Hide and Seek for Love by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page B

as he had expected.
    Over the years he had shrunk, and now aged eighty-seven, he was not the domineering figure he had been in earlier days.
    Yet when he spoke, his voice was still sharp, hard and aggressive,
    â€œSo you have come home after all these years – ”
    David could not shake his hand, because his mother was supporting herself on his right arm.
    â€œAs you will have heard, Grandpapa, my father has died of an Eastern fever and after we had buried him I have brought my mother back to England.”
    â€œSo I can see, but that is no concern of mine!”
    The way he spoke was so obviously unpleasant that David’s mother gave a little exclamation.
    David moved her to a chair and helped her sit down and then he walked a few paces nearer to his grandfather.
    â€œI think you can see, Grandpapa, that my mother is not in good health and the shock of losing my father has almost been too much for her.  I know we have a great deal to say to each other, but I would be exceedingly grateful if you would allow her to rest and then it would be best if she could see a doctor.”
    For a moment the Marquis did not reply and then he muttered,
    â€œWhere your mother rests or does not rest is not my problem.  Your father married her against my will, and I, therefore, do not consider her or you to be any part of my family!”
    David stared at him in astonishment and then with an effort, he enquired,
    â€œAre you turning us away?”
    â€œI am making it clear to you that your father chose to ignore what I had arranged for him.  I communicated to him very clearly at the time that I no longer thought of him as my son and he would have no claim upon me at all.”
    Remembering that he had hardly any money, David was for the moment shocked into silence and then he tried in a conciliatory tone,
    â€œI can easily understand, Grandpapa, that you were annoyed with my father.  Equally that was over twenty-two years ago.  He is now dead and he always spoke to me with great affection for this house and his brothers.”
    â€œYour father chose his own life and I see no reason, now he is dead, that I should accept either his wife whom I despise, nor you, her son.”
    â€œI would very much hope, Grandpapa, that we can talk this over sensibly and perhaps a little more amicably tomorrow morning.  As I have just requested, I think it is essential for my mother to rest after the long journey.”
    â€œI told the servants to keep whatever conveyance you came in and it is waiting for you at the front door!”
    David drew in his breath.
    â€œAre you really turning us away?  As you can see my mother is sick and on the point of collapse.”
    â€œThat is not my concern,” the Marquis replied, “and the sooner you both leave this house, where you are not at all welcome, the better I shall be pleased.”
    As he spoke he sat down at his writing desk as if to carry on with what he was doing when they came in.
    For a moment David was at a loss for words.
    He was also thinking that he might not have enough money to pay for the post chaise let alone lodgings for the night.
    It passed through his mind that he would have to crawl to his grandfather for help and then pride told him that it was a course he should not take.
    He merely turned round and walked to the chair his mother was sitting on and gently he drew her to her feet.
    â€œI am very sorry, Mama, but I am afraid we have to journey a little further.”
    She looked towards the Marquis and spoke up,
    â€œWhatever you may say or think about me, David is your grandson and – I am very shocked that you should treat him in this fashion.”
    The Marquis raised his head.
    â€œAs I have said, your husband disobeyed me and I have no use for either his wife or his offspring.”
    The way he spoke was hurting and offensive.
    David knew that nothing more could be gained and so he merely drew his mother towards the