The House of Happiness E-Book

Barbara Cartland

• Herausgeber: Barbara Cartland Ebooks Ltd
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Eternal Collection
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 234

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Beschreibung

Eugenia Dovedale's father had been High Steward to the Marquis of Buckbury and after her father's unexpected death, Eugenia had to leave 'Paragon' the family's beautiful and much loved cottage on the estate. She and her mother now lived uncomfortably with her Great-aunt Cloris in London as they could not afford anywhere else. Mrs Dovedale maintained strong hopes of her daughter making a good marriage and improving their position. She was thrilled when the Marquis returned from France and began to show considerable interest in Eugenia.However Eugenia was determined only to marry for love and passion and she dreamed of being swept off her feet. She resisted the overtures of the Marquis and then a Russian painter called Gregor Brodosky came to paint her great-aunt and Eugenia fell for his obviously charms and goodlooks.Mrs Dovedale suffered a nasty coach accident and the Marquis invited her and Eugenia to stay at Buckbury Abbey to recover. The Marquis's admiration of Eugenia intensified and her mother more than ever pushed her towards the Marquis, but Eugenia's heart longed for Gregor. Her life became more and more distraught and confusing particularly when Gregor arrived at Buckbury to paint Eugenia'a portrait. How she eventually found happiness at 'Paragon' and realised her dreams after many twists and turns is told in this intriguing and spellbinding story.

Leseprobe

THE HOUSE OF HAPPINESS

Copyright © 2006 by Cartland Promotions First published on the internet in June 2006 by Barbaracartland.com

The characters and situations in this book are entirely imaginary and bear no relation to any real person or actual happening.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval, without the prior permission in writing from the publisher.

eBook conversion by M-Y Books

THE HOUSE OF HAPPINESS

“I think you may need a little air, Miss Dovedale,” the Marquis murmured as he opened a window and guided Eugenia through.

The air made her stagger.  She grasped hold of the ironwork that ran along the terrace and gazed misty eyed at the Marquis.

“It is all so – so – so wonderful,” she breathed.

“I so am glad that you are – enjoying yourself,” said the Marquis, his eyebrow raised.

“Oh, I am! Only – only one thing troubles me, my Lord.”

The Marquis cocked his head enquiringly.  At the same time his eyes travelled over her face and body with such undisguised hunger that she felt exultant. Why, she might yet have him!

She took a deep breath, and her mind seemed to swim in her head.

“You must not – you really really must not – marry Lady Walling.”

A wry smile danced at the corners of the Marquis’s lips. “Indeed? Then who may I marry, Miss Dovedale?”

Eugenia’s eyes widened as if she imagined the Marquis a fool to ask.

“Why, me!” she beamed, brightly and innocently. “Me, Eugenia Dovedale.”

And with that, she stumbled dazedly into his willing arms.

THE BARBARA CARTLAND PINK COLLECTION

Barbara Cartland was the most prolific bestselling author in the history of the world. She was frequently in the Guinness Book of Records for writing more books in a year than any other living author.  In fact her most amazing literary feat was when her publishers asked for more Barbara Cartland romances, she doubled her output from 10 books a year to over 20 books a year, when she was 77.

She went on writing continuously at this rate for 20 years and wrote her last book at the age of 97, thus completing 400 books between the ages of 77 and 97.

Her publishers finally could not keep up with this phenomenal output, so at her death she left 160 unpublished manuscripts, something again that no other author has ever achieved.

Now the exciting news is that these 160 original unpublished Barbara Cartland books are ready for publication and they will be published by Barbaracartland.com exclusively on the internet, as the web is the best possible way to reach so many Barbara Cartland readers around the world.

The 160 books will be published monthly and will be numbered in sequence.

The series is called the Pink Collection as a tribute to Barbara Cartland whose favourite colour was pink and it became very much her trademark over the years.

