Love and Triumph: The Coltrane Saga, Book 8 by Patricia Hagan Read Free Book Online

with the daughter of one of the Czar’s closest confidants, Rudolf had been ordered to court her in hopes of learning more about Drakar Mikhailonov’s activities. At first he had been reluctant, but when he met her, realized just how beautiful she was, he no longer considered his assignment a chore! And he had managed to keep hidden his enthusiasm over discovering how wealthy she was. That would certainly not go over so well with socialist-minded comrades, but no matter.
    Rudolf turned at the sound of the door opening, then graciously held out his hand to Colt Coltrane.
    “Did I keep you waiting long?”
    “No, no,” Rudolf assured him. “I was early. I’ve been enjoying just looking around. It’s a beautiful salon.”
    A white-coated butler brought a tray with snifters and a decanter of brandy, then left.
    They sat down, and Colt poured them each a drink. “When we met earlier today,” he began, “there was so much going on we didn’t have time to talk. That’s why I asked you to come early so we’d have some time together before dinner.”
    Rudolf nodded. “I’m glad you did, sir.”
    Colt opened a fruitwood box, offered Rudolf a cigar, which he took. Then he sat back, crossed his legs, and regarded Rudolf thoughtfully for a moment before asking candidly, “Tell me, why did you and your family leave Austria? It would seem a young man like you would be fighting for his country.”
    Rudolf assumed a sad expression. “It would seem so, wouldn’t it? But the truth is, family obligations have taken precedence over patriotism. My stepfather died of a heart attack three years ago, at the same time my paternal grandmother became ill in Zurich. My mother wanted to go care for her, which she did until her death, and we stayed because, frankly…” He set the brandy snifter down and raised his hands, spreading his fingers. “I’m bent on protecting these. Forgive me if I brag, but I’ve been called a piano prodigy by many in a position to know. I protect my hands, and I care for my mother and my sister. If there are those who would condemn me for that, so be it,” he finished with a shrug.
    Politely, Colt said, “Well, it’s not for me to judge,” but inside he was thinking the young man somewhat of a coward, even though he acknowledged that Rudolf had the right to freedom of choice. “And I suppose you wouldn’t be here if you were politically inclined. Our countries are enemies, too, you know. Tell me, are you studying your music now?”
    “Yes, but not as much as I’d like. I’m not privy to the same quality of conservatories we had in Austria. They were nonpareil to anywhere in Europe, in my opinion, except for Russia, of course.”
    Colt nodded. “I’ve heard that, but Russia isn’t a very good place to be right now,” he sardonically pointed out, then could not help probing. “Doesn’t it ever bother you that Marilee is part Russian?”
    Rudolf’s eyes widened, reflecting his surprise at such a question. “Of course not. If it did, the relationship certainly wouldn’t have progressed this far.”
    It was the opening Colt had been waiting for. “And just how far is that, Rudolf?”
    He did not hesitate to declare, “I love her, and I’ve asked her to marry me.”
    Colt raised an eyebrow. It was his turn to be surprised. “And has she said yes?”
    Rudolf sighed. “She says she’s not sure, but I know that’s just an excuse. She’s so worried about her father she can’t think about anything else right now. I’m trying to be patient, but frankly, I think he’s dead, and while I don’t mean to sound coldhearted, the fact is—life is for the living, and I wish she’d get on with hers— and ours—and set a wedding date.”
    “You make it all sound so simple.”
    “I wish it were. Maybe you can help me. That is, if you approve of me, sir.”
    Colt could not find any reason, on first impression, to feel anything negative. Rudolf was obviously intelligent, of good breeding,