Free The Gates of Paradise by Barbara Cartland Page A

rescued.”
    â€œI never thought anything like this could happen so near to the Palace,” Narina remarked nervously.
    â€œWhere those rapacious Russians are concerned, it might be anywhere,” the Lord Chamberlain replied.
    In a more concerned tone he added,
    â€œAre you sure that you feel like walking back?  We can rest a little longer if you wish to.”
    â€œNo, of course not, anything may be happening and you may have to send out soldiers to capture the Russians who are obviously trying to take this man a prisoner.”
    â€œWe will soon find out the truth.”
    The Lord Chamberlain opened the door of the room and they walked back the way Narina had come.
    He stopped to greet several visitors whom he had not yet seen and told them he would be with them as soon as he was free, but he did not introduce them to Narina.
    The aides-de-camp in the hall waited for his orders, but he did not give any.
    They walked slowly up the stairs and only as they reached the top did Narina glance back and see the aides de-camp talking with each other.
    She guessed they were speculating as to why she had called for the Lord Chamberlain – they were obviously thinking that perhaps His Royal Highness had taken a turn for the worse.
    However, she did not say anything.
    They walked in silence down the long corridors to the Royal apartments.
    Only as they reached them did Narina say,
    â€œCan I come in with you or shall I wait outside?”
    He considered for a moment and then he smiled,
    â€œAs you are responsible for this man and for putting him where he is, I think I would be very ungracious if I left you in ignorance.”
    Narina felt relieved as she had been thinking that it would be frustrating and ignominious to be left outside, as after all the stranger had been clearly fighting the Russians and was injured while doing so.
    He knocked on the door three times, which was the agreed signal to Paks that it was either herself or the Lord Chamberlain.
    It only took a second before Paks was at the door.
    â€œIs our visitor now decent?” the Lord Chamberlain enquired.  “Her Royal Highness wishes to accompany me.”
    Paks grinned.
    â€œHe be in bed, my Lord, and ever so grateful for the comfort of it.”
    The Lord Chamberlain then strode into the dimly lit room and Narina followed him.
    As they moved towards the bed Narina saw that the man she had rescued was propped up against the pillows.
    Paks had put a plaster on his forehead where it had been bleeding and there was another one on his cheek.
    The Lord Chamberlain reached the side of the bed.
    â€œI hear that you have been rescued by Her Royal Highness and I, as Lord Chamberlain of Alexanderburg, am anxious to hear the story of why you are here.”
    â€œOf course, you are,” replied the stranger.  “And I may say how deeply grateful I am to Her Royal Highness for saving me by a hair’s breadth.  I can only express my deep gratitude by saying that she behaved with a quickness of intuition I have never encountered before.”
    Narina stared at him.
    Then she and the Lord Chamberlain sat on chairs that Paks had brought to the side of the bed.
    â€œNow first of all, may I ask your name – or is that a secret?”
    Â â€œIt is no secret from you, Lord Chamberlain.  My name is Michael Ward.”
    To her considerable surprise, Narina realised that the Lord Chamberlain stiffened.
    Then he exclaimed in sheer astonishment,
    â€œMichael Ward!  But naturally I have heard of you.  What are you doing here so far from India?”
    Â â€œIf you have heard of me, that is very much to my disadvantage and explains why I was very nearly captured by the Russians,” replied Michael Ward.
    â€œSo I understand, but I am definitely astonished to see you here.  When I was in India, the Viceroy told me of some of the missions you undertook and the brilliant way the Army was able to circumvent the