-- - - - - -
"Flora?…Flora!" Emily shouts, rapping her sore knuckles fiercely on the solid oak door. "It's been three days now! Would you just unlock the door, just for a moment? You should at least try something to eat, it'll make you feel a little better."
"The door is open Emily," she heard a whisper from in the room. Resting the tray of food for her daughter-in-law on her hip she tested the door with her free hand, relieved when it opened easily.
"Flora?" Emily murmured softly, placing the tray on the dressing table before settling herself down on the bed next to her, stroking her hair soothingly.
"He's still not been back has he?" Flora sniffed, clutching her quilt tighter around her.
"I'm afraid not sweetie…Walter has been into town more than once now but there is no sign of him and no one has any idea where he is." Flora sighed heavily, shuffling onto her bed, allowing Emily to see her tear stained face for the first time since Robert had left. It had been a shock to go downstairs next morning to find Walter fast asleep across the kitchen table, Robert's eternity ring in his grasp. Even more of a surprise was when Walter recounted the events of the night before to his parents. "It's going to be alright," Emily whispers comfortingly to Flora, running a gentle hand across the bruise on her jaw.
"How is going to be alright!" She suddenly snaps, sitting up, but relenting slightly as she felt the dizziness of sitting up after laying down for so long overwhelm her. "It's never going to be alright again Emily," she utters almost silently.
"Listen to me my dear," Emily replies, pulling her into a motherly hug, "We are going to get through this, together we can succeed." Flora nods gently, sobbing into her shoulder. Emily made a wonderful substitute for the mother she had never known.
"He doesn't even know I'm having a baby…" Flora whispers, voicing her thoughts. "Would it have made a difference if he had?"
"I honestly don't know…" Emily responds, wishing she could say something more encouraging, just give her a little more hope…but it seemed pointless.
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As the weeks past Flora began to surface more and more from her room. However even 6 weeks on she still had a tendency to burst into tears whenever someone mention Robert Corey or she found something that reminded her of him. She knew she shouldn't be upset about Robert leaving. He'd treated her like she was just 'anyone' and not his dear wife. He didn't deserve her worry…but there was something that wished he was there with her, even if she only caught a couple of glances at him a day. The whole house was very careful about what they said about and tried their best to avoid the topics; Robert Corey and babies/pregnancy. They treated her like a piece of delicate glass that make shatter at the wrong word. Ever Mr Corey was trying to refrain back handing her for her incompetence.
Emily was of course her usually little sweetheart, rushing around her, making sure she was comfortable and checking she wasn't putting herself under too much strain. Even Walter seemed to be making an effort to be kind, he'd even taken over on the construction of the house again…though Flora had suspected Emily may have had a forceful word in his ear…
"Well we won't tell Flora till we have at least managed to scrap together have of the money," She heard Emily's voice insist from in the kitchen, causing her to halt at the top of the stairs.
"She has a right to know Mother!" Walter snaps and sounding as though to perhaps bang his fist against the dining table. "He is her husband after all."
"Be that as it may," she heard Emily reply, before hearing the scrap of a chair along the stone floor. "There is no need to get her even more upset than she already is," Flora heard the clatter of pots and pans as Emily's soft patter of feet glided around the kitchen. "We'll raise the money to pay off Robert's gambling debts…somehow. Then you and your father will take it down to London…"
"I'd rather him face the noose," Walter interrupts, before his mother continues ignoring his comment.
"You will talk to him, tell him of Flora's pregnancy and try and get him back here."
"Easy as that eh?" Walter snorts. "Where are we going to get the money from? We've only got 3 months to raise it…"
"We'll find a way," his mother insists.
"And then what will happen? Do really think Robert will want to come back here and support his wife and child?…We both know he ain't like that mother!"
"Will you two stop this infernal racket! I'm trying to read the paper!" Mr Corey's angry voice pipes up for the first time since Flora's eavesdropping. Robert with gambling debts. And the family have to pay it off or he faces the noose…Flora shuddered slightly. Suddenly feeling very weak, she turned and slipped back into her room just before her knees gave way and she fell to the floor with a soft flump.
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"You must make sure she takes it easy Mrs Corey…all this stress is not good for her or the baby," the doctor lectured, laying a hand on Flora's head to check her temperature therefore not noticing Emily bristle. "And you need to get her to start eating," the doctor continued, while Emily glanced angrily at both last night's supper and this morning's breakfast trays lay on the dressing table.
"I've been trying my hardest doctor but well…Flora plants her feet firmly in the mud and you can't get her to do anything you advise."
