The Queen of Diamonds Read online

  I put my hand on his and nodded, feeling disappointed with myself. Mary Pearson, our butler's daughter, came up the stair with a breakfast tray. She was nineteen and pretty, with straight light brown hair. Tony opened the door, and we went inside. I fetched the bed-tray for Mary to put Morton's plate and cup upon.

  "That smells delicious," Morton said. "I feel famished."

  "As well you should," I said, "for it's almost eleven."

  Mary put her tray on a side table then brought over Morton's plate and silverware.

  Morton glanced up at us. "I hope you won't mind if I begin."

  Tony smiled. "Of course not."

  So Morton began eating while Mary poured his tea. At the first sip, his face lit with happy astonishment. "Mint tea!" Morton said. "My favorite. How did you know?"

  "You told us last night," I said. "But you were quite fatigued; you may have forgotten."

  He nodded. "Yes," he said with his mouth full, "I was."

  What did Morton tell the men? He could have said anything and might have no recollection of it.

  Mary said, "Will there be anything else, sir?"

  "No," Tony said. "I'll ring if there is."

  Mary curtsied and left, closing the door behind her.

  Sawbuck took a deep breath and let it out. "The men are watching for any attack. They're quite motivated to do so."

  This didn't surprise me. Between their compatriots being killed and kidnapped and an assault on a shipment, it was clear Frank Pagliacci and his false Red Dog Gang were trying to make inroads into our territory. No Family man would stand for it.

  "Miss Josephine Kerr left her card earlier," Sawbuck said. "Pearson told her you weren't at home."

  I said, "Any particular reason you mention this?"

  Sawbuck looked uneasy. "I'm alert to anything unusual. She didn't attend the dinner due to having to care for her brother, yet finds time to come here, today of all days."

  "She probably fears causing offense," Tony said. "Miss Kerr and Mrs. Spadros were childhood friends, yet I imagine our favor is quite helpful to them from a social aspect."

  Morton continued to eat as if we were not there. Doubtless he knew nothing of Josie, although it was odd that the Kerr name brought no curiosity as to our association with them. Although if he worked for the Harts, as he said, perhaps he already knew of it.

  The Kerr family built the city of Bridges, ruling it father to son for 400 years until overthrown 100 years ago in the Coup which we were about to celebrate. Most people in Bridges associated the Kerr name with decadence, greed, and descent into squalor as just reward for their crimes. Few realized Polansky Kerr IV lived in the Hart quadrant, although his grandchildren seemed welcome among the unmarried gentlemen and debutantes. Joe and Josie were even invited to the Grand Ball this year, although not even the Golden Bridges made note of it.

  I sat watching Sawbuck, Tony, and Morton. If we were to plan, we should do so. If we were not to plan here in front of Morton, should we not go elsewhere?

  Ah. Tony and Sawbuck must have planned to each present a topic related to the events since the attack on New Year's Day to see what Morton knew.

  Tony smiled at me. "Has Madame Biltcliffe learned anything more of who broke into her shop?"

  Morton had a puzzled expression, as if unable to connect what this had to do with his predicament.

  "No," I said, "but I haven't had a chance to visit her of late."

  Morton knew Frank Pagliacci. When Tony learned this, he would become even more suspicious and ask Morton all sorts of questions. I couldn't take the chance that in Morton's injured state, my involvement in this might come out. I caught Morton's eye and pretended to yawn, covering my mouth with my right hand then bringing it up as if to smooth my hair. As I moved my hand past my face so it blocked the view of the other two men, I winked at Morton, who smiled.

  "I see yesterday's events have fatigued you as well," Morton said, his eyes drooping. "I wonder if we might have this conversation another time."

  "Of course," Tony said. He and Sawbuck rose.

  "Oh," Morton said. "Is someone tending to my shoes? They were quite expensive."

  Tony smiled, a flash of amusement crossing his eyes. "My manservant has taken care of them. They're under your bed."

  Morton let out a breath, relieved. "Thank you."

