Free The Blue Diamond by Joan Smith Page A

“Yes, yes. I heard of it. That business is settled satisfactorily, I trust?”
    “It seems to be,” Moncrief answered evasively, seeing no reason to broadcast his fears.
    "Perhaps next time you call, it will be friendship that brings you; not business. We have things in common, you and I. I refer to a love of art,” he explained with a smile. “I recall very well your gracious Prince Regent spoke highly of your knowledge and skill in that field, when I was in England. He was kind enough to compliment me as well. I gave him my opinion on some Dutch paintings he was adding to his collection, and in return he added a carving of jade to my collection. A Chang Kuo-lao it was, or so he believed,” he added, with a meaningful laugh.
    “I’m afraid a knowledge of jade is not amongst my accomplishments. I did notice some interesting pieces in your entrance hallway, however.”
    “My inferior pieces I keep there. I have a wide collection, locked in a special cabinet in my study. I am always on the lookout for a new person to show them to. Humor an old man, and come and let me show them off to you one day, Moncrief. I would be delighted. If jade is not to your taste, I have some paintings too that might interest you."
    “That is very kind of you, Sir. I shall avail myself of your invitation very soon.”
    “Excellent. I look forward to it. Ah, there is the King of Württemberg, looking as though he would rather be home in bed. I shall cheer him up with some salacious stories. It is the only way to amuse us old men. We are too old to be active in the fray, but enjoy to reminisce. Au revoir .” He bowed and left, having achieved his aim.
    Later that same evening, Lady Palgrave sought out her husband’s cousin for a waltz. “I am drunk and dizzy, Tatt,” she said, running her fingers through her Portia do. “Do England a favor, and stand up with me, or I shall disgrace the nation. I think I made an indecent suggestion to the Tsar. Or perhaps he made it first to me. In any case, Emily Castlereagh gave me a great snub, and called me a jade.”
    “A jade, eh?” he said, as she floated into his arms. “I know the very gent who would be interested in you then.”
    “Is it that Frenchman with Miss Kruger you are speaking of? Isn’t he a gorgeous specimen? I am dying to meet him. He keeps leering at me in the most amusing way. I know he has been trying to meet me all week, for we keep bumping into him everywhere. We have achieved a bowing and smiling basis. Chabon I believe his name is.”
    “That’s not the gent I meant.”
    “Do you know him though?”
    “No, he’s too shy to have himself presented to me as well. We aren’t even on nodding terms.”
    “What a slow top you are! I would know everyone if I had been here as long as you. There are so many interesting bits of gossip to keep up with I am busy all day long. I heard the most shocking thing, Tatt darling.” She smiled and drooped her lashes at him, warning him she was feeling amorous, and would soon be trying to seduce him. Or someone. He looked around for Harvey, or failing the lady’s husband, some harmless stand-in.
    “Did you know,” she asked, snuggling her head on his shoulder, “Bagration’s daughter Clementine is named after her Papa. You’ll never guess who that is! Metternich! Can you credit the brass of her, naming the girl that. Really these foreigners are up to anything. At least we put a good face on it at home, and don’t go flaunting such things in the world’s face. And he has a legitimate daughter of the same name, and after all that, now he makes love to Bagration’s worst enemy, the Duchesse de Sagan. It is better than a novel.”
    “Shocking!” he replied in a bland tone.
    "You’re not shocked, naughty boy!” she said, tilting her head back and smiling at him in a bold, suggestive way. “I bet you wouldn’t be shocked at anything. Even making love to your cousin’s wife.”
    “Who told you about me and Claudia?” he