Leading Lady

by Jane Aiken Hodge

  ‘To the women,’ she said. ‘But I am specially pleased to see so many people from Brundt.’

  ‘Right to be.’ He turned to peer out into the darkening day. ‘Snowing again. That’s good.’

  ‘Good? I’m afraid it may mean a difficult journey for you back to Brundt.’

  ‘But not impossible. Whereas I begin to hope that the pass to Lake Constance is going to be closed earlier than usual this year.’

  ‘You’re looking forward to that?’ A little shiver ran down her spine. ‘I hate the feeling of being shut in here. Please God this will be the last year of it, if Prince Joseph’s new road goes on as well next year as he hopes.’

  ‘They have started blasting today.’ He had gently manoeuvred her so that she had her back to the window and he stood between her and the room. Now he leaned down to speak close to her ear. ‘We all know in Brundt. No way of keeping it dark. It’s not the road Napoleon expected at all.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘I thought you didn’t know. I imagine Prince Joseph wants to spare his brothers the dangerous knowledge as long as possible. But everyone knows in Brundt. It’s time you did too.’

  ‘What are you saying?’ She gave a quick look round, but the orchestra was playing a loud and lively gigue and there seemed no chance of being overheard.

  ‘That Napoleon assumed the new road would go by the line of the secret way; across the mountains; down to the Danube and so into the territory of his new allies. And water transport down the Danube for the dangerous products of Brundt, all ready for a campaign in the east.’

  ‘And it’s not?’

  ‘No. Joseph and his engineers have found quite another route, south and west from Brundt. He’s Swiss, remember. The road will end in Switzerland.’

  ‘A country that always tries to be neutral.’

  ‘Just so.’

  ‘Napoleon will be furious.’

  ‘Precisely. Now you understand why I want an early winter.’

  ‘So he doesn’t learn until it is too late. But if everyone in Brundt knows?’

  ‘They won’t tell. The French officers don’t know. It’s a remarkable conspiracy of silence. But this party is an extra hazard …’

  ‘It seemed such a good idea.’ She put a hand to her head, suddenly dizzy.

  ‘You’re not well!’ His quick hand steadied her as she swayed on her feet.

  ‘It’s nothing! Hot in here … Some air?’ Even with her head swimming, she was amused to see that he knew the way to the little side door that led on to a terrace. ‘Thank you! The cold air’s all I need.’ She stood for a moment, breathing it in, grateful for his supporting arm. ‘You’re a good friend,’ she said at last.

  ‘I love you,’ he said. ‘You know that. Always have, always will. And I think I am to congratulate you? And your husband?’

  ‘I do begin to think so.’ She smiled in the darkness. ‘But it is our secret for the moment, dear friend.’

  ‘And shall remain so. Your husband has not noticed?’

  ‘They are all so busy! But, this road! I’m glad Lodge and Playfair are gone! It’s the kind of secret they would have been happy to sell to the highest bidder. Prince Gustav is under close guard; no danger there. And you think the Lissenbergers …’

  ‘Are united, for once, and long may it last. It’s the French officers I worry about. And Herr Fylde.’

  ‘Ah.’ She thought about it. ‘Yes. But he’s tied to the money Lady Cristabel can earn him. And she has promised me she will stay here.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it. That’s a weight off my mind. Do you feel better?’

  ‘Yes, thank you. And,’ smiling up at him, ‘you are quite right. We really should not be lingering here any longer. I do thank you, my good friend. And – shall I tell my husband?’

  ‘I’m sure you should tell him everything.’

  ‘You are a good friend.’ She let him lead her back into the crowded room.

  ‘Our dance at last!’ Minette de Beauharnais greeted Joseph as she turned from a quick word with the leader of the small orchestra. ‘I have waited for this moment all evening, but I must congratulate you on your duty well and truly done. It’s going brilliantly, don’t you think?’

  ‘Yes, brilliantly. It’s snowing again,’ and then, as she showed her surprise at the apparent irrelevance, he said, ‘Good gracious! A waltz!’

  ‘I asked for it.’ With what was intended as her most ravishing smile. ‘I did not want our French guests to think us quite barbarous, here in Lissenberg.’

  ‘The officers, you mean.’ It had gone against the grain with him that they had to be invited.