"Then you'll have to be more tactile Mrs Corey," the doctors smirks at her, causing her to splutter slightly, just who did this young man think he was. Telling her how to treat her own daughter-in-law! She huffs slightly, hissing under her breath about these new doctors nowadays as she moves to open Flora's curtains to let a little light in.
"Obviously it's difficult to tell at such an early stage, but the baby seems as fit as a fiddle."
"Well at least that is good news," Emily smiles fondly as she grasps Flora's hand squeezing it gently as she shifts around in her deep slumber. "How far along is she?"
"Ummmm…" the doctors hums, considering Flora for a moment. "no more than 12 weeks."
"12 weeks…" Emily mutters smiling at Flora, brushing a strand of hair away from her peaceful face.
"I'll see myself out," the doctor mutters, however Emily was not listening. She was far away, humming softly as she tried to make Flora comfortable, digging through her memory to remember some of the aches and pains she had got when she'd been pregnant with Robert and Walter and what she'd done to solve them…if there had been a solution. Better to be ahead, she concluded.
"What did the doctor say?" A soft voice asked from the doorway.
"That she needs her rest…and we have to make her life as stress less as possible for the next 6 months or so." Walter nods, cautiously taking a step into the room and gazing down at Flora.
"And- and what about the baby?" He asks, almost choking on his words.
"Is fine," Emily smiles up at him.
"For now…" Walter whispers under his breath. Glancing down at the exquisite creature before him. He didn't know what had gone on in his head over these last six weeks, but ever since he'd instinctively pulled Robert away from Flora and had given him a thorough beating he'd just felt increasingly concerned for her. He'd find himself distracted from his duties and coming into the kitchen to check she was alright or peering round her bedroom door at some ridiculous hour in the morning just to check that she was still there well and breathing.
Maybe finding out about her pregnancy had stirred up some bad memories and he wanted everything to go as it should this time which meant caring for her…or maybe he just liked it as an excuse to glance upon her beautiful face.
-----------------
Walter had foreseen problems trying to collect the money to free Robert. He and his father had done almost everything they could. Both had worked each night till their hands were red raw. Emily had been busy getting through her chores while tending her charge for a week, after that Flora was up and about, determined to make this as easy as possible for the family without them guessing she knew anything about the debts.
At the end of 2 months they were still a good hundred pounds short…they'd pretty much given up hope. Flora was coming increasingly nervous, counting down the days to when the men have to have set off by. She felt helpless sitting at the top of the stairs every night and listening to he conversation down below as they thought up new plans over and over again.
She had considered on more than one occasion selling the beautiful engagement ring and the eternity ring that still lay on her finger…but she knew it still wouldn't be enough even if she managed to sort of Robert's ring they'd still be short. She only had one thing left that was worth any value…if it had to be done then it had to be done…
She unfastened the delicate chain that hung constantly around her neck and clasped the locket tightly in her hand. She knew this was something she had to do if she ever wished to see Robert again. The necklace had been her 16th birthday present from her father. It'd belonged to her mother and was the only possession of hers she owned and had to make do as a substitute for the memory of her she lacked.
-----------------------
Emily was convinced she'd done a good job of hiding their little money raising plan from Flora…that was of course until Flora came to them with the rest of the money they needed. "Where did you get this from?" Walter asked suspiciously as he counted out the money she handed him.
"Lets just say I made some sacrifices," she muttered, her hand moving to twiddle her absent chain before remembering that was the sacrifice.
"You must really care for my brother," he replies, glancing towards her neck where the necklace always hung. "I just hope he's worth it."
"Well we'll find out won't we…" she trails off nervously, before voicing the thing that had been playing on her mind most. "You don't think he'll come back do you?"
"I really don't…"
"You know him better than anyone, Walter," she interrupts. "What do you honestly believe?" He stares at the floor for a moment, weighing up his choices, did he lie to her? Or break her heart and any hope of a normal family?
"Of course he'll come back…" he whispers encouragingly, his heart breaking slightly as he saw the corners of her mouth twitch for the first time in weeks. "He loves you… I know he does," who wouldn't? he thinks to himself. He hadn't wanted to get her hopes up…but somehow at the time it had seemed better than giving her no hope at all. Maybe when Robert found out about the baby he would decide to be the better man here…he really hoped so for Flora's sake.
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Flora spent lots of her time over the next few days trying to persuade Emily to allow her to travel down to London with Mr Corey and Walter, but she refused. She constantly repeated that she shouldn't be travelling across the country in her condition (which Flora believed was a pretty poor argument considering how far along she was) yet Emily did insist with both the men gone she was going to need all the help she could get around the farm. Flora knew it wouldn't make things any better if she turned up to see Robert, in fact on their last argument it was probably best if she didn't, however she still wished to go fearing that neither of the men would try as hard to persuade Robert to return than she would if she was to see him. Nevertheless none of three members of the present Corey family relented into allowing her to travel to London…she just had to hope.
