This Way to Heaven Read Online Free PDF Page A

had not been swept or rooms where the drapes had not been dusted for weeks or the windows opened to prevent damp.
    She was more than conscious that she was so very young for such a responsible job and was determined not to disappoint the Earl in any way.
    A violent knocking at the scullery door made her jump.
    â€œWho on earth is that – out in this weather?” said Mrs. Rush.
    Mary ran into the scullery to unlatch the back door and had to fight to open it against the howling gale as the banging sounded again.
    To her astonishment, George, the man she loved so much, staggered indoors carrying a large burden covered in snow.
    He gasped for breath as the warmth of the kitchen caught in his throat.
    â€œGeorge! Whatever’s happened?”
    â€œHere! Quick! It’s a young lady. Found her out in Bridgend Woods. Can’t tell if she’s alive or dead!”
    â€œ What ? Oh, my goodness! Mrs. Rush! Quickly, please bring towels and stoke up the fire. And we’ll need blankets and brandy too. Bring her over here, George, and lay her down alongside the fire. Where did you say you found her?”
    â€œOver in Bridgend Woods. She’s a-wearing ridin’ clothes and right strange ones at that, but there was no sign of any ’orse. I reckon she was thrown. Look – see that cut and bump on her forehead? She was lyin’ beside a big old tree trunk. That’s what I reckon she hit her ’ead on when she fell.”
    Mary smoothed the soaking wet hair back from the girl’s brow.
    She slid her finger to one side of her throat and frowned.
    Was there a pulse?
    â€œYes! She’s alive! Thank God for that! Listen, we must call the doctor and hope he can take her away to a hospital immediately.”
    She glanced up at George and felt the colour rising in her cheeks at the warmth of his gaze.
    Then she realised the young farmer was shaking his head, the snowflakes melting on his dark red hair.
    â€œNo, Mary. The nearest doctor is Doctor Meade in Debbingford and there’s no way he can get ’ere. The snow’s already several feet deep. The castle’s cut off from the town.”
    Mrs. Rush hurried into the room and helped Mary pull the waterproof cape from the girl’s still body.
    â€œWe need to get her out of these wet clothes and into a warm bed or she won’t stay alive for long!”
    Mary bit her lip.
    â€œBut we can’t possibly keep her in the castle, Mrs. Rush! The Earl would never allow it. Heavens, he refuses to even see callers, people he’s known all his life, let alone have a strange invalid staying here for goodness knows how long!”
    The elderly cook pursed her lips and chaffed at the girl’s hands.
    â€œWhat the eyes don’t see, the heart won’t grieve over.”
    Mary stared at her for a second and then made up her mind.
    â€œGeorge – you must carry her upstairs. We can’t deal with her on the kitchen floor! Mrs. Rush, bring the hot water and brandy.”
    George picked up the girl as if she weighed nothing and followed Mary out of the kitchen and down the long staff corridor.
    Their feet were very silent on the rough matting and then they ascended the cold winding stone steps the maids climbed to reach the top floors of the castle without using the main staircase.
    Mary now picked up an oil lamp and hurried along a narrow corridor to a room in the South turret of the castle.
    â€œQuick! In here! Put her down on the bed – gently now, George. The poor thing. I wonder who she is? She certainly isn’t anyone who lives locally.”
    â€œWell, reckon we just won’t know until she comes round – if she ever does!” said George gloomily.
    He backed right away from the bed, glancing round nervously at the fine curtains and thick rugs on the floor.
    â€œWhose room is this then, Mary? It’s all made up ready. Is the Earl expecting guests for Christmas?”
    Mary was about to answer