by The Countess
"Information! Varanov bribed him. Madame, you have excelled yourself. You have given me a way to be rid of that young upstart Bruckner for good. He will be arrested and taken to the fortress. There, his tongue will be loosened."
"Why not kill two birds at once," Madeleine asked softly, "and be rid of your wife as well? Could it not be possible she was passing information on to Lieutenant Bruckner? You entertain often, officers and ministers of state. She must have overheard many things."
"She is too addle-brained to understand a word," Vladimir answered scornfully.
"Who knows that, but us?"
He stared at her, his eyes blazing. Bruckner and his wife disposed of without questions arising. How simple it sounded, and Alexandreya would never know. He would be the sympathetic brother-in-law, consoling her in her moment of sorrow, holding back his attentions until a suitable mourning period had been observed. He smiled across at Madeleine and leaned forward to pat her hand.
"Madame - what would I do without you?"
The plan to arrest Natasha and Andre Bruckner on a joint charge of treason was begun in Madeleine de Veaux's carriage and finalised over dinner one evening a week later at her house. It was fool-proof and deadly.
In a brilliant blue gown, shimmering with diamonds, Madeleine did not have the appearance of a woman who had cold-bloodedly contrived the deaths of two innocent people. She sat at one end of the richly laid table facing Vladimir, her jewelled fingers toying with the necklace of flashing stones at her throat. Payment had been higher than usual. Vladimir Krylenko was pleased with her and his gratitude in terms of money and jewels was bounteous.
"The dinner was excellent, as always, Madame." He leaned back in his chair selecting a cigar from the box at his elbow. "May I smoke?"
"Please do," Madeleine said. "When do you you leave for Kronstadt?"
"Tomorrow morning. The Czar has taken it into his head to inspect the navy before joining the Grand Duchess at Peterhof. I am leaving Captain Shvorin behind with six men. Tell me once more what is to be done, I want no mistakes."
"Do not worry, you will not be involved. Shvorin and his men will arrest Bruckner and take him directly to the fortress. The letters incriminating him will be found when his room is searched and you wife's name will be mentioned in several of them., She, too, will be arrested. By the time she reaches the fortress, the Lieutenant should have been sufficiently questioned, with the aid of the little devices in the torture room, to be ready to confess to anything. If he needs more persuasion, the sight of her on the next rack should do it. They are to be killed as soon as Shvorin has a confession." A smile touched Madeleine's mouth. "When it is over, Shvorin will ride to bring you the distressing news at Peterhof."
"And the proof of their guilt," Vladimir added. "I am thinking it will be better if my wife never reaches the fortress - alive. Her decision to leave has been a great asset, we can assume she is fleeing because she has discovered that her lover and accomplice has been arrested."
"But that will mean the Countess Romanova will be with her servants. Shvorin can't kill them all."
"Only two servants, he can dispose of them if necessary. I will leave you to settle the details with him. Make it look like an accident. Alexandreya must be brought back here to St. Petersburg to await my return. She should be very pleased to see me."
"And if she is not?" Madeleine looked down the length of the table at him in amusement. "What if all this is for nothing and she refuses you?"
Vladimir inhaled deeply on his cigar. He, too, had contemplated that thought, but it had given him only a moment's apprehension.
"Rest assured, my dear Madeleine, I can be most persuasive when I choose."
Catherine Alexeevyna, Grand Duchess of all the Russias, went riding every day, regardless of rain, snow or bitter cold. There was little else to do and this was the only diversion from an intensely boring existence that had so far failed to prove as irksome as the rest of her daily routine. She rode and hunted with the skill and vigour of a man; indeed on these occasions she even dressed like one, in white breeches and long black leather boots and a high-necked jacket with silver trimmings.
Always she was surrounded by a host of admiring followers - officers from the army, some of them ex-lovers and always, men from her personal guard. It was unusual for her to be seen without Dmitri at her side.
