Page 19 of A Sense of Paradise
‘You will need my help,’ she said. ‘To whom is his friend’s sister engaged?’
‘That is what concerns me.’ Archie’s expression turned sombre. ‘Lord Avery.’
‘But he is…’ Flora’s mouth fell open. ‘One of the men who indulged in my father’s exorcisms.’
‘Quite.’ Archie told her a little about Avery’s character and why it would most likely be necessary for him to look abroad for a wife.
‘If English society has turned against an eligible viscount, then his name must indeed have been blackened,’ she said.
‘What is it, darling? You look worried. Do you still doubt me?’
‘Always,’ she replied, pathos in her tone. ‘I cannot begin to imagine why you want me, when you could have anyone your heart desires. Eloise is ten times prettier than me.’
She stood to pace the room, compelling Archie to stand also, as she articulated the self-doubts that he knew were never far from the surface. He snaked out a hand and caught her around the waist when she came within range. She gave a startled little cry as he lifted her from the ground, resumed his chair, splayed his thighs and settled her upon his uninjured one.
‘Archie, be careful! You cannot take my weight.’
‘Hush!’ He pushed escaped strands of hair away from her face and softly caressed it with the palm of his hand, moved to discover that even in a state of high anxiety, her first thought was still for his wellbeing. He supposed that by now he ought not to be surprised by her compassion. ‘You are my light, my sanity and my love,’ he said. ‘Without you, my life would be pointless. I desire you with every fibre of my being, darling. Never doubt it for a moment. Indeed, there will be no time for doubts since I shall dedicate myself to reminding you at every opportunity.’
She swallowed. ‘I know you think you mean what you say…’
‘Stubborn female! When will you learn to accept the truth? You know that Luke would have married you in a heartbeat had it not been for your gift. I saw the way he looked at you at the wedding and I know that he regrets being so obtuse. But his obstinacy is my gain. I kept my feelings for you in check out of deference to my friend, and the fact that you have now agreed to take on this old cripple fills my heart with joy tempered by disbelief at my own good fortune.’ He sent her a softly intimate smile and shook his head. ‘I don’t deserve you, but it appears to have escaped your notice that you were offered the choice between two of the most eligible aristocrats in England. Yet you still doubt your feminine powers.’ He sent her a reflective look. ‘Perhaps your modesty is part of the attraction.’
He could sense that she was now more conflicted than angry, and he also knew that her desire to help Eloise was genuine.Shehad not hesitated, whereas Archie had been reluctant even to receive her. He felt thoroughly ashamed of himself.
‘You could have anyone,’ she said in an uncertain tone.
‘Perhaps, but would they want me for myself or for the prestige of my title and my wealth? You are not the only one who is conflicted. I had supposed that I would have settled for a marriage of convenience eventually, but since meeting you I am aware of the deep, abiding love that is possible when one meets one’s heart’s desire.’ He touched her lips with his own, softly but with intensity, pouring his feelings into his words, desperate for her not to doubt him and to have faith in the power she wielded over him. ‘You feel it too; I know you do.’
She nodded, tears in her eyes, and he took the opportunity to kiss her deeply and for so long that when they came up for air they were both breathing deeply.
‘I swear to God, Flora, if you don’t name the day soon then I shall not be responsible for my actions. There is only so much frustration that a man can withstand.’
She smiled at him and seemed reassured. ‘We could anticipate our wedding vows.’
‘Not a chance! For once in my life, I am going to do things properly.’
‘Spoilsport!’
Archie threw back his head and roared with laughter. ‘You will be the death of me yet, minx. Anyway,’ he added, his smile fading. ‘What brought you here today? Not that I am unhappy to see you but you don’t ordinarily call without prior agreement and we are engaged to take luncheon together tomorrow.’
She slid from his knee and withdrew a crumpled letter from her pocket. ‘This arrived an hour ago from my father.’
Archie scowled. ‘What the devil does he want?’
‘See for yourself.’
‘My dear Flora,’Archie read aloud. ‘I am aware that you no longer wish to have anything to do with me, and that you do not understand God’s work is not always discharged in an orthodox manner.
‘Good heavens! Does he really suppose that he can make excuses for what he did?’
‘Read on,’ Flora said.
‘There are matters that you do not understand and which I cannot explain. It would be breaking a sacred confidence. However, know this. You would be best advised to sever all ties with Lord Felsham. He is not what he seems and will soon be disgraced in the eyes of society—and more importantly in the eyes of our Holy Father.
‘I do not want you to be tainted by association. Despite our differences, I am still your loving father and have your best interests at heart.’
‘Well, well.’ Archie folded the letter and threw it aside. ‘He really is desperate.’
