Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection
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(9)
Elizabethan Lover
by Barbara Cartland
Part 1 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Having sailed with Sir Francis Drake, swashbuckling privateer Rodney Hawkhurst yearns for a galleon of his own with which to plunder the Spanish Main in the name of Queen Elizabeth. Seeking investment from Sir Harry Gillingham, he has a fleeting encounter with an elfin, tomboyish golden-red-haired beauty — Sir Harry's youngest daughter Lizbeth — and is bewitched by her limpid green eyes. Yet it is fair and golden-haired elder sister Phillida with whom he first falls in love...
Granted his finances on the condition that Sir Harry's weak, possibly even traitorous son sails with him in the hope that the mission will make him a man, Rodney embarks on a voyage of blood, honour and glory in which he gains great riches but loses his heart, not once, but twice.
The risks are great but so are the rewards: wealth beyond compare and, as Rodney finally discovers, a greater, deeper, more passionate love than he ever imagined possible.
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(4)
Elizabethan Lover
by Barbara Cartland
Part 1 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Having sailed with Sir Francis Drake, swashbuckling privateer Rodney Hawkhurst yearns for a galleon of his own with which to plunder the Spanish Main in the name of Queen Elizabeth. Seeking investment from Sir Harry Gillingham, he has a fleeting encounter with an elfin, tomboyish golden-red-haired beauty ? Sir Harry?s youngest daughter Lizbeth ? and is bewitched by her limpid green eyes. Yet it is fair and golden-haired elder sister Phillida with whom he first falls in love...
Granted his finances on the condition that Sir Harry?s weak, possibly even traitorous son sails with him in the hope that the mission will make him a man, Rodney embarks on a voyage of blood, honour and glory in which he gains great riches but loses his heart, not once, but twice.
The risks are great but so are the rewards: wealth beyond compare and, as Rodney finally discovers, a greater, deeper, more passionate love than he ever imagined possible.
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(7)
The Little Pretender
by Barbara Cartland
Part 2 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
In 1750 Scotland, just four years after Bonnie Prince Charlie's Rising of the Clans, it's hard to know who's loyal to the English and who is faithful to the Stuarts. And it's beautiful seventeen-year-old Iona's perilous mission to ascertain whether the Duke of Arkrae, head of Scotland's most powerful clan, is a traitor – or is he in cahoots with the English. The plan is for Iona to gain the trust of the Duke and his clan by claiming to be the sister he thought to have died as a child.
As all around her doubt her claim and call her a 'pretender', Iona struggles to hold her nerve. Her native wit and steel nerves do not fail her – but almost instantly, on meeting the imperious Duke, it's her heart that lets her down. She's fallen deeply, hopelessly in love! Traitor or not, surely the Duke could never love the Little Pretender who was sent only to ensnare him?
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(14)
The Little Pretender
by Barbara Cartland
Part 2 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
In 1750 Scotland, just four years after Bonnie Prince Charlie's Rising of the Clans, it's hard to know, who's loyal to the English and who is faithful to the Stuarts. And it's beautiful seventeen-year-old Iona's perilous mission to ascertain whether the Duke of Arkrae, head of Scotland's most powerful clan, is a traitor, or is he in, cahoots with the English. The plan is for Iona to gain the trust of the Duke and his clan by claiming to be the sister he thought to have died as a child.
As all around her doubt her claim and call her a 'pretender', Iona struggles to hold her nerve. Her native wit and steel nerves do not fail her, but almost instantly, on meeting the imperious Duke, it's her heart that lets her down. She's fallen deeply, hopelessly in love! Traitor or not, surely the Duke could never love the Little Pretender who was sent only to ensnare him?
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(15)
03. A Ghost in Monte Carlo
by Barbara Cartland
Part 3 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Eighteen-year-old Mistral is an innocent abroad in the sophisticated Cte D'Azur, where princes and millionaires mingle in the casinos and sumptuous hotels while others plot to relieve them of their riches.
Accompanied only by her embittered and domineering Aunt Emilie and kindly servant Jeanne, Mistral appears dressed all in grey like a ghost in the salons and ballrooms of Monte Carlo and sets Society's tongues wagging. It's not long before her waif-like beauty has men falling at the feet of Madamoiselle Fântóme – gentlemen such as Sir Robert Stanford.
But on her sister's bewildering but strict instructions, she must not converse with any but the Russian Prince Nikolai, who's also keen to woo her, as is an opulent Indian Rajah…
Something about Mistral touches Sir Robert's heart – and he cannot understand why Mistral appears afraid to be with him. Yet both of them crave love. Only if Mistral's innocent eyes are finally opened to the truth – that Aunt Emilie's motives are borne not of concern for her niece but of pure evil and greed – will she find her heart's desire…
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(20)
A Duel of Hearts
by Barbara Cartland
Part 4 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Just seventeen, Lady Caroline Faye is already the toast of the Season and accustomed to the ways of genteel Society. So when notorious cad Sir Montagu Reversby offers to drive her in his phaeton from London to Sevenoaks, she innocently accepts, little knowing that he is planning to fake a broken axle so that she will be forced to spend the night alone with him at a remote country inn.
But, Lady Caroline of made of sterner stuff than the predatory Sir Montagu imagined. Escaping his lecherous clutches, she finds refuge in the imperious Brecon Castle only to discover that her newfound haven and its master, Lord Brecon, harbor dark and terrible secrets. A murderous plot is afoot and Caroline's innocent mistake will come back to haunt her as heartbreak and humiliation in the dark, foreboding castle turn to hope and then ardent, all-consuming passion.
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05. The Saint and the Sinner
by Barbara Cartland
Part 5 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
After the tragic death of her mother and father when their horses took fright and sent their carriage hurtling into a river, orphaned Pandora was taken in by her uncle, the Bishop of Lindchester. She has never been happy with him, but now she is horrified to overhear that he plans to marry her off to his Chaplin, the Honourable Prosper Witheridge.
There is no denying the will of her Guardian – but just maybe she can fill her husband-to-be with revulsion at the very thought of marrying her! With this is mind she invites herself to stay with her cousin, the shockingly decadent Earl of Chartwood, who is notorious for 'entertaining' 'droxies and play-actresses – women with whom no decent man would be associated...'
'Perfect!' she thinks. But arriving at the awesome Chart Hall she is appalled by the outrageous goings on. If only her Guardian would relent and release her to embrace the love she finds burgeoning in her heart...
