Free Hide and Seek for Love by Barbara Cartland

did look very thin.
    He thought the same when he met Nanny and was certain that the lines on her face were owing to deprivation rather than age.
    After the excellent meat, there was some fruit and following that cheese.
    â€œWe have not seen one of these for years,” Benina enthused, “and my parents loved really good cheese.”
    David noticed that although she was delighted with the cheese, she could not eat very much.
    Having been so long in India, he knew the reason only too well – people who had been starving could never eat very much until they gradually acclimatised themselves to more and better nourishment.
    They retired to bed early because he was tired.
    David had found out from Benina that there was a chaise available for hire if he wanted it.
    â€œWhat about our own horses?” he asked her.
    â€œI think that they are too weak if you are going into town.  They have been out to grass all winter and are only now getting enough to eat.”
    David’s lips tightened.
    If there was one thing that infuriated him most, it was unnecessary cruelty to animals and he knew only too well what effect this would have on well-bred horses.
    â€œI am going to give you a list, Benina, of items we need urgently, like feed for the horses, and something for us to drink.  Perhaps you could go into the village whilst I am seeing my grandfather’s Bank Manager?”
    â€œI thought that is what you would do, my Lord.  I know it is very stupid of me, but I did not think before how we could gain access to the cellar.”
    â€œDid my grandfather have nothing to drink?”
    â€œHe did sometimes, I think just when he felt ill, but he kept the keys of the rooms and cupboards to himself, so I have never been inside the cellar.”
    â€œI can see we have a lot of exploring to do, Benina, but first I must go and see the Bank Manager, so that we know exactly where we stand.”
    Benina agreed to this plan of action and then she took David upstairs.
    He washed in a room that had obviously not been cleaned or dusted for a long time, but after cooking dinner, Nanny had done the best she could to the Master bedroom.
    Actually David did not really feel like sleeping in his grandfather’s bed, but he knew it would upset Benina and Nanny as they had taken so much trouble for him.
    It was certainly an imposing room and had been the Master Suite for many generations.
    The huge four-poster bed was hung with curtains that had faded and were torn but were still colourful.
    David bade Benina goodnight and then he asked as an afterthought,
    â€œWhere do you and Nanny sleep?”
    There was a little pause before she answered,
    â€œYou may think it perhaps rather impertinent of us, but we were not very comfortable in the old nursery where your grandfather put us, and there were so many flights of stairs for Nanny to climb – ”
    She paused before she added apologetically,
    â€œIt was when the Marquis was so ill and required a lot of attention that we both moved down to this floor.”
    â€œThat was quite right.  It would have been silly for you to do otherwise.”
    Benina smiled.
    â€œYou are so kind and understanding, my Lord.  We were so frightened you would be like your grandfather and turn us out immediately.”
    â€œI have already told you, Benina, that I need your help.  There is no one else to tell me the appalling things that have been happening here and somehow I have to put it all right.”
    Benina drew in her breath.
    â€œCan you – really?”
    â€œI will do my best.”
    â€œI think you are wonderful!  Now, I must go and tell Nanny at once.”
    She ran to the door then stopped to look back.
    â€œThank you for being you .  Nanny and I will have breakfast ready for you in the study at eight-thirty.”
    She was gone again before David could reply.
    He heard her running down the corridor.
    He thought as he undressed that he