Lovers in London by Barbara Cartland Page A

himself.
    He had always travelled alone, believing that if a woman accompanied him she would only be interested in talking about love.
    Or else complaining that he was not making her as comfortable as she wished to be.
    â€œYou say your father has travelled extensively,” he said. “Rather late in our acquaintance, I do admit, but I should ask you now who your father is.”
    â€œYou may well have read one of Papa’s books on travel. They are just signed Philip Grenville, because three of his best volumes were published before he came into the Baronetcy.”
    The Marquis started.
    â€œOf course I know your father’s books, but it never struck me at all that the name was the same as yours. I have four, if not more of his books, in my library.”
    â€œWell if you have read them, you will understand why I have always wanted to travel as he has and I hoped that when I was old enough he would take me on some wonderful expeditions, perhaps to discover the source of the Nile or journey into Tibet which is where he has always wanted to explore.”
    â€œAnd where I have been – ” replied the Marquis.
    Lanthia gave a cry.
    â€œYou have actually been there! Tell me all about it. Tell me what you actually felt. I have read a dozen books on Tibet, but I have never met anyone who has actually been there!”
    The Marquis smiled.
    â€œThen I will certainly relate to you everything I can remember, but I think now, as it is getting late and I am quite sure our enemies are locked into their own rooms, I should leave you.”
    He rose slowly to his feet and added as if it was just an afterthought,
    â€œSurely you are not staying here alone.”
    â€œNo, of course not. I have a dear friend of Mama’s, a charming Mrs. Blossom, who is the only daughter of the Bishop of Bristol and who is my chaperone.”
    She hoped that the Marquis was impressed as she continued,
    â€œShe contracted a headache this afternoon and as she wanted to go to sleep and not be disturbed, I did not tell her I was dining downstairs with you.”
    â€œI think that was most wise of you and we shall have to think of some excuse tomorrow as to why we are going out to luncheon.”
    â€œAm I really to be invited with you to Marlborough House?” questioned Lanthia breathlessly. “Would it not be wiser to say that I had a cold and for you to have luncheon alone with His Royal Highness?”
    â€œI think, as you were looking perfectly healthy this evening when he spoke with you, he would think it rather strange that you developed a cold so quickly!”
    The Marquis was silent for a moment and then he added,
    â€œIt is no use running away from the mess we are in. I think it is better to face the music bravely.”
    â€œJust as you would face a dust storm in the desert or an avalanche on the mountains!”
    The Marquis chuckled.
    â€œVery well,” he agreed, “and because we are fellow explorers, Lanthia, that is exactly what we must do. And tomorrow I will try and be as intelligent as Richard Burton would be about it.”
    â€œI am sure you will be as successful as him – he has never failed yet.”
    â€œThat is true,” admitted the Marquis, “and as he has survived, so shall we.”
    He rose to his feet.
    Now he stood gazing at her, thinking how lovely she looked in her pretty white dress.
    Because she was so young and life was so exciting she seemed to vibrate almost as though a light was shining through her.
    Then he told himself he was being imaginative and the sooner he left the better.
    He held out his hand.
    â€œGoodnight, Lanthia, and thank you more than I can possibly say for all your kindness to me and the help you have given me.”
    She put her hand into his and the Marquis raised it to his lips.
    As he did so he thought that actually, if she were not so young, he would have kissed her and it was what any other woman would have expected from