The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection is published only on the internet. Log on to www.barbaracartland.com to find out how you can purchase the books monthly as they are published, and take out a subscription that will ensure that all subsequent editions are delivered to you by mail order to your home.

If you do not have access to a computer you can write for information about the Pink Collection to the following address :

Barbara Cartland.com Ltd.

Camfield Place,

Hatfield,

Hertfordshire

AL9 6JE

United Kingdom.

Telephone : [phone]

Fax : [phone]

Titles in this series

1.      The Cross of Love

2.      Love in the Highlands

3.      Love Finds the Way

4.      The Castle of Love

5.      Love is Triumphant

6.      Stars in the Sky

7.      The Ship of Love

8.      A Dangerous Disguise

9.      Love Became Theirs

10.   Love drives in

11.   Sailing to Love

12.   The Star of Love

13.   Music is the Soul of Love

14.   Love in the East

15.   Theirs to Eternity

16.   A Paradise on Earth

17.   Love Wins in Berlin

18.   In search of Love

19.   Love Rescues Rosanna

20.   A Heart in Heaven

21.   The House of Happiness

THE LATE DAME BARBARA CARTLAND

Barbara Cartland, who sadly died in May 2000 at the grand age of ninety eight, remains one of the world’s most famous romantic novelists. With worldwide sales of over one billion, her outstanding 723 books have been translated into thirty six different languages, to be enjoyed by readers of romance globally.

Writing her first book ‘Jigsaw’ at the age of 21, Barbara became an immediate bestseller. Building upon this initial success, she wrote continuously throughout her life, producing bestsellers for an astonishing 76 years. In addition to Barbara Cartland’s legion of fans in the UK and across Europe, her books have always been immensely popular in the USA. In 1976 she achieved the unprecedented feat of having books at numbers 1 & 2 in the prestigious B. Dalton Bookseller bestsellers list.

Although she is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Romance’, Barbara Cartland also wrote several historical biographies, six autobiographies and numerous theatrical plays as well as books on life, love, health and cookery. Becoming one of Britain’s most popular media personalities and dressed in her trademark pink, Barbara spoke on radio and television about social and political issues, as well as making many public appearances.

In 1991 she became a Dame of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to literature and her work for humanitarian and charitable causes.

Known for her glamour, style, and vitality Barbara Cartland became a legend in her own lifetime. Best remembered for her wonderful romantic novels and loved by millions of readers worldwide, her books remain treasured for their heroic heroes, plucky heroines and traditional values. But above all, it was Barbara Cartland’s overriding belief in the positive power of love to help, heal and improve the quality of life for everyone that made her truly unique.

“Love has inspired great poets, artists and architects throughout the ages.  Love can inspire anyone to greater heights than could ever be possibly imagined”

Barbara Cartland

CHAPTER ONE - 1835

Eugenia Dovedale mounted the stairs carefully, feeling for each step with her dainty foot. She was bringing tea to her great-aunt and she was terrified of dropping the large, mahogany tray.  

Great-Aunt Cloris took a nap every afternoon. At four o’clock precisely she liked to be awakened by Eugenia. There was a maid, Bridget, who prepared the tray, placing on it the silver pot and jug and sugar bowl, but it was Eugenia who was expected to carry the tray all the way up from the basement to the second floor, where Great-Aunt Cloris slumbered in her large, rosewood bed.

Eugenia reached her great-aunt’s room.  She pushed open the door with her elbow and stepped inside.

“Is that you, Eugeeenia?”

She had wanted her great-niece named after her. When this desire was not gratified, the old lady had for ever after affected to be unable to pronounce the ‘French sounding’ Eugenia.

“Yes, Great-Aunt Cloris, it is me.”

“Did you bring me the shortbread from Fortnum’s?”

“Yes, great-aunt.”

“Excellent. Would you pour my tea, please?”

Eugenia picked up the silver pot and poured.

“Yes.  Is that all?”