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(5)
The Penniless Peer
by Barbara Cartland
Part 6 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Eighteen-year-old Fenella is a mischievous as her freckled elfin beauty and feline green eyes suggest, but beneath that puckish charm she hides her ardent desire to do all in her power to make her beloved cousin Periquine, Lord Corbury, happy.
When to her chagrin the dashing Lord returns from the Napoleonic War after fighting with Wellington, penniless and passionately in love with another, a woman of great wealth and even greater beauty, whom he cannot marry without wealth of his own, Fenella sacrifices her private passion to his wellbeing.
Laying her life and her love on the line, she joins Periquine in a swashbuckling and death-defying life of crime as highwaymen, robbers and smugglers. Will their exploits reap the riches he needs? And, will Fenella's all-conquering love remain unrequited? Only when Perequine faces losing her forever will he find the answer in his heart...
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(10)
The Proud Princess
by Barbara Cartland
Part 7 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Having survived the 1871 siege of Paris with her mother the Queen of Dabrozka, Princess Ilona is summoned back to the war-ravaged kingdom of her father, a tyrannical monarch whose unjust rule has divided the nation into two factions: her own Radák people and the Sáros. Worse still, Russia threatens to march on Dabrozka to impose their iron-clad style of order.
Only Ilona can save her country from this fate – by making a terrible sacrifice. At the Prime Minister's request, she must marry the Prince of Sáros, their union bringing together the people. This she will do; this she must do – but what her pride will not allow her is to love the aloof, indifferent Prince. Humiliated by the Prince's evident disregard, and beaten by her own father on the eve of her wedding, it seems that love will never fill her heart – but as warclouds gather over Dabrozka, both the Prince and the Proud Princes are about to share a dramatic change of heart!
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(19)
The Dare-Devil Duke
by Barbara Cartland
Part 8 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Do you really think you could work, as I had to work to keep your mother from starvation? My dear child, you have lived in the lap of luxury all your life. You could no more earn a penny piece than fly over the moon! Kasia’s father laughs scornfully.
This is justification for his decision to marry her off to a man she does not love, purely to save her from fortune hunters. So Kasia runs away to prove him wrong by working as Governess to the Duke of Dreghorne’s unruly nephew. As Kasia gains the trust of the child, she earns first the respect and then the growing affection of the Lord. But when, she and the boy are kidnapped the stakes are irrevocably raised and the Duke’s reputation as a Dare-Devil will be tested one final time... Will Kasia?s father forgive her? Will Fate finally, unite the hearts of Kasia and the Dare-Devil Duke?
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(19)
Diona and a Dalmatian
by Barbara Cartland
Part 9 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Sir Hereward Grantley is angry, as usual. A bad tempered man with little to commend him, he is determined that his niece, the orphaned Diona, will understand the great favor he has done by offering her a home. Never missing an opportunity to mention Diona's penniless status and dependency, her uncle is an arrogant bully.
Diona, aghast at being, thrust into a world of unkindness and bullish behavior after the love in her parent's home, mourns their loss and clings to the last thing that her popular, horse-loving papa gave her, beloved Dalmatian, Sirius.
But, no misdemeanor is safe from the mean attentions of Sir Grantley, especially when his sly son Simon is there to pour fuel onto the fire. So when Sirius accidently breaks an ornament, Simon sees his opportunity to avenge Diona for rejecting his fumbled attempts to grab a kiss, by telling his father that the dog is a menace and should be shot.
Traumatised at the thought of losing her dog, Diona decides that she can no longer take the misery of Grantley Hall and flees. Scared, but certain that fate is guiding her to safety she seeks refuge with the handsome Marquis of Irchester.
A confirmed bachelor and friend of the Prince of Wales, the Marquis has become used to a life of pleasure amongst the Beau Monde following the privations of the war in which he distinguished himself. A prized catch amongst Society debutantes and wealthy widows alike, he has so far managed to evade being trapped, whilst enjoying the companionship of some of the most beautiful women in London.
But when, touchingly innocent, educated and ethereal Diona begs him for a job, she provokes protective feelings in the Marquis that he didn't realize he had. Accepting her wish to remain anonymous, he admires her determination to save her beloved dog, and swears to prevent anyone harming her or Sirius.
But, can Diona remain anonymous once her uncle starts looking for her? And, just how far will the Marquis go to protect a girl he doesn't know? As fate throws Diona an unexpected wild card the pressure is on and faith, loyalty and true love will all be tested to the ultimate limits.
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A Shaft of Sunlight
by Barbara Cartland
Part 10 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The Viscount Frome is in love, and intends to marry Claribel Stamford, belle of the Social Set, as quickly as possible. She is young, beautiful, charming and rich ? in fact he considers her the perfect match. The only drawback is that he needs the permission of his uncle, the Duke of Alverstrode before he can propose.
The Duke, a more cautious man experienced in the wiles of aspirational young women, suggests a visit to Claribel?s home to meet her doting father Sir Jarvis, the well known race-horse owner. That way, the Duke can get to know Claribel and her father and set his mind at rest before welcoming her into his illustrious family.
Impressed by Stamford Towers, but eager to escape the heady charm offensive of Claribel and her father, the Duke cannot shake the instinct that something is not right and remains on his guard.
Even so, he is shocked to discover a sad young woman, Giona, alone watching the sunset over the magnificent gardens. He is astonished to discover that she is the niece of Sir Jarvis, but lives hidden away like a ?skeleton in the closet?.
Horrified by her story of mistreatment, and intrigued by the mystery that surrounds her, the Duke offers Giona his protection and vows to uncover the family secret and restore her fortunes.
But Sir Jarvis is just as committed to keeping his family secrets buried forever and will stop at nothing to keep his reputation intact.
Two determined men, both used to getting their own way, but this time only one of them can win.
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11. Lies for Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 11 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Destitute after the death of her beloved Papa, Carmela is miserable working as Nanny to the brattish children of the local vicar. So when her closest friend Felicity asks her to take her place in the home of her guardian, the dictatorial Earl of Galeston, she nervously agrees.
The subterfuge is necessary to ensure Felicity can marry the love of her life – and possible firstly because none of Felicity's feuding family have set eyes on her since she was a child... And secondly because both young women are blue-eyed, blonde and beautiful.
