An Introduction to the Pink Collection by Barbara Cartland

when a man’s in love with me.”
    â€œDo you?” Rena asked, startled. “I mean, even if he doesn’t say anything?”
    â€œGood heavens, he doesn’t have to say anything?” Matilda said with a chuckle. “It’s there in how he looks at you, an inflexion in his voice and – oh, you know.”
    Rena didn’t, but it was impossible to admit.
    â€œAnyway, Papa started ‘reminding’ me how much I’d liked John. Honestly I barely remembered him, but when I tried to say so, Papa got angry. He wants that title and he won’t listen to anyone who says he can’t have it.”
    â€œIf he’s got so much money why doesn’t he just buy his own?” Rena asked.
    â€œHe tried, but the most he could get was a knighthood. Not good enough, you see. An Earl is the least he’ll settle for.”
    â€œDoes the man you love have a title?”
    â€œNo, he’s just plain Mr Cecil Jenkins. But as long as I can be with him, I’m happy to be Mrs. Cecil Jenkins.”
    She spoke bravely, but she also looked over her shoulder.
    â€œIt’s all so exciting,” Rena said, “but I am afraid your dreams may never come true.”
    â€œI’m determined to make them come true,” Matilda retorted. “But we have to wait a little while. If I elope now Papa would cut me off without a penny.”
    â€œIs that ever going to change?”
    â€œNo, but we are saving money. I’m getting as much as I can from Papa without him being suspicious. Then when we can afford it, we’ll get married and hide until he’s forgiven us, which he’ll have to do in the end.”
    â€œUnless he writes you off, takes another wife and has more children,” Rena pointed out.
    â€œGood heavens, you’re right. I must make him double my allowance without delay.”
    Rena was torn between admiration of the girl’s courage and a slight feeling of unease at the ruthlessness with which she extracted her father’s cash in order to defy him.
    â€œYou’re shocked, aren’t you?” Matilda said, reading her face. “But I’m his daughter and I can be as determined as he is. And how else can I defend myself from him?”
    â€œYou can’t,” Rena agreed. “When the danger is great, you must use whatever defence will succeed. And if I can help you in any way, perhaps hide you, or prevent your father from guessing what you are doing, then you can trust me.”
    â€œI knew that when I first saw you,” Matilda said eagerly. “I haven’t had anyone to talk to for such a long time, and I was sure as soon as I came into the house that the Earl wasn’t the least in love with me, no matter what Papa said.”
    She gave Rena an impish smile. “In fact, I think he’d rather marry you.”
    Rena stared, her heart pounding. Suddenly she was short of breath. Then she pulled herself together. “You are forgetting that I’m a married woman.”
    â€œOh, nonsense, of course you’re not. That story will do very well for Papa, but not for me. Don’t worry. You keep my secret, and I will keep yours.”
    â€œIn any case, I’m sure you’re mistaken,” Rena said hurriedly. “His Lordship is not interested in me – in that way?”
    â€œDo you call him ‘Your Lordship’ when you’re alone together?” Matilda asked mischievously.
    â€œI really don’t see – in any case you’ve only seen us together for about five minutes – ”
    â€œAnd for all that five minutes his eyes followed you about. I know how he feels about you, but how do you feel about him? Hasn’t he ever clasped you in his arms and held you against him? Wasn’t it thrilling?”
    Rena recalled the hug John had given her earlier that day. It had been kind and brotherly, no more. But then she remembered that other time, when they had fallen