Page 65 of A Sense of Turmoil
‘Thank you for the flowers,’ she said.
Before he could reply, Polly came in bearing a tray with tea things and an abundant supply of Beatrice’s homemade cake.
‘Thank you, Polly.’
The girl took herself off again, eyes wide and wary.
‘She will probably be shocked into giving notice,’ Flora said, shaking a finger at Archie, ‘and it’s all your fault.’
‘This is quite delicious cake,’ Archie replied, taking a healthy bite and ignoring Flora’s remonstration. ‘You are fortunate to have engaged the services of such a good cook.’
‘I could be excused for thinking that I have been remarkably fortunate in all respects,’ Flora replied archly, ‘but for the fact that I am well aware good fortune had nothing to do with the upturn in my circumstances.’ She took a sip of her own tea, foregoing the cake, put her cup aside and narrowed her eyes at Archie. ‘Why did you do it?’ she demanded. ‘Are you intent upon ruining what survives of my reputation?’
Archie flashed a rueful smile. ‘You found me out. I wonder how.’
Flora rolled her eyes, determined not to allow his charm to undermine her justified annoyance. ‘I cannot begin to imagine,’ she replied. ‘Although I do seem to recall describing a room precisely like this one on one occasion when you asked me what my ideal drawing room would look like. Besides, the rent was so ridiculously low and the cottage so superior to all the others I viewed that the moment Felsham Hall was pointed out to me, my suspicions were aroused.’
‘You are angry.’
‘What other reaction did you expect?’ Flora let out a weary sigh. ‘I am already looked upon like some kind of local curiosity by most of the villagers. A young woman of modest fortune living alone. The vicar’s wife is appalled.’
‘The vicar’s wife would do well to mind her own business.’
‘I am her business, as far as she is concerned. She will report all my activities directly back to my father, I am absolutely sure of it. And now you have come calling on me, my maid obviously thinks that you are…well, that I am…’ She felt her cheeks warm and couldn’t bring herself to look at him, well aware that her insinuation would bring out his wicked side.
‘Ah, Flora, my sweet.’ Archie gave an elaborate sigh. ‘If only!’
‘Behave yourself!’ Flora was all out of patience with him. ‘This might be amusing to you, but I want to make a respectable life for myself here. I know your intentions were good, but you are not making it easy for me.’
‘No one knows I am here, other than your maid, and I don’t think she will tattle.’
‘You organised her as well, didn’t you?’ Flora fixed him with a condemning look. ‘You are as bad as my father, attempting to control every aspect of my life.’
‘Not a bit of it. Indeed, I would not dare, nor would I ever seek to curb your free spirit. It is as rare as it is refreshing.’ Flora harrumphed and picked up her cooling tea. ‘Pawson drove me here in an unmarked carriage, and he does not wear livery. I believe after letting me off he drove around the back, where he will not be seen, and is likely in the kitchen as we speak, doing justice to this excellent cake. And as to the maid, her plight was brought to my attention.’ He sent her a winsome smile that melted her insides. ‘I knew that if anyone in need of a maid’s services would see that she is not to blame for her condition then it would be you. And you can be sure that because you have given her a chance, her loyalty will be absolute.’
Flora tutted. ‘It’s most unreasonable of you to be so…well, reasonable and compassionate when I am trying very hard to be angry with you.’
He chuckled. ‘It is not my intention to curtail any pleasure of yours.’
‘I’m sure you could have found a position for Polly within your own household.’
‘Most likely, but I have a large number of servants, and the hierarchy amongst their ranks is every bit as rigid as it is above stairs.’
‘Ah, I see. Polly would have been looked down upon by the females, especially since she is so pretty, and considered fair game by the males, given that she has a child out of wedlock. Well, she is perfectly safe from unwanted attentions here, and thus far has given exemplary service. She can even manage my hair, so I cannot possibly part with her. But that doesn’t alter the fact that your generosity has placed me in your debt.’
‘Which is a feeling you dislike, I quite understand that. In fact, I knew it would be the case, which is why I didn’t discuss my intention with you beforehand. I wanted you to see for yourself the sorts of places you would likely have to make do with before looking at Fox Hollow—’
‘Paul helped you?’
‘He did, but I asked him not to tell you. I knew you wouldn’t take this place if he did. The decision needed to be made without your foolish pride distracting you.’ Archie leaned forward and the aroma of his earthy masculinity pervaded Flora’s senses, making it hard for her to remember why she was so cross with him. ‘I owe you so very much, Flora, and I can assure you that the gesture of this cottage was made with no expectation of reward, other than to see you content and living in the style to which you are accustomed. No one knows that I own this cottage. I have made quite sure of that.’
‘You make it very difficult for me to be angry, so instead I shall thank you most sincerely.’ She closed her eyes and sighed. ‘I already feel at home here. This cottage is everything I could have hoped for and more. You did not need to go to the expense of the bathroom or the piano, but I appreciate both.’
He waved her thanks aside. ‘The cottage has been vacant for several years. I had been wondering what to do with it but never got around to doing anything. My steward reminded me about it several times. When I learned of your plans to remove to a cottage, it seemed as though I had kept it vacant for that very reason—although of course I did not know that at the time.’ He splayed the elegant fingers of one hand. ‘You will be perfectly safe in this village and will not fall over me every time you go out, so have no fears on that score. Felsham is the village closest to my home and I seldom venture far from it, unless I have a specific purpose.’ He chuckled as he regarded her with a deeply intense look. ‘But perhaps I now do, since I hope I can look upon you as a friend.’
‘Always,’ Flora said softly. ‘You have been generous beyond measure, and all I have done is berate you for it.’
‘You feel uncomfortable accepting charity since you are more accustomed to dealing it out. I quite understand that. But you fail to understand what your few simple gestures have done for my mobility. I am walking with less pain, thanks to your tinctures, and I am now the proud owner of a gig, as you know, and able to get around the estate. I’ve been swimming and taking the Turkish baths as well. All those activities have done for me what the best of doctors said would be impossible. I will never be a whole man again,’ he added, looking away from her, ‘but the additional independence your suggestions have offered me make the world of difference.’ He leaned forward and squeezed her hand. ‘So if any debts are owed, then I am still a long way from fulfilling mine to you.’
