An Unexpected Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

golden crust swimming in gravy.
    The footman poured red wine, but Ravina did not touch it. She toyed with her food, staring in despair at the great dark oil paintings that hung on every wall.
    The one directly in front of her showed a slavering wolf bringing down a poor pathetic deer during a hunt. There was a great deal of scarlet paint!
    She sighed and averted her gaze.
    She could think of nothing more likely to put someone off their food than the sight of all that blood.
    â€œSo, Lady Ravina, do tell me, can you see how to improve this room in your mind’s eye? When I hold my house-warming party, it will be in constant use and I must give the right impression to my guests.”
    â€œPerhaps some of the paintings could be moved to different locations,” Ravina suggested desperately.
    â€œOh, do you think so?” Sir Michael took a large mouthful of steak and kidney and chewed vigorously.
    â€œMiss Allen thought they were very fine, although she did propose that they needed to be grouped differently on the walls.”
    Ravina pushed her plate to one side.
    She was beginning to be intrigued by his insistence on Dulcie’s involvement.
    Why had Sir Michael invited her, apparently for her opinion, when it was quite obvious her cousin had already been asked for her help?
    â€œDulcie is a dear, dear creature,” she said, gratefully accepting a plate of iced fruits from the footman.
    â€œOh, indeed. A most refined and genteel lady. One can only be sorry for the unfortunate troubles that have left her in such distressing circumstances.”
    â€œHer father, my Papa’s cousin, was sadly ill-advised with his investments.”
    Sir Michael took a sip of wine and frowned.
    â€œIndeed, I believe from my conversations with your cousin that what happened could have been called a criminal offence. Am I correct, some man – I will not give him the courtesy of calling him a gentleman – blatantly lied and cheated her father out of all of his money?”
    Ravina nodded. She had only met Mr. Allen and Dulcie once before their lives had changed so dramatically and that had been at a family party when she was very small.
    Now she could not remember the details about Dulcie’s fall into poverty. She had only been told that her cousin would be coming to Curbishley Hall as housekeeper and would be a companion for Ravina when she was in Dorset.
    Obviously, Ravina had heard gossip from the servants in the weeks that followed, but Dulcie herself had said very little on the subject.
    Ravina had felt it would be impolite and hurtful to ask her questions. Bringing up the past could only cause Dulcie distress and so she had not pressed her for details.
    â€œTo lose your station in life must be hard and especially so for one such as Miss Allen who has such an appreciation for the finer aspects of life. How lucky it was for her that your father stepped in to help.”
    â€œMy parents would never let a family member suffer if they could possibly prevent it,” Ravina replied warmly. “My father has very strong views on loyalty and duty.”
    â€œAnd she has told me that she will always be thankful to him.”
    Sir Michael cut himself a large slice of cheese and speared it with the end of his knife.
    â€œMiss Allen owes Lord Ashley a great debt of gratitude,” he continued. “I believe she would never leave, even if an offer of another position was made to her. Is that your opinion, Lady Ravina?”
    Ravina looked up, startled, the melting ice sliding off her spoon and splashing onto the tablecloth.
    â€œI cannot believe my parents would stand in Dulcie’s way if, say, she was to be offered the position of housekeeper at a larger establishment – dare I even say, one of the Royal households. Although I have never heard her speak of any inclination to leave.”
    Sir Michael gestured to the footman who poured him another glass of wine.
    â€œHousekeeper? Oh, yes,