Page 31 of A Sense of Misgiving
‘Archie is aware of that.’ Paul sighed. ‘It’s his problem now.’
‘And you have made more than enough sacrifices on his behalf.’ Mary smiled at him. ‘You are truly a good and honest friend, Paul.’
‘I’m not sure about that. I was always going to have to work for a living, doing something or other, and serving Luke suits me very well. With the benefit of maturity, I very much doubt if my art would have kept the wolf from the door, even though a small part of me resented never having the opportunity to find out. Anyway, Luke and I are the best possible friends, he rewards me well for my efforts and I have no complaints to make.’
‘Luke couldn’t manage without you, I am absolutely sure of it.’
Paul smiled. ‘You’re very kind, but we are none of us indispensable. Anyway, what about you? Since we appear to be speaking frankly, tell me how you feel without Emma here. You two have always been inseparable.’
‘A little lost at first. I still am, I suppose, but I have Flora and her presence makes a huge difference. In fact, I am unsure how we managed without her. She is so very good, and kind and wise beyond her years. Grandmamma adores her. Not that she will ever admit it.’
‘I have no right to offer you advice, but I recommend caution. Take time to readjust to being the only daughter of the house and grow accustomed to the attentions you will get before making decisions.’
Mary sent him a sideways look, feeling suddenly very self-conscious and a little warm inside. ‘Yes, that’s what I fully intend to do,’ she replied, wondering if Paul had somehow heard of her interest in Captain Redfern and was warning her against him. She didn’t know how to ask without embarrassing herself, so she returned her attention to her sketch.
‘I have always wanted to travel. Perhaps now I shall,’ she remarked. ‘Emma and I were promised a tour but…well, Mama and Papa died and everything changed. Not that I am complaining, of course. I am luckier than most, and well I know it.’
*
When she returned to the Court, Flora went directly to the countess’s rooms. She found her charge dozing in front of the fire, Zeus on her lap. Sandwell was seated a little away from her, sewing. She smiled at Flora and put her needlework aside.
‘You are back. I will go and fetch her ladyship’s lunch.’
‘Ah, so you have remembered I am alive, have you?’ The countess opened an eye and peered up at Flora.
‘I have indeed, and I am very cross with your ladyship.’
The other eye opened in innocent surprise. ‘What in God’s name have I done now?’ the countess huffed.
‘You know very well. I specifically told you that I had neither the need for nor the wherewithal to pay for another evening gown.’
‘It’s all well and good to stand on principles, young lady, but I shall have to look at you all the evening tomorrow, since you will insist upon hovering over me like a mother hen.’
‘It is my job to concern myself with your wellbeing. It is not yours to constantly clothe me. I am sorry if my attire offends your ladyship, but since no one takes any interest in me, I fail to see why it should bother you so much.’ Flora plonked herself down on her regular footstool and regarded the countess with open curiosity. ‘I already have four perfectly acceptable evening gowns. I don’t require another.’
‘They finished this latest one, I suppose, using those new-fangled sewing machines. I have no time for them myself, but at least they speed up the process.’
‘I defy your ladyship to tell the difference.’
‘I would know. There is no substitute for quality.’
‘And, without wishing to repeat myself, there is also absolutely no need for me to have a new gown. You really must stop doing it, my lady. I know you mean well, but it makes me uncomfortable to be beholden to you.’
‘Ha! But you like the gown?’ The countess waved a gnarled finger at Flora. ‘You like the confidence it gives you when you wear it.’
‘How could I not like it? It is truly lovely and makes me feel most elegant.’ She leaned up and impulsively kissed the old lady’s cheek. ‘Thank you, but do not do it again!’
The countess closed her eyes, and didn’t say another word until Sandwell returned with her luncheon on a tray. Flora excused herself and went in search of Mary, with whom she had promised to enjoy the midday meal in her rooms.
‘Paul came to join me whilst I was sketching outside,’ Mary remarked. ‘I had no idea he was such a talented artist. He quite puts me to shame.’
‘That I very much doubt. Did you enjoy his company?’
‘Yes, actually.’
Flora didn’t say anything more and changed the subject, aware that Mary was astute and would not take kindly to Flora’s interference if she realised that she was attempting to push her and Paul together.
‘Your grandmother has bought me another gown,’ Flora remarked. ‘I wish she would not do such things.’
