‘A close and tender relationship appears to have been established between Miss Petrovna and the crown prince Alexei. The heir to all the Russias, poor little boy.’ Joe’s voice had softened. ‘What a weight to place on those thin shoulders.’
‘Are all the stories true, sir?’
‘Yes. I can confirm that the press and rumour had it right all those years — he was indeed very ill. Terminally ill. Haemophilia. Inherited from his mother’s line and untreatable. The only relief from debilitating pain and the constant threat of death from uncontrolled bleeding seems to have been administered by the foul Rasputin. The Tsarina firmly believed so. The prince led a sheltered life, his every movement monitored by family members and servants.’
‘And friends. It says here that Anna was frequently with him, telling him stories, carrying him about, making him laugh. How does Bacchus know all this?’
‘None of your business, Wentworth. I can just say that the Branch and MI1b and c have done intensive research into the expatriate Russian community … compiled dossiers, listened intelligently to people only too happy to tell their tale.’ He smiled. ‘Articulate lot, Russian émigrés and they all have a blood-curdling story to tell.’
‘May I speak from personal experience, sir?’
‘One of the reasons you’re sitting here with me now, Wentworth. Fire at will.’
‘I know what it is to get fond of a … disadvantaged … younger boy. It can be a strong feeling. One combining the best impulses of sister, mother, nurse and friend. I think it’s a girl’s natural urge to care for something or someone smaller and weaker. A doll or a pet animal often has to substitute. Combine that love with an overriding belief in the divine right of the Romanovs to rule … It’s something a girl would sacrifice her life for.’
‘Would she sacrifice someone else’s life?’
‘To take vengeance of some sort? Yes. Possibly. Oh, someone ordinary like me would rage and fume and curse and plan all sorts of retribution but wouldn’t necessarily arm herself and put it into practice, but …’