Embassy Row Read online

  I considered the question. “Now you mention it, yes, it does seem strange. But I assumed it was on its way to another location. It was traveling on a major street when the collision with the omnibus occurred.” As I listened to myself, I found I was becoming distressed at my own thoughts. Perhaps someone had arranged for the accident in anticipation of stopping Holmes on his journey back to his flat. That prospect made me apprehensive.

  “I think it might be best if we put you on crutches and claim your injury is more serious than it is. It may give us just the advantage we need, and it will speed your recovery into the bargain. We want these blackguards to think they have succeeded in some regard.” He had begun to pace. “If it appears they dealt you a serious blow, then we will be in a better position to discover them.”

  “Because they will try again?” I asked, feeling abashed that I would have to give them so much credit as admitting my injury at their hands, let alone exaggerating it.

  “Because they may become sloppy,” said Holmes, as if so much should be obvious. “Think a moment, dear boy: They have attacked us. We drove them off, but today, lo! It seems that they have done more damage than they hoped. They may reveal themselves in any number of ways if they are convinced they have actually brought about real difficulties for me and you.” He rocked back on his heels. “I am going to leave this bruise as it is,” he went on, indicating the one on the side of his jaw. “It will increase the likelihood that one of our assailants will make a mistake.”

  “When they try again?” I suggested unhappily.

  “That is a possibility,” Holmes admitted. “But not so great as the urge to preen or boast. You will have to listen closely to all you hear around you.”

  “Of course,” I assured him, not relishing the notion.

  “And tomorrow, I think you had better bring your formal clothing with you when we go to the Swiss embassy at ten. For we will have to do much before the reception begins.” He stared hard at the wall. “If only we could discover the identity of the woman with whom Prince Jiro is smitten, our task would be much easier.”

  I could not help but agree. I had also come to believe that the Japanese would not budge in their patently unrealistic demands until the Prince’s indiscretion had been dealt with to their satisfaction. “I will do what I can to discover her name.”

  “I know I can rely on you, Guthrie,” said Holmes as he reached for his diplomatic case. “It is time you were off to your rooms. I will join you there in half an hour. Then we shall be off to the Swiss embassy once again.” He indicated the rear portion of the flat. “If you will select a pair of crutches—”

  “Sir,” I said firmly, “I am not wholly comfortable with this plan . . .” I was unable to find the words to express my doubts about feigning so great an injury.

  “Guthrie, dear boy, think a little. We cannot correctly bring arms into the embassy, and yet we are being perused by those who wish us harm.” Holmes achieved a grim smile. “A crutch may not be an obvious weapon, but it can serve as an effective bludgeon if it is needed. After what happened last night, I would find such an unassuming weapon most reassuring.”

  As I heard this, I nodded with understanding. “Yes,” I told him, no longer so opposed to the scheme. “I concur, now that I see it. And you’re right, sir, it will be reassuring.”

  “Very good. Keep the secondary purpose in mind when you make your selection,” he advised as I made my way down the corridor to the rear of the flat.

  FROM THE PERSONAL JOURNAL OF PHILIP TYERS

  I have seen M H’s brother; who is caught up in an investigation which he warned might hamper the speed of his response to the inquiry I brought. The Swiss embassy has relayed word to Ambassador Tochigi to arrange a delay of today’s meeting for M H. I must prepare for the afternoon and evening now. Any change in habitual patterns would put our opponents on the alert, so I will be at pains to maintain the routine with Sutton that is expected.

  The butcher’s delivery wagon has a new driver.

  LORD BRACKENHEATH ARRIVED at the Swiss embassy just before tea and made his way noisily to the meeting room the Swiss had provided. He had not bothered to put on the striped trousers and swallowtail coat the occasion demanded. His ruddy face was flushed and his manner was huffy as he brought the case of requested records into the room where Mycroft Holmes was meeting with Ambassador Tochigi.

