Love and the Gods Read online

  LOVE AND THE GODS

  BARBARA CARTLAND

  www.barbaracartland.com

  Copyright © 2012 by Cartland Promotions

  First published on the internet in August 2012 by Barbaracartland.com

  ISBNs

  978-1-78213-208-0 Epub

  978-1-78213-209-7 Prc

  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

  LOVE AND THE GODS

  The Duke had brought with him the lantern that he always kept in his cabin. He had used it in the past when he had sometimes gone ashore alone at night.

  Now, without speaking to Jenkins, he lit the lantern and then, moving a little further into the cave, he lifted the lantern high and saw exactly all that the King had told him he would find.

  On either side of the cave, which did not go in very far, there were a number of large rocks.

  They did not quite reach the roof of the cave, but left just enough space, he thought, to hold the statue of Apollo invisible to a casual explorer.

  Jenkins was watching him and, when the Duke put down his lantern, he knew exactly what to do without any instructions.

  Together they went back, lifted the statue very very carefully and carried it into the cave.

  They placed it gently on top of the rough rocks and there was then no more than six inches between the statue of Apollo and the roof of the cave.

  The Duke was thankful to find that the rocks were dry and so there was no likelihood of the sea flooding in and sweeping the precious statue away.

  As he laid Apollo gently down, now back at last on his own land, the Duke experienced a strange feeling.

  Something he had never felt before.

  He could not explain it.

  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 :

  BarbaraCartland.com

  Camfield Place

  Hatfield

  Hertfordshire

  AL9 6JE

  United Kingdom

  Telephone: +44 1707 642629

  Fax: +44 1707 663041

  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.

  The Cross Of Love

  Love In The Highlands

  Love Finds The Way

  The Castle Of Love

  Love Is Triumphant

  Stars In The Sky

  The Ship Of Love

  A Dangerous Disguise

  Love Became Theirs

  Love Drives In

  Sailing To Love

  The Star Of Love

  Music Is The Soul Of Love

  Love In The East

  Theirs To Eternity

  A Paradise On Earth

  Love Wins In Berlin

  In Search Of Love

  Love Rescues Rosanna

  A Heart In Heaven

  The House Of Happiness

  Royalty Defeated By Love

  The White Witch

  They Sought Love

  Love Is The Reason For Living

  They Found Their Way To Heaven

  Learning To Love

  Journey To Happiness

  A Kiss In The Desert

  The Heart Of Love

  The Richness Of Love

  For Ever And Ever

  An Unexpected Love

  Saved By An Angel

  Touching The Stars

  Seeking Love

  Journey To Love

  The Importance Of Love

  Love By The Lake

  A Dream Come True

  The King Without A Heart

  The Waters Of Love

  Danger To The Duke

  A Perfect Way To Heaven

  Follow Your Heart

  In Hiding

  Rivals For Love

  A Kiss From The Heart

  Lovers In London

  This Way To Heaven

  A Princess Prays

  Mine For Ever

  The Earl’s Revenge

  Love At The Tower

  Ruled By Love

  Love Came From Heaven

  Love And Apollo

  The Keys Of Love

  A Castle Of Dreams

  A Battle Of Brains

  A Change Of Hearts

  It Is Love

  The Triumph Of Love

  Wanted – A Royal Wife

  A Kiss Of Love

  To Heaven With Love

  Pray For Love

  The Marquis Is Trapped

  Hide And Seek For Love

  Hiding from Love

  A Teacher Of Love

  Money Or Love

  The Revelation Is Love

  The Tree Of Love

  The Magnificent Marquis

  The Castle

  The Gates of Paradise

  A Lucky Star

  A Heaven on Earth

  The Healing Hand

  A Virgin Bride

  The Trail to Love

  A Royal Love Match

  A Steeplechase for Love

  Love at Last

  Search for a Wife

  Secret Love

  A Miracle of Love

  Love and the Clans

  A Shooting Star

  The Winning Post is Love

  They Touched Heaven

  The Mountain of Love

  The Queen Wins

  Love and the Gods

  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.

  “When you fall in love, you touch Heaven – and Heaven touches you.”

  Barbara Cartland

  CHAPTER ONE

  1870

  The Duke of Sherbourne finished dressing and then called out to his valet,

  “Did you remember to tell the grooms I wanted to drive my new team of horses today, Jenkins?”

  “They’ll be round as soon as Your Grace’s finished breakfast,” the valet replied.

  “I am looking forward to trying them out. When I bought them from their previous owner, he told me they were the fastest team he had ever handled.”

  Jenkins, who was used to the Duke talking to him while he was dressing, merely nodded.

  He knew that his Master was noted as one of the best drivers in London and that his stables were filled with horses that were the envy of every man.

  “I suppose I am dining out tonight, Jenkins?” the Duke enquired.

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Jenkins walked towards the writing table that stood in the corner of the Duke’s bedroom and glanced down at the book lying open on it.

  He knew only too well that his Master would forget the engagements he had every night and therefore he was always ready to answer this question by looking in the diary before he called the Duke.

  “Tonight Your Grace be dining out at Marlborough House with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.”

  “Indeed I am. It’s a most important occasion as he wants me to meet some new friends who have just arrived in London.”

  He turned round to face Jenkins.

  “For goodness sake, Jenkins, see that I am on time, and don’t forget the present I have for the Princess, whose birthday it is tomorrow.”

  “It be packed up and ready for Your Grace. Mr. Simmonds brought the coloured paper Your Grace wished it to be wrapped in.”

