The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures)

by Giles

  “Hm...” Tash tapped her lips with a finger. “So you no longer believe that Dr. Nordstrom will be smuggled out of Denmark in the opera troop?”

  “Oh, I do madam. It is the only thing that makes sense. Our borders with the Prussian intruders are closely watched and the timing of this ridiculous cultural exchange is just too convenient. I sincerely doubt the opera troop will be searched at all. Except by us. I do believe we will find your friend.” Gyldenfeldt paused and sighed. “I don’t think Reinhardt will show up because like all members of his kind he is a coward and better suited to slinking in dark corners.”

  Carstares opened his mouth to say something but closed it and executed a curt nod instead. Tash was betting that he was thinking the same thing she was, that ‘members of his kind’ was a curious way to refer to one’s nephew.

  The rest of the ride was carried out in thoughtful silence as Tash looked out of the carriage windows at the beautiful city of Copenhagen. She thought about Mac’s warning and wondered again what it could possibly mean. No, she told herself, I cannot worry about this. If Mac believes it is Phillips’ job to deal with whatever it is then I must trust him. I will not think about it. I must focus on here and now. I will not think about it. I must focus on here and now. She repeated the mantra over and over and looked out of the window hoping for a distraction.

  It came when the carriage turned onto the Kongens Nytorv Tash clapped her hands in delight. The entire square was lit up like a village festival. She spotted jugglers, fools, musicians and food sellers among the strolling crowds. Apparently the opera was just the pinnacle of this cultural exchange of entertainment. Whether you liked the Prussians or not this was certainly well done on their part. “Oh LensBaron! I was not expecting this! It’s marvelous!”

  “I suppose.” Gyldenfeldt agreed sourly.

  To Tash’s surprise their carriage moved to the front of the queue. It seemed as if the door was flung open before they had come to a complete stop. She was handed out of the carriage amidst a flurry of attention. She had forgotten that she was accompanying nobility this evening and was abashed at all of the onlookers smiling and bowing. Out of habit she began a curtsy before a firm hand on her elbow stopped her. Carstares winked at her and squeezed her elbow again. She knew from his silly smirk that he quite enjoyed catching her out for a change. She returned his wink and smiled playfully, she knew there would be plenty of occasions for retaliation this evening and she was quite looking forward to them. Perhaps this will make up for the disappointing turn of events that kept her charming Captain from being here. Damn Mac, she swore to herself, why was it that his little flashes of insight were always so inconvenient, not to mention cryptic?

  Tash was about to comment on the festivities when she noticed that she no longer had the Colonel’s attention. Following his gaze she saw a man leaning against the side of the theater building; he seemed to be motioning to something that was just out of her sight. “Colonel?” She asked softly, pitching her voice low as they entered the theater a couple of steps behind the LensBaron. Carstares did not answer but patted her hand to let her know he had heard her inquiry.

  The interior of the theater was ablaze with light and sound. There were so many people dressed so brightly that Tash had the impression that she was standing inside of a whirling soap bubble. Before she could react or truly get her bearings she found her hand being lifted. Turning she realized she was being introduced to a man with startling grey eyes. He bowed over her gloved hand and kissed it lightly before releasing her. The smile the man gave her was far too familiar which made Tash quite uncomfortable. She looked away, coolly ignoring the man.

  “Who was that?” Carstares/Starblower asked.

  “I don’t know, I didn’t catch his name. I thought you were introducing me to him.”

  Carstares chuckled and motioned to a heavyset man standing directly in front of him. “No my dear, I was presenting you to Henrick Probst, the Prussian attache. Tash immediately dropped into a curtsy and murmured, “Your excellency.”

  “Nein madam, the honor is mine. It is easy to see why the young man was so eager to make your acquaintance.” The attache held out his hand. Tash lightly placed her hand in his and allowed him to lift her from the curtsy. “If you will allow madam, this is the way it is done.” He came to attention and clicked his heels together and bowed over her hand, releasing it with a slight flourish as he straightened up. “We honor and respect women in my country and unlike the disgusting French we do not believe in being overly familiar.”

