A Kiss from the Heart by Barbara Cartland

immediately after the meal he would set off for the Grange to show his plans to Sir George.
    â€˜That way I shall be able to avoid having to entertain Lady Waterton too!’
    He arrived in the dining room and was relieved that their guest had changed out of her bilious outfit and now wore a pretty floral dress that was more becoming.
    â€œSit next to Florence, darling,” exhorted his mother.
    Without any murmur of complaint the Earl took his allotted place.
    At close quarters and without that ridiculous hat Lady Waterton was an attractive woman. With her reddish hair and bold face there was something about her that now reminded him of a Pre-Raphaelite painting he had seen at an exhibition.
    She was also, as his mother had said, an excellent conversationalist and when luncheon arrived they were talking about hunting and horses. It transpired that she was keen to immerse herself in country pursuits.
    â€œIs there a hunt meeting in the area?” she enquired. “I have brought my riding habit with me.”
    â€œNaturally,” he replied. “On the first Saturday of every month. You are very fortunate in your timing, Lady Waterton, as there is one this weekend.”
    â€œExcellent!” she cried, clapping her hands together.
    By the time that coffee had been served, he thought rather more of Lady Waterton than at first.
    But there was someone else who was occupying his thoughts –
    â€œMama,” he announced. “I am going over to the Whitbys this afternoon. I have some plans I wish to show Sir George.”
    â€œVery wise, dear,” replied his mother, enjoying her raspberries and cream.
    â€œI would just love to see your estate,” hinted Lady Waterton.
    â€œI am afraid that I must visit our neighbour on some urgent business,” responded the Earl, as courteously as he could. “But we shall make certain that you see the estate before your visit comes to an end.”
    He made his apologies and left. He fancied that he caught a slight look of disappointment as he bade farewell to Lady Waterton.
    He felt as if he had been freed from prison by the time he was galloping across the fields on Monty.
    He could not wait to show Sir George his plans, but equally the thought of being able to see the lovely Miranda again made his blood course faster.
    As he arrived at The Grange, his heart leapt as he spied Miranda in the garden, helping her mother cut the last of the roses.
    She waved as he dismounted and set down her trug.
    â€œThe stable boy will take care of your horse,” she called to him in her musical voice that touched something inside him. “He is a fine specimen, what is his name?”
    â€œMonty,” replied the Earl. “I hope he will not cause any trouble in your stable – he can be a little high-spirited.”
    â€œThen he shall go into the field,” she suggested, as a stable boy appeared as if summoned by magic.
    The boy led Monty off and Miranda bade him enter the house.
    â€œPapa is in his study. Walk with me there.”
    â€œI have the most wonderful ideas for the estate,” he blurted out, finding himself turning into a small boy again, full of enthusiasm and eager to share it. “I am planning a new dairy farm and workmen’s cottages.”
    â€œExcellent,” said Miranda, pushing open the front door. “You will make your estate the most important and modern in the whole County, if not the entire country! If you need any help, you must come and ask me. I confess I am bored stiff since I returned from London. There is only so much help I can give Mama in the garden!”
    They halted outside the study door while Miranda knocked softly.
    â€˜Could she really consider working for me?’ mused the Earl.
    The prospect of having an excuse to see her every day appeared highly attractive.
    â€œEnter!”
    â€œIn you go. I must return to the garden, but you must promise me that you will think about what I