Emily had feared that the morning the men left she'd have to tie Flora to a chair at the top of the house and bolt the windows and doors so there was no way of her escaping and tearing away to London to save her darling husband. On that particular morning though Emily had not needed to take such measures. In fact on the surface some may have said Flora looked quite serene, only the pleading look in her eyes gave away her desperation to Walter.
Walter had not been able to shake that look from his mind on their whole journey, perhaps things wouldn't have been so bad if he'd been able to stare constantly at the passing scenery, however this began more difficult as nightfall swept over them and even his father's loud snoring was unable to shake the thought of Flora from his head.
He'd never seen his brother look so relieved to see him in his life, he even refrained from calling him big ears which was most definitely a first. The thing that he hated most though about seeing his brother again was his lack of gratefulness. He most certainly didn't care the scarifies they'd made to scrap this money together for his ungrateful little backside, he didn't even question where they had got it from or make any promise to repay them. He didn't ask how Emily or Flora were, they could be dying for all they care. As usual his father didn't make the slightest comment on his son's unappreciative behaviour just let it pass by like the rest of the world.
Walter decided however as Robert thoughtlessly watched them pile their luggage back onto their carriage that he wasn't about to let this go. "So you almost ready then?" He began, trying to be as pleasant as possible.
Robert snorts, "You don't really think I'm coming back with you Walter!"
Walter had expected this he spent his whole evening thinking of comments to throw back in his face, but at this moment his strong words failed him and he feebly replied, "Well I thought you be coming back to help finish the cottage and look after Flora and the baby."
"Oh don't start that bullshit again, you don't really expect me to believe that? I'm gonna give you the same answer to that as I gave you last night…" he pauses for a moment blowing a wet raspberry with his tongue, "…that is just Flora's way of trying to get me to come back, well I aren't!"
"'Flora's way'? You really are stupid aren't you? After the way you treated Flora the only reasons she wants you back is because she needs you there, no because she's forgiven you for cheating on her, lying to her, spending all her money and oh yes I nearly forgot treating her like a punch bag," Walter glared at him, making sure his words sank right into him.
"Maybe there is the slightest chance you are telling the truth," the corner of Walter's mouth twitch as he feels he's made a breakthrough, but Robert's next words change his mind, "Say you are telling the truth…what makes you think I'd want to come home to that pregnant bh and look after a little…thing I couldn't care less about to be honest."
"You disgust me," Walter spits in his direction, "some men would give their right arm to be given the chance you have, but you decide to throw it all away."
"Well I guess some people are just unlucky aren't they? I've got a wife and child on the way that I couldn't give a monkeys about and you're still trying to cling onto the ones you don't have anymore…there would be no hard feelings if you wanted to pinch mine." He grins in Walter's direction, enjoying the look of pain and fury on his face.
"We should have left you to rot…" Walter hisses, feeling a sharp hand tug on his sleeve.
"Seems you've made up your decision then Robert," Mr Corey snaps, glaring at the man he was ashamed to call his son. "Just don't even think about ever crawling back to us asking for a favour, cause as far as I'm concerned you deserve everything that is coming to you."
- - - - -
When the two Corey's had expected Flora to lock herself away for weeks again at the news of Robert not returning, neither was looking forward to the happy prospect of telling her. When they had arrived back at the house, both Emily and Flora had immediately darted out, both hoping to see the third member of their party present. It was unbearable to witness Flora's face slip from almost excited anticipation to utter despair as she only saw the two of them.
She didn't say anything as Mr Corey began to unload their luggage, not even glancing in her direction. She dug her nails into the palms of her hands in an effort to stop the tears surfacing, as she listened to Emily bombard her husband with frantic questions as to her elder son's whereabouts.
Flora didn't need to enquire as to his location, she didn't want to know in the slightest. She knew instantly by the pitying glance Walter sent in her direction that he wasn't about to suddenly arrive to dramatically sweep her off her feet…she'd known all along he wouldn't return. Yet she had needed to cling onto that tiny fragment of hope.
Spinning on her heel she had slowly wandered back into the house and up the stairs to her room, wincing as she heard Mr Corey snap at Emily for all her persistent questions. She was to help him unload the trap and never mention the name of his b son in his house again. No more was needed to be said, they all received the message quite clearly from Wally Corey.
