Polly and the Prince Read Online Free

of the cold mutton.”
    She bustled off to the kitchen, and Polly returned to the dining room. Her brother and the Russian were on their knees, packing straw into the full china crate.
    “So I shot my poor horse and left him to wolves,” Kolya was saying, “and while they were eating, I stumbled through snow to peasant’s izba— hut , I think is word.”
    “Polly, Kolya has had the most amazing adventures!” Nick informed her. Kolya nudged him in the ribs. “Oh yes, I’m sorry I upset Mama. I expect I ought to have told you privately and let you break the news. But what was a fellow to do when you kept asking why I was home?”
    Avoiding this invitation to dispute, she said, “Go and apologize to Mama. She is in the kitchen...”
    “Food!” Nick jumped up and sped from the room.
    “Thank you for diverting him,” Polly said, dropping into a chair. “He is at an argumentative age, I fear.”
    “Hungry age, also. Is good lad, I think?”
    “He’s a dear, though it was monstrous wicked of him to introduce a bear into the church.” Involuntarily she giggled. “All the same, I wish I could have seen it. Pray don’t tell Nick I said so.”
    “Was famous jape indeed. Expelled means he cannot return to school?”
    “Yes. Ned will be distressed, I fear, but I’m not really surprised. Nick is not at all inclined to book-learning. In fact, he has wanted to join the Navy, like Papa, since he was in leading strings. Mama dislikes the notion—Papa was away so much and she missed him dreadfully. And Ned always wanted to go to university, but there was not enough money for a good school, so he felt he was doing Nick a good turn by sending him to Winchester.”
    “I understand. Is not always easy to know how best to help others. To get good position on ship for Nick, thisis possible?”
    “He cannot go as a common seaman, of course. Papa started out as a midshipman, so I expect that is what Nick wants. It is the lowest grade of commissioned officer. Ned will know how to go about it.”
    Kolya nodded and stood up. “Box is full. Is necessary to nail top, or tie with rope?”
    “I shall ask Ella.” Polly wondered why she had explained about Nick’s schooling. It was nothing to do with the stranger, and he could not possibly be interested. Somehow it was difficult to remember that he was a stranger. Suddenly recalling her disconcerting reaction when he kissed the icon, she said abruptly, “Thank you for the work you have done. Since Nick is come, he can help with the rest. I shall give you money for the stage fare to London, and enough for a night’s lodging in case you cannot find your friends at once.”
    “I am not beggar.” His response was unexpectedly sharp. “I have earned meal, no more. If you do not need me, I shall be on my way.”
    “But it is too far to walk. London is thirty miles and more.”
    Once more he was amused, her unintended insult seemingly forgiven. “I have walked much farther, Miss Howard. Since you have not time for painting, is best I go.”
    Between the way he flustered her and the upset of Nick’s arrival, Polly had forgotten the portrait. Kolya’s reminder re-awoke her enthusiasm. “No, stay. With you and Nick to help, the packing will be done much faster. And with Nick here, there can be no objection if you spend the night. I shall be able at least to start the portrait tomorrow. Please?”
    He looked doubtful. “To start portrait will be useful?”
    “Yes, oh yes. I can draw the right pose on the canvas, and work out the colour tones. And you will earn several more meals so that when you leave you will be rested and well fed.”
    “How can I resist? Very well, I shall be good dog and sit for food, if matyushka agrees.”
    “Mama will agree,” said Polly blithely. And when Ned comes tomorrow, she thought, perhaps he will be able to persuade the proud Russian to accept the fare to London.
     

Chapter 3
     
    “And the story you told Nick about the wolves, was that