  Tash smiled and found herself liking this German. He reminded her of her father who took every opportunity to display gallantry.

  “Why do you say that gent was a Frenchman Sir?” Carstares asked curiously.

  “I was introduced to him earlier by the Swedish attache. His name was Reinhardt something or other and while the name he gave was Teutonic and his German was perfect his manner was that of the obsequious French.” The attache smiled again. “It is my business to know people Sir and I can tell you, that one is up to no good.”

  “I see.” Carstares replied levelly and glanced around the room trying to spot either Reinhardt or Gyldenfeldt.

  “Really?” Tash said playfully, flipping open her fan and waving it rapidly for a second or so. She snapped it closed and in a shamelessly flirting gesture touched the attache lightly on the chest with it. “So, what do you think of us Sir?”

  Henrick Probst quirked a smile. “I suspect madam that you are far more than you seem and that Mr. Starblower is everything he seems.”

  “How cryptic your Honor.”

  “Indeed madam, and might I say that I look forward to seeing if I am correct. Perhaps we can further engage in witty repartee after the opera?”

  “I’d like that Sir!” Carstares/Starblower replied jovially.

  “Excellent! But for now I have a hundred other guests that I must greet and I fear that the opera will be starting very soon. If you will excuse me?” The attache said, and offered a half bow before stepping away.

  “What do you make of that?” Tash asked softly.

  “Quite a bit. Let’s find our lads and our host, hopefully we can speak privately once we get to our box seats.”

  Tash stood on her toes to try to see over the crowd.

  “Looking for me?” Came a voice in her ear.

  “Jon!” She half squealed in startlement. “You nearly made me jump out of my skin!”

  Jon Howell bowed. “Ah madam, my apologies. I am grateful that you did not perform that particular action as you have such lovely skin!”

  “Stop it! You’re shameless!” Tash said laughing and rapped him smartly on the shoulder with her fan.

  “I take it Sir that you heard our conversation with the attache?” Carstares asked drolly.

  “Yes and you’re right we do need to talk. Nichols and Mac are over to your left, can you see them by the stairs speaking with that couple? Mr. Jones went the stairs to the balcony.”

  “What about the LensBaron?” Carstares asked still scanning the room.

  The steward chuckled. “Well, as soon as he saw the Prussian approaching he nearly ran in the other direction. In fact the man seems to be doing the opposite of what I was expecting.”

  “Which was...? Tash asked bluntly.

  “I expected him to be drawing as much attention to himself as possible. But he isn't, he’s quietly going round greeting people he obviously knows. And he has already met with two of his men that I recognize. One of them I know you saw Col...uh Mr. Starblower. He was standing at the side of the building.”

  “I did see him.” Carstares confirmed. “But I could not see what the man was pointing to and I don’t think Gyldenfeldt could either.”

  “Well I saw what he was pointing too but I can’t say as it meant anything to me. There was a hire cab parked off to the side. Two men were standing beside it and they seemed to be taking a great interest in our arrival. One of the men got back in the cab and drove off, the other
came in here. I lost track of him though once inside. So I made my way over to you.”

  “There’s the LensBaron.” Tash said, she raised her arm and waved. “Let’s go see what he has to say.”

  The trio began moving through the crowd and Tash was pleased to see that the LensBaron was moving in their direction with Mr. Nichols and Mr. McPherson falling in neatly behind him.

  As the two parties met near one of the two staircases leading up, a bell sounded. It’s clear tone silenced the room for a brief moment before the crowd surged toward the inner theater doors to find their seats. She was grateful when the LensBaron took her arm and her men formed a screen around her. The fear of being nearly crushed at an opera was quite a new experience for Tash and one she dearly hoped would never be repeated.

  Tash could hear her crewmen murmuring behind her as the group ascended the stairs. But no matter how hard she strained her ears she could not make out what they were saying. She wanted to stamp her foot in frustration; they had information! Damned the opera! Let’s just get Everard and go!