  “I don’t mean to mince words with you, Holmes,” he said after he had exchanged the minimally appropriate greetings with the Japanese, “I don’t approve of going into the records of the students at Dartmouth in these circumstances. It isn’t at all the thing. I wouldn’t like it if Englishmen were doing it, but these foreigners—Who knows what use might be made of them?” He shot a quick look at the Japanese, then stared hard at Holmes once more.

  “I think,” said Holmes at his most even, “that there is no reason to fear that Count Tochigi would be so lost to honor that he would use any information gleaned from the perusal of this material for his advantage. Not that I can immediately discern what that advantage might be.” He bowed slightly to Ambassador Tochigi and looked squarely at Lord Brackenheath. “I thank you for your prompt response to my request, my lord.”

  “Yes. Well.” He cleared his throat. “I’ve served England in government for thirty-eight years, Holmes,” Lord Brackenheath announced roundly. “And I can’t see how you will turn this to good purpose. And so I have informed our superiors. They have decided to leave the matter in your hands. Since they insist, I must do as my superiors command me.” He turned to the Japanese again. “But I have the greatest respect for your Empire, sir. Lady Brackenheath has several pieces of your pottery.”

  “I see you do respect the Japanese,” said Holmes, with a trace of sarcasm in his voice, and covered any possible insult by saying, “It will be a great pleasure to see you and Lady Brackenheath tomorrow night at the reception. They are now referring to it as a gala, as I am sure you are aware.”

  Lord Brackenheath took the tacit dismissal in good pan. “Just so.” His heavy dark brows drew down over his bright eyes. “Until then.” He bowed to the Japanese once more, his bald pate polished by the lamplight, his fringe of curled hair shining like a slightly slipped halo of white.

  Correctly I should have escorted Lord Brackenheath to the door, but Mister Minato served as my deputy because of my crutches.

  “I apologize, Ambassador,” said Holmes smoothly once Lord Brackenheath was safely out of the room. “Not all the men working for the government are so maladroit.”

  I listened, wondering why Lord Brackenheath had been sent on this errand if his feelings were known. I had no doubt that Holmes could have requested someone of a less condemnatory manner than Lord Brackenheath. What had he sought to achieve? What purpose would such an intrusion serve? Perhaps Lord Brackenheath’s presence was more a concession to Lord Salisbury than to his own purposes, part of the political maneuvering Holmes so deprecated.

  “An awkwardness for you, to have to acknowledge it.” The ambassador nodded to show respect for Holmes’ admission.

  “He is, in fact, a very dedicated man who has given long and laudable service to England.” Holmes paused. “But he has decided opinions on the Orient.”

  “That was apparent,” the Japanese ambassador agreed, his tone cordial.

  “He suffered certain difficulties in the Crimea and later in China, and it has left its mark. I trust you will make allowances for his immoderation. Not all our diplomats share his sentiments,” Holmes said, clearly presenting Ambassador Tochigi an opportunity to be more forthcoming. “As I am sure you are aware.”

  “A fortunate thing for England,” said Ambassador Tochigi, responding to the gambit. “There are many of the same cut in Japan, who believe that it is a weakness to seek treaties with any powers in the West. I am thought eccentric for my support of this treaty, and for liking the society of Englishmen.”

  I had not been aware until this moment that Ambassador Tochigi had anything
but faint contempt for Englishmen. But apparently this admission was part of the game he and Mycroft Holmes were playing. Perhaps Lord Brackenheath’s presence was not as importune as I had first assumed. This continued jockeying had been the mark of the whole afternoon and we were all growing weary of it. Still, having so untoward a meeting as the one that had just taken place did not seem to advance the resolution of our disputes, requiring as it did such protracted amends. What possible advantage was there to be gained from this relentless exchange of courtesies? I sat forward on my chair and continued to take notes, most of them inconsequential. I supposed Messers Banadaichi and Minato were doing the same, for both had the same, slightly glazed expression as I knew I wore.

  The door opened again, without an announcing knock. Ambassador Tochigi looked furious for an instant, but his manner changed at once. He and his two secretaries rose and bowed to the young man in the Dartmouth cadet’s uniform.

