Inferno

Chapter 52

Bernstorff gave Renzi a polite bow. ‘My lord, your visit to Kiel was … not to your advantage, as I understand from my brother.’

Renzi gave a small smile. ‘I’m sanguine, sir, he will have preferred you to phrase it rather that it was not to our advantage.’

‘This has to be accepted, my lord. Then what is to be done?’

‘I desire you seek an audience for me, sir. There’s still time.’

‘Time? Do you know the mind of the English admiral, his orders, his objectives?’

‘While he remains at anchor there is always time, Count Bernstorff. Will you now-’

‘I note your petition for an audience, and from my brother, I know something of its importance.’ He gave a sad smile. ‘Yet I can do nothing – I have no idea where His Royal Highness is, you see.’

‘Sir! I find it-’

‘The Crown Prince is exercised by considerations of urgency and conceives it his duty to be everywhere there are preparations to be made. He does not see fit to inform me of his hourly movements.’

‘Then I must seek him out for myself.’

‘As you like. Although … you may wish to ponder another development.’

‘Sir?’

‘I happen to know, as it is my business to be so informed, that the French have received a substantial communication from their commander-in-chief.’

‘Bonaparte?’

Bernstorff gave a wordless bow.

‘In response to the British presence? Then it would oblige me much, sir, should you be so good as to inform me of its import.’

‘Ah, would that I could, my lord. It is more than our neutral status might stand should we trespass upon diplomatic territory …’

It was perplexing. For what reason had this broad hint been thrown out?

‘Why do you tell me of this, Count Bernstorff?’

‘We are neutrals, Lord Farndon. Should we not treat evenly with both sides? It is only right you should know matters as bear upon you.’

That wasn’t the reason but he had a good idea what was.

‘I thank you for your civility, Count. I’m obliged.’