  The LensBaron must have sensed her thoughts. He gently patted her hand and gave her a look of sympathy. While Tash did truly appreciate the kind gesture she never the less had to repress the desire to slap his face. She did not need sympathy now; she needed action! They were so close to getting the doctor back, she could feel it. Tash wished her Captain were here, it would be so much easier to have something pleasant to focus on besides this anxiety.

  Gyldenfeldt himself held her chair for her and then took the chair to her right. She was mildly disappointed when Carstares took the seat to the LensBaron’s right but pleased when Lance Nichols slid in on her left. At least now she knew she would not be left out of the loop, as it were.

  No sooner were they seated than the lights began to dim. The theater grew so quiet that you could have heard a dressmaker’s pin fall. Tash fidgeted in her seat waiting for the music to start; maybe they would be able to talk then.

  But it was not to be. The music rose in crashing crescendos and dropped to near silence over and over again. Tash put a hand to her throbbing temple and decided that she really did not care for German opera. She supposed the soloist was good; Tash had tried very hard to be kind in her judgment. But she had to be honest with herself at least. The truth was that the man had a fine knack for roaring on key.

  Tash was not the only person to breathe an audible sigh of relief when the curtain finally closed on the last scene. She popped open her fan to hide her smile as Lance leaned over and whispered in her ear.

  “Don’t you ever, EVER, do that to me again Tash. You know I would face down the nine circles of hell for you but this....” Nichols shuddered.

  The LensBaron stood and offered his hand to Tash. She took it and stood as the theater lights came up.

  “Starblower informs me that you met my nephew. Could you point him out for me?”

  Tash was slightly taken aback by the request. “But LensBaron, don’t you know your own nephew?”

  “Of course I know my own nephew.” The LensBaron growled. “I just need another pair of eyes to help me find the cur.”

  Tash risked a glance at Carstares/Starblower and was glad to see he had had the same reaction that she had. Something was definitely amiss here.

  “My dear, I must apologize for his crude treatment of you. We need to keep you away from him, I fear he may be dangerous. His little trick earlier has me very concerned.” The LensBaron said, visibly trying to soften his tone.

  Again Tash was taken aback. The look on the LensBaron’s face was one of complete seriousness and perhaps, she thought, a hint of fear. But for who she was not sure.

  “Look! There, do you see? The stage man dressed in blue. That is one of my men.”

  Tash looked to where the LensBaron was pointing and indeed standing just outside of the curtain and off to one side was a man. He was shaking his head “no”.

  “What does that mean?” Tash asked, fearing the worst.

  Gyldenfeldt sighed. “It means that there is no change. I am sorry I was not able to speak to you earlier. I had intended to tell you during the opera but I had no chance, the music was...not cooperative.”

  “Tell me what?” Tash said with a bit of panic.

  “My men have been here most of the day and they have yet to spot your Doctor. No one fitting his description nor even any one of the proper age has been seen in or around the troop.”

  When Tash did not comment or reply the LensBaron continued. “Please don’t worry. They will keep watching and if necessary they will follow them all of the way home. Perhaps they are waiting until all of the guests have left?” Bodil Gyldenfeldt shook his head, to Tash he looked sadly resigned. “I really thought we would find him here. It is the only thing that makes sense to me and yet...”

  “At least we still have another line of inquiry.” Carstares/Starblower interjected. “Time to find Reinhardt and beard the lion, I say.”

  “I beg your pardon Sir?” Gyldenfeldt began. “As far as I am aware there are no lions here this evening.”

  Tash’s fan snapped open again and flickered wildly before she turned her face away. She bit down hard on her lip to keep from laughing at the expression on first Gyldenfeldt’s face and the answering confusion on Carstares'. She took a deep breath and waded in to rescue Carstares.

  “Apologies LensBaron, it is another one of our quaint English expressions. He means we should face down your nephew.”

  “Beard the lion, how interesting. Is this another of your hunting references? Although I don’t see how, the only lions I have ever heard of in England are on your royal standard, yes?”

