Page 32 of A Sense of Misgiving
Mary laughed. ‘No one can stop Grandmamma doing anything she sets her mind to, so you might as well stop objecting and enjoy your gown.’
‘That’s exactly what she said.’
‘Well then.’
Flora left Mary to her own devices when they had finished their meal and went back to her own room. She opened the door and was assailed by a familiar masculine aroma. Her heart quailed. Luke!
‘What the devil are you doing in my room?’ she asked, taking in the sight of him in shirt sleeves, leaning against the window ledge, arms folded across his broad chest. He did not look happy and she wondered what she had done to offend him. ‘If you needed to see me, you should have sent for me.’
‘When did you plan to tell me that you were accosted by Bolton?’
‘Oh that.’ She waved his concerns aside. ‘It only happened this morning, and I have not long been back. I cannot run to you with every little problem I encounter.’
‘Sam tells me you were engaged in deep conversation with the cove. It’s none of my business, but—’
‘But you think he upset me. Thank you for your concern. It did worry me when he first accosted me but…well—’
Luke listened without interrupting as Flora launched into an explanation.
‘At least now I know why Papa was so keen to marry me off to the man,’ she finished by saying, a bitter edge to her voice. ‘He was attempting to buy his loyalty. It seems I misjudged Mr Bolton.’
‘You are considering his proposal?’ Luke scowled as he posed the question.
‘Heavens, no! It seems he was as much a victim of Papa’s ambitions as me, but he has the strength of character to do something about it.’
‘I have had rumours about a movement for modernisation within the church. It doesn’t surprise me that your father is of the old school.’
‘No, nor me.’ She paused. ‘I wanted to ask Mr Bolton if he knew how Papa had come by the information regarding your father’s dealings with Redfern, but in the end I decided against it. I don’t trust him quite that much.’
‘I am glad you exercised caution. There is every possibility that Bolton knows nothing of the rumour, and I would prefer for it to remain that way. Rumour has a way of becoming truth if it is repeated often enough.’
‘Which is one of your main concerns. I quite understand.’
‘I spent a few minutes up at the reservoir today,’ Luke said into the ensuing silence, ‘but my solitude was imposed upon by Mrs Arnold and her brother.’
‘Good heavens! Whatever were they doing so far from home?’
‘That is what I have been wondering. Anyway, I was not impressed with Redfern, but perhaps that’s because you warned me against him.’
‘You could do worse than delve into his background. I’m told his injuries were incurred months ago, yet he has not returned to his duties.’
‘If Mary shows a serious interest in him then you can be sure I will do precisely that. An enquiry to Horse Guards should clear up any confusion.’ Luke sighed. ‘At least they didn’t try to call here on the pretence of seeing Mary.’
Flora grinned. ‘Whereas Mrs Arnold’s true purpose is to make an impression upon you.’
‘Ha!’
‘Even if the lady doesn’t wish to remind you just how pretty she is, Luke, I imagine they were still in the district for reasons that have to do with your family. I have a bad feeling about them both.’
He sent her a softly teasing smile. ‘Your senses are working well, it seems.’
‘Don’t mock or I won’t warn you of danger the next time it comes calling.’
‘Yes you will.’ He chuckled, disgustingly sure of himself. ‘If only to prove me wrong about your gift.’
Flora felt flustered by his ability to…well, fluster her. ‘They couldn’t possibly have known that you would be at the reservoir,’ she said, in a brisk tone designed to disguise her confusion. ‘That must have been a coincidence.’
He lifted one impossibly broad shoulder. ‘I thought you didn’t believe in coincidence.’
