A Dangerous Disguise (11 page)

And so she did not see the look of satisfaction that the Queen gave to the Duke, or the slight smile that touched her lips.

"Very well," said Queen Victoria at last. "It seems that I must yield. You and I will talk more tomorrow after your presentation. You must leave me, now. I'll send a message to Sir Bernard about your maid. John will see you to your hotel."

She rang a bell on her desk and a woman appeared.

"Lady Cadwick will take care of you until the carriage is ready."

She waited until Ola had left the room under Lady Cadwick's care, before saying,

"She is everything you told me, my dear boy. Loyal and true. I think she would really have gone back to her cell rather than betray her friend."

"I'm sure of it, ma'am."

"She'll make you an excellent wife."

But the Duke shook his head. "I fear there's no chance of that. I think she almost hates me now."

"What? After all you did for her, bursting in on me in that rude fashion and refusing to leave until I'd heard you out?"

"I owed her that after betraying her so carelessly to that fool, Danson. I had no idea he had such a lurid imagination.

"But I'm afraid it's too late for Ola and myself ma'am. We've said such things to each other – "

He sighed.

"I don't know what can happen now," he said heavily.

"It will come right if you truly love each other," said the Queen. "And that love is worth fighting for. Nothing is more worth it. Always remember that."

After another cup of strong tea Ola, began to feel a little better and with Lady Cadwick's help, she tidied up her hair. When she left the Palace half an hour later, her dishevelled clothes were concealed by a velvet cloak.

One of the Queen's carriages was waiting for her, its large coat of arms on the panel proclaiming that this person travelled under Her Majesty's protection.

The Duke was waiting for her beside the carriage. He offered his hand to assist her, and she took it because her legs were shaky, but as soon as she was inside she released it and huddled in the far corner, as far away from him as possible.

When he was inside and closed the door the carriage began to rumble away out of the Palace yard.

"Ola – " he said, reaching for her.

"Please – " She flung out a hand to ward him off. "I want to say that I – that I am deeply sensible of what I owe you. When you spoke of asking help from your godmother I did not realise – "

"That I meant the Queen. Yes, she has always been very good to me."

"And of course you interceded on my behalf," she said, speaking with an effort. "That was kind of you."

"Please, Ola, there's no need – "

"I – would not like you to think – that I was ungrateful – but – "

It was too much for her. She dropped her head into her hands and burst into violent sobs. At once he was beside her, trying to put his arms about her.

"Ola, darling – please – "

"No," she said fiercely. "I will do as Her Majesty wishes, for as long as she needs, but – anything else – "

"I know," he said sadly. "You think you cannot trust me – "

"Nor you me."

"Would I have taken you to the Queen if I didn't trust you?"

"Oh, you know I'm not a spy, but that isn't what I meant."

"No, of course not. I realise that it's hard, but can't we find our way back to each other if we try?"

She raised her head. In the dim light of the carriage, he could see the tears glittering on her cheeks, and the urge to take her in his arms was almost overwhelming. But he knew he must resist it, at least for the moment.

"No," she whispered through her tears. "It's over. Whatever we might have had, died before it had a chance to truly live. It can never flourish now."

He wanted to deny this vehemently, but he knew she would need all her courage for the time ahead, and he must help her by offering her his strength to lean on, without pressing his own wishes on her.

There were some curious eyes as she entered the hotel, leaning on the Duke's arm, and she wondered how much was known about Greta's abrupt departure that morning.

"Greta," she murmured. "Is she here yet?"

He approached the desk and murmured something.

"She is here," he said when he returned. "I've told them you've both been in an accident. Take my arm and we'll go upstairs."

At her door he knocked and Greta immediately answered.

"Where is she?" she asked angrily. "Where – oh, my darling!"

Ola stumbled forward into Greta's arms and the two women clung to each other.

The Duke quietly closed the door and went away.

