Chapter 4:
It seemed to Flora Forester that more you dreaded something the faster it seemed to approach until all of a sudden the day had arrived and left you wondering just where the time had gone. She had realised of course that Christmas was fast approaching, the frenzy of selecting presents and attending numerous church events had certainly given her constant reminders and yet she was still surprised when Christmas Eve arrived and she felt an unaccustomed pang for her old life. For the Christmas she had become accustomed to, with William waking her up at an absurd hour demanding if Father Christmas had brought him the elephant like he asked before they joined the old Colonel and his wife for dinner and William drove everyone mad with whatever new toy he had been given that year. There would be none of that easy familiarity and colourful fun this year; instead they would rise early for the Christmas service and William would be bored senseless only anxious to return and open his presents a ritual they would now have to include his grandmother in and so there would be no spontaneous laughter or romping.
Just like this other ritual she was being forced into.
Twirling in front of her mirror Flora had to admit the gown was the most beautiful she had ever owned, Dora had done a marvellous job and with her hair piled up with only a few delicate ringlets strategically escaping to frame her face Flora also capitulated that she cleaned up rather well. Why with her black velvet cape, white evening gloves and delicate lacy fan she could almost pass for a lady! Except for on the inside she knew she wasn't and couldn't help feeling like a fraud. Just what on earth would she be able to converse with these people about, she had never been any good at small talk and knew no local gossip, with little natural wit she had never been able to mingle and the idea of a party full of strangers filled her with dread. That and the fact the few people she had met who would be attending she had already managed to insult in one way or another, it was a wonder Evelyn didn't insist she remain at home and feign a cold.
Hearing her mother-in-law's voice down in the hall Flora pulled the clock further around her, the last thing she needed was a lecture over the inappropriateness of her attire, as no doubt Evelyn would consider bare shoulders far to revealing for a widow. So taking one last look in the mirror she headed down to the waiting carriage.
- - -
The Ferguson's house was very grand indeed; in fact Flora decided that mansion was a more fitting word as their carriage waited behind a line of others.
"I trust you know how to behave in society Flora?" Evelyn suddenly enquired.
"Yes."
"Good…" Evelyn replied breaking off when it was their turn and a footman opened the door to assist the two ladies out. "Because I would hate to have to send you home."
"I am quite capable of controlling myself. I am no child!"
"Excellent." Evelyn retorted icily to Flora's little spark of defiance. "And remember that silent modesty is a preferable response to any question."
Biting her lip as they entered the grand hallway and passed their cloaks to the waiting attendants lest she say something she regretted Flora obediently joined her mother-in-law in the receiving line.
"Although judging by what you have chosen to wear one might think modesty a rather alien concept!" Evelyn snapped, her pale cheeks flushing in anger as she caught sight of Flora's dress for the first time. However she was cut off from a more biting remark as they approached the front of the line. Fortunately it was Mrs Ferguson and her son who were doing the honours as there was no sign of the infamous Miss Cecilia and for that Flora was relieved, as it might just be possible for her to survive the entire night without a head on confrontation with that young lady.
"Ahh Evelyn and Mrs Forester." Mrs Ferguson gushed feigning delight at seeing Flora again. "My what a beautiful gown, you have such excellent taste Mrs Forester doesn't she John? Oh now wait you haven't met my son have you Mrs Forester?" She broke off turning to face her son who appeared to admiring Flora's dress in great detail, causing the victim of his scrutiny to shift uncomfortably and wonder not for the first time if her dress was more bold than it's wearer.
"No I have not had that great pleasure Mother." John replied his eyes finally travelling up to meet Flora's eye and winking it clearly he thought was a roguishly charming manner but which only affirmed her initial dislike of the man. "Mrs Forester it is a delight to make your acquaintance…We must get to know each other better later."
Seizing on Evelyn's advice Flora maintained her façade of silent modesty giving John Ferguson neither confirmation or rejection before they were swept away from the line and into the relative safety of the ballroom. Immediately Evelyn spotted her little group fellow widows sitting like a black cloud at the far end of the ballroom, most of them clearly acting as official chaperones for many of the brightly decorated young things that were already flitting about on the dance floor. "Mingle if you like but for goodness sake try and remember you are a Forester and do nothing to bring dishonour to that family name!" Then she was gone leaving Flora alone in the shifting drift of people.
