Leading Lady Read Free Page B

we cannot afford keeping him in prison, when banishing him to Gustavsberg will do just as well? I think an eye is kept on his visitors, and his mail, though Franz hates even that. He’s such an idealist, dear man.’
    â€˜Crazy,’ said Cristabel. ‘In a world like ours. Where is he this time, Martha?’
    â€˜He’s gone to France, to try and find out how Napoleon’s mind is working.’
    â€˜Into the lion’s mouth! The Emperor can hardly be best pleased with little Lissenberg since the way Prince Gustav turned against him after the murder of the Due d’Enghien last year. But I remember Franz was a great admirer of Bonaparte’s back in Paris when we were all there. Strange to think that he was a penniless young musician then and now he has gone back there as Prince of Lissenberg. How will you feel, Martha, if he returns to announce an alliance with France against England?’
    â€˜I must make myself feel as a Princess of Lissenberg should,’ Martha told her. ‘And I do beg you to help me, whatever your own feelings.’
    â€˜You can rely on me. I’m no politician as you well know. Desmond says the world of art has no frontiers, and I agreewith him. And, as for you, Martha, after all, you’re not British at all, but American; your country is an ancient ally of France.’
    â€˜I keep reminding myself of that, but just the same, I can’t like what Napoleon is doing. Still less trust him. I shall feel much safer when Franz gets home.’
    â€˜At least he can’t try and marry him to one of Josephine’s nieces,’ said Cristabel, whose own romance with Franz’s brother had been abruptly broken off when Napoleon demanded that Max engage himself to Minette de Beauharnais, his wife’s niece by her first marriage.
    â€˜No,’ Martha smiled a little wryly. ‘I do serve that useful purpose.’ And then, quickly changing the subject: ‘But aside from the great fact of your marriage, you’ve told me nothing about the tour, Belle, or Signor Franzosi’s plans for the winter season.’
    â€˜Grandiose, as usual. Oh, Martha, I am disappointed Franz isn’t here. I hadn’t realised how much I had counted on him to make Franzosi see reason a bit, and, besides,’ colouring, ‘I thought he’d make the announcement about my marriage. He’d know just how to do it.’
    â€˜You’ll have to make do with me.’ Martha, too, had been wishing her husband was at home, to advise whether they should announce the marriage or insist it be annulled. But how could they do that? Desmond and Cristabel had been living together as man and wife for a month in the close conditions of a touring company. Desmond Fylde had played his cards too well. She thought there was nothing for it but to yield him the game, but with the darkest forebodings for the future. ‘I shall give a celebration dinner tomorrow,’ she said now. ‘To mark your return. And make the announcement then. I doubt it will come as much of a surprise to the company.’
    â€˜No,’ Cristabel admitted. ‘There have been some knowing looks, I’ve thought. My Desmond adores me so, he says, it’s hard for him not to let it show. He’s singing better than ever, Martha.’ She had seemed increasingly restless, now rose and moved over to the palace window. ‘Oh, there’s the carriage. He said he would come and fetch me. Martha, you will receive him, congratulate him?’
    â€˜Why –’ A tiny pause – ‘Yes, of course.’ Desmond Fylde’snext move had come even sooner than she had expected, but what else could she do but receive him?
    He looked handsomer than ever, very sleek, very pleased with himself, and she disliked him even more than she had remembered. She kept the interview as short and as formal as possible. There were advantages, she was beginning to learn, about being a