  I moved Morton's bed-tray to the window seat then followed the two men out of the room. Morton turned to lie down as I left.

  Tony closed the door. "Let's go to my study. Pearson can send one of his sons to check on him later."

  When we got to the study, Tony gestured for me and Sawbuck to sit in the chairs across from his desk, while he sat behind it. It was an interesting arrangement.

  Tony said, "What do you wish to tell us?"

  I felt confused. "I?"

  "I fail to see how you're so fatigued at eleven in the morning as to yawn in front of a guest. Therefore, I presume you have something to discuss that you wish Master Rainbow not to hear. Or have you forgotten your manners entirely?"

  I paused to find some topic suitable to distract Tony from this line of discussion. "I feel concerned with this tactic of yours. While bringing up topics relevant to the past month may shed light on Master Rainbow's knowledge, it may reveal too much to someone we know little about."

  Tony snorted, yet I felt surprise and admiration in his demeanor. "I told you she would see through it. Did I not?"

  Sawbuck chuckled. "You did." He reached in his pocket and handed a five to Tony.

  I gaped at them. "You wagered on me?" I burst out laughing. The audacity of this man!

  Tony leaned back, grinning. "So what do you suggest?"

  A fair question; it took a moment to concoct an answer. "Master Rainbow has confided in me in the past. I believe he may even have some regard for me. Allow me to speak with him on whatever subject you wish. You may pose the questions, I'll relay them. In his unguarded condition, he may let something slip."

  Sawbuck's eyes narrowed. "There's a danger to this."

  Did Sawbuck suspect me? "Well, yes. If I were you, I would have a man standing outside, in case I should scream. Perhaps two. Although Master Rainbow isn't much taller than I, wrapped in his bed, and in a weakened state." If I seemed too eager, Tony wouldn't do it. "Perhaps it's a bad idea —"

  Tony grinned, rubbing his hands together. "No, it's perfect. We can listen at the door. He'll never suspect you."

  I felt sad. I would never betray Tony, but I couldn't let Morton betray me, even unintentionally. "Then I suppose we should get started on the questions."

  The Deception

  After an hour of conferring with Tony and Sawbuck, I felt tired of sitting, so I took a brief walk and a smoke in the garden. Tony's men stood guard at intervals in the distance where the land rose to give them a better view. The ones closer by tipped their hats when I came outside. Bells chimed in the distance, marking noon, yet the sun barely shone for the clouds that covered it.

  Sawbuck seemed to suspect everyone. I recalled our ride to the Kerr's home on New Year's Day, when Tony spoke of his older brother, the true Spadros heir, poisoned when Tony was two years old ...

  "From the first time Ten learned about my brother, oh, I was two or three so he must have been eight, or perhaps nine. When he heard of it, he said he would watch over me, that he would never let anyone hurt me. He has kept his word."

  Twenty years the man had watched over Tony. What might he do if he considered me a threat?

  When I went back inside, Tony met me in the hall. He handed me the questions, which I placed in my pocket.

  Pearson walked up to us. "Your mail is on your desks."

  "Thank you, Pearson." I turned to Tony and took his arm as we strolled towards his study. "Since you'll be gone tomorrow, perhaps I'll go pick out my Summer gown."

  Tony laughed. "I have yet to see your Spring gown, which I paid a great deal for."

  "Surely, it's on display by now. You never go into town, or you w
ould've seen it. It's most lovely." I gazed up at him with my best smile (Ma taught me that one) and he smiled back, his pupils wide, his cheeks reddening.

  Flirting with Tony was a risk; he would want me for my wife duties tonight. But it was worth it. I needed an excuse to go to Madame's. Then I could go to Market Center and see what Thrace Pike recovered from Anastasia's debtors. She'd be leaving town soon, and I wanted to have something to give her.

  "Oh, very well," he said. "Go have your fun. Perhaps after we visit the Kerrs we can drive past and see this wonder."

  "Thank you." I went to kiss his cheek, but he turned, kissing me full on the lips there in the hallway, his hand upon my back, pulling me to him.

