“Oh, he must be wetting his pants in anticipation of the money he thinks he’s going to squeeze out of us!” Annie smirked. The other two laughed at the remark. “We need to manipulate him into inviting us to his flat. Maybe the conservatory. I have to get into his place and check the safe.”

Myra offered a suggestion. “He knows you are a countess. We know his wife is a social climber. I am willing to bet she would be over the moon to show you off to her friends.”

Annie snapped her fingers. “How about this? I’ll throw a cocktail party at the Plimsoll Building, in their conservatory. It will be a fund-raiser for the kennel club, and I’ll invite the Marcuses and pretend that it’s a marvelous coincidence that they live there. That will make Mrs. Marcus pee in her pants!” The women howled with laughter. “I’ll tell him that she can invite her friends, and that any donation is welcome.”

“Yes! We’ll get a small doghouse, and people can put their donations in it,” Myra added.

“Perfecto,” Annie said with glee.

“Wow. You women never cease to amaze me!” Charlotte was enthralled.

“I’ll get my people on it right now.” Annie got up from the sofa and moved to a table, where she pulled out her tablet. She feverishly typed for a few minutes, then turned to the others. “Done! And done! Now all we need is for him to take the bait.”

Myra stroked her pearls. “I don’t think that will be a problem.”

The rest of the journey was smooth, and the women dozed, watched Under the Tuscan Sun, regrouped for dinner, then freshened up. They would be landing in an hour. With the time change and the jet lag, they were ready for a good night’s sleep at Annie’s brownstone. Days before, she had phoned ahead to be sure all the linens were fresh, the kitchen was stocked, and the house was well staffed. She didn’t know how long they would be there, but the staff was accustomed to Annie’s wild ways and always looked forward to her visits. She kept the brownstone for friends and family, and for those “other” times. Just in case.

When they arrived at the brownstone, they were greeted by the butler and housekeeper.

Annie introduced Byron and Jessica to Charlotte. They knew Myra well. “Charlotte, Byron has been with the family for over twenty years. Then he married Jessica and dragged her into service.”

Jessica made a slight curtsy. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” She nodded at Myra. “Lovely to see you, Mrs. Rutledge.”

Byron followed suit without the curtsy, making a short bow instead.

Charlotte took in the antique wood and the art. “This is beautiful, Annie. Thank you so much for your hospitality.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Annie winked. “Come. Let’s get you unpacked.”

* * *