To their surprise however Flora did not lock herself away in her room, only for a couple of hours anyway, when they all suspected she had a good cry, allow her feelings to pour out. She was downstairs though in time for dinner. True she was more quiet and withdrawn than usual, but she continued with her chores during the day and attended meals. She had a tendency to spend her evening in her room alone, occasionally allowing Emily to join her for a good cry or a sentimental chit chat about both their pasts…which usually led to a good cry anyway.
One particular morning Flora wolfed down her breakfast determinedly, causing the others to gap at her in shock, it was unusual for her to eat so much in one meal and when questioned if she was alright, she simply nodded muttering something about needing to go into town through a mouthful of porridge.
"Town?" Flora nodded at Emily's inquiring stare. "Whatever for dear? Walter went into town yesterday so there really is no need for you…" She trailed off as she recognised Flora's 'I'm not a child' look. "I just don't think a woman in your condition should be running back and forth to town."
"Emily I'm not running back and forth to town, I just need to head off for a couple of hours to settle some business in town, it's no big deal really." Flora insisted, glancing towards Walter for support, he however decided to keep his head down and not get involved, as this was one morning he wished not undergo his mother's wrath.
Huffing Flora realised she was not about to receive any aid from Walter, so continued her rant, "As for my condition Emily, well I'm not a complete invalid just yet! I can manage to look after myself momentarily."
"Well at least allow Walter to accompany you, just to put my mind at rest."
"No!" Flora moaned wishing for once Emily would treat her like the capable adult she was. Emily was far too over protective of Flora, even more so since the news of a baby. She has continually insisted that you can never be too careful, and how she has a right to care for her own daughter's well being. Flora knew the real reason though. After Walter's wife had died she had obviously given up any hope for a large family and with Flora pregnant she was making absolutely sure that nothing ruined her chances this time.
"Really Emily, I can go alone. There is no need to trouble Walter-"
"Oh it wouldn't be any tro…" He cut across her, not expecting to face a glare full of fury at his offer. "Although I do have a number of jobs to do and I'm sure mother, Flora is completely capable of going by herself."
"Oh really?" Emily raised her eyebrow, "well in that case you'll have to take her dear," she smirked in her husband's direction, who growled slightly slamming his newspaper against the table.
"For gods sake Emily-!" He began, only to be beaten down by a her huge glower. Flora gritted her teeth, as he agreed to escort her into town. This was just what she needed.
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Half an hour later a sulking Flora was sat next to an equally sulking Wallace Corey as they made their way into town. Flora was having to devise a new plan, after her last one had been thrown out of the window. She had managed to keep from the family her real reason for wishing to go into town and she required it to stay that way for a while longer until she was ready to tell them.
After the news that Robert was not going to be returning to her Flora quickly realised that the family would probably be expecting her to leave any time now, as she was of course only a member of their family by marriage. She made up her mind and had contacted one of her old friends from service, who at the moment lived in London, enquiring if she could come and stay with her for a while until she managed to get herself back on her feet. She had received a reply the morning before last, Charlotte Higgins announcing she would be more than glad to see Flora again and have the honour of her company for a while. So it was pretty much settled in Flora's eye, there was only one thing left to deal with…the divorce.
Thankfully for Flora, Mr Corey senior had not questioned what Flora had wished to do in town, thought he had a pretty shrewd guess. The two of them had a silent understanding that Mr Corey wouldn't ask any questions, if Flora didn't mention to Emily that Wally Corey had secretly disappeared off into the pub while she was away.
When they returned to the house it was getting dark. Wally Corey darted into the house as he heard the shrill voice of his stern wife call for him to get in the house quickly. Flora was just about to follow him in when she felt a firm hand grasp her arm tightly and lead her further away from the house. She turned and squinted at the figure through the dark, making it out to be Walter at once.
"Walter, is something wrong-" she began only to be cut off by Walter's concerned question.
"What was the need for you to dash into town this morning? Or do I even need to ask?"
Flora tugged her arm sharply away from Walter's grasp, looking up at him and staring into those exquisite blue eyes, which were identical to his brother's. "I don't wish to speak of it," she whispered coldly, forcing herself to look away from the anxious expression on his face.
"Well you should, I know what you are up to Flora, but this isn't going to make things any easier for you at the moment."
"How on earth do you-" she gasped, Walter's voice rising and cutting across hers.
"I know you called in a couple of favours from Peter Smith in town, getting legal advise about getting a divorce, well I'll tell you know you can't do it."
"What do you know about it?" She snaps at once. "I refuse to stay married to such a man as he and I wish my child to be free from him too. I know it's rash but I also know it's right. I will be able to go back home and get out of your families way."
