A Castle of Dreams Read Free Page A

he finished lamely.
    â€œI can tell from your accent you are from Scotland, Your Grace.”
    â€œAye.  The West coast – rugged and heather clad hills, fine beaches and distant mountains.  There can be no better place on earth.”
    Viola sighed.
    He spoke of his home with such great warmth and affection.  So many men she had met did not care where they lived, as long as it was in comfort and splendour.
    â€œOh, it sounds so wonderful.  I’ve always longed to live in an old country house.  I have dreams of buying an old ruined place and bringing it back to life.  I would love to create a wonderful garden that everyone around could enjoy.
    She paused.
    â€œPlease tell me about Glentorran.”
    On the other side of the ballroom, Lady Margaret gave a little exclamation of surprise.
    â€œWho can that girl be with my brother?  He never dances at balls!”
    David spun her round with ease and then laughed.
    â€œWell, though she is wearing a different dress than she set out in earlier this evening, I can tell you that is my twin sister, Viola.”
    â€œYour sister?”
    â€œYes, and please don’t say we are not alike.  She possesses all the good looks – but I do declare I have all the intelligence!”
    A smile glimmered in Lady Margaret’s eyes.
    â€œShe certainly has some talents to amuse.  There – my brother is laughing.  That is good to see.  He has been so very downcast of late.”
    Just then the music came to a climax and stopped. Clapping and laughing, the couples moved to the side of the ballroom.
    Viola felt she was living in a dream as the Duke led her to a small gilt chair – a dream which she had no wish to awake from.
    â€œGlentorran – ”
    It was Mr. Brent, Charlotte’s father.
    â€œViola, my dear, you must excuse my interrupting your dance, but I now have some urgent business to discuss with the Duke.”
    â€œCan it not wait until later?” the Duke enquired.
    â€œI am afraid not.  My colleagues have to leave for the Continent on the night ferry.”
    The Duke turned, smiled down at Viola and said,
    â€œPlease wait here for me.  I will be back very soon. If you are not otherwise engaged, perhaps we could take supper together.”
    â€œAnd here is Charlotte to keep you company,” Mr. Brent added jovially as his daughter swept across the floor towards them.
    Viola watched him closely as the Duke bowed and walked away with his host.
    Her head was spinning with pictures of lochs and heather, mountains and sheep shearing, tartans and rivers bounding with salmon.
    The Duke loved his country so much and he was a fascinating man.
    She could not remember ever meeting anyone she had been so attracted to from the very beginning.
    Could this possibly be the man of her dreams?
    And – her heart gave a little jump –
    He seemed to like her as well.
    â€œAre you enjoying wearing the blue gown?” asked Charlotte, sinking into a chair next to Viola and fanning herself vigorously.
    â€œThe blue – oh, I had quite forgotten!”
    Charlotte laughed.
    â€œYou’ve obviously been having a good time.  Did I see you dancing with the Duke of Glentorran?”
    Viola bent over the pearl buttons on her glove.  She did not want Charlotte to comment on the blush she knew was staining her cheeks.
    â€œYes – he asked me for the waltz and we talked about Scotland.”
    â€œOh, that draughty old Castle of his!  That’s all he ever talks about.  He was here for luncheon yesterday with his sister and it was obvious that he cannot wait to get back to the Highlands.”
    â€œWhy are they in London?”
    Charlotte gazed around the busy ballroom, seeking her next partner.
    â€œWhat?  Oh, Mama told me that he is looking for a rich wife.”
    Viola felt the blood drain from her face.
    â€œA rich wife?” she whispered.
    â€œWhy, yes.  Goodness,