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

at Glentorran Castle about their amazing change of circumstances in inheriting such a vast fortune from their father.
    He could not understand why it was that she was so determined that the Duke did not discover they were now extremely wealthy.
    â€œI don’t want to lie to anyone, especially Meg,” he insisted, his fingers plucking at the edge of the linen sheet.  “I couldn’t do that, Viola.”
    â€œI wouldn’t dream of asking you to lie,” she replied firmly, “but perhaps you could just not mention the subject of money at all!  You must have hundreds of other things you can talk about with Meg.  After all, it isn’t at all usual to suddenly tell someone you only know slightly about the state of your family finances!”
    David frowned.
    He felt so damn weak and ill, but he could tell that this issue really mattered to Viola.
    At last he agreed, but wished he could explain to his sister that he did not feel as if this was only the second time he had met Lady Margaret.
    He felt he had known her all his life!  But he was convinced that Viola would not understand.
    Breakfast was served in a small room on the Eastern side of the Castle.
    The bright morning sun was streaming through the windows and although it made the room seem warmer, it highlighted the worn carpet and threadbare curtains.
    It was obvious to Viola that Glentorran Castle did, indeed, need a vast amount of money to be spent on it.
    The Duke and his sister were drinking coffee and reading the morning’s post that had just arrived.
    â€œI trust you find your brother is a little better?” the Duke enquired as Viola slipped into a seat.
    â€œYes, indeed.  I am sure that a few days’ rest will see him fully recovered.”
    Lady Margaret looked up, her eyes intense.
    â€œWe must be so careful not to hurry him and cause another relapse,” she now counselled.  “Doctor Monroe was most precise that David should take things very easily.”
    Viola shook her head at the maid who was offering her a bowl of porridge and took some fresh bread from a basket in the middle of the table.  She then spread a large spoonful of honey on it, enjoying the sweet mouthful.
    â€œIt’s our own heather honey,” the Duke informed her, glancing up from a long and official-looking letter.
    His dark eyes gleamed.
    â€œYou find it pleasing, Lady Viola?”
    She returned his smile.
    â€œYes, Your Grace.  It has a wonderful flavour and fragrance.”
    The Duke now found himself staring at the sunlight from the window as it played on the gold tendrils of hair that fluttered around her ears in the draught from the half open door.
    Pulling himself together, he suggested,
    â€œI was wondering if you would care to be shown a little more of the Glentorran estate this morning?  You ride, I am sure.”
    Viola smiled and nodded her head.
    For all their poverty whilst growing up, riding had been one of the country pursuits her father had insisted that she and David learn from an early age.
    â€œThen, if you will forgive me, I will leave you now to finish your breakfast and arrange for a suitable mount to be ready for you.  Shall we say at eleven o’clock?”
    Viola laughed.
    â€œAs long as Lady Margaret can find me something to ride in, I shall be delighted.”
    â€œOh, call me Meg.  We did agree remember?  Lady Margaret sounds so heavy and old-fashioned!”
    The Duke paused as he reached the door and, with a smile, added,
    â€œAnd I am Robert.  That makes life far easier for everyone.  I don’t hold with all the ceremony and rank that goes with my title.”
    Lady Margaret smiled at Viola’s expression as her brother left the room.
    â€œRobert professes such modern views regarding his title, Viola.  He claims a Duke should earn the respect he is given, but not expect it as a right.”
    Viola nodded, realising with some surprise that