Chapter fourLord Charnock, looking round the impressive drawing room of the British Embassy, thought with a feeling of satisfaction that he had been very astute.
He was aware that, when the Earl of Durham’s invitation to Prince Ivan and Princess Olga Volkonsky included Zelina, it set the seal on the impression that she had managed to convey, which was that she had come to Russia solely as a guest and not as an employee.
Hibbert, who always acted as an experienced spy for his Master, had discovered from the other servants that Zelina was having meals with her host and hostess and they had already introduced her to the Royal Family.
Lord Charnock deliberately kept out of Zelina’s way and even contrived not to attend certain functions when he reckoned that she would be present.
He was wel
