“As to that,” she interrupted, “I think it would be a pity for Tsar Alexander to lose such a loyal friend over a single mistake, however terrible, that was motivated by good intentions. He is going to need steadfast support and wise counsel in the coming years.”
Arianna paused for a moment. “So I have a suggestion for how to resolve the situation.”
Hope flared in his eyes. “Yes?”
“Give me the diamond bracelet. I’ll return it to the Tsar, along with the Rurik Medallion, without mentioning your role in the conspiracy. And you will never tell him that Mrs. Schuyler took it,” she explained. “In return, Mrs. Schuyler will leave Russia and remain silent to the grave about your temporary lapse in judgment.”
“The American is willing to go along with this?” asked Golitsyn.
“As I’ve done with you, sir, I explained to her the variety of choices she faced, and she has agreed with me that parting ways with the Tsar and maintaining a silence about what occurred here is the best alternative.”
“Bless you, Milady,” he repeated, and laid a hand over his heart. “I swear on the holy bones of St. Alexander Nevsky that I will never breathe a word to anyone of what we have just discussed.”
“Excellent! Then it seems to me that the situation has been resolved to everyone’s best interests.” Arianna touched his sleeve. “Come, let us fetch the bracelet, and then take me to the Tsar.”
In answerto Golitsyn’s discreet knock and announcement that Lady Saybrook was requesting an audience, Tsar Alexander responded with a martyred sigh.
“Show her in, Yuri,” he added. “But please warn her that my nerves are frightfully weakened by the horrible events of last night.”
Arianna entered to find him once again lying on the fainting couch, a hand draped over his eyes, his head propped up on several plump eiderdown pillows.
“Your distress is completely understandable, Your Majesty,” she soothed. “But I hope that my news may serve as a tonic for your spirits.”
Tsar Alexander peeked up at her through his fingers. “Have you brought my Katya back to me?”
“Actually, I’ve brought something even better.” She drew one of the gilded side chairs closer to the couch and took a seat. The soft whisper of chamois sounded as she pulled the small leather pouch from her reticule.
He sat up a little straighter as she unknotted the strings and shook out its contents.
The Rurik Medallion slid out onto her upturned palm, the lamplight bringing it ablaze in a glitter of gold and red.
His eyes widened in wonder. “You found it!”
“I did, Your Majesty,” she murmured.
“B-But how?”
“I won’t bore you with the long story.” Arianna took his hand and carefully wrapped his fingers around the medallion. “Suffice it to say it’s now back where it belongs.”
Tsar Alexander opened his fist and stared reverentially at the tiny portrait of Rurik. “I’ve been remiss in my responsibilities to my country and my people, haven’t I?” he said in a small voice.
“The crown is a heavy weight to bear, Your Majesty,” responded Arianna. “The demands must be daunting, and the path full of pitfalls. But you have a good heart and a good head . . .”
When you choose to use them, she added to herself.
“If you feel that your steps have slipped or strayed,” continued Arianna, “you are strong enough to steady yourself and regain your footing.”
“Perhaps . . .” He contemplated the medallion for a moment longer before tucking it into the pocket of his gold-braided military tunic.
“Perhaps you are right, Lady Saybrook.”
The easy part of the meeting was over. Now came the more difficult part, which would require all the cleverly convincing sleights of tongue that Wolff had taught her oh-so-long ago. For the good of Russia and the stability of the Imperial throne, it was best for Mrs. Schuyler to leave the country. But given the Tsar’s fragile mental state, he must be convinced that the parting was a sign from the cosmos that the time had come to move on.
It had taken some imaginative thinking for her and the American to come up with a plan . . .
“I’m quite sure that I am,” agreed Arianna. “And so is Katya.” She then chose her next words very carefully. “As she has counseled you all along, the Cosmos is in constant flux, always moving to a Higher Purpose. You have been tested, and have triumphed over adversity. Now the future beckons, and you must flow with the cosmic current and not fight Destiny.”
The Tsar sat up straighter. “W-What are you saying, Lady Saybrook?”
