THE HOURS BEFORE: A Story of Mystery and Suspense from the Belle Époque Read Free

politicians who seem so intent on plunging us all into war. See if they agree that race and nationality are illusory.’
    ‘The generals and politicians?’ Kristina echoes, speaking slowly, as if thinking aloud. ‘I suspect they might not listen to me,’ she adds with her usual intensity.
    ‘You may well be right, my dear,’ the English Lady concurs. ‘Oh, don’t worry; I’ve known my fair share of generals in my time. Generals and field marshals and admirals and whatnot, and all the powerful men who make their weapons and ships for them. They are like schoolboys, most of them, playing at soldiers. And as for the politicians that serve them … well, I won’t even begin to tell you what I think of them . Um … Anyway, Kristina, on a more practical note, I shall need a bath to be drawn much earlier than usual. The day staff will arrive below stairs well before dawn. Go to them later, as soon as you hear them and make sure there is sufficient hot water. I shall require this before seven. Then, after dressing, I must ride out immediately - a carriage must be ready at 8.30 precisely to take me to the Imperial. I will need the services of a companion, of course. Let us hope someone is available at such an unseemly hour.’
    ‘Is m'lady referring to a footman or a maid?’ Kristina inquires.
    But to this, the English lady recoils in shock. ‘ A footman! Don’t be absurd. I have enough men in my life already, thank you, without adding another useless piece of baggage. No, wherever I go, I do so only with a female companion.’
    ‘Then I shall ride out with you, ma'am, yes?’
    ‘You?’ the English lady exclaims with a blend of surprise and embarrassment. ‘No, no sorry. I don’t mean to sound unkind, my dear, but I must have someone dressed appropriately.’
    ‘I have fine clothes, m'lady - far finer than those in which you see me. I am also competent in serving a lady in the capacity of chaperone or companion, and you will not feel ashamed that I should be accompanying you. Fair maid or handsome footman, or anything else in-between, I can meet all your requirements. It is merely a matter of costume for one such as myself, would you not agree?’
    To which the English lady finds herself giggling - for the first time with genuine mirth, deciding at last that it really would not be at all disagreeable to spend the coming hours and even the morning, too, in the company of this amusing young lady, if that is indeed what she is. ‘Oh yes,’ she chuckles, ‘you could certainly pass for either, or anything in-between - of which, I should tell you, we have a good few notable examples in this City at present. Well then, so be it. It is a gamble for me, consenting to this. But if all else fails, there will certainly be some decent clothes we can fetch from the wardrobes.’
    ‘If it please you, ma'am I would be grateful if you would have faith in my promise,’ the young woman responds, her voice remaining gentle but also becoming distracted and even strangely exultant as she continues: ‘I shall make provision in good time,’ she declares, her eyes unfocussed, as if perceiving some remote and future time and place deep within her imagination, ‘I shall be beautiful for you, and worthy of your enterprise. I will be at your side or seated behind you as you ride to your conquest. I shall take your parasol or watch over your portmanteau. I shall support you at every turn and bring you good fortune and victory.’
    ‘Victory? Good God - you make it sound like a ruddy battle I’m going into!’ the English Lady exclaims, hoping that she does not appear unduly anxious. For the maid’s words are not far off the mark. A few moments later, however, and with the continued ministrations of the slow, rhythmic brushing, a sense of tranquillity overtakes the English Lady once again, a calmness mingled with the focussed pleasure that only complete attention to the senses can bring.
    ‘You touch me with one hand and comb my hair