“I always believe in keeping all my options open. So, yes, I’ve been negotiating a deal with Taviot to relocate to Russia at the same time as I was taking a clandestine look into his business activities. As I said, I’m convinced that his consortium’s current work is useless, but Maitland is a brilliant engineer and would be a great asset to Russia’s naval research program.”
He paused for a moment. “Knowing that Taviot will soon be facing scrutiny over his finances when it becomes clear his consortium is a failure, I assume that he’s planning to take me up on the offer—without delay.”
“Please don’t lie to us,” said Charlotte. “The dowager’s life is at stake. Taviot is a scoundrel, but his partner in crime is an utterly ruthless murderer who won’t bat an eye at killing an innocent lady.”
“I’m aware of that, Lady Wrexford,” answered Kurlansky.
The earl stepped away from Charlotte’s chair. “Excuse me for a moment,” he said abruptly and hurried into the adjoining library. He reappeared shortly carrying a handful of maps and spread them out on one of the work counters.
“Will you show us exactly where your ship is? By looking at the roads and the quickest routes to reach it, we may be able to identify the most likely hiding places.” He looked to Charlotte. “It may be grasping at straws, but it will give us some idea of where to start.”
Kurlansky was already studying the map of the River Thames and its estuaries opening into the North Sea. “Here,” he said, tapping a finger to a spot by one of the coves. “My ship is here.”
“Thank you,” said Charlotte, suddenly feeling too fatigued to risk rising from her chair.
“Pozhaluysta,” replied the Russian. He took a moment to tug at his cuff, his gaze still on the map. “If I were you . . .”Tap, tap. “I would start my hunt in these two spots.” He indicated the island jutting down into the bend of river opposite the King’s Dockyard and the nearby Bugsby’s Marsh. “They are both convenient to his barracks and his escape route to my ship.”
“That makes some sense,” allowed Wrexford.
The two of them continued to study the map in silence.
“Might I ask a question, milord?” asked the Russian after several long moments had slipped by.
A brusque nod signaled for Kurlansky to continue.
“I can’t help but wonder what drew you into this investigation,” said the Russian. “It appears that Taviot and his consortium have no connection to you or your interests. And yet I get the feeling that there is some very personal motive driving your quest to expose their misdeeds.”
Wrexford didn’t look up from the map. “You are right. Itispersonal. And just so we understand each other, Kurlansky, I have no objection to you taking Maitland with you when you leave England. Investing is a risky business, and those looking to make a fortune ought to do their due diligence to make sure the project is legitimate before handing over their money.”
He placed his palms on the counter. “However, I won’t allow Taviot or Jarvis to leave the country—and that’s not open to negotiation.”
“I don’t suppose you’ll tell me why?” countered the Russian.
Charlotte waited, and when the earl didn’t reply, she had to make a difficult decision. She was under no illusion that Kurlansky was now their friend. But he had put himself at some risk to save her neck—and that of Sheffield—so at the very least he deserved an answer.
“In addition to his current crimes, we have reason to believe that Taviot betrayed British military secrets to the French during the Peninsular War,” she said.
Wrexford made no sign for her to halt her revelation.
“His acts of treason,” she continued, “resulted in the deaths of a great many brave soldiers—”
“Including my younger brother,” finished the earl, his voice barely more than a whisper.
The Russian lowered his lashes, but not before Charlotte saw a very un-Kurlansky-like flicker of emotion. “I see.”
Rather to her surprise, Charlotte found she believed that the announcement had affected him. And his next words seemed to confirm it.
“You have my word that nobody but Maitland, assuming he chooses to leave these shores, will find refuge on the Russian ship.”
“It seems I owe you another debt of thanks,” replied Charlotte.
That drew a sardonic smile. “Have no fear, milady, I am sure that I shall find an opportunity for you to repay me.”
Wrexford scowled but refrained from comment.
Voices suddenly came alive in the corridor—it was Raven returning with Sheffield and Cordelia.
“I shall leave you to discuss strategies with your friends,” said Kurlansky, withdrawing to the doorway and stepping aside to allow the new arrivals to rush in. “I wish you good luck, Lady Wrexford.”
