Page 42 of A Sense of Misgiving
‘Is that what you think we do?’
‘I have grown up, you know.’
‘As it happens,’ Paul replied, ‘I had noticed.’
‘Well then, I am entitled to have some fun. Promise me that you won’t frighten Captain Redfern away by scowling at him. Luke has perfected the severe older-brother expression anyway, so it will be a terrible waste of energy on your part if you try to intimidate him too.’
Paul smiled at her, but the gesture appeared strained. ‘I wouldn’t knowingly curtail any pleasure of yours. But,’ he added, squeezing the fingers of the hand that rested on his arm as they strolled the length of the room, ‘I will not apologise for having your best interests at heart, so I hope you won’t accuse me of interfering if I continue to look out for you.’
‘Do you know something to the captain’s detriment?’ she asked sharply.
‘No, but I am naturally suspicious by nature.’
Mary laughed. ‘As I say, you are as bad as Luke. Come along, let’s go and join Emma and Alvin.’
‘With pleasure.’
*
Flora conducted the countess to a card table set up in an ante-room with a clear view of the dancing. Mrs Pearson joined her there, as did Lord Hardwick and another gentleman, and a noisy game of whist resulted. Flora could see that the countess was in her element, partnering Lord Hardwick, with whom she flirted outrageously. That gentleman was just as bad, and encouraged her. Flora ensured that her charge had everything she needed close at hand and then drifted away, intent upon watching the dancing.
‘Come along, Flora.’ She smiled at Sam when he insisted upon her taking to the floor with him. ‘Shall we show them how it’s done?’
‘I cannot leave your grandmother for long.’
Sam laughed. ‘She won’t budge now that she has geese to fleece,’ he said, nodding towards the card table. ‘You don’t need to worry about her.’
‘Oh, I have long since stopped worrying about anything your grandmother does. Although I think it wise of the countess to partner Lord Hardwick rather than play against him. I very much doubt if she would get the better of him.’
‘Which goes to prove what you constantly insist upon as being fact,’ Sam said, as they joined the dance. ‘Grandmamma is far from senile.’
‘Precisely.’ Flora grinned. ‘She will probably outlive us all, just to be awkward.’
Sam laughed. ‘Very likely.’
Sam proved to be a lively and irreverent partner and Flora enjoyed being swung round by him.
‘Don’t look so worried,’ he said, raising his voice to be heard above all the noise, when another couple barged into them and Flora almost lost her balance. ‘I won’t let you fall.’
‘I didn’t suppose that you would. It’s just that I’m not accustomed to such…well, gay abandon.’
‘That’s the trouble with religion, if you don’t mind my saying. It makes one feel guilty about anything the least bit fun.’
‘I don’t mind you speaking the truth. Since coming here I have discovered at first hand just what I have been missing all these years.’ She smiled up at Sam. ‘Does that make me very wicked?’
‘No, my dear, it makes you human. There is nothing the slightest bit amoral about taking pleasure from dancing.’
Flora wanted to respond but the dance was so energetic that she had no breath to spare for words. And so instead she took Sam’s advice and simply enjoyed herself. At the same time, she watched the other couples and was glad to see Mary in Paul’s arms. Captain Redfern stood at the side of the room, not looking especially pleased to have been deserted. Flora wondered what else he could have expected. He was lame, and therefore incapable of dancing a lively jig. Did he expect Mary, in whose honour this party was being held, to sit the dancing out as well? Most likely he did, Flora decided, glad that Paul had taken the initiative and that Mary seemed to be enjoying his company. Not that it was any of her affair, but if consulted she would not hesitate to suggest that Paul’s interest in Mary, which was plainly obvious, should be encouraged. Aware of the sacrifices Paul had made for Archie Hardwick, it seemed only fitting that he should now have the freedom to follow his heart.
The dance finished and her meandering speculations came to an end along with it.
‘There. No harm done.’ Sam grinned at her. ‘Now admit that you enjoyed dancing and that no thunderbolts of disapproval have smitten you down.’
‘I do admit it,’ she replied, taking his arm. ‘Forbidden fruit is always more tempting, as poor Eve discovered to her cost.’
‘Well, I thoroughly approve of her rebellious nature. She reminds me of you.’
‘Who does?’ They had been walking together in the direction of the countess’s card table, but encountered Luke before they reached it.
