Read Online A Dream Come True by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online Page B

Hall.”
    â€œThen it is settled, I shall see you tomorrow at say, ten o’clock?”
    As Lucia replaced the receiver, she heard a noise behind her. Turning around, she came face-to-face with Lord Winterton.
    â€œOh, I had thought you had already left,” she said colouring.
    â€œI found that my discussion with your stepfather continued longer than I anticipated. I am glad to have the opportunity to say goodbye to you properly – you left so suddenly.”
    He smiled at her with a mischievous look on his face and once again, she felt quite uncomfortable under his scrutiny.
    He stood towering over her. His broad shoulders filling out the lines of his overcoat to perfection and giving the impression of someone at once both in charge of himself and protective.
    As he leaned in slightly towards her, Lucia found herself involuntarily taking a step backwards.
    Lord Winterton silently acknowledged her retreat and straightened himself.
    â€œI have made arrangements with your stepfather and will see you presently at Longfield Manor. He will discuss the details with you and I am afraid I have stayed far longer than I intended. Thank you for a charming afternoon. I found the company – most pleasing.”
    He bowed his head and took his hat from Moston.
    â€œGood afternoon, Miss Mountford. I look forward to seeing you at Longfield Manor!”
    He placed his hat on his head and then with one last lingering look walked out through the front door.
    â€˜Really!’ said Lucia fanning herself. ‘I can see that I shall have to watch him carefully when working for him. I would not put it past him to make unwelcome advances!’
    While she had found it simple to rebuff the advances of flirtatious young Frenchmen, Lord Winterton was a fully grown man of considerable personal magnetism and not a gauche but charming boy.
    â€˜I do hope there will not be any unnecessary unpleasantness,’ she thought, feeling a little afraid, as she watched Moston close the front door.
    *
    Â Lucia silently mounted the stairs to her mother’s room. She pushed the door open just a crack and looked inside. The room was in semi-darkness and both Mrs. Darrowby and her mother were fast asleep.
    She smiled and closed the door softly.
    â€˜Perhaps Mama will be right as rain in a few days,’ she mused returning back downstairs.
    As she reached the foot of the stairs, her stepfather intercepted her.
    â€œLucia, come to the study, would you?”
    She followed him into the room and was surprised to find that there lingered on the air an odour that reminded her of Lord Winterton. Was it cologne, she wondered, or cigars mingled with leather? She could not make up her mind.
    In any event it unnerved her and made her feel as if he was still in the room.
    â€œI am pleased that Lord Winterton found you to his liking,” he began, refusing to meet her gaze. “He has indicated that he wishes you to start at once.”
    â€œBut Mama – ”
    â€œShe would not wish to stand in the way. She would understand that such matters are not her business and now you will make ready to leave the Hall early on Monday morning. Lord Winterton will require you to stay at Longfield Manor during the week and you will be allowed home at weekends.”
    â€˜Live in,’ thought Lucia shocked, ‘but that is something servants do.’
    â€œBut it is not so far that I could not travel each day and Mama needs me. She is far from well and I would never forgive myself should anything happen to her.”
    Sir Arthur whirled around from his position by the window with his eyes bulging with fury.
    â€œLucia, this is not the first time I have had to tell you that what I say goes. You will do as you are told and without complaint. Heavens! How many times must I say this? You will start on Monday. Please arrange for your bags to be packed and Briggs will take you straight after breakfast. Now let that be the last of this