Sailing to Love by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland [Cartland, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, romantic fiction, barbara cartland, historical, Fiction, romance cruise ship, General
ISBN: 9781905155538
Publisher: Barbara Cartland.com

CHAPTER SEVEN

When they reached Egypt the Angelina entered the Suez Canal that connected the Mediterranean with the Red Sea and shortened the trip to India by several weeks. As they glided down the hundred-mile canal the three of them stood at the front of the boat, while the wind streamed past them.

“This is the life,” Anthony sighed. “What are you expecting to do when you reach India, Mountwood?”

“I’ve been wondering that myself,” the Earl replied. “I have to report back to Her Majesty of course, but I think, from what I’ve heard, our troops need encouragement and reassurance that people at home have not forgotten them.”

There was silence for a moment.

Then Venetia said,

“Of course, it’s a very long way from England. If they have left behind their wives and children, it’s miserable for them to be so far away from home.”

“That is what all soldiers feel at one time or another,” the Earl said. “I spent some time in the army myself and remember being rather lonely.”

“Indeed?” Venetia teased. “I’m quite certain all the local girls were at your feet telling you how handsome and exciting you were.”

“Oh, they were indeed,” Anthony said eagerly. “They all set their caps at him, ma’am, especially after they’d seen Mountwood Castle.”

“Ah, it was the castle that attracted them not his manly charms,” Venetia chuckled.

She and Anthony had become firm friends and by now he was in possession of the whole story. He had laughed heartily at the tale of how his friend had been deceived, and advised Venetia to make no rash decisions.

“Why shouldn’t you leave him, if you want to ma’am?” he asked. “Serve him right.”

“Excuse me, but I consider myself the aggrieved party in this matter,” the Earl pointed out.

“A man always considers himself the aggrieved party,” Venetia retorted. “I have by no means decided to remain with you. But even if we part I hope that, out of curiosity, I can visit your home, because I have heard so much about it.” She sighed theatrically. “It might even make me regret leaving you – unless, of course, you turn me away at the front door.”

The Earl laughed.

“I have a feeling if I did that you would somehow get in, even if it meant climbing down the chimney.”

“Am I really as bad as that?” Venetia asked cheerfully.

“Not bad, but clever,” he replied. “So far you have had your own way in everything. I think you’ll achieve the same success a thousand times before you die.”

In his turn, he too spoke theatrically, saying,

“But I must tell you, ma’am, that you are not at all the kind of woman I admire.”

Lord Anthony looked from one to the other, shock registering on his face.

“You see,” the Earl continued, “the trouble with you is that you are too perceptive. Women should be sweet and gentle, accepting what they are told without querying it or expecting something better.”

“Nonsense!” Venetia exclaimed robustly.

“You see?” the Earl appealed to his friend. “She proves my point.”

“You would be bored stiff,”

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