The Earl's ancestral home is awe-inspiring – but it is the Earl himself who makes the greatest impression on Carmela. Growing to appreciate the profound kindness behind his steely façade, she falls deeply, utterly in love... But can true love live when it's based on a lie?
The Earl finds the answer in his heart when Carmela's life – and any hope of love – is at stake...
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12. Love and Lucia
by Barbara Cartland
Part 12 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Even amid the genteel grandeur of Venice, the Marquis of Wynchcombe's ennui is undiminished. His fiery mistress Francesca, a beautiful and flamboyant Venetian actress, bores him almost as much as the company of the Beau Monde and royal acolyte with whom he associates.
So when an impoverished but delicately alluring young Englishwoman – Lucia – accosts him at a café and beseeches him to peruse the painting of her dying father, he is intrigued – more so when he realises that Lucia's father is a genius... But then he dies.
Lucia is distraught and destitute but the Marquis saves her from penury by buying her father's every painting, promising to take her home to England. Enraged by her beau's apparent infatuation with the young ingénue, Francesca stabs him with a stiletto... But it's Lucia who has truly pierced his heart and stolen his soul – and just as the Marquis thinks she will be his forever, she delivers the heartbreaking words: 'Although I love you with all my heart I cannot be your wife...'
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13. Love and the Loathsome Leopard
by Barbara Cartland
Part 13 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Tasked by the Prime Minister himself with bringing to justice the smuggling gangs that are rife around the Kent and Sussex coast, esteemed Napoleonic war hero Lord Cheriton is surprised to find a beautiful young girl called Wivina living in his dead and deeply hated father's supposedly vacant mansion. She has no idea who he is – and when he hears his reputation as a cold-hearted Lord who would turn her out without a qualm, he tells her he is just a passing friend... Nevertheless Wivina seems terrified by his presence – but why?
Realising the entire village is at the mercy of a cut-throat gang and Wivina's prey to its murderous leader, Lord Cheriton endeavours to save the young beauty who's stolen his heart while accomplishing his mission to stop the smugglers once and for all.
For the first time, he is fighting not for his country but for the love of his life – and the life of his love.
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Beauty or Brains
by Barbara Cartland
Part 14 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
When the Marquis of Sherwood declines her invitation to a Society occasion with the scathing comment that he has no wish to spend his time with debutantes, whom he believes are ?half-witted, gauche, stupid and not well-educated?, Lady Katherine Wick is incensed. Even more so, when she discovers that he apparently prefers the company of the Gaiety Girls, the femmes fatales of the theatrical set.
So, she resolves to teach him a lesson by enlisting dear friend Lavina Vernon and her most beautiful, talented and witty friends to pose as Gaiety Girls at an unchaperoned party at the Marquis’ country mansion, there to prove that Society girls are intelligent as well as glamorous. Kind, demure country parson’s daughter Lavina is, uncomfortable with this deceit, all the more, so as she comes to realize that her heart belongs utterly to the Marquis. The question, once the pretense has been, exposed, is whether he will treasure it... Or, break it.
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The Temptation of Torilla
by Barbara Cartland
Part 15 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The Marquis of Havingham visits his mother in Harrogate to tell her he intends to marry Lady Beryl Fern, the most acclaimed beauty in the Prince Regent's circle. This should be the happiest day of his life — he is handsome, fabulously wealthy and now about to be a bridegroom. There is only one cloud on the horizon — he is not in love.
Convinced that true love is not worth the heartache, and that marriage to the 'Incomparable' Lady Beryl, will work because of their shared interests and position amongst the Beau Monde, only his mother is worried that he may be making a terrible mistake.
For Torilla, the daughter of a clergyman working in the deprived mining village of Barrowfield, the news of the wedding means travelling South to be her cousin, Lady Beryl's, bridesmaid. Torilla is excited, not only about the wedding, but also the opportunity to return to the genteel parish she and her father left after the tragic death of her mother. For a young woman who has spent time amongst the grime and squalor of the mines, the lavish preparations and generosity of her cousin seem at times almost overwhelming.
But as the wedding draws ever nearer Torilla cannot help wondering how attached the betrothed couple really are to each other. Their relationship is certainly nothing like the perfect soul mates that the cousins used to dream of. Afraid to question her cousin, Torilla unknowingly shares the same concerns as the Marquis' mother. Can a marriage really work that is based only on convenience?
And as Torilla gets to know the Marquis better she becomes even more convinced that this is not a match made in heaven. But will anyone be brave enough to say something? With her feelings in turmoil and filled with concern for the future happiness of all, Torilla certainly hopes so.
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The Goddess and the Gaiety Girl
by Barbara Cartland
Part 16 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Katie King is a girl with big dreams for the future! A dancer in the heart of London's theatre land, Katie is awaiting her big break, when her name will finally be in lights above the Gaiety Theatre. Fun-loving, cute and adoring of her charming boyfriend, the enigmatic Harry Carrington, Katie is sure that her unusual crowning glory of wild auburn curls will help catapult her out of the chorus line and into the leading roles she deserves.
But Katie's dazzling smile masks a tragedy – she is desperately ill and her enforced absence from the stage means that she does not have the money for the private healthcare she so badly needs. A few streets away, illness has touched the life of another young woman with distinctive Titian hair, Larentia. She is nursing her sick father, the eminent historian Professor Braintree, and suffers similar horrors when he is diagnosed as incurable. Whilst brilliant and an expert in his field, the Professor's books gain him respect, not money and they too cannot afford the surgery needed.
At first it seems that the only two things that the girls have in common are their astoundingly beautiful hair and a desperate need for money to employ the services of the pioneering surgeon Mr. Curtis Sheldon. However, the sudden death of the 4th Duke of Tregaron, a cad of the first order, whose unwanted attentions and lewd behaviour caused a naive Katie such pain in her first year in London, results in Harry coming up with a daring plan to capitalise on their short lived relationship. If Larentia agrees to play her part, and the new Duke, Justin Garon, believes their story there is just a chance that they can raise enough money to save both Katie and the Professor. But can an innocent young woman, with no experience of the darker side of life, be able to trick everyone? And what will be the ultimate cost of the deception if she fails? For this final curtain call Katie must sit back stage as Larentia prepares to give the performance of a lifetime.