Feeling more isolated and alone than ever Flora sought out a small spot where she could be inconspicuous. Heading towards the conservatory she sought to examine her surroundings, get the lie of the land and see if she could find anyone of her limited acquaintance with whom she could spend a few moments conversing. She was just making her turn about the room when she caught sight of a familiar face, a very familiar face and it was though all the air had suddenly been punched out of her stomach. Him…Here…It was impossible…wasn't it? The tails and cravat seemed out of place on him with his ruddy face and workers hands, and yet he wore them with ease and confidence, chattering away with a group of well to do gentleman who were clearly fascinated by what he had to say. She knew she shouldn't be staring, that she should look away but somehow that seemed impossible. What should she do if he looked over should she pretend that she didn't recognize him or smile briefly and then move on as though oh yes he were merely a passing acquaintance?
However as if sensing her gaze the gentleman in question glanced across the room his eyes flickering over her as if she was no one of consequence before he returned to conversing with his companion. Unable to contain the sick feeling that welled up Flora glanced about looking for a place to hide. Then suddenly she looked up only to find him staring right at her, this time his eyes wide in recognition. Unsure what to do Flora returned the gaze a nervous smile tugging briefly at her lips. That clearly was the only encouragement he required as he cut his conversation abruptly to an end and strode across the ballroom, aptly dodging dancing couples. Blushing under such intense scrutiny Flora stepped back glancing at the people around to see if they had noticed the exchange or the gentleman's progress, however no one was paying her the slightest interest and the conversations around her carried on unimpeded by the flagrant breach of protocol going on under their noses.
Pausing a foot or so away for a moment there was an uncomfortable silence as both sought out the right thing to say but came up blank. Pulling on his collar uncomfortably the gentleman seemed so awkward that Flora couldn't help but laugh, her small titter catching him by surprise and clearly putting him at ease.
"Walter Corey Ma'am at your service." He finally spoke.
"Flora Forester." Flora responded with equal candour lifting her hand, surprised when instead of just bowing over it he raised it to his lips and placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles which however brief still sent a tremor through her. If he noticed her reaction he didn't show it but from the way his fingers tightened around hers and how he held them slightly longer than was proper Flora could only guess that he was as affected by this chance meeting as much as she was.
"I…" They both began at once laughing at the awkwardness.
"Ladies first." Walter insisted a bright smile lighting up his handsome face.
Nodding her thanks Flora racked her brain for what she was going to say. "I must admit I never expected to see you here, I took you for a sailor sir."
"A sailor?" Walter scoffed in surprise.
"Oh a captain at the very least." Flora insisted lest she had insulted him.
"No I am a farmer." Walter insisted infinitely amused by the suggestion. "I have only once been on a ship and it took me the entire journey to gain my sea legs… I am glad to see you and your son managed to catch your train although I would have never supposed you were heading for Eastbourne."
"Yes well I am sure we would have missed our train entirely were it not for your assistance, it had been some time since I was last in England and well things have changed so much I doubt I would have found the right platform in time if ever!"
"Has it changed that much? Where have you been living the African Interior?"
"Oh no India…" Flora giggled not noticing the interested glances their light-hearted banter was drawing. "My late husband was a captain and I lived abroad for many years I only arrived back a few weeks ago to live with my mother-in-law."
"Ahhhh Forester not Old Mrs Forester?"
"Yes." Flora replied. "But don't let her hear you call her that, I don't think she is taking the distinction between Mrs Foresters that well!"
"Well no…" Walter replied tugging on his ear as he tried to stop the blush from spreading over his tanned features. "I don't suppose she would. And your son is he settling in?"
"Oh he seems to be. William's started the local school and he must be making friends as he spends most of the time out of the house and he comes back in all manner of states…"
Nodding politely Walter's eyes widened as if he had suddenly come to an unexpected conclusion. "William?"
"Yes William why?"
"Oh it's just I think I have a fair idea where he has been disappearing off to." Walter replied cryptically. "It seems your son and I have renewed our acquaintance before our good selves, although I must admit I had not realised the connection until just now...The eyes are the same, unique I should have known at once."