  Holmes had risen and motioned me to my feet. I had recourse to a crutch to get there. Clearly, I thought, this must be Prince Jiro, the Emperor’s second son.

  He was taller than Ambassador Tochigi but not more than five-foot-nine, and slight of build, with a handsome, clean-shaven oval face, black hair and eyes. He moved crisply forward, unflustered by the commotion his arrival caused. He gave Holmes his hand to shake before he bowed to Ambassador Tochigi.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Mister Holmes,” Prince Jiro exclaimed, not quite smiling at Holmes. His English was so perfect it was almost a caricature, like something an American actor would do. “It appears you have suffered a mishap?” This in reference to the bruise on his jaw.

  “Just so, your Highness,” said Holmes. “A tiresome thing. My secretary, Guthrie here, and I were about to alight from a cab when the horse bolted. I was thrown forward, but my secretary has injured his ankle.”

  Prince Jiro nodded once. “A bad business. But luckily it will not interfere with your negotiations here, will it?” Now his smile blossomed and I saw that he could undoubtedly be a most engaging young man. “Tell me,” he went on to Ambassador Tochigi, still speaking English, “what progress have you made?”

  Ambassador Tochigi began his answer in Japanese.

  “In English, if you please,” said Prince Jiro. “You will cause our friends to become suspicious of us, which is not what we want at all.” He looked directly at Holmes. “I hope you will not think badly of us because of this lapse?”

  “Why should I?” Holmes replied blandly. “It is fitting that the ambassador address you in the language of your country. Though I am pleased you are willing to have the conversation in English. You are right, Highness. It decreases suspicions to have it so.”

  The Prince regarded Holmes steadily, taking his measure of the man. He was unintimidated by Holmes’ height and breadth of shoulder; Prince Jiro’s self-assured manner impressed Holmes as well. “It would be a welcome thing if the agreement could be completed in the next few days, to coincide with the gala reception,” he said, directing the weight of this at Ambassador Tochigi. “I would regard it as a personal favor.”

  Ambassador Tochigi bowed at once.

  Prince Jiro made his point a second time, so there could be no possible misunderstanding. “If we could announce the successful resolutions of our differences tomorrow during the gala, I would be deeply grateful to both of you gentlemen.” He glanced from Holmes to Ambassador Tochigi. “Between you I know sufficient good-will exists to accomplish the task. And you will do that more effectively if I am out of your way, I am certain of it.” He very nearly chuckled as he offered his hand to Holmes once again. “Don’t be too put off by our ways, Mister Holmes. We have been our own world for so long that we do not know yet how to accommodate those who are not Japanese, and seek to keep to ourselves. But this is the age of progress, of steel and steam, when the world is changing every hour. I hope you will both make allowances for that. Not all of us think Europeans are barbarians, or that your motives are improper. For my part, I am sure we will deal with you in good faith.”

  “I will bear that in mind, Highness,” said Holmes with a half-bow.

  “Excellent. Excellent.” He rounded on Ambassador Tochigi.

  “You heard all I have said to Mister Holmes. I expect you to honor my pledge.”

  “I am bound to do it,” said Ambassador Tochigi, bowing once more.

  “I will expect to hear a report of progress before this time tomorrow,” said Prince Jiro as he headed toward the door. “I will not be available tonight; you may send word of your progress to my assistant.” With that, he caught the latch, swung out the door and was gone.

  There was more than forty seconds of silence in the wake of his departure.

  “Prince Jiro finds his own path. His personal name is Yukio, for it was known he would make his own way, so he was named for the snow.” He looked a bit flustered at this inadvertent gossip. “His family and intimates only use that name. For all the rest, he remains Prince Jiro. To call him by his personal name would offend him.” Ambassador Tochigi sat down again, and after a moment, so did Messers Banadaichi and Minato.

  “Then, rest assured, we will not do so. The choice of his name strikes me as curious,” Holmes said. “He is named for the snow. Because snow goes where it wishes?” he guessed aloud.

