Page 57 of A Sense of Paradise
‘He isn’t supposed to indulge his passion for voyeurism, I don’t think, but I’m afraid that Remus is a bit of a law unto himself.’
‘Anyway, speaking of Melanie puts me in mind of other priorities. Now that we have agreed upon a date, you need to give some attention to your wardrobe.’
‘What’s wrong with it?’ Flora demanded to know.
Archie chuckled. ‘I knew you wouldn’t have given it a passing thought. I don’t suppose any other female in your position would not have given it her highest priority, which is one of the many reasons why I adore you. Anyway, you should go to London for a few days with Melanie. I will open an account for you with one of the foremost modistes, whichever one you would prefer.’
Flora probably looked as bewildered as she felt. ‘I have no idea who any of them are, and wouldn’t know how to choose between them even if I did.’
‘We shall need to entertain our neighbours when we are married, darling. I have avoided doing so up until now since I had no hostess and frankly, no real desire to be sociable. But we will not be able to avoid that responsibility when we are man and wife. Besides, I am keen to show you off and have my acquaintances envy my good fortune.’
Flora laughed and flapped a hand. ‘Very well. I suppose I have a duty not to disgrace you and I expect that Melanie will adore being spoiled.’
‘If Mrs Finch is well enough to survive the rigours of London for a few days, she will be an ideal person to take with you.’
‘Oh, I think she will manage it very well. She often speaks of her youth, which she spent there. She loved the bustle of the city and being at the heart of things.’
‘Well then. You can stay at my Grosvenor Square house. When you decide to go I will send word for them to open it up for you.’
‘One thing at a time, Archie,’ Flora said, feeling rushed. ‘Let’s deal with Eloise’s problems first.’
‘Of course, darling. I simply wanted you to get used to the idea.’
‘The Harrod’s man is here,’ Pawson said, putting his head round the door.
Archie nodded and leaned heavily on his stick as he hauled himself to his feet. They greeted the representative from London’s foremost department store and Flora spent a happy hour looking over samples of fabrics and wallpapers. She tried to involve Archie in the selection process but he refused to be drawn, leaving all the decisions to her and the representative’s rather effeminate assistant.
‘Well,’ she said as they sat down to luncheon in the conservatory. ‘Don’t blame me if you hate the results, or if my choices have bankrupted you. You had an opportunity to state your opinion.’
‘I don’t care if you paint the place bright pink, just so long asyoulike it.’
Flora half hoped that further news would arrive from Lord Riley, but when it came time for her to leave nothing had been heard from him.
‘Have patience, darling,’ Archie said, smiling up at her once she was mounted on Amethyst. ‘I am sure we will hear something soon, and then you will be rid of Eloise. But for now, no arguments. Pawson is riding back with you. I am not prepared to take any chances when it comes to your wellbeing.’
Flora shook her head in exasperation but didn’t fight Archie’s dictate. Independence was all very well, but in truth she sometimes enjoyed having someone who was genuinely concerned about her welfare.
‘I will send word as soon as I know anything,’ he said, raising his hand in farewell. ‘And tell Mrs Finch that I shall be delighted to welcome her here as soon as she is ready to make the move.’
‘Thank you, I shall.’
Flora parted company with Mr Pawson at the same spot in which he’d waited for her earlier in the day.
‘You have a visitor awaiting your return,’ Will said, holding Amethyst’s head as she dismounted. ‘Got here half an hour ago.’
‘Oh?’
Curious, Flora made her way into the cottage and found her sister Pamela there, in conversation with Melanie and Eloise. Good manners dictated that Eloise should have made herself scarce and left Melanie and Pamela to themselves instead of intruding into their affairs. But then again, perhaps she was being ungracious, Flora conceded. She might well have offered to leave the room, but perhaps Melanie had asked her to remain out of politeness, or because she didn’t want to be alone with Pamela.
‘Pamela, I was not expecting you,’ Flora said, smiling at her sister. ‘Have you had tea?’
‘Pamela only just got here. I thought you would be back soon and so we decided to wait for you,’ Melanie said.
‘In that case, Polly, if you please.’
Flora’s maid nodded and went off to arrange the required tea.
‘Melanie has introduced you to our guest, I take it.’
