The Importance of Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

it is highly likely that his and Grandmama’s marriage was not a love match. With his being the heir to such a vast and powerful title, it would have been only natural for his parents to have sought a political alliance.’
    His grandmother had been an Earl’s daughter and the marriage of the two great and powerful families lent both sides considerable weight in the world at large. Although she had a brother, she had inherited all of her mother’s property and fortune and that had enriched the family further.
    But love?
    The Viscount shook his head as he spoke aloud,
    â€œAlthough Grandmama clearly loved Grandpapa, I was never certain that it was reciprocated. Respect and admiration, yes – but passion? No. He found that in this French woman’s arms, that much is definite.”
    He put down Mr. Brownlow’s letter and gazed out of the window of his study.
    The small garden was blooming and he noted that the roses had done very well this year.
    The thought that he might enjoy a garden but in a more beautiful setting made him come to a decision.
    And then, there was the prospect of stamping his own mark on Torr House.
    His thoughts were interrupted by Hoskin asking what he would like to wear to the dinner at the Reform Club that evening.
    â€œI shall not be going,” he said decisively. “Please begin packing my things. We are going to Devon.”
    â€œDevon, my Lord?”
    â€œYes, Hoskin. I want you to go downstairs and assemble the servants. I shall make an announcement in fifteen minutes. Tell them not to worry – no one is going to lose their job. I shall need every last pair of hands with what I have in mind.”
    The valet bowed and left the room.
    The Viscount picked up Mr. Brownlow’s letter once more and flicked through the deeds.
    There was one photograph of the place, taken in the days when it had been the most important house in the area. The tall Jacobean chimney pots and tessellated windows gave it an air of ageing dignity, while the oak frame contrasted with the rich earthy-coloured bricks looked homely rather than grand.
    â€˜It should have been a house filled with children,’ he mused, surprised at himself for thinking such a thought.
    Setting down the photograph, he took up his sketchpad and quickly drew the outline of the house. Once that was completed, he sketched in a new wing to the left and an orangery to the right.
    â€˜It’s a pity I do not have a rear elevation,’ he was considering, as a knock on the door alerted him that Hoskin had returned to tell him that the servants were ready.
    Getting up from his chair, he went out into the hall to impart his news.
    â€œI shall require two servants to remain in London to look after this house,” he said. “If anyone would care to volunteer, it would save me a great deal of anxiety.”
    The butler, Bellamy, and his wife the housekeeper, immediately stepped forward.
    â€œGood, I was hoping you might offer. Now, we leave for Devon in a few days and you must have all your belongings ready to take with you. You will be travelling down to Devon by train and conveyed from the station to the house. Once I have more details, I shall inform you all.”
    They filed out of the hall to resume their duties. The Viscount knew that the next few days would pass very quickly and he intended to set down as many ideas as he could.
    â€˜I will do as Grandpapa wished,’ he vowed, as he gazed at the sepia photograph once more. ‘I will make him proud of me, up in Heaven, even if my own father refuses to acknowledge I exist!’
    *
    The Viscount did make one further attempt to visit his father, but to no avail, but he did bump into his grandmother in the foyer at Claridge’s taking afternoon tea and they sat and chatted.
    â€œI am so sorry that things have become so strained between you and your father,” she sighed. “I have tried to speak with him on several occasions,