A Castle of Dreams by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online

standing ajar and Viola could not resist slipping out into the fresh air.
    She gasped in delight as before her lay the tumble of overgrown gardens and then the mauve of heather clad moors swept up and away towards the imposing mountains in the very far distance.
    â€œOh, what a wonderful sight!”
    â€œI am so glad you think so.”
    Viola spun round.
    The Duke of Glentorran was standing behind her, a smile warming his normally stern dark face.
    Clad in an old green jersey and riding breeches, he held out his hand to Viola.
    â€œGood morning, Lady Viola.  I do hope you slept well.”
    â€œThank you, Your Grace.  I did indeed.”
    â€œAnd your brother?  I have not yet had a chance to speak to Mrs. Livesey about him.”
    â€œHe is still asleep, but he looks a little better to me.  Your Grace – I am very sorry we have to impose ourselves on your most generous hospitality in this way.  I would have liked to make arrangements for us to travel to London today, but the doctor has assured me  – ”
    The Duke held up a commanding hand.
    â€œStop at once please!  Not another word.  I am only too pleased to be of service.  And I know Meg is delighted to make your brother’s acquaintance once again, but I only wish that it was under happier circumstances.”
    â€œHave you heard any news of our fellow travellers and the crew of the ship?”
    The Duke nodded his head and clicked his fingers at two spaniels, who were sitting patiently at the bottom of the steps waiting for him.
    â€œA message arrived late last night from the village.  They are all well fortunately.  The Captain and his men are to report to Glasgow to speak to Officials there.  The others are travelling to London today, I believe.”
    â€œOh, that is a great relief.”
    He smiled.
    â€œWould you care for a short walk before breakfast?  The view of the Castle is very fine from that small hill over yonder.”
    Viola nodded her agreement and, side by side, they made their way down the steps and through a wilderness of overgrown shrubbery and flower beds.
    The late spring flowers were still in bloom.
    Viola frowned as she saw tulips and lilies trying to force their way through heavy weeds and brambles.
    The Duke noticed her expression.
    â€œYes, I’m afraid that the gardens have indeed fallen into poor repair lately.  Meg does try to manage – she has a canny vegetable plot on the other side of the stables – but this was our mother’s greatest pride and joy – her flower garden.  We are not experts and our old gardener is finding it a sad trial.”
    He whistled to the dogs that were rooting under a bush for rabbits and then continued,
    â€œI am afraid Glentorran has fallen on hard times.  I cannot afford to keep a staff of four or five men any longer just to work in the gardens.”
    Viola was about to comment how difficult he must find it running a large estate such as his, when he went on with a quiet intensity in his voice,
    â€œI do have to apologise most profusely to you, Lady Viola.  My behaviour when we first met in London was not that of a gentleman.”
    â€œOh, I have long forgotten all about that,” she cried.  “So much has happened since then.  You see, my father – ”
    â€œYour good friend, Charlotte Brent, told me in no uncertain terms a day later that you and your brother are in the same circumstances as myself and Meg!  Two brothers and sisters both fallen on hard times!  She explained to me that you had even borrowed that expensive dress you were wearing as well as the fabulous sapphire necklace.”
    He laughed suddenly.
    â€œWhy, if you had indeed owned that fabulous piece of jewellery, I might well be asking you for a loan instead of the bankers!”
    Viola listened quietly to his words.
    They had left the overgrown garden behind by now and were climbing the track that