Since his return from Moscow she had found him less communicative than ever and any jesting remarks concerning the Countess Romanova made his face grow as black as night. He had begun to see a great deal of Madeleine de Veaux again, so Catherine was not surprised when she joined their hunting party one morning.
They hunted in the Tzolsty Forest, not far from the lodge, and then stopped there for refreshments before starting back for the city. Madeleine was riding out in front, claiming the undivided attention of at least four officers. It was the first time she had left Dmitri's side that day.
"You are taking your work seriously, my Colonel,"
Catherine said with a soft laugh. "Or is it pleasure this time?"
The look Dmitri gave her revealed nothing.
"I do what I have to do. It may help to keep us both alive a little longer."
"Last night I received a message from the Archbishop of Novgorod. He is very distressed. A druizhinia of the Czar's soldiers took over the monastery in his province and forcibly de-bearded every man of the church they could find. Two protested so violently that they were killed." Her eyes burned with anger. "He has gone too far this time, the Holy Fathers have given me to understand they will tolerate the situation no longer."
Since changing her religion, Catherine had become a devout church-goer and was held in high esteem by the Elders of the Church, despite the regularity with which she committed adultery. Prayers were said for her in churches throughout the country as thanks for her gifts to the poor and needy. She had been known to stop her carriage and take a ring from her own finger to give to a beggar sitting by the roadside.
Whatever her faults, Catherine had the admiration and sympathy of the common people. The time had now come to make use of it, she decided. In a low voice she said, "The Archbishop has asked for my help. He has made it known in no uncertain terms that the Church is my ally; against Peter and anyone else who opposes me. Do you know what that means? They have renounced him as ruler of Russia. Are you prepared to aid me, Dmitri?"
"To do what, Highness?"
"To commit treason."
"I would call it more of a duty to your people," Dmitri answered, tight-lipped. Her words had not shocked him. He had been waiting for something like this for many months. There had been countless incidents at the palace subjecting Catherine to scorn and ridicule, and he had watched her ignore them, assuming a cold front of indifference, knowing that within her, there was a seething cauldron of hatred coming to the boil.
"Well spoken." Catherine's eyes appraised him. "I knew you would not fail me. At Peterhof we will talk of this again. Now - race me to that clump of trees ahead."
She dug stirrups to her horse and galloped away from him.
They came upon Alexandreya, Natasha and Andre Bruckner as they flashed neck-and-neck through the trees. By the time Dmitri had reined to a halt, he was not more than ten yards from them.
"Another chance meeting?" Catherine murmured in his ear. A flicker of distaste crossed her face on seeing that the man wore a Holstein uniform. "Mrs. Krylenko's taste does not improve," she said. "Is it true the Major gave her a sound whipping for sleeping with the fellow?"
"So I believe."
Dmitri's gaze was centred on the slim woman in the green riding habit who had barely glanced in his direction. He was ill-at-ease, disturbed by the longing the sight of her evoked within him. This time he would be more careful. His guard had dropped on the last evening they spent together and he had actually enjoyed her company and been compelled by some force, against which he could not fight, to take her in his arms. He was so used to the feel of her body sti
ffening beneath his hands that her willingness caught him completely be surprise, and for a moment he had enjoyed the softness of her lips, the,sweet perfume of her hair in his nostrils and the fierce hunger in his breast which told him that this woman was not like the others.
It had been a supreme effort to steel himself against the temptation to follow her into the house and commit the final act of folly by confessing that in one brief moment she had awakened in him something he considered he had killed long ago.
He followed Catherine, who had joined the trio and singled out Alexandreya to engage in conversation.
"The Countess tells me she is returning to Bratz tomorrow," Catherine said. She looked at Dmitri as if personally holding him responsible for the decision. "Can you not convince her how pleased I would be if she joined us at Peterhof?"
The tiny muscles at the corners of Dmitri's mouth tightened. Tomorrow - so soon! He knew he should have welcomed her departure, but he didn't.
"The Countess believes the country air may benefit her sister, do you not, Countess?" he said quietly.