  Mr. Simmonds was the Duke’s private secretary and he was adept at carrying out punctiliously any order given to him.

  The Duke seemed satisfied and walked towards the door and Jenkins hurried after him to make sure he had put a handkerchief in his coat pocket. To his relief he saw he had not forgotten and it was just peeping out at the top.

  The Duke walked down the corridor towards the top of the staircase.

  Sherbourne House was one of the largest and most prestigious houses in Park Lane.

  Everyone who served His Grace was well aware that once the horses were seen waiting outside with his new and up-to-date chaise, a small crowd would invariably gather to watch him drive off.

  It was not surprising that people were interested.

  The footmen rolling down the red carpet over the steps from the front door were wearing the full Sherbourne livery. It was not only stylish but very colourful.

  The butler was waiting at the top of the steps to see the Duke off and he was naturally smarter than any servant in real life or on the stage.

  The Duke himself was a hero to every man who was keen on racing, as his horses regularly won the Classic races. He, therefore, had the admiration and respect of the crowds whenever he appeared on a Racecourse.

  Now two more passers-by joined the small crowd that had collected outside the house as soon as the horses and the Duke’s chaise drove into view.

  They had almost instinctively stopped to admire the thoroughbreds and they knew their owner would appear in a few minutes.

  In Hyde Park, which the Duke’s house faced, there were already people walking across from under the trees, as they wanted to see what was happening on the other side of the road.

  When the Duke appeared in the doorway, a murmur came from the lips of those waiting.

  The women, if they dared, would have applauded his appearance.

  He certainly looked exceedingly smart and he was undoubtedly one of the most handsome men they had ever seen.

  His dark, almost black hair, was brushed back from a square forehead and his features were classical.

  At the same time he had a smile that most women found irresistible.

  Holding his tall hat in his right hand, that had just been given to him by one of the footmen, he stood gazing at his horses.

  He was thinking that they were the best buy he had ever made, all pitch black except for a white star on their foreheads and a faint touch of white on their back fetlocks – they were not only unusual but magnificent.

  The Duke put on his hat and started to walk down the steps.

  As he did so, the crowd pressed themselves even closer against the gold-tipped railings and the children put their hands through them to point at the horses.

  They were waiting there as excited and expectant as their elders to see the team drive off.

  Without hurrying, the Duke seated himself in the driving seat and picked up the reins.

  The groom accompanying him then jumped into the small seat at the back of the chaise and, as the butler and four footmen bowed, His Grace moved off.

  Instinctively, as if they could not stop themselves, the crowd now cheered and clapped.

  The chaise reached the gate and the horses passed through it and the crowd cheered again.

  By this time, more people coming up the street had increased the crowd and the Duke raised his hat to them as he passed and they cheered him again.

  Then he was moving with an experienced hand through the traffic and, when he reached Hyde Park Corner, he turned right.

  By now he had settled down to enjoy the long drive to Windsor Castle that lay ahead of him.

  Only when he was out of London and leaving the houses behind him did the Duke begin to wonder again, as he had when he had received the letter last night, why Her Majesty Queen Victoria had asked for him.

  He had been at Windsor Castle only a week ago, as he had been running two of his best racehorses at Ascot.

  Out of politeness he had called on Her Majesty and she had been delighted to see him.

  Yet, after they had talked on various subjects, she had not appeared to want him to do anything at all special for her.

  Therefore this sudden summons to come as soon as possible to Windsor Castle had been a surprise.

  He was always welcome there because Her Majesty liked to have young and handsome men around her and the Duke in particular was one of her favourites.

  But he had the feeling when he read the letter Her Majesty’s secretary had written to him that she was going to ask him to undertake a special task for her.

/>   What it could be he had no idea, but he decided it was a waste of time to speculate.

  So he concentrated on driving his horses once they were out of the London traffic more quickly than he had ever driven before.

  ‘Oswald was right,’ he told himself, ‘when he said these were the best horseflesh he had ever possessed. I am sure he will miss them.’

  He could understand that his friend Lord Longlow had been reluctant to part with such an outstanding team and the Duke had felt it was almost cruel to take them from him.

  But he had learnt that Lord Longlow’s eldest son had run up a huge gambling debt and it was a question of parting either with the horses or with some of his collection of pictures and these he prized even more than his stable.

  He had asked a considerable sum for the horses because he needed the money and the Duke had paid him willingly – not only because what he was now buying was exceptional but because he was fond of their owner and was glad to help him.

  He thought that his son had behaved disgracefully and not for the first time.

  It merely made him repeat what he had said so often, not just to himself but aloud, that he was glad he was not married.

  ‘I have no intention of marrying,’ he told himself now as the horses were moving even faster, ‘and it will be no use Grandmama, when she comes to stay tomorrow, wasting so much time, when we might be talking about the past, begging me to take a wife.’

  He was now twenty-seven and his family had a long time ago decided it was essential that he should marry and provide an heir to his ancient title, his vast estates and his incredibly valuable possessions.

  The Duke had been an only son and there was no near relative to inherit.

  Yet, although he had no intention of dying if he could help it, the family invariably behaved as if he would soon pass away and there would be no one to take his place, or rather, as they thought of it – ‘his throne’.

  Of course the Head of the Family, and it was quite a large one, was of tremendous stature.

  The Sherbournes had played a significant role in the history of England ever since the reign of Henry I.

  The Duke assured them all that he had no intention of dying for the time being and equally he had no intention of marrying.