Page 45 of A Sense of Turmoil
‘There’s more to that young man than meets the eye.’
‘It was very kind of him,’ Flora replied. ‘My father was lost for words when he realised who Archie was, which is a rarity. Even he wouldn’t presume to talk down to a marquess.’
‘You’ll be a marchioness before your next name day, you just mark my words. Remember that I predicted it when the times comes, since I won’t be around to remind you myself.’
‘Nonsense! Archie is simply grateful to me for helping him with his mobility and sought to repay the favour.’
The countess huffed. ‘Have it your way.’
‘I didn’t like Mr Yardley at all. He appeared indolent and disinterested, as though he would have preferred to be somewhere else.’ Flora grinned. ‘That was about the only thing we were likely to agree about. Anyway, it seems he is a close neighbour of Archie’s. Archie’s father and the Yardleys had fallen out over the sentences handed down by the magistrates, which caused friction between them.’
‘And Archie coming to your rescue today will ensure that the dispute carries down to the next generation.’
‘That is what I said to Archie, but he didn’t appear too concerned about it.’ Flora took the empty cup from the countess’s hand when she declined a refill. ‘Would you like to rest before I have dinner sent up?’
*
Archie rested for an hour, then rang for Pawson, who helped him to change for dinner. He was disappointed but not surprised when Flora failed to put in an appearance. She seldom came down unless the countess did. Archie occupied his time instead watching Ottilie Fleming’s behaviour, wondering if Luke really did intend to marry her rather than Flora. He would be out of his senses if he did. Ottilie was exquisitely pretty and had impeccable manners, but he had yet to hear her express an original opinion or a pithy retort. That, he was well aware, was how well-bred young ladies were supposed to conduct themselves but when compared to Flora’s lively and irreverent wit, despite her exquisite appearance, Ottilie seemed as dull as ditch water.
Luke paid more attention to Ottilie this evening, but Archie sensed that his heart wasn’t really in it. It was as though he was attempting to convince himself that he had feelings for the chit. Archie now knew from experience that love had a way of creeping up on a man and if he didn’t have a care, he could find himself in too deep to extricate himself before he realised it. He sighed and picked up his wine glass.
Flora had a lot to answer for.
Archie returned his attention to Luke and Ottilie, then glanced at Paul, who lifted a shoulder, clearly equally in the dark about their friend’s intentions.
Archie retired early, tired after his day’s activities, and gave instructions to Pawson to pack and have the carriage prepared for their departure in the morning. He broke his fast with Luke and Paul, and when they were replete, Luke suggested paying a call upon the countess. Glad of an excuse to take his leave of Flora, Archie readily agreed and made his slow way up the wide staircase at Luke’s side.
Luke tapped at the door and the two men walked in to find the countess sitting up in her bed, arguing with Flora about a tincture which she was attempting to press on her charge.
‘Ah, Luke, there you are. Tell this bossy hussy that I don’t want her vile potions. She takes no notice of what I say to her, despite the fact that I pay her outrageous salary, and seems to think that she knows best.’
‘Her ladyship is feeling combative this morning,’ Flora said, smiling first at Luke and then Archie, who responded by winking at her. ‘That is an excellent sign. Now drink up, ma’am, and stop being difficult. If you do not, I shall send Luke and Archie away and you will have no one to flirt with.’
‘Bah!’
As soon as the countess had drunk the concoction and screwed up her features in disgust, Archie moved to the side of her bed and sank into a chair before picking up the old lady’s gnarled hand and kissing the back of it.
‘I came to take my leave,’ he told her. ‘I must return to Felsham Hall today.’
‘Having responsibilities must be creating havoc with your leisure pursuits,’ the countess replied.
‘Oh, I dare say I shall find time for both.’ Archie glanced up at Flora as he spoke.
‘You imagine you won’t see me again, I suppose, which is why you’ve imposed yourself in my bedchamber.’ A brief, mischievous light flared in the countess’s faded eyes. ‘Unless you have an ulterior motive, of course, in which case we should send these two away and enjoy some privacy. Don’t want to shock the bible-basher.’
Archie chuckled. ‘You are an incorrigible old woman.’
‘Not much chance of that nowadays.’ She waved a hand towards Flora. ‘This one watches me like a hawk and doesn’t let me have any fun.’
Luke laughed. ‘You still manage to get into mischief, Grandmamma.’
‘I can’t. I…’
A hacking cough prevented the countess from completing her thought. Flora was at her side in seconds, sitting her forward and gently rubbing her back until the fit subsided. She shared a worried look with Luke, who looked pale and devastated to see first-hand the true state of the countess’s declining health.
‘Try to behave yourself if you possibly can,’ Archie said, kissing the back of the hand that he had reclaimed and then releasing it before pushing himself slowly to his feet. ‘I shall be back to see you again very soon and I will know if you have not done as you are told.’
The countess waved a feeble hand to shoo him away. ‘Get on with you.’
