Solita and the Spies by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781782131410
Publisher: Barbara Cartland EBooks ltd
Published: 2012-10-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

Solita’s face, the Duke thought, was radiant.

He looked at her for a long moment before he exclaimed,

“For God’s sake be careful! If you look as you do now, it would make anyone suspicious that you had been given the keys to Heaven!”

“That is exactly what you have given me,” Solita replied, “and the idea of going to India is the most thrilling thing that has ever happened!”

“We shall have to plan it very carefully. In the meantime, today is Saturday and the Russians will not think of leaving until Monday at the earliest.”

Solita looked worried.

“S-suppose she – tries again – tonight?” she suggested hesitatingly.

“I have already thought of that,” the Duke replied. “Leave everything to me, but be prepared if the worst comes to the worst, to leave without any warning.”

Solita looked at him in a bewildered fashion and he added quickly,

“It is always a great mistake to do things in too much of a hurry.”

“I know that,” Solita replied, “at the same time – ”

The Duke put his fingers to his lips.

“Remember you saved me by eavesdropping. If you can do it, other people can do the same.”

“Yes – yes – of course,” Solita agreed .

At the same time she felt as if the Russians were encroaching on them and lurking behind every curtain and piece of furniture.

The Duke smiled at her and said,

“Now we start, both of us, showing our intelligence by concealing it!”

Solita gave a nervous little laugh.

“The more we do and the less we say the better and thank you, Solita, for saving my life as well as many other people’s.”

As he spoke, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

She drew in her breath because she was so surprised, for at the touch of his lips she felt a strange sensation she had never felt before.

“Now that is settled,” the Duke arrirmed in a different tone of voice, “and we will go and tell Willy our plans for today.”

He opened the door as he spoke and they walked side by side down the passage to the morning room, where Willy was sitting reading The Times.

“Have you finished?” he asked as they walked in. “Several of your guests, Hugo, have come down to breakfast, if you want to see them.”

“For the moment I want to talk to you,” the Duke said, “and plan how we shall spend the day.”

As the two men sat discussing the programme, Solita was aware that the Duke was making it very difficult for the Princess or any other woman to have a tête-à-tête with him.

With Willy’s help they planned a picnic lunch at the famous folly which had been erected by one of his ancestors.

Then a visit to the hothouses, which Solita learnt for the first time were famous for their special orchids.

Then, if there was time, those who were not too tired would ride late in the afternoon over the Duke’s private Racecourse .

“Please may I do that too?” Solita asked, speaking for the first time.

“Of course, if you want to,” the Duke replied, “but I think you should have a rest before dinner.

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