Winter Palace by T. Davis Bunn Page A

happiness.
    â€œThis isn’t your day to play wallflower, lad,” Andrew said as he approached.
    â€œJust taking a breather,” Jeffrey replied, his eyes resting upon Katya. “And enjoying the view.”
    â€œI’ve never had much respect for a man who’s not able to outmarry himself,” Andrew said. “Glad to see you’re upholding my estimation of you, lad.”
    Jeffrey watched as Katya spoke and laughed and positively shimmered. “I’m a lucky guy.”
    â€œYou’re a ruddy sight more than that. You’ve the good fortune of twenty men, lad. Congratulations.”
    Jeffrey caught sight of himself in an ancient mercury mirror. Smugness fought for place with wonder across his features. “I can’t thank you enough for the car—”
    â€œDon’t give it another thought.” Andrew paused, said, “As a matter of fact, I’ve got a news of my own. Care for a glass of something wet?”
    â€œNo thanks. What news?”
    â€œMy wife and I’ve decided to adopt a little one,” Andrew said, then, when Jeffrey laughed, “What’s so funny?”
    â€œYou and your British calm. You’d announce the start of World War III without raising your voice.”
    â€œHaving a wee one dribble on your best suit is a trial, I’ll admit, but not quite as bad as that.” Andrew grinned. “Life was bent on sparing us the bother, but my wife and I were never ones to rest on good sense when we were wanting something. Especially when it comes to kids.”
    Jeffrey offered his hand. “Congratulations, Andrew. I’m sure you’re going to be a great dad.”
    â€œWish I shared your confidence, lad. The thought is enough to give me a bad case of the shakes, I’ll admit.” His grip on Jeffrey’s hand lingered. “I’d thought of asking you to be his godfather.”
    â€œMe?”
    â€œDon’t look so shocked. You’ve got all the right ingredients for a godparent, far as I can see. And in years to come, you’ll be able to give the little blighter the kind of gifts he deserves, like a matching suite of Louis XIV furniture.” Andrew sobered momentarily. “Seriously, lad. I’d be ever so glad if you’d accept.”
    â€œI’m honored, Andrew. Really.”
    â€œThat’s settled, then.” Andrew dropped his hand. “You’d be amazed the things you and the little wife will get involved with when your own time comes. Never knew wallpaper coloring was a national priority.” He motioned to where Magda waved at him. “You’re being summoned, lad. Time to rejoin the fray.”
    Magda patted the chair next to her as he approached and said, “Allow me the honor of sitting next to the most handsome man in the room for a moment.”
    â€œI am only a complement for your daughter’s beauty,” Jeffrey replied, sitting down.
    â€œFor this moment, perhaps.” Magda searched out her daughter, responded to her wave with yet another smile. “Yes, it is indeed her day.”
    â€œYou have raised a beautiful daughter,” Jeffrey told her.
    Magda turned her attention back to him. “And granted her the good sense to choose an excellent man.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Nichols.”
    â€œI was so pleased that my daughter was not artistically inclined.” She sipped from her glass. “I did not wish the Lord to burden her with this passion.”
    Jeffrey found her across the crowded room. “She has your passion,” he replied. “It comes out in other ways.”
    â€œI am glad.” Magda inspected his face, asked, “You are worried by this trip to the Ukraine?”
    He nodded, no longer surprised by her changes in direction or choices of topic. “Does it show so clearly?”
    â€œNo, but I know my daughter. She will have bestowed her own worries upon you. Her life and her heritage has been