The Porcelain General of Mayfair
In a bright May London, a watchful investigator is drawn into imperial intrigues when a militant being of chipped china marches from the scullery into affairs of science, rank, and hidden influence.
Language: English
Story preview
I was halfway through my breakfast kidney when a footman from Curzon Street arrived with a japanned tray balanced in both hands and terror balanced in his eyes. “Mr. Vale,” he said, “Lady Harbury begs you will come at once. The thing has taken the scullery.” In May, London pretends to innocence. The plane trees along Park Lane had put on their tender green; hansoms rolled beneath a sky washed almost blue; even the policemen seemed less suspicious in the sun. Yet I have learned that empire conducts its dirtiest business in fine weather, when respectable people leave their windows open and imagine themselves safe. Lady Harbury received me in a ...