Love in the Highlands by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online

if the Marquis learns how to play his part properly."
    "Why, whatever do you mean by that, my dear?"
    "I'm talking about the way he refused to say goodbye to me. In fact, he put his hands behind him rather than touch me."
    Her Father nodded and she continued,
    "He spoke of behaving like a devoted fiancé – "
    "Did he? I don't remember hearing him say that."
    "It was while you were looking round the library. He said he would play his role with conviction – which, frankly, I doubt – and expected me to do the same."
    "I suppose that's only reasonable. I'm afraid you will have to endure a certain amount of attention from him."
    "Just as long as he doesn't try to kiss me," Lavina said, setting her chin stubbornly.
    "I'm sure such an idea has never crossed his mind."
    "Yes," she said crossly. "So am I. Did you see how he behaved when we left? It would be quite obvious, to anyone with any sense, that he was being forced into matrimony, rather than begging me to honour him by becoming his wife."
    The Earl sighed.
    "I have to admit, my dear," he said, "that he does not play his part well. I'm not looking forward to this visit."

CHAPTER FOUR
    Their second arrival at Elswick Towers was as different from the first as anything could be. Clearly the Marquis had reflected that his earlier distant treatment of his 'fiancée' would not produce the desired effect, and had decided on a different approach.
    He was there on the step to greet them, personally handing Lavina down from the carriage. Then, to her astonishment, he raised her hand to his lips, bending his head to kiss it with an air that would have looked like reverence to anyone who did not know the truth.
    From behind him there came a great cheer from the assembled staff, lined up to greet the woman whom they supposed would be their new mistress.
    "I didn't expect this – " she stammered.
    "It is only proper that the future Marchioness of Elswick should receive suitable greetings from those over whom she will rule," he said smoothly.
    "I – thank you." She tried to withdraw her hand, but he did not release it.
    "You're supposed to look delighted by my attentions," he reminded her.
    Lavina looked directly into his face, giving him the most dazzling smile at her command.
    "My Lord," she breathed, "what joy it is to me to be
    once again with you. How my heart beats with happiness – "
    "Be careful," he murmured, "don't overdo it."
    "Can a woman overstate her pleasure at being in the presence of he who is to be her lord and master?"
    Just for an instant the stone mask of his face seemed on the verge of cracking. She almost thought a smile hovered on the edge of his lips. But he mastered it.
    "Your lord and master, indeed," he replied. "I'm glad you understand that. Now, my dearest love, let me introduce you to the staff that will be yours."
    There were over a hundred of them, bowing or curtseying as she went along the line.
    "I'm rather understaffed at the moment," the Marquis observed. "As I said, this is a bachelor residence, and I do almost no entertaining. Many of the people you see here work in the grounds or the stables. Naturally, the presence of a Marchioness would make all the difference."
    "Naturally," she murmured, feeling rather dazed.
    "This is Perkins, the head butler, who runs this establishment."
    Perkins, one of the few servants who had seen her earlier, bowed, concealing his bewilderment at this incredible development.
    There were several under-butlers, then countless footmen, all powdered and wigged, each nodding his head to her. There followed the under-footmen, and beyond them the chief cook, a magisterial French presence called Laurant, and two under-cooks.
    There were, as the Marquis had said, several maids, smart in black dresses and gleaming white frilly aprons; also several scullery maids. But there was no doubt that they were heavily outnumbered by the men.
    "And now, allow me the pleasure of escorting you into
    your new home," the Marquis said