Alexandreya saw the challenge in his eyes. He was daring her to stay, no doubt believing her willingness to endure his kisses had been proof he had succeeded in yet another conquest.
"I regret to say Colonel Varanov is correct," she replied in level tones. "I am sure Your Imperial Highness will understand the concern for my sister's health. She has not been well for some considerable time."
About three years, to be exact, Catherine mused, ever since Vladimir Krylenko had first discovered her unfaithfulness. She was too shrewd openly to dispute the he, and admired Alexandreya's devotion to such a wayward creature.
"Perhaps I will visit Bratz," she said. "Yes, next spring - you have my word on it."
"I shall look forward to it," Alexandreya assured her.
"You may not feel that way afterwards," Catherine murmured with a laugh. "I shall ride your best horses into the ground and flirt with all the men."
"The horses I have, but I regret there are no men worthy of Your Imperial Majesty's attention."
"Then I shall bring my own." Catherine glanced at the Cossack beside her as if to signify that he would definitely be one of the party. She had naturally heard the rumours linking him with Alexandreya. Had she been his mistress, Catherine would have known instinctively. One quick glance at them both was sufficient to refute the rumours as mere supposition.
"You must have a great deal to do, I will detain you no longer. Dmitri will escort you back to the city. I can spare him for that small errand, as you are leaving tomorrow." Her horse was growing impatient and beginning to prance. "I want to be at Peterhof before dark," she reminded Dmitri, and swung her horse about.
As Madeleine de Veaux and the remainder of the hunting party appeared, she called to them to follow and galloped off.
Alexandreya was aware of a pair of eyes burning into her face with unconcealed annoyance as the cavalcade passed. She knew who the woman was, Natasha had pointed her out at the coronation. Slowly she lifted her eyes to encounter Dmitri's face. With such a beautiful mistress, why did he bother with her?
"I have no need of an escort, Colonel Varanov. Please do not leave your friends on my account."
"I cannot disobey my orders, Countess. Besides, Madame de Veaux is being well taken care of."
Alexandreya flushed. She had not intended to make herself so obvious. In an uncomfortable silence, she rejoined Andre Bruckner and her sister.
"Colonel Varanov is to escort us back to St. Petersburg," she said.
"I thought you were going to Kronstadt with the Czar?" Dmitri asked, looking enquiringly at the other man.
"I was, but at the last moment my orders were changed. I am to remain in the city." Andre smiled. "I don't mind in the least. It will simplify matters a great deal."
"The Colonel is not interested in our plans," Alexandreya interrupted hastily, too late to prevent Dmitri's interest from being aroused.
"But I am. Do you intend to accompany the ladies to Bratz, my foolish friend?" he asked. "Desertion carries the death penalty even for Holsteiners."
"Would you have me stay here and die anyway?" Andre flung back. He had learned that morning of the beating Natasha had received, and knew that undoubtedly a man capable of such violence on a helpless woman, would have no qualms over killing a man. "I'm a soldier. I have no stomach for the intrigue and murder going on around me. I am willing to fight - and die, for a good cause, but not for a crazy creature who is neither child nor man."
"Krylenko will follow you," Dmitri told him gravely. This man had betrayed his Czar, and was now intending to add desertion to the rest of his crimes - all for the love of a woman. Nothing good could come of it for any of them, including Alexandreya. In abetting him, she was placing her own life in danger. "Hadn't you better consider your position and Natasha's - and that of the Countess? For all your sakes, do not underestimate the opposition."
Alexandreya shot him a disturbed look. How sincere he sounded; almost worried.
"We will be safe at Bratz," she assured him.
"You will have to get there first."
"Dmitri, you are spoiling a pleasant morning," Natasha protested. The last of her fears had disappeared with Vladimir that morning. With him safely at Kronstadt, nothing could go wrong.
"Ride ahead with me, Countess, we must talk," Dmitri said coldly.
Alexandreya was on the point of refusing, annoyed by the authority in his voice, when her sister laughed and caught Andre's arm.
