The Royal Assassin by Kate Parker Read Free Book Online Page B

can go to a park and Miss Peabody can teach me the English names for birds and flowers. Will you escort us, Arthur?” The princess favored him with a smile.
    He took her hand and said, “I’d be delighted, Kira.” I thought for a moment he was going to go down on his knees to her in the carriage, but the lack of room, or perhaps the audience, dissuaded him.
    â€œShall we go out the front door tomorrow?” Blackford asked. I recognized the dry tone. He was finding the princess’s dramatic entrance and exit amusing.
    â€œIf Miss Peabody can help me persuade my chaperone and the duchess that she is adequate security for my honor. We’ll discuss this at luncheon tomorrow.” She patted Sussex’s hand with her free one.
    â€œI’ll do my best.” I couldn’t look at Blackford, afraid myexpression would give away our mutual interest in Princess Kira’s excursions.
    The princess had Sussex stop the carriage before we reached the Hereford coach house. The footman gave me his hand to help me descend, and I waited in the dust while the engaged couple said their good-byes. Then the princess was helped down and we hurried through the side door into the carriage house.
    A gardener stood before us, as surprised to see us as we were to see him. Finally, he gave us a nod and said, “Is everything all right?”
    â€œThe Russians don’t believe in wholesome afternoon outings, even with chaperones, for young ladies. Being English, we think an engaged couple can enjoy a walk around an art gallery or a park. Properly escorted, of course. We’re not so feudal here in England. Agreed?” I handed him a shilling.
    â€œAgreed, ma’am,” he said, nodding his thanks. “You might want to slip in quiet-like. The Russian witch has been shouting the house down.”
    I smiled at him. “Thanks.” Then in French, “Lady Raminoff knows you’re missing.”
    â€œWell, then, we’ll need to be very persuasive.”
    We had almost reached the door to the morning room when Lady Raminoff came squawking down the main staircase at full volume in the same strange tongue the princess had spoken in the art gallery. Princess Kira kept her voice lower when she responded, but her tone was no less forceful.
    The Duchess of Hereford appeared from upstairs, a dab of paint on one hand and a lock of hair falling loose. “Miss Peabody, what has happened? Where were you?”
    â€œPrincess Kira arranged for the dukes of Sussex and Blackfordto pick us up by the coach house and take us to the National Gallery. We conducted our language lesson there and then returned. She has been properly chaperoned and escorted every step of the way.”
    The duchess raised an eyebrow. “Nothing untoward has happened to either of you?”
    â€œNo, ma’am.” At least nothing I’d share with her until I had to.
    â€œGood. This hysteria has to stop.” Switching to French, the duchess said, “Lady Raminoff, the princess is unharmed and unsullied. Please calm yourself.”
    â€œIf anything had happened to her, I would have held you and this English tutor responsible. The tsar will not be pleased when I report this to him.”
    â€œGo ahead. He won’t care. Nicholas is very reasonable,” the princess snapped at her chaperone. At least they were now speaking French and no longer yelling.
    â€œAnd your father?” Lady Raminoff’s voice was still grating on my ears.
    â€œMy father wants this marriage. He will not object as long as we follow the rules of British society. He knows things are not the same as in Russia.”
    Lady Raminoff replied in what I assumed was Russian. I suspected what she said was not flattering to England.
    â€œThat is your opinion. I like Britain,” the princess said in regal tones.
    â€œThat is fortunate, because your future is here,” the duchess said, staring at Lady Raminoff. “So, how