Page 26 of A Sense of Turmoil
‘I think your disability makes you more enticing in her eyes.’
Archie’s expression hardened. ‘I won’t be anybody’s good cause.’ He drained his glass and put it aside. ‘Be your own man and make your own decisions based on what’s right for you. Don’t let the prejudices of past generations hold you back. Or the promises you made to people who had no right to demand them.’ He eased himself slowly to his feet. ‘But now, if you will excuse me, my morning’s adventures tired me. I shall rest for a while and see you later.’
Luke watched his old friend go, more confused than ever about his future.
*
Flora washed her hands and face, brushed out her tangled hair and changed into a serviceable day gown. She made her way to the countess’s rooms and found her charge sitting up in bed drinking a cup of hot chocolate.
‘Ah, there you are. I thought you’d forgotten all about me.’
‘Sorry if I’m late. I just met the new arrivals and they detained me. How do you feel?’ She placed a hand on the countess’s forehead, glad that it was not overly warm to the touch.
‘Alive.’
‘And in pain, I can tell. I shall run down to the stillroom and make something up to help you.’
‘I’m beyond help,’ the old lady complained.
‘Even so, I shall attempt to ease your discomfort.’
Flora took herself off again and returned a short time later with a tincture she forced upon the countess. She drank it with barely a complaint, confirming Flora’s belief that she was suffering.
‘You will feel better directly,’ Flora said, taking Sandwell’s vacated chair beside the countess’s bed and smiling at her maid as she left the room. ‘Did you enjoy the evening? Was it worth today’s aches and pains?’
‘I have aches and pains every day. This day is no different.’
Flora told her charge what she had done that morning. ‘It was comical seeing the suave marquess driving a gig with a lowly cob between the shafts, but I think his pride will recover in time. He expressed his gratitude, and his determination to get himself a gig and a sturdy cob to convey it when he returns home. At least it will make him feel as though he has some control over his estate, and his workers will think twice before they try to short-change him.’
‘You have a kind heart, Flora.’
‘I don’t like to see people suffer if there is anything I can do to help them.’
‘Just be careful. That Archie Felsham has his eye on you.’
Flora thought of the intimate manner in which he had kissed the inside of her wrist and blushed. ‘Nonsense! He’s just an incorrigible flirt, as I’m sure you have good reason to know.’
‘I may not be as clever as you are in many respects, but there’s one thing that I understand better than you ever will, and that is the male character. Archie Felsham looks at you as though he’d like to eat you whole and given half a chance that’s precisely what he will do, just you mark my words.’
‘Well, even if he does like me in the way that you suggest, his behaviour this morning did not cross any boundaries. He might well be the scoundrel you insist upon calling him, but with me he is always the perfect gentleman.’
‘What a shame for you.’
‘Ma’am!’ Flora pretended to be shocked, but ruined the effect by laughing.
‘What did you make of the Flemings?’
Flora paused to consider her response. She would not tell the countess, or anyone else, that she had felt the now familiar rush of wind past her ear when she first made their acquaintance. A warning from Remus to be on her guard. The brother and sister appeared perfectly respectable, but she trusted Remus and knew there was something about them that offended his ghostly sensibilities. She would reserve judgement until she was better acquainted with them.
‘They seem very pleasant. Miss Fleming is an exquisite creature, all blonde curls and peaches and cream complexion. She speaks well, and her brother mentioned all manner of accomplishments, but she is modest and does not put herself forward.’
‘Clever girl. Not trying to attract my grandson’s notice is the surest way to secure it.’
Flora’s heart lurched at the prospect. ‘Very likely,’ she agreed. ‘George Fleming is handsome in an unremarkable manner and seems pleasant enough.’ Flora could see that the countess was curious about them and wanted to pass judgement for herself. She also knew that it would be exceedingly detrimental to her health if she went down to dinner two evenings in a row. But the surest way to get her contrary charge to do the right thing was to suggest the opposite. ‘You will be able to judge for yourself when you meet them at dinner this evening.’
‘Are you trying to hasten my departure from this world, girl? I suppose you have come to an understanding with that rogue Archie, despite your maidenly assurances to the contrary, and cannot wait to resume your new duties.’
Flora laughed. ‘Don’t tempt me. The marquess is very handsome. He tells me that his father was a bit of a rogue too. Were you acquainted with him?’
