Read Online Love at the Tower by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online

were a love match and I had hoped to make the same. I cannot understand why Papa is allowing Stepmama to follow this course of action.”
    â€œPerhaps she has persuaded him that it would be for the good of the family.”
    â€œI could not say – all I know is that I am terribly unhappy about it and if I can find a way around it, I will.”
    The Earl looked as if he was about to speak and then hesitated.
    â€œNo matter,” he said before returning to his plans.
    Robina wondered what it was that he had wanted to say, but did not press him.
    *
    Before she knew it, it was almost time for dinner.
    â€œHow the afternoon has flown,” she exclaimed, as Marriott came to tell her that Firefly was ready and waiting for her. “But I must take my leave as I have to be ready for this odious dinner.”
    â€œYou are welcome to stay and have dinner with me, here at the Castle,” suggested the Earl with a hopeful air.
    â€œNo, that would cause too much of an argument. I must go home.”
    â€œI will see you tomorrow then.”
    â€œAt nine o’clock sharp,” she replied, attempting to raise her own spirits.
    She was rather dreading the return to Trentham House and would have far rather dined with the Earl.
    As she was about to leave, the Earl suggested,
    â€œMy guest room is at your disposal should you ever require a place to stay. There could be times when I will need you to stay late or to start early and it would be most convenient for you.”
    Robina smiled gratefully, although she doubted that she would ever be allowed to stay with the Earl as a guest now that her stepmother had plans for her.
    â€œThank you,” she replied, wishing she could stay.
    Outside a well-rested Firefly was awaiting her. He shook his head and snorted as she appeared.
    â€œSee how eager he is to gallop across the fields? He knows that he has a warm stable and hay waiting for him at home.”
    The Earl shook her hand warmly and thanked her again.
    Robina felt that he appeared reluctant to let her go.
    She mounted Firefly and rode off down the drive.
    Had she looked back, she would have seen a wistful look on the Earl’s face and the way he stayed outside, watching her until she disappeared from view.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Robina arrived back at Trentham House with barely half an hour to spare.
    She ran into the house in time to see her stepmother descending the staircase, dressed in one of her finest gowns and festooned with so many jewels that she glittered like a chandelier.
    â€œJust why are you so late?” she snapped, as Robina drew level with her on the stairs. “Go upstairs at once and dress in your very best gown. And I want you to wear the diamonds I have had Molly put out for you – hurry, she is waiting to dress you.”
    â€œBut only Nanny helps me dress – ”
    â€œNanny is too old. If she is to be your companion, it is another matter entirely. No, Molly will see to it.”
    â€œBut I don’t want Molly – ”
    â€œThere is to be no argument – we do not have the time!” cried her stepmother.
    Robina became upset by this latest turn of events.
    â€˜What will happen to Nanny now?’ she wondered, as she entered her room to find Molly bustling around.
    â€œYour bath is ready and drawn down the hall, miss,” she mumbled in her dull voice.
    Robina shuddered.
    After her bath she changed as quickly as she could into her lilac velvet dress with the extra long sleeves and a high bodice. She deliberately decided not to wear her pink dress as it showed too much flesh.
    â€˜I don’t want to feel vulnerable,’ she thought, ‘and I will not feel at all comfortable if I think that Lord Drury is peering down my neck!’
    She sat in front of the mirror and had to patiently explain to Molly how she wanted her hair done.
    Unlike Nanny with her deft fingers she was clumsy and took an age to do it. She also pinched Robina’s