Free A Dream Come True by Barbara Cartland Page A

wide open. I thought I’d find you here.”
    â€œMrs. Darrowby, are you aware that Doctor Maybury had prescribed laudanum to Mama?”
    She cast down her eyes and looked uneasy.
    â€œI told the doctor that you would not be happy, but he told me to mind my own business and be sure not to give her any of my, what he called, witches potions.”
    â€œI would rather you had given her something of your own making, Mrs. Darrowby. You should have brought this to my attention.”
    â€œI am sorry, miss. I was going to and then I became distracted.”
    Lucia sighed and handed the bottle to Mrs. Darrowby.
    â€œPlease put this concoction down the sink at once. I do not mean to chastise you, but I will not have my Mama taking that filthy stuff!”
    Mrs. Darrowby went into the bathroom and threw the liquid down the plug. Upon returning, she quickly poured some tea and handed a cup to Lucia.
    â€œShall I mix up one of my herbals, miss? She needs something to help her sleep and to dull the pain.”
    â€œBy all means and I’m sorry that I snapped at you. It was just such a shock to see the laudanum on her bedside cabinet. He attempted to give it to her last time he called, before we engaged Doctor – ”
    â€œRun along and make her something more suitable,” exhorted Lucia, as the housekeeper bobbed a curtsy and left the room.
    â€œLucia, is that you?”
    Her mother opened her eyes and seemed distressed.
    â€œMama, I am here,” said Lucia soothingly. “Now you must rest and not exert yourself.”
    â€œWhere is your stepfather?” she asked. “He has not been in to see me today.”
    â€œHe is occupied with business matters, Mama. How are you feeling?”
    â€œA little woozy. The medicine that doctor gave me has such a bitter flavour.”
    â€œMama, I need to speak with you.”
    â€œIs something wrong, darling?” asked her mother looking dismayed.
    â€œNothing to alarm yourself about. It is just that I shall not be at the Hall during the week for the foreseeable future. Stepfather has found me employment.”
    â€œEmployment!” she cried, trying to sit up in bed. “What nonsense is this?”
    â€œMama, I have no choice. Lord Winterton has kindly offered to help us out of our current financial plight and in return, I will work for him as a secretary.”
    A low moan came from her mother.
    â€œOh, is this what we are reduced to? My daughter forced to take work as a mere secretary.”
    â€œBut I shall not be just a secretary, Mama. Besides, I cannot withdraw as my working for him is a condition of the loan. Lord Winterton is an important man in the County and from what he says, he needs help in running his many businesses.”
    â€œHe means he needs help escaping from his paramours. Oh, Lucia! He is not the kind of man you should be working for. The man is a rake!”
    Lucia was shocked at her mother’s vehemence. Her eyes were staring and she seemed to be very distressed.
    â€œHe has led a life of looseness and has dubious morals,” she continued. “No woman is safe in his presence. I hope he has arranged a chaperone for you? If not, you must insist.
    You cannot have your reputation ruined and you know I have long desired that you make a good match when the time comes for you to be married.”
    A lump rose in Lucia’s throat.
    â€˜How can I tell Mama that I am part of the bargain?’ she thought as she watched her mother begin to cry.
    â€œI am certain that he is not as black as he is painted, Mama – ” she began.
    â€œYou do not know him. You are young and innocent and not familiar with the ways of men such as he. He is a marriage wrecker and thinks nothing of compromising the virtue of ladies. Why, only last year, some poor wretch had to be sent away to the coast.”
    Lucia grasped her mother’s meaning at once. There was only reason why young ladies from good