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17. Fragrant Flower
by Barbara Cartland
Part 17 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
In the loveless household of General Sir Frederick and Lady Emily Osmund and their empty-headed twin daughters, begrudgingly adopted niece Azalea is little more than a wallflower. And all because her kind, heroic and beloved father died in a manner they wrongly consider scandalous – and because her mother was Russian!
'You must pay the price of your father's sins and what happened in India you will take to your grave with sealed lips', her uncle says, as if to seal her fate.
When the General is posted to Hong Kong, Azalea is thrilled but there, as always, she is cast aside and abused. Only the handsome, dashing but imperious Lord Sheldon shows any interest in her – until to her aunt and uncle's disgust she's befriended by a kind Chinese family. But her joy at learning of their culture and customs is short-lived. Kidnapped by pirates, she faces death and worse. Is there any hope now that she'll find true love and a life of her own ?
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Look Listen and Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 18 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The death of her beloved father, has left artistic and idealistic Tempera and her stunning, scatterbrained stepmother Lady Rothley bereft not only of love but also of money. So when, Lady Rothley’s womanly wiles attract an invitation from none other than the Duke of Chevingham to join him in the South of France, it’s a Godsend. At last, the prospect of a handsome, aristocratic suitor for Tempera’s Belle-m’re, who would keep them both in the style to which they would dearly love to be re-acquainted! To arrive without a lady’s maid is inconceivable, to afford one impossible. So Tempera escorts her Belle-m’re in the guise of a servant and attempts to coach her in fine art, the Duke’s consuming passion.
While her stepmother flirts with C’te D’Azur society Tempera contents herself with capturing the local flora’s beauty on canvas. And when, the flair she inherited from her father captivates and mystifies the magnificent Duke, something stirs in Tempera that she has never felt before. Is it love? Or, is it betrayal?
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The Duke & The Preachers Daughter
by Barbara Cartland
Part 19 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Imperious, handsome and gallant in battle, the Duke of Kingswood has stolen the hearts of many society Belles – but he is 'a block of ice which nobody can melt', determined never to marry. To continue the family line, he is counting on his cousin and heir presumptive Richard to marry well and produce a son.
To the Duke's horror, Richard's heart is bewitched by society siren and acclaimed beauty Lady Delyth Maulden – and disaster turns to tragedy when Richard finds his beloved in the arms of another, shoots him and turns his gun on himself. With Richard at death's door, the Duke is determined that he shall find a more suitable young beauty to mend his broken heart; to marry him and thwart Lady Delyth's scheming ways.
Like manna from heaven, a beautiful young grey-eyed waif calls to him for help for her ailing father as he rides through his estate. Could this modest, unassuming beauty be the ideal bride he seeks for Richard?
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A Kiss for the King
by Barbara Cartland
Part 20 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Anastasia is about to be married, which should be the most exciting day of any young girl?s life. Pretty, impulsive and wise beyond her years it seems that the young Princess will make an ideal bride for one lucky man. There is only one flaw in the wedding plans ? she is not in love with her bridegroom.
Commanded to marry by Queen Victoria, Anastasia is horror struck at the thought of an arranged marriage. Having dreamt of true love since childhood, she despairs that a marriage based on political allegiance can ever be a happy one. Especially when her bridegroom, the handsome King of Maurona, is reputed to have a preference for anything French, including the seductive wife of Maurona's French ambassador.
Determined to do her duty, Anastasia prepares to meet her future husband just days before their wedding. The roar of the assembled crowd tells her that she has won the love and approval of the people, but will she ever have the love of their King?
As passions and political intrigue simmer amidst the idyllic palaces and sun-kissed olive groves of Maurona, Anastasia decides that this is a challenge she must rise to. As well as ensuring British protection for the tiny Principality from the greedy hands of neighbouring France, she determines to make her marriage a success. But can an innocent English rose compete with the dark smoldering beauty of the sensual Comtesse le Granmont?
Two women, one man and only one winner ? but as danger grows ever closer will the King realise who his real friends are, and which woman should be at his side, in time to save his country?
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The Mysterious Maid-Servant
by Barbara Cartland
Part 21 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Have you ever been so desperate that you would do literally anything for money? This is the tragic situation Giselda finds herself in, with no money for an operation her younger brother desperately needs to save his life, and no one to turn to. Ground down by poverty she plucks up her courage to offer the only thing she has of value ? her purity.
Choking back her pride and knowing that she is about to forfeit his respect, she approaches her wealthy employer, the handsome Earl of Lyndhurst, who is recovering from his injuries sustained in the Battle of Waterloo.
Appalled that this frail and innocent young girl should be faced with such a terrible decision, he vows to find a way to help her without offending her dignity. He knows she would never accept his charity, and she refuses to confide in him the reasons for her family's poverty.
Intrigued by the air of mystery about a girl of obvious quality reduced to the role of maidservant, the Earl decides to discover why a beautiful young woman of strong principles has been reduced to such extreme measures.
Discovering her to have gentle hands and wonderful nursing skills he employs her as his private nurse and turns his sharp mind to uncovering her secrets ? and learns his own lessons in love in the process.
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Lucky Logan Finds Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 22 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Bereaved of her beloved father at sixteen, and now her mother, Belinda Wyncombe’s only comfort is that she still has the family’s home. Until she finds her irresponsible stepfather, Captain D’Arcy Rowland, has squandered their money and fraudulently mortgaged the house.
This means he faces jail while Belinda faces penury, unless she complies with her stepfather’s shameful scheme to gain and ruthlessly exploit the trust of the famed adventurer? Lucky? Logan, who has made a fortune with his legendary ability to find diamonds, gold and other precious metals wherever he travels.
Every fibre of Belinda’s being recoils from such deceit? More so when she finds that Marcus? Lucky? Logan is not the greedy fortune hunter of her imagining but a generous, handsome and heroic man.
When murderous thugs come for Marcus in the dead of night, it is Belinda who raises the alarm and saves his life.
And when he kisses her, Belinda is suddenly, utterly, in love? But surely her love is doomed by her deceit?
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The Wings of Ecstacy
by Barbara Cartland
Part 23 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
"I cannot let you die for my sake."
The beautiful Zena prayed fervently that the Comte de Graumont would survive the duel with the Marquis de Sade early in the morning in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. Would he ever forgive her for embroiling him in such a dreadful, situation.
It would break her heart in two, but after this wonderful week in Paris, they would never meet, again.
