Page 41 of A Sense of Fate
‘I’ve never had breakfast in bed before,’ Melanie said, tucking in as soon as her food arrived. ‘It seems awfully decadent.’
‘Papa would have a conniption, I’m sure, but try not to dwell upon his idea of decorum. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having breakfast in bed.’
‘So I am fast discovering.’
Melanie giggled, already beginning to recover from her ordeal. Flora sensed her relief as she showed a touching faith in a sister whom she barely knew anymore by transferring responsibility for her wellbeing onto Flora’s shoulders. Flora was more than ready to assume that mantle and resolve her dispute with her father once and for all.
As Melanie finished eating Polly entered the room, staggering beneath the weight of clothing.
‘What’s this?’ Melanie asked, blinking at the array of bright colours spilling from Polly’s arms. Flora jumped up and relieved her of some of the garments before they fell to the floor.
‘We have brought you a few things to wear,’ Flora said, grinning. ‘Go and wash yourself in the bathroom. Then we will attend to your injuries. After that, you can try things on and see what you like the best.’
Melanie’s face came alight with pleasure as she ran off to do as Flora suggested.
‘Am I being terribly spoiled and big-headed?’ Melanie asked a little later as she swirled in front of the mirror, wearing a peacock blue skirt and a frilly white blouse.
‘Not in the least. Do you like it?’
Melanie’s eyes widened and a smile touched her lips as she examined her reflection from all angles in the long glass. ‘I barely recognise myself.’
‘You look very grown up. I remember how I felt when the countess took exception to my dowdy clothing and insisted upon decking me out in a more flamboyant style.’ Flora grinned. ‘There was nothing anyone could teach her ladyship about extravagant style and the beneficial effect of bright colours, even though she didn’t seem to notice when they clashed. She maintained that the world was far too grey and that we ladies had a responsibility to make it a brighter place. She certainly practised what she preached, and I feel duty bound to continue in her footsteps.’
‘Well, I shall not complain.’ Melanie threw her arms around Flora’s neck. ‘Thank you so very much. You are the best possible sister.’
‘Oh, I don’t believe I am, but I shall accept the compliment.’
‘The countess clearly saw the goodness in you, otherwise she wouldn’t have left you so well provided for.’
Flora smiled affectionately. ‘She and I became very good friends.’
Flora and Melanie made their way down to the sitting room. ‘I resented her, you know,’ Melanie said.
Flora fixed her with a look of surprise. ‘Whatever for? You did not even make her acquaintance.’
‘She took you from us. I felt lonely.’
‘I’m so sorry, my love.’ The girls sat on opposite sides of the fire. Flora reached forward and squeezed Melanie’s uninjured hand. ‘I didn’t think about you, which was very selfish of me. It took all my ingenuity to escape Papa, you see.’
‘Papa said you would be back in no time, but I knew that you would not be. I certainly would not have been, had I found the courage to break free.’
‘Well, you have found that courage now and we are reunited.’
‘I was jealous on the rare occasions when we saw you and you were dressed in such finery.’ She glanced down at her skirt and grinned. ‘But now I am as well.’
‘That you are, which is what you deserve after all that you’ve been through.’
‘When do you suppose Papa will come?’ She sighed. ‘He will come, won’t he?’
Melanie was mature for her years and had always shown signs of the ability to question the doctrine that had been forced upon them since birth in a highly religious household, much as Flora had always done. Three obedient sisters, it seemed, parcelled between Flora and Melanie, the free-thinkers and rebels. It was the first time she had mentioned their father that day. She had been too taken up with her new wardrobe and refreshed from a good night’s sleep to speak his name, but it was clear that the prospect concerned her.
‘Today or tomorrow, I expect, but don’t let it concern you. I will deal with Papa.’
‘He will insist that I return home.’
‘Do you want to?’
Melanie shook her head emphatically, russet curls the same colour as Flora’s dancing on her shoulders. ‘Absolutely not!’
