The Gates of Paradise Read Free

alone in her cabin, “you will be able to rest before you arrive and enjoy the books I have given you.”
    He had provided her with four books about Russia and the Balkan States from his extensive library.
    â€œIt is always a good idea,” he advised her, “to learn as much as possible about any country you are visiting – otherwise you might miss something of significance.”
    â€œYou have told me that before, Papa, and as you know, I have always tried to carry out your instructions.”
    â€œWell, my instructions are for you to read all these books.  They will tell you about the people, their religions, their superstitions and above all their aspirations.”
    The Bishop looked over his shoulder to make quite certain that there was no one listening.
    â€œBe careful,” he said.  “The Russians are being very difficult in the Balkans, as Her Majesty was saying to me last week, they are taking over far too many Principalities.  In fact Her Majesty is most worried about the situation.”
    â€œI do realise that, Papa, and I shall be very careful what I say.  I cannot help thinking that it must be worrying for Louise.”
    â€œI am quite sure that Alexanderburg is safe as long as she is still on the throne – ”
    â€œShe did not mention any trouble in her letters, but sadly there have not been so many letters recently.”
    â€œI am sure she has a good reason for asking you to go,” the Bishop reflected, “and you must help her in every way you can.”
    He paused, thinking just how Queen Victoria had expressed her anger to him at the Russians’ behaviour.
    â€œIf I had not sent my Battleships into the Aegean Sea,” she had raged, “those Russians would have been in Constantinople by now.  Heaven knows how hard I had to fight the Prime Minister to get him to pay any attention!”
    â€œBut you definitely saved Constantinople, ma’am,” the Bishop had added.
    This had been no mean feat, he thought.  The Grand Duke Nicholas had been forced to turn back when his Army was only six miles from Constantinople, which had cost the lives of twenty thousand men but made it quite impossible for the Russians to defy Great Britain again.
    Again, it occurred to the Bishop that perhaps Narina was heading into danger, but he sternly told himself he was being unnecessarily perturbed by the idea.
    For as long as the British flag was flying high over Alexanderburg, the Russians would not dare to intervene.
    He put his arms round Narina,
    â€œGoodbye, my dearest. I know that you will help your friend Louise and it will be delightful for you to be together again.  At the same time do not forget your Papa.”
    â€œAs though I could, Papa, I love you.  I shall really miss our conversations and most of all your enthralling stories.”
    She kissed her father.
    â€œStore them all up for when I return home.  Then I will appreciate your wisdom all the more.”
    He chuckled and then held her close, kissing her affectionately.
    â€œI love you, my dearest Narina, and I will pray that God will bless your visit and that you will be able to help Princess Louise.”
    â€œYes, don’t forget me in your prayers, Papa, and I will pray for you in mine as well.”
    She went up on deck and, as the Battleship moved slowly away, she waved until her father was out of sight.
    Then she went below deck to help the maid unpack the clothes she would need whilst at sea.
    The maid could speak reasonably good English, but Narina delighted her by replying in German.  Soon they had hung all of Narina’s clothes in the smart wardrobes built into her cabin, talking together all the while.
    Once the Battleship was moving more quickly, Narina went to find the Baron and Baroness.
    They were seated in the cabin that adjoined the Captain’s.
    The Baroness was already complaining that the sea was rough, although there was as yet