“And there is such a man?”
“Yes; the Duke Barinski, of Fagodina.”
“I have never heard of him. What claim to the throne can he make?”
She smiled significantly. “He has many. He is connected by descent with the Karageorgevics, while the Princess represents the Obrenovics. Together their claim would be incontestable, as it would reconcile and unite the rival interests. And what is most—he has the support of Russia. Now you understand.”
“And your motive?”
“The Duke is the head of the family of which I am a humble member.”
“A very beautiful member certainly, and a very useful one, also certainly; but I should not use the term humble, Baroness. You seem to have a strong cause, particularly with Russian influence behind. You think it will succeed?”
“It cannot fail,” she said in a tone of dead conviction.
“And the Princess Gatrina? What are her views?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “In a marriage of State what does it matter to the bride who the groom may be? She at present trusts the Queen, and so accepts even such a man as Albrevics.”