  Oh, my. Where did this come from?

  When Tony spoke, his voice was earnest and strained. "When you go to Master Rainbow's room after luncheon, I wish you to remember this."

  Was he jealous? "Have no fears about Master Rainbow; I don't find him attractive. But it's rather sweet of you to say such things."

  Tony drew me into his study, then closed and locked the door. "I love you so much." He kissed me as I leaned on the door. He had never done this before ... in daylight, in his study ... I found it interesting.

  After a time contemplating the matter I pictured Joe there, and the whole scenario changed: that soft brown hair, those beautiful green eyes. I kissed Joe, feeling his hard body pressing so perfectly against mine. "Ohh," I said to Joe, "how I love you."

  With a shock, I realized I came too close to saying Joe's name, and the thought of what might happen if I did terrified me.

  Tony picked me up then and brought me to the sofa. But the spell had been broken; I couldn't find Joe again in the awkward position and Tony's desperate passion.

  I almost wept, I missed him so.

  Finally, Tony buried his face between my breasts as he cried out, and collapsed atop me, panting. Then he laughed. "I always wanted to do that."

  I turned my head, gazing at the room. This used to be his father Roy's home, his study, his sofa. Every piece of furniture, every minute here must have added meaning to Tony, reminders of deeds and emotion.

  Tony had spoken of leaving Bridges, making the Business "worthy of respect." In his eyes I had seen his agony at doing the things expected of him as the Spadros heir. Heard the love for Gardena in his voice. At times, he might feel as trapped as I did.

  I held him to my chest and smoothed his hair, feeling deep compassion for him. I loved Tony as I might a brother. A beloved younger brother. But it was getting harder and harder each day to pretend I desired him. I forced my breathing steady as grief squeezed my heart. What could I do?

  ***

  Later, I went to my study to tell Mr. Pike and Madame Biltcliffe of our meetings. I wondered how to send the letter to Mr. Pike, who wouldn't be apt to hide the correspondence. I couldn't send it as Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros; if the note should appear later it could be used in all sorts of unsavory ways. I decided to continue to use my false name Eunice Ogier. That way, if Mr. Pike did lose the note, it couldn't be traced to me.

  On my desk lay a letter:

  Miss Gardena Diamond presents her compliments to Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros, and hopes to have the pleasure of her company for luncheon at the Diamond Women's Club on the Twenty-First of February, 1899.

  RSVP

  I didn't know how to feel about going to the Diamond Women's Club. I understood why Gardena wanted to meet there: it was the only way for her to return my dinner invitation. I would never accept an invitation to her home because her older brother (the mad and murderous Jack Diamond) would be there. I feared for my safety near him. Of course, his twin brother Jonathan would likely be there as well, if for nothing but my protection. Even so, Tony would never allow it even if I wished to go.

  But their Women's Club should be safe enough; men were never allowed inside, or even permitted to loiter outside. The guards at each of the Clubs were there to enforce this.

  Although I would like to meet Gardena for luncheon, I wasn't sure what we would talk about. That my husband seemed to be in love with her? That she struck him in his own home?

  But I needed to know what all this was about.

  I went back to Tony's study, and he sat at his desk reading his mail. He gave a warm smile and came to me. He had changed his clothes and righted his hair. I wondered what his manservant Jacob Michaels thought, seeing Tony appear in his rooms before luncheon in such disarray.

  Probably the same thing Amelia said when she helped me change and redo my hair. "Oh, to be young and in love."

  I handed Tony the note. "Gardena wants me to come to luncheon in Diamond. At the Women's Club."

  He set it aside, then took my face in his hands, kissing me. "Then, my love, you shall go."

  I felt relieved that he didn't protest or show fear of what she might say. In spite of his words about her instability or hidden motives or spirited nature, in spite of her slapping him and calling him a coward, he trusted her. He accepted her words, because he trusted her judgment. In his heart, he knew it to be true.

  But it wasn't true; he'd never shrunk from any duty, no matter how painful he found it.

