Rivals for Love by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page B

very different from me.”
    â€œI think perhaps, my dear Violet, you have saved me from serious problems,” smiled the Duke. “In fact I am most grateful to you.”
    He bent and kissed her cheek before walking to the door.
    â€œGoodbye Elva. Please do not forget that from the moment you step on board, you travel as my wife. And as a Duchess I expect you to behave with great propriety and dignity.”
    â€œI hope that Your Grace will not be disappointed,” replied Elva in a humble voice.
    The Duke left them closing the door quietly behind him.
    Elva threw her arms round her aunt’s neck.
    â€œThank you, thank you so much, Aunt Violet,” she enthused. “Only you could be so sensible and realise how wonderful it is for me and very important as well – for His Grace, the Duke.”
    She spoke the last few words rather mockingly and Lady Violet scolded her,
    â€œPlease, Elva, behave properly. It is essential that Varin should not be mixed up in anything that is at all frivolous or, in this particular case, deliberately deceive a foreign Royalty.”
    â€œI am really going to behave just beautifully, Aunt Violet, so that when I do return every Duke in the country will want to marry me because I have become their ideal perfect Duchess!”
    Lady Violet laughed loudly as if she could not help it.
    â€œI can only hope that you keep your word and your promise, Elva, and do not forget that you represent our country. If you blot your copybook, it will reflect not so much on you as on Varin.”
    â€œI am aware of that and I promise I will wave the Union Jack from the first thing in the morning to last thing at night!”
    Lady Violet chortled.
    At the same time she felt that she had somehow become involved in a situation which might turn out to be extremely dangerous.
    Not only to her two relations who were taking part in the masquerade.
    But in respect of the impression they might create in another country which for the moment was at peace with England.

CHAPTER THREE
    The Duke was announced and entered the study.
    The Prime Minister rose immediately and held out his hand.
    â€œGood morning, Varin. Please do not tell me you have changed your mind.”
    â€œVery nearly, William,” replied the Duke, “but I think I have found a solution to a very difficult problem.”
    The Prime Minister looked surprised.
    â€œWhat has happened? When you left me yesterday I was certain that you were more than happy to travel to St. Petersburg.”
    â€œI went to visit my cousin, Lady Violet Grange, to seek her views,” answered the Duke.
    â€œSurely no one could advise you better. I have a deep respect not only for your dear lovely cousin, but also for her husband, Edward.”
    â€œI do know, William, but the first thing she said to me was that I could not go to St. Petersburg.”
    The Prime Minister looked astonished.
    â€œYou could not go?” he repeated quietly. “Why ever not?”
    â€œBecause I am tall, dark and handsome!”
    The Prime Minster looked bewildered as the Duke explained,
    â€œApparently that is just what the Empress prefers and in fact insists upon.”
    The Prime Minister gave a gasp and then he said,
    â€œTo be honest that thought had never occurred to me, but I do see what Lady Violet means.”
    â€œI should have thought that the Empress would be content with whoever she has ensnared at the moment, but it seems that anyone who looks at all like me attracts her attention and considering just who she is, it is almost impossible to say no to her.”
    The Prime Minister put his hand on his forehead.
    â€œI must be extremely stupid not to have thought of that.”
    â€œI was remembering in the night,” continued the Duke, “that when we were studying at Cambridge together we attended a lecturer who spoke to us about Russia. Do you remember?”
    â€œI think so,” the Prime Minister replied