The Keys of Love Read Free Page A

idea who I was when he first called on me.”
    Here the maid gave a little start and almost dropped the hat.
    However, neither her father nor Henrietta noticed.
    â€œSo you see, Papa,” she went on, “he must like me for myself alone, mustn’t he?”
    â€œI suppose so ” he replied, removing his coat.
    Lord Radford followed her into the drawing room.
    â€œAnd how is Nanny?” he asked.
    â€œOh, she is somewhat under the weather these last two days. She has remained in bed.”
    Not wishing him to worry, she plunged on quickly.
    â€œShe says she’s feeling better already, although she won’t come down to greet you until tomorrow morning.”
    Palms under his chin, he now regarded his daughter fondly. She was wearing a pretty dress of pink and white gingham and a white ribbon held back her blonde locks.
    â€œI do declare, Henrietta, you are turning into quite the American girl!” he teased.
    â€œPapa, I’m not am I?”
    Lord Radford laughed.
    â€œWell, perhaps not quite yet. If we are here for much longer, though ”
    â€œPapa, don’t torment me. I like American girls and I like America. It’s just that I don’t want to feel like a stranger when we go home. I will be going home one day, won’t I, Papa?”
    â€œWell, I have some news in that respect that I think will please you.”
    â€œWhat is it, Papa?”
    â€œI have been training a manager to take over from me in the business. You and I will be able to return home before the end of the year and start renovating Lushwood!”
    â€œOh, Papa, will we really?” breathed Henrietta in great excitement.
    â€œYes. I have been compiling a list of architects to help us. We cannot book our passage just yet, but we can start thinking about the improvements we would like.”
    â€œThat is wonderful news. However ” Henrietta’s face suddenly fell.
    â€œI wonder if England will be on Prince Vasily’s itinerary?”
    â€˜Ah!’ mused Lord Radford, regarding his daughter closely. ‘So that’s the way of it! I had better meet this fellow without any delay, it seems!’
    â€œShall we then invite him to supper and find out?”
    Henrietta clapped her hands in delight.
    Later that evening, she and her father were waiting in the drawing room for the Prince to arrive when the maid knocked and entered.
    With a glance at Henrietta, she asked if she might speak privately with Lord Radford.
    He rose and followed her out into the corridor.
    Henrietta looked up at her father when he returned after several minutes.
    â€œWhat is it, Papa?” she asked, as he stood regarding her with evident concern.
    â€œThere is something you should know,” he began, and then the doorbell rang loudly.
    Henrietta sprang up.
    â€œThere he is, Papa. Now you will see! But what is it that I must know ?”
    â€œIt must wait until later,” he murmured, listening to the sound of the maid hurrying to the front door.
    As the Prince strode in, Henrietta thought he looked so distinguished with his scarlet jacket and white gloves.
    She was perturbed at the slight frown that hovered on her father’s brow, but it was gone in an instant.
    All evening he was the perfect host and all evening Prince Vasily was the perfect guest, appreciative, attentive, and full of polite conversation.
    When Henrietta asked him eagerly if England was on his itinerary, he remarked elegantly that it surely would be if she was there.
    When at last the Prince left after a glass of brandy and a cigar with Lord Radford, Henrietta could not wait to discover her father’s impression.
    She burst into the library.
    â€œPapa!”
    Lord Radford looked up.
    â€œMy dear?”
    â€œ Papa ! Tell me, please. What did you think of my Prince?”
    Her father regarded her gravely.
    â€œIt’s what you think of him that troubles me.”
    Henrietta frowned.
    â€œ Troubles you?