“The truth is, I have a secret I want to share with you.” She paused for effect. “Thanks to Mr. Dangerfield’s diligence and expertise, and your son’s ingenuity, I received far more for my egg than I had originally thought possible.”
“I had no idea Sasha was involved,” said Elena.
“Oh yes, he played a crucial role, for which I will be eternally grateful. Not only did the sale allow me to purchase a short lease on this charming flat, but also to buy several fine pieces of furniture from a certain antique dealer from Guildford.” Elena smiled. “However, I still have the problem of how to invest the rest of the money, because there is a considerable amount left over. My father used to say, always invest in people you can trust, and you won’t go far wrong. So I’ve decided to invest in you.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” said Elena.
“For the past month, I’ve been negotiating the purchase of a freehold property in the Fulham Road.”
Elena’s hand was shaking so much she spilled her tea. “I’m so sorry,” she said.
“It’s of no importance,” said the countess, “compared to finding out if you would feel comfortable with the idea of running two restaurants at the same time.”
“I’d have to talk to Sasha before I can make a decision.”
“No, I’m afraid you can’t,” said the countess firmly. “In fact, you must never mention our conversation to Sasha, for reasons I will explain. The seller I’ve had to deal with is a Mr. Maurice Tremlett, so you can’t say anything to Sasha as I got the strong impression that he and your son are not on good terms. He is clearly envious of the success you’ve made of Elena’s.”
“It goes back a lot further than that,” said Elena, “to the days when they were at school together, and Sasha was the First Eleven goalkeeper.”
“No doubt Tremlett was relegated to the Second Eleven, which doesn’t surprise me, as that’s exactly what I intend to do with him, once the contract has been signed. During our negotiations Tremlett asked me twice, if not three times, if I was a front for Mr. Karpenko, and I was able to truthfully say no. So please don’t say anything to Sasha until I’ve put down the deposit. If Tremlett were to find out what I was up to, I’ve no doubt the deal would be off. Now, I have to ask again, Elena, do you think you can run two establishments at the same time?”
“I’ve run that restaurant once already, so it shouldn’t be difficult to get it back up to scratch, especially as I’m already employing the only good kitchen staff and waiters they ever had.”
“And you’re confident you could do that while running Elena’s at the same time?”
“It will just be a hundred and thirty covers instead of seventy. Of course I may have to build a bridge or dig a tunnel under the Fulham Road between Elena One and Elena Two.”
“Then that’s settled,” said the countess.
“Can I ask what you’ll expect in return for your investment?”
“I would become a fifty-fifty partner in the new restaurant, and be allowed to dine at either establishment whenever I wish, at no charge. There are several Russian émigrés in London who appreciate fine cooking, Elena, but no longer experience it as regularly as they used to. However, you have my word that I will only bring them along one at a time.”
“In that case you must have your own table at both restaurants,” said Elena, “which no one else will be allowed to book. So when can I tell Sasha?”
“Not until the contract has been signed and the ink is dry, because I must tell you, Elena, if Mr. Maurice Tremlett had been born in the Soviet Union, he would undoubtedly be working for the KGB.”
Elena shuddered, but couldn’t disagree. “Thank you for tea,” she said, “and, more important, thank you for your confidence in me. Now I must get back to the
restaurant, as I like to be in the kitchen a full hour before the first customer arrives.”
“What a good investment I’m about to make,” said the countess. “And I have one more request of you before you leave.”
“Anything, countess.”
“That in future, you’ll call me Natasha.” Elena looked uncertain. “If you don’t, I’ll make it a condition of the contract.”
27
SASHA
London
“Do we know anything about them?” asked Elena. “The name Rycroft doesn’t mean anything to me.”
“Only that the lady who called, a Mrs. Audrey Campion, told me there would be three of them traveling up from Surrey to discuss a private matter.”
“Then it’s probably a special birthday or anniversary party of some kind that they wish to celebrate. What time are you expecting them?”