A Dream Come True by Barbara Cartland Page A

exchange for a house. I think Mrs. Pankhurst and her Suffragettes still have much work to do before we are considered anything other than men’s chattels.’
    Although not entirely sympathetic to their cause, Lucia took a keen interest in the exploits of Mrs. Pankhurst and her daughters.
    â€˜But, women getting the vote? I cannot see men allowing us such power.’
    As Mary-Anne fastened the last trunk, Lucia found herself wondering more about Lord Winterton.
    â€˜Why is he not married already? I don’t understand it. Although he is not quite as old as I had first believed – he is in the prime of his life and it is surprising he does not have a wife.’
    But she knew that there were men like him, those who favoured the single life as opposed to the comfort and security of marriage.
    â€˜Perhaps he has just not found the right woman. That Lady Shelley does not sound a suitable wife at all. Although I can imagine that she would set her cap at him, especially as she is now a free agent.’
    She was still pondering the conundrum when she climbed into bed that night.
    â€˜I should stop thinking about him as it’s not healthy to have such an interest in him,’ she scolded herself. ‘He is to be my employer and his private affairs will be none of my concern.’
    But there was something about Lord Winterton that kept him on her mind long into the night.
    *
    Â All too soon Lucia found herself in the Rolls Royce on her way to Longfield Manor.
    The drive there was considerably quicker than by carriage and it seemed as if they had only been travelling for a short while before the motor car slowed down in front of the ornate iron gates, beyond which lay Longfield Manor.
    â€˜Here, already,’ she sighed as Briggs went to open the gates.
    She had not been to the Manor before and, under happier circumstances, would have enjoyed a visit. But now she felt only sick to her stomach with nerves.
    â€˜Lord Winterton has a great deal of land,’ she murmured, as they passed a wood, a lake, fields full of sheep and a large paddock where several horses ran free.
    â€˜I hope he will allow me to ride in my free time,’ she mused, eyeing a particularly beautiful dapple-grey mare that trotted along the perimeter fence.
    After a while, the fields gave way to more manicured gardens. Shingled beds lined with well-clipped topiary sat in front of the elegant Manor.
    Briggs manoeuvred the Rolls Royce along the gravel drive and came to a halt outside the heavy double doors that served as a front entrance.
    Almost as soon as he had switched off the engine, a liveried footman appeared followed by a young boy also in livery.
    Lucia stepped on to the gravel and looked up at the gables and orange bricks.
    â€œThose latticed windows seem very old,” she said out loud.
    â€œYes, they are, sixteenth century actually.”
    Lucia turned her head to see Lord Winterton striding towards her.
    â€˜He is not wearing a jacket,’ she thought shocked at his informality.
    His shirt was open at the neck and, as he walked, it flapped open to reveal a muscular chest, thick with brown hair. Blushing, Lucia averted her eyes.
    â€˜Really!’ she said to herself.
    Although she could not deny that the sight of such obvious masculinity affected her in a manner that she could not quite quantify.
    â€œWelcome to Longfield Manor,” continued Lord Winterton. “It’s a very old building and rather eccentric, but I am very fond of it. Wintertons have lived here since 1623 and my great-grandfather made many alterations in the name of modernisation. I intend to embark upon a series of improvements myself one day. But somehow, I never seem to find the time.”
    He aimed his hot gaze directly at Lucia’s face and once again she found herself blushing uncontrollably.
    â€˜If only he did not make me feel so awkward,’ she thought, as he escorted her into the elegant hall with its heavy oak