A Most Dangerous Profession(59)
Buffon picked up the wrinkled blue robe from the end of the bed and, holding it between thumb and forefinger, carried it to the wardrobe and dropped it inside.
“Thank you, Buffon. Now I need to find my way to Ross’s study, but there is a problem. I don’t wish the footmen to know I’m wandering about. Do you think you could create a diversion, to draw them from the hallway?”
“It would have to be a big diversion, but oui, I could do it. I think for this, I will need fire.”
Robert raised his brows.
“Nothing less would draw them all. I will use just a small flame, but much smoke.” Buffon picked up a napkin from the tray and dipped a corner of it into the washbasin. “Shall I begin my diversion now?”
“Yes. I may only have two hours before madame and Ross return.”
“Very good, monsieur. Then I shall endeavor to start a second fire in a different corner around that time.”
“That would do very well.”
Buffon bowed and left. A few minutes passed, then one of the footmen gave out a sharp yell. Footsteps thudded, followed by more yells.
Robert peeked out the doorway as the faint scent of smoke wafted in. The hall was clear except for two footmen who hovered at the end, looking uncertain if they should follow their brethren.
“Bless you, Buffon,” Robert murmured as he slipped out of his room and hurried to the opposite end of the hallway.
CHAPTER 17
A letter from Mary Hurst to her brother Robert as he became an agent selling antiquities for their brother Michael.
Michael told me he was well pleased with how you are handling all of his sales, and that you’ve made him more money than he thought possible. He attributes it to your unique salesmanship. He said he knew there was something good to come of your dandified ways, even if it was to lure your victims (clients) into a false sense of security before you pounced on them with a steep price.
After Michael mentioned that, it dawned on me that you’ve been playing that part your whole life. He’s right; it has served you well.
It took Robert almost half an hour to reach the study without being seen. Footmen were everywhere. If he was caught sneaking about, Ross would increase the number of his men, and it would be impossible to look for anything. It was almost impossible now.
Robert slipped between two large tapestries adorning a wall and consulted his map. One more long hallway and he’d be at the study door. He tucked the map back into his pocket and peeked around the corner just in time to catch sight of two footmen. They were young and obviously bored, for they wandered down the hall without any air of purpose or urgency.
He pressed back against the wall, obscured from sight by a display of shields on one wall, and listened as their footsteps moved away from him and toward the very far end of the hall.
Keep going.
Fortunately, they took his silent advice and the footsteps faded. Robert looked around the corner again and saw their shadows fading away down the conjoining hallway.
Now’s my chance.
He made a quick dash to the huge study door. Luckily it was unlocked; he wouldn’t have to stop to pick it. He slipped inside, closed the door, and pressed his ear to the cool oak panel to ascertain if anyone had seen him and put up an alarm.
All was blissfully silent. But then, he heard the footmen’s voices growing closer and closer. Another set of footsteps joined the first two, and Robert heard the butler’s impatient voice. “I came to make certain you’ve not strayed from your posts.”
“Och, we’ve been ’ere the whole time, sir,” said the footman. “As ye requested.”
The butler gave a disgusted sigh. “You were in the South Wing when I arrived, so I know that’s not true.”
“No’ fer long. Me and MacPhearson just wished fer a bit o’ fresh air, and the windows were open to the sun so we—”
“Take your post and do not move. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”
Now I’m stuck here, and I’ll have to find a way out when I am done.
Robert walked to the center of the room, examining it in a sweeping glance. It was very large, with a fireplace at each end, a very high ceiling, a wheeled ladder to reach the highest shelves with ease, and several cozy furniture clusters that suggested one might find the settee of one’s dreams if one kept searching. At one end of the room several small statues and ancient figurines were displayed on a neat row of shelves. Adjacent to the shelves was a large oak desk, resplendent with carving.