A Change of Fortune by Sandra Heath Page A

too pretty.”
    Nadia looked angrily at her, “I don’t need reminding of that. Oh, Dorothea, we have to do something.”
    “Would you like me to ask Sir Guy not to do anything?” inquired Dorothea a little sarcastically.
    “Don’t be disagreeable, Dorothea.”
    “It’s you who are being disagreeable. I’ve had a very tiring day and merely wish to relax—you come here with all your troubles.”
    “Don’t you want me to be the next Duchess of Thornbury?”
    Dorothea looked at her and then nodded, putting down the dish of tidbits. The pug immediately jumped down to snuffle at them. Dorothea fondly stroked its head. “Ah, Baryshna,” she murmured, “how you love your little treats.” She sat up then, giving Nadia her full attention. “So, we must see to it that Leonie Conyngham does not go to the Duchess of Thornbury. Am I correct?”
    “Yes.”
    “It’s simple.”
    Nadia’s lips parted in astonishment. “It is?”
    “Of course. We must see to it that she remains at the seminary.”
    “How?”
    “The assistant schoolteacher left recently. It will be a simple matter to persuade Miss Hart that Leonie Conyngham is an ideal replacement. After all, she does know everything they teach there.”
    Nadia stared, but then gave a dismissive laugh. “I can’t imagine anyone in her right mind preferring such a post to being companion to a duchess!”
    “Then she must be prevailed upon,” replied Dorothea a little testily. “There must be outstanding fees which can be demanded of her, a sum which she would feel honor-bound to pay back. Miss Hart must draw up a rather inflated bill, and there must also be a binding agreement, something which once signed will keep your wretched Leonie in her place. I will speak to Miss Hart in the morning and by this time tomorrow night your rival will be chained.” She glanced shrewdly at Nadia. “That is not to say, however, that it will be the end of your precious Rupert’s interest in her.”
    “I know.”
    “It’s up to you whether his interest strays, isn’t it?” said Dorothea softly. “Now, then, I don’t wish to discuss your tiresome amours anymore, especially as my own are in such a disagreeable state.”
    “But—”
    “Nadia! Don’t be difficult. I’ve promised to do what I can. There isn’t anything more to be said.”
    Nadia got up and left, but as she walked back toward her own room, she thought of something which made her stop. Dorothea’s plan was all very well, but it depended somewhat on Leonie not being able to pay the outstanding fees at the seminary. Nadia remembered the clothes Leonie had been wearing at tea that afternoon; she had had a pearl necklace which, if sold, would more than meet any figure Miss Hart might present her with. And if there was a pearl necklace, who could say what other items there might be in her jewel box? And then there were her clothes and other accessories. The possibility was only too strong that Leonie would be able to pay any debts and still be free to go to the Duchess of Thornbury, which post would definitely be offered to her if Guy de Lacey had his way.
    Nadia paused by the window, breathing on the frozen glass to stare out at the bitter night. The fog swirled secretively and Harley Street was almost completely obscured. She could just see the pale glow of a streetlamp, and icy, gleaming cobbles beneath it.
    There were footsteps in the passage behind her and she turned to see a footman approaching. He was a tall, muscular fellow, with sly eyes and a smile which was just a little too ready. He was also one of the few Englishmen employed at the embassy, and she had very swiftly learned that he was prepared to do anything, no matter how far removed from the letter of the law, provided the price was right.
    She smiled a little then, and waited until he had come closer. “I wish to speak with you,” she said.
    He halted, his crafty eyes sharp and quick. “Madam?”
    “I have something…delicate for you to