Page 28 of A Sense of Injustice
‘Stop being idiotic.’ She fought against a smile that broke through anyway. ‘This is serious.’
‘I beg your pardon,’ Luke replied, attempting to keep a straight face. ‘Although actually you make a fair point. Archie and Cleethorp are acquainted. We were all at school and university together. Archie once remarked that Cleethorp’s antics made his own look positively tame.’
‘Really?’ Flora leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. ‘What did he do?’
Luke laughed. ‘You will have to ask Archie that.’
‘I shall, and he will most likely tell me.’
Luke pulled a disapproving face. ‘I certainly hope not.’
‘They were friendly for a while, Archie and Cleethorp, until Cleethorp went too far. Then Archie cut the connection. I doubt whether Archie would invite the man to stay, even if he does arrive on his doorstep, especially not when his father is so unwell.’
‘Well anyway, now that I think about it, I don’t suppose he will approach Lord Hardwick since he is dead and the man who now bears that title is supposed to be his French cousin.’
Luke threw back his head. ‘No one actually believes that anymore. Archie hasn’t made the admission publicly but he no longer bothers with the French accent.’ Luke paused. ‘He sent you a message when he left here, by the way, thanking you for something. Does that make any sense?’
‘Oh good, he got it.’
‘Got what?’ Luke asked, frowning.
‘Nothing that necessitates a frown. I told you already that I made up a potion which I hope will help with his sore joints. I gave his man instructions upon its use but he didn’t seem very enthusiastic about passing them on. I am glad that he did. Let’s hope they try it for a few weeks and give it an opportunity to work.’
‘That was thoughtful of you.’
‘Well, the poor man is clearly suffering and I am convinced I can help him, if only a little. If I am right, and succeed in making his life a little more comfortable it will give me great satisfaction.’
‘Archie will appreciate it, I’m sure.’
‘We were discussing Cleethorp,’ Flora said impatiently. ‘Louise is going to call again tomorrow. I would like to be able to tell her something to put her mind at rest.’
Luke admired her compassion, but at the same time he felt ridiculously jealous because she had put herself out to help Archie. He shook his head to dispel such unworthy thoughts and returned his attention to Louise Pearson’s problems. ‘I will have people look out for Cleethorp,’ he told her. ‘If he arrives in Swindon he will be noticed. He doesn’t know how to keep a low profile. In the meantime, your friend would be best advised not to go out alone.’
‘Of course.’
‘Should I invite the entire family to stay here at Beranger Court for a while? No one will get to them here.’
‘That’s a generous offer,’ Flora said after a moment’s reflection, ‘but will likely draw attention to Louise’s situation. You can be sure that the countess will want to know why you have issued that invitation, and it might imply interest on your part in one of her friend’s granddaughters.’
‘Ah, I see your point.’
‘I don’t know how many servants Mrs Pearson employs. Male servants capable of protecting the ladies, I mean. I called at her home once with the countess. It’s a comfortable establishment, but not large and quite remote. Anyone wishing to gain access to it would find it relatively easy.’
‘But if I offer to lend a couple of footmen, Mrs Pearson will wonder why.’
Flora sighed. ‘There’s nothing else for it. Louise will just have to be vigilant. It will help enormously if you do get word if Cleethorp arrives in the district.’
Luke smiled at her. ‘I shall make sure that I do.’
‘Are you acquainted with Felicity Brigstock?’
‘The name means nothing to me.’
‘Good. She has Cleethorp wrapped around her little finger, if even half of what Louise told me is not a gross exaggeration.’ Flora canted her head. ‘It’s true what they say about the female of the species, at least in her case. I very much doubt if Cleethorp would have gone quite so far with Louise if his paramour had had not encouraged him.’
‘Your friend is in the unfortunate position of being wealthy but having no male relatives to protect her interests.’
‘I thought society was supposed to be civilized.’