"But you are part of this family now and…" he sighs deeply, "things may seem alright now, but what about in a month or so when you begin to show properly. Surely the last thing your family needs is that disgrace."
"We will manage!" She replies adamantly.
"Perhaps…but you really don't need to feel you HAVE TO leave. You don't at all. Mother would miss you so much and I'm sure father would too, though he'd never admit to it…I'd miss you…" he trails off, suddenly unable to look at her. "And besides I've become dependent on you recently," Flora's expression softens as he says this, though altering to how it was before after his next words. "Having you here means mother lays off me for exploring the world for a family.
She growls slightly, "Is that the only reason you want me to stay? So that Emily will have Robert's child to coo over instead of making you marry?"
"Pretty much, yes!"
She growls louder this time, "You know what I think I will stay, but only for Emily! And I'll make damn sure that I repeat what you've just said to me to her and see what she says to that! Good day!" With that she storms off back to the house without even a backwards look at the now swearing Corey.
- - -
Flora had never repeated Walter's words to Emily in the end. Instead she had spent a fair number of hours over the last couple of months replaying the three simple words he'd said to her the evening he'd asked her to stay over in his head…'I'd miss you'… She was still unsure whether he had meant that or whether it was just one of his ways to get her to stay, she wished it was the former…but she very much doubted it.
Since the evening she had journeyed into town with Mr Corey senior she had returned to her usual duties around the house, not allowing herself to grieve over her husband's lack of care for her any longer. She had Emily there for her and she had to be strong for her little baby. She had begun to show ever so slightly over the last couple of months, but it was only something you'd notice if you knew she was pregnant.
Meal times had quickly become Walter's worst times of the day. Often he spent his time down at the house making all the last minute adjustments, a few more weeks and it would be ready to decorate. When he did show for dinner though he had to spend a whole hour or so of listening to Flora and his mother talk about pregnancy and 'woman issues' as he called them. His mother didn't even seem to be bothered about how all of this could be affecting him, didn't seem to care about all the awful memories it could be digging up. She was busy coddling Flora and making sure she didn't do too much. It was obvious to all she absolutely adored Flora and became even more clear when they began to prepare for Flora's birthday.
Flora woke up on her birthday morning to find Emily silently bustling around her room, placing a tray on her bedside table and opening the curtains. "Oh Flora you're finally awake."
"Finally? What time is it?" she murmured to herself, sleepily rubbing her eyes, before glancing at the clock on the mantelpiece. "Oh my word!" She suddenly exclaimed, throwing back the covers and swinging her legs off the side of the bed, cringing slightly as she felt her aching body react to her sudden moment.
"Oh no you don't!" Emily chided her, nudging her back into bed. "You are staying put today missy. You have been doing far to much lately and the least you can do on your birthday is enjoy a lovely breakfast in bed," she smiled at her, indicating to the tray next to her.
"Emily! I told you not to make a fuss!"
"I'm not making a fuss. It's only a light breakfast, a couple of cards from the family and few people in town. Wallace and Walter begun work early so they will have the afternoon free and we can do a little celebrating. It's the least you deserve after all you've been through over the last few months," Emily smiled at her comfortingly, forcing her to eat before settling down on the bed next to her.
"How is the little one this morning?" Emily cooed towards her bulging stomach.
"The baby is doing very well this morning," Flora beamed, rubbing a hand over her front, while nibbling on a slice of toast.
"Not keeping you awake yet?" Flora shook her slightly.
"I can sleep quite well once I manage to get comfortable."
"Well that is good news…let's hope it stays that way for a while yet." Emily whispered soothingly, stroking her pale cheek.
Flora couldn't recall having such a beautiful birthday. She couldn't remember ever being so spoilt. Emily hadn't allowed her to lift a finger all day. The men had come in at noon and had spent a few minutes washing before they settled down to lunch. Even Mr Corey senior had whispered Happy Birthday in her ear at some point that morning, something she had found very touching. He'd not even picked up his paper during lunch instead he'd braved to join into the conversation passing around the table and even smiled on occasion.
After lunch Emily pulled out a large package, expertly wrapped. Inside was a mountain of beautiful baby clothes and a large patchwork blanket. Wally Corey had then presented her with a second package this one containing an exquisite silk shawl. This was the moment she burst into tears. It was all very overwhelming for her, she couldn't quite remember ever being quite this happy. It was at this point when she was wrapped in Emily's arms that Walter chose to make a quiet escape, although not before receiving an angry glare from his parents. Not only was he sneaking away to work on that bloody house, he hadn't even bothered to get her a birthday present.
