Read Online A Virgin Bride by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online

possible.”
    â€œWell don’t be long, I am extremely hungry and I need a strong drink.”
    Venetia could not wait to jump out of the chaise as soon as a footman opened the door.
    She shook hands with the old butler who had been at The Hall even longer than Bates had been in London.
    He was obviously delighted to see her home and so was Mrs. Johnson who was waiting for her.
    â€œYou’ve been away too long, my Lady,” she said. “And it ain’t somehow right without you here.”
    â€œI am very glad to be back, Mrs. Johnson.”
    But she could not help remembering she would not be staying very long.
    She walked into the bedroom, which had been hers since she had been too old for the nursery.
    All the treasures she had collected over the years were on top of the chest of drawers. There was even her old teddy bear sitting in one chair and a doll she had loved like a child in another.
    â€œIt’s real nice to have you home, my Lady,” Mrs. Johnson was saying.
    â€œIt is where I always want to be,” sighed Venetia.
    Because they had left London early in the morning, she had travelled in one of her school dresses.
    Now the footmen had brought up her luggage she took it off and put on an old riding habit.
    â€œYou’re not going riding when you’ve just come all that way, my Lady,” enquired Mrs. Johnson.
    â€œI certainly am. I want to be with the horses, which I have missed so much whilst I have been away.”
    When she went downstairs, she found that her father was agitated because he wanted his luncheon.
    â€œI am not really late, Papa, I did not want to keep you waiting after luncheon while I changed into my riding habit, so I thought I would change at once.”
    â€œAs it is something I would like to do myself, I will forgive you, although you are exactly seven minutes late, and I am quite certain the first course is ruined.”
    He was only teasing and Venetia slipped her hand into his.
    â€œIt’s so lovely to be home, Papa, and I want to stay here and never go away again.”
    The words came out before she could stop them.
    She felt her father stiffen and then she said quickly before he could speak,
    â€œI am quite sure that cook will have made all your favourite dishes to welcome us. So we must not hurry too much over luncheon.”
    Her father smiled.
    Venetia was thinking as she walked into the dining room that she only had eleven days left to enjoy.
    She intended to make the very most of them, but at the same time her heart was crying,
    â€˜Why, oh why does it have to be me?’
    Then she scolded herself cynically that thousands of people were saying exactly the same words in every part of the world. Their plight might be far worse than being forced to marry a rich eligible Duke.
    Venetia thought their luncheon was delicious.
    As soon as it was finished she and her Papa walked up to the stables and there were at least a dozen new horses in their boxes since she had been away at school.
    She was told that there were also several new mares in the paddock as well as a number of their foals.
    â€œThey all look marvellous, Papa!” Venetia cried as she walked from stall to stall.
    Finally, although her father said she must be tired, she chose the most spirited newcomer.
    It was saddled and bridled for her, while her father chose a horse he was particularly fond of.
    They rode out of the stables and then galloped over the flat field that lay beyond the paddock and took a few jumps over some high hedges.
    â€œNow I feel so much better,” Venetia exclaimed as they drew in their horses to a slow trot.
    â€œYou ride as well as when you went away, Venetia, and I know that Ashton will be delighted.”
    â€œThe horses grow older and wiser with experience, Papa, and I suppose that applies to me too.”
    She had not had riding on her mind, but she knew it would be a mistake to say so.
    Instead she continued,
    â€œI would