This Way to Heaven Read Online Free PDF Page B

turned back towards the bed, feeling sick with worry and apprehension.
    Then she gasped.
    Two very blue eyes were open and staring up at her from the pale face on the lace pillow.
    A hand lifted from the coverlet towards her.
    â€œWhere – am – I?” the girl whispered, but as Mary was about to answer her, she heard the Earl calling out,
    â€œMary! Mary!”
    And she knew she must go to him immediately.

CHAPTER THREE
    Mary down bent over the bed and put her finger to her lips as the girl was about to speak.
    â€œHush!” she cautioned. “Don’t say a word. You must stay silent. I will be back in an instant.”
    And she hurried out.
    Jasmina lay very still.
    She felt most dreadfully hot, her head ached and the room was spinning around her in a most alarming fashion.
    What had happened? Where was she now? Back at Harley Grange?
    No – the woman who had placed the cool bandage on her forehead was not someone she had ever met before.
    And this strange bedroom with its lace trimmings and its beautiful turquoise and gold curtains embroidered with wonderful peacock tails was certainly not the one she had used in her aunt’s home.
    Jasmina struggled to sit up and groaned as a flash of pain shot through her head. She sank back again, but her memory was returning.
    She had had an accident – but how?
    Her horse! Lightning – the snow – had he fallen in a drift?
    All she could recall was galloping wildly through the blizzard – then – nothing.
    â€˜Oh, my goodness! I reckon I am lucky to be alive. I wonder what happened to Lightning. Oh, I do hope he is not hurt. But who found me and why did they bring me here? Where is here and why did that woman want me to be quiet?’
    Once more she tried to get out of bed, but her head was spinning and she knew she would faint if she stood up.
    *
    Downstairs in the great castle, the Earl crossed to the velvet bell pull by the fireplace in his study and tugged at it in irritation.
    He had tried calling for Pardew when he had found the main castle door unlocked on his return home, but there had been no reply.
    He was cold, tired and hungry.
    He knew that he had not been expected, as he had told his housekeeper that he would be away in London for several days, but surely some members of his staff were on duty?
    There was suddenly a gentle knock on the door and Mary hurried in.
    Some of the Earl’s temper vanished at the sight of her calm face.
    He had always liked the girl who had served as his wife’s personal lady’s maid.
    Her smooth dark hair was neatly plaited, arranged round her ears in two thick coils. The white collar of her black dress was as pristine as ever and the keys at her waist jingled in a familiar manner.
    â€œAh, Mary. As you can see, I am back home again. Where’s Pardew? He should still be about, surely. I need a hot drink and something to eat – some soup, cold beef and pickles, perhaps? See what cook can provide.”
    Mary nodded, trying to keep her breathing steady.
    She had run all the way from the South Turret and her heart was racing. She was certain that the Earl could see it beating under her thin black dress.
    â€œI believe Mr. Pardew has retired by now, my Lord. He felt – I think he felt unwell.”
    It was impossible for her to inform the Earl that his butler had poured half a bottle of the castle’s best brandy into his tea and was even now lying fast asleep and snoring in his pantry!
    The Earl looked up sharply from some documents he was studying. He had a very good idea what ailed his butler and knew he had to do something about it very soon. But now was not the time.
    He was well aware in his heart of hearts that he was neglecting his servants and that he was not living up to the responsibilities of his position, but somehow he could not summon up the energy to tackle the problem.
    â€œDid the snow prevent you from travelling down to London, my Lord?” Mary