Page 41 of A Sense of Misgiving
‘I am glad you don’t have much to compare my efforts to.’ Paul twirled her around. ‘I don’t often bother with dancing, and I have likely forgotten everything I learned during those interminable lessons we boys were all forced to endure.’
‘You seem very competent to me.’
‘Is Redfern making a nuisance of himself?’ Paul asked in a casual fashion.
‘No, he’s being very attentive. I rather like him.’
Paul nodded, looked as though he wanted to say something else, and then thought better of it.
‘What is it?’ Mary asked. ‘You don’t care for him?’
‘I don’t know him—and anyway it isn’t for me to approve or disapprove of your choice of friends. It’s just that…well, I wouldn’t want to see you being exploited.’
‘You think the attraction is my money?’
‘I think that any man who looked upon you only as a means of getting his hands on your fortune would have to be blind and incredibly stupid.’
Mary widened her eyes. ‘Why Paul, you look very fierce all of a sudden.’
‘Do I?’ He shrugged. ‘Well, you know me, I am suspicious by nature. But thankfully it’s Luke job to decide if the man’s worthy of your regard.’
Mary bridled. ‘I think I might have a say in that regard.’
‘Of course. Sorry. I’ve upset you.’
‘No.’ Mary let out a long sigh. ‘Flora doesn’t like him much, either. Well, she hasn’t exactly said so, but I can tell she doesn’t approve. And his sister, my friend Lucy, was quite impolite about Flora. I cannot understand why. To the best of my knowledge Flora has never caused her any harm.’
Paul chuckled, not looking surprised by Lucy’s reaction. ‘Flora is a unique individual. I don’t suppose Lucy knows quite what to make of her.’
Mary tilted her head and looked up at Paul’s handsome features in a contemplative fashion. ‘I wish you would say what you are thinking, or what you know, rather than what you think I would like to hear. I am no longer a child.’
‘No,’ he said softly, tightening the arm that supported her waist. ‘You most definitely are not.’
‘Then tell me why you suppose Flora has caused Lucy offence.’
‘Your friend envies Flora her intimacy with this family,’ Paul said. ‘Flora is not classically beautiful in the way that you and your friend Lucy Arnold are—’
‘Why, thank you, Paul. I had no idea you looked upon me as being beautiful. I am not, of course. It’s a complete nonsense. I am more than realistic regarding my appearance. Lucy, however, is quite lovely.’
‘There is more to beauty than meets the eye, which is the point I’m trying to make. Flora has an indefinable something about her that sets her apart. She is outspoken yet genuine, and cares deeply for the people she loves. Ladies with her strength of character are bound to earn the disapproval of the Lucy Arnolds of this world.’
Mary frowned. ‘You make is sound as though Lucy dislikes competition.’
Paul simply flashed an enigmatic smile and said nothing more on the subject.
Mary, breathless and smiling, dipped a curtsey when the jig came to an end. ‘Thank you, Paul. That was the best possible fun.’
‘The pleasure was all mine.’ He proffered his arm and Mary placed her hand on it. ‘Where would you like me to take you now? Back to your captain?’ he asked, an edge to his voice.
‘Heavens, no, I don’t want to look too enthusiastic.’ Paul sent her a probing look, which she found hard to interpret. ‘You really don’t approve of the captain? she asked.
‘He isn’t nearly good enough for you.’
Mary laughed. ‘You are as bad as my brothers. Well, I suppose that’s how you look upon me. As a sister in need of protection, I mean.’
‘You are entirely wrong about that,’ Paul replied, in a manner that caused Mary to send him another speculative glance. He looked so dark and brooding, as though there was something he wanted to say but couldn’t find the words. It was an oddity, but she shrugged off his strange behaviour and turned to face him with a sunny smile.
‘I like the captain. He makes me laugh and doesn’t take life too seriously,’ Mary said. ‘He talks to me about interesting things, and doesn’t treat me like a child.’
