Hiding from Love by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page B

obviously far too old for her.  He must be at least thirty!
    She slipped back to her mother’s room.
    When Mr. Schilling appeared, as she knew he would, and invited her in whispered tones to come to the parlour to meet a visitor, she refused.
    She said she well knew who the visitor was and she had nothing of any interest to say to him.  Besides, she was unable to leave her mother’s side while she was so ill – as a gentleman like Lord Merton would surely understand!
    Outmanoeuvred, Mr. Schilling withdrew in a huff and shortly Leonora heard Lord Merton mount his horse and ride away.  She would not let herself go to the window to watch his departure.
    When Finny returned, he reported that a fellow on a horse had lifted his hat to him as he passed by.
    â€œDid you see the gentleman’s face, then?”
    Finny shook his head.
    â€œNot really, miss.  I was thinkin’ I liked his hat.”
    Leonora gave a shrug.
    What did it matter?
    She did not care what Lord Merton looked like anyway.
    *
    A reply arrived from Cromer.
    Phyllis wrote that she would be only too delighted to offer Mama refuge.  Sadly she could not extend hospitality to Leonora as well as the house she lived in was too small.
    â€œNo, Leonora,” Mama stipulated firmly, “I am not going without you.  I just cannot leave you to the mercy of your stepfather.”
    Leonora had to think quickly.
    It was not her nature to lie, but she was convinced that this was a matter of life and death.  She had to get her mother away.
    â€œYou must not worry about me, Mama.  I’ve – just received a letter inviting me to stay with – with my friend Isobel’s aunt.”
    â€œYou have?”
    She drew out Isobel’s letter and waved it under her mother’s nose.
    Mama wavered.
    â€œWell, I’m sure it’s very kind of this aunt.  You must give me the address so I can write and thank her.”
    â€œYou are not to worry, Mama.  Isobel’s aunt is now on her way to her estate in – in Wiltshire.  She will send a carriage for me and as soon as I arrive I’ll write to you and – give you the address.”
    Mama sank back on her pillows sleepily.
    â€œWell, if you promise to do that, dear, then I shall be able to go to Cromer with a light heart.”
    Feeling relieved Leonora tiptoed from the room.
    She was making a list of what she should pack for her mother’s journey when Mr. Schilling appeared.
    â€œLord Merton is calling after tea,” he growled.  “I don’t want any excuses from you – you are to come down and be civil to your future husband.  And I want you to wear one of those gowns he sent you.”
    Leonora’s face set like stone, but she said nothing.
    When Lord Merton did arrive for tea, Mr. Schilling summoned Leonora by means of the brass handbell on the hall table.
    Leonora regarded herself in the mirror with grim satisfaction before leaving her room.
    She had not donned one of the gowns sent to her by Lord Merton, as to have done so would, she believed, have signalled her acquiescence to his unwelcome suit.
    Instead she put on one of her oldest and shabbiest skirts with an ugly patched blouse and she did not trouble to arrange her hair either.
    She walked swiftly to the stairs and stared down.
    Lord Merton was below.
    The light was behind him and he carried such a big bouquet of flowers that his face was barely visible.
    Mr. Schilling was nowhere to be seen – obviously leaving the field clear to Lord Merton to exert his charms.
    â€œGood afternoon, Lord Merton,” she began.  “My stepfather advised me that you intended to pay a visit.  All I have to say is this – I do not wish to entertain you.  I bear you no ill will, nor do I have any interest in you as a suitor.
    â€œThough I do find it astonishing that you persist in attempting to see me when you know full well that my dear mother – the