“Fetch Mortimer,” he said to the butler.
His secretary appeared promptly.
“What is on the agenda today?” the Duke inquired as his valet helped him into his waistcoat.
“It will be a busy day, Your Grace.” Mortimer opened a leather portfolio and read the agenda. “Breakfast with Castlereagh at eleven, lunch with Humboldt at one, and a meeting with Nesselrode at two. Then there is Metternich, who has called a meeting in the afternoon prior to a soiree in the evening. Lastly, Talleyrand has also requested a private meeting.” He tilted his head sideways with a frown. “I am not certain how we are to fit that into today’s schedule.”
“Reschedule the first three meetings. Send a note to Talleyrand to arrange a meeting tonight before the Metternich soiree. Extend my sincere apologies to Lady Castlereagh for the last-minute cancellation, but an urgent private matter has arisen.”
Mortimer gave him a quick, curious look. “Yes, Your Grace.”
“I shall not be available until the evening. Take care of all business until then.”
“Yes, Your Grace. May I enquire where you are to be found in case an urgent matter arises?”
“Nothing is as urgent as the matter I must attend to immediately.”
“I understand. You are to be found at the Arenheim home, then. May I ask what you have decided in this matter?”
With an impatient movement, the Duke tied his neckcloth slightly less perfectly than usual—a sacrilege,but it couldn’t be helped. He waved the valet away when he began to protest.
“I am ninety percent certain we are dealing with the Duchess. To alleviate the doubt of the remaining ten percent, we shall have to await the special courier from England.”
Mortimer nodded. “I understand, Your Grace. Godspeed, Your Grace.”
“And Mortimer—” The Duke turned before leaving the room. “See that I am not being followed.”
The Arenheim homein the Spitalgasse was situated on the outskirts of Vienna, outside of the city walls, just behind the General Hospital. In the distance a massive, round tower rose into the sky: the Narrenturm—the tower of the lunatics. Right next to it was the morgue. It was the third time that Julius had visited the Arenheims, and it was only now that he took in the landscape beyond the house. Looking in the opposite direction from the hospital, a lovely landscape opened up in front, for the house stood on a hill that led down to a small river—the Alserbach—which meandered through the fields and vineyards beyond. The house was made of simple stone with ivy climbing up its walls, an arched wooden door, and small windows. Colourful flowerpots adorned the windows and the front porch, adding charming dots of purple and orange.
Julius rapped on the door.
The girl named Harmonia opened the door. Shecurtseyed awkwardly and said, “Welcome, Your Grace. We have been expecting you.”
Julius entered the house, briefly wondering if they had any servants at all. They were waiting for him in the same drawing room where he’d first met them. There was an awkward silence when he entered.
His eyes went straight to her. She was standing in the middle of the room, wearing the same blue cotton dress, her fine blonde hair pulled back in a low bun, a composed expression on her face. Only her hands twisted together, gave away that she was nervous. She took a step forwards, then paused, her teeth catching on her lower lip, as if uncertain how to greet him.
In the end she merely nodded with a simple, “Good morning.”
The other children were there too, staring at him.
She nudged Hector. “Say good morning.”
His eyes lingered on the boy and, as on the previous day, he was shaken by the realisation that this could very well be his son.
The boy looked at him sullenly, then gave a curt bow and retreated as if he had the plague.
Theo cleared his throat. “Let us sit.”
They all sat in whatever chairs were available. He sat in an armchair and crossed his legs.
Lena sat down as well, then immediately jumped up again. “Tea!” she exclaimed. “Do we need tea? That is what the English drink, correct? Or coffee? Since we are in Vienna?”
“Later, Mama,” Theo said with a frown.
“Later will be fine,” Julius said. Hisnerves were beginning to strain. “I suggest we get to the core of the matter. What is it you have summoned me for so urgently?”
“Well,” Theo said again, clearing his throat. “First of all, when the whole family is together, we will speak in German, for not everyone understands English well.” He nodded to the younger boys.
