The Marquis Is Trapped
THE MARQUIS IS TRAPPED
BARBARA CARTLAND
www.barbaracartland.com
Copyright © 2007 by Cartland Promotions
Copyright © 2010 by Cartland Promotions First published on the Internet in May 2010
ISBNs
978-1-908411-34-1 Epub
978-1-908411-35-8 Prc
978-1-908411-36-5 Pdf
The characters and situations in this book are entirely imaginary and bear no relation to any real person or actual happening.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval, without the prior permission in writing from the publisher.
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THE MARQUIS IS
TRAPPED
The Marquis was aware as they climbed slowly up the stairs that the Earl was somewhat unsteady.
He wondered what had been in the ‘night-cap’ and was glad he had not touched it.
The lights had already been dimmed to only three sconces in his passage, his own room being in the opposite direction to that of the Earl.
They said goodnight at the top of the stairs and as the Earl was tottering, the Marquis watched him until he reached his bedroom.
Then he walked towards his own room and opened the door.
He turned round to close it and then, as he moved a little further into the room, he came suddenly to a standstill.
He stared in front of him in sheer astonishment.
His large four-poster bed had a large ornate canopy over it.
Beneath it sitting up against the pillows was Celina!
For a moment the Marquis could not move and was speechless.
Then Celina spoke in a little voice that was hardly audible,
“I am sorry – I am – terribly sorry.”
THE BARBARA CARTLAND PINK COLLECTION
Barbara Cartland was the most prolific bestselling author in the history of the world. She was frequently in the Guinness Book of Records for writing more books in a year than any other living author. In fact her most amazing literary feat was when her publishers asked for more Barbara Cartland romances, she doubled her output from 10 books a year to over 20 books a year, when she was 77.
She went on writing continuously at this rate for 20 years and wrote her last book at the age of 97, thus completing 400 books between the ages of 77 and 97.
Her publishers finally could not keep up with this phenomenal output, so at her death she left 160 unpublished manuscripts, something again that no other author has ever achieved.
Now the exciting news is that these 160 original unpublished Barbara Cartland books are ready for publication and they will be published by Barbaracartland.com exclusively on the internet, as the web is the best possible way to reach so many Barbara Cartland readers around the world.
The 160 books will be published monthly and will be numbered in sequence.
The series is called the Pink Collection as a tribute to Barbara Cartland whose favourite colour was pink and it became very much her trademark over the years.
The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection is published only on the internet. Log on to www.barbaracartland.com to find out how you can purchase the books monthly as they are published, and take out a subscription that will ensure that all subsequent editions are delivered to you by mail order to your home.
If you do not have access to a computer you can write for information about the Pink Collection to the following address :
Barbara Cartland.com Ltd.
240 High Road,
Harrow Weald,
Harrow
HA3 7BB
United Kingdom.
Telephone & fax: +44 (0)20 8863 2520
Titles in this series
These titles are currently available for download. For more information please see the Where to buy page at the end of this book.
1. The Cross Of Love
2. Love In The Highlands
3. Love Finds The Way
4. The Castle Of Love
5. Love Is Triumphant
6. Stars In The Sky
7. The Ship Of Love
8. A Dangerous Disguise
9. Love Became Theirs
10. Love Drives In
11. Sailing To Love
12. The Star Of Love
13. Music Is The Soul Of Love
14. Love In The East
15. Theirs To Eternity
16. A Paradise On Earth
17. Love Wins In Berlin
18. In Search Of Love
19. Love Rescues Rosanna
20. A Heart In Heaven
21. The House Of Happiness
22. Royalty Defeated By Love
23. The White Witch
24. They Sought Love
25. Love Is The Reason For Living
26. They Found Their Way To Heaven
27. Learning To Love
28. Journey To Happiness
29. A Kiss In The Desert
30. The Heart Of Love
31. The Richness Of Love
32. For Ever And Ever
33. An Unexpected Love
34. Saved By An Angel
35. Touching The Stars
36. Seeking Love
37. Journey To Love
38. The Importance Of Love
39. Love By The Lake
40. A Dream Come True
41. The King Without A Heart
42. The Waters Of Love
43. Danger To The Duke
44. A Perfect Way To Heaven
45. Follow Your Heart
46. In Hiding
47. Rivals For Love
48. A Kiss From The Heart
49. Lovers In London
50. This Way To Heaven
51. A Princess Prays
52. Mine For Ever
53. The Earl’s Revenge
54. Love At The Tower
55. Ruled By Love
56. Love Came From Heaven
57. Love And Apollo
58. The Keys Of Love
59. A Castle Of Dreams
60. A Battle Of Brains
61. A Change Of Hearts
62. It Is Love
63. The Triumph Of Love
64. Wanted – A Royal Wife
65. A Kiss Of Love
66. To Heaven With Love
67. Pray For Love
68. The Marquis Is Trapped
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 p
opular 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.
