A Duel of Hearts by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland [Cartland, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780515035377
Amazon: 0515035378
Publisher: Arrow Books
Published: 1974-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

'And you have not?' Caroline asked.

'No indeed, but what Papa will say I cannot imagine.'

'If you take my advice, you will get out of hearing of your Papa as quickly as possible,' Caroline said.

'And if he pursues us?' Harriet questioned suddenly in tones of the utmost horror.

'If he does, it will be up to Mr. Stratton to show his mettle. I think you can trust him, Harriet, and you should be across the border and married before your father catches up with you.'

'Oh I pray so, indeed I do,' Harriet cried, 'and now I must go. Thank you, dearest Caroline; I am for ever in your debt.'

'And what about your trunk?' Caroline asked.

'I will leave it,' Harriet said wildly.

'You will do nothing of the sort,' Caroline said. 'Maria, follow Miss Wantage and hand her trunk to Mr. Stratton.'

She reached out and put her hand on Harriet's arm.

'Listen, Harriet, if he asks who Maria is, say 'tis one of the Vicarage maids whom you can trust.'

'Yes, yes, I will do that,' Harriet said in a flutter; 'and now I really must go to him . . . supposing . . . just supposing

. . . he felt he could wait no longer.'

She pushed her way through the bushes, hurried across the drive and squeezed her way through the open gate. Maria, picking up the trunk by its two handles, followed her sturdily, while Caroline, pulling the hood well over her face, peeped from the shadows, anxious to hear what happened.

One of the horses gave a sudden neigh as if it called out a greeting to Harriet, and then Caroline saw Mr. Stratton come to meet her. When she reached him, he put his arms round her and held her closely to him. She wilted against him, her head dropping for an instant to his shoulder.

'Thank God you are here,' Caroline heard Mr. Stratton say. 'I was curst afraid that something would prevent you from coming.'

'Oh, sir, it was not easy,' Harriet's voice faltered, 'and if we be going, let us go quickly, for my Father may discover that I am missing.'

'We will waste no time,' Mr. Stratton said in a firm voice.

It seemed that he suddenly perceived Maria, for as he led Harriet towards the coach he stopped and asked sharply:

'Who is this?'

But before Harriet could answer, Maria stepped forward.

' Tis Madam's trunk, sir, and you trust me with your secret for I will speak of it to no one. But oh, sir, begone swiftly, for I suspicion that the Reverend gentleman may give chase at any moment.'

'The devil he will!' Mr. Stratton said with a ring in his voice. 'Come, Harriet.'

It seemed to Caroline watching that he half lifted Harriet into the post-chaise. The trunk was set up beside the coachman, there was a crack of the whip, one of the horses reared up in excitement, and then they were off.

Maria came hurrying back through the gates and Caroline stepped out of the shadows to join her.

'That was splendid, Maria! You said exactly the right thing.

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