James Redstone
Short notice to be certain, I thought. However, I was not one to be offended by it, particularly from an old friend. It would be good to see him again, and perhaps hear of his latest adventures.
I informed Mrs. Ryan that I would be going out.
“What should I tell Mr. Brodie, if he should return?” she asked.
“You may tell him that I’m meeting a friend for tea at the Grosvenor.”
“There’s the threat of weather.” She frowned as she handed me my umbrella when the driver arrived.
I was quite familiar with the Grosvenor Hotel. My aunt frequently used it for her holiday events. It was convenient for guests traveling in from the countryside and offered accommodation if they chose to stay over.
I inquired at the concierge desk and was directed to the formal restaurant where I was told I would find Sir James.
There were several guests in the restaurant, including several officers of the military, quite resplendent in their uniforms.
The head waiter appeared. Sir James stood as I was escorted to his table.
“I was hoping you might join me.” He then requested both tea and coffee.
When the waiter had gone, he added, “My compliments. You are very much the lady.”
I removed my gloves. “I have been told that the color is bold.”
He smiled. “Perhaps on another.” Then, “It is quite exceptional to see you again, Mikaela. After our briefconversation, I thought that you might have taken offense at the topic in some way. However, I remembered your somewhat passionate affinity for the downtrodden from our travels.”
The waiter returned with both coffee and tea.
“A unique perspective among those of your station, that I understand you are still passionate about. I read with great interest your pursuits in Paris in the matter of the girl who was murdered in the box.”
“With Mr. Brodie’s assistance,” I reminded him. “A most difficult inquiry,” I added.
“An interesting pastime, but something that will be needed.”
That seemed an odd response.
“It is somewhat more than a pastime,” I replied, then suggested, “Tell me about your recent travels in Egypt.”
He smiled. “It is unchanged as it has been for centuries.”
Over coffee and tea we spoke of our mutual experience there, and his further travels there since.
As the hour passed, there was enthusiastic laughter among the officers the next table over. They did present a rather impressive sight, I thought, and I couldn’t help but think of the young officer we had assisted previously and wondered where they might be bound.
Sir James seemed just as thoughtful as he watched them. “It is most sad.”
“Sad?” I replied. That seemed such an odd thing to say.
“Men full of pride and honor,” he made a sweeping gesture in their direction. “All to be wasted, sent off for Queen and Country by others who never know what it is to stand in the midst of battle, and for what? The power of the elite. The Empire? For the greed of others?”
He looked at me then. “Forgive me, my dear. I fear my travels have made me somewhat cynical. You will have more coffee perhaps?”
As he reached to pour the coffee, I saw his hand, those two fingers missing.
“A hunting accident?” I commented.
He looked at me with a bemused expression. “An unfortunate injury,” he explained, then changed the conversation.