*

Neither woman expected to sleep much that night, but both were mistaken, and when they woke next morning they were sufficiently refreshed to feel stronger, and able to face the world.

Over breakfast they discussed their experiences, and Ola found much there to horrify her.

"They said you had 'confessed everything'," Greta said. "They had my name and said you had given it to them, so I must betray you in return."

"Dearest Greta, forgive me. I did tell them your name, but that was in all innocence, before I realised what they meant to do. How could I have guessed?"

"You couldn't. I thought it must have been something like that. They will not turn us against each other."

There was no time for more talk because Lady Cadwick arrived with maids, and several costumes suitable for court presentation. Each one was white and elaborate, with a long train.

Ola donned gown after gown, walking up and down before the long mirror, while the others squabbled amiably about which one suited her the best. At last they settled on an elegant white silk and lace, heavily draped over the bustle, and with a train that was three yards long.

"The train may be a little difficult," Lady Cadwick explained. "When you have been presented to Her Majesty, you will have to back away without tripping over the train."

They tried it, and Ola tripped over four times before she found the trick of it.

To complete the elaborate ensemble she wore a long white veil, held in place by a coronet of diamonds which Lady Cadwick loaned her from the fabulous Cadwick collection. On top of this were fixed three ostrich feathers. In addition she had a large feathered fan, and long white gloves.

Ola had wanted to be presented at court. It had never occurred to her that it would be like this!

Lady Cadwick stood back and looked at her with pride. Then she dropped a deep curtsey.

"Your Royal Highness!" she said.

"Will I get away with it?"

"Oh yes, you will, I promise. You look magnificent and just as you ought. Now, you are all ready to be presented."

She was to be Ola's sponsor, for no lady could be presented at court without being introduced by another lady who had, herself, been presented. They travelled to the Palace in the Cadwick carriage, its ancient coat of arms emblazoned on the side.

It was a very fine day, and the carriage was open, so that everyone in the streets could see Princess Ola on her way to be received by the Queen.

Her last arrival at Buckingham Palace had been at the rear. Now she drove in splendour through the front gate and under the central arch into the courtyard beyond.

From the moment the carriage stopped everything was done with great ceremony. Powdered footmen stepped forward to open the door. Ola descended very carefully and stood while Lady Cadwick checked to see that everything was right.

Then they entered the Palace and began the long walk up crimson carpeted staircases, along broad corridors, until they came to the room that she had first seen in the Duke's company only a few days ago, when he had told her all about presentations.

She had reached the sitting room where, he had said, the debutantes waited for their turn. Lady Cadwick ushered her in.

The next moment she had a shock.

The Duke was there, watching the door with painful anxiety.

At first Ola thought that he looked right through her.

Then he became tense.

"I did not recognise you," he said, speaking awkwardly. "You look very splendid – Your Royal Highness."

How she would once have loved the astounded look in his eyes as he saw her glory. What joy there would have been in his admiration as he saw her more beautiful than ever before!

But not now.

A chasm yawned between them.

"Good afternoon, Duke," she said courteously. "As you can see, I'm playing my part. Do you have any advice for me? I realise that your special knowledge is valuable."

"Be hostile to me if you wish," he sighed. "But don't let it take your mind off your job. In a few moments the Oltenitzan ambassador will be here. He knows everything and wants to help us, for the sake of his country. He will assist you all he can."

She inclined her head, moving with excessive care lest she dislodge the ostrich feathers which waved wildly with every movement.

She thought the Duke himself was looking splendid in court dress of white knee breeches and ceremonial sword. Ola was sure no man had ever looked so handsome.

He left the room and returned after a moment with a thin, middle-aged man with a worried expression, whom he introduced as the Oltenitzan ambassador. He gave Ola a deep, respectful bow.

"Your Royal Highness," he said, loud enough for all to hear. Then, lowering his voice, he murmured, "I am deeply grateful for everything you are doing to help our poor country."

"I am very happy to help you in any way I can," she said politely.

