The Incredible Honeymoon (Bantam Series No. 46) by Barbara Cartland Read Free Book Online Page B

being kept in London by my duties at the House of Lords or finding the Leicestershire packs provide me with better sport than those in Hertfordshire.”
    “We are not a particularly good hunting county, Your Grace,” the Earl admitted. “Nevertheless we can occasionally get an exceptional day on the southern part of your estate. The coverts at Harmer Green, for instance, gave us the best run of the season last December!”
    “I heard about it,” the Duke remarked.
    “I think everybody who was out enjoyed themselves,” the Earl said. “I was unfortunately not in at the kill owing to the fact that I am somewhat of a heavy-weight. I lost my second horse.”
    “That must have been bad luck,” the Duke said lightly, “but I dare say your daughter, Lady Antonia, supplied you with a graphic account of what happened.”
    “Antonia?” the Earl exclaimed in surprise. “Well, as a matter of fact, she did, Your Grace. She rides well and so of course does my daughter Felicity.”
    “I am sure both your daughters follow Your Lordship’s lead,” the Duke said politely.
    There was a somewhat uncomfortable silence. Then the Earl ventured:
    “You said in your letter, Your Grace, that you had the idea that our families should be more closely associated than they have been in the past. May I ask exactly what you mean by that?”
    “I think you must already have a good idea of my intentions,” the Duke replied slowly.
    “You mean marriage?” the Earl enquired heavily.
    “That is what I had in mind,” the Duke agreed.
    There was no doubt about the look of pleasure in the Earl’s face as he said:
    “It is of course a suggestion, Your Grace, to which I shall give my whole-hearted consent and support. Although I say it myself, Felicity is a very lovely young woman. I feel sure you would like to meet her. Shall I send for her so that she can join us for a few moments before we go further into this matter?”
    Without waiting for the Duke’s reply the Earl moved towards the bell-pull hanging at the side of the mantelpiece. Only as he reached it did the Duke say quietly:
    “It was actually, My Lord, your second daughter I had in mind—Lady Antonia!”
    The Earl’s expression was ludicrous. His hand dropped to his side.
    “Antonia!” he ejaculated. “I think Your Grace has made a mistake!”
    The Duke’s fingers were playing with his gold watch - chain.
    “I think not,” he said. “Perhaps I was remiss in not stating clearly in my letter to which of your daughters I desired to pay my addresses. It is in fact Lady Antonia!”
    “But—I never envisaged such a thing,” the Earl gasped, “neither did my wife. Antonia is the younger and ... ”
    He paused and the Duke knew he was trying to find words in which to describe his second child.
    “I am sorry if I misled you,” the Duke said, “But now that it is quite clear may I suggest, My Lord, that you ring the bell, as you intended?”
    The Earl seemed too bemused to argue.
    He pulled the bell. When the Butler, who had obviously been waiting outside the door, appeared he said sharply: “Ask Her Ladyship to come here immediately and — alone!”
    “Alone, My Lord?”
    “That is what I said,” the Earl affirmed.
    The Butler withdrew and a few moments later the Countess rustling in silk and wearing almost every jewel she possessed, which were not many, came into the Drawing-Room.
    Her face was wreathed in smiles and she held out her hand in a welcoming gesture as she said:
    “Your Grace! How delightful to see you here! I have always longed to meet our nearest neighbour in Hertfordshire, and it seems unbelievable that the years have passed by without us becoming acquainted!”
    “It does indeed!” the Duke answered. “But now, as His Lordship will tell you, the omissions of the past are to be rectified.”
    “The Duke wishes to marry Antonia!” the Earl said abrup tl y.
    “Antonia?”
    The Countess was no less astonished than her husband had been, but quicker