A Virgin Bride by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page A

the first time in his life Rock would find himself up against something he had never experienced before.

CHAPTER THREE
    As Venetia drove on home she thought that it was the strangest afternoon she had ever spent.
    However she was feeling very differently about the whole situation than she had this morning.
    It had been Lady Manvill’s idea before they left that Venetia should leave her own dress with Mrs. Herbert for the courier to take to Paris, as it was essential for Worth to have a model that fitted her perfectly.
    Actually the dress she was now wearing, which had been made for Mrs. Herbert, fitted her almost perfectly, but she was a little smaller round the waist.
    It had undoubtedly, Venetia reckoned, as she gazed intently into the mirror, transformed her from a schoolgirl into a young woman.
    It was extremely smart and so much more elaborate than any dress she had ever owned before.
    By the time she arrived home, it was already after five o’clock and she felt sure her father had come back earlier.
    Bates was waiting for her in the hall and, before he could speak, she asked him,
    â€œIs His Grace back, Bates?”
    â€œHe’s in the drawing room, my Lady.”
    Venetia gave a little sigh.
    She had hoped she would have time to think before meeting her father again.
    Then she told herself she had accepted the situation, so thankfully there was no reason for them to quarrel.
    She pulled off her hat, gave it to Bates and ran up the stairs to the drawing room, which was on the first floor.
    Tea was arranged in front of the sofa and her father was standing with his back to the mantelpiece obviously waiting for her.
    â€œI am sorry to be late, Papa,” began Venetia, “but as you can see I have been shopping and I have ordered a delightful but somewhat expensive trousseau. I hope you will approve of it.”
    She was very perceptive.
    She realised that her father was on the defensive and ready to argue with her again.
    Now he was pleased that she had mentioned her trousseau as it told him that she now intended to accept the marriage.
    â€œLet me look at you,” he asked.
    Venetia put out her arms and twisted round in front of him.
    â€œThis is an original Frederick Worth, straight from Paris, Papa. Clever Aunt Alice knows exactly where I can obtain enough clothes so that you will not be ashamed of me on my wedding day.”
    â€œI would never be that,” her father replied gravely. “And I think your mother would be proud of you if she saw you at this moment.”
    â€œNow I must give you your tea, Papa.”
    She began to pour from the silver teapot that had been in the family since the reign of George III.
    â€œWhat I was thinking,” her father said as he took the cup from her, “is that we should leave for the country tomorrow morning. There is nothing to keep us in London if you now have the clothes you want. I think we will be happier and more peaceful in the country.”
    â€œWhat you are saying Papa, is that there will be a great deal of chatter and talk when my engagement to the Duke is announced. It will be very difficult to answer all the questions that would be put to me.”
    She was thinking that everyone was bound to ask her how well she knew the Duke.
    And they would be curious, even if they were too polite to say anything, as to why her engagement was announced immediately after the scandal the Duke had created.
    To keep away from the subject Venetia remarked,
    â€œWhat I am most looking forward to is seeing your new horses, Papa. I thought the one pulling the carriage today was superb and I understand you have some others.”
    â€œI thought I had written and told you about them and I want you to ride them. There is one which I am quite certain will win many races.”
    â€œWhat about the Gold Cup at Ascot?”
    He made a gesture with his hands.
    â€œI would love to win the Gold Cup, but I suspect that Rockinston will always pass