Page 25 of A Sense of Turmoil
‘On the contrary,’ Archie replied, returning her smile. ‘You have put ideas into my head, Flora, and I fully intend to get my own gig the moment I return home. It will give me personal access to considerably more of the estate than I can manage at the moment, and provide me with a modicum of independence.’
‘We can always depend upon Flora to think of the welfare of others,’ Mary said, beaming. ‘How is Grandmamma today?’
Flora’s smile evaporated. ‘I looked in on her first thing. Sandwell is with her, otherwise I wouldn’t have left her alone. She had a disturbed night but is holding her own.’ Flora set her empty cup aside. ‘But now, if you will have the goodness to excuse me, I must change and resume my duties. Don’t get up, gentlemen,’ she said, waving Archie back into his seat. ‘It has been a pleasure meeting you,’ she said, inclining her head towards Ottilie and George.
‘I hope we shall see you at dinner,’ George said.
‘I think it unlikely. Her ladyship came down last night and it tired her. She will likely dine in her rooms this evening and I shall bear her company. Until later,’ she said, pausing to rub Romulus’s ears and then disappearing through the open doors in a flurry of velvet skirts.
A silence descended over the room once Flora quit it, and it felt to Luke as if a cloud had passed across the sun. He made an almighty effort to pull himself together but escaped as soon as he politely could, leaving Mary to have the Flemings shown to their chambers.
‘Come down when you are settled, George, and Paul and I will explain the advantages of some of the properties we have earmarked for your inspection.’
‘Most obliging,’ George replied.
‘Come to the library, Archie, and I’ll see if I can find us something a little stronger than coffee. It’s past midday so that makes it permissible.’
Archie laughed as he eased himself to his feet. ‘Never too early for a snifter. Besides, I have cause for celebration.’
Luke abruptly stopped walking and Archie nearly cannoned into his back. ‘Why? What’s happened?’
‘Easy, old chap. I was referring to my ability to drive a gig. Might not seem like much to you, but for me it’s a blow for independence.’
Luke nodded. ‘Of course it is, and I’m glad for you.’
Ensconced in the library, with Romulus stretched out in front of the fire, Luke poured large measures of whisky for them both.
‘What do you make of the Flemings?’
‘You’re asking me, I suppose, if I think Miss Fleming would make you a good wife.’
Luke elevated both brows. ‘Am I?’
‘Well, aren’t you? If so, my initial impression is that she is an exceptionally pretty young woman who knows how to behave and doesn’t put herself forward. If you like her, then I give you my full permission to pursue the connection. There, is that what you wanted to hear?’
Luke sighed. ‘Unlike others who have caught my eye, she doesn’t seem to have any ulterior motives.’
‘You’re thinking of the female that Magda tried to force onto you.’
Luke shot Archie a surprised look. ‘You know about her? I am surprised, given that you were dead at the time.’
‘You mentioned something about it when I returned from my deceased state. Flora touched upon the issue earlier today as well.’
‘Did she indeed?’
‘You don’t look terribly smitten by the fragrant Miss Fleming,’ Archie said, amused. ‘Not exactly head over heels, is my guess.’
‘She has all the right credentials.’
‘Oh, for goodness sake!’ Archie put his glass aside and threw up his hands. ‘Stop behaving like such an ass. You have the freedom of choice, and you can make your own decisions. I have no right to offer you advice since I deserted you in your hour of need, but I shall offer it nonetheless. Follow your heart, Luke. You deserve to be happy.’
‘I wish it were that easy,’ Luke replied, moodily kicking at the edge of a rug.
‘It’s as complicated as you decide to make it, my friend.’
‘I thought you would be pleased if I turned my attentions elsewhere.’
Archie nodded, not pretending to misunderstand Luke’s unspoken admission. ‘She wouldn’t want an old cripple like me,’ he said softly. ‘She deserves better.’
