An Innocent in Russia by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781788672535
Published: 2019-10-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter five

Zelina started when a servant’s voice announced,

“His Highness Prince Alexis Stoganoff.”

With a feeling of apprehension she realised that she was alone since the Princess had left The Palace for a private visit to the Czarina.

“I just cannot ask you to come with me, Zelina,” she had said, “as Her Imperial Majesty wishes to see me alone.”

“I shall be quite happy here,” Zelina had answered. “I seldom have time to read the fascinating books in your library and there is a particular one I am anxious to finish. It is all about the history of St. Petersburg.”

The Princess had laughed.

“Then it will certainly take you more than the short time that I will be away. There is a Reception this evening at the Michaelov Palace and I know that the Grand Duchess Helena is longing to meet you.”

“It sounds very exciting!” Zelina had enthused.

When the Princess had gone, she picked up the book that she had read halfway through.

Seating herself comfortably in the window of the salon, which was where they sat when they were alone, she soon forgot everything but what she was reading.

Now she rose to her feet, aware that the one thing she did not want was to be alone with Prince Alexis.

Ever since Lord Charnock had introduced him to her that evening at the British Embassy, he had pursued her with a determination that she found intimidating.

She did not like the expression in his eyes, she mistrusted the flattery that came so easily to his lips and, when she was obliged to dance with him, she knew that he held her far too closely and he was quite impervious to snubs.

Now, as he reached her side, he lifted her hand to his lips and his kiss was by no means a polite gesture but was passionate and insistent.

“I am afraid, Your Highness,” Zelina said, “I am alone and the servants should have informed you of the fact.”

“They did,” the Prince replied. “But, as the Princess is not here, I can talk to you as I have been wanting to do ever since I first saw you.”

“You are well aware that to do so is – incorrect,” Zelina said in what she hoped was a cold voice, but which actually sounded very young and unsure.

“When you know me better, which I intend you shall,” the Prince replied, “you will learn that I never do what is correct but what I want to do, which is a very different thing.”

“Then if you – will not – leave me,” Zelina said, “I must leave – you.”

She did not look at him as she spoke.

She tried to speak in a dignified and calm manner, but she was aware that her heart was fluttering like a frightened bird in her breast and, if she obeyed her impulse, she would have run away as quickly as she could.

Everything she had heard about the Prince, everything he had said to her when they had danced together and the way he looked at her, had frightened her almost unbearably.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.