  I thought back to what he said about Gardena the night of the dinner. Why would he say such things about someone he loved and trusted?

  Then, he was trying to distract me, or divert some blame from himself. And today, he wanted to make me happy.

  I considered his nightmares, his sleepless nights. He loved us both, and it tormented him. It was tearing him apart.

  I put my arms around him and lay my face on his chest. The only feeling I could pick out was sadness.

  ***

  After luncheon, I went to Morton's room, Tony and Sawbuck following at a distance.

  Morton sat in an arm chair by a small table near the window, his back to the corner of the room. Today, he wore a white shirt, brown cotton pants, and dark brown slippers.

  "Forgive me if I don't rise; I become dizzy when I do."

  I went to him, offering my hand, which he kissed. "There's nothing to forgive." In my palm was a note, which I passed to him, then sat in an arm chair at the other corner of the window, close enough for conversation yet out of arm's reach. This way, if anyone should come in, it would be clear we sat separate.

  I had written the note earlier, and secreted it in my sleeve:

  My husband and cousin listen. FP is alive.

  He stared at the note, then at me, alarmed.

  I nodded. "I'm glad to see you're well enough to sit here."

  Morton began ripping the small paper into bits. "This is the most difficult part of recovery. I'm well enough to sit up but allowed little to do." He collected the pieces into his hand. "Would you bring me a glass of water?"

  I rose. "Certainly!" I brought it to him, and resumed my seat.

  He swallowed the torn pieces then washed them down with the water.

  I felt touched by his trust; poison on the paper would have solved any problem of what he might say. Either he was very trusting, very foolish, or very brave. "Perhaps I can read to you sometime, since you're not yet allowed that pleasure."

  "That would be diverting." He paused. "I hope you and your family are well?"

  "Yes, indeed."

  He sat for a few seconds. "Well, we can talk about the gloom outdoors, the price the miracle gems go for this afternoon, or the various types of tea. Or you can ask your questions."

  What was he doing? "Whatever do you mean?"

  "Madam, I may be injured, but I'm not a fool. You've been escorted and watched most closely since I first met you. Do you now expect me to believe you're here in my bedchamber for conversation? Or my attractive charms? I'm not so deluded." He let out a short laugh, but it was a merry one. "Or to read me stories like a child? No, you were sent here to learn something. I have nothing to hide. Ask what you will."

  I stared at him, astonished, then realized he was right. If he went along too easily it would be suspect. "Very well ... have you
met a man named Frank Pagliacci?"

  His expression moved from astonishment through fear to understanding. Then he said, "The name seems familiar. I've heard it before. It's an odd name, to be sure."

  "What of a group called the Red Dog Gang?"

  "Is this one of those slum gangs? Of children? How would I know of that?" He chuckled. "I wasn't raised in such ways."

  "Tell me more of yourself, then, of your upbringing."

  He smiled, relaxing. "My parents were immigrants; they moved shortly after marrying. But quite well-off; I had a tutor, and while my home wasn't as grand as this one, we had a butler and maids and all the trappings of refined living. My parents died of fever when I was twenty, and as the only child, I inherited. I have been a gentleman ever since, living on their estate."

  "And where is your estate?"

  "Ah, I spoke of it in a general sense. The properties were sold long ago. I was unmarried and without desire to be responsible for their upkeep. I live off the interest income, downtown in the artists' area. I enjoy life there; I have a maid who keeps house, and I come and go as I please."

  The address he gave was indeed in the artists' area of Hart, although there was no such building. The rest of the story could be total fabrication. Something about his mannerisms made it difficult for me to tell when he lied and when he spoke true. Perhaps his parents being outsiders had something to do with it.

  "You said Frank Pagliacci's name sounded familiar. Can you remember where you heard it?"

  He let out a breath, glancing away. "I was in a restaurant. Someone mentioned the name. I don't recall exactly."

  A knock came at the door, and Tony entered without waiting for an answer. "Master Rainbow! How are you?"