Read Online This Way to Heaven by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online Page A

places, but extremely cold in the depths of winter, that much was for certain!
    â€œThank you so much. That looks wonderful. What a good blaze. But I’m afraid I don’t know your name?”
    The maid smiled.
    Gentry usually did not bother to find out the names of their servants, especially the housemaids, who with the girls who worked in the scullery were the lowest ranked staff of all.
    â€œI’m Florence, madam.”
    She picked up her coal-scuttle and headed for the door.
    â€œMiss Landrey says for me to tell you not to ’urry getting’ up. She will soon be bringin’ your breakfast ’ere for you.”
    â€œThank you, Florence. You are all being so kind to a stranger.”
    The little maid hesitated at the doorway.
    â€œBe it true that you’ve a-come all the way from America, madam?”
    Jasmina smiled at the awe in the girl’s voice.
    â€œIndeed, yes. My family live in a big city called St. Louis. It’s right in the middle of America, a very long way away.”
    â€œFancy that! And would there be Indians and wild men and bears and things, madam?”
    â€œWell, many years ago, Florence, I expect that there were Indians, but not now. We do have a lovely big river called the Mississippi that runs through the middle of the city, and on the river are exciting paddle-boats that travel miles to lots of different places if you don’t want to take a coach.”
    Florence’s eyes were wide and bright.
    â€œI’d just love to see that river, madam! Mississippi. What a very strange name! I’ve never even been down to London. But I went to York once with my Dad to see the Minster, which was very fine. I can’t wait to tell ’im that I’ve spoken to a lady all the way from America. He’ll be that pleased.”
    Jasmina laughed.
    â€œWell, if your father would like me to tell him more about St. Louis, Missouri and the Mississippi River, then I will be delighted to do so.”
    â€œOh, madam!”
    The girl’s eyes gleamed with delight.
    â€œI’ll let ’im know when I goes back to the village on my ’alf day. That I will.”
    A noise outside the door made Florence jump and she scurried out of the room just as Mary came in carrying a tray.
    She frowned after the small maid.
    â€œI do hope young Florence has not been bothering you with all her chatter, Miss Winfield? We have so few guests at the castle that I’m afraid she has not yet learned how to act in front of them.”
    Jasmina pushed herself up against the lace pillows as the room warmed from the now roaring fire.
    â€œNot at all. She is so young and full of curiosity. Why, she is no different to the maids back at home who work for my family. I am sure they will want to know all the details of my trip to England when I get back to St. Louis.”
    Mary placed the tray on a small table and swiftly set out various dishes and a large pot of coffee.
    â€œHis Lordship has had his breakfast very early and is out checking on the stock. He is very anxious about the sheep. Everything froze solid last night and Mrs. Rush, our cook, is busy trying to thaw out the meat laid out in the pantry otherwise there’ll be no dinner for anyone!”
    Jasmina now slipped out of bed and pulled on the beautiful silk and lace robe she had worn the night before.
    Had the Earl really carried her in his arms along the cold stone corridor back to this room?
    Or had it all been a wonderful dream?
    â€˜I would love to go out and explore after breakfast, but what can I wear?’ she asked herself. ‘I think the staff would look askance if I came downstairs in my negligee!’
    Mary poured the coffee.
    â€œOh, George Radford has rescued all your luggage, madam. I will arrange for one of the footmen to bring it to you immediately.”
    Jasmina looked up, her blue eyes sparkling.
    â€œHow was it possible? Are the roads clear again?”
    â€œOh no. It seems