Blushing at such a blatant compliment Flora felt the heat spreading down her neck, there was just something intoxicating about his presence. "I hope he hasn't been bothering you."
"Boys will be boys but no he has not bothered me, he is quite charming and very intelligent."
"Thank you." Flora muttered unsure what more she could say. Then of course it hit her, Walter Corey, the Walter Corey, HER Walter Corey! It felt as though someone had just tipped a bucket of ice water over her head.
"What's wrong?" Walter asked suddenly as she pulled away her open expression suddenly closing down.
"Nothing I..."
However all of a sudden the object of her thoughts suddenly appeared, clearly intent on locating her Beau and monopolizing him for the remainder of the evening.
"Ahhh Cecilia... This is Flora Forester have you two met?"
Cecilia had a polite yet detached mask on her face as she clearly turned to meet another of Walter's acquaintances, however the lady in front of her was clearly not the barely educated hick made good she was expecting. For once the perfect mask flickered slightly as she struggled to maintain her control and Flora stepped back expecting an explosion as recognition registered on Cecilia's face. "Urghh no I don't recall." She muttered her hands wrapping possessively around Walter's elbow. "Please to meet you Mrs Forester wasn't it?"
"Yes Miss Ferguson...although we did meet in Jessops however briefly remember?"
Clenching her jaw Cecilia nodded sharply. "You may be right but I meet so many people you really must forgive me... Walter dear you haven't been to talk to Uncle Albert and nor have you danced with me and you know I cannot bear to dance with anyone else!"
"Later." Walter replied tersely a slight frown creasing his forehead as Cecilia barely glanced at Flora openly snubbing her. "Do you dance Mrs Forester?"
"Oh yes...but I haven't in years...I've probably forgotten how." Flora replied unable to feel anything but awkward, she was intruding on the couple and should find a way to excuse herself.
"Well I am sure you will find someone to dance with!" Cecilia snapped her grip on Walter tightening deliberately, a move not lost on him as she tried to maneuver them back over to her group of friends.
"Mrs Forester would you allow me the honour of introducing my mother to you?" Walter suddenly asked surprising both the ladies as he offered Flora his other arm, Cecilia choking for a moment until she was able to regain her composure plastering a fake smile on her face but it was clear she was less than amused by his dutiful attentions to another woman.
"I would like that." Flora replied simply accepting Walter's arm, her hand trembling slightly as she slipped it through the crook of his elbow surprised by the very muscular bicep that she could feel under the expensive fabric. Pulling them both close he guided them through the crowd but it was still a tight fit and once Flora had to step closer brushing against his side, smiling when she felt Walter tense and glance sideways despite Cecilia's best attempts to monopolize his attention. Leading them out of the main room into the conservatory Walter took them over to a smaller group of ladies, who where sitting and chatting quietly sipping what looked like tea as if they were at an afternoon gathering and not a charity ball. Turning round on spotting her son a gray-haired but still beautiful woman stood to greet them.
"Walter dear and Miss Ferguson but who is this other young Lady?"
"Mother." Walter replied. "May I present Mrs Flora Forester?"
"Oh 'Mrs' Forester." For a moment his mother seemed disappointed. "Delighted my dear are you here with your family, your husband?"
"No mother Flora is a widow." Walter muttered clearly embarrassed on her behalf, but it was the use of Flora's first name that caused more interest among the chattering ladies who took the opportunity to gage Cecilia Ferguson's reaction to that little slip.
"Flora such a lovely name...You don't mind me calling you that do you dear?"
"Not at all Mrs Corey, it is my name and it does get a little confusing with so many Mrs Foresters about the place."
"Noooo no one calls me Mrs Corey it makes me sound so old, please my dear it is Helen!" She replied sitting back down on the chaise and patting the space next to her.
Despite being pleased to find so warm a person Flora couldn't help but feel slightly reluctant to relinquish her place on Walter's arm as if leaving him to Cecilia was as good as acknowledging the other woman's prior claim. It certainly seemed that Cecilia shared that opinion as soon as Flora was seated she was using all her wiles to draw Walter away but she had clearly reckoned without the determination of one Helen Corey.
"So tell me Walter where did you find this little lady?"
Glancing across at Flora Walter paused before answering, their eyes meeting for a moment as they shared a smile. "I bumped into her in a railway station."
