“And if it’s not?”

“I shall stay in town and content myself with reading,” I said.

“How can I possibly count on you to stay and wait for my message?”

“I’m reliability itself. I give you my word.”

He nodded. “All right. I’m willing to agree to that.”

I kissed him. “Thank you. You won’t regret it. Just think how tedious the trip would be without me.”

“I do rather like you on trains, although Benjamin said it’s not so far as to require that,” he said. “Regardless, there are several avenues I want to pursue here in town first.”

“Just don’t forget you agreed to take me,” I said, refilling his whiskey. “In the meantime, have you given any thought to taking up a swimming regimen? The Bosphorus is dangerous, and I can’t have you drowning when you lose our bet.”

“You’ve nothing to fear on that account.” His smile made every nerve in my body tingle. “I’m meeting with Abdül Hamit tomorrow afternoon.”

“You think he knows something?”

“We’re to be joined by the members of his palace spy network. He’s a paranoid man, our sultan—I’ve great hopes that at least one of his minions has seen something that can be of use to us.”

“So you’re trying to leap ahead of me?” I asked. “It won’t work, you know.”

“Do you know how to peel grapes, Emily? I’m told it’s hard work.”

“Is that so?” I gave him a quick kiss on each cheek. “Then I’m not sorry in the least I shall never have to learn how to do it.”

5 April 1892

Darnley House, Kent

My dear daughter,

I hope that you and your husband are enjoying fine health and learning to adjust to the many challenges of married life. Your father and I are exceedingly happy for you, despite your unorthodox and, frankly, unacceptable wedding.