Hiding from Love by Barbara Cartland

only one in the world who may demand my devoted attention – remains indisposed.”
    Without waiting for a reply, Leonora turned on her heels and fled to her mother’s room.
    A few minutes later Mr. Schilling burst in.
    He was carrying the bouquet and his furious face seemed yet another scarlet bloom amidst the many.
    â€œHow dare you,” he spluttered, vainly attempting to keep his voice low.  “You have insulted Lord Merton.”
    â€œI have merely made my position perfectly clear.”
    â€œYou are not entitled to any position,” he hissed.
    He threw the bouquet onto the chest at the foot of the bed and pointed at it.
    â€œThose were for your mother.  Tell her when she awakes.  You can also tell her that her daughter is confined to the house until she obeys my demands.”
    He then stormed from the room, barely preventing himself from slamming the door.
    It was a half hour or so before Leonora heard the front door open, indicating that Lord Merton was leaving.  She moved to the window and looked out, just in time to see him mount his horse and ride away.
    She had to admit that his bearing was manly though his features remained as unknown to her as ever.
    When Finny returned from his daily errands in the village, Mr. Schilling sent him up with a letter for Leonora.
    The letter was from Lord Merton.
    â€œ I am sorry that you misunderstood the meaning of my visit today.  I only came to enquire after your mother’s health and bring her some flowers.  I hope that she will recover soon.
    Meanwhile I look forward to the time when you will feel more disposed to see me. ”
    â€˜That will be never ,’ thought Leonora scornfully, crushing the letter in her grip.  ‘I will never ever agree to the wishes of my odious stepfather – a man who has made my darling Mama so unhappy!’
    *
    Two days later Mama left for Norfolk.
    Leonora remained cheerful, helping with all the last minute preparations.
    Then as she and Finny half-carried Mama down the stairs, Mr. Schilling looked on with a disgruntled air from the parlour window.
    Leonora waved her goodbye brightly, but even as the trap disappeared along the road, her mind was racing.
    She had told Mama that she was leaving the next day too and she felt that she somehow had to make that little white lie come true.
    Though utterly relieved that her mother would gain respite from the tensions of Schilling House, she was only too aware that she herself was now left unprotected from the machinations of her stepfather.
    Who knew what he would do to attain his goal?
    She soon found out the answer to that question.
    Tidying up Mama’s room, she was suddenly made alert by the sound of a key turning in the lock behind her.
    Spinning round, she raced to the door and shook the handle.
    Too late!
    Sensing somehow that Leonora intended to fly the coop, Mr. Schilling had decided to take no chances.
    She was now a prisoner at Schilling House!

CHAPTER FOUR
    â€œFinny!  Finny!”
    Finny put down the pail of water he was taking to the horse and listened.  He was sure he had heard someone softly calling his name.
    â€œFinny!  Up here.”
    He lifted his head and blinked as he saw Leonora leaning out from a bedroom window.
    â€œMiss Leonora!” he called out in loud surprise.
    â€œSssh.”  Leonora put a finger to her lips.
    She mouthed her next few words.
    â€œIs – is Mr. Schilling around?”
    â€œNo, miss, he ain’t and I thought the house empty – till I sees you.”
    â€œIs the horse still in harness?”
    â€œYes.  I was just takin’ him some water.”
    â€œGood.  Give him some oats as well and while he is eating, fill the trap with hay from the stable.”
    â€œFill the trap with hay?”
    â€œYes, then bring it here beneath the window.”
    Finny shook his head, wondering if Miss Leonora had not gone a little mad.
    â€œBut – what