Great-Aunt Cloris peered at her great-niece. “You are anxious to escape me?”

“Oh, no. It’s just that Mama requested that I join her for tea today.”

She looked disgruntled. “Oh, well, of course, you must take tea with your Mama.”

Eugenia turned to go.

“Eugeeeenia?”

“Yes, Great-Aunt?”

“You may take one piece of shortbread.  To share with your Mama.”

Eugenia descended the stairs with the shortbread wrapped in a napkin.

Mrs. Dovedale was sitting before the fire in the little first floor parlour that she and Eugenia shared. She looked up as her daughter entered.

“What have you got there, Eugenia?”

“Shortbread. From Great-Aunt Cloris.”

“Just one piece between the two of us?”

“I don’t really want any, Mama.”

“I suppose it’s from Fortnum’s?”

“Yes, Mama.  I bought it there yesterday.”

Mrs. Dovedale heaved a dramatic sigh. “That I should live to see my daughter treated as a servant!”

“But I am not, Mama. I enjoy going to Fortnum’s.”

“That is beside the point. You are run off your feet doing errands for that old lady.”

“But Mama, I am grateful to her.  She gave us a home.”

“A home?  You call this a home?  When we are given a quota of coal a day, like scullery maids?  When our meals are rationed and our sherry watered? When you cannot go out into Society because the old skinflint won’t open her purse to buy you so much as a pair of gloves?”

Eugenia said nothing. She picked up the poker and prodded the fire. A meagre flame spluttered in the grate. 

“If it was not for my good friend, Lady Granton, you would hardly know what Society was!” lamented Mrs. Dovedale. “You would not know how to address an Earl, or wield a fan, or hold a fork in the correct manner.”

Eugenia suppressed a smile. Mrs. Dovedale seemed to forget that it was she herself, so full of ambition for her daughter, who had long ago taught Eugenia the appropriate social skills.

Great-Aunt Cloris was well-meaning, but hers was a notoriously frugal and austere household. Lady Granton often invited Eugenia and her mother to tea and it was at these sessions that Eugenia now and then met people of her own age.

“To think I once wore satin and took tea with a Marquis!” Mrs. Dovedale continued. “To think I was once Mistress of my own house, with my own maid and a set of copper pans!”

Eugenia shifted in her chair.  She knew what was coming next. A descant on the privileged life that the Dovedale family once lived in Rutland, where Mr. Dovedale was Head Steward on the Marquis of Buckbury’s estate, Buckbury Abbey.

Buckbury was one of the grandest houses in Rutland. The first Marquis had been a General, a favourite of King Henry VIII and had been granted the vast lands in the North at the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The present Marquis was as handsome as his father.  It was a great shame that he no longer lived in England, but on his late mother’s estate near the Alps.  Though why he should prefer a no doubt draughty chateau in the wilds of France to the delights of Buckbury was beyond Mrs. Dovedale.

“Such a life he led at Buckbury,” trilled Mrs. Dovedale. “The garden parties in the summer – the boats on the lake at dusk, their lanterns gleaming – the huge log fires in all the rooms in winter – the carriages rolling along the drive for the balls – the chandeliers sparkling. The Christmas parties to which the staff were always invited. Your father and I were accorded pride of place at the supper table. The Marquis was such a generous host. And the last party he held there, you were invited too. Do you remember?”

Eugenia was wriggling her toes before the fire. Her slippers were worn and did not keep out the cold.

“I remember, Mama.”

How could she forget?  Even if her mother was not continually reminding her, the image of Buckbury Abbey that Christmas was engraved on her mind.

Ten years old, she had stood awe-struck at the sight of the tree in the hall. It seemed to go on forever – as high as the minstrel’s gallery.  Candles flickered on every branch and the red baubles glowed in their light. Far, far away – right at the top – a silver star gleamed.