Zena is really Princess Marie-Therese of Wiedenstein, a small independent Principality between France and Germany. Her brother, Kendric, is the heir to the Throne.
Together they had eluded their escorts to escape Court rigour and to spend seven carefree days in Paris under assumed names before Zena, becomes engaged to an English Duke.
In the glittering whirl of gaiety that marked the Second Empire, Zena pretends to be her brother's mistress, only to find, because of her beauty, that this brings many, unexpected problems, not least when she falls madly in love with a debonair French Comte.
Zena would count the world well lost for the Comte's impassioned kisses, but could true love triumph over a Royal decree and her father's anger?
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Mission to Monte Carlo
by Barbara Cartland
Part 24 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Craig Vandervelt, handsome son of the richest man in America is begged by his cousin, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the British Foreign Secretary, to undertake a secret mission in the most flamboyant principality in Europe - Monte Carlo.
Intrigued by the fact that one of Britain's top agents in India, the reclusive but respected Randall Sare, has disappeared without a trace, Craig agrees once more to use his playboy status as a mask to find out what is really happening.
Craig is also told to beware of a beautiful Russian Countess suspected of being a spy. Young, glamorous and continually in the company of Lord Neasdon, a newcomer to the Foreign Office, she is suspected of using her charms to lure Neasdon into inadvertently give her information regarding the British interests in Tibet.
Moving amongst Europe's elite and the beauties of the Beau Monde in the gambling houses of Monte Carlo, Craig is soon drawn into danger and treachery, which threatens the delicate political situation between Britain and Russia. But as he uncovers each secret, moving ever nearer to the centre of the plot, he discovers something he never expected to find — true love.
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Revenge of the Heart
by Barbara Cartland
Part 25 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Warren Wood is handsome, loyal and devoted to Magnolia. However, the one thing he lacks is a title and Magnolia betrays him in a heartbeat for the opportunity to be engaged to the Marquis of Buckwood.
For beautiful and beguiling as she is, behind her perfect exterior lies a scheming manipulative personality that is desperate for wealth and standing in Society.
Distraught and vowing to eschew love for evermore, Warren seeks solace in the African jungle, determined to forget the woman whose lovely face has nearly driven him to madness.
But now the wheel of fate has turned and suddenly a legacy is calling him home to take up responsibilities he never dreamt would be his, and the chance to be reunited with Magnolia who surprisingly begs his forgiveness.
Determined not to answer her siren's call, he leaves for England taking with him the sweet but mysterious Nadia, another young person desperate to leave behind the past. Together they concoct a charade that should free Warren from Magnolia's clutches and offer Nadia a new life.
As the time for Warren to meet Magnolia again grows closer, he begins to feel nervous. Will he be able to resist the seductive charms of the woman he once loved to distraction? For above all else Magnolia is determined to marry well and she is not going to let a little thing like Warren's heart stand in her way.
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The Unbreakable Spell
by Barbara Cartland
Part 26 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Oppressed and trodden on by her aunt and uncle, the Duke and Duchess of Bruntwick, who despise her because her father died in debt and her mother was French, Rocana Brunt yearns to escape the confines of their Bruntwick Castle.
Yet when her dear cousin Lady Caroline is ordered much against her will to marry the imperious Marquis of Quorn, simply to extricate him from a potential scandal over one of his many liaisons, loyal Rocana agrees to take her cousin's place at the altar so that Lady Caroline may elope with her beloved Patrick.
At least she believes that this deception and the loveless marriage that would undoubtedly follow, might free then her from her virtual slavery.
Her deceit is not revealed until long after the wedding, when she and the Marquis reach Paris and her cousin and Patrick are safely and ecstatically wed.
And soon, through her own magic and some dangerous escapades, Rocana herself feels a glimmer of hope that she too is about to find eternal happiness in a true love of her own.
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Never Laugh at Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 27 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Anthea Forthingdale and her sisters Thais, Chloe and Phebe have all been named after famous poems.
All very beautiful, after their father's death at Waterloo the girls and their lovely mother, Christobel, are alone and isolated, living in poverty in a small Yorkshire village.
Struggling for money and appropriate suitors for her daughter, In May 1819 Lady Forthingdale writes to an old friend, the Countess of Sheldon in London and asks if she will have her Godchild Anthea to stay for the rest of the London Season. The Countess is delighted to have Anthea as her guest because otherwise her husband wishes her to leave for the country.
How Anthea meets the handsome Duke of Axminster in her Godmother's house, how he appears bored and contemptuous with her when they dance at Almack's, how Anthea caricatures the Duke with far-reaching and dramatic results and how she learns never to laugh at love, is told in this 182nd book by Barbara Cartland.
Published 1976.
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Bride to a Brigand
by Barbara Cartland
Part 28 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The beautiful Princess Ileana is virtually ruler of Zokala because her father the King, has been in a coma for over six months.
Enjoying the freedom her fathers illness allows her, she is shaken when the Prime Minister informs her that a large number of brigands under the leadership of General Vladilas have entered the country uninvited and are camping in the mountains.
To her horror the Princess discovers that the Zokalan Army and its aged Generals have no intelligence of this potential threat, and no strategy to protect their people.
A fearless rider and experienced mountain climber, Ileana sets off to see if she can spy on the camp and find out what the brigands are doing. With only one mountain guide to protect her, she bravely determines to discover whether the peaceful land of Zokala is under threat.
To her dismay her worst fears are confirmed when she finds that the valley is filled with the latest and most up-to-date guns and weapons of war. Convinced that the brigands intend to invade, she desperately tries to formulate a plan. But before she can alert anyone to raise the alarm she is captured and taken before the General.
How the Princess is, for the first time, confronted with a man who is stronger than she is and how she finds herself a victim and captive of a formidable, and relentless enemy is told in this exciting, dramatic and passionate 350th book by Barbara Cartland.
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Lucifer and the Angel
by Barbara Cartland
Part 29 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Lost in a woodland daydream, cherubic eighteen-year-old Anita Lavenham is awoken from a reverie inspired by a sermon about the Devil by the sonorous voice of a handsome gentleman asking her to open the gate she's leaning on — a gentleman whose imperious, yet raffish air leads her to think that he is Lucifer personified!
Anita and her two sisters are impoverished after the loss of their father and their Mama's illness — and soon she is obliged to go to live in Harrogate with her severe Great-Aunt Matilda, who, to Anita's chagrin, is determined to marry her off as soon as possible to the ageing and boorish local Parson.
