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

my dear,” he began as they sat down.
    â€œOh, there is nothing much to impart.”
    â€œYour father has told me that you have spent some considerable time in Paris – wonderful City.”
    â€œYes, it surely is,” she answered, staring down at the consommé that had been placed in front of her.
    â€œI have friends in Montmartre – do you know it?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œRobina, dear, tell Lord Drury about the Lamonts,” prompted her stepmother, flashing a warning glare at her.
    â€œThey are some friends of Papa’s,” she offered and then fell silent.
    In spite of her best efforts, Lord Drury continued to attempt to draw her into conversation. He talked at length about his horses, and then his house in London, and then his friendship with Lord Salisbury – Robina did her best to stifle a yawn as the plates of the main course were taken away.
    â€œA very fine sirloin of beef,” declared Lord Drury, who had eaten several large helpings.
    â€˜It is no wonder he is as round as a ball!’ thought Robina, as her half-eaten plate was removed.
    â€œMy wife, God rest her, loved her food. I cannot be doing with women who don’t like to eat. To eat is to live,” he boomed.
    â€œI confess I do have the appetite of a bird,” replied Robina, feeling pleased to have something with which to discourage him.
    â€œAh, that will all change when you marry and wish to please your husband.”
    â€œIt is true,” added Laura, “since Herbert and I have married, I have eaten like a common field hand. I put it all down to being happy.”
    She smiled at her husband and reached out to touch his hand.
    Robina felt her stomach lurch at this distasteful display of affection.
    It did not seem right that someone other than her mother was making a fuss of her Papa.
    â€œRobina has been spoiled by the fancy ways of the French. I must write to the Lamonts and chastise them.”
    â€œThat is not so, Laura,” said Sir Herbert suddenly, “look at Robina. She left the house as skinny as a newborn colt and returned a young woman.”
    The way he looked at her with obvious pride made Robina’s heart swell.
    â€˜Perhaps Papa does still love me,’ she reflected, as she smiled back at him.
    Determined to spoil the moment, Laura jumped in,
    â€œShe could still do with gaining a few pounds – no man will look at her if she is too thin. Tell us, Lord Drury, do you think Robina is too skinny?”
    Robina felt the man’s hot eyes upon her, raking up and down her figure in the most nauseating fashion.
    She could not help herself reddening with a mixture of shame and embarrassment.
    Was it not enough to be paraded in front of him as if she was for sale?
    â€œFar from it,” he murmured, his heavy-lidded eyes full of pleasure.
    Robina attempted to turn the conversation round to a different topic.
    â€œPapa, I spent the day with Lord Hampton and saw his plans for the Castle. I think you would be interested in seeing what he is planning as you are working on changes here at Trentham House.”
    Her father’s eyes lit up, as he was fond of discussing architecture and buildings.
    â€œReally? I would like to see what he intends to do with the old place. I am so happy he is giving it his full attention, unlike that brother of his! I am quite certain that his father is looking down from Heaven and rejoicing.”
    â€œThe Earl has asked me to help him with his plans to open the Castle to tourists,” supplied Robina, hoping that her father would not object.
    â€œI am glad that you shall have something to occupy you. I had feared that, after Paris, you would find Surrey very dull. It is good that you will learn something of the value of money if you are earning your own.”
    â€œThis is only a temporary measure, I would hope?” snarled Laura, “You should be looking forward to marriage and children and a house of your