held up another chocolate. “I remember from our time together in Vienna that this is one of your particular favorites. It’s filled with a rum-flavored vanilla crème.”
His mouth quivered. “Yes, I’ve taken Katya there on several occasions when we had deep philosophical questions to discuss,” he answered. “She seemed very fond of the setting.”
“Does she, perchance, have a key to the Pavilion?”
“It’s possible.” His gaze slid away to the shadows. “In fact, it’s probable.”
“That’s very helpful, Your Majesty.” Arianna patted his arm. “Don’t trouble yourself over this any longer. I am confident that Katya and I will come up with a solution.” She rose, her mind already whirling through the logistics of traveling to the Peterhof Palace, and placed the box of chocolates on his lap. “I shall leave these here.” A smile. “For medicinal purposes.”
He pressed a hand to his brow. “I confess, I’m feeling quite exhausted by the recent ordeal.”
“Perhaps a nap would help,” she murmured.
“An excellent suggestion.” Tsar Alexander settled back against the pillows. “Everything will be well, won’t it?” he added in a small voice.
“I’ve never failed you yet, Your Majesty.”
“Bloody hell,it’s enough to make one sympathize with the French Revolution,” muttered Saybrook.
After meeting up with Sophia in one of the side salons, Arianna had found him in the main reception room and recounted her meeting with Tsar Alexander. “Violence and bloodshed are always to be deplored,” she replied, “though in this case, I do sympathize with the sentiment.”
“The Americans were wise to eschew a hereditary monarchy,” observed Sophia.
“Be that as it may,” said Arianna, “our government considers Tsar Alexander to be the least of the possible evils—”
“Or so we think,” growled the earl.
She conceded the point with a grim nod. “That may be true, but it seems to me that Mrs. Schuyler is up to her neck in the intrigue, and forcing the truth out of her will give us a clearer picture of the chessboard, and where all the different pieces are positioned on the squares.”
“Would that we could see who was maneuvering them,” replied Saybrook.
“That may very well be revealed when we catch Mrs. Schuyler off-guard.” They had moved to a secluded spot by the archway to the picture galleries. Still, Arianna took a careful look around before continuing.
“The quickest way to reach the Peterhof Palace is by boat. And approaching by sea gives us added stealth. The Hermitage Pavilion is set in an isolated spot overlooking the water, far from the palace.”
