Free The Gates of Paradise by Barbara Cartland

Alexanderburg before anyone was aware of it.
    The aide-de-camp was away for just a few minutes and he smiled as he returned.
    â€œThe Lord Chamberlain’s visitor has just left,” he said as if that was an achievement in itself, “and now he is waiting for Your Royal Highness.”
    She followed the aide-de-camp and he opened the door of the adjoining room.
    She could see at a glance that the room was very different from the one she had just left.
    The bright sun was streaming in through two large windows opening onto the garden and the walls were hung with magnificent pictures.
    At any other time she would have stayed to admire them.
    As it was, she could only hurry across the room to where the Lord Chamberlain was waiting for her.
    As she heard the door closing behind her and knew that they were alone, she said in almost a whisper,
    â€œThere are Russians – approaching us!  I have just taken a wounded Englishman they were chasing – up into Prince Rudolf’s bedroom.”
    The Lord Chamberlain stared at her in amazement.
    Noticing how pale and agitated she was, he proposed quietly,
    â€œSit down and tell me what has happened.  I can see it has upset you.”
    â€œI am terrified for all of you, but it might be only a few Russians who were chasing him.  I did not actually see anyone.”
    â€œStart from the beginning and tell me exactly what has happened.”
    â€œI went into the garden to read, having nothing else – to do,” Narina began.
    Despite herself she was visibly trembling and her voice was even jerkier than it had been before.
    The Lord Chamberlain did not speak, but rose and walked to a side table holding a number of decanters.
    Narina saw him pour a liquid into a glass and then he brought it back and put it in her hand.
    â€œDrink this slowly,” he advised her.  “Then please go on with what you were telling me.”
    She sipped it and realised it was a local brandy that she had been given before by Maria.
    â€œIt’s sweet and it’s made from our local grapes,” she had said proudly.  “And I finds it delicious.”
    Narina sipped the liquid slowly and then when she felt that her heart was no longer banging inside her body, she continued,
    â€œI am sorry to seem so stupid, but having seen this man I knew you would want – to know there are Russians near us.”
    â€œI will come and talk to the man you have rescued, but first go on with your story.  You have not yet told me exactly what has happened.”
    In a calm voice and now speaking almost normally, Narina related how she had heard the man coming through the trees behind her.
    â€œWhen he said, ‘the Russians are just behind me,’ I knew there was no time to lose.”
    The Lord Chamberlain smiled.
    â€œI might well have guessed as your father’s daughter you would be sensible and extremely resourceful.”
    He paused before he added,
    â€œAny other woman would have questioned him.  In which case the Russians might have appeared and carried him and you away.”
    Narina gave a cry,
    â€œThat was just what I was afraid might happen.”
    â€œNaturally you were.  Now I will come and talk to this Englishman and find out who he is and why he is in trouble with the Russians.”
    â€œDo you not think that a whole Army of Russians are approaching us at this moment?”
    The Lord Chamberlain shook his head.
    â€œIf there was a whole Army of them, our guards on the frontier would have notified us by this time.  I think, although I may be mistaken, this is a one man battle.”
    Narina looked relieved.
    â€œI hope you are right, Lord Chamberlain.”
    â€œI am hoping the same myself.”
    He saw that Narina had emptied her glass and took it from her.
    â€œNow we will walk slowly back as if we are only concerned about His Royal Highness’s eyesight and then we will find out exactly who you have