An Introduction to the Pink Collection by Barbara Cartland Page A

produce children who will carry on the name and position of their father.”
    â€œThat is what you think,” Rena retorted. “I believe that love comes from God. When we fall in love it is something holy and it mustn’t be thrown aside by money, position or anything which is of importance in this world.”
    He stared at her as though unable to believe his ears.
    â€œI think you really believe all that stuff.”
    â€œPassionately!”
    He gave a grunt that might almost have been humorous.
    â€œWell, maybe you think you do. You’ll change your tune when you hear what I have to say.”
    â€œMr Wyngate, I am not interested in anything you have to say.”
    â€œEveryone is interested in money, Mrs. Colwell. Or should I say, Miss Colwell?”
    If he had hoped to disconcert her he was disappointed. To his astonishment Rena laughed.
    â€œMiss is correct. My father was the vicar here until recently, now I’m Lord Lansdale’s housekeeper. He invented a husband for me to prevent you thinking exactly what you are thinking.”
    â€œYou’re very frank.”
    â€œAh, but I don’t care in the least what you think of me, Mr Wyngate.” She could hardly believe that it was herself who had said those words. Was she really this cool, composed female who challenged this unpleasant man, and refused to let him disconcert her?
    It was he who backed down, pretending not to hear her last remark.
    â€œSo your father was a clergyman. They always think that God will turn up at the last moment and do for them what they should have done for themselves a long time ago. But people who want money, have to fight for it.”
    â€œAnd what about the people who don’t want money, Mr Wyngate?”
    â€œThey don’t exist,” he said savagely.
    â€œThey exist, but in a world you can’t enter.” She added softly, “That’s why you hate them.”
    He swung round on her and the malevolence was there in his eyes again. She had flicked him on the raw this time.
    â€œI don’t hate them,” he said at last. “I despise them. Once you have money you can buy many things which make a human being happy.”
    â€œYes,” she said unexpectedly. “Many things. But not all. Your tragedy is that you don’t know the difference.”
    â€œWhat do you mean, tragedy?”
    â€œThe greatest tragedy in the world.”
    â€œDon’t feel sorry for me!” he screamed.
    She didn’t answer.
    â€œDon’t feel sorry for me,” he repeated emphatically.
    â€œIt’s time I was going in.”
    â€œWait! I haven’t said what I came to say to you. recognise you as a formidable woman. I respect that.”
    She was silent.
    â€œName your price,” he said at last.
    â€œPlease stand aside and let me pass. I have work to do.”
    â€œI said name your price. You can make it a high one. You’re an obstacle in my way, and I’m prepared to remove you in a way that’s pleasant to yourself. You get out of here and you can have a comfortable life on my money.”
    â€œYou don’t really think you can bribe me?” she demanded. “You must have taken leave of your senses.”
    â€œLook, there’s no need for outraged virtue. I’ve said I’ll pay you well, so don’t waste my time with meaningless mouthings.”
    Rena regarded him curiously, as she might have studied a loathsome insect.
    â€œYou’ll – pay – well?” she mused.
    â€œExtremely well.”
    â€œThat sounds splendid, but it isn’t very specific.”
    â€œSo you want figures. Five thousand pounds.”
    She laughed.
    â€œVery well, ten thousand!”
    â€œI thought you were a serious man, Mr Wyngate. Good day to you.”
    She tried to move past him but he grasped her arm and snapped, “If I go higher than that I’ll want more than your silence in return. Is that what