A Castle of Dreams by Barbara Cartland

at the end of a straight corridor on the second floor of the tall tower at the North side of the Castle.
    She pushed open a door and cried out in delight.
    A large music room lay before her and although the carpet and curtains were old and shabby, the grand piano in the middle of the room shone from regular polishing and when Viola touched one of the keys, it sounded in tune.
    She sat on the tartan covered piano stool and played a little lullaby she had learnt a long time ago.
    â€œYou have a good touch, Viola.”
    She spun round –
    The Duke of Glentorran had been sitting in a high- backed armchair on the far side of the room hidden from her view.
    Now he stood up, a sheaf of papers in his hand, his dark hair tousled.
    â€œOh, you startled me!  I am so sorry.  Did I disturb you?  I thought this room was empty.”
    â€œNo need to apologise.  I am only too pleased to be diverted from reading these lists of figures over and over again.  They are poor fare for such a lovely day.”
    He smiled at Viola, his serious face suddenly alight with warmth.
    â€œThe piano belongs to Meg by the way, not me.  She plays it very well, but she is so busy these days trying to cope with everything in the Castle with so few staff that she has no time to practise.”
    He stood up, crossed to the piano and stood looking down at Viola.
    â€œI confess I am surprised to find you indoors, Viola.  I just imagined that you would be out in our wild gardens or walking on the beach.”
    Viola blushed.
    There was no way she could tell him she had been trying not to disturb her brother and his sister!
    â€œI intend to go for a walk soon,” she murmured.  “I want to explore the Castle this morning.  I have only seen a little of it so far and I would hate to leave Scotland without knowing all its beauty and surprises.”
    He laughed, his normally stern face transformed.
    â€œOch, Viola, I think you could explore Glentorran Castle for months and still not discover all its secrets.
    â€œWhy, only recently I was searching for a book up in the attic and discovered a cupboard full of old paintings.  Obviously they had been stored away many years ago and forgotten.”
    â€œAnd do you like them?”
    The Duke smiled.
    â€œIt’s very hard to tell.  They are so dirty and dusty.  I imagine that they must have been collected by one of my ancestors.  I must show them to your brother one evening.  Perhaps he can tell me how old they are.”
    Viola turned away from him so he could not see her face.
    â€œSo the Castle has its own mysteries.  What about you?  Do you have any secrets, Robert?”
    â€œMe?”
    The Duke sounded surprised.
    â€œNo, I don’t believe in secrets.  They only cause trouble and grief.”
    â€œBut sometimes people will keep information and opinions from their friends and family because they might upset them or be hurtful in some way.”
    The Duke shook his head.
    â€œNo, Viola.  I agree that at times people do things out of a misguided sense of caring.  But I have no time for such actions.  Tell the truth and shame the devil – that is my motto and always will be.”
    Viola now stood up abruptly, her fingers hitting the keyboard with a loud harsh noise.
    She winced.
    â€œIf you will excuse me, I must get myself ready for lunch and go for my walk,” she blurted out as she hurried towards the door.
    The Duke stared after her frowning.
    Whatever had he said to upset her, as her mood had certainly changed in the last few seconds.
    â€œBefore you leave me, I meant to ask you, Viola.  Tonight the fisherfolk are holding a ceilidh in Glentorran village.  I am just wondering if you would be interested in attending?”
    Viola turned to look at him.
    â€œA ceilidh?”
    Robert smiled.
    â€œAn evening of Scottish songs and dancing.  It will not be like any dance you have ever attended