Rivals for Love by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-908303-69-1
Publisher: Barbara Cartland.com

CHAPTER FOUR

“I think we must have remembered everything,” muttered Elva.

She was now standing looking down at her trunk and several cases. They contained all the clothes she was proposing to take with her to Russia.

There were some dresses that had been bought for her as a debutante and the more sophisticated gowns Aunt Violet had chosen for her.

Elva was quite delighted with her new trousseau, although her aunt kept on complaining that she was really too young to wear most of the dresses.

“It would be so much easier,” suggested Elva, “if Dukes and Duchesses were to wear a special emblem in their buttonholes so that everyone would know who they were without their having to fuss about their clothes.”

Lady Violet smiled.

“That’s a good idea, my dearest. At the same time if you were of no importance, you would be ashamed of not owning an emblem or perhaps one that just showed a blank!”

“It would indeed be an easy way for the Duke to disguise himself if he wanted to.”

“I think he has been in disguise quite a number of times already,” murmured Lady Violet.

Elva looked at her excitedly.

“Undertaking secret missions? Oh, I do hope he will tell me about them.”

Lady Violet looked embarrassed.

“This is something I should never have said. You must forget all about it.”

“If it is a secret, I will not talk about it to anyone else, I promise. But I would like Cousin Varin to tell me all about his adventures.”

“I very much doubt if he will do so,” replied Lady Violet. “You will just have to be very tactful with him, Elva, otherwise he will think that you are a silly chattering debutante for whom he has no use.”

“Well, I don’t think he really has much use for me anyway except that on this occasion he needs me.”

“Well, just try to keep quiet and don’t bother him with questions or conversation that he may think boring. If you find the trip difficult, it will be your own fault.”

“I realise that, but I think the most fortunate thing I ever did was to eavesdrop in your library.”

“If you can still say the same when you come back from St. Petersburg, I shall be very happy, my dear Elva,” added Lady Violet.

Then she gave a sudden cry.

“I nearly forgot. How stupid of me”

“Forgot what?”

“Something for you to take with you when you are invited to parties and something special for the Empress as well if you meet her.”

She saw that Elva looked surprised.

“It is correct in the East, and that includes Russia, to bring a present for your hostess when you arrive at a party.”

“What a truly lovely idea, Aunt Violet. I would be so delighted if I gave a party and everyone brought me a present.”

“It is a custom which is never forgotten in the East. I did remember last night and have placed some suitable presents on a table in my bedroom. Let’s go and look at them and then they must be packed.”

She walked ahead and Elva followed her into her bedroom.

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