Eugenia had crept up to the minstrel’s gallery and leaned over the balustrade. The top of the tree was now on a level with her eyes. Standing on her tiptoes, she stretched out her hand, trying to reach the Christmas star.

“What are you doing, young lady?” a voice had gently asked.

Eugenia did not recognise the Marquis for a moment.

This tall gentleman in a gleaming, braided jacket and elegant white gloves took her breath away.

“I – wanted to touch the star,” she explained.  “To see if it was icy.  Because then I would know it was a real star.”

The Marquis looked amused. “Well, I am afraid to tell you that it is not a real star.  Real stars are very hard to come by.  You have to be lucky and find one where it falls.  No, that is a star made of silver.  And I should hate to see you fall trying to touch it.”

Eugenia detected the mild tone of reproof. “Oh, I shan’t trouble to try now I know,” she assured the Marquis. 

“I am glad to hear it.”

Eugenia regarded the Marquis with her head on one side. “You look like a Prince in that costume,” she said. 

“And you, mademoiselle, look like a Princess,” laughed the Marquis.

It was true, Eugenia did look enchanting. Her hair fell to her waist like a red-gold mantle and her eyes resembled large, blue water lilies.  She was dressed in blue muslin and on her feet she wore a pair of blue satin slippers.

“Thank you. This dress looks very nice if I twirl. Shall I twirl for you?”

“Please do,” answered the Marquis.

“Eugenia, what are you doing?” Mrs. Dovedale, puffing up the gallery stairs, had stopped in astonishment at the sight of her daughter’s pirouette.

“Nothing, Mama.”

“You were twirling.  That is not very lady-like. Please apologise to the Marquis.”

“But I did ask him first,” protested Eugenia.

“I can assure you, Mrs. Dovedale, she did,” confirmed the Marquis, a twinkle in his eye.

Mrs. Dovedale took Eugenia’s hand and began to lead her away.  But Eugenia tugged her hand free and ran back to the Marquis.

“Mr. Marquis,” she said, “one day I will marry you and no one else in the world!”

“Eugenia!” exclaimed Mrs. Dovedale.

The Marquis, meanwhile, regarded the little girl before him with a sober air. 

“In that case,” he replied, “I shall be sure to wait for you to grow up.”

The snap of a log in the fire brought Eugenia back from her reverie.

Uncomplaining as she was, she could not but be aware of the difference between the remembered scene at warm, glowing Buckbury and this little parlour in London, with its shabby armchairs and patched curtains at the windows.

Mrs. Dovedale, as if she had been privy to her daughter’s thoughts, was chiming out the very words that had just rung in Eugenia’s head.

“In that case, I shall be sure to wait for you to grow up”. That is what the Marquis said. He didn’t, of course. Wait, I mean.  What can one expect?” Mrs. Dovedale sniffed.  “That Countess was determined to have him.”

The Countess had been very beautiful. A younger friend of the Marquis’s late mother, she had arrived at Buckbury a month after the Christmas Ball.

When she returned to France a fortnight later, the Marquis had followed.

He had informed his Head Steward that there were family problems to deal with in France and he would be away for some time. Mrs. Dovedale, however, was convinced that the Marquis was in hot pursuit of the Countess.

Whatever the true reasons for the Marquis’s departure, Buckbury Abbey was to all intents and purposes closed. There were no more garden parties, no more balls.

“What a paradise we lost!” mourned Mrs. Dovedale. “What a world we are reduced to now!”

Listening to her mother, Eugenia could not help but marvel that her mother appeared to have forgotten her own part in the dissolution of her former life.

The truth was, with Buckbury shut and life a good deal duller, Mrs. Dovedale had begun to chafe at her lot.

As the months dragged by and there was no sign of the Marquis, she became fractious. She began to chivvy her long-suffering husband.  Had he no ambition other than Head Steward of a silent house and ghostly estate? Finally she convinced him that he was destined for greater things. All he needed was money to establish himself in some business enterprise or other.   

