Page 1 of A Sense of Paradise
Chapter One
Swindon, July 1882
A collective gasp echoed through the packed church as Violet walked down the aisle in a cloud of white tulle to the clamouring accompaniment of Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. The demi-train of Flora Latimer’s turquoise bridesmaid’s gown glided across flagstones worn smooth over the centuries by countless pairs of feet. All well and good but Flora, who was unaccustomed to such finery, lived in fear of tripping over it and reducing the occasion to a farce.
She heard murmurs of approval as she walked slowly past pews packed with elegantly attired gentry keen to see Luke Beranger, the Earl of Swindon, tie the knot. Who on earth were all these people? If this many of them turned out for an earl, how many more would there be when she and Archie Felsham, a marquess, exchanged vows. Flora knew a moment’s panic, felt like a complete fraud and fought the overwhelming desire to turn tail and run away.
The tall, elegant bridegroom turned to watch Violet’s approach. It could have been me, Flora thought, aware that Luke had entertained deep feelings for her at one time. But she felt no more than a passing regret for allowing her own principles to prevent her from becoming the Countess of Swindon after she took up employment as his contrary grandmother’s companion. Had it only been a little more than two years previously? So much had happened since then, so many things had changed. Losses had been experienced and multitudinous difficulties overcome in her once mundane life, making it seem much longer.
Her step faltered when she realised with a jolt that Luke’s gaze had passed over the vision that was Violet and come to rest on her. His expression hinted at regret, which Flora thought most unfeeling of him given the circumstances, even if no one else had noticed.
He wishes it was you.
Remus! Flora somehow resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her Roman spirit guide chose the most inconvenient moments to turn up. She saw his ghostly form materialise in the periphery of her vision, waving a translucent hand in front of his face and swooning at the sight of the handsome bridegroom. Remus so enjoyed being flamboyant.
Remus, not now!Flora reached out with her mind to chastise him.I need to concentrate on my duties.
Don’t let me stop you. No one will know I am here—except maybe that sister of yours.
I know and I’m trying not to trip myself up. How would that look?
I dare say your handsome marquess would rush to your rescue.
The urge to roll her eyes grew harder to resist by the minute.Don’t you have a chariot race to attend? Or some poor Christian to watch being torn apart by lions?
You didn’t think I would miss this fiasco, did you?
It is not a fiasco. This is the wedding of the season, I’ll have you know.
He doesn’t love her and he wishes it was you.
Remus, what a thing to suggest!
I know. It seems incredible, doesn’t it? I mean, you can’t hold a candle to the delectable Violet.
Now you are being deliberately offensive.
Just honest, darling. The truth hurts, I suppose.
I am going to take your advice and ignore you.
When don’t you, unless you need my help? I do have feelings, you know.
No you don’t. You’re dead.
Remus gave an otherworldly sniff.Dead if one assumes that this life is the only one there is, which is a touch arrogant on your part, if you don’t mind my saying so.
Would it make any difference if I did? And you know very well that I am a good deal more open-minded than that.
Anyway, I am not only here to admire the scenery.Remus glanced at Luke and his best man, Archie Felsham, fluttered his lashes and gave a dramatic sigh.The countess wants you to know that she is watching the proceedings too.
Good. I hoped she would be.Remus referred to Luke’s grandmother, who had died the previous year. She had believed in Flora’s gift of second sight, which is more than could be said for Luke, who had dismissed it as dangerous dabbling in the dark arts. It had driven a wedge between them, and Flora couldn’t bring herself to marry a man who would force her to temper her abilities—abilities that she used for the good of others.I can’t see her.
She doesn’t have the requisite strength to manifest herself quite yet.
I have seen her once before.
That was different. You can’t be expected to understand. Suffice it to say, she’s here.
