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“I am aware,” I respond. “I have been absorbed by other things. You know well. I must practice for the upcoming performances you so carefully planned, oversee the work of the foremen, verify the farmers’ outstanding contracts, listen to the reports from the quarries—”

“You seem to have plenty of time to amuse yourself at the club.”

My shoulders contract.

“Did you not just say,” I reiterate, “that we must maintain our image? That is what I am doing, along with everything else.”

“Perfect.” Her fingers drum lightly on the desk. “Then maintain it tonight. The Count has sent you a letter.”

I look down at the correspondence piled on the table. I hadn’t even touched it. An envelope protrudes slightly from the side.

“Whatever it may be...” she says, adjusting the skirt of her dress which required no such adjustment, “...go. And do your duty.”

“Very well, Mother.”

I watch her glide out of the room with that icy composure she always carries. The door has barely closed when Étienne appears on the threshold, looking mortified.

“Forgive me, Viscount... I came as fast as I could.”

I sink into the armchair, feeling my muscles give way one by one.

“Tu ne peux pas voler, Étienne.”

“Nevertheless, I should very much like to fly.”

I reach toward the stack of letters; a sequence of smooth paper, colored seals, invitations, and requests slides under my fingers. Then I notice the black wax.

“Let’s see what that Hungarian Count has organized this time.”

I break the seal, the paper is saturated with the scent of incense. The ink is dark, inscribed with a calligraphy so elegant it seems almost artificial.

The Most Illustrious Count Benedek Aurél Nádasdy

Has the honor of extending his most distinguished compliments to Viscount Evander M. G. Rochefort,

and to invite Him to a private evening to be held at his residence in Highgate, London.

During the course of the evening, the Master Cendre d’Enfer will have the privilege of presenting certain works reserved, daring, and not intended for the ordinary public.

Admission will be granted only to those who, upon reaching the secondary entrance, are able to speak the agreed-upon word:

CARNIS LUX

Date: September 20, 1870

Time: Half-past ten in the night

Access Point: Side passage of the villa Absolute discretion is requested and the use of a mask to preserve the anonymity of the guests.

Count Benedek Aurél Nádasdy

“Is this a joke...? A game, perhaps?”

My valet stiffens. “What was that, Viscount?”

I sigh. “Do we have any masks, Étienne?”

“Des masques?”