He resigned his Head Stewardship and sailed for the gold-panning fields of Alaska. 

His wife and daughter were sent to lodge with his widowed Aunt Cloris in London.

In less than six months, word reached them that Mr. Dovedale was dead of a fever.  Mrs. Dovedale and Eugenia never returned to Buckbury Abbey.

“Never to return home,” Mrs. Dovedale was still rambling, moved to tears now by her own reminiscing, “never to see our ‘Paragon’ again – so aptly named, such a haven was it from the rush of the world.”

Eugenia, elbow on the arm of her chair, leaned her chin in her hand and stared into the fire.

It was ‘Paragon’ that she missed most whenever she thought of her past.

Nestling deep in the woods at Buckbury, ‘Paragon’ was the lovely rambling cottage where the Head Steward and his family lived. Climbing roses covered its walls, doves circled its eaves. Deer nibbled at the long grass beyond its white fence.

Eugenia had owned a cat called Sugar and a little pony called Bud.

She had been so happy at ‘Paragon’ with her dear Papa, so happy that she tried not to think about it.

If only her mother would not so constantly remind her!

For Mrs. Dovedale, the only route out of her straightened circumstances was Eugenia. The girl was so beautiful, everybody said so. She could ensnare the Prince of Wales himself if she wished!

Mrs. Dovedale plotted and planned for Eugenia to be noticed. Not a man with half a name for himself passed within the mother’s orbit, but he was extolling the virtues of her daughter.  Not one name of an eligible bachelor could drop from Lady Granton’s lips but that Mrs. Dovedale was trying to effect an introduction.

Mrs. Dovedale would accompany Eugenia on errands to Fortnum’s for the sole purpose of pointing out Lord this or Earl that to her daughter.  During walks in Kensington Gardens she would nudge Eugenia’s elbow at every haughty Viscount or Duke who rode by.

“Throw him a glance, my dear.  Turn your profile to him. Step into his path.”

Her mother’s machinations made Eugenia miserable. She began to form an instinctive resistance to any romantic suggestion that her mother made.

Leaning her forehead on the windowpane, Eugenia murmured to herself the familiar words that worked upon her resolve like a daily mantra.

“I will never, never marry anyone of whom my mother approves!”

*

Seated at breakfast, reading the newspaper through her lorgnette, Mrs. Dovedale gave a sudden squawk of excitement.

“Mama?”

Mrs. Dovedale waved her hand before her face, as if whatever she had read had brought on a sudden heat. “Oh, my goodness, oh, my goodness, we are saved!”

Eugenia stared. “How exactly are we saved, Mama?”

She threw down the paper and pointed. “There. There. Do you see? The Marquis of Buckbury has returned to England and is at this very moment in London!”

Eugenia, guessing the cast of her mother’s mind, frowned. “He must be very old and grey by now.”

“Old? Grey? He can’t be more than – let me see – he was twenty one when last I saw him – you were ten – why, he’s barely more than thirty now!”

“Ancient,” sighed Eugenia.

Mrs. Dovdedale was not listening.

“I must make sure that he is invited to one of Lady Granton’s soirées,” she continued.  “She would surely do it for us. He is bound to come if he hears that the widow of his old Head Steward is present. He cannot have forgotten us. He cannot have forgotten you!”

“Of course he has forgotten me.  And even if he hasn’t, what is all this to do with us being saved?”

Mrs. Dovedale looked coy.  “Why, you were so taken with each other at that Christmas party – “

“Mama, I was ten!”

“But it was obvious that you were going to blossom into a real beauty.” her mother persisted. “He said he would wait –”

Eugenia raised an eyebrow.  “Mama, I think you are forgetting the Countess!”

“Oh, yes, the Countess.” Mrs. Dovedale sank into her chair for a moment before brightening. “Even so, once reacquainted, the Marquis is bound to want to do something for you.”

“Not charity!” replied Eugenia sharply.

