Love at the Tower by Barbara Cartland Page B

Earl who entered the room, a broad smile on his face.
    â€œI trust you managed to sleep a little?” he asked, as he sat down at the head of the table.
    â€œYes, I did, thank you. I was so tired that nothing could have awakened me.”
    â€œI am glad, but I do sense that you are still a little nervous. You must not concern yourself – Ellis will not be having breakfast as he is very busy sleeping off those three bottles of claret he drank last night!”
    Robina managed to laugh.
    â€œI cannot apologise to you enough for my brother. It appears it is not sufficient for him that he has already compromised the virtue of one girl, but he must then assault another!”
    â€œIt did seem to me as if I was in the midst of some long and terrifying nightmare,” she confessed. “First Lord Drury and then Ellis!”
    â€œI expect, as we speak, that Lord Drury is hopping up and down in his carriage, furious you are not at home.”
    Robina smiled, but her broad smile belied the fear that every time she heard a noise in the hall, she expected it to be her stepmother, waiting to drag her off back home.
    â€œDo you think you will be feeling well enough to work this morning?” asked the Earl.
    â€œOf course. We may be a little late in starting our tasks ahead, but I am looking forward to immersing myself in them. I wish only to erase the memory of last night.”
    â€œThat might be impossible as Ellis is staying at the Castle. However, I shall endeavour to see that he does not trouble you any further. Although, as you are such a pretty girl, I cannot fault his taste on this occasion!”
    Blushing deeply, Robina cast down her eyes.
    â€œThank you,” she replied, feeling embarrassed yet pleased that the Earl thought her attractive.
    They finished their breakfast and then proceeded to the study. There was still so much to do and Robina’s first task was to finish answering the Earl’s letters.
    They both worked in silence until the clock in the hall struck half-past-twelve.
    The Earl looked up from his plans and stretched.
    â€œDo you think it might be an idea if you opened up the Tower to the public?” asked Robina, as she stacked up the pile of replies she had tackled that morning.
    â€œDo you believe that people might find it amusing to climb so many stairs?”
    â€œNo, but the views from the top are so spectacular. I have often thought they are among the finest in the whole of England. I believe that if you made it the highlight of the tour, people would come from far and wide.”
    â€œWith large cups of tea after they have made their assent, I assume?”
    Robina chuckled.
    â€œNow you are teasing me. Of course we must give them something after their exertions. I would suggest tea with homemade scones, jam and clotted cream, cucumber sandwiches and assorted cakes. You could serve it in the garden if the weather is fine.”
    â€œAnd if it rains?”
    â€œThen we should retire to the Summer House.”
    â€œI am afraid that the Summer House is in dire need of repair. To be honest I was thinking of demolishing it and building an Orangery.”
    â€œEven better!” cried Robina, jumping up from her chair. “I have often thought that one would look wonderful set amongst the gardens that back onto the East wing.”
    â€œThen, that is what I shall do. Really, Robina, you have the most wonderfully inventive ideas. I do not know what I would do without you. I just adore the Continental flavour that you bring to everything.”
    â€œThe Lamonts found me a most willing pupil when it came to instructing me in the French way of life. Tell me, my Lord, have you thought of installing a large piece of modern sculpture in the grounds? Monsieur Rodin has many such pieces in his workshop that are for sale.”
    â€œAnd should I travel over to Paris to view them?” asked the Earl with a mock serious air.
    â€œI would be happy to