  ‘Such a gallant band of men, resigning themselves to their winter of exile. We must do all we can to make it tolerable for them.’

  ‘And you?’ he asked. ‘Are you sure you do not regret exiling yourself here, if that is what you feel about it?’

  ‘How could I?’ She seemed to melt in his arms. ‘When my heart is here?’

  ‘Oh, my dear lady.’ He took her in a swoop across the hall, wryly amused to see his way clear. ‘Are you telling me that you have lost your heart to my brother Max? As your good friend and your uncle’s ally, I must warn you that Max still wears the willow for his old love, Lady Cristabel. He never means to marry.’

  ‘Max!’ She said angrily. ‘What has Max to do with anything? It was not for Max’s sake that my uncle brought me here.’

  He took her another vigorous turn of the room, letting the awkward silence lengthen on this declaration. Then: ‘Do you know,’ he said, ‘it is snowing harder now? As your uncle’s friend, and, I hope, yours, I think. I should urge you to make your escape from dull little Lissenberg while it is still possible.’

  ‘You are asking me to leave?’ Now she was rigid in his arms.

  ‘Far from it. It is a delight to have you here, and, I know, a great pleasure for my sister Martha, but it is asking too much, it seems to me, to expect you to waste your charms on us, when conquered Vienna awaits you.’ They had passed close to the musicians as he spoke, and a small imperative gesture brought the music to a swirling climax. He took her once more across the hall to where he saw Martha standing with Ishmael Brodski, let her go and bent over her hand. ‘My deepest thanks for a delightful dance.’ He turned to Martha. ‘You look tired, my dear, come and sit this one out with me.’

  ‘Madame –’ Brodski was embarking on the inevitable offer when Desmond Fylde appeared at his side.

  ‘Our dance, I think.’ He held out an imperative hand to Minette, who took it, still speechless with rage and shock at Joseph’s rejection. The musicians were playing a minuet now and Fylde kept the conversation to a social minimum for a while to let her recover her temper, then suggested that they move to the armoury for a glass of wine. ‘You have been dancing without a pause all evening, as I have cause to know, having followed your every step. And I am afraid that perhaps Prince Joseph has said something you did not quite like. I told you the man was a boor.’

  ‘He suggested I leave! Too kind! For my own sake, of course.’ She drank eagerly of the sparkling wine. ‘It’s snowing, he says.’

  ‘Yes, hard. The road will be closed soon. You can have no idea what it is like here in the winter. However insulting, Prince Joseph gave you good advice. Now, listen to me, madame.’ Once more, he had contrived to find them a secluded corner. ‘I have learned something, since we talked before. By merest chance, I overheard a conversation – something your uncle would give a great deal to know. To know now, not next spring. You understand me?’

  ‘Not precisely.’ She finished her wine.

  ‘A dangerous secret. I’ll not burden you with it, but I promise you, help me get it to your uncle, and he’ll forgive you any little matrimonial disappointment. No, rather, he will congratulate you on your wisdom in refusing the advances of his unfaithful ally.’

  ‘Unfaithful? Of course! That explains everything. Very well, I’ll do it. But, how? When?’

  ‘Tomorr
ow,’ he said. ‘Listen carefully.’

  Chapter 15

  ‘You’re leaving today?’ Martha had wakened feeling sick and fragile after her late night at the party and been far from pleased at Minette’s demand for an early interview, but this was news indeed. ‘You’ve seen Prince Joseph?’

  ‘No.’ Carelessly. ‘Nor mean to, since he was already off to the mountains when I asked for a farewell interview. You – so publicly his right hand – will do just as well. Better! Tell him from me that I can take a hint when it is thrown in my face.’

  ‘But may he not have messages for your uncle? For the Emperor?’

  ‘If he has, he can send them after me. Have you looked out your window? It’s snowing hard this morning. If I am to be over the pass before it closes, I must leave at once. I’ve ordered my carriage; I leave in half an hour; you will say my farewells to your husband and Prince Max. And to Cristabel, of course. And I wish you joy of the winter here, Martha.’

  ‘But, Minette, is it safe? You must take a Lissenberg guide, in case the pass is blocked already. Have you sent to have the road checked?’ Martha wished desperately that she did not feel so ill.

