Page 25 of A Sense of Injustice
‘And when are your courses due?’
‘Another week.’
‘Well then, we shall soon know. Naturally, you will not marry the monster, no matter what scurrilous rumours he spreads abroad. In fact, I very much doubt if he will say anything. He can hardly do so without showing himself to be the villain of the piece.’
‘It doesn’t work that way. Excuses are made for men, who are expected to sow their wild oats—’
‘Not with innocents.’
‘Well anyway, your money allows you the luxury to please yourself. You can live as you please. The gossip will die down soon enough, and if you have no further interest intonnishsociety—’
‘I do not.’ Louise shuddered. ‘Believe me.’
Flora smiled and patted her hand. ‘Well then, you can purchase yourself a home in the country and live quietly, pursuing your own interests without having to answer to anyone. But if you marriedthatman you would never know a moment’s peace.’
‘But he will ruin my reputation! I deserve to have it ruined, I suppose…’
‘Don’t you dare feel guilty! He forced himself upon you. It’s outrageous!’ Flora adjured herself to calm down. ‘What of your aunt? Does she know about any of this?’
‘Not from me. I told her I was coming to visit Grandmamma. I couldn’t think what else to do. She fought me vigorously on that decision. For some reason she is fiercely determined that I not form a close bond with Grandmamma, but I held firm.’
‘Your aunt is still in your house?’
‘For now, but don’t worry. She doesn’t realise that I know she colluded with Darius, and I doubt whether he will tell her what he did to me. The servants don’t much care for her, since she bosses them around and criticises everything they do. My butler is loyal to me and will make sure that she doesn’t exploit her position during my absence.’
‘What will you do now?’
‘Wait, I suppose, to see if…well, if I am increasing. If I am not, I shall begin to make plans for my future, perhaps along the lines you just suggested. If I am, I shall hide away until after my confinement. Either way, my future will have no place in it for a scheming husband who is interested only in my wealth.’ She sighed. ‘Or any husband at all for that matter. I shall not willingly put myself through such an ordeal again.’
‘You seemed to make an impression on Henry last night,’ Flora said with the suggestion of a smile.
‘Mr Beranger was very civil and courteous, but I am not prepared to take chances. I don’t for one moment mean to suggest that any of the gentlemen in this household are anything other than…well, gentlemen, but that is how Darius seemed upon first making his acquaintance. As I say, I have no interest in men now and even if I had, what decent man would want me after what I have done?’
‘Stop talking like that at once! If you do ever meet a gentleman who likes you for who you are then you will be able to tell him the truth and he won’t blame you, because you are entirely blameless.’ She smiled. ‘And if you find the right one for you, you might even revise your opinion about the pleasures of the marriage bed.’
Louise shuddered. ‘I cannot imagine that situation ever arising, but I do feel better for having told you the truth. Thank you for not turning your back on me in disgust.’ Louise touched Flora’s hand. ‘That is very kind and generous of you.’
‘As the countess would say, kindness has nothing to do with the matter. I speak as I find. You have been shamelessly exploited, most especially by the woman who was supposed to protect you. In your situation, I would be furious and out for revenge.’ Flora allowed herself the suggestion of a smile. ‘Perhaps now that you understand my character a little better you will see why my father and I were so often at loggerheads. The Bible teaches one to turn the other cheek, you know, but I’m afraid that I have never subscribed to that view.’
‘Then we have something in common.’
‘Let us hope that there will be no consequences, and that you are not increasing. Once we have established that, what then?’
‘I shall stay in Swindon for a while, get to know my sister and take time to contemplate my future.’
‘When do you come of age?’
‘Another six months.’
‘Well then, you have time to put your affairs in order, reclaim your house and evict your aunt from it the moment you can legally do so.’
Louise straightened her spine. ‘That I can safely promise you I will do. The desire to settle in the country grows on me. I would like to help Grandmamma look after Marianne, if my sister will accept my guidance. I am certainly in a position to point out all the pitfalls she will encounter as she reaches maturity.’
‘I am perfectly sure she will welcome your advice.’
Louise frowned. ‘My worry is that Darius will follow me to Swindon and make trouble for me.’
Flora gaped at her. ‘You really think he will go that far?’