Mrs. Dovedale threw up her hands and rose from the table. “Eugenia, I despair of you, I really do! I have no idea what it is you really want.” With that, she sailed from the room.

What did she really want? Passion! She did not want whatever beauty she might possess bartered for a string of pearls and a horse and carriage. She did not want a pompous Earl or a dreary old Marquis. She wanted to be swept off her feet by someone for whom romance was more important than position, for whom the call of the heart was stronger than the call of duty.

Her eyes closed for a moment as she imagined this wild and impetuous lover.

He was most definitely not someone of whom her mother would approve!

She hoped that her obvious lack of enthusiasm had discouraged her mother from plotting an encounter with the Marquis of Buckbury.

Mrs. Dovedale, however, was not a woman to be dissuaded from any course of action she had decided upon.

Two days later she entered Eugenia’s room in triumph.

“We are to attend Lady Granton’s on Tuesday.  The Marquis of Buckbury will be present. This will be your first evening soirée.”

Eugenia did not look up from her book. “I cannot go. I have nothing to wear.”

“Oh, you are not to worry about that,” Mrs. Dovedale shot back. “I shall take in my old ball-gown.”

Eugenia turned the page. “Then I shall look like a fool.”

“Look like a fool? Of course you won’t look like a fool.”

Mrs. Dovedale, however, was proved quite wrong.  On the day of the soirée, even Great-Aunt Cloris, so approving of hand-me-downs, pursed her lips.

“What is this colour, Florence?” she asked.

“Pigeon breast blue,” she replied.

“Pigeon breast blue?” Great-Aunt Cloris looked doubtful. “Then it has greatly faded.”

“Faded? Nonsense. It resembles the underside of a flower.”

“More like the underside of a stale loaf!”

Eugenia, standing before her great-aunt’s pier glass, took a grim satisfaction in this exchange.

The dress was indeed the colour of a stale loaf, grey and unflattering. Not only that, it was almost perversely out of fashion.

She suppressed a sudden giggle. What did she care? She had no wish to impress the Marquis of Buckbury or anyone else at Lady Granton’s soirée.

She knew her appearance would invite ridicule and convinced herself that she would not mind. Anything rather than serve her mother’s purpose.

Mrs. Dovedale, who would have thought her daughter was perfection in a workhouse shift or a cook’s apron, was meanwhile unperturbed by Great-Aunt Cloris’s remarks.

“All it needs is a touch of something – ” she regarded Great-Aunt Cloris slyly.  “A pretty shawl, now, would do the trick.”

Great-Aunt Cloris struggled.

“She may borrow my Chinese silk,” she said at last, grudgingly.

Eugenia shook her head. “Oh, great-aunt, I really don’t –”

“Now don’t be ungrateful, child,” she said quickly. “Take it, before I change my mind.”

The shawl was a master stroke by Mrs. Dovedale. Its rosy hue softened the harsh effect of the dress.  The cobalt flowers with which it was embroidered matched the dark blue iris of Eugenia’s eyes. 

For her mother, Eugenia’s natural charms shone undimmed.

Nevertheless, when she and Eugenia entered Lady Granton’s drawing room in Cavendish Square, the sharp intake of collective breath was not immediately one of admiration.

“Come on, Eugenia,” said Mrs. Dovedale, “don’t hang back.”

Eugenia advanced into the room, head high. Her grace was unmistakable. So too, in the amber light from the lamps, was the soft lustre of her skin. Her hair was a crown of gold and her eyes glimmered like sapphires. The dowdy, old-fashioned dress served only to heighten her timeless beauty. 

The gentlemen present surged forward, agog, to introduce themselves to the new arrival.

At the far end of the room, double doors led into Lord Granton’s library.  Lord and Lady Granton now emerged through these doors. With them walked a tall gentlemen of unmistakably aristocratic mien. His forehead was high, his grey eyes keen and intelligent. His dark brows almost met over a fine, chiselled nose. If there was one fault about his features, it was that they suggested a certain severity of character.  Otherwise he was the epitome of a handsome, distinguished gentleman of the world.

