Ruled by Love

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-908303-95-0
Publisher: Barbara Cartland.com

CHAPTER FOUR

When eventually they did arrive back at the Palace, Zoleka and Udele had a quiet luncheon with Anton Bauer.

There was no sign of the Count or of Pieter Seitz.

Once luncheon was over there was a message from the Prime Minister.

It said that he would be honoured if Princess Zoleka could come to his office in the Parliament building that afternoon.

Zoleka ordered the carriage again and asked Udele to ensure that the Music room was tidy and cleaned for the evening.

“I should also look at the ballroom,” she suggested, “in case the Count asks more guests than we expect. And do see there are flowers everywhere as it will look very bare otherwise.”

The Princess ran off delighted, Zoleka thought, at being able to issue orders at last, something she had not been able to do when she was stuck up in the schoolroom.

The Parliament building was not very far from the Palace and on her arrival Zoleka was taken to the Prime Minister’s private room where he was waiting for her.

Once he had greeted her effusively and they were alone, he began,

“I do apologise for asking Your Royal Highness to come to me, but I was a little nervous that what we have to say to each other might be overheard in the Palace.”

“Who would you suspect might be interested in our discussion?” Zoleka asked him.

She thought for the moment that the Prime Minister was not going to answer, as he might feel it was a mistake to say too much.

Then he answered her,

“I feel the Lord Chamberlain is very hostile to any innovations either at the Palace or in the country.”

“I thought exactly the same and, although it may be difficult to contemplate, you should get rid of him.”

The Prime Minister made a small helpless gesture with his hands.

“The Lord Chamberlain, as you know, is appointed by the reigning Monarch and I am certain that His Royal Highness will not be interested enough to dispose of him.”

“Of course you do realise without my saying it that the current situation here is extremely dangerous?”

“I realise it only too well, Your Royal Highness. I cannot imagine how they could possibly allow the Army to be run down as they have and, apart from anything else, the fortifications are crumbling.”

“That is exactly what my father was afraid I might find and if you will tell me exactly how bad it is, he intends to appeal to Prince Vaslov of Cieszyn to help us.”

The Prime Minister started and sat upright.

“Prince Vaslov!” he exclaimed. “That is indeed such excellent news. He has achieved so very much for his own country that I believe the Prussians are almost frightened of him.”

“If they are frightened of anyone!”

“I am seriously impressed with the Count’s idea of recruiting men into the Cavalry, but we do need even more men in the Infantry.”

“I think you should talk in detail to the Count about the problem. He seems full of ideas and, as he is so young and enthusiastic, he will appeal to all of those in the country who are out of work and as a consequence feeling hard up.

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