Free Lovers in London by Barbara Cartland Page A

Prince put out his hand to her and she swept to the ground in another deep curtsy.
    Then the Prince exclaimed,
    â€œEnchanting! But I hear you have a secret you are keeping from me, Rake.”
    â€œYou are quite right, sir, in saying it is a secret.”
    â€œNot to me ,” asserted the Prince of Wales firmly. “After all, as one of your oldest friends, Rake, I think that you might have told me what was happening before you told anyone else!”
    There was a distinctly hurt note in his voice.
    The Marquis realised only too well that the Prince suffered from severe frustration because his mother would not allow him to take any part in political affairs.
    He therefore always wanted to be the first to know any secrets concerning his friends and acquaintances.
    The Marquis lowered his voice to speak directly into the Prince’s ear.
    â€œWhat you have heard, sir only happened today. It is unfortunate that the person who spoke to you became prematurely aware of the story.”
    â€œWell, if it is indeed true,” the Prince glowed, “I am absolutely delighted! It is just what we all hoped would happen sooner rather than later!”
    Before the Marquis could say anything the Prince continued,
    â€œI would like to take a closer look at the young lady who has succeeded where so many have failed!”
    The Prince turned towards Lanthia and once again she curtsied to him.
    â€œShe is lovely, just perfectly lovely and of course I congratulate you, my dear Rake. Your taste has always been unerring and I am delighted that you are no longer the elusive Marquis!”
    The Marquis laughed, but at the same time he was hoping that no one could overhear their conversation.
    â€œYou must tell me,” the Prince addressed Lanthia, “where my friend the Marquis met you and why I have not seen you before.”
    â€œI live in the country, Your Royal Highness,”
    The Marquis noticed that unusually Lanthia was not in the least shy at speaking to the Prince of Wales.
    In similar circumstances so many would be almost paralysed with embarrassment, but she was just looking at him admiringly.
    â€œWhereabouts in the country is your family home?” the Prince enquired.
    â€œIn Huntingdonshire, sir.”
    â€œA very attractive County. As I was saying to your Lord Lieutenant only a few weeks ago – I expect you know him?”
    â€œYes, indeed, sir. He is a friend of my parents and we are all attending the ball he is giving next month for Her Majesty the Empress of Austria.”
    â€œThat is certainly something to greatly look forward to. As I shall doubtless be a guest on that occasion, I shall look forward to seeing you again.”
    Lanthia smiled at him.
    â€œIt will be most exciting for me to meet you again, Your Royal Highness.”
    The Prince was now looking closely at her and the Marquis was only too well aware that he was thinking how pretty she was.
    Then the Prince continued,
    â€œI have another idea. The Princess is returning late tonight, and I know, Rake, that she will want to meet your fiancée. Bring her to luncheon tomorrow and then you can tell me more about this secret of yours which is apparently only known to the Conté de Vallecas!”
    There was nothing the Marquis could say, but that it would be a great honour and both he and Lanthia would be only too delighted to accept his invitation to luncheon at Marlborough House.
    There were several other guests anxious to speak to the Prince of Wales, so they moved away.
    As a number of guests had already left and others were saying their goodbyes to the Duke, the Marquis said to Lanthia in a low voice,
    â€œI think we had better go, it is getting rather late.”
    Actually he was thinking that the sooner they were both out of sight the better.
    If the Conté was walking round informing everyone they were engaged, it would make life extremely difficult.
    He would have to admit later it had just been a false