Inferno

Chapter 39

Eskdale Hall, Wiltshire

Renzi looked up from his desk. ‘Yes?’

The footman stepped into the library, bearing a silver tray. The card that lay upon it was plain and discreet: a Colonel Devenant, the address, Whitehall, London.

Commoners simply did not call on the aristocracy when it suited them – but the address gave Renzi pause. It was not outside the bounds of possibility that … ‘I will see him.’

Dressed quietly in town clothes, the jolly-looking man came up from his bow with a flourish. ‘Lord Farndon, I do apologise for my intrusion, which Mr Congalton assured me you would forgive.’

Renzi knew Congalton was a highly placed official at the Foreign Office, dealing with clandestine affairs. Controlling his mounting feeling, he enquired evenly, ‘You’ve travelled far? Perhaps some refreshment.’

‘Thank you, my lord. A dish of tea would answer admirably.’

The footman left quietly.

‘You’ve come for a reason.’

‘I have, my lord, and one that presses. Are we at liberty to talk privily?’

‘This is my library. We will not be disturbed. Please sit.’

‘Your lordship will have heard of the affair at Tilsit.’

‘Indeed.’

‘There have since been developments of a grave nature that have caused the government to contemplate action of a … most serious character that they would wish it were in their power to forgo.’

‘Go on, sir.’

‘My lord, Mr Congalton desires me to enquire most sincerely after your constitution.’

It was a call – they wanted him.

With Cecilia’s loving ministrations, Renzi had recovered from the harrowing experiences of his mission in Turkey to dislodge the French and he assured Devenant that he was in perfect health.

‘Then I’m to say that there has arisen a service that you are peculiarly fitted to perform. Of a most weighty description and one that would be of the highest value to the Crown.’

‘Pray, when shall this be?’

‘It is of the most urgent nature. I’m not to quit your presence this day until I have an understanding – in the one or the other tenor.’

Renzi gave a half-smile: if he refused they would have time to find another.

But then the events in Constantinople returned in a rush – the loneliness, dread and fearful decisions that had ended in blood and turmoil. Could he face it again?

Congalton would not have asked it of him unless he thought he could do it, and would not have made an approach unless it was for a particularly compelling reason.

There was really only one answer.

‘Very well. May I know the essence of the affair?’

‘Your understanding, my lord, is greatly appreciated,’ Devenant replied, with evident relief in his voice. ‘The details will be laid before you by Mr Congalton himself.’

‘So, a visit to London?’

‘The matter is of the first importance, my lord. At the risk of importunity it were not too soon … this hour?’

‘If such is the urgency.’

‘My lord, you should not think to return for a little time. You may therefore find it convenient to arrange for your own and her ladyship’s baggage to follow on.’

Renzi stiffened. ‘The countess?’

‘Her absence would be most unfortunate.’

‘This is another matter entirely, sir! I will not have-’

‘Dealing as it does with affairs at a royal level at which her absence would be remarked.’

‘Royal?’

‘My lord, I’m not in a position to be specific, but it were necessary you convey full court regalia with you, for yourself and her ladyship. And I can certainly say that, in the palace of the sovereign concerned, you may apprehend no danger to yourself or the countess, let me assure you.’