An Unexpected Love by Barbara Cartland Page A

head can divert trouble before it occurs.”
    â€œSo you believe I am incapable of making correct decisions for myself?”
    Ravina found she was beginning to get annoyed all over again. This man was so infuriating. He treated her as if she was ten – no six!
    Sir Richard carefully placed his coffee cup back on the tray.
    He was deeply worried that Lady Ravina was on her own, here in the depths of Dorset. But he did not want to scare her, just make her a little more aware that you could not trust everyone you met.
    She stood up and walked over to him.
    â€œI suppose you are one of those old-fashioned men who think a husband should make every decision in a family and that his wife should just nod sweetly and agree, even if she thinks he is wrong.”
    His dark eyes suddenly looked unhappy and his mouth tightened.
    â€œI am not in a position to judge family life as such, ma’am.”
    There was a silence again before Ravina asked,
    â€œYou wished to see my father? May I enquire the nature of your business? Can I give him a message or help in some way?”
    Sir Richard stood up and she was aware again of how tall he was.
    â€œI met Lord Ashley when we were both in Greece. He mentioned the beauty of the Dorset countryside and suggested I call on him when I returned to England. He knew I would be in the market for an estate as I wish to breed horses and he said he would give me any advice he could.”
    Ravina stared at him, unsure of what to say.
    â€˜Goodness,’ she thought, ‘everyone seems to be moving to Dorset!’
    She wondered which property her father had been thinking about.
    â€œSo if you can think of any large comfortable houses around this neighbourhood – with enough ground for horses, I would be grateful for your help.”
    Sir Richard leant his arm against the marble mantelpiece and stared down at her.
    â€œIndeed, a house similar to that owned by the man who travelled with you today would be exactly right. Perhaps he would be willing to sell it to me? As you are obviously great friends, what do you think?”
    Ravina became aware that colour was flooding into her cheeks.
    â€œSir Michael is not a ‘great friend’ of mine, sir. He is a kind and attentive acquaintance and a near neighbour. I have no idea of his future plans, but I think from all he has told me, that he will never sell the Priory.”
    â€œThen I shall have to look elsewhere, will I not?”
    For a second, Ravina thought she detected a twinkle of amusement in Sir Richard’s dark eyes, but then chided herself for being fanciful.
    She had been sure that he was the type of man she detested the most – one who had no sense of humour whatsoever.
    â€œI will certainly ask amongst my friends in the area,” she continued. “If there are any suitable properties for sale locally, someone will surely know.”
    Sir Richard bowed gravely.
    â€œYou have my thanks, Lady Ravina. And now – ” he pulled a slim gold watch from his waistcoat pocket, “I have another favour to ask. As my horse is lame, I would be grateful to stay the night here at Curbishley Hall. I could, of course, make my way to the local hostelry, but – ”
    Ravina hesitated.
    She was certain that if her parents had been at home, they would have offered him all the hospitality for which they were famous.
    But was it proper for her to have a strange man staying in the house, even though she was, of course, well chaperoned by Dulcie and all the staff?
    She took a deep breath.
    She was being old-fashioned. She who prided herself on being as modern and up-to-date as possible. In this day and age she could surely make her own decisions.
    â€œOf course not, sir. My parents would be shocked to hear that you had been turned away. I will arrange for a room to be made ready for you at once.”
    Sir Richard bowed again and watched as Ravina rang for Gibbs and gave him the necessary