A Castle of Dreams by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page A

wound around the side of the hill, leading up towards the moors.
    The wind was sweet and clean in her face and she could hear dozens of oystercatchers and curlews calling as they swooped over the heather.
    The Scottish air tasted like wine.
    Here at Glentorran was such a long way away from the glittering heated ballroom where they had first met.
    She risked a sideways glance at the Duke, who was whistling for his dogs to come to heel.
    Although everything had changed dramatically for her and David, his life remained the same, difficult and still full of problems.
    How could she possibly tell him about their good fortune?  That the Earl of Northcombe and his sister Viola were now fabulously rich?
    And she could buy several sapphire necklaces if she so chose.
    â€˜But you must tell him!’ she thought swiftly.  ‘You cannot possibly live under his roof for a month under such false pretences.  That would be – cheating .’
    But as she was about to open her mouth to speak, the Duke caught her arm and spun her round.
    â€œThere!  Isn’t that the most beautiful sight you have ever seen?”
    Viola gulped in amazement.
    They were high enough to look down on Glentorran Castle where it sat on its prominent headland, the deep blue sea behind it, the turrets and chimneys making it look like a picture from a child’s story book.
    â€œIt’s truly breathtaking.  You must be extremely proud of it.”
    The Duke ran his fingers through his tousled black hair.
    â€œWe are taught as children that pride is a bad thing.  But I am proud of my country and my land.  The Dukes of Glentorran have lived and worked here for centuries.  I will do anything to keep the Castle and the estate intact for my heirs.  Anything !  It is my sacred duty.”
    Viola caught her breath.
    Suddenly she could recall Charlotte’s words, telling her that the Duke was hunting for a rich wife – that he had to marry money in order to save Glentorran.
    Oh, she so wanted the Duke to like her for herself, for who she was, not for what she possessed.
    And how would she ever know his true opinion of her if he once discovered that she was wealthy?  She would never believe that he did not pay her attention because of her money and what it could buy.
    They turned round and made their way back down the track – the Duke calling to the dogs, talking cheerfully of breakfast and wondering if her brother was awake and able to receive visitors.
    Viola answered him automatically, her mind totally occupied elsewhere.
    She had made her decision and it was too late now to go back on it.
    She and David would have to stay here in Scotland for a month until he was well enough to travel.
    Then they would leave and the Duke would never need to know about the fortune they had inherited.
    She hastened her steps as they reached the Castle once more.
    It was vital that she spoke to David before he met with the Duke.
    Viola was certain that her twin had not been in any state the previous night to talk about their life in America, but at any moment he could disclose the truth.
    And that was something she could not allow.
    No, David must swear to her that he would tell no one about their fortune.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Viola left her brother’s bedroom and hurried back into her own to tidy up her wind-tossed hair before making her way down the spiral stone stairway in search of a late breakfast.
    David had been awake and luckily on his own when she entered his room.
    Mrs. Livesey had been about to leave when Viola arrived, carrying a tray with the remains of a bowl of thin porridge and a plate of thinly cut bread and butter.
    She told Viola that David had passed a good night and that his fever was not so intense this morning.  He had eaten a little breakfast and, taking everything into account, there were good signs for his eventual recovery.
    David had been fretful when Viola insisted that he should not tell anyone here