Love Is Triumphant by Barbara Cartland

Author:Barbara Cartland [Cartland, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Regency, Fiction, General, Contemporary
ISBN: 9781906950439
Google: 3J3tQ5Hl5mUC
Publisher: MY Books
Published: 2005-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

Next morning the door knocker never stopped. Bouquets and gifts arrived for Rosina every few minutes, plus a stream of invitations.

"You're the belle of the season," her mother said in delight.

She and Charles went riding together in Hyde Park. Lady Doreen and her brother appeared, and the two couples fell in together. Charles edged his way forward so that he could ride beside Lady Doreen, while Rosina fell back and chatted to George, who was in a downcast mood.

"Debts," he mourned. "They just pile up."

"You mean you're extravagant?" she teased.

"And I gamble a bit," he confessed. "Well, more than a bit. Papa is furious, but he doesn't know everything."

"More gambling debts?"

He looked uncomfortable. "And a few other things."

"There's nothing for it," she said merrily. "You'll have to marry an heiress."

"You're quite right," he sighed. "I'd ask you, since like all the others I'm madly in love with you. But I don't think you have nearly as much as I need."

At this Rosina laughed so hard that the other two

turned and looked at her, and Lady Doreen observed to Charles how well Rosina seemed to getting on with her brother.

"I dare to hope that she has a partiality for him," she said.

In a sense she was right. Rosina did have a partiality for George, but only a sisterly one. She especially appreciated the honest way he had confessed his situation, thus clearing the air between them of any misunderstanding.

After that they were the best of friends, and he confided in her things he did not dare to tell even to his sister.

They met repeatedly at parties and balls, glittering, colourful occasions that she realised made up the marriage market. She despised it because of Miss Draycott, but she also found some of it very enjoyable.

She often met Arthur Woodward at social gatherings. He was popular and known as a man with a promising future, and there were several houses, with daughters, in which he was welcome.

In Rosina's presence he was always careful to conduct himself with decorum, but he never ceased trying to talk to her alone. Sometimes she avoided him, sometimes she permitted him a word or two.

Sir John was often present at these parties, and she was always conscious of his eyes on her whenever Arthur came near.

At one evening function, where the guests were being entertained in the garden under trees hung with coloured lamps, she found Mr. Woodward by her side.

"I must talk with you," he muttered.

"I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Woodward."

"But I have much to say to you, madam. I will not tolerate having a sword hanging over my head."

"And I will not tolerate you buying your way into society by making false love to innocent women. Keep your distance from young ladies, and behave like a gentleman."

She could see that he was inwardly seething with rage, but caution forced him to keep his voice low.

"You have property of mine that I want returned," he said through gritted teeth.

"I have nothing that belongs to you.

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