Page 47 of A Sense of Paradise
‘I just wish I felt I was enough for him.’ Flora valued the opportunity to bare her soul to his trusted manservant, a man who was really more of a friend to Archie. ‘There is absolutely nothing special about me, especially when compared to Eloise.’
Mr Pawson rubbed his chin. ‘Well, that’s the thing about Cupid’s arrow. It knows just where to strike, and who are we mere mortals to fight against it?’
Flora laughed. ‘I am glad you didn’t try to convince me that I’m something I am not. I am well aware of my limitations.’
‘I would have tried, but for the fact that I know I’d be wasting my breath. You will realise it for yourself in your own time.’
‘You can tell Archie that I shall come on Monday as soon as I can get away. I have my rounds to do first. Well, just Mrs Finch actually. I have made up a new tincture for her to try, and truth to tell my calls upon her are more social affairs. I enjoy her company enormously. She is very intelligent and has lots of interesting stories to tell about her younger days when she mixed in the very best company. She knows everything that goes on locally, despite the fact that she seldom stirs from her fireside, and I know she looks forward to my visits.’
‘His lordship wants me to come and collect you, but it seems that Mrs Finch has a prior claim on your time.’
Flora shook her head emphatically. ‘Best not come for me. Eloise will notice if you do, and demand to come along too.’
‘She ain’t in any position to make demands.’
‘Perhaps not, but I would have to invent a reason for calling at Felsham Hall, and I would prefer not to be put to the trouble.’
‘Right you are.’
‘Oh, Mr Pawson.’ Flora looked up at him and smiled in an I-told-you-so manner when Eloise came scampering down the garden to join them. ‘I saw you from the window. Do you come with news of Maurice?’
‘Nothing as yet,’ Mr Pawson replied easily.
‘He has business in the village and called in the hope of taking Polly with him as he discharges it,’ Flora said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘Naturally, he is far too well-mannered to make that admission but I am not deceived. By all means, Mr Pawson, take Polly and Alice with you and enjoy this lovely day.’
Mr Pawson grinned. ‘In that case, I shall. Good day to you, ladies.’
‘Goodness,’ Eloise said, pouting as they watched him leave. ‘I am sure there are things that he didn’t tell us. What did he say to you?’
Flora was about to tell her about Avery having taken a house in the district, but decided against it at the last minute. Flora would make her own enquiries in that respect and decide how much to reveal to her guest after she’d received answers. And she knew precisely where to seek those answers.
‘I am going to call upon one of the old ladies I look after for an hour,’ she said, making her way to the barn that she had converted into a stillroom, having decided to bring her visit to Mrs Finch forward by a day. ‘Will you be able to find something to do with your time while I am gone?’
‘Of course. You must not think that you have to entertain me. I might take a stroll around the village since it is such a lovely day.’
‘Melanie will probably join you if it’s company you require.’ Flora busied herself bottling the tincture she’d already made up for Mrs Finch and put the stopper in place. ‘She will be able to show you all the sights—what few of them there are.’
‘I expect she has better things to do.’
‘Whatever you prefer,’ Flora replied absently, wondering why the Frenchwoman seemed so determined to venture out alone. Then she glanced across at the paddocks and noticed Melanie concentrating upon her sketch of Amethyst, feeling guilty for suspecting Eloise of ulterior motives.
Flora returned to the cottage with Eloise clinging to her side. Will was still at chapel and although she was perfectly capable of harnessing Mabel to the gig without his help, she decided to take advantage of the fine weather and walk to Mrs Finch’s cottage, which was less than a mile away.
‘I shall see you later,’ she said to Eloise as she retrieved her hat but decided against gloves. ‘Unless you would like to join me,’ she belatedly added, recalling her manners, hoping that Eloise would decline.
‘Thank you, but I shall enjoy a moment to myself.’
‘As you like.’
Eloise waved her off, her expression one of dissatisfied speculation.
Flora walked briskly, swinging her basket over her arm and acknowledging the greetings sent her way by the people sitting outside their cottages, enjoying their leisure time and the fine weather. She didn’t permit any of them to detain her and declined one or two polite offers to join in their meagre meals.
Mrs Finch was delighted to see her.
‘I was not expecting you today,’ she said.
‘I have a tincture for you, and I have also come in the hope of extracting information from you by way of exchange. However, first things first. You will drink this tincture please without complaining about the bitter taste. That’s caused by the goldenrod, a key ingredient. There’s no disguising its taste, I’m afraid, but I am confident it will give you relief from your arthritis.’