  “Yes you are correct Sir. Some say the expression comes from an old Latin proverb but the clergy will tell you that it comes from the Holy Bible, the First Book of Samuel. Which includes the story of the young shepherd David who went into a lion’s den to get back a lamb which the lion had stolen.”

  “I see, well Mr. Starblower it is a very appropriate expression, let us beard this lion.”

  “If I may Sir.” Nichol’s addressed Carstares/Starblower. “I have already sent Mr. Howell, and Mr. McPherson to the lobby below to search for the gentleman. Mr. Jones is staying in and around the balcony area and with your permission Sir, I shall accompany you.

  "Yes, a capital idea and well done Mr. Nichols, thank you. Shall we?” Carstares held out his arm to Tash. She took and deep breath and tried to smile but the best she could do was maintain the determined expression that mirrored that of her companions.

  As they pulled open the curtains at the back of the box, Tash was surprised at the number of people gathered there. Servitors moved quickly past them and began pulling back the curtains on the boxes and rearranging the chairs. How clever she thought, the entire upper balcony could be used as one large receiving room.

  They had taken no more than two steps toward the crowd when they were met by a smiling man bearing a tray of glasses full to the brim with champagne. Gyldenfeldt removed two glasses and presented one to Tash.

  “Let us see that beautiful smile my dear. It is a party after all...” He murmured.

  “Thank you Sir.” Tash replied grateful for the words of encouragement. She did manage a polite smile but sadly it never reached her eyes.

  “Ah! Always the charmer Uncle! Are you going to introduce me to your new doxy?”

  The LensBaron whirled around, murder in his eyes. “I beg your pardon?” He said harshly.

  Carstares/Starblower moved to stand on Reinhardt’s right while Nichols moved in close on the man’s left. Both men looked ready to attack.

  “Oh no need to beg Uncle, I was just curious. Such a lovely piece of fluff.” Reinhardt said with a mocking grin. He reached his hand out as if to touch Tash’s face.

  The LensBaron grabbed his hand and growled out, “You will not mistreat my guests I don’t care who you are. Now apologize to this lady!” Gyldenfeldt released Reinhardt but the menace in his stance remained.


  Reinhardt shot Tash a lascivious look and affected a mocking bow. “My apologies to the lay-die.”

  “Where is Dr. Nordstrom?” The LensBaron asked abruptly.

  “Dr. Who?” Reinhardt said, his mocking tone continuing. “I don’t know what you are talking about, I don’t know any Dr. Nords...whatever.”

  “Really?” Gyldenfeldt said quietly. “I know what you did with my boat and I will not be a party to kidnapping. Where is he?”

  “What I did? Really Uncle, I borrowed your boat to take a friend of my mine and some lay-dies out to play. I don’t know anything about kidnapping.” Reinhardt said adopting a foppish air and waving his hand dismissively.

  The LensBaron grabbed the front of Reinhardt’s coat and pulled him close so that the pair were nose to nose. “Yes - you - do.” Gyldenfeldt growled. “I will only ask you one more time, where - is - he?”

  Reinhardt shoved the LensBaron back in a surprising display of strength. He straightened his jacket and turned to Carstares/Starblower. “This is your fault!” He shouted.

  Tash looked around in panic. Their little group had already attracted some attention but Reinhardt’s shout caused every eye in the room to turn in their direction and all sound ceased. She gently placed her hand on Gyldenfeldt’s arm. “We are attracting too much attention.” She murmured.

  “This is all your fault!” Reinhardt screamed at Carstares/Starblower again. “You have insulted me and damaged my honor! You have turned my own family against me and I will not stand for it! I call you out Sir. That is if you are a real man and not some fop hiding behind your money Phineas Starblower!”

  To Tash, it seemed the entire room joined her in a gasp of surprise. She could hear the crowd’s murmurs of dismay as many of the guest began slipping quietly out while others remained rudely staring.

  Carstares stood calmly looking at the irate Reinhardt as if he were considering an invitation to tea. After a moment or two he smiled. “Of course I accept your challenge Sir.”

  “This is ridiculous!” Gyldenfelt interrupted. “You can’t do this Reinhardt! This man is my guest.”