A Teacher of Love Read online

  A TEACHER OF LOVE

  BARBARA CARTLAND

  www.barbaracartland.com

  Copyright © 2010 by Cartland Promotions

  First published on the internet in August 2010 by Barbaracartland.com

  ISBNs

  978-1-908411-56-3 Epub

  978-1-908411-57-0 Prc

  978-1-908411-58-7 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.

  eBook conversion by M-Y Books

  A TEACHER OF LOVE

  Tasia walked resolutely towards the Earl.

  “Good evening, my Lord, I think perhaps you are looking for your sons?”

  The Earl stared at her.

  Her golden hair was perfectly haloed by the light of the candles behind her.

  She was, he thought, extremely pretty, but unexpected in his own house.

  “Who are you?” he demanded curtly.

  “I am the new tutor to Peter and Simon.”

  “The tutor!” he exclaimed. “Are you joking?”

  “No, I am definitely their tutor, my Lord. Whilst you were away, three tutors walked out, refusing to try any more to teach them. As there was no other man available, I took their place.”

  The Earl drew in his breath.

  “Then all I can say,” he snarled, “is that you have done your job exceedingly badly! Now, as my sons have insulted my guest, I intend to punish them.”

  “You must do nothing of the sort, my Lord, for the simple reason that it is my fault that they put the kitten in your visitor’s bed.”

  “Your fault?”

  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

  69. Hide And Seek For Love

  70. Hiding from Love

  71. A Teacher of Love

  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 theatri
cal 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.

  “No one can teach you love. Love comes from deep in your soul and has been placed there by God.”

  Barbara Cartland

  CHAPTER ONE

  -

  1873

  Tasia walked into the house and handed her riding whip and gloves to Yates, the butler.

  “Did you have a nice ride, Miss Tasia?”

  “Delightful, thank you, Yates. Any sign of Papa yet?”

  “I don’t think his Lordship will arrive much before dinner, Miss Tasia.”

  “Then I have plenty of time to change.”

  Tasia ran up the stairs, thinking how much she had enjoyed riding in Rotten Row, although it would have been even more enjoyable if she had been in the country.

  Her father, however, had insisted on her coming to London.

  She had reluctantly left the horses she adored in the country. The horses were extra special to her because for the last two they had been almost her only companions.

  When she was eighteen, Tasia, the daughter of Lord Salwicke, had been about to make her debut in the London Season.

  She had inherited her mother’s good looks and was exceedingly beautiful with her glorious golden hair.

  Her father had thought it only needed the expensive wardrobe he had purchased for her for Tasia to become one of the beauties of the London Season.

  She would certainly eclipse, he thought proudly, all the other young debutantes who were being presented at Court at the same time.

  Tasia had been christened ‘Anastasia’ after one of her Godmothers, a Russian Princess, but from the moment she could speak she had called herself ‘Tasia’.

  Her father and mother finally gave up the effort of attempting to make people call her by her longer and more distinguished name.

  Everything was arranged for her ball at their large house in Grosvenor Square and already her many friends had begun to invite her to the Season’s balls and parties.

  Then unexpectedly, just six weeks before they were to move to London, Tasia’s mother, Lady Salwicke, was taken seriously ill.

  The doctors found it difficult to diagnose her illness but she needed nursing both day and night, making it impossible for her husband and Tasia to leave her.

  Tasia adored her Mama and was at her bedside every possible moment.

  Sadly, Lady Salwicke died after a year’s illness and her husband and daughter had been heartbroken.

  As they were now in deep mourning, it meant that it was impossible for Tasia to join in the London Season.

  So she remained in the country and rode her horses daily on her father’s estate.

  As the family home was in a rather isolated part of the country there were few neighbours and she seldom saw anyone of her own age.

  But even though she spent most of her time alone, she was never lonely. She was most content being with her father, who was an extremely intelligent man.

  An ardent reader with an inquisitive mind, their huge library, that had been added to by generation after generation, was a constant source of delight for her.

  Tasia had been a prize student at her school for young ladies in Florence and had a natural aptitude for languages.

  She had come away with many prizes and the Head Mistress had said proudly that she was undoubtedly one of their most outstanding pupils.

  But now it was the end of April, and after quietly celebrating her twentieth birthday in the countryside, her father finally said that they must go to London.

  He declared that he would give the ball he had always promised her, but she could hardly call herself a debutante at twenty.

