A Heart in Heaven by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-906950-88-0
Publisher: Barbara Cartland.com

CHAPTER FIVE

Soon the day dawned that Louisa dreaded, the day of the ball at Cranford Manor. Every night she had prayed that something would happen to save her from having to visit Lord Westbridge’s home again.

She was more determined than ever to refuse him, but she could also sense the growing determination of her parents that she should accept his proposal.

But nothing happened to save her and on the evening of the ball, she submitted to being dressed under her mother’s direction, in a gown finer than any she had ever worn.

It was made of pale blue satin, embroidered with silver stars. Silver slippers adorned her elegant feet and silver ribbon wound in and out of her bright curls. Around her neck she wore her family’s pearls.

Lady Hatton was resplendent in a wine red dress. But Louisa frowned when she saw the garnets her mother was wearing.

“I think you should wear your rubies with that dress, Mama?”

“I cannot quite recall where I put them,” Lady Hatton replied hastily.

“But surely, your maid –”

“My darling, what a fuss you make. Nobody will be looking at me. All eyes will be on you. Hurry now. It is time to leave.”

The carriage was waiting. Roderick ceremoniously opened the door and handed Lord and Lady Hatton in and then Arabelle. As Louisa reached out her hand to him, her cloak, which was lightly draped about her shoulders, slithered off.

Roderick picked it up and settled it about her again. He contrived to touch her as little as possible, but she was aware of the warmth of his hands, and when she looked at him she saw something in his eyes that made her heart beat faster.

It was a clear, brilliant night, cold but beautiful. The stars gleamed like diamonds in the sky and the moon flooded the snowy landscape with silver as they travelled the few miles to Cranford Manor.

And then there it was before her, the huge, luxurious house and they were drawing closer and closer. Lights blazed from every door and window and carriages swept up the drive in an endless stream, disgorging hundreds of guests.

“Everyone will be here,” Lady Hatton said, awed. “Simply everyone.”

The house glittered with Christmas decorations. The Great Hall was dominated by the biggest Christmas tree Louisa had ever seen. It reached up to the roof and was hung with tinsel and shining baubles. Presents were massed around the base.

Powdered footmen were everywhere, helping guests off with their cloaks. But Lord Westbridge himself took Louisa’s cloak, contriving to allow his fingers to linger on her neck in a way that made her shudder.

“Now my house is perfect,” he announced in his disagreeable voice. “You complete it.”

“You are too kind, my Lord,” Louisa responded in an unsteady voice. “Your house does not need me to make it perfect.”

He took her hand. “My Lord?” he mocked. “How formal! I should prefer that you call me George – my most charming Louisa.”

She raised her head and challenged him.

“I should prefer that you call me Miss Hatton.

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