[i][[Nyet.]][/i]

The single word was spoken simply, calmly, without the musicality of Galina's matchless voice or the silken charm of Goemon's. But that one word cut through the mutual spell woven by these two spies like a white hot blade through butter. 

The elder woman sat up a touch straighter in her chair, gathering all the dignity of her many years about her like regal robes as she smiled kindly to the young Japanese man. "This is no reflection on your [i]most[/i] kind offer Mr. Goemon," Klara began almost gently, her fork perched lightly between fingers and thumb, "But I am afraid my dear Galina did not provide you with a proper introduction when you joined us."

[i]Our dear Galina seems to have left out quite a bit more than a right introduction tonight. Far, far more that she confided in neither family nor friends...[/i]

"Galina Demidova is, after all, the [i]Baronessa[/i] Demidova." Klara reached over the table to playfully tap at one of the young woman's hands, as if the old nursemaid lovingly chastised a wayward child. Merciful heaven, but she had not grown so old or insensate as to miss the signs, even in a child grown so apt at deception as the precious babe she once cradled in her arms. 

Something dark, something vicious and eminently dangerous flared in the younger woman's eyes, an unreasoning fury almost immediately tamped down - a rage that could only have been extinguished by the loving touch of her dear, wise friend. Rather, a wide and lovely smile spread across her face as she turned toward Goemon with a small nod of her head, quietly and respectfully affirming all that the elder woman spoke. 

"Our beloved Galina often leaves off her title, thinking it might seem... Well... Pretentious, I imagine," Klara continued, as if she had not noticed in the least the bared fangs of the wolf sitting beside her. "Even so, you may be unfamiliar with the ways of Russian nobility. I fear it would be most... [i]Unseemly[/i], for a noblewoman to go searching after some strange man she only just met in passing. Even by proxy."

[i]And the storm unleashed by Galina's brothers... Oh God have mercy on us all - by her [/i]father! Klara shuddered imperceptibly, though she still managed to keep that same sweet smile on her lips. The towering rage of the Baron Demidov, to discover his beloved Galina's first affections may have been given to a foreigner - and to a man of no particular birth or note at that? After the endless slew of noble sons she had spurned with no more than a dismissive toss of her head? After the platoons of fine Don Cossack officers Galina insisted she would only embrace as brothers-in-arms?

No, it simply did not bear thinking on. 

The young woman squeezed Klara's hand lightly, unspoken gratitude combined easily with a reassurance she no longer needed her beloved nursemaid to set her right. Whatever madness might have let her be seduced by Goemon's sweetly tempting words had passed, and the spy was herself once more. 

"I meant no deception, Mr. Goemon, but I fear my dear friend has the right of our circumstances. Your offer is most kind and at the very least, I certainly do accept the spirit in which it was given. You do your country no disservice at all. You [i]do[/i] tempt me of course - the company of Takahiro Souma was a genuine joy."

"But no, it would be most inappropriate and, I imagine, he would remember precious little of me at any rate. His society was far more memorable than my poor efforts, of course." 

Besides, the drug she had spiked his champagne with was [i]very[/i] well-known for its short-term amnesiac properties.

Galina sighed softly, nodding to the waiter who appeared at her elbow to clear her half-eaten meal away. "So Mr. Goemon, shall we enjoy dessert and coffee, or should we be on to meet with our soon-to-be mutual friend, Mr. Slevin? I admit, I have little enough appetite tonight, but I would not dream of dragging anyone from all the courses of such a delicious meal."

"Or, perhaps, will Mr. Slevin be joining us then? That should be a pleasant enough way to end a wonderful dinner, and the start of an equally productive night."