Love in the Highlands by Barbara Cartland Page B

elegant figure necessary to do it justice. But, as he explained to his daughter with a sigh,
    "If Her Majesty insists that I show my knobbly knees, then I don't mind doing so in order to placate her."
    "Papa, I think you're absolutely heroic," Lavina exclaimed.
    If her father lacked the figure to wear a kilt, the same could not be said of the Marquis. He appeared in the kilt of the McDonald clan, explaining that one of his aunts had married the Laird.
    "When my valet knew that I was coming to Scotland he insisted on packing it as a precaution," he explained.
    He had the long, straight legs necessary to show the kilt as its best, and the broad-shouldered height needed by the black velvet jacket. For once his hair was brushed into a fashionable style.
    It was a pity, Lavina thought, that he did not go into society more often, for he was handsome enough to turn all heads.
    It was about five miles to Balmoral, and as they drove through the countryside the day was turning to a soft, enchanting twilight.
    Lavina knew that she looked her best in the gorgeous dress, and the emeralds, and at any other time she would have enjoyed the prospect. But tonight she could think only that the Queen was very determined to trap her, and her only safety lay in the Marquis, sitting opposite her.
    At this moment he looked capable of dealing with anything. He had an air of lofty grandeur that suited his rank.
    He was looking away, regarding the scenery, so that she could see his profile, the slightly hooked nose emphasising the power of his face.
    Then he turned to smile at her, and suddenly the world was different. There was unexpected charm in that smile, and for a moment this was the man she had met that night on the boat, when they had entered the world of music together, and found each other.
    Then the carriage was slowing down, coming to a halt at Balmoral Castle. Footmen were coming forward to let down the steps and open the doors.
    The inside of Balmoral came as a shock. Queen Victoria loved everything Scottish, including the tartans. So there was tartan everywhere in the castle, tartan drapes, tartan furniture coverings, mile after mile of tartan carpet.
    Even more astonishing were the 'No Smoking' signs that appeared everywhere. Queen Victoria hated smoking and made it as hard as possible for smokers within her palaces.
    Then they were at the entrance to the grand reception room. Lavina and her father were to enter first, with the Marquis behind them.
    The Chamberlain cried,
    "Lord Ringwood, Lady Lavina Ringwood and Lord Elswick."
    She looked down the long carpet at the tiny figure of the Queen at the far end. She was a short woman, but to Lavina she seemed monumental, towering over the whole world, threatening her with a dire fate.
    Then she felt a hand reaching for hers, grasping it in a firm, reassuring hold. It was the Marquis, reminding her that he had promised to protect her, no matter what.
    She squeezed his hand in return, telling him that she trusted him. Then she stepped forward and began the journey, getting closer to Queen Victoria, and also closer to another figure standing beside her.
    It was a man of just under medium height. He had jet black, oily-looking hair and a huge moustache to match. But what really caught Lavina's appalled attention was thick, fat lips, small piggy eyes and an expression of leering self-satisfaction.
    This was Prince Stanislaus of Kadradtz, the man that Her Majesty was determined she should marry, no matter what the consequences. She might break her heart or be driven to despair, but by hook or by crook that determined little woman would force her into this hellish marriage.
    Lord Ringwood bowed to his sovereign, and Lavina dropped a low, sweeping curtsey.
    The Queen remained silent for a long moment, while her face registered cool disdain. When she spoke, her voice was stern.
    "How nice to see you, Lord Ringwood – at last! We were very disappointed that you did not see fit to obey our earlier