Flora had noticed his indifference as well as his parents, at first it had bothered her that he obviously didn't care enough for her to get her a little something for a birthday, but then she had decided she wasn't about to let some little upstart ruin his special day for her.
Walter looked around the sitting room, it was the only room in the house that had been decorated so far. The furniture at yet to be put in though, apart from the two person chair that was already placed along the back wall. He sighed to himself as he hung his jacket over the arm and settled himself down. He had hoped to get Flora alone sometime that morning, yet she was constantly surrounded by visitors or had his mother fussing over her.
He had had to bare his mother reprimanding him all last night after Flora had retired. She was most angry at him that he hadn't found the time to get Flora something for her birthday. In reply he had snapped that he had forgotten. The thing was he had found her something, not forgotten in the slightest. He'd put much thought into choosing her the perfect gift for her birthday. He'd just struggled to find the right moment to give it to her all day. He finally decided that he would subtly place his present somewhere she would find it, that was certainly the easier option.
Pulling his leg up onto the chair he laid his head against the arm of the chair. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes tightly recalling the morning about a month ago now when they had received the news of Robert's death. Flora had handled it surprisingly well. It had almost seemed like she didn't even care for him anymore. She hadn't locked herself up in her room for weeks on end. She hadn't even cried, that Walter had seen anyway. She seemed almost happy that she was now free of him.
Walter was just beginning to doze off when he heard the slam of the front door. Sighing he sat up, his head already pounding he prepared himself for another ear bashing from his mother or father whoever was here. However to his surprise it was Flora was entered through the door.
"Goodness," she whispered, "this place is certainly coming along," she was glancing around the room, before storming towards Walter and thrusting a flask and a sandwich under his nose. "You missed dinner," she stated simply.
"I'm not hungry," he scoffed, pushing the food away from him.
"Well Emily says you have to at least try to eat something, I'm only passing on the message so you don't have to take it out on me." She growled at him. He didn't say anything, just grunted slightly, snatching the food and drink from her.
That was the last straw for Flora, she suddenly snapped. "Alright that is enough! I don't quite understand what I have done that makes you feel you have to treat me like a leper? I know you've been working hard on the house recently and you've been very busy but you could at least pretend to be sorry for forgetting it was my birthday!"
Walter had suffering quite enough of being shouted at already that day and snapped in reply, "For once your bloody wrong, I didn't forget!"
"Oh so I'm just not important enough…I can't believe I was stupid enough to even consider we could ever be friends!" She barked back at him.
"You are important…I did get you something it's just…"
"Well then why did you pretend you didn't?" She asked exasperated by the mixed signals he was sending in her direction.
Walter blushed slightly, staring down at the floor embarrassed. "I just didn't want to make a scene…I had to come and do some work over here."
"Why on earth would there be a scene?" She asked even more confused now.
He was struggling to think of a way to answer this, so instead he shrugged and indicated to his jacket, "It's in my pocket if you want it."
She hesitated for a moment, before pulling up his jacket and digging into each of his pockets in turn. He did his best not to look at her, preferring to take a swig from the flash she had provided him with. Finding a velvet box in the inside pocket of his jacket she opened it stunned, yelping slightly and dropping it to the floor.
"What is it?" He jumped up suddenly, dashing over towards her.
"How on earth did you…" She trailed off stunned, covering her mouth with her hand. Glancing down at the locket on the floor.
"Never mind how I got it back for you," he whispered, bending down and picking the elegant necklace up from the floor. He rose, grasping her arm gently and spinning her around. He carefully fastened the necklace around her neck. "There you go…" he smiled, trailing his fingers along her neck as he spun her back around, surprised to see the tears running freely down her face.
"Flora, what's wrong?" he asked tenderly, placing a soothing hand on her arm, while offering a handkerchief to her.
"Oh look at me," she sniffed, "hormones all over the place…" she paused for a moment. "Oh Walter! What on earth am I going to do!"
He jumped back from her slightly, shocked at her sudden outburst. "How on earth am I going to raise a child alone? I have only 4 and a half months before the baby comes and in that time I have to somehow furnish this house and get everything I need for a baby." She flung herself towards him, sobbing into his shoulder. "I just don't know what I'm going to do!"
His hands lingered by his side for a moment, before he gently rested one on her back the other reaching up to stroke her head as he rocked her back and forth. Lowering them both down onto the chair he whispers, "Don't be such a silly goose!" He tutted at her, "Whatever you need you just have to say and we will work it out…four months is plenty of time. You do always let yourself get carried away don't you? Always making a mountain out of a molehill Miss Ryan!-" He stops himself suddenly realising what he had said.
