The soldier obeyed immediately. Sophie allowed herself a small sigh of relief. She had not been at all confident that she would be able to manipulate the arrogant aide who had barred their way into the suite but the young soldier was proving more than malleable.

“You may take the bindings off the painting, but leave it covered for right now,” she said to the two men who had set their burden down just to Sophie’s left. Without a word, they, too, obeyed Sophie’s request and bent to their task.

She put her hands on her hips and let her eyes linger on the doors that led to the dining room. Beside them, close to the corner, were the subtle lines of the hidden door, exactly where Estelle had said it would be. Had Sophie not been aware of its existence, she might not have noticed it at all.

“What do you think, Madame Beaufort?” Estelle came to join Sophie in the center of the large salon.

“I think the painting should be hung out here. It will set a tone, if you will, for the Reichsmarschall’s impeccable taste in fine art and to impress his visitors.” She paused. “What do you think, Hauptgefreiter Müller?”

The young soldier was still standing near the wall, openly gawking at his surroundings, now brightly lit. He jerked at the sound of his name. “Pardon me?”

“I was asking your opinion on the best location for this painting.” She turned a brilliant smile on him.

“Um.” He advanced slowly into the room. “I’m sure I don’t know.”

“Well, take a peek at the work and tell me where in this room it would be most dramatic. Most impactful. Where the Reichsmarschall will smile with pleasure every time he looks at it.”

“Er.” He approached the men still holding the painting and lifted the edge of the cover, his forehead creasing. “It’s very, ah…colorful.” He let the canvas cover drop back into place and wrung his hands, as though this single decision might determine his future in the Luftwaffe.

“What about near the entrance to the dining room?” Estelle suggested. “Visible from here, sure to be commented on by any guest invited to dine. There is the perfect space just above that sofa.”

“Yes.” Müller nodded. “A good idea.” He sounded relieved that the decision had been taken from him.

“I agree.” Sophie turned to the two Ritz employees. “You may lean the painting against that wall for now,” she said, gesturing across the space. “Perhaps one of you might move the sofa and tables?” She tipped her head as if deep in thought. “We will need a ladder and tools. Hauptgefreiter Müller, would it be possible for you to accompany one of these men to fetch those things?” She framed it as a question. “I would be indebted to you.”