  ‘Of course I have. Don’t fuss, Martha dear. I know what I’m doing. Just think! I might even catch up with my uncle in time to ride in to Vienna at his side.’

  ‘But will he not be angry if he meant you to stay?’ Martha was remembering Minette’s high colour and look of suppressed anger after her dance with Joseph the night before. What had happened between them? She had thought it none of her business at the time, now she was not so sure.

  ‘On the contrary, I promise you my uncle will be delighted to see me! And hear all my news! Goodbye, dear Martha. I am sad to part with you. I’ll think of you this winter, when I am dancing at the Hofburg. And you shall hear from me in the spring, when the roads are open.’

  Was it a promise or a threat? Left alone, Martha was miserably doubtful about this. Should she let Minette go? How could she have stopped her? She must send to Franz at the opera house. In a moment. Right now, she felt worse than ever. Ring for Anna. She rose, took a dizzy step and felt blackness closing in.

  Minette’s servants were glad to leave, and worked with a will. The carriage was ready only a little late, and she herself only a little later than that. There was no sign of further objection from Martha, and she would not let Baron Hals delay her with his protests. Once again she refused the offer of a Lissenberg guide. ‘Ridiculous. My people know the way. The snow has stopped; the road is reported open. My uncle will not thank you if you delay me and I am benighted as a result.’

  It was a clinching argument. Hals bowed and stood back to watch anxiously as Minette followed her maid into the heavy carriage. Then, at the last moment, he moved forward to hold the door. ‘Prince Joseph. Your farewell message?’

  ‘I gave it to Princess Martha.’ She and her maid were both wrapped in enormous fur cloaks so that he could not see beyond them into the carriage. ‘But you may say “Auf wiedersehen” to the prince for me, if you will. Drive on coachman.’

  ‘Phew!’ Desmond Fylde rose from the well of the coach when they were out of sight of the castle. ‘I thought I’d stifle in there while the old mountebank kept you talking. I liked your farewell message. “Auf wiedersehen” indeed! You expect to see the prince in chains in Vienna?’

  ‘I’d be happy to. Now, we must lose no time.’ Minette was enjoying herself. ‘Tilde,’ she said to her maid. ‘The cloak, please.’ And, as the girl handed it to Fylde, revealing herself warmly dressed in men’s clothes: ‘It had better be outside for you right away, Tilde, just in case Prince Joseph has guards on the road. Better safe than sorry, and you know I’ll make it worth your while.’

  ‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ said the girl cheerfully. ‘I’ve a score to settle with Louis the coachman.’ She pulled the check string and when the carriage slowed to a halt got nimbly out, exchanged a couple of pleasantries with the two men up behind and climbed on to the box with the coachman.

  ‘You should be one of your uncle’s marshals,’ said Fylde admiringly as the carriage moved slowly forward. ‘It’s all gone as smoothly as this?’

  ‘Yes. But we’re later than I meant. I had to wait until all three princes had left the palace before breaking my news to Martha. I thought for a moment I was going to have trouble with her. Lord, she takes herself seriously, that one. But, you? You got off without rousing suspicion?’

  ‘No trouble at all.’ He did not explain that he had spent the night with Maria, simply not returned to the hostel before coming up to the palace to seize his chance and smuggle himself into her carriage. ‘But I am afraid I shall have to be dependent on you for funds, just at first. There was no way I could get to the strong box without my careful wife suspecting something. But I promise you, the news I bring your uncle will be worth a princedom to him.’

  ‘Lissenberg, you mean? Now we are safe away, do tell me what it is?’

  ‘Dear lady, not yet! Not while we are still within Prince Joseph’s territory. We might be stopped by his guards; you must know nothing for your own sweet sake. And, just in case –’ He laid the maid’s big cloak handy beside him in the seat. ‘Hooded, I see. What a conspirator you are! The slightest hint of danger and I am your devoted maidservant, swathed to the ears against the toothache. Your servants won’t blab, I take it.’

  ‘They know their place better than that. Lord, it’s cold! Pass me your hot brick and pull the rug around me.’