It seems she is fated to a life of misery until, by chance, she meets the Dowager Duchess of Ollerton at the Harrogate Pump Room where, to her amazement she realises that the Duchess's son is none other than her very own handsome fallen angel!
Blessed by the kindness of the Duchess, who rescues Anita from the prospect of a loveless marriage and enlists her in the search for a bride for her discerning and disinterested son, Anita finds joy in her magnificent new surroundings and exalted company but still, surely, it is too much for her to hope that she herself might find a true love of her own?
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Journey to a Star
by Barbara Cartland
Part 30 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The dashing Marquis of Oakenshaw is asked by the Foreign Secretary to visit Siam to reassure the King who has been upset by Britain and France quarrelling over the frontiers.
Wealthy, handsome and a confirmed bachelor, the Marquis asks several friends to accompany him on his yacht to stave off the boredom of the long journey, including the latest Social Beauty — the recently widowed Lady Bradwell.
At the last moment, Lady Bradwell, having accepted excitedly, finds herself without a lady's maid. Her cousin Tarina, also very beautiful but extremely poor, agrees to come with her under a disguised name.
How Tarina learns for the first time of the intrigues and temptations of Society but how she also lifts her eyes to the stars is told in this romance novel by Barbara Cartland.
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31 Solita and the Spies
by Barbara Cartland
Part 31 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
After her father's heroic death through the treachery of a Russian femme fatale, young Solita found herself in the care of her 'Aunt' Mildred in Italy – the cousin of her father's comrade in arms Hugo Leigh.
On Aunt Mildred's death, a destitute, angry and hurt Solita travels to England to confront her errant Guardian, now Duke of Calverleigh, who had vowed to care for her but apparently neglected his duty for ten long years.
It is true, he had forgotten her – largely thanks to his all-consuming infatuation with a beautiful Russian Princess. The chastened Duke determines to take Solita under his protective wing – and, as his charm and kindness dissolve her resentment, Solita's acute intuition and talent for language soon expose the wicked Princess's plot to overthrow the British Raj in India.
In this well woven tale of intrigue, Solita and her Guardian are both in mortal danger – and when she saves the Duke's life, not once but twice, he sees this innocent young beauty in a Heavenly new light.
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The Chieftain Without a Heart
by Barbara Cartland
Part 32 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
London Socialite and friend of King George IV, the Duke of Strathnarn enjoys his London life is reluctant and resentful when he inherits from his hated father the title – and onerous responsibilities – of Chieftain of the Clan McNarn.
Arriving bitterly angry in the highland fiefdom he fled as a youth, he's faced with a terrible dilemma. To free his young nephew and heir from the clutches of his Clan's mortal enemies, the Kilcraigs, he must marry Clola, the daughter of their fearsome Chieftain. Appalled, he complies with bad grace, but refuses even to look his young bride in the face, so certain is he that she will be coarse, uneducated and unattractive, so unlike the sophisticated beauties with whom he is wont to dally in London Society.
Soon, however, a terrifying plot against the King involving a sinister poisoner and her deranged and vengeful son unfolds – and it is Clola, aided by a ghostly Grey Lady, who comes to the rescue. Only now, after so terribly misjudging and ill-treating her, does the Duke see his bride for what she is – a raven-haired, musically talented and courageous beauty.
But is it too late for their marriage of convenience to be transformed by the blessing of true love?
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No Escape From Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 33 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
When the Armistice between France and England, came to an end in 1803, Napoleon interned ten thousand British tourists who were in France at that time. Most of these tourists had committed no crime and had simply been travelling when captured.
Many, to save being arrested went into hiding, among them the widow and daughter of Sir Edward Waltham, who had died that winter.
A year later, plunged into poverty and the seedier side of Paris life, beautiful Vernita Waltham is keeping her sick mother precariously alive on the money she obtains from making exquisitely embroidered lingerie for a famous shop that supplies Napoleon's sister, Her Imperial Highness Princess Pauline Borghese.
Vernita discovers the shop is cheating and desperate to raise money for food and medicine, decides to approach the Princess directly with a negligee she has just finished, disguised as a petite bourgeoisie.
Extravagant and self-obsessed, Princess Pauline is enchanted with Vernita's skills as a needlewoman and convinced that the silk and lace creations will only enhance her reputation as the most beautiful woman in Paris. She immediately determines that Vernita must move to the Palace and join the legion of servants that already pander to her vanity.
From that moment on Vernita is, thrust into complications with the Princess's lover, handsome Count Axel de Storvik, and the all-powerful Emperor Napoleon himself.
Unsure of whom to trust in a Palace filled with secret assignations and political intrigue, Vernita soon finds herself in a position that could ruin her reputation forever. But, how long can an English lady of quality remain hidden amongst the loyal family and servants of the enemy French Emperor? Terrified of discovery and fearful of the future, Vernita dreams of escape and a return to her home in England only to find an ally, waiting like a guiding star, in the most unlikely of places.
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Dollars for the Duke
by Barbara Cartland
Part 34 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Following the sudden death of his rakish father, Seldon Burn unexpectedly inherits the title of Duke of Otterburn. Returning to the family estate, he swiftly discovers that the title is the only thing he has inherited – along with a mountain of his father's debts and nothing to pay them with.
A brave and proud soldier, nothing has prepared the new Duke for the devastation to the family coffers caused by his late father's love of lavish entertainment, Gaiety Girls and good living. Meeting with the family Solicitor, the Duke is horrified to discover the Ducal properties are crumbling, everything of value is entailed and even the racehorses have not been schooled properly.
Desperately seeking to rebuild the family fortune and honourably fulfil his duty of care to the old and infirm of the village, his cousin Edith, a sophisticated Socialite, offers a solution.
She suggests that he follows in the footsteps of many an impoverished English aristocrat and marries a wealthy American heiress – she even has a fitting bride in mind from her recent visit to New York.
With no viable alternative and a pressing demand for money, a wedding is hastily arranged – but will the English traditions of generations of the Burn's family be overshadowed by the razzle-dazzle of the Duke's mother-in-law to be, Mrs. Vandevilt, the renowned New York hostess?
