Page 6 of A Sense of Injustice
Being the centre of attention and having a fuss made of her was a new experience for Flora. She felt the sincerity behind the best wishes directed her way by the Berangers and their friends. She knew that they really did wish her the very happiest of birthdays, which was a great deal more than could be said for her own family, who had not been in contact at all. Her father did not approve of self-indulgence, but Flora would not be made to feel guilty for enjoying her day.
‘It is so very kind of you to include me in the invitation,’ the elder Miss Pearson said to Flora in a quiet aside, ‘given that we have not met before.’
‘It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,’ Flora replied. She had taken an immediate liking to the personable young woman. ‘I was unaware that Marianne had an elder sister. The countess hasn’t mentioned you to me. Where have they kept you hidden?’
‘My home has always been with my aunt in London. Marianne was planning to join us next season, but I doubt whether that will be possible now.’ A shadow passed through Miss Pearson’s eyes and Flora sensed that something unpleasant had happened to bring the young woman scampering back to Wiltshire. ‘But I am still very glad to be here. It’s been too long since I spent time with my sister. And Grandmamma, of course. She may not always be the best influence but is the greatest possible fun.’
They both smiled as they watched Mrs Pearson and the countess giggling like schoolgirls at something Lord Hardwick had just said to them.
‘They egg each other on,’ Flora said.
‘How long have you held your position here?’ Miss Pearson asked.
‘For about six months. Shall you miss London?’
‘My grandmother says that you have worked wonders with the countess. I am aware that she is not always easy, but you seem to know how to handle her.’
Flora smiled at the artful avoidance of her question. There was something about Miss Pearson’s recent history that she would prefer to keep private. Flora was well acquainted with that desire and would not probe, despite the fact that her curiosity was piqued.
‘I am not intimidated by her ladyship’s desire to shock,’ Flora explained, ‘which rather spoils her fun. She bores easily, you see, and counters that boredom by behaving mischievously. It is her way of gaining attention. She told me once that people become invisible as they age, but there isn’t the slightest possibility of anyone overlooking the countess.’ Flora gave an indulgent smile. ‘She is nothing if not forthright in the expression of her views and if she takes a dislike to a person, you can be sure that they will not be left in ignorance of her feelings for long.’
‘She iscertainly memorable, and clearly enjoys being the centre of attention,’ Miss Pearson said, tactfully avoiding making any reference to the fact that the countess was attired in bright, clashing colours topped by a turban with a rapidly wilting plume.
‘For my part, I refuse to be outraged by her conduct and we rub along very well together as a consequence. I have become inordinately fond of her and I hope she returns my affection to some small degree.’
‘It is immediately evident to me that the entire family does.’
‘Because they have thrown this party in honour of a mere paid companion?’ Flora smiled to show that she was not offended by the observation. ‘Yes, I admit that it is unusual—and you can be sure that I didn’t ask for the occasion to be marked. It was the countess who insisted. Do you have any immediate plans for the future?’
‘Well, you are very lucky.’
‘Oh yes, I am well aware of that.’
She sent a swift glance in Luke’s direction, conscious that Miss Pearson had once again avoided Flora’s question. Flora’s perception that she was deeply uncomfortable about something and had come here to hide herself away intensified, but once again she adjured herself not to pry.
Henry joined them and struck up a lively conversation with Miss Pearson. Flora wandered away, sensing that Henry’s behaviour transcended the merely polite and that he would prefer to have the pretty young woman’s company to himself. Perhaps she would open up to him. She could see that the countess and Mrs Pearson were deep in conversation and that her charge had no need of her. Free to please herself for a few minutes, she joined Emma and Mary at the side of the room.
‘What are you two looking so glum about?’ she asked with a smile. ‘It is my birthday and I absolutely forbid anyone to be miserable.’
Emma returned her smile. ‘We were watching Miss Gregory attempting to monopolise Luke,’ she said with a disapproving twitch of her nose.
‘I haven’t met her before,’ Flora admitted, ‘and I had no idea she would be here this evening. I assumed the guests would be people with whom I am already acquainted. Who is she?’
‘Squire Exton’s niece,’ Mary replied. ‘Apparently Sam ran into the squire in the village this morning. The squire told him that his niece was here for a prolonged visit, so Sam felt obliged to extend this evening’s invitation to include her. I hope you don’t mind, Flora. After all, this is your party.’
‘I don’t mind in the least.’ She did not add that she shared the girls’ opinion of Miss Gregory. She liked the squire but could not say the same for his niece, despite the fact that they had barely exchanged two words. The girl had scarcely bothered to acknowledge Flora when she arrived at the party, and had been making a concerted attempt ever since to make an impression upon Luke. ‘And if your brother enjoys her company, who are we to object? She is remarkably pretty.’
‘Well, I don’t think he likes her much,’ Emma said. ‘He keeps trying to get away from her but she refuses to take the hint.’
‘I think it a very great pity that Luke cannot please himself in his own house,’ Mary added. ‘Short of being deliberately impolite—which he would never be—then he is stuck with the wretched woman. Hardly the best way to go about endearing herself to him.’
‘Luke can take care of himself,’ Flora said. ‘She is not the first young woman I have seen setting her cap at your brother since I took up my position here, and so far he has remained impervious to their efforts. Even so,’ she added speculatively, ‘I suppose he has a duty to marry sooner or later. It can’t be easy for him. Or for Lord Hardwick either. His infirmities will not prevent those who aspire to become a marchioness from throwing themselves at his feet.’
‘You are far too generously inclined, dearest Flora,’ Emma said, squeezing her hand. ‘I declare you never harbour a single nasty thought about anyone’s intentions. You make me feel thoroughly ashamed of myself for my uncharitable speculations.’
Flora laughed. ‘You give me too much credit. I think unworthy thoughts the entire time, but since I am a servant I have learned the importance of discretion.’
Mary shook her head. ‘You are no more a servant in this household than I am. We none of us know how we would manage without you.’
