The Importance of Love by Barbara Cartland

was so far from home.
    â€œBut now I should like to go and see Aunt Edith and take her these flowers I have bought for her. Cork, I assume the doctor has been to see her?”
    â€œHe has, Miss Ridgeway.”
    She ran swiftly up the stairs and along the landing to the blue room and was thrilled to see her out of bed and sitting in an armchair near the window.
    â€œAunt Edith. You are up,” she cried rushing over to kiss her.
    â€œYes, I was feeling a little better. I must say, the local doctor here is as fine as anyone would find in Harley Street. He has worked miracles. He says I should be fit to travel by early next week. We can be on our way.”
    The Countess thought she glimpsed something like disappointment flash over Luella’s lovely face before she recovered herself.
    â€œSo, that would explain why you are in such good spirits,” she exclaimed, turning away so her aunt could not see her expression.
    â€œAs for myself, I have been so busy I have not had time to worry about Frank Connolly. Is that not wonderful?”
    The Countess smiled and took her niece’s hand, turning her back to face her.
    â€œI have not seen you so animated for a very long time. The Devon air must suit you. Or perhaps it is a certain Viscount who has put a spring in your step?”
    Luella coloured and withdrew her hand. She lowered her blue eyes and passed a hand across her burning cheeks.
    â€œOh, Aunt,” she chided. “Your illness appears to have affected your sensibilities. You know that I could not possibly entertain the idea of romance and you know the reasons why.”
    â€œReally, child. I do not think that he is the kind of gentleman who would take issue with what is now well and truly in the past.”
    â€œHe is a pleasant-enough fellow,” interrupted Luella a little too swiftly. “And I like him well enough, but I can see that you are much better and at the mercy of fanciful notions. I shall have to ask Maisie to find you something to occupy yourself with.”
    â€œStuff and nonsense! But Luella, if a chance for happiness presents itself, you should not dismiss it out of hand. Love is the most important thing in life.”
    â€œAnd I have plenty of it around me as long as I have you,” replied Luella. “Any other love does not interest me in the least, and that is the way I intend it to be.”
    â€œHe is very handsome, though – ” interjected the Countess, then paused seeing Luella’s cross expression.
    â€˜ Methinks the maiden doth protest too much ,’ she sighed to herself, as her niece busied herself in the room, unnecessarily tidying what Maisie had already attended to earlier that morning.
    *
    The Countess did not wish to go down for dinner that evening, much to Luella’s disappointment. After seeing her so sprightly that afternoon, she had hoped that she would join her and the Viscount in the dining room.
    What her aunt had said to her was still playing on her mind as Maisie helped her to dress.
    She entered the dining room to find the Viscount poring over a large sheet of paper on which there appeared to be some drawings.
    â€œYou have finished your plans for the house?” she asked as Cork pulled out a chair for her.
    â€œAlmost. I hope you do not mind, but I wish to solicit your opinion before I proceed. I was so impressed with your ideas for the gardens and it is obvious that you have a talent for design.”
    â€œOh, but I am not an expert when it comes to architecture,” she said shyly. “Plants and trees are my particular forte.”
    â€œEven so, I would be grateful if you would cast an eye over the plans.”
    He rose and moved towards Luella. As he approached her, the familiar scent of verbena wafted up, intoxicating him. He spread the paper in front of her and leaned over.
    He could see the way loose hairs sprang up from her hairline, forming a corona about her head. Her skin was as white as a