Free The Gates of Paradise by Barbara Cartland Page B

Russians, thanks entirely to the information you supplied to them.”
    â€œAs you will recognise, the least said about where I am the better.  At the same time I have been following one particular Russian for two months, but was unfortunate on the outskirts of your country to be recognised by a man I nearly killed two years ago.
    â€œMy disguise having been pierced, there was only one thing I could do and that was to run for it.  I regret to say the Russians who are trying to catch me have followed me over your frontier and now know I am in the Palace.”
    â€œAre there many of them?” the Lord Chamberlain enquired.
    â€œNot enough to worry you at present, but I would certainly double your defences as soon as possible.  In fact when I have completed my current task, I was going to see that you are informed that the Russian bear has his eagle eye on you, and they are beginning their usual trickery in an endeavour to take over Alexanderburg.”
    â€œI am aware of that already,” the Lord Chamberlain replied.  “In fact you have come at what may be a fortunate time because, as you may well have guessed, His Royal Highness is away on a secret visit of which no one knows about except myself, the servant who has looked after you, and – Her Royal Highness.”
    He hesitated before he said the last three words.
    Narina realised that he was wondering whether he should tell Michael Ward that Princess Louise was with her husband or leave him thinking that she was Louise.
    As if he wished to inform her that the latter was his intention, the Lord Chamberlain looked at her and said,
    â€œI think, Your Royal Highness, it is only right that I should explain to you that the gentleman you have rescued is a member of a very secret band of British Officers who are trying to counter Russian ambitions against India.”
    Narina smiled.
    â€œI think you are talking about The Great Game .”
    â€œYou have heard about it, Your Royal Highness?” Michael asked.
    â€œMy father is a close friend of the Viceroy, Lord Ripon.  He told him in confidence how the information won by member’s of The Great Game had saved the Forts on the North-West frontier, and how they brought in reports on Asia where the Cossack hordes are riding to victory day after day.”
    Michael laughed.
    â€œWe always imagine that no one but the authorities are aware of our activities and we flatter ourselves that we get away with it time after time.  Yet Your Royal Highness knows our secret!”
    â€œOnly second-hand until now!” replied Narina.
    â€œIf that made you as quick as you were in taking me to safety, I can only repeat how grateful I am that, thanks entirely to you, I shall live to see the sun rise another day.”
    Narina gave a little cry.
    â€œI understand what you are saying.  But, of course, you are still vulnerable and now they know where you are, they may well try again.”
    â€œI am aware of that,” he replied looking at the Lord Chamberlain.
    â€œAnd so am I,” said the Lord Chamberlain.  “Now I understand who you are and why you are here, I am going to increase our defences of the Palace considerably.  But, as you are both aware, no one else except ourselves must have the slightest idea as to why this is necessary.”
    â€œNo, of course not,” Narina responded.  “But will Mr. Ward really be safe, or would it be wise to send him away somewhere else?”
    â€œI think he will not only be safe,” mused the Lord Chamberlain as if he was thinking it out, “but I also believe that he could be extremely useful to us.”
    Narina gazed at him in surprise and so did Michael.
    â€œI don’t suppose, Mr. Ward,” the Lord Chamberlain went on, “that Paks, the servant, has told you that you are being hidden here in His Royal Highness’s bed because it is unoccupied?  Everyone in the Palace believes that His