This Way to Heaven by Barbara Cartland

her veins.
    This was a momentous occasion.
    She was to dine all alone with the Earl of Somerton, the man who constantly invaded her thoughts and dreams, the man who had saved her life twice.
    Jasmina remembered her last day at Harley Grange as she had looked out of the window at Somerton Castle.
    She recalled listening to the Duchess’s gossip and wishing that she could meet the Earl who sounded such a romantic tragic figure!
    Well, she had met him and now she was going to spend an evening in his company.
    This surely was the most important day of her life!

CHAPTER SEVEN
    At eight-thirty precisely that evening the Earl was standing with a glass of sherry in his hand in the drawing room of Somerton Castle.
    He had hesitated before donning his dinner jacket, but finally decided that the occasion merited it.
    When the door opened and Jasmina Winfield was announced, he felt a thrill run through him and he was glad that he had made the effort.
    The American girl looked superb.
    In point of fact he could hardly recognise her from the figure wrapped in coats and shawls he had argued with so vehemently only an hour or two ago on the banks of the frozen lake.
    Her shining golden curls were piled on top of her head in a very elaborate style laced through with dark pink ribbons. Her dress was matching dark pink velvet, slightly off the shoulder, but fitting tightly into her tiny waist.
    She was wearing a gold and pearl link necklace and bracelet and tiny gold and pearl studs in her ears.
    The Earl found himself wondering how she would look with rubies and diamonds against her creamy skin.
    Then he shook himself.
    This was madness!
    The girl was just a passing guest at the castle and an annoying one at that!
    Very soon she would be heading off to be with her relations in the next valley and later she would be returning to her home in America.
    This dinner was just by way of an apology for his abrupt behaviour earlier – nothing more.
    â€œMiss Winfield!”
    He reached out to take her hand in his, aware of the strength in her fingers that looked so fragile.
    â€œLet me pour you a glass of sherry. I hope that you have fully recovered from your adventures on the ice?”
    â€œCould we dispense with the formality, my Lord? I am sure there is no one around who would be offended if you called me ‘Jasmina’.”
    His dark eyes gleamed suddenly with amusement.
    â€œMy ancestors would be shocked and I am certain that the servants would disapprove, but if I am to call you ‘Jasmina’, then you must use my name – ‘Richard’.”
    â€œYes, my Lord – I mean Richard!”
    As she smiled up at him, the blue of her eyes took his breath away.
    â€œIt was kind of you to accept my invitation to dine. I could not have blamed you if you decided never to speak to me again after my boorish behaviour earlier.”
    Jasmina blushed and sipped her sherry.
    She was sure it was the alcohol that was making her heart beat so fast. She was not used to anything stronger than champagne.
    â€œI am sure you were only trying to protect me. But I am afraid American girls are not like English ones. We are trained to look after ourselves and stand on our own two feet.”
    The Earl smiled.
    â€œI am rapidly becoming more and more aware of the character of young American women, Jasmina! But I am afraid it is bred into me to protect the fairer sex at all costs.”
    She smiled and asked,
    â€œHave you heard how Florence is progressing?”
    â€œIndeed, I had a report a few minutes ago that she is well on the way to recovery. Her leg was badly twisted, but she has youth on her side and will soon be up and about again.”
    Just then the door opened and Mary appeared.
    â€œDinner is served, my Lord,” she murmured.
    The Earl held out his arm and with a smile, Jasmina placed her hand on his wrist and walked with him through the connecting doors into the castle dining room.
    She gave a little