  “Superficially, yes. There are other . . . ramifications to the name, as well. It has certainly proven apt.” Ambassador Tochigi sighed. “We had best resume our work. It would not do for me to fail the Emperor’s son.”

  “Very well,” said Holmes, and without recourse to notes, said, “We are in agreement, I think, in regard to the issue of construction. Our yards here will begin laying down the keels for six different classes of ships, once payment for the work is received at the Exchequer. The smallest is to be torpedo boats and the largest will be eight hulls of the dreadnought class, built to the standards of the Royal Navy. Each will carry similar calibers of weaponry to that used on the warships of the Royal Navy. Not only will your Japanese cadets be familiar with the guns, they will be able to exchange ordnance with ships of our fleet if you require it.”

  “Your Royal Navy maintains the highest standards in the world,” said Ambassador Tochigi; I was fairly certain he was sincere.

  “And you will have the advantage of those standards,” said Holmes. “Further, within six months, naval engineers will begin construction of a modern station and dry dock in a harbor of your Emperor’s choice that is capable of supporting these ships once they are completed. Again, your Royal Navy cadets will be able to make the most of this arrangement.”

  Ambassador Tochigi nodded slowly. “This is in accordance with our requests.”

  Holmes acknowledged this with a nod. “The ship-building plan will continue for an extended period, with the completion of the last ship expected in 1901. These ships will have access to all British coaling stations for their journey to the Empire of Japan. You are already aware of our arrangements in regard to ordnance so that all these vessels may be maintained in battle-worthy condition. Further, two modern plants capable of producing shot and shell for these warships will be constructed at Osaka and Sasebo for the Emperor. Within ten years Japan will have the nucleus of the most up-to-date navy in the western Pacific region: one that will out-class if not outnumber anything the Russians might harbor at Kamchatka.”

  “Excellent, yes, this is acceptable.” Ambassador Tochigi glanced toward Messrs. Minato and Banadaichi. “All is in accord with your records, is it not?”

  The two men nodded as one.

  When Holmes spoke again, his voice was so low that all four of us had to listen carefully to hear him. “The unpublished provisions we have agreed upon are more mutually advantageous than those officially outlined.” He tapped his fingers on the table to punctuate each point as he recited them. “Both nations agree to respect and mutually protect each other’s possessions and citizens. Neither shall render aid, including coaling, to any nation antagonistic to the other. The Empires
of Britain and Japan will share with one another all military intelligence relating to the other, and do so in a timely manner. We both agree to make every effort to prevent further expansion of German and Russian influence in the Pacific region. Finally, in return for British recognition and support of your interests in the enumerated islands and Manchuria, your nation agrees to provide military and other assistance should any of our Far Eastern possessions be threatened by another power. We of Britain shall further endeavor to isolate Russia diplomatically should armed conflict arise between Japan and Saint Petersburg.”

  “Yes,” said Ambassador Tochigi. “We are agreed on those unpublished points as well. Though there remains the matter of the enclave at Shanghai, the trading concessions, and the status of the Korean peninsula. These are matters which can be assessed separately from the others and should not prevent our signing the terms in which we are already in accord.” He fell silent, providing an opportunity for my employer to speak. He then ducked his head in what I had decided was the Japanese version of a shrug. “But all this may come to nothing if we cannot resolve the matter of Dartmouth cadets.”

  “I would like to think we can reach a reasonable settlement in that regard,” said Holmes.

  “The rest hinges on the issue of the cadets,” Ambassador Tochigi insisted pleasantly.

  “Yes, I suppose it does,” said Holmes thoughtfully. “That sums it up.” He had been twirling his watchfob for some time. Now he stopped abruptly and said, “I don’t know where you would like to begin, but I propose, since it is tea-time as we English view it, that we take an hour to collect our thoughts over tea.”

  There was a flicker of hesitation in Ambassador Tochigi’s response, as if his good manners pained him. “Of course. That is something we can agree upon, Japanese and English—the importance of tea.”