The Importance of Love by Barbara Cartland Page B

feet.”
    â€œThis man has decided that he is going to marry me – he is obsessed!” she said looking down at her fingers. “We fled France when he became threatening and were to take refuge in Cornwall before returning to my aunt’s house in Scotland. We both fell ill on the crossing and although I have recovered, she has not. I hope you will not think again about giving us refuge. You may not wish to harbour two fugitives!”
    But the Viscount had already fallen under her spell.
    It had been a very long time since he had felt so taken with a woman. His hardened heart had neither sought love nor missed it in his life, yet now he found himself swamped with myriad emotions.
    Luella stared at him as she awaited his reply, but the Viscount found himself strangely hesitant. At last, he said,
    â€œYou have done nothing wrong. This man must have been very persistent to have followed you through Europe. Is it love that propels him so?”
    â€œNot entirely. My aunt is a very rich and powerful woman with vast estates in Scotland. I am her only heir as the rest of the family have died. Frank Connolly, for that is the man’s name, desires riches and power for himself. I am just another possession to be added into the bargain.”
    A fierce protectiveness sprang up in the Viscount’s bosom. He felt outraged that this fortune hunter had so relentlessly pursued the lovely young lady who sat trembling in the chair in front of him. And because of him, her aunt was now ill.
    He listened as Luella recounted the tale of Frank Connolly’s reign of terror.
    â€œAunt Edith thought that if we travelled West, instead of going straight to London, we would shake him off. I was certain that he will be in pursuit of us.”
    â€œWhile you are under my roof, you must not fear for your safety,” the Viscount assured her with a tremor in his voice.
    He rose from his chair and rang the bell. “Dinner will be at half-past eight and I hope you will do me the honour of joining me?”
    â€œI would be delighted,” accepted Luella puzzled at his sudden change of mood.
    As the Viscount left, Cork entered the room and informed Luella that the doctor was upstairs with the Countess. She stood up and followed him. Meanwhile the Viscount was in the library gazing out of the window deep in thought.
    His mind whirled and he found he could not concentrate, such was the effect that his beautiful visitor had on him.
    â€˜It is as if this house is casting a spell,’ he told himself, as he looked out of the window at the wilderness of his garden.
    The clock in the hall chimed six-thirty and the Viscount found himself wishing the hours away until dinner. He tried to sit down at his desk and do some more work, but his mind persisted in dwelling on the beautiful Luella Ridgeway.
    â€˜It’s this place that is unnerving me so,’ he decided picking up his instruments. ‘And the ghost of Madame Le Fevre!’
    *
    The doctor was most adamant.
    â€œShe must rest for at least a week,” he said as he packed up his bag. “She must drink lots of fluids and eat light and nourishing meals.”
    â€œBut we cannot impose upon the Viscount’s hospitality for that long,” replied Luella. “He has already been too kind.”
    â€œMove her at your own peril,” counselled the doctor. “I cannot be held answerable if she resumes her travels earlier than I have stated.”
    The Countess was propped up in bed and being tended to by Maisie, who was making a great deal of fuss of her ensuring that she had everything she needed.
    â€œWe’ll soon have you better, my Lady,” she cooed. “But you must stay where you are.”
    Luella approached the bed and sank down on the edge of it. Her aunt, although still ghastly white, did look a little more comfortable.
    â€œHow are you feeling, Aunt Edith?”
    â€œI am so grateful to the Viscount for taking us in,”