For a moment he thought his little mistake had gone unnoticed until she suddenly whispered, "you what?"
"What?" He echoed her, wishing his could back away, but finding himself trapped between her and the arm of the couch was struggling.
"You just called me Miss Ryan…didn't you?" She had stopped crying now, she was staring at him thoughtfully. "You called me that on the day I first came here too. You knew me from somewhere before I came here…where?"
He shook his head, now bright red. "Tell me," she smiled slightly, "where do you know me from?" She knelt up onto the couch, "am I going to have to torture you for information?" she giggled, beginning to tickle his sides playfully.
"That is not fair!" He gasped, "you know I can't fight back against a pregnant woman!" He was desperately trying to remove her hands from him without hurting her in anyway. "Please stop it!" He groaned.
She shook her head teasingly. "Not until you tell me," she grasped his wrists and pinning them to the couch. He shook his head once again, he wasn't going to give in so easily. He stopped struggling, smiling up at the smile beaming on her face. Feeling her grip loosen on his wrist, he lifted his hand to her face and carefully wiped away the remnants of tears from her face.
Her breath caught in her throat for a moment as he gazed down at him. She often wondered how different her life would be if she had met the younger Corey brother first. "Why on earth should I tell you as you have apparently forgotten all," he whispered, breaking the tense silence.
Suddenly intrigued Flora began questioning him again, "You are not allowed up until you confess!" She insisted.
"We could be here for some time then," he joked, "I'll get myself comfortable," he sinks into the couch, folding his arms across his chest.
"Well I remember you making a comment about the Cheltenham races the day I arrived here…so when was the last time I was there…" She trailed off thoughtfully. "Oh please Walter!" She exclaimed, "At least give me some little clue, was it before or after you married Marie?" She didn't really understand the effect of what she had just said until she felt Walter freeze underneath him.
"I'm sorry," she quickly whispered. She should never had mentioned Walter's wife, she knew how much Walter hated anyone to talk about his wife, although she couldn't help feeling from time to time that this was most unhealthy. "You know…it helps to talk sometimes," she suggested.
"I don't wish to talk about it and I don't need to talk about it," he says, firmly ending their discussion.
"Well if that is how you feel then that is completely fine," Flora replied, pulling away from Walter and settling herself down next to him. There was a moment of that familiar awkward silence, before Walter took a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak.
"I loved her more than I could ever say," he whispered, croakily. "People are continually tell me to move on, you know what mother is like," he snorted slightly, "However I have yet to find a woman good enough to replace her."
"Why should you even try to?" Flora asked.
Walter paused for a moment considering his answer, "Because every man wants a home and a family of his own but they don't magically appear out of thin air you know."
"I have something I wish to show you," he suddenly exclaimed, jumping up from the chair and grasping her wrist and pulling her up to follow him. "This way," he added, dragging her up the stairs. "This is the perhaps the only room in the house that hardly got damaged over the years it was unoccupied, it is almost identical to how I left it…or so I've been told, I have not been in it…since the accident." She looked at him puzzled for a moment as he paused outside the far door at the end of the corridor, though decided now was not the time to question him on such matters.
Breathing in deeply he hesitantly reached out towards the handle and pushed it open. At first the room was dark as they stepped in. Flora held out her hands nervously, unable to see a thing. But Walter seemed to know his way around well enough despite not having been in there for so long. He gently grasped her hand and led her further into the room. She felt Walter brush past her and let go of her hand. "Walter?" She whispered through the darkness.
"One minute," he replied, making his way into the corner of the room to light one of the lamps, for a moment she struggled to see anything until he lit another lamp and she gasped at the sight of the room. She was stood in a very beautiful and elegant nursery. She laid a hand over her mouth and she glanced around the room. She froze slightly as she saw the distinct shape of a crib under a cloth in the corner.
"May I?" She whispered, pointing towards the crib. She received no reply from him so made her way towards the crib. She carefully reached out and pulled the dusty blanket off the crib. "oh," a soft noise escaped her lips as she gazed down at the beautiful crib. From the other side of the room, Walter watched her as she curiously explored the room. As her hand reached out to touch the wooden crib he felt the breath catch in his chest and a moment later his hand was clasped tightly around hers, having stopped her from touching the perfect wood.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, "I never knew…about your baby." She felt him wince again and she pulled away from him. "Oh god! My big mouth again!" She chided herself under her breath. "I'm sorry. If this is too hard for you we can leave."
Walter nodded gently, turning to leave, however suddenly he paused for a moment and spun back around. He slowly reached out and slid a finger along the sleek wood of the crib, before wrapping his hand tightly around the wood. Flora glanced over at his face and noticed the tears welling in his eyes. She carefully reached over and placed a hand a top his, squeezing it gently.
