The Blue Diamond by Joan Smith

and was soon en route to the Italian party. The diamond earrings confirmed in his mind that the girl was indeed peddling the crown jewels of France. Whether she had the Blue Tavernier in her actual possession he could not decide, but he thought it was not so unobtainable as she implied. Pity he had let her think the Prince Regent was his client—that had put her off. It was Palgrave she meant to sell it to. His cousin’s ruffling a few feathers was a nuisance, but the ultimate use to which the money was to be put was the real menace in the case. It must be reported to Castlereagh at once.
    He found him in a corner by Palmella, the Portuguese diplomat, who was likely pestering him for some favor, to judge by the haste with which he made his excuses. “Anything new?” Castlereagh asked. It was the usual greeting between members of all the delegations to each other. There was always a new rumor or plan every minute.
    “Could we find a corner somewhere? I would prefer we not be overheard.”
    They strolled nonchalantly towards the doorway, nodding and speaking to various guests. When they had found a private room, Moncrief opened his budget. “I’m afraid we haven’t heard the last of this blue diamond business. The French girl has another piece of jewelry from the French collection—selling it you know, and there is no reason to suppose she hasn’t got the whole thing. What do you suppose would happen if Bonaparte should escape from Elba and come marching back to France?”
    “Hard to say. There was certainly great public rejoicing in Paris when he abdicated, but Metternich feels the enthusiasm was for peace, rather than the return of a Bourbon to the throne. Napoleon has fanatically loyal supporters yet, despite his colossal blunders, both military and political.”
    “The Treaty of Fontainebleau was very lenient. I have often heard you say so. It is not even required that he stay on Elba, and he has plenty of men. The island so close to his home too. He has been given a dangerously long rein, and the settlement was generous."
    “Oh as to that, his pension has not been paid by the French. He is not so well off as you might think.”
    “You don’t put a dangerous man in prison, deprive him of nourishment and leave the door unlocked.”
    “There have always been tales of his promise to return with the violets. Père La Violette they are calling him. When he went into exile, he promised his supporters he would return when the violets were in bloom once more.”
    “When do violets bloom? I noticed the roses in the Schonbrunn gardens have burst into untimely new growth in December. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Père La Violette has changed his name to Père Noë1 , and is down on our heads by Christmas.”
    “This is a fine how-do-you-do, and your cousin the heaviest contributor to the fund. You must—you really must keep a line on him, Moncrief. Cooke can replace you at the office. Exert every effort to getting this matter under control. I don’t suppose . . ."
    “What?”
    “You couldn’t—well, dispose of the jewels. Steal them, in other words.”
    “I had thought of that, but the difficulty is in finding where she keeps it, or even if she has actually got hold of it herself yet.”
    “I should think an eligible young bachelor like yourself wouldn’t have too much trouble working your way into her confidence. Proceed with the greatest caution. I need hardly tell you that. Get your hands on the collection if you can, and we’ll keep quiet about it till this Congress business is terminated.”
    “What steps should be taken with regard to Napoleon’s escaping?”
    “I must let Liverpool know. He may want to send Wellington over—indeed he has spoken of it already, as I am needed in London. I’ll drop an unofficial hint of our suspicions to the Tsar and the others here. It will take all the cooperation possible to control him if he should come pouncing back.”
    “How many men can I