Page 42 of A Sense of Turmoil
‘Even so, I hope you will not object to my company,’ Luke replied, because there was nothing else that he could say.
‘Not in the least,’ she replied sweetly.
Luke offered her his arm and they strolled together, retracing Ottilie’s steps at a more leisurely pace. ‘I understand that you and George have agreed upon a place to live.’
‘Yes. Denby Lodge is small but the grounds are delightful, and I fell in love with the place for that reason alone the moment I set foot in it. George held out for something grander initially, but my needs are more modest, and my will eventually prevailed.’
‘Then I am glad you will be established close by.’
‘As am I. A small house will make it easier for me to get to grips with English ways and settle into local society.’
‘I gather the property is furnished. Does it come supplied with sufficient servants or will you be required to recruit the people you need?’
‘There is no one there at present, but Mr Dalton said he could engage the necessary staff, which is most obliging of him.’
‘You can trust Paul. He is well known and respected in the area.’
‘You and he are very close. It seems odd that he is your secretary and your brother-in-law too.’
‘And one of my most loyal friends before that. Paul, Archie, Alvin and I were inseparable in our younger days.’
‘It must be lovely to have forged such binding friendships. With our moving to Boston when I was still so young, that opportunity was lost to me.’ She looked momentarily saddened. Luke glanced at her, thinking she was beautiful even when attempting to appear tragic. ‘However,’ she added, brightening considerably. ‘I already have one new acquaintance here in England. Miss Latimer…Flora, has agreed to be my friend.’
‘You could do a great deal worse,’ Luke said, uncomfortable discussing Flora with Ottilie.
‘She is a marvel. So self-confident and on such intimate terms with your entire family.’
Ye gods, she was fishing. Perhaps she too had sensed the connection between him and Flora that Paul insisted was there, and wanted to know if she was wasting her time.
‘Flora has worked wonders for my grandmother, and we are all very grateful to her,’ he settled for saying.
‘You are fond of Flora, I think.’
Luke pursed his lips, not appreciating the line Ottilie’s question was taking, and was grateful when a few spots of rain began to fall. They would not have bothered him, nor Flora either, but Ottilie immediately expressed concern for her hat, giving Luke a legitimate reason to return to the house rather than prolonging this contrived encounter and endure Ottilie’s increasingly probing questions.
He had almost made up his mind to offer for her before he came upon her. Despite Paul’s opinion, he still felt restricted by the promise he had made to his father. But this brief glimpse of her controlling character had left him dithering again.
‘Come,’ he said. ‘It appears that the heavens are about to open. Let’s get back to the house before we are drenched and your pretty hat is ruined.’
Chapter Twelve
‘What are you smiling about?’ Archie asked Flora as the train moved slowly out of Salisbury station following a loud blast of the station master’s whistle and a thick belch of smoke. The smell of soot invaded the first-class compartment and made Flora sneeze.
‘The look on my father’s face when you swept me away from the awful Mr Yardley with such authority. I have seldom seen him lost for words and my reputation is now quite beyond repair, but it was worth it.’
‘Then you will just have to marry me.’
Flora’s smile widened. ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’
‘Heartless female! Anyway, it was entirely my pleasure, although I have no idea what more I can do to persuade you that I’m not such a bad chap.’
‘I’m sure that you are far worse that Icould ever imagine,’ Flora replied in a teasing tone. ‘If you are reformed, it’s only because of your physical limitations.’
‘I can see why the countess enjoys locking horns with you,’ Archie said, chuckling. ‘No quarter asked for or given.’
‘You have met my family. Imagine growing up in that environment, then perhaps you will understand why I have learned to be so forthright. It was either stand up for myself, quietly rebel, or have my character stifled.’
‘I cannot imagine anyone stifling you and I would have something to say on the matter if they attempted it.’
