A Castle of Dreams

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Authors: Barbara Cartland
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the storm had driven the yacht.
    She also had a suspicion – because she had heard her father once discussing it with one of his friends – that if human error was discovered to be the cause of the wreck, Mr. Van Ashton would not receive the full amount of any insurance claim.
    But what if the Captain was right?
    Viola shuddered, feeling suddenly very cold.
    That meant that someone on the Glentorran estate had deliberately set out to wreck the boat, not caring who lost their lives in that atrocious sea.
    â€œAll I am saying, my Lady, is keep your ears and eyes open while you and his Lordship are here in Scotland.
    â€œJust be on your guard and if you see anything that might confirm my suspicions, let the authorities know of it immediately.
    â€œAnd now I must take my leave of you.  I wish you good day, Lady Viola, and my respects to your brother.”
    Viola watched the Captain leave.
    Deep in thought she made her way upstairs.
    She paused outside David’s room, wondering if she should tell him what she had just learnt.
    But she could hear Meg’s voice coming from inside and hesitated.
    If she told Meg, then she would surely inform her brother.
    For some strange reason Viola did not want the Duke to know that there might be a problem on his estate.
    She slipped into her own room and smiled as she found riding clothes laid out on her bed.
    As she changed, she decided she was worrying over nothing.
    â€˜After all,’ she said to herself, tying back her long hair with a blue scarf, ‘the Captain has just gone through a traumatic experience.  He has lost his ship and will surely be blamed.  I expect his crew are trying to save him from the authorities – and themselves!  Yes, that is what it will be.
    â€˜Wreckers, indeed! And in this day and age – what rubbish!’
    Viola made her way out of the Castle and through a maze of overgrown pathways round to the stable block.
    The Duke was waiting for her, talking to a small thin man whom Viola suspected must be his Head Groom.
    Two horses were saddled and ready to ride.
    The Duke turned and smiled as the tall slim figure in a dark blue riding skirt and jacket appeared.
    â€œViola!  You look charming.  I recognise that outfit, although Meg hardly rides at all these days.
    â€œThis is Stuart McAndrew.  Stuart used to help his father, Angus, with the gardens and now gives a hand with the few horses that remain here.
    â€œStuart, this is Lady Viola Northcombe, who, as I am certain you have already heard on the grapevine, was rescued from the sea with her brother, the Earl.”
    â€œMr. McAndrew.”
    Two bright brown eyes peered at her from beneath bushy eyebrows and a gnarled hand touched an imaginary cap.
    â€œLady Viola.  Glad to see you are none the worse for your misadventure, my Lady.”
    â€œThank you.  I am well.  It all happened so quickly, there was no time to be scared.”
    â€œAye, these things do happen fast,” Stuart replied almost under his breath, as Viola was about to ask him what he meant when the Duke broke in,
    â€œHere, let me help you to mount and we will be on our way.  Your horse is called Bonnie.  She’s a nice little mare.  We only have three horses left now.  My old boy, Brandy here and an old pony that Meg cannot be persuaded to sell.  She lets him pull her in a little pony cart down to the village to collect fresh fish when the fleet comes in.”
    Viola was very aware of the Duke’s strength as she put her foot in his cupped hand and let him half-throw her into the saddle.
    For a long second his lean tanned fingers lingered on hers as he sorted out the reins and made sure she was comfortable.
    He looked up at her and smiled, his dark eyes warm with friendship.
    Viola felt hot colour rush into her cheeks.
    Â Why was she feeling so on edge?
    The Duke could never mean anything to her.
    She watched as he swung himself effortlessly

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