The Importance of Love by Barbara Cartland Page A

other morning. Do you recall how I remarked about him and joked that he was following us?”
    Even though she attempted to make a joke of it, Luella was deathly pale. There was only one thought in her mind as to who might be responsible – and that was Frank Connolly.
    The Countess stood on the pavement and put her lorgnette to her eye.
    â€œWhy, you are right, Luella, and I do believe he is up to no good.”
    Before Luella could stop her, the Countess was striding across the road waving her umbrella menacingly.
    â€œYou sir,” she called. “Be off with you or I will call the Police. I have your description and do not think for a moment that I am a frail old woman who will not carry out her threat.”
    Mr. Jones quickly ran down the street. He knew a formidable woman when he saw one. The Countess followed him for a few yards before she judged that she had chased him away.
    â€˜No harm done,’ he told himself, as he sped around the corner. ‘That is the Countess of Ridgeway all right and they are staying at Lord Kennington’s place, just as I suspected. Mr. Connolly will be pleased – very pleased indeed.’
    The Countess was quite out of breath by the time she returned to the house. She had only given chase for a few yards, but had thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
    Luella, however, was in the drawing room, sobbing her heart out.
    â€œHe has found us! He has found us !” she moaned, wringing her handkerchief. “That man is a private detective. I know it.”
    â€œHe has been sent packing now,” crowed the Countess proudly. “But I think we should curtail our stay in London and pack our boxes tonight. It is a pity, but Frank Connolly has ruined what was a very pleasant interlude.”
    â€œWe cannot go to Scotland – it is the first place he will come looking for us.” “What do you suggest?”
    â€œCan we not return to Torr House? You could telephone Lord Kennington and beg him to give us sanctuary once again.”
    The Countess thought for a moment and then, quietly asked Bellamy to put in a telephone call to Torr House.
    â€œPlease fetch me as soon as the exchange puts you through,” she said, returning to the drawing room to comfort Luella as best she could.
    Ten minutes later the telephone in the hall rang and Bellamy came in to inform them that their call had been connected.
    â€œHis Lordship is on the line, my Lady, and is waiting to speak with you.”
    The Countess quickly outlined their predicament to the Viscount.
    â€œFrank Connolly has engaged a private detective to track us down and he has succeeded in locating us. Might we impose upon your hospitality again and return to Devon?
    I do not think he could find us there.”
    â€œAnd Luella?”
    â€œShe is distraught as you can imagine.”
    â€œOh, my poor darling!” The Countess smiled to herself as she thought, ‘I am right in thinking that the Viscount is deeply in love with Luella. He will not spurn her when she tells him her secret.’
    â€œLord Kennington, it is not safe for us to remain here.”
    â€œThen, you must make all haste back to Devon. Will you instruct Bellamy to have your things packed and the carriage made ready? He must also find out what time the next train leaves Paddington for Exeter and I will have Bennett pick you up. Just tell Bellamy to inform me of the time you expect your train to arrive.”
    â€œThank you, Lord Kennington. You do not know how grateful we are to you.”
    â€œIt will be a long journey, but there is not a moment to lose,” replied the Viscount, anxiety creeping into his deep voice. “If Frank Connolly really has discovered where you are, he will be relentless. In the meantime tell the servants not to admit anyone to the house and any callers are to be told that you have left for Scotland. If needs be, we must send him on a wild goose chase.”
    The Countess replaced the