Horrified at being married for his title and not love, the Duke is so angry that he barely considers the feelings of his young and vulnerable bride. Meanwhile, the lovely Magnolia Vandevilt, one of the richest heiresses in America, is equally disgusted and contemptuous of a man who is marrying her only for her money.
Joined together in holy matrimony, can this marriage of convenience ever be more than a disappointment and battleground as both parties dream of the love they might have had?
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Pure and Untouched
by Barbara Cartland
Part 35 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The Duke of Ravenstock is the most, attractive and elusive bachelor in London, and the most notorious.
His exploits and romantic escapades keep the salons of the Social world buzzing, but never more so than, when he announces that he will marry. His friends soon realize that what has, captured the Duke's heart is the purity and innocence of his intended bride.
The wedding date has been, fixed when the Duke, discovers by accident that his fiancé has taken a lover, a close friend of his.
Shattered and disillusioned, the Duke plots a cruel revenge. When he reveals to his sister, the Mother Superior of a Convent in Paris, that he seeks the most innocent girl he can find for his bride, she introduces him to Anoushka, a novice in her care at the Convent.
Anoushka has a mysterious background, having been, brought secretly and anonymously, to the Convent as a child. Somewhat reluctantly Anoushka agrees to marry the Duke, but, to his amazement, her beauty and innocence prove more of a challenge than he could possibly have imagined.
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Secrets
by Barbara Cartland
Part 36 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Madly envious of her demure stepdaughter's loveliness, Isobel Fairburn, Lord Blackstone's new bride, banishes young Sandra to the wilds of Bedfordshire where she is to live a miserable, isolated existence with her aged great-aunt.
Desperate to escape this 'living death', Sandra secretly flees her home and, securing the post of 'companion' to the age-withered and cantankerous Dowager Countess of Kyle, soon finds herself amidst the glamorous Beau Monde in Brighton.
Here Sandra meets the handsome Earl of Kyle and initially despises him for his cynical and sarcastic manner – but before long she finds that there's more to him than meets the eye.
But no sooner has love begun to grow timidly in her heart, than her hopes are dashed when she finds he is already married to a French woman. Worse still, she hears of a sinister plot to extort money from her 'Knight of Chivalry' but what can she do? And how will she ever find a match for this man beyond compare?
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Fire in the Blood
by Barbara Cartland
Part 37 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Impoverished and lonely but contented enough to live with her much-loved Nanny in the now-empty family home, shy, unworldly Pandia sorely misses her recently deceased father – the handsome Hungarian scholar and writer.
When Selene, the capricious twin sister, who abandoned them years before, appears out of the blue Pandia is amazed, then appalled when Selene announces she's told the Social world that Pandia is dead! She then demands that Pandia impersonates her at a family funeral to cover for Selene's illicit tryst with her lover!
Pandia reluctantly agrees and at the Church meets the dashing Lord Silvester Stone, a famous explorer and writer who ignites the 'fire in the blood' she inherited from her father.
The passion between them is instant and electric. Pandia knows now that she will love Silvester forever – but how can she tell him that she is not who he thinks she is? Or that they can never ever meet again?
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Love Lies and Marriage
by Barbara Cartland
Part 38 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Teresa is everything her father Sir Hubert Bryan could wish for, clever, loyal and sharp-witted. The only problem is that she was born a girl and not the son he hoped would, follow in his footsteps. But, Teresa sees no reason why her gender should prevent her from being an asset to him in his mighty shipping empire, and tells him so.
Sir Hubert is astounded at her request, he is far more, concerned that his beautiful daughter will fall prey to the scavengers and fortune hunters amongst London Society. Having made his own vast fortune the hard way he is only too, aware of what men will do to have access to the kind of wealth his lovely daughter will inherit.
So when his dear friend the Marquess of Walstoke begs for, help to prevent his heir Harry, the Earl of Lanbourne, making a disastrous marriage to a notorious, actress he see, an opportunity to help his friend, and set a test of intelligence for his daughter too.
Together, the two men hatch a plot to 'save' Harry from himself and prevent him from ruining his life. Promising her work in the family business, Teresa agrees to her father's pleas to play a central character in a daring deception.
But, Harry is not a fool, and astounded at his uncle's lack of faith in him he storms off to Bourne Hall, his family estate, taking Teresa with him.
Teresa is torn; she loves her father but the longer she spends with Harry the more her loyalties are tested. Experiencing strange new feelings, she begins to have her own reasons to make sure that Harry puts the past behind him. But, are these reciprocated? Or, is Harry destined to shake the foundations of Society by making his flame-haired actress the new Countess of Lanbourne?
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The Ghost who Fell in Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 39 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
When her irresponsible brother rents the family home, Langston Manor, for the duration of the Royal Ascot races to Valient, Earl of Trevarnon and his wild gentleman friends, lonely and innocent young Demelza is afraid.
Although married to a woman who has lost her mind and is in an asylum, Trevarnon is a well-known 'ladies' man' — and, for her own safety and modesty, Demelza agrees to hide among The Manor's maze of secret passages. As she watches, though, through the old house's ancient peepholes, she sees another, very different, side to the notorious Nobleman.
Suddenly one moonlit night, under a honeysuckle arbour, Demelza realises that she has lost her heart utterly to this dashing stranger. But her love is wrong.
Valient Trevarnon can never, ever be hers! Then, when she secretly foils a sinister plot against her beloved, she triggers a chain of events and an overwhelming passion far beyond her control — and perhaps now she dares to hope for her heart's desire —
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Hungry for Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 40 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Beautiful young Araminta Sinclair's world is turned topsy-turvy, when her brother Sir Harry loses six hundred pounds at cards to the famously ruthless Marquis of Wayne.
It seems that all is lost, but then Araminta has an idea! Using the superb culinary skills with which her epicure father endowed her and with the help of her uncle, General Sir Alexander Bracknell, she will earn the money to repay her brother's debt of honor by posing as a chef.
When her uncle boasts that his mysterious new cook rivals even the legendary Carême, the Prince Regent's chef, the gentlemen at White's Club cannot resist turning the situation into a bet.
But, no sooner is she at work in the kitchen of the Marquis of Wayne himself, than she, uncovers a murderous plot and then to her surprise love blossoms in her heart, a love that seems doomed by her deception, until she finds that the cynical Marquis does, after all, have a heart.
