Free Love is Triumphant by Barbara Cartland

have a good mind and a generous heart, and you should never marry until you find a man who values them above looks, above advancement and above money."
    There was something in his tone that touched her heart, and for a moment she almost softened. But the mention of money conjured up Lettice Holden and inwardly she drew back.
    "Then I think I shall never marry," she said with a careless shrug, "since where is such a man to be found? Nowhere, I would have thought."
    "Don't," he said fiercely. "Don't talk like that."
    "I shall speak as I please. How dare you try to give me orders!"
    "I do not order. I implore. You're about to enter a world where everything is for sale and all true values are turned upside down."
    "Do you think you have to tell me that?" she flashed. "Haven't I reason to know it?"
    "Yes, that's what makes me afraid for you. You're so full of anger and mistrust, but I beg you not to become hard and suspicious."
    "No, I should be stupid and trusting like other girls, and believe everything a man tells me."
    "Of course not. It's right that you remember your friend, but don't let it turn you against the world. You're sweet and gentle, and that is what makes you lovable, not – "
    He checked himself abruptly. In his eagerness he had seized her hands and was holding them tightly. There was a burning light in his eyes as he looked at her, and she could feel his warm breath fanning her face.
    Startled, Rosina gazed back at him so that their eyes met and she seemed to be looking directly into his soul. At the same time she had a disconcerting feeling that he too was looking into her soul.
    She took fright. How dare he do this, as though every thought and feeling she had was opened up to him. How dare he understand her!
    She snatched her hands back, turning away from him.
    "Forgive me," he said. "I didn't mean to – what you do is none of my business."
    "Indeed it is not," she said in a shaking voice.
    "I wish you every success Miss Clarendon. You deserve the best that the world has to offer."
    Without warning she found herself on the verge of tears. She took a moment to control herself, then turned back to smile at him, wanting to be friends again.
    But he had gone.
    *
    At last the night of Rosina's debut ball arrived. The great ballroom was gloriously decorated with flowers, the orchestra was taking its place, beginning to tune up.
    Rosina stood in front of the mirror, taking in the sight of herself in her fabulous white dress. Pearls gleamed softly in her hair, in her ears and around her neck.
    Rosina drew a long breath, trying to believe that this vision was really her.
    "My love, you look so beautiful!" her mother said ecstatically. "All the men will fall in love with you."
    "I don't want to be greedy, Mama," Rosina said demurely. "Five or six will do."
    Sir Elroy appeared and kissed his daughter.
    "You look lovely, my dear."
    "Oh Papa, if only Charles had managed to be here!"
    "I know. His last letter said that he would do his best, but obviously it wasn't possible. Now we must go down to greet our guests, who will be arriving soon."
    The three of them went out into the corridor just as Sir John appeared from his room. He stopped and stood looking at her as if he could not believe his eyes.
    "Miss Clarendon," he stammered, "may I say that you look – magnificent?"
    "Thank you kind sir. And you too look exactly right."
    He was in white tie and tails and looked, she was sure,
    more splendid than any man had ever looked.
    "Thank you, ma'am," he said, bowing slightly.
    She pulled herself together. It would never do to let him think she was gaping at him.
    "I'm sure Miss Holden will approve," she said, recovering herself.
    "Miss Holden?" echoed Sir Elroy, who was not quite abreast of events. "Is she – ?"
    "Don't let us stand here chattering," his wife broke in with a determined smile. "Our guests await."
    The four of them walked down the broad staircase just as the butler opened the door and announced the first