Read Online The Importance of Love by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online Page A

hypnotised.
    *
    Later in the darkness of his cavernous and chilly room, the Viscount swore he could still smell the scent of verbena clinging to the air.
    Sleep did not come easily that night.
    Although exhausted, he felt as if he was intoxicated – such was the effect Luella Ridgeway had exerted upon him.
    When Hoskin awaked him the next morning, he grasped the proffered cup of tea and drained it eagerly before requesting another.
    He was impatient to see Luella again. “Is Miss Ridgeway up yet?” he asked as innocently as he could.
    â€œI believe that she is with her aunt at the moment, my Lord. Do you wish to see her?”
    â€œNo, I shall see her soon enough at breakfast.”
    He had already decided to invite her to go out riding with him that morning. The day held the promise of being warm and fine.
    As Hoskin finished dressing him, he practised in his head what he would say to her. His heart was racing as he entered the dining room and Luella was already seated.
    â€œGood morning, I trust you slept well and that the room was to your liking?” he said with a slight bow.
    â€œVery well, thank you. It was a relief to be in a proper bed again after our endless travels.”
    â€œI intend to replace all the furniture once work on the house has been completed,” the Viscount told her. “I will keep some of the paintings, naturally, as they are both attractive and valuable, but the rest will be sold or given away.”
    â€œYou must show me your designs,” suggested Luella raising her cup to her rosy lips. “I should very much like to see them.”
    Emboldened the Viscount seized his opportunity.
    â€œPerhaps you would care to come for a ride around the estate this morning with me? I confess that I have scarcely had a chance to view it properly myself and would welcome the company. You do ride, I assume?”
    â€œOh, yes,” nodded Luella, enthusiastically. Her blue eyes lit up and became at once more animated as her mouth curved into a smile. “I love to ride but have not had much opportunity over the past year. In Scotland we have a fine stable of horses that I miss a great deal.”
    â€œShall we meet outside in say an hour?” asked the Viscount. “I am afraid I do not have any suitable clothing to offer you.”
    â€œI have something that will do, although, I would need to borrow a crop.”
    â€œCork will see to it. Cork!”
    The butler spun round as he stood by the buffet stacking the empty dishes.
    â€œThere is an old riding outfit of Madame’s in a wardrobe upstairs, if Miss Ridgeway would care to try it. I believe there is a crop and gloves as well.”
    â€œExcellent. Perhaps you would have Maisie go and fetch them at once.”
    Cork bowed and left the room.
    Luella arose from the table and promised to meet the Viscount later.
    At half-past ten sharp, the Viscount hurried down the stairs to meet her. Luella was already outside enjoying the sunshine.
    â€œIt’s a beautiful day. What a pity Aunt Edith cannot join us as she loves to ride.”
    â€œI have had to ask Cork how to get to the stables,” said the Viscount, as they walked together around the outside of the house. “It is all still very new to me.”
    â€œI am very eager to see your designs,” commented Luella. “Will you keep the outbuildings as they are now?”
    â€œAs I have yet to see them, I could not say and then, there is the problem of the gardens. Although I am perfectly capable of redesigning bricks and mortar – it is a different matter when it comes to flowers and foliage.”
    â€œI may be able to help you,” said Luella with an enigmatic smile. “You must show the gardens to me after our ride.”
    The stables were far better than the Viscount had expected. There was a groom and a stable boy in attendance much to his surprise.
    There were half a dozen or more horses and some pushed their heads out