Rivals for Love by Barbara Cartland Page A

Lords a month or so ago, but I did not realise he had a daughter.”
    â€œThat is not surprising as she is eighteen and has only just made her debut into Society.”
    â€œAnd you would actually trust her to play the part of your wife,” the Prime Minister asked in an incredulous tone, “knowing that if she broke her silence, it would hurt you badly? And if she did so the only reparation you could make would be to offer her marriage?”
    â€œI thought that was just what you were thinking, William, but actually Elva – that is her name – is having a row with her father because she has no intention of becoming married, as most debutantes are expected to do, by the end of the Season.”
    â€œThen she must be one in a million,” chuckled the Prime Minister. “I thought every debutante’s dream was to become a Duchess.”
    â€œElva is an exception,” responded the Duke. “Like me, she wishes to remain single and as I have said to you before, ‘he who travels fastest travels alone’.”
    â€œIt depends where you are travelling to,” the Prime Minister came back quickly. “In this case apparently you cannot travel at all to Russia alone.”
    The Duke laughed before settling himself more comfortably into his chair.
    â€œWell, that is my proposition, William. You will cover up my pretence of being a married man, and if I appear married in St. Petersburg it is very unlikely that anyone in England will become aware of it.”
    â€œThat I grant you is true,” replied the Prime Minister hesitantly.
    â€œOtherwise, according to Violet it will be quite impossible for me to travel to Russia unless I wear a mask!”
    â€œI should think that would be most uncomfortable, Varin. Even a false moustache and spectacles would look strange!”
    â€œThat is definitely something I will refuse to try,” smiled the Duke. “Although I grant you that we are taking a small risk, I can honestly see no reason why we should not get away with it.”
    â€œI would not agree with you unless I was desperate to find out what Prince Potemkin has in his mind,” said the Prime Minister. “If you can bring me back anything that would clear the air just a little I should be overwhelmingly grateful.”
    â€œThen I suppose as an old friend and a patriot I must do my best.”
    â€œI swear to you, Varin, that nothing you have told me here in this office will be repeated outside. What we will now have to do is notify the Ambassador that you are arriving in your yacht and leave it up to him to organise suitable accommodation for you.”
    â€œWhich must be comfortable,” asserted the Duke.
    â€œI promise you that I will insist on it, Varin. When are you thinking of leaving?”
    â€œIf possible the day after tomorrow as the less I hang around in London the better.”
    â€œI do understand, Varin, that you will find certain goodbyes of the ‘do not forget me after I have left’ variety somewhat uncomfortable.”
    â€œIf you are referring to the lady whom you spoke about the other day, – the curtain has already fallen!”
    The Prime Minister threw up his hands.
    â€œI knew it would! Is it possible for you, Varin, not to be bored so very easily? I only hope the vessel which carries you to Russia will be swift!”
    â€œAs it is my own yacht, I can indeed assure you that there is nothing swifter on the sea at the moment.”
    â€œGive me a chance so the sloop that I shall send to St. Petersburg ahead of you arrives first,” said the Prime Minister. “In fact I will send it off immediately with one of my most trustworthy officials aboard.”
    â€œI am beginning to suspect, William, that you are making sure I don’t change my mind!”
    The Prime Minister smiled.
    â€œIt did pass through my mind, I must admit, and I can only hope that your pretend wife will not bore you to such