“I have always loved the Highlands of Scotland – the soaring peaks of majestic mountains, the misty moorlands, the peace of wild untamed landscapes, the still waters of deep lochs – all inspire my soul and are more romantic than anyone can ever imagine.”
Barbara Cartland
CHAPTER ONE
1886
The Marquis of Kexley closed his eyes.
He was feeling incredibly tired, which was hardly surprising considering his lovemaking had been extremely fiery.
Not only that evening, but for the previous nights.
He felt sleepy and yawned,
“It’s time I went home. Otherwise when I wake up it will be morning.”
“In fact, my dearest Oliver,” a soft voice came from beside him, “that would be very much easier and happier for both of us.”
For a moment the Marquis did not understand what she was saying.
Then he stiffened.
It had never for one moment entered his head that Lady Heywood would want to marry him.
He thought now that he had been very stupid.
He had not remembered that, as she was a widow, it would be a big step up the Social ladder for her to become a Marchioness.
After being pursued by women from the moment he left school, the Marquis was only too well aware of his own importance.
He not only held an old and respected title, but he was exceedingly rich.
And, although he tried not to think about it for fear of being conceited, he was outstandingly handsome.
Now as he felt Isobel Heywood moving closer and still closer to him, every instinct in his body warned him of danger.
“If we were to be married, my dearest,” Isobel was whispering so that he could only just hear her, “I know we would be very very happy. You are undoubtedly the most wonderful lover any woman could want and I would make you a dedicated and devoted wife.”
The Marquis had to admit that this was true.
Lady Isobel Heywood had taken the Social world by storm when she first married Lord Heywood, who was nearly thirty years her senior.
He had brought her proudly to Court and naturally the Beau Monde had a great deal to say about the stupidity of any man who married a woman young enough to be his daughter.
However, Lord Heywood was infatuated, as a great number of other men were to be in the years to come
Isobel was the daughter of a country Squire, who was of local significance, but not rich enough to give her a Season in London – that would have involved a ball and innumerable luncheon and dinner parties.
All of which would have cost money and he much preferred to spend his rather meagre income on his horses and the crops on his estate.
Isobel had thus remained somewhat unnoticed in a County where most of the men were near her father’s age.
It was by chance that Lord Heywood, whilst visiting the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, had asked to see the horses of his neighbour.
Lord Heywood had been a widower for many years after his wife had died in childbirth, meaning that he had never had the son he longed for.
“I hear he has some outstanding mares,” said Lord Heywood, “and I would like to purchase one or two of his as my own mares are getting old.”
Isobel’s father was suffering badly from an arthritic leg that prevented him from walking far.
So it had fallen to Isobel to take Lord Heywood around the stables and paddock where the mares were grazing.
By the time he had left Isobel to return to the Lord Lieutenant’s house, he had acquired two horses and lost his heart.
There was certainly no question of the Squire and his daughter not being thrilled by the offer of marriage – in her wildest dreams Isobel had never thought of herself ever marrying a gentleman with a title.
Nor of being feted by the Beau Monde that she had read all about in newspapers and magazines.
When she was presented to the Prince of Wales, she thought she must have been dreaming.
She became hostess at one of the most impressive houses in Park Lane and she was well aware of the power and attraction of her beauty.