"Then if you would be so kind as to wear this."

He opened a small box on which lay a diamond studded decoration.

"It is the Grand Order of Oltenitza, First Class. All our Princesses have it, and I hope you will accept it with our gratitude."

She smiled her pleasure, Lady Cadwick pinned it into her shoulder, and everything was complete. There was a bustle of movement. It was time for everyone to take their place.

"You'll be the third to go," the Duke told Ola. "Don't be afraid."

"I am not afraid," Ola said quietly.

"No, I don't think you are," he said, and his voice was warm. "You won't fail at the mouth of the lion's den."

She gave a wan smile. "There are worse lions' dens than this," she reminded him.

He nodded. For a moment his hand clasped hers.

Then he drew the ambassador away, leaving the debutantes and their sponsors preparing for their great moment.

Ola tried to concentrate on what she was doing, but all she could think of was the feel of his hand on hers.

Then it was her turn. The double doors were thrown open, revealing the crowded throne room beyond. Lady Cadwick and Ola moved into the doorway, where Lady Cadwick handed a card to the lord in waiting, who read aloud,

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Ola of Oltenitza."

Did she imagine it, or was there a hum of surprise?

Then she was moving forward towards the end of the room where the Queen stood waiting. Suddenly she could see everything with brilliant clarity, including the Duke and the ambassador, standing near the throne, their eyes fixed on her.

Slowly, steadily she advanced until she reached the point at which she should curtsey. A presentation curtsey was like no other. It must be very deep, down on one knee to the floor, where it must be held for almost a minute.

Then, rise and advance. Other debutantes kissed the Queen's hands, but as 'royalty' Ola was exempt. Instead Victoria leaned towards her and kissed her forehead.

She was smiling, very slightly, and her lips moved to murmur, "Well done."

Now the most difficult part. She rose and stepped back, reached behind her and gathered up her train. Slowly she retreated along the crimson carpet, until the doors swallowed her up again.

At last she could let out her breath in relief.

"You did splendidly," said the kindly Lady Cadwick.

Before Ola could leave, the ambassador came to find her and thank her again.

"My gratitude," he said. "You were very convincing,

and there were several people there who were astonished."

"I hope I may have done some good," she said. "Is there any news from your country?"

He shook his head sadly.

"I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow," he said.

"Tomorrow?" Ola asked, puzzled.

"Tomorrow night there's a dinner in Buckingham Palace for visiting royalty and ambassadors," the Duke explained. "Afterwards there is a ball."

"Your presence at both will be very helpful," the ambassador said. "My friend here, the Duke of Camborne, will escort you. So you will be all right. He will take good care of you."

"Yes," said Ola in a colourless voice. "I know he will take care of me."

The Duke drew her aside.

"Return to your hotel," he said, "and have something to eat. This afternoon I shall take you out for a drive in the carriage. It's important that you should be seen in public. Please be ready at three o'clock."

"What about Greta? Surely my lady-in-waiting should accompany me."

"I hardly think – "

"She doesn't like being left alone in the hotel. After what happened last time, she's frightened."

"But surely she's not alone there now?"

"No, one of Lady Cadwick's maids is with her. I should much prefer that she comes too."

He looked at her sadly for a moment.

"There's no need for this, Ola."

"What did you call me?"

"I meant, of course, Your Royal Highness. It is quite unnecessary to take Greta with us."

"I wish her to come," Ola said firmly.

He gave a small bow.

"As Your Royal Highness pleases."

'It doesn't please me,' she thought. 'It breaks my heart. But what else can there be between us now?'

Lady Cadwick took her away for the journey back to the hotel. There she stood in the centre of her room while they all helped her to disrobe.

The ostrich feathers were removed, then the diamond tiara, then the magnificent gown, bearing the Grand Order of Oltenitza, First Class.

Gradually 'Princess Ola' was vanishing, leaving behind only herself. And she was no longer quite certain who she was.