The Gates of Paradise by Barbara Cartland Page B

against the Russians that has not entered our minds.”
    â€œIf in a small way,” Narina answered him, “I have forged a new weapon against them, I shall be very proud.”
    â€œYou have every right to be.  I was so stupid not to realise that women have a tremendous influence over their husbands.  Every husband when he goes to bed tonight will have to listen not only to how charming you are, but how you have given an important incentive to their children.”
    â€œI am very glad that you are not angry with me for interfering, but it seemed sad for those women, who had come long distances just to have a brief glance at who they thought was their Princess and then go home with nothing else to talk about.”
    â€œYou were absolutely right,” the Lord Chamberlain replied.  “And now they will talk incessantly for the next two months about their children and the prizes they hope they will win.”
    â€œThere must be lots of prizes.  It would be a good idea if every child took something away, even if it was not a first or second prize, when they leave the City Hall.”
    â€œIt is certainly a great idea – ”
    â€œPerhaps it could be a tiny book or for the smaller children a little doll.  I am sure it must be possible to give a prize to those who are really outstanding, and at the same time to give the others something to take home with them.”
    â€œI have always heard,” said the Lord Chamberlain, “that your father is an exceedingly clever man and I now realise that you have followed in his footsteps.”
    â€œI like to think I have in a small way.  It is terribly sad that Papa did not have a son.  It is what he would have loved above all else.  But it has meant that I have spent a great deal more time with him than I would have done if I had not been an only child.”
    â€œThe one thing I am quite certain about is that we are extremely fortunate to have you here and if you go on springing surprises on us as you have today, I think that Their Royal Highnesses when they return here will be most grateful to you.”
    â€œI am praying very hard that their secret departure will give them what they really want.”
    â€œAn heir to the throne will give us the security we don’t have at the moment, but in the meantime you have erected a new wall of defence that I and all my colleagues are extremely grateful for.”
    *
    When she climbed into bed that night, Narina found herself thinking over what the Lord Chamberlain had said.
    She reflected that it was a bit of good luck that she should have to take Louise’s place because the date of the meeting had been overlooked.
    â€˜There must be other ways,’ she thought to herself, ‘to make it more difficult for the Russians to intervene.’
    But for the moment her mind was blank.
    However she felt certain that she would be guided, as she had been this afternoon into saying the right words at the right moment.
    She longed to tell her father all that had happened.
    She was sure that when she did, he would believe it was due to his prayers and hers that she had been guided in how to help Louise on her first day of impersonating her.
    Because she was supposed to be with her husband, Narina had eaten dinner alone in her sitting room.
    The food was brought upstairs by footmen and Paks and Maria took it from them in the doorway.
    The Palace chefs naturally sent up dinner and every other meal for two people and as the plates had to go back empty, both Maria and Paks protested they were putting on weight!
    â€œWhat we don’t eat, Your Royal Highness, we then gives to the birds in the garden,” Paks told her.  “There’s double the number waiting there now.  It’s an ill wind that blows no one any good!”
    Narina laughed, but she had to admit the food was delicious and she herself was eating more than she would have done ordinarily.
    â€œAre