Six years later Lord Heywood had a stroke and died after being unconscious for over three months.
After the funeral Isobel felt she had everything she could ever desire in life, and she had only to cast her green eyes in the direction of a man to know that he was entirely captivated.
However, she harboured no intention whatsoever of marrying again and letting a man gain control of the money her husband had left her.
Yet when she first met the Marquis of Kexley her world turned a somersault.
She fell in love – definitely something she had never done before.
She realised that what she desired above all else was to be the Marchioness of Kexley, but she was far too intelligent by this time in her life to rush any fences.
She smiled at the Marquis invitingly, but she did not send him any invitations to dinner or luncheon.
These had to come from him.
Eventually he did ask if he could dine with her one evening after they had been seated side by side at a dinner party at Marlborough House with the Prince of Wales.
Isobel hesitated for a second and then she suggested a date at the end of the week.
“Would you like a large party?” she had asked.
“You know perfectly well,” the Marquis responded, “that I want to talk to you and learn a great deal more about you than I know at the moment.”
Isobel smiled at him and did not say anything more, as she had achieved just what she desired.
She had bought a new dress for the occasion, which was even more expensive than those she usually wore.
She took a great deal of trouble over choosing the food and, of course, the wine.
When the Marquis arrived at her fashionable house in Mayfair, she thought he might have been a Greek God coming down from Mount Olympus.
She was very aware of the admiration in his eyes as she moved towards him glittering with diamonds.
Her exquisite figure was displayed by the tightness of her gown and the smallness of her waist.
The Marquis was expecting a large party, but was not all that surprised to find that he was the only guest.
Every word over dinner had a double entendre.
They went into the drawing room when dinner was finished, but they were both so well aware that it would be much pleasanter and more comfortable to move down the passage towards the State Apartments.
When they met again three nights later, there was no question of going first to the drawing room.
At the age of thirty Isobel was at the height of her great beauty and charm and she was extremely experienced where men were concerned.
She had been faithful to her elderly husband for more than two years, but after that whenever he was sent on Government missions abroad or to the country whilst she remained in London, she took a lover.
With her beauty and her husband’s position, it was very easy.
There were always gentlemen eager to make love to a new beauty, especially if every member of their Clubs in St. James’s Street admired her.
Where Isobel was concerned, it made them feel as proud as if they had just won the Gold Cup at
Ascot – or, as one admirer told her, his horse had been first past the winning post in the Derby!
Whilst Isobel enjoyed the admiration and attention she received from her many lovers, they were not of any real significance to her.
Only when she met the Marquis did her heart begin to rule her head.
She definitely wanted to be a Marchioness and at the same time she wanted to possess his heart and body.
Now as she snuggled closer to him, she thought he must feel the same as she did.
After what she had just said, he would tell her they would find eternal happiness together as man and wife.
Instead, to her great surprise, she suddenly realised that he was asleep – his eyes were closed and he seemed to be breathing evenly.
He had obviously not heard a word of what she had just said to him!
Another woman might have been stupid enough to wake him up and repeat her suggestion.
But Isobel was too clever for that.
‘I will ask him again tomorrow,’ she told herself.
Then she laid her head gently onto his shoulder.
It was several minutes before he awoke with a jerk and for a moment he seemed to look round the room as if he was not certain where he was.
Then he exclaimed,
“Forgive me – I fell asleep! I can only apologise.”
“You are tired, my dearest, and it’s not surprising!”
“How could I be so foolish as to sleep when I am so close to you?” the Marquis asked, shaking his head.
Then he turned towards her and added,
“I must go home. Otherwise we shall be woken up by your lady’s maid, who will be extremely shocked to find you are not alone.”
“There is no hurry,” cooed Isobel softly.
“I have to think of your reputation.”
The Marquis kissed her cheek and then quickly got out of bed.
Too late she put out her arms to stop him.
“It must be nearly four o’clock,” he remarked as he began to dress. “And now I think of it, I have an important engagement this morning. I must hurry home and snatch some rest or I will not make any sense at all.”