A Castle of Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page B

idea, my Lord, but I assure you I intend to find out.  Now, if you will excuse me, I must oversee the rest of the passengers.”
    Viola and David stood close together on the steeply sloping deck, watching while the first lifeboat was lowered and the other passengers scrambled aboard.
    Suddenly Viola could hear shouting from the water close by.
    She peered over the edge as a rowing boat appeared out of the mist close to the ship.
    There was a young man at the oars with his red hair plastered to his head by the driving rain, his strong arms effortlessly powering the boat forward.
    Another man was standing in the prow, balancing himself with ease as the waves tossed the boat around.  He was wearing a dark rain jacket and had a fisherman’s hat pulled down as far as his shoulders.
    He waved imperiously at Viola and David as he shouted up to the deck,
    â€œYou need to jump now!  The ship’s beginning to settle.”
    â€œYou go first, David!”
    â€œCertainly not!  Jump Viola!  I’ll be right behind you”
    Viola swung herself over the rail, balanced for a second or two and then let herself drop down towards the man in the rowing boat.
    Strong arms caught hold of her and for a minute they swayed together as the boat rocked under her weight.
    â€œThank you!  Thank you so much!”
    Viola tilted her head back to look up at her rescuer and then gulped.
    He pushed his floppy hat back from his sodden face and she instantly recognised the stern dark face of Robert, the Duke of Glentorran.

CHAPTER THREE
    â€œ You !”
    Robert, the Duke of Glentorran, gazed down at the face that had haunted his dreams for months.
    The same dark blue eyes and perfect mouth.
    Although her long hair was darkened to amber by the driving rain and spray, he would have recognised her anywhere.
    â€œYour Grace – ”
    Viola’s voice was no more than a whisper.
    She could not think clearly, especially as the Duke was still holding her tightly in his arms as the little rowing boat swayed alarmingly in the rough sea.
    For a long second they just stared into each other’s eyes and then the Duke gave his head a little shake.
    â€œWe will talk later,” he grunted abruptly whilst he helped her to a seat.
    â€œMy brother, sir.  He has not been well.  He is very weak.  I don’t know if he can manage to jump down into this boat.”
    Viola stared up to where David was leaning against the ship’s railing far above her head.
    But not that far now!
    The luxurious vessel was slowly sinking.
    Without another word, the Duke swung himself up a rope hanging over the side of the ship and helped David clamber down it.
    He eased him safely into the rowing boat, frowning as he saw the young man’s white face.
    David was now shaking violently and looked half- unconscious and desperately ill.
    â€œHow many more are still left on board?” the Duke shouted to Viola above the howling of the wind.
    She wiped spray from her eyes.
    â€œThe Captain and some of his crew, Your Grace.”
    Just then another rowing boat appeared through the mist and the Duke shouted in a strange language to the men manning its oars.
    Then he turned to his red-headed companion.
    â€œThey will take the Captain and his crew to safety.  Row us to shore, Fergus, to the Castle, not the harbour.  As fast as you can.  I must get the Viscount into the warm.”
    â€œViscount no longer,” murmured Viola. “Our father has died and David is now the Earl of Northcombe.”
    The Duke nodded.
    â€œMy deep condolences, Lady Viola.  But whatever his title, he needs to be in a warm bed very quickly with a doctor in full attendance.  Why on earth did you allow him to travel in this state?”
    Viola tossed her head at the reproof in his voice.
    Was this man just always going to find fault with everything she did?  At least she was not trying to marry for money!
    â€œI thought the