"What?" Cecilia gasped now suddenly interested in the conversation. "A total stranger?"
"He was my knight in shining armor, if he hadn't picked up the tickets I had lost and then directed me to the right train I would probably still be lost in Southampton!" Flora added enjoying the titters that her comments provoked and the continued looks of incredulity from Cecilia Ferguson.
"Now now I would hardly go that far!" Walter joked waving his fingers teasingly as he moved to lean on the back of the chaise. "I had knocked your son over so I was hardly a knight!"
"William was not looking where he was going!" Flora countered leaning back to gaze up at him her eyes bright and shining with laughter. " Besides I thought he bumped into you?"
"Well it was busy... It could have been a bit of both?" Walter added grudgingly. "Perhaps I should not have reprimanded him as I did?"
"Walter stop making excuses for him, he was being impossible and you were right to bark at him as you did!" Flora countered insistently, oblivious in their banter to the knowing glances that were being exchanged between the old women. "And then tonight..."
"It was something of a surprise, I mean of all the towns in England what were the odds?" Walter added
"It must be fate." Helen suddenly commented, her obvious statement adding another layer of tension to an already charged conversation.
"Indeed!" Cecilia's clipped voice suddenly broke the uncomfortable silence. "Do excuse me ladies...I should see to my guests... Walter?" She added waiting for him to make up his mind her arm outstretched so he had little choice but to take it and join her in returning to the ballroom.
However Cecilia did not get everything her own way as before he took her arm Walter bowed gentlemanly towards all the ladies before leaning down and muttering quietly but clearly. "Mrs Forester if you have a spare dance later I would be honoured of you would save me a waltz?"
Smiling Flora nodded, watching with mixed feelings as he turned and accompanied an impatient Cecilia back to the ballroom, leaving Flora to turn and catch the knowing gaze of Helen Corey.
"Why my dear you haven't got anything to drink." Helen suddenly exclaimed rising to her feet. "Excuse us ladies we will be right back." She insisted much to the annoyance of the gossiping ladies who were just waiting for the chance to quiz the new arrival and taking Flora's arm she steered her out into the ballroom towards the ante-room where the refreshments were being lovingly fussed over by assorted kitchen staff.
"A widow?" Helen asked finally when they were out of earshot as she poured Flora a cup or tea and herself another cup.
"Yes." Flora replied cagily, unsure if her new acquaintance would prove as fickle as the rest of Eastbourne society.
"Old Mrs Forester's boy, Stephan wasn't it?"
"Yes."
"A lovely young man from what I remember, always so polite. He went into the army didn't he?"
"Yes we met when he posted over to Ireland for his training and we married just before his regiment was sent to India." Flora replied unable to shake off the feeling she was sitting some sort of test she hadn't studied for and didn't even know the subject.
"Oh I remember now it wasn't long after that…" Helen paused as if realizing she had blundered, before busying herself with the tea.
"That he died." Flora finished for Helen, gratefully accepting the tea as it gave her something else to fiddle with so as to avoid meeting those piercing blue eyes that were so like her son's. "We were married little more than a year… That was six years now."
"And you lived out there alone ever since?" Helen asked in astonishment. "So brave my dear did you not think to come home earlier to your family perhaps?"
"Oh I wasn't alone." Flora insisted. "I had my little William to raise and my own house and some very dear friends besides my family is somewhat scattered, my parents died when I was young and I was brought up by my aunt when I married she went to live with her daughter and husband…" Flora paused unwilling to further explain her reasoning, of why it had taken her so long to turn to her late husband's family.
As if sensing her discomfort Helen quickly changed the subject to one that any mother would be happy to discuss at length. "You have a son?"
"Yes William." Flora paused a bright smile lighting up her face. "He turned six in October and is quite the handful."
"Not that William?" Helen cut in laughing as she suddenly realized just which little boy they were talking about.
"Oh not you too, honestly I will have to have a strict talking to him tomorrow, is there anyone in Eastbourne he has not been bothering?"
"I would never say he was a bother!" Helen insisted. "He is a very charming little boy."
"Now you are just being polite!" Flora replied before sipping her tea.
