Page 60 of A Sense of Paradise
Flora, who had never much cared for Mr Janson, could already see alterations in his manner. He was no longer quite so outwardly obsequious, and she liked him the more for it. Besides, if he made Pamela happy, then who was she to criticise his manner? She was also very slightly mollified when his attention was not immediately focused upon Eloise. She smiled inwardly, wondering if she too was developing a trace of vanity. Her father would have apoplexy if he knew, and thoughts of his reaction almost justified the sin.
‘Mr Janson. It’s a pleasure to see you again. I will certainly pass on your thanks to Lord Felsham, but I know that he was happy to help. May I introduce my friend, Miss Garnier? Eloise, this is Pamela’s husband, Mr Janson.’
Mr Janson greeted the Frenchwoman affably and asked a few polite questions about her reasons for being in England.
‘I hope your brother is soon found,’ he said in response to Eloise’s explanation. ‘But now we have been offered a tour of the vicarage, if you would like to join us.’
‘Oh, do come, Flora,’ Pamela said when Flora hesitated. ‘I would value your opinion.’
‘In which case, how can I possibly refuse? You and I are, I think, well acquainted with the vast differences in comforts offered to men of the cloth.’
‘Which is precisely why I need your views. It might be necessary to recruit your assistance in persuading Mr Janson against the living if the rooms are gloomy or have northerly aspects.’
Flora smiled. ‘Let us hope for a more cheerful outcome.’
The vicarage proved to be a very comfortable dwelling situated adjacent to the church, with well-tended gardens in full bloom and rooms that thankfully were not depressing. The current incumbent, an elderly gentleman who enjoyed indifferent health, greeted them with politeness but left his housekeeper to show them about the place.
‘I can see you settled here, Pamela,’ Flora said, when they left the premises. ‘I’m sure you will be able to turn it into a pleasant family home.’
‘I do hope so.’ Pamela looked animated. ‘Let us pray that Mr Janson is selected to fill the vacancy.’
‘I am sure he will be or the marquess will know the reason why.’
Pamela sent Flora a curious glance in response to the remark but didn’t request clarification.
‘Ladies, it will be my pleasure to offer you luncheon,’ Mr Janson said. ‘There is a small hotel in the high street that is entirely respectable and I am told that its dining room has a good reputation. You must be hungry and thirsty after your journey here.’
‘Thank you, Mr Janson. We shall be delighted to accept,’ Flora replied, surprised that she wasn’t looking for reasons to get away from a man whom she had once considered stuffy and superior. She was seeing none of those traits today. Much like Pamela, once removed from their father’s restrictive influence, his character appeared to be blossoming.
The luncheon was every bit as good as Mr Janson had predicted. He was a generous host, not given to quoting the bible every two minutes, and encouraged Flora and Eloise to express their opinions about the various subjects they discussed. Pamela chatted excitedly about her condition and her aspirations for her unborn child. Flora assured her that she would be a loving and attentive aunt.
‘As long as you are absolutely sure that I will not corrupt the child with my independent manner,’ she said mischievously.
Pamela smiled. ‘I never thought I would make this admission, but I have always been a little in awe of the independence you refer to.’
She glanced at Mr Janson, expecting him to rebuke his wife for her outspokenness, but he smiled benignly and Flora thought it diplomatic to change the subject.
‘This has been a delight,’ Mr Janson said, once he had settled their account and they stood outside the hotel in the afternoon sunshine. ‘But now, if you will excuse us, I have duties to attend to and a long journey back to Salisbury.’
‘Of course you must catch your train.’ Flora kissed her sister. ‘Please don’t worry about us. We will make our own way back.’
Flora felt a moment’s unease when left alone with Eloise, who had expressed a desire to look at the local shops. Flora had set the entire day aside and was happy to go along with that proposal. Remus hadn’t shown himself and nothing had happened to set her teeth on edge. Even so, her unease intensified. She had learned to trust her instincts but refused to curtail her pleasures on nothing more than a whim. In any case, she would find it hard to explain such a thing to Eloise.
They strolled the length of the street, enjoying the fine weather and the curios in the shop windows. Eloise took her time, dithering over one or two small purchases.
‘We had best think about returning home, if you have seen enough,’ Flora said after another hour.
‘Certainly,’ Eloise replied. ‘Thank you for indulging my curiosity. I am sure you have better things to do with your time.’
‘Not at all. It is rare for me to take an entire day away from my self-imposed duties, I suppose, but it is good for Melanie to discharge them in my stead. I am really very pleased with her ability to adapt and her willingness to involve herself. Doing good, in my opinion, doesn’t necessarily require one to pray four times a day, as my father would insist upon, and expect the recipients of one’s charity to fall over with gratitude. Helping others brings its own rewards.’
‘I am sure you are…’ Eloise stopped talking and stared directly ahead. ‘Louis?’ Her mouth fell open and she repeatedly blinked, as though to clear her vision. ‘It can’t be. He is in France.’
Flora followed the direction of her gaze and felt the familiar rush of wind past her ear as Remus manifested himself.
Better late than never,Flora said, reaching out to him with her mind.
Sorry.Flora could see how uncharacteristically dishevelled her spirit guide looked. Besides, it was so unusual for him to apologise that her fear intensified.I was distracted. Damn! I will receive demerits for this.
