CHAPTER FIVEMr. Barnier had arranged a large and comfortable carriage emblazoned with the British Embassy insignia on both doors and the coachman and the footman on the box were in very smart uniforms.
The four horses were exquisitely matched stallions.
Elva was handed into the carriage and the Duke sat down beside her.
Mr. Barnier sat opposite them with his back to the horses and when they finally set off, he said with a sigh of relief,
“Now, Your Grace, we can at last converse without being afraid of being overheard. Is there anything you need to know?”
“A great deal,” replied the Duke. “First of all tell me just what is the position at the Palace?”
Mr. Barnier hesitated for a moment.
“It is in reality, as I am certain Your Grace will appreciate, a very complex situation. We have
