A Sense of Turmoil (Perceptions Book 5) by Wendy Soliman

Author:Wendy Soliman [Soliman, Wendy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-09T16:00:00+00:00

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 I could 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.’

‘Your leg is hurting,’ Flora said when she noticed him wince as he shifted position. ‘You have overdone it and I am to blame.’

‘Cramp. It happens when I sit for too long, but the pain is bearable and well worth it since I feel I have now repaid you in some small way for all your kindnesses.’

Flora assured him that he owed her nothing and they spoke of other matters for the rest of the journey. Archie confided in her about his fear of failing at Felsham Hall.

‘It’s a great deal of work for an able-bodied man,’ he confessed. ‘I am full of admiration for the manner in which my father kept on top of things.’

‘But you will manage to as well. You have always known that one day the responsibility would fall upon your shoulders and are prepared for it. Besides, you are neither lazy nor stupid, and will not permit your infirmity to hamper your success.’

‘Your suggestion of a gig is inspired, and will certainly help in that regard.’

Archie’s personal carriage was waiting for them when they reached Swindon.

‘How can Pawson have arranged for it to be here at the correct time when he could not have known which train we would catch?’ Flora asked. ‘Not that I am surprised to discover that everything works like clockwork and with minimum inconvenience when you are a marquess.’

‘There have to be some advantages,’ he said, flashing a devastating smile and winking at her as they walked slowly in the direction of his carriage. He was obliged to lean heavily on his stick but remained in excellent spirits. He had provided a service for a lady,

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