A Castle of Dreams by Barbara Cartland Page B

then turned to Viola and muttered,
    â€œDear girl, will you excuse me for a minute or two.  Apparently a stupid dispute has broken out between two families over the naming of a new boat!
    â€œThey are quite capable of coming to a decision by fisticuffs. My wise advice might make for a more peaceful atmosphere here tomorrow morning and a reduction in cut lips and black eyes!”
    Viola tried not to feel bitterly disappointed.
    She realised that he was the type of man for whom duty would always come before his own desires and it was one of the reasons she loved him so much.
    â€œOf course.  I quite understand.  Perhaps it will be best if you choose the name instead.”
    The Duke squeezed her hand.
    â€œThen I will just insist they name the boat The Lady Viola ,” he answered her with a broad smile that brought the colour to her cheeks again.
    â€œWait here for me, dear Viola.  I shall not be long. I promise.”
    She watched him stride out of the barn.
    He looked so wonderful.
    Tall and athletic, the kilt swinging as he walked.
    She turned back to the table and discovered Heather Lyall standing there serving huge slices of shortbread and hot pies to the hungry dancers.
    Viola’s gaze flashed over to the plaid Heather wore across her pale grey dancing dress.
    And yes!
    There, gleaming amongst the greens and blues, was the big diamond brooch that belonged to Mrs. Van Ashton.
    How long ago it seemed now that she had seen that same brooch worn by her loud-voiced, good-hearted American hostess on board that ill-fated ship, the Stars and Stripes.
    Viola bit her lip and decided that she had no choice but to speak.
    Â She reckoned she might be doing the wrong thing, but if the Lyall family were involved in wrecking ships that strayed too close to the coast, then she had no option but to act.
    She could not have lived with herself if a life was lost because of her inaction.
    â€œI hope you are you enjoyin’ yourself, my Lady?” Heather asked her cheerfully.  “It’s bonny to see you here at our ceilidh.  And it is so fine to watch our Lord Robert enjoying himself so much.  He has seemed so worried and sad recently.
    â€œMay I take the liberty of asking you, how is your brother?  Has he recovered from his illness?”
    â€œDavid is nearly back to full health, thank you.”
    â€œOch, that is good news.  Fergus feared he was lost to you.  He looked very pale and ill when he was rescued from that wreck.  But now I can tell him that all is well.”
    â€œIs your husband not with us tonight?” Viola asked, glancing around, trying to spot the fisherman’s bright red hair in the throng of villagers.
    Heather shook her head.
    â€œNo, my Lady.  It’s a grand night for fishin’ – overcast and no moon.  He went out a couple of hours ago.  My mother is looking after our bairn and so I can come and enjoy myself for a few wee hours.”
    She turned to serve a slice of shortbread to another hungry dancer.
    Viola stood there, undecided as to what she should do next and was about to leave when Heather turned to her once more.
    â€œCan I tempt you to a slice of shortbread, my Lady?  I made it myself.”
    Viola shook her head.
    â€œNo, thank you.  But it looks very good, Heather – I may call you Heather, I trust – I was wondering – ”
    She took a deep breath,
    â€œI could not but help notice that lovely brooch you are wearing.”
    Heather blushed deeply and ran her fingers over the glittering stones.
    â€œOch, I do know to a lady such as yourself, it seems perhaps a cheap nonsense, but it was a wee gift from my Fergus and so it is very dear to me.”
    She lowered her voice so no one else could hear.
    â€œThe fishing has been very poorly lately, my Lady, and there’s been no money for fripperies.  He must have been saving up the odd pennies here and there to buy this fairing from the