A Virgin Bride by Barbara Cartland Page B

only just after nine o’clock when he drew up outside Rockinston House in Park Lane.
    The butler followed by four footmen hurried out.
    â€œWe was worried, Your Grace, in case you’d had an accident.”
    â€œWe were prevented from leaving as soon as we hoped by people being too kind to us. We will therefore have dinner as soon as possible as we are both very tired.”
    He then introduced Venetia to the rest of the staff who were waiting for them in the hall.
    Then the housekeeper led Venetia upstairs.
    Her room was magnificent and she realised as soon as she walked in it through the door that it was where the Duchesses of Rockinston had always slept.
    Undoubtedly the Duke would be next door.
    However, she had little time to make an appraisal of her room as she changed quickly from her ‘going away’ dress into an evening gown – not so elaborate, but still very fashionable.
    At her wedding she had worn her Mama’s diamond necklace and diamond bracelets that were seldom taken out of the bank.
    â€œAs His Grace has given us orders to pack a large selection of the Rockinston jewels for you to take with you to Paris,” the housekeeper informed her, “I think it would be easier for Your Grace to keep the jewels you’re already wearing.”
    â€œThat’s a very sensible idea,” agreed Venetia, “but I would prefer the pearl necklace in my jewel case.”
    The pearl necklace was fastened around her neck and it made her feel as if her beloved mother was near her and directing her.
    â€œI will come up to bed,” she said, “as soon as I can, but I do not wish to have anyone waiting for me.”
    â€œYour Grace wouldn’t like one of the maids to help you out of that pretty gown?” the housekeeper asked.
    â€œI can manage quite easily, thank you. I always feel worried if people are waiting up for me.”
    She smiled at the housekeeper, who knew that these were her wishes and they must be obeyed.
    She hurried down the stairs to find her husband had already changed into his evening clothes and was waiting for her in the drawing room.
    As Venetia entered the room, he handed her a glass of champagne.
    â€œI think if anyone needs this – you do,” he smiled. “It has been a very tiring but exciting day.”
    â€œIt must have been so tiring for you too,” Venetia replied. “After all, you drove yourself from London and I gather you only arrived in London late last night.”
    â€œThat is true. But I will find, as you will, when we go aboard The Thistle tomorrow we can at last relax.”
    â€œAre we really travelling on your yacht?”
    â€œWe most certainly are, unless it has sunk during the night! My Captain and crew are anxious to meet you.”
    â€œIf my right hand still works, which at one time I rather doubted, then I will be delighted to meet them!”
    Dinner was then announced and they walked into the dining room.
    Rock had wondered what he should talk about to his wife the first time they were alone.
    But he found he need not have worried, as Venetia told him the history of some of the people who had been at the wedding and to his considerable surprise she made the account interesting and amusing.
    The dinner was delicious, but longer than necessary and Venetia realised how disappointed the kitchen would be if she did not sample everything on offer.
    When finally the meal came to an end, it was after half-past ten.
    â€œWhat time are you thinking of leaving tomorrow?” Venetia enquired.
    â€œI have no wish to hurry you, but, if we are to catch tomorrow afternoon’s train to Paris, we shall have to leave at the latest at nine o’clock to be on the safe side.”
    â€œI will be ready – and now I am going to bed.”
    â€œI will not be long,” replied Rock, “but I just want to have a look at what my secretary has left for me as I will not have time in the