A Kiss from the Heart by Barbara Cartland Page B

Lady Waterton, who constantly chattered beside him, did not aid his torpor.
    â€˜Does the woman not know when to keep silent?’ he fumed, as Alec politely answered question after question.
    His mother had already taken a carriage to Malvern to meet with the Lord Mayor to discuss plans for a statue of his father in the market square.
    Just then Stringer entered the dining room.
    â€œMy Lord, Miss Whitby is now in the study waiting to see you.”
    His spirits lifted at the very mention of her name.
    Not only could he not wait to see her, but also her arrival offered a temporary rescue from his unwanted companion.
    He arose and excused himself, while Lady Waterton frowned after him, unhappy for his attention to be diverted away from her.
    Striding quickly towards the study, the Earl’s heart was beating faster by the second.
    As he entered, the scent of meadows greeted him.
    Miranda was in a simple cotton dress and paisley shawl that reminded him of a type made in India.
    â€œI am so pleased to see you!” he cried, as he shook her hand formally.
    Her hands were clad in thin cotton gloves, but the warmth of her fingers delighted him. He wished he could have taken her in his arms and embraced her.
    â€œI can see that you do need help!” she exclaimed, taking her hand away from his and waving it over the piles of paper on the desk.
    â€œAh, but that will all be Miss Jenkins’s province! I have not had the opportunity to contact her. Would you be so good as to discover her whereabouts and write to her, enquiring after her availability? I don’t know what I shall do if she is otherwise engaged!”
    â€œAt once! Papa has given me an address for her. I shall send a message round to her cottage, if you can spare a stable boy for the errand? She lives in the next village and I am certain that hearing she is once more required at Ledbury Hall will have her drop whatever she is doing!”
    The Earl laughed.
    How her face became animated and alive when she was enthusing about something. It was as if someone had lit a candle inside her.
    â€œAnd now, I am afraid I have some bad news as my Mama has burdened me with the mission of entertaining a guest. I shall have to leave shortly and take her for a ride.”
    â€œDon’t worry, I can see I have plenty to do here! I shall sift through these papers and see which Miss Jenkins can handle and which I can. I will also need to familiarise myself with your schedule of work. Do you have such a thing?”
    â€œIt is in that grey notebook over there,” replied the Earl, surprised at her efficiency.
    Miranda picked up the notebook. Flicking through the pages she soon came to the list of works and nodded her head wisely.
    â€œI shall draw up a list of builders who can demolish the old barns and clear the land. Is there livestock that will require moving?”
    â€œI believe there is a flock of sheep.”
    â€œAnd the shepherd?”
    â€œHe lives in a cottage on the other side of Flodder’s meadow – ”
    Their eyes met in recognition of that day sixteen years earlier when it had been the scene of his dramatic rescue.
    The Earl held her gaze for so long that she began to blush. Quickly she looked down and concentrated on the notebook.
    â€œLeave this with me. When will you return?”
    â€œI will return as soon as Lady Waterton allows!”
    Miranda permitted herself the luxury of one raised eyebrow but did not comment.
    â€œWe shall take luncheon together later,” he said, stepping towards the door.
    Out in the hall, Lady Waterton was pacing up and down with an impatient look upon her face.
    The Earl did not allow her the opportunity to berate him, but simply picked up his riding crop from the console table and took his hat from Stringer.
    â€œThis way,” he called curtly.
    Lady Waterton felt quite hurt that he had not passed comment on her new riding habit, which was, she thought, a rather fetching