His gaze roved over the assembled company of young ladies. Not one of them pleased his eye. The ladies, however, once aware of his presence, fluttered their lashes and fans wildly in his direction.

Eugenia was invisible amidst her own throng of admirers.

“There appears to be an incident of sorts over by the door,” remarked Lord Granton.  He chuckled. “Daresay Miss Dovedale is in the middle of that scrum.”

The tall gentleman raised an eyebrow.  “Dovedale?”

“A spirited young lass,” added Lord Granton.

The gentleman turned his head towards the door. “Dovedale?” he repeated.

Lady Granton seized on his interest. “Would you care to be introduced?”

The gentleman inclined his head. “Very much,” he replied.

The young men around Eugenia fell away as Lady Granton and the Marquis approached.

“Lady Granton – how d’you do – most kind – excellent sherry, Lady Granton – ” they chorused.

Hearing Lady Granton’s name, Mrs. Dovedale turned from rearranging the shawl about Eugenia’s shoulders. When she saw the distinguished gentleman who accompanied her friend, she gave a screech.

“The Marquis! It is the Marquis.”

Eugenia, half hidden behind her mother, froze.

“The Marquis!” cried Mrs. Dovedale again. “Oh, what a very great pleasure it is to see you again.”

The Marquis of Buckbury – for this was indeed the identity of the gentleman – bent his head graciously.

“Mrs. Dovedale, I suspected it might be you.”

“Oh, it is I, indeed it is I,” preened Mrs. Dovedale as she dropped a belated curtsy. “And much changed you will find me, I am sure. I have been blown all about by the storms of fortune and pinioned most unhappily on the rocks of circumstance.”

“Indeed,” intoned the Marquis gravely.

“There remains one treasure, however, that the cruel hand of fate has not snatched from me,” continued her mother.  “One treasure that brightens my day and gives me hope for the future. My daughter here. Eugenia.”

She stepped aside and motioned towards Eugenia. The Marquis looked politely on. Eugenia’s head was bent so low that all he could see of her was a coil of golden hair.

Mrs. Dovedale gave a little laugh. “The dear creature is so shy! Eugenia!”

Without looking up, Eugenia sank in an obedient but exaggerated curtsy to the floor.  There she remained, her skirts rising about her like a grey flood.

“Miss Dovedale,” said the Marquis, extending his hand.

Eugenia placed her hand reluctantly in that of the Marquis. As he drew her to her feet she was forced at last to meet his gaze.

The Marquis started as if struck.

“A treasure indeed,” he murmured.

Lady Granton and Mrs. Dovedale nodded in satisfaction.

Still the Marquis stared. Eugenia felt her cheeks begin to burn under his intense scrutiny.

“She is my pride and joy,” gushed Mrs. Dovedale. “No one could have a better daughter.  So considerate, so loving, so devoted.”

“And spirited, I hear,” said the Marquis softly, his eyes still on Eugenia.

Mrs. Dovedale looked instantly alarmed. “Spirited? Nonsense! Where did you hear that? She is as tame as a canary.  She wouldn’t say boo to a goose.”

Eugenia’s eyes flashed for a second.  “Mama! Please!”

“What, daughter? What have I said? Only the truth! The Marquis knows how to take me. I always spoke the truth.” Mrs. Dovedale looked craftily at the Marquis. “I daresay your own wife is a woman of no spirit, too, and the Lord be thanked for it.”

The Marquis frowned. “My own wife – ?”

“You married, did you not?  I seem to remember a Countess?”

A shadow crossed the Marquis’s brow. “No,” he said shortly.  “I married no one.”

Mrs. Dovedale trembled with the effort of concealing her excitement. “A bachelor.  Well, well, well.”