The Castle of Love by Barbara Cartland

confronted her with what he knew. The music ended with a flourish. There was scattered applause and then the ladies were led from the floor by their partners. All the dancers were hot and flushed from their exertions.
     Jacina heard Lord Bulling ask the Earl if he might claim the next dance with his wife.
    "By all means," said the Earl dryly.
    Felice snapped her fan shut. She cast a dazzling smile at Lord Bulling and took his proffered arm. He led her proudly onto the floor just as the orchestra struck up and another waltz began.
    The Earl stood at the door, half turned towards the corridor. He seemed lost in thought. Jacina watched him for a moment. Then she slipped quietly forward to the Earl's side.
    "My – my Lord."
    He gave a start. "Jacina? What the deuce are you doing here? What are you thinking about, putting your health at risk like this?"
    A worried frown creased his brow. Without thinking – as if their relations had returned to the ease of former days – Jacina put a reassuring hand on his arm.
    When the Earl felt her touch, it seemed for a moment that a tremor passed through his body. Before she could wonder at it, the Earl had straightened.
    "Come, madam. What explanation do you have for quitting your bed?"
    "Forgive me but I – I had to, my Lord. I had to warn you."
    "Warn me? Those are strong words."
    "Yes, my Lord. But you see – Fronard – may have a pistol. He was – in the gunroom – this morning."
    The Earl was suddenly still as a stone.
    "The gunroom? Who saw him there?"
    "Nancy, my Lord."
     The Earl's brows drew together as he pondered.
    "But why should he feel it necessary to have a gun? As far as he knows, I remain ignorant of his – his attachment to my wife."
    Jacina could not help but flinch at the sound of the word 'wife' on the Earl's lips. Whatever might ensue, that was who Felice was now. The Earl's wife and the Countess of Ruven. No power on earth could take those titles from her.
    "Jacina," enquired the Earl suddenly. "How strong do you feel?"
    "I feel – very well, my Lord."
    "Mmmn. Well, I must believe you, for I need you to be my eyes. Jacina, will you pay me the compliment of waltzing with me?"
    "I should be – delighted, my Lord."
    She took the Earl's arm and he led her – by instinct alone – through the crowd and onto the floor. There, the Earl asked her in a low voice to draw near.
    Trembling, Jacina obeyed. When he felt her close, the Earl gently put his arm about her waist and drew her to his breast.
    They glided out into the midst of the dancers.
    Jacina melted in the Earl's firm embrace. They swept about the ballroom in perfect harmony. The Earl moved with confidence, his step never faltering. She felt his breath on her hair.
    "What is this?" he asked.
    "My Lord?"
    The Earl raised his hand and drew from her hair the white flower she had placed there before entering the ballroom.
    "Oh, the flower I used it as – an ornament, my Lord."
     "What colour is it?"
    "White, my Lord."
    "I can imagine it in your red-gold hair," the Earl smiled.
    Jacina smiled in return, although he could not see her. How she wished they could dance forever! She was hardly aware of other faces, other figures, whirling by. Then the Earl spoke again, gently into her ear.
    "Jacina, do you see my wife still dancing?"
    Jacina let her eyes rove about the floor. They widened when she finally caught sight of Felice.
    "She is dancing, my Lord, but not – not with Lord Bulling. She has found – a new partner."
    The Earl's voice was low and contained in response,
    "And who is it, pray?"
    "Monsieur – Fronard."
    "What the deuce!" cried the Earl. "Does she dishonour me in public now?"
    Jacina winced.
    "What is the matter?" asked the Earl quickly.
    "You are – hurting – my hand, my Lord."
    The Earl loosened his grip instantly. "Forgive me," he said.
    They stood still in the centre of the floor.
    "It is time," growled the Earl menacingly. "Lead me to them."
    Jacina hesitated. She gazed up at his