  He had promised himself that he would go slowly with Minette. After all, the journey, in this weather, must last several days, there was plenty of time to woo and win her before the confrontation with Napoleon. But her careless tone, almost as if to a servant, acted as the kind of challenge he could not resist. ‘I’ll do better than that, my lovely!’ He reached down to move his own hot brick under her feet, then swooped on her, rug and all, to gather her in his arms. ‘Two are always warmer than one. What is it?’

  She had eluded him, withdrawn to the far corner of the carriage. ‘So, I was right to think a little about you! I asked a few questions about you last night. Don’t come nearer! I’ll pull the check string if you do. Have them throw you out into the snow.’

  ‘You wouldn’t!’

  ‘Don’t try me! I thought I’d give you a chance. If you were to behave like a gentleman as far as the frontier, I’d take you with me. If not, I’d hand you over to the guards there, tell them you had stowed away in my carriage. You surely did not think I would not know what happened to Cristabel? How you blackmailed her into marriage. Well, you won’t do that to me!’

  ‘No, dear lady,’ he managed to collect himself a little, ‘since I’m married to Cristabel. We must be friends, you and I, or we could do each other great harm. Forgive me if I overstepped the mark just now; blame your own charms. How can I help but adore you!’ He too had withdrawn to his own corner of the carriage and was thinking desperately. Fool, idiot, to have been so sure of Minette. Had he really thrown away the lifetime security of marriage to Cristabel for a will-o’-the-wisp – a dream of a quick divorce and marriage to Napoleon’s powerful niece?

  ‘As you adore so many others. Let’s forget that side of it, shall we, and talk like the pair of conspirators we are. Tell me what this secret is you have for my uncle and I’ll turn the carriage round, take you down close enough to the castle for safety and leave you there. Make up your mind. I must not risk more delay.’

  ‘Go back there? I can’t do it!’ He did not believe this was happening to him.

  ‘Burned your boats, have you?’ Not a trace of sympathy in her tone. ‘That’s your problem.’

  ‘Just take me with you as far as the frontier,’ he begged. ‘I’ll tell you then; trouble you no further.’ He had a horrible vision of struggling back to the castle through the thickening snow, arriving bedraggled: the talk, the laughter, the questions.

  ‘No,’ she said. ‘How can I trust you not to play the same game with me as you did with Cris
tabel? You never thought she was my friend, did you?’ And then, surprised. ‘Well, nor did I. Or Martha. But I find that they are. And you, Mr Fylde, are contemptible. Now, time’s passing. Make up your mind.’

  ‘Bitch!’ Fatally, totally, he lost his temper, lunged at her. ‘You led me on. I’ll make you sorry.’ But she had reached for the check string; the carriage juddered to a halt. The two men perched behind were so quick to the doors that he realised, in so far as he was capable of realising anything, that they must have had orders to be ready.

  ‘Throw him out,’ she told the two men.

  ‘No! Dear lady! You can’t! We’re at the top of the pass.’

  ‘Not quite,’ she said implacably. ‘It will be a healthy walk for you, Mr Fylde.’

  ‘No! Wait! I’ll tell you –’

  ‘Too late. Get rid of him,’ she told the men. ‘He’s a coward; don’t hurt him.’ And, to the coachman. ‘Drive on.’

  ‘Martha!’ Franz’s voice came to her as from a great distance. ‘My darling! Wake up! Look at me!’

  It was an effort to open her eyes. Franz was holding her hand, Anna beside him with smelling salts. Something was terribly wrong. ‘I’m all right.’ She pressed his hand reassuringly, felt the warm instant response. ‘But, how long? What’s happened?’

  ‘Anna found you; luckily I’d just come back. What did Minette do to you, my darling?’

  ‘Nothing. That’s it! She came to say goodbye. Has she gone? It’s not safe, over the mountains without a guide. I was going for help. Oh, don’t worry about me. Go quick, see if she’s gone. Anna will look after me.’

  ‘I will indeed.’ Anna’s smile was loving. ‘Though why you didn’t tell me …’

  ‘Tell you?’ asked Franz, but a ferocious gesture from his wife sent him hurrying from the room.

  ‘Quite right,’ said Anna. ‘Not just the moment.’

  Franz’s rapidly assembled search-party came back as dusk fell to report that they had followed Minette’s carriage as far as Lake Constance and learned there that she had bribed the captain of one of the lake ferries to take her across that night.