The White Witch by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-906950-98-9
Publisher: Barbara Cartland.com

CHAPTER FIVE

It was with a considerable effort that the Marquis managed to force a smile to his lips.

“This is a great surprise, Locadi,” he said, “I was not expecting you.”

“As I did not hear from you, I felt sure you needed me,” Locadi stated calmly, “and I missed you, I missed you terribly.”

There was a throbbing note in her voice.

The Marquis turned hastily to Flora who had followed him into the room.

“Let me introduce, Miss Flora Romilly, who has been helping me to put things to rights on the estate, and we are now very busy arranging a village party to take place on Saturday.”

He spoke as if it was impossible for Locadi to take any part in it.

“Then I hope dear, clever Ivor,” she replied calmly, “that I may help you too. You know how much I admire you when you are organising things.”

There was a silky sweetness in her voice which made the Marquis want to squirm. He disliked this conversation taking place in front of Flora and he wondered what she would think of him.

He looked to where an elaborate tea was laid out in front of the sofa.

“Will you pour the tea?” he said to Flora.

There was just a slight hesitation as if she thought he should have asked his new guest. Then obediently she sat down at the table and started to fill the tea cups from the George II silver teapot.

“A real English tea,” Locadi said, “How exciting!”

She sat in an armchair which meant the Marquis had to carry her cup, saucer and plate to her. And to offer her the sandwiches and cakes which were on the tea-table.

“London has been very dull without you,” she chattered. “Everyone asks when you are coming back, so I thought I would come and find out for myself.”

“It was most kind of you,” the Marquis said, “but I am afraid you will find it very dull here. Miss Flora and I are arranging a party for the villagers who have been badly treated by my estate manager whilst I have been away, and I think, Locadi, you would be far happier back amongst your friends in London.”

“Not unless you come with me,” Locadi replied.

She looked at him in a way which told the Marquis without further words that she had no intention of letting him escape.

He was wondering frantically what he could do when he remembered that his grandmother was upstairs.

Turning to Flora, he said,

“I hope that Grandmama is well enough to come down to dinner this evening.”

“She has been longing to,” Flora responded, “but I want her to rest as much as possible.”

“As I have a guest tonight, I am sure she will be willing to chaperone us,” the Marquis suggested.

He spoke as if he was joking and that a chaperone was quite unnecessary.

However Locadi frowned and he knew she was annoyed.

“What has been happening in London while I have been away?” he asked to change the subject.

“Nothing of any great consequence,” Locadi replied, “except that of course I missed you at every ball and every reception.

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