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The Wild Cry of Love
by Barbara Cartland
Part 41 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Valda lives a life of luxury with her mother and stepfather in a beautiful château in France. Educated in Paris and enjoying all that French society can offer, Valda's English roots seem a very distant memory. That is until the day her stepfather declares that in true French style he is planning an arranged marriage for her.
Horrified at the thought of marrying a complete stranger, Valda knows that it is impossible for her to go along with her stepfather's wishes, no matter how angry he will be by her disobedience. Much as she loves him, she has inherited her late father's lively intelligent mind and spirit of adventure, as well as his wealth. She also possesses a soul that cries out for true love. Declaring that she intends to marry only for love and will choose her own husband, Valda struggles against a tradition that challenges all of her hopes and dreams.
Determined to prove to her stepfather that she can make wise, independent choices for herself, she bravely decides to embark on the journey of a lifetime to become a photographer. Stealing away at daybreak with her friends, the Gypsies, she knows that a Romani caravan is the very last place that anyone will look for an English heiress, leaving her safe to pursue her plan.
Reaching the Camargue in the South of France, Valda is captivated by its wild beauty and the stunning birds, bulls and horses. But before very long a handsome stranger catches her attention in an unexpected way. Still in disguise, she begins to realise that the romance she is seeking might be within her grasp – if only she can make him see that love is worth much more than money.
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The Blue Eyed Witch
by Barbara Cartland
Part 42 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Bored with the Social world of London and the constant demands of the lovelorn Prince of Wales, the Marquis of Aldridge takes refuge at his remote country estate, Ridge Castle, deep in the 'Witch Country' of Essex.
Riding through a village close to The Castle he comes upon a mob of villagers dragging the unconscious body of a young woman to the duck pond. Convinced she is a witch, they are, bent on putting her to the ultimate test. If she drowns, she is innocent. If she floats, she is evil and must die!
Rescuing the young waif and installing her at his castle, the Marquis is convinced that this raven-haired, blue-eyed beauty, whose name is Idylla, is far too lovely, too innocent, to be a witch.
Nevertheless, he falls helplessly under her spell, and as he uncovers the murderous plot that brought her to him, he also, discovers a love beyond anything he imagined possible.
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The Punishment of a Vixen
by Barbara Cartland
Part 43 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
While staying at Lady Merrill's French Riviera villa, flame haired and beautiful American heiress Nevada van Arden passes her time by casually breaking the hearts of her many ardent suitors – particularly that of young David, Lord Merrill.
When his uncle, intrepid explorer and diplomat Tyrone Strome, overhears her cruel humiliation of his lovelorn nephew, he resolves to teach this 'vixen' a lesson – and save David from his misery.
Tyrone Strome abducts Nevada, spiriting her away in his luxury yacht to Morocco.
There the reluctant voyager, swaddled in native clothing, is terrified by the perils of the Sahara and its nomadic tribesmen. But, as they flee from certain death or worse, they find sanctuary in a beautiful hidden valley, a second Garden of Eden, where to Nevada's surprise, love begins to blossom in the desert.
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Secret of the Glen
by Barbara Cartland
Part 44 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
While staying at Lady Merrill's French Riviera villa, flame haired and beautiful American heiress Nevada van Arden passes her time by casually breaking the hearts of her many ardent suitors, particularly that of young David, Lord Merrill.
When his uncle, intrepid explorer and diplomat Tyrone Strome, overhears her cruel humiliation of his lovelorn nephew, he resolves to teach this 'vixen' a lesson, and save David from his misery.
Tyrone Strome abducts Nevada, spiriting her away in his luxury yacht to Morocco.
There the reluctant voyager, swaddled in native clothing is, terrified by the perils of the Sahara and its nomadic tribesmen. But, as they flee from certain death or worse, they find sanctuary in a beautiful hidden valley, a second Garden of Eden, where to Nevada's surprise, love begins to blossom in the desert.
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Bride to the King
by Barbara Cartland
Part 45 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
Dutiful, demure and far lovelier than she knows, Princess Zosina, the eldest daughter of the Archduke Ferdinand of Lützelstein, is reluctantly obedient, when her father announces that she must marry King Gyórgy of neighboring Dórsia in order to create an alliance between the two nations that will defend them against the threat from the German Empire.
Arriving in Dórsia on a State visit she is greeted by the country's Regent, a kind, handsome and very considerate Prince. By contrast and much to Zosina's dismay, her future husband King Gyórgy is as wild and disagreeable as his reputation had suggested.
It seems that for the sake of her country she must yield to a life without love, until dramatic events supersede even the power of Kings and the hope is, rekindled in the young Princess Zosina's heart that happiness and true love will triumph after all.
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46. For All Eternity
by Barbara Cartland
Part 46 of the Barbara Cartland's Eternal Collection series
The Marquis of Stowe is on the verge of a dreadful scandal that threatens to ruin both him and the lovely, but married, Lady Burnham.
Knowing that their secret is out and that her husband will be plotting revenge, the Marquis casts about desperately for a way to avoid the scandal, which he knows is inevitable despite the wealth and good looks that have made him a darling of the Beau Monde.
Seeing a perfect solution, he decides to offer marriage to the Duke of Dawlish's daughter and leaves for the country. Surely the Duke will be grateful for his daughter to make such a match?
There is only one problem – marrying the Duke's daughter might provide a way out of his current dilemma, but having met her the Marquis is dismayed by her dullness. Horrified at the sacrifice he would have to make, he suddenly realises that there is another way to put the cuckolded husband off the scent and preserve his freedom – as long as he can find a young woman happy to go along with his seemingly foolproof idea.
Eager to renew his acquaintance with Ajanta Tiverton, the beautiful daughter of a local Vicar, the Marquis hurtles to the Vicarage to tell her his plan and the role that only she can play.
Certain that this will get him out of immediate danger and sure that he can offer an attractive financial incentive to help the impoverished family, it seems that if their daring charade is successful everyone involved will benefit. All Ajanta has to do is play her part and all will be well.
Swept into a rich luxurious world they have never known before, the Marquis sets out to charm the Vicar and Ajanta's sisters. Delighted by their new surroundings and excited by the attention of the eloquent Marquis they cannot believe the happiness Ajanta has bought into their lives.
But the Marquis is not the only one masking the truth – Ajanta too has a family secret she would prefer not to share and, as the deception continues and feelings run high, she cannot help but worry what will happen in the final Act of their play and where the curtain will fall.