Free Lovers in London by Barbara Cartland Page B

alarm and he was not intending to break his vow to remain a bachelor.
    He thought Lanthia looked round wistfully, but she did not say anything.
    He so admired her self-control in keeping silent. He was sure any other woman would have pleaded with him to stay at the party longer.
    Just as he thought any other woman so young, and apparently knowing so little of London Society, would have been nervous at being presented to the Prince.
    Lanthia had behaved quite naturally and correctly.
    For the first time since they had met in such strange circumstances, the Marquis wondered who her father and mother were.
    The Duke was saying goodbye to his friends at the opening into the courtyard.
    The Marquis was most effusive to him.
    â€œThank you a thousand times for such a delightful evening and for allowing me to bring Lanthia Grenville with me.”
    The Duke’s eyes twinkled.
    â€œShe has embellished my party, Rake.”
    Lanthia thanked him as well and they walked into the courtyard.
    Now that they were not in a hurry, Lanthia ran to the fountain. She stood looking up at the water as it swept up towards the sky making thousands of rainbows.
    Watching her the Marquis felt she looked so lovely that any artist would wish to paint her.
    Then, glancing back, he could see the Conté and the Contessa saying farewell to their host.
    Taking Lanthia by the arm he hurried her out of the courtyard and up the steps into the other side of the hotel. They reached the lift and were taken to the second floor.
    When the lift stopped, the Marquis walked quickly, still without speaking, towards Lanthia’s room.
    She kept her key in the pretty bag she carried which matched her dress and when she drew it out, the Marquis took it from her and opened the door.
    Then as she entered he followed behind her.
    She looked at him as if she was somewhat surprised that he should do so.
    â€œI noticed the Spaniards were saying goodbye just after us,” he explained, “and as I have no wish to speak to the Conté, I hope you will allow me to stay here for a short while until they are safely in their own suite and behind closed doors.”
    â€œYes, of course,” agreed Lanthia. “I saw him after dinner and I thought he was looking at you in a horribly revengeful way.”
    â€œHe was thinking how he could make life difficult for me, which was why he told the Prince of Wales our secret.”
    â€œI just knew that was what he had done!” exclaimed Lanthia, “and I think it is most dishonourable of him. But then he is a nasty sinister man!”
    â€œI agree with you, Lanthia, and that is why I would like to wait a little time before I leave here.”
    He sank down in one of the armchairs in the sitting room and Lanthia remarked,
    â€œI am afraid I have nothing to offer you. Of course, if Papa was here, he would ask you if you would like a ‘night-cap’.”
    â€œWhich would be very polite, but actually I want nothing, except I was thinking as we came away from the party that I have never asked you about your parents. In fact I did not even know you lived in Huntingdonshire.”
    â€œThe reason why I am in London,” she explained, “is that I have to buy a new gown for the ball that the Lord Lieutenant is giving for the Empress of Austria.”
    â€œTo which you are going, and Empress or no Empress, you will undoubtedly be the most beautiful lady present!”
    Lanthia laughed.
    â€œI don’t believe it for a moment, but it is very kind of you to say so.”
    Then she asked in a very different tone of voice,
    â€œWhat can we do about tomorrow? I know you don’t want to take me to Marlborough House.”
    â€œIt is something we shall have to do, Lanthia. I am turning over in my mind whether I shall tell the Prince the truth or allow him to think we are engaged until we decide we are not suited to each other.”
    â€œWhich is the easiest for you?”
    â€œI really