Love is Triumphant by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page A

do not care for?" Rosina asked, shocked.
    "Not exactly. He's introduced me to several men that he approves of, and I always know that he's hoping I'll choose one of them. But he is too kind to force me.
    "He recently encouraged a young man who was very dull but worthy, and he made it plain that he wanted me to accept him. But I simply could not, and I said so to Papa. He was most displeased, so I will have to wait for his annoyance to blow over before I can tell him that – well – "
    She stopped and blushed.
    "There is someone else?" Rosina suggested delicately.
    Lady Doreen nodded, her blush becoming even more pronounced.
    "He has not actually – that is, we have not – there are difficulties and his delicacy prevents him from speaking. But we each know how the other feels."
    "I hope all goes well with you," Rosina said warmly. "For I most fervently believe that love is the only thing that matters – far more than wealth or advancement."
    "Oh, so do I," Lady Doreen said fervently. "How wonderful that you understand! I feel that we are going to be the greatest of friends."
    "I think we should be going now," Sir John called from behind them. "We shan't be forgiven if we're late for lunch."
    "Nor shall we," Lady Doreen laughed.
    They all exchanged farewells. As they were turning away Miss Holden called out roguishly,
    "I am usually riding in Hyde Park about this time."
    "I shall look out for you," Sir John assured her.
    "Make sure you do," she told him. "I count on you."
    Rosina decided that she did not like Lettice Holden.

CHAPTER FOUR
    It was wonderful how Lady Clarendon's manner to Sir John thawed when she learned of this encounter. On her return home Rosina told her everything, including how much in sympathy she and Lady Doreen seemed to be, although she left out some of the details of their conversation as unsuitable for a mother's ears.
    "So you think John is much taken with Miss Holden?" she asked eagerly.
    "He certainly seemed happy to ride beside her for some time," said Rosina.
    "Excellent. It will be a splendid match. You and he must ride together often and doubtless you will meet her again."
    "We certainly shall. She as good as informed him so, in a manner that I thought rather forward."
    "It may have seemed so to you, my dear, but depend upon it, he had given her reason to feel confident. You and he must go out often."
    "I thought you were afraid he was going to sweep me off my feet," Rosina observed, not entirely pleased with the way this conversation was going.
    "Oh, that's all in the past. He's going to marry Miss
    Holden. We must do what we can to expedite matters."
    But before she could take any action, there was a development.
    Rosina came downstairs the next day to find her mother talking to Sir John, obviously excited over something that had just arrived in the mail.
    "An invitation Mama?" she said, smiling. "But we have many invitations. What is so exciting about this one."
    "It's from Earl Blakemore," her mother exclaimed. "He's giving a dinner party, and we are all invited. You must have made a great impression on his daughter yesterday, and this is the happy result. I've always hoped that we could get to know him better. He's such an important man in the House of Lords, and he could help your father so much."
    "Then we must certainly get to know him better," Rosina agreed. "Nothing is more important than Papa winning his seat, the Liberals winning the election, and Uncle William giving Papa a Ministry."
    "Oh darling, you sound more like a politician every day."
    "In this family I could hardly help it," Rosina said gaily.
    "I know dear, but it sounds slightly alarming in a young girl. You should be thinking of your debut, planning a guest list."
    "But I am, Mama. We must make sure the list includes everyone who can be useful to Papa."
    She said this with an impish look that made her mother laugh, but she was also half serious.
    "And after that we must see about finding a husband for you."
    "Mama!"