An Introduction To The Eternal Collection Jubilee Edition (149 page)

“Come here!”

She was arrested in full flight, yet she did not turn, but answered with her back towards him.

“I – will return – later.”

“Come here, Caroline,”

There was no mistaking the authority in his voice, though his eyes still smiled.

“Do you – command me?”

“Yes, and you shall obey me.”

“Indeed, and would it be indiscreet to ask why I should do so?”

“Come here and I will tell you.”

At last Caroline turned. She looked across the room at Vane, then she drew in her breath and her lips parted. Very, very slowly she retraced her steps, her eyes on his, her cheeks flushed, the soft laces of her gown fluttering from the tumult within her breast.

She drew nearer, and yet Vane made no movement towards her, but waited until she stood beside him. Then her eyes dropped before the look in his. For a moment, watching her, he did not speak, but at last he asked very gently,

“Are you afraid of me, Caroline?”

She glanced up at him, then as quickly veiled her eyes again with her long lashes.

“Answer me,” he said when she did not reply.

“A – little – I think,” she whispered.

“Look at me!” he commanded, but she could not for an overwhelming shyness and a sweet trembling of her limbs.

It was then Vane put his arms around her and, when she would have hidden her face against his shoulder, he raised his hand to her chin and turned her face up to his.

“Tomorrow we leave for Paris, you and I, Caroline,” he said softly then as her eyes widened, he added, “We go on our honeymoon. We shall be alone. Will you be afraid of being alone with me, my sweet, wild, unconquered love?”

“Oh, Vane!”

Caroline was quivering now beneath the touch of his hand.

“And even if you are afraid, my darling, it will avail you little, for I would remind you of something.”

Vane’s hold tightened. Caroline saw the sudden fire in his eyes, felt the quick beating of his heart, and was conscious of an answering flame rising within herself.

“I would remind you,” Vane repeated, his mouth very near to hers, ‘that you are mine, my lovely. Mine now and for all time - mine and – my wife.”

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

The Barbara Cartland Eternal Collection is the unique opportunity to collect as ebooks all five hundred of the timeless beautiful romantic novels written by the world’s most celebrated and enduring romantic author.

Named the Eternal Collection because Barbara’s inspiring stories of pure love, just the same as love itself, the books will be published on the internet at the rate of four titles per month until all five hundred are available.

The Eternal Collection , classic pure romance available worldwide for all time .

1. Elizabethan Lover *
   
2. The Little Pretender *
   
3. A Ghost in Monte Carlo *
   
4. A Duel of Hearts *
   
5. The Saint and the Sinner
   
6. The Penniless Peer
   
7. The Proud Princess
   
8. The Dare-Devil Duke
   
9. Diona and a Dalmatian
   
10. A Shaft of Sunlight
    
11. Lies for Love
    
12. Love and Lucia
    
13. Love and the Loathsome Leopard
    
14. Beauty or Brains
    

* This volume

THE LATE DAME BARBARA CARTLAND

Barbara Cartland, who sadly died in May 2000 at the grand age of ninety eight, remains one of the world’s most famous romantic novelists.  With worldwide sales of over one billion, her outstanding 723 books have been translated into thirty six different languages, to be enjoyed by readers of romance globally.

Writing her first book ‘Jigsaw’ at the age of 21, Barbara became an immediate bestseller.  Building upon this initial success, she wrote continuously throughout her life, producing bestsellers for an astonishing 76 years.  In addition to Barbara Cartland’s legion of fans in the UK and across Europe, her books have always been immensely popular in the USA.  In 1976 she achieved the unprecedented feat of having books at numbers 1 & 2 in the prestigious B. Dalton Bookseller bestsellers list.

Although she is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Romance’, Barbara Cartland also wrote several historical biographies, six autobiographies and numerous theatrical plays as well as books on life, love, health and cookery.  Becoming one of Britain’s most popular media personalities and dressed in her trademark pink, Barbara spoke on radio and television about social and political issues, as well as making many public appearances.

In 1991 she became a Dame of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to literature and her work for humanitarian and charitable causes.

Known for her glamour, style, and vitality Barbara Cartland became a legend in her own lifetime.  Best remembered for her wonderful romantic novels and loved by millions of readers worldwide, her books remain treasured for their heroic heroes, plucky heroines and traditional values.  But above all, it was Barbara Cartland’s overriding belief in the positive power of love to help, heal and improve the quality of life for everyone that made her truly unique.

AN INTRODUCTION

to

THE ETERNAL COLLECTION

Barbara Cartland

Barbara Cartland Ebooks Ltd

Copyright Cartland Promotions
© 2012

eBook conversion by
M-Y Books