"I am not! If anything he has been very helpful, I know Walter has become quite fond of him and looks for him everyday and he is always at the gate at the same time but he never comes into the farm unless he is invited. Why he's helped out with the sheep, fed the chickens…"
"Everyday?" Flora gasped in horror. "My son has been tagging around after Walter like some lost puppy?" She added her face suddenly draining as she imagined the conclusions some rather cynical people would come to, that she had been using her own child to ingratiate herself into Walter's world.
As if realizing her thoughts Helen patted her hand reassuringly. "It's natural my dear, he's not a baby any more and there is nothing more a little boy likes better than someone to idolize."
"Yes but…"
"No buts, it is not doing any harm and probably more than a little good, so just let it be…" Helen cut in softly.
"Flora!" Evelyn's voice suddenly cut through the comfortable silence that descended, putting both of them on edge, however although Flora could easily identify her own reason Helen's remained a mystery.
"Yes Mother…I've just been mingling as you suggested." Flora replied unsure just what Evelyn found inappropriate about her current behavior, unless of course she had some irrational prejudice about combining China tea and Chelsea buns?
"Come I have important people I want you to meet."
"But I…" Flora began unable to believe how rude her mother-in-law was being.
"Now Flora!" Evelyn snapped in a tone that brooked no argument. So raising from her seat Flora handed her half-finished cup to a waiting servant, shooting Helen an apologetic glance when she could.
"A delight Evelyn as always!" Helen Corey muttered as Evelyn practically frog marched a reluctant Flora back into the ballroom.
"What…" Flora began as Evelyn continued to pretend she hadn't heard a word Helen had said.
"That is none of your business but when I instructed you to mingle I did so on the basic misunderstanding that you could tell the right sort of people from the wrong…We do not associate with that woman am I clear?"
Pulling her arm from Evelyn's iron grip Flora stopped suddenly. "If you tell my why."
"I should not need to explain myself."
"Well on this occasion you do, I won't simply snub someone on so little information." Flora countered standing her ground despite her mother-in-law's furious expression.
"Well I refuse to have to explain myself to you…The very thought of having to justify myself to such an ungrateful little chit." Evelyn spluttered her inevitable outburst only cut off the sudden appearance of John Ferguson.
"Ladies where have you two beauties been hiding why I have verily turned the house upside down…" John gushed winking once more at Flora who chose to ignore his overtures but Evelyn giggled like a schoolgirl, patting her bun as her pale cheeks flushed.
"Oh John you are such a charmer."
"I do try although..." He paused his cheerful expression suddenly changing to fake melancholy. "It seems Eastbourne's latest beauty is immune to my charms." He added leaning in far to close to her for Flora's taste as she suddenly caught a whiff of alcohol as he breathed all over her. "Come now Mrs Forester give me a smile…Just a little smile…No?" He added dramatically trying to catch Flora's hand to plant a playful kiss on her fingers but guessing his intentions Flora grasped a glass of champagne from a passing tray and so rendered her nearest hand safe from his oily advances.
"It seems I have failed to win over your daughter-in-law Mrs Forester and I was so hoping she would grant me the honour of a dance…"
"Oh of course she will, won't you Flora?" Evelyn answered for her cutting off any chance for Flora to refuse, glaring at her over John's shoulder until Flora had no chance but to surrender her glass and accept the proffered hand.
"Excellent." Evelyn added beaming. "My what a handsome couple you make."
Biting down on her lip Flora kept back the comment that she was a good five years too old for John Ferguson to have any serious interest in her, no she had a feeling his interest was of a rather more dishonorable vein. Having been a widow for six years already she was more than well aware how they were considered easy pickings for any gentlemen out for a quick dalliance, after all there was less social stigma attached to a gentlemen abandoning those types of conquests. However if that was John Ferguson's intention then he was in for a shock, she had already turned down a bizarre array of offers whilst in India, from marriage to the position of mistress for a rather well known military figure. This drunken fop from Eastbourne would be of little concern if it where not for the maniacal gleam in Evelyn's eye as she saw them together and Flora could see the cogs turning in her mother-in-law's social climbing brain. Well that would take a far stronger will than even Evelyn Forester possessed! However for the moment Flora was trapped into this dance and was forced to endure the noxious breath of John Ferguson and his rather clumsy steps, which threatened to trample her new slippers, and if that threat was not serious enough there were the hands to worry about.
