She also wished she could tell Peggy what she had found out about her father. It echoed around and around in her head that she was the daughter of a man who had committed murder—and not just any old murder, but that of the last Russian royal family. Even if he was simply obeying orders at a turbulent time in his country’s history, it was unforgivable. Had he been right in thinking Maria had escaped that night? If only she could discuss it with Bill—but the subject of the Romanovs had become strictly taboo between them.

On their last night in St. Petersburg, Bill telephoned his parents from the hotel room to say goodbye and Val listened while packing Nicole’s case.

“They loved the palaces,” he said, “but I think Nicole has seen enough art and architecture to last a lifetime. It was pretty boring for a kid, but she’s been amazing . . .”

His voice was warm and loving, and Val wished he would use that tone with her.

“The flight home is thirty-nine hours,” he continued. “We’re stopping in London, Istanbul, Singapore, and Bali, if you can believe it. Val’s brought loads of books and drawing pads for Nicole, but it will be challenging to say the least.”

“Hey!” Nicole called in protest. “I was really good on the way here.”

“That’s true,” Bill said, grinning. “I retract my statement. Nicole will manage no problem at all and it’s me who will find it challenging.”

If only I could retract my conversation with Stepan, Val thought. She had written pleading with him not to report her to the authorities but had not received a reply. Perhaps the letter hadn’t reached him. She had no idea how long postal deliveries took in the Soviet Union.

When Bill hung up, she asked, “Are they OK?,” trying for a lightness of tone she didn’t feel.

“Yeah.” He nodded. “They sound fine.”

Their eyes met briefly. Bill was the first to look away.

* * *

It was seven in the morning when they landed at Sydney airport and caught a train into town. The eight-hour time difference meant that, for them, it felt like bedtime the previous evening. Bill explained to Nicole why different countries were on different times and she listened, enthralled.

“So now you need to get back to Sydney time. The best thing is to have a quick snooze this morning, then stay awake until bedtime. Think you can do that?” he asked.

“Definitely. I want to go and see my friends. Can I, Mom? I want to tell them about Russia.”

“We’ll see,” Val said, convinced that Nicole would conk out as soon as they got home. “Are you coming back to mine?” she asked Bill, nerves in her voice.

“Nah, I’d best pick up Bess from the neighbors. I’ve missed the old girl.”

“Come for dinner later?” she pleaded.