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

suppose, however old one becomes, there is always something new that one can enjoy or perhaps, if one is clever, change and alter.”
    There was silence for a moment then he declared,
    â€œI do think in this uncertain world one should not expect perfection, but seek it and be sensible enough and if you are disappointed, try again.”
    Venetia stared at him.
    â€œI have never known you so philosophical before, Papa, but you are right. Too many give up too quickly.”
    â€œThat is just what I was trying to say, Venetia.”
    They rode on for a little while in silence and then, as if he had been thinking it over, he added,
    â€œI am so proud of the way you are behaving Venetia. I know that yesterday you were shocked and angry at what I had planned for you, but I am absolutely convinced in my own mind that I am doing what is best for you and I can only beg of you to give it a fair chance.”
    There was no possibility of her ending the marriage once it had happened and Venetia therefore knew he was really pleading with her to be pleasant to the Duke.
    He must have guessed that when she returned from Lady Manvill that her Godmother would have told her why the Duke was anxious to announce his marriage so quickly.
    All those who knew him would be well aware she was saving him in a very unusual way from the punishment she actually believed he richly deserved.
    There was a note in her father’s voice that told her he was desperately pleading with her to understand.
    And because he loved her, not to let it spoil what had been between them – a perfect relationship.
    They rode on for a little while in silence.
    Then, as Venetia looked out at the beautiful country ahead of her and the house silhouetted against the sky, she said quietly,
    â€œWhatever happens to me in the future, Papa, this is my home and I feel I am completely and absolutely a part of it.”
    â€œOf course you are, my dear Venetia, and as your home there is always a special place for you here.”
    â€œThat is just what I wanted to know. I hope, Papa, you will never forget you promised me that.”
    He turned around to look at her and then, as if he was following his own train of thought, he added,
    â€œYou are very beautiful, Venetia, and a beautiful woman if she is clever can always have the whole world at her feet.”
    Venetia laughed.
    â€œThat is what I want to believe, Papa, but the world, whether it is large or small, takes a lot of handling. And I am at the moment somewhat inexperienced.”
    The Duke smiled at her.
    â€œYou are exactly like your mother and that in my opinion is the most delightful thing about you.”
    Then, as if he felt he could not say any more, he spurred his horse and set off at a gallop.
    Because the field ahead was flat, Venetia raced him and, although she had a bad start, she caught him up, passed him and at the end of the field she was still in front.
    â€œI have won!” she cried.
    â€œBy two lengths. You can hardly ask for more!”
    â€œNo, of course not. But if I have to race against the world, Papa, I think perhaps it’s a good omen!”
    He smiled but did not answer her.
    She guessed that he was, in his own way, feeling ashamed because he had bullied her into this marriage.
    As they rode home, Venetia was thinking that every minute she spent at Lynbrook Hall was precious.
    There was only a short time left for her to feel free as the clouds on the horizon were darkening.
    Whatever she might try to think, she was afraid –
    Afraid of marriage, afraid of the future and most of all afraid of the man she was being forced to marry.
    After talking to her Godmother about him, she was trying not to hate him, but equally she felt he was taking so much away from her.
    Not only the amusement and gaiety she had hoped to find in London now she was no longer a schoolgirl, but above all he was destroying her dreams of love.
    And the excitement and magic of meeting a man