The Gates of Paradise Read Online Free PDF Page B

because you were a far better actress than any of the rest of us!”
    Narina could not deny this, but she merely smiled,
    â€œI will do anything you ask of me, dearest Louise, but I am frightened in case I make a mess of it.”
    â€œYou need not be worried about the language here as our language is a simple dialect of German, in which I know you are fluent.  All you have to do is to be worried about your ailing husband and therefore you do not wish to attend parties or give any in the Palace.
    â€œIn fact I am rather afraid, dearest Narina, that you may have to spend a lot of time on your own.  But I know you enjoy reading and I promise that, when we return, you will have a riot of gaiety and meet all the most charming young men in the whole of Alexanderburg!”
    Narina laughed.
    â€œI am not worried about being alone or not meeting any men.  As you know, there are very few I have found interesting at home.  But I am afraid of making a mistake and that those who are not in on your secret may think that you are behaving very strangely.”
    â€œJust cling to the Lord Chamberlain, Narina.  He has been wonderful ever since I arrived here.  And, as he adores Rudolf and thinks he is the best Ruler the country has ever had, he is so desperately afraid that the Russians will find some excuse to take us over.”
    â€œI can understand that must be prevented at all costs and I think your plan is a brilliant one.”
    â€œIt is the only way Rudolf can have the operation without those Russians finding out all about it.  They are so unscrupulous that I am certain, if they knew, they would find a way of hurting him – and even killing him.”
    Her voice shook and Narina put her arms round her.
    â€œDon’t worry, dearest.  It is such a clever idea and I am sure that if we pray hard enough, the operation will be successful and he will be back on the throne before I can say ‘Jack Robinson’.”
    Louise laughed.
    â€œIt will not be too difficult.  Just smile at everyone and tell them they are all wonderful and then they will not bother you about anything else.”
    â€œI can only hope you are right, Louise,” said Narina nervously.  “Are you really leaving tonight?”
    Louise jumped to her feet.
    â€œI am now going to introduce you to my wonderful and charming husband.  He has been as worried as I have been in case you refused to come.  When we received your letter, saying that you would be joining us as quickly as the Battleship could bring you here, we both danced for joy.”
    She was talking as she walked across the room.
    Now she opened a different door and called out,
    â€œIt’s alright, Rudolf, come in and meet Narina.”
    Prince Rudolf entered the room and Narina saw at once why Louise fell in love with him.
    He was tall, dark-haired and extremely handsome.  In fact Narina couldn’t help thinking that he was very English looking.
    As if she read Narina’s thoughts, Louise explained,
    â€œRudolf’s mother was English, and I have often told him that he could easily be taken for my brother.”
    Prince Rudolf smiled as he held out his hand,
    â€œI am extremely grateful to you, Narina,” he said in perfect English, “for coming to help us.  As Louise has explained, you are the only person who can.”
    Narina, who had curtsied to him, replied,
    â€œOf course I will always do my best to help Louise, but I am afraid of failing her, Your Royal Highness.”
    â€œI am certain you will not.  Having heard so much about you, I am sure you are as clever as, if not cleverer than, my wife.  And she is the brightest woman I have ever known!”
    He smiled at Louise as he spoke and Narina could tell that he was very much in love with her.
    â€œNow we must go,” Louise announced in a brusque way.  “I will put on my cape.  Oh, and by the way, Narina, you must wear my