A Grave Celebration by Christine Trent

Author:Christine Trent [Trent, Christine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twopence Press, LLC
Published: 2016-11-16T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

The British delegation boarded SMS Viribus Unitis a half hour later. They were escorted into Franz-Josef’s reception quarters by Karl Dorn, the emperor’s chamberlain, who bowed stiffly before showing them down a wide staircase. Lining the center of each stairway tread was a uniformed, expressionless servant standing ramrod straight. The delegation passed down either side, holding the polished wood rails.

A strange choreography commenced at the enormous double doors leading to the emperor’s presence. Rather than throwing open both doors for the entire delegation to enter at once, or at least to process in a line one at a time, Dorn instead maintained tight control of the opening and closing of the door in a bizarre routine. Both doors were opened to welcome in the Prince of Wales, with several of the servants who had been positioned on the stairs surrounding him as if they were escorting a precious transport of gold bars.

The doors clicked shut behind the prince; then, moments later, only one door opened in its entirety and the ambassador was admitted. When the turn came for the Harpers, Asa Brooks, and even Commander Nares—for he had also been conscripted for the duty—the single door opened only wide enough to permit one of them at a time, and even then Violet’s skirts just passed through without crumpling.

Inside was yet another miracle of wealth to which Violet should have been accustomed, having witnessed so much luxury in the past day, yet she found she was still breathless at the sight of it. The interior of what could hardly be termed a cabin, for surely it extended half the length and width of the entire ship, was awash in gilding, crystal, and priceless artwork. At one end stood Emperor Franz-Josef himself, resplendent in his red-striped trousers, with medals bedecking his chest.

Sam, handsome in his own uniform, Captain Nares, and Asa Brooks were presented first to the emperor, and all bowed stiffly before the foreign sovereign. Violet was presented last, and she took her turn with a deep curtsy. Was it her imagination, or did Franz-Josef’s eyes narrow suspiciously at her?

Except for Bertie, the other delegation members then unashamedly soaked in the opulence, Violet included. It was difficult to remember that they were on a ship, docked at least a thousand miles away from the nearest European palace.

Franz-Josef came directly to the point. “I requested the British delegation’s presence for a specific purpose,” he stated. “One of great import that must be addressed right away prior to this evening’s dinner, and I—”

“Have you nothing to smoke?” Bertie interrupted.

The emperor’s eyes narrowed again, but he signaled to Dorn, and from some magical place a box of thin cigarettes was produced. Franz-Josef’s movements were controlled, but Violet could see him mentally tapping his foot with impatience as the Prince of Wales took his time in selecting one. After it was lit, Bertie drew deeply from the wrapped tobacco and slowly exhaled in pleasure. “As you were saying?” he said casually.

“Yes, there is a grievous situation at hand.

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