  “I think it is an advantage,” Tasia said adamantly. “I was always convinced that I should find myself surrounded by giggling girls fighting amongst themselves to capture the best title. Now I am past that, and can enjoy the ball without fear.”

  Her Papa had laughed.

  “That is so true. At the same time, my dearest, you have missed the opportunity of entering the Social world in which you mother was such a successful hostess.”

  “I could never be as good as Mama at anything, but I will certainly try.”

  “What you have to do is to find yourself a charming and influential husband,” her father had answered.

  Tasia had chuckled.

  “Perhaps they don’t make them in your image any longer, Papa, but I do hope that my dream man will turn up sooner or later!”

  Her father had not said anymore.

  When they moved up to London, it was to find the arrangements he was making for her were more difficult than he had expected.

  First of all he invoked the assistance of his female relatives.

  They were very frank with him, making it clear that Tasia was now too old for debutante balls and too young for the parties given for married ladies, who disliked having to compete with unmarried females.

  Dismayed, Lord Salwicke found that whilst everyone was delighted that he was giving a ball, they made excuses not to invite Tasia to dinner parties and the more intimate dances that took place afterwards.

  He had, however, not told Tasia this – he merely said that he was opening the London house in Grosvenor Square on April 25th.

  They would move, taking three of Tasia’s favourite horses so that she could ride in Rotten Row every day.

  He thought to himself that, as she was so attractive, it would be only a short time before she became a huge success. He was sure that there would soon be hordes of adoring young gentlemen at her feet.

  But Tasia had other ideas.

  She was thrilled to be in London and anxious to visit every museum and art gallery, although she was sure that they could not compare with those she had seen in Florence.

  In addition she enjoyed buying expensive clothes at the shops her father had suggested that she should patronise.

  She discovered, however, that her outfits made the other women feel envious of her and they certainly did not please the young debutantes.

  After three weeks of attending parties she did not particularly enjoy, she found that she had made very few new friends.

  Disappointed and unused to hostile women, she told her father one evening that she would rather dine with him and his friends at home.

  “What is wrong with you? Why are you not the huge success I expected you to be?” her father asked her almost abruptly.

  “The truth is, Papa, I am too old for the young bright things and too young for the old married couples – and that is it in a nutshell!”

  “I have never heard such nonsense,” he replied.

  Equally she knew that he believed her.

  Her father was not a fool and he understood the ways of the world. He had enjoyed a most interesting career in more than one field, having travelled all over the world and even undertaking special commissions for the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

  This was a particular achievement and due to his intelligence, diplomacy and loyalty rather than him being a professional diplomat or spending a great deal of time in the House of Lords.

  He often felt that it was extraordinary how many men far older than himself asked his opinion and that they invariably found his advice wi
se was an even bigger feather in his cap.

  At the same time like his daughter, he preferred the country life and enjoyed hunting, shooting and fishing.

  Now that his adored wife was no longer with him, he had no desire for the large house parties they had given when she was alive.

  On one thing he was determined though – that his daughter should have a happy life of her own – which meant, in his opinion, that she should be married.

  *

  Tasia changed out of her riding clothes straight into a beautiful evening gown, the one she enjoyed wearing when she and her father were alone. Although it was only early, it seemed rather pointless to change first into an afternoon dress, as etiquette demanded, and then change again for dinner.

  Her father was unlikely to have returned home just yet, so dressed for dinner she went into the library.

  She wanted to locate a reference book on a subject she was particularly interested in.

  It had become fashionable to study the development of mankind and to probe into the spiritual world.

  So many different religions had arisen all over the world and Tasia was particularly interested in those of the East. She had studied Buddhism in considerable detail and the even more complicated religions of China and Japan.

  She found the teaching of Ancient Wisdom far more interesting than the chatter of the Mayfair boudoirs.

  She took down the book she was seeking and then sat in front of the mantelpiece to read it.

  She became so absorbed in her book that she had no idea that her father had arrived home.

  He entered the library in his evening dress.

  Tasia looked up and gave a cry.

  “Papa! I had no idea you were back.”

  “I have been back for nearly two hours. Yates told me you were busy, so I had my bath and changed before I came in search of you.”

  He gave a little laugh.

  “I might have known you would be in the library!”

  “I have just found something thrilling that I want to discuss with you later, Papa.”

  “What you should be doing is discussing it with a charming young gentleman – not your poor old father!”