A Battle of Brains by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page A

ever seen.
    She rode him into the paddock on the other side of the stables knowing as she did so that it was, without a single exception, the best horse she had ever mounted.
    She took him around the paddock and over one or two jumps.
    Then she rode him into the woods – it was always in the woods that she could feel free from the worries and difficulties of the world outside, even when she was young and they were living rather uncomfortably in her father’s country house.
    As far back as she could remember her parents had always worried about money and could talk of little else.
    It was then that Yolanda had realised that in the woods lay a veritable Fairyland just waiting for her.  Once there, under the acid green canopy of the trees, she was lost in a world of her own.
    There were no frightened voices, no hidden tears and no unpleasant anticipation.  There was no talk of debts or creditors chasing unpaid bills.
    There was just the music of the birds and the soft movement of the rabbits in the undergrowth.  Yolanda was certain that fairies were hiding in the blossom on the trees, as well as flitting over the flowers round the pool in the centre of the wood.
    No one could spoil it and there was no unhappiness.
    That is what she wanted to feel now and at the same time she craved forgiveness.
    She had played a part in something she knew in her heart was wrong and in a way wicked.
    It took her a long time to ride Chestnut, her new horse, through the woods.
    Then she galloped him over the fields and finally returned to the house.
    It was with an effort she made herself remember that she was to have luncheon with her stepfather.
    She decided that today would be a good time to find out what he was planning for the future and she only hoped that, whatever it was, it would not be in London.
    In the City there would be visitors coming in for almost every meal, afternoon tea to be taken and endless parties and balls waiting for her in the evening.
    She had no wish to be sociable in any way whilst in mourning for her mother, but undoubtedly if it suited her stepfather, she would not be able to refuse.
    â€˜If I can only stay here,’ she thought, ‘at least I can think about Mama in the woods and forget what I had to do last night.’
    When she reached the stables she realised that there was just time for her to quickly change before luncheon.
    So she ran into the house by the back door and went up the back stairs to her bedroom.
    Emily, her new lady’s maid, was waiting to help her change into an afternoon gown.
    It was a soft shade of blue and, although she thought it morally wrong to be wearing such a light colour, she did not protest.
    Downstairs her stepfather was waiting for her in the drawing room.
    As she walked towards him, he pronounced,
    â€œYou look very nice, in fact, very beautiful.  I am sure that before too long we shall have quite a number of young gentlemen waiting to tell you so.”
    â€œI just had a wonderful ride on Chestnut, Step-papa, and he is the best and finest horse I have ever ridden.”
    â€œI thought you would think so.  He cost me a lot of money, but because you are so content, I don’t begrudge a penny of it.”
    â€œI am most grateful,” she managed to say again.
    â€œSo am I, so I think we can celebrate with a little champagne for luncheon.”
    They walked into the dining room and the butler held  a bottle of champagne ready for them.
    Yolanda told her stepfather all about her ride and was surprised to find that he was actually really interested.
    When the servants had left the room having served the coffee, he said,
    â€œThat reminds me, we have another friend of mine coming here tonight for dinner.  He’s not a very pleasant man, in fact, I think you will dislike him.”
    â€œThen why is he coming?” enquired Yolanda, amazed that her stepfather should want to spend time with someone he so openly