This Way to Heaven by Barbara Cartland Page A

scream of delight.
    The room was situated in one of the castle’s turrets and so was completely round. Tall tapestries decorated the grey stone walls and bright Turkish rugs covered the floor in a myriad of blue, ruby and emerald colours.
    A cheerful fire was burning in the hearth with the logs crackling, keeping away the chill.
    Heavy red velvet curtains were drawn across the deep windows, shutting out the snowy night scene.
    A small round table had been laid sparkling with white china rimmed with gold, crystal glasses, solid silver cutlery and in the centre a deep bowl of white lilies and sprigs of holly, the berries bright red against the flowers’ white petals.
    â€œSomeone has gone to a great deal of trouble, this looks beautiful” smiled Jasmina, as a footman moved her chair back.
    The Earl nodded.
    â€œI fear I am a sad disappointment to my staff. I do not entertain. This is the first chance they have had for a long while to show me their varied talents.”
    Jasmina slowly sipped the delicious consommé that had just been served to her.
    â€œAre you averse to entertaining as such, or is it just the lack of neighbours that prevents you?”
    â€œI must admit that there are only a few people that I admire living locally. I do not hunt and only shoot for the castle’s larder. So you see, Jasmina, in the eyes of Society I am an abject failure.”
    Jasmina was silent as a superb dish of Dover sole in champagne sauce was served.
    When the footman had left the room, she glanced across the table at the Earl’s face.
    He was frowning as he pushed the fish around on his plate.
    She wondered if he was thinking once again about Millicent, the girl who had stopped his life in its tracks.
    Well, she decided if she wanted to know, there was one sure way of finding out!
    â€œDid you entertain much when your wife was alive, Richard?”
    The Earl’s fork clattered noisily onto his plate and he glanced up at her, his eyes dark.
    Unbidden memories came flooding back.
    He recalled the crowds of youngsters who had often stayed at the castle for weeks at a time. Rich, idle, little more than children themselves with too much time on their hands and only interested in enjoying themselves.
    â€œMillicent boasted many friends. People very like herself – all young, eager for excitement and adventure, unwilling to listen to advice.”
    Jasmina took a sip of a clear golden wine.
    â€œYou very much sound as if you disapproved of her behaviour?”
    The candles flickered in a draught from the door as the footman came in to clear the course.
    The Earl watched moodily as a confection of apples and cream was placed in front of them.
    He could not believe how blue and direct Jasmina’s gaze was.
    She appeared to be challenging him and there was nothing retiring about her presence at his table. The tilt of her pretty chin, even the way she sat at table, upright and determined, was so different from the languid young ladies whom he had met recently.
    â€œShe was my wife and – ” his voice roughened very slightly, “ – so young to be a Countess. I am sure that, had she lived, she would have taken on the various duties and responsibilities of the first Lady of Somerton. But – ” and pain tore through him, “ – she did not live and that was my fault!”
    Jasmina gasped and instinctively reached out across the table to touch his hand.
    His fingers twined with hers and she felt a quiver of emotion run through her body.
    â€œYou blame yourself for her death, Richard?”
    The Earl looked at her, his eyes shadowed by his dark thoughts.
    â€œMillicent loved riding above everything else and she loved to hunt. While I was staying away in London, she purchased a new horse from a dealer I did not trust. I begged her to think again, but she would not.”
    There was a little silence. Jasmina was tempted to speak, but something held her back. She had the