Never Doubt I Love Read Online Free

even were three strong men to lift—”
    â€œWhen I found you with old Bleckert this afternoon,” her father over-rode, raising his voice, “you looked more like a common dairymaid than Miss Grainger of Travisford! Irene says— I mean— Oh, I’ll not wrap it in clean linen—if you are unwed ’tis because no gentleman worth the name wants a madcap and unbridled country bumpkin for a bride!”
    That barb went home painfully, and it was all Zoe could do to plead, “Then if you must be—be rid of me, let me go to live with Aunt Minerva, Papa! I do not know Lady Buttershaw, nor her sister. At least let me stay with my own family, I beg you!”
    This had, in fact, been Mr. Grainger’s intention. His Irene had been quick to point out, however, that if Zoe moved into her aunt’s country home so soon after her papa’s remarriage, people were bound to think she had been made to feel unwanted, and would likely blame the new bride for that circumstance. On the other hand, to be invited to stay at the Town residence of so proud a pair as Lady Clara Buttershaw and Lady Julia Yerville, the daughters of an earl, would be judged a notable achievement.
    â€œThe decision has been made,” he said with finality. “There is nothing more to be said, save Godspeed, and—and take care little … Zoe…”
    She stretched out her arms. Tears streaked down, and her ruddy lips quivered pathetically.
    Mr. Grainger really was very fond of her. He hugged her briefly, and fled, pausing in the passage to tear off his wig and mop his perspiring head.
    *   *   *
    The portmanteau, the band boxes, and the valises stood in a neat row beside the door. Sitting on the bed, staring at them numbly, Zoe heard wheels on the drivepath. She went to the window and looked down at the great coach and the four matched chestnuts who snorted and stamped and fidgeted, eager to be gone.
    She was not eager to be gone. She felt lost and betrayed, and scarcely able to comprehend that her world had fallen apart so swiftly. Papa could not really be pushing her away from him, away from the only home she had ever known. Surely, he could not? But it was not his doing, of course.
    â€œOh, Travis,” she whispered miserably. “If only you were here!”
    If her brother had been at home, the pretty widow who had flung herself so blatantly at Harvey Grainger would never have succeeded in ousting his daughter from her home. Not for an instant would dearest Travis have stood by and let Papa be manoeuvred into such unkindness. But three years had passed since Travis had come down from Oxford, and within the month, full of pride and enthusiasm, had embarked on a promising career in the Diplomatic Service. Now, he was five and twenty, and in India, thousands of miles from Burford, wherefore Mrs. Mowbray had swept to victory, unchecked. There was little doubt that Lady Buttershaw’s offer had come as a surprise to her. But a lovely surprise. Her unwanted step-daughter was to be packed off to her “glorious opportunity,” and the new Mrs. Grainger would be able to rule Travisford without—
    A knock at the door announced that the servants had come for her luggage.
    Blinking away tears of despair, Zoe let them in, and followed them forlornly down the stairs.
    *   *   *
    â€œAffection and respect for one’s parents is commendable,” acknowledged Lady Clara Buttershaw, her eyes fixed on the scene beyond the windows of the great carriage. “But I trust you do not mean to snivel all the way to London.”
    Since my lady’s skirts took up the entire seat, Zoe had of necessity to sit facing her. She had hoped she was concealing her grief, but although those hard dark eyes had not once appeared to glance her way, a furtive dab at her tears had evidently been noted.
    Lady Buttershaw’s head, ridiculous with its high powdered wig and the