"Don't worry, Dmitri, you shall have her to yourself. We will go on, Alexa."
"You were leaving without telling me," Dmitri accused as soon as they were alone.
"I was not aware that my movements were of interest to you, Colonel," Alexandreya replied. She kept her horse to a steady trot, hoping Natasha did not ride too far ahead.
"We had a dinner engagement."
"Surely you did not expect me to keep it after what happened," Alexandreya retorted. Was this an attempt to make her believe he cared she was leaving? "Your time since we last met has been well occupied, has it not?" She could have bitten off her tongue the moment the jealous words were out. Quickly she added, "I have no wish to discuss the matter further."
"Did the Major make arrangements for you and your sister to join him at Peterhof?"
"No. Why?"
"It is unusual. He will be there for several months. Natasha has always accompanied him in the past," Dmitri said. "He has deliberately left Lieutenant Bruckner behind too - almost as if he is trying to throw the two of them together. I don't like it."
"You are mistaken, it is mere coincidence. Besides, what can happen? We leave tomorrow morning, and by the end of the week, we shall be home. Our absence will not be conspicuous, as everyone will think we have gone to join the Major after all."
Dmitri frowned. It sounded simple enough - too simple.
"How many servants will you take? It is a long journey."
"Really, Colonel, we shall be quite safe. I came with two servants and my maid and I shall return with the same amount." Alexandreya's voice was faintly tinged with sarcasm. "Your concern is touching, but unnecessary."
"I am escorting the Grand Duchess to Peterhof this afternoon, as you know. I could return with my men and ride with you part of the way."
Dmitri met the challenging look in Alexandreya's eyes without flinching. He did not care if she suspected an ulterior motive behind the suggestion as long as she agreed. Major Krylenko's actions were both puzzling and worrying.
Alexandreya brutally squashed the impulse to accept. In her present emotional state she was far too vulnerable.
"I regret I must refuse your offer, Colonel Varanov," she said flatly. "For such a service you would no doubt require high payment - far higher than I am willing to pay."
She spurred her horse ahead so that he would not see the tears in her eyes, and rode the rest of the way home beside her sister.
CHAPTER
SIX
To avoid being seen in Natasha's company, thus provoking unnecessary gossip, Andre Bruckner left them on the outskirts of St. Petersburg and made his own way back to the barracks.
Outside the Krylenko house, Natasha paused to thank Dmitri for his company, but Alexandreya went directly inside.
"What have you said to upset her?" she demanded.
"I was not aware she was upset," Dmitri returned dryly. "Your sister has remarkable powers of restraint."
"Like you, she has learned not to reveal what is in her heart. Did you think you were the only one love had ever hurt? Alexa had suffered too - in many ways, and now she is burdening herself with my troubles. There was no one to help her when she needed it." Natasha stared at the handsome face before her. "I am glad she is leaving here, you are not the right man for her. You will only bring her heartache, like the other one."
"What was he like - this other lover?"
"To a lonely girl he was everything she had ever dreamed of. They were to be married, but he was never her lover. No man has ever known my sister, Dmitri." She suddenly jerked her horse about and rode off.
As he sat in a broody silence, Madeleine eased her horse out from the narrow alleyway between two houses where she had been waiting and watching. One look at Dmitri's face was enough to tell her she was not welcome.
"I thought you had gone home," he said harshly.
"I was interested to see you and your little Countess at close quarters." Madeleine's face blazed with jealousy. "She is your mistress, any fool can see that by the way you look at her."
"Be quiet! You don't know what you are saying."
"You lied to me. Were you thinking of her in your arms when you made love to me? Mon dieu, to think I believed she had really refused you. As if you would let any woman do that." Madeleine was beside herself with rage and past caring what she said.
"You always did act like a spoilt child when you didn't have it all your own way," Dmitri said in a voice of tempered steel. "I suggest you take another ride until you have regained control of yourself. I am in no mood to bandy words."