Rivals for Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

an extent that you return home almost before you reach Russian soil!”
    â€œI will try to stay at least twenty-four hours,” the Duke replied sardonically.
    He was now teasing the Prime Minister, who threw up his hands in mock despair.
    â€œNothing surprises me. But one thing I do know, Varin, is that you have never failed me yet. You have always found for me the information I require, and usually a great deal more than I ever anticipated.”
    â€œI do so hope that epitaph will be written on my tombstone,” chortled the Duke. “At the moment I have an anxiety to live and to see something of Russia as well!”
    â€œI can only hope that you will not be disappointed, my dear Varin, when the time comes.”
    The Duke rose to his feet.
    â€œNow for Heaven’s sake, William, do not allow anyone to gain the slightest suspicion of our plans. As I shall be travelling on my own yacht, I shall instruct the Captain, who will of course inform the crew, that my recent marriage must remain a secret because my bride is in mourning, and should be wearing black and taking part in no festivities for at least a year.”
    The Prime Minister nodded his head.
    â€œThat is certainly a good point and sounds reasonable.”
    â€œMy crew have all been with me for a long time,” continued the Duke, “and I can trust them not to talk either in Russia or when they return to England.”
    â€œI wish I could say the same of all the functionaries who work for me,” the Prime Minister humbly admitted. “Somehow sooner or later there is always a leak and usually we don’t have the slightest idea where it has come from.”
    â€œThat does indeed sound dismal, William, but as you well know, everyone is saying you are as good a Prime Minister as your father and no man could ask for more.”
    â€œThank you so much for the compliment Varin. It is something I pray is true and all I can say is that I do my best.”
    â€œWhich is very much better than anyone else’s.”
    The Duke held out his hand.
    â€œWish me luck, William, and I will do everything I can to uncover everything you desire to know.”
    â€œI am more grateful than I can possibly put into words, my old friend. When you first told me of what you were warned might happen in St. Petersburg, I reckoned despairingly you would throw in your hand.”
    â€œI think I would have, if it had not been for my cousin Elva. I know most young women would consider this escapade an excellent means of forcing me up the aisle, but she has no intention of marrying anyone, so we have that sentiment, if nothing else, in common.”
    â€œOne day you will really fall in love,” the Prime Minister told him, “and then I shall have much pleasure in dancing at your wedding!”
    â€œIf you are not too decrepit by that time to stand on your feet!” retorted the Duke.
    The Prime Minister laughed heartily and together they walked towards the door.
    â€œGod Bless you, Varin. Take very good care of yourself and thank you once again.”
    â€œThank me when I return with the goods and until then let us hope there is not an Ice Palace waiting for me!”
    â€œHeaven forbid!”
    The Duke departed and the Prime Minister rang the bell on his table.
    When it was answered he gave quick and precise orders that the fastest sloop in the Royal Navy was to depart immediately for St. Petersburg to transport a letter which he was now writing to the British Ambassador.
    *
    The moment the Duke returned to his residence he gave orders for his yacht, of which he was inordinately proud, to be anchored late the next evening at the jetty just below the House of Lords.
    On his frequent travels around the world he had found the accommodation on most ships to be extremely uncomfortable with the food even worse.
    Because he had travelled so extensively he knew exactly what he required and so some years ago he had ordered for