"I am the envy of every man in the room." John gushed still trying to thaw Flora's silent resistance. "Such a beauty and they are all wondering who you are…You'll be the toast of Eastbourne society by the end of the night…Well with my help of course."
Gritting her teeth Flora pointedly stepped back returning the space between them to something approaching respectability. "I have never craved the spotlight Mr Ferguson so I am afraid I must decline your generous offer."
"But I insist, you must let me introduce you to some friends…show you off."
"No." Flora replied simply.
"You really are a cold woman Mrs Forester." John spat after a few moments leaning in to mutter the next words spitefully in her ear as the music stopped and everyone clapped the orchestra before they started up another Waltz. "Tell me did your poor husband die of frostbite?"
Freezing on the spot Flora didn't know how to respond to such a callous insult, however she was quickly saved from having to as a familiar voice appeared over her shoulder. "I'm afraid Ferguson the lady already promised me the next dance!"
"Did she now?" John retorted his grip on Flora's arm tightening till it was almost painful.
"Yes she did!" Flora retorted pulling out of his grasp so quickly that she backed up against Walter's chest his arm immediately shooting out to steady her before settling in the dip of her waist.
"How very cosy." John hissed his voice laced heavily with sarcasm. "I take it my sister approves?"
"She may, she may not Ferguson but I have ever been my own man you should know that and I do as I decide, the sooner Cecilia accepts that the better it will be for all of us!" Walter pronounced gravely.
However his words had as dousing an effect on Flora as they did on John, was that all she was to him, a way to prove a point to his intended?
"Well do enjoy yourselves." John muttered as he strode off the dancefloor making a beeline for the circling trays of champagne.
Twisting Flora round a concerned Walter pulled the strangely silent woman into his arms. For a moment he sought to make eye contact but Flora kept her eyes steadfastly locked on his shoulder as they twirled around the floor. "I'm sorry." He muttered suddenly causing Flora glance up for the first time.
"Pardon?"
"I should never have left you alone with these Vultures...John well he is not a man of good character."
Snorting in amusement Flora commented. "I think I had that worked out for myself, it doesn't matter I've met worse, not many but worse."
"But what he said that was unforgivable." Walter insisted.
"You heard?" Flora gasped horrified not knowing which was worse, hearing John say it the first time or having Walter overhear and pity her for it?
"Yes and if this were anywhere else I would have taken him outside to answer for it but this is his house and his party and..."
"It would embarrass his sister if there were any unpleasantness." Flora added for him, inwardly cursing him for his thoughtfulness. Why couldn't he be just a little less perfect?
"Yes poor Cecilia already has to deal with the burden of him being her brother...He'll ruin the family the way he is going, I can only do so much to make sure she doesn't suffer too much."
"You are too good." Flora muttered surprised herself by how bitter her voice sounded. "People take advantage."
"Only once!" Walter countered sharply. "They only ever have one chance."
"Everyone?" Flora asked genuinely surprised, did this mean that little miss perfect had never put a foot wrong?
"All save one." Walter replied but at least he had the decency to look suitably bashful as he glanced over her shoulder to where Cecilia stood with her brother glaring at the dancing couple.
"I hope she appreciates you!" Flora muttered without thinking, immediately cursing herself when Walter's attention snapped back to her a confused and slightly angry expression on his face.
"What makes you say that?"
"Nothing...I..." Flora replied unable to look away from his boring eyes as he stared into her very soul. "Forget it I...I didn't mean anything by it."
Nodding tersely Walter fell silent but the tension was inherent in his frame for the remainder of the dance, when the music stopped he thanked her politely for the dance before escorting her from the floor then with a muttered excuse he turned and returned immediately to the side of his intended whisking the gloating Cecilia on to the floor. Watching the two of them together Flora felt stifled, the room was so hot and the champagne felt sour on her tongue. Dizzy she pushed her way from the room Flora fled to the sanctuary of the grand hallway finding a maid she asked for her cloak and for a pen and paper, when all were delivered she scribbled a quick note to Evelyn, she felt unwell and was returning home. Passing on the note Flora lifted her hood, slipping out the door before anyone noticed, hoping that she never had cause to enter the Ferguson house again.
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