CHAPTER TWOAs they continued walking through the Palace the Duke said,
“I want to know how you are brave enough to come here almost alone, with only one lady-in-waiting to keep you safe.”
“But I'm quite safe,” Ola said, laughing. “I can look after myself. In Oltenitza the ladies are taught to be very strong. We ride hard and learn to shoot.”
The shooting was true for Ola. Papa had taught her, and praised her straight aim.
“You can shoot?” he asked, amused.
“Why do you laugh? I'm an excellent shot. I can hit a bull's eye at fifty paces – at least – that is – no, take no notice of me.”
“Why not? I'm interested in a lady who can shoot so well.”
But Ola had recollected that gentlemen scorned ladies who were good at masculine pursuits, and the last thing that a clever woman did was to an