"I want your baby to have this room," he whispered gently, moving his other hand to top hers.
"Really?" She smiled slightly and he nodded softly. "Thank you," she whispered, gently nudging him out of the room so he didn't break down completely.
"You know," She whispered, deciding it was time to lighten the mood. "You've still not told me where you know me from," she smiled as he helped her down the banister less stairs. "I hadn't forgotten."
He chuckled gently, his laughter growing quickly and she had soon joined in. "Alright, what are we laughing about?" She chocked, tears running down her cheeks.
"I'll give you a clue," he teased, running a hand across his cheeks to remove the tear stains on her face. "Poultry."
"Poultry?"
"Oh no! Racing! Poultry! Eggs!" She exclaims the realisation suddenly dawning on her, he nodded smiling. "But where do you come in?" She muttered to herself puzzled, trying to put Walter into the picture somewhere.
"Well I doubt I made much of a first impression then, although considering I was introduced wearing the contents of your ill-aimed throw I shouldn't be too offended."
"Oh my goodness! No!" She gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. "That was you!" He chuckled slightly nodding in response. "Oh how embarrassing!"
"You think it was embarrassing! How do you think I felt?" He replied, though more amused than angry.
"I was actually talking about it being embarrassing for you," she giggled, hitting him on the arm playfully. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"Oh yes so my bloody brother would have something else to gloat about other than getting the girl-" He retorted, suddenly stopping as he realised what exactly he was blurting out.
"You what?" She murmurs, not sure if she'd heard him quite correctly.
"It's getting late, we should be getting back, you need your rest." He fidgeted slightly, proving to Flora she'd heard perfectly. He began to make his way to the door, however her next few words stopped her.
"Yes, however he is clearly incapable of keeping her…"
He paused in mid step and spun around to look at her. What on earth did he say to that? "Tell me Walter," she began, stepping towards him, placing herself unbelievably close to him before continuing, "what would you have said to me if I hadn't egged you all those years ago. After all you were coming over for a reason, were you not?"
"That was a very long time ago," he stutters, shaking his head and backing away from her once more, pulling the door open, yet she didn't pass through it as he stepped back for her to pass, instead he placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"Nevertheless I'd still really like to know, surely you can remember?"
"Well…I was just going to ask a beautiful woman for a dance and if you obliged I was going to ask you to accompany me to dinner miss Ryan." He blushed bright red at this, preferring to stare at his shoes rather than the delicate hand travelling up and down his arm.
Flora smiled sweetly, "You're a sweetheart," she giggled, before reaching up and kissing him on the cheek. "If it's any consolation," she began, her voice now deadly serious, "there isn't a day that goes by when I don't wish I didn't marry the other Corey brother."
His head snapped up at this, was she still joking around with him? Flora noticed the shock in his eyes as he almost glared at her. Thinking she'd gone too far she suddenly pulled away from him, the tears welling in her eyes. She was just about to flee through the door and back to the house when Walter quickly grasped her wrist, before whispering "not a day goes by when I don't wish the same."
"Y- you didn't even- erm- you didn't even seem to like me." She stuttered, spinning around to look at him.
"Well I thought I was protecting myself from getting hurt again," he whispered, wiping at the pouring tears. "After all my brother's wife is a woman I could never have."
"But-"
"It didn't work." He interrupts her before she can even start. "I don't know how you did it Flora but the thought of you is pain worse than the memories." He swallowed deeply.
"What makes you think I'm going anywhere?" She replied, running the back of her finger down his cheek. "You aren't going to get rid of me that easily."
"Well some handsome chap will turn up and turn your head, you'll disappear and I'll…" he trailed off unable to continue.
She reached up, wiping at the single tear that had managed to escape. She couldn't believe how sweet he was, "oh you darling," she leaned up and brushed her lips gently across his, before whispering, "a handsome man has already turned my head…and I'm looking right at him."
After that little comment Walter realised there was no way he could no longer control himself. He pulled her as forcefully as he would a pregnant woman into his arms and began to kiss her properly now. What had first started out as a gentle brush of the lips and subtly corny comment had now turned into this passionate embrace. "Oh my," Flora gasped as they finally broke apart. Her pulse was really racing and she decided she would be on the floor by now if Walter wasn't holding her up.
"What on earth would your mother say about this?" Flora gasped suddenly, Emily meant a lot to her and she didn't want to do anything that may upset her.
"You're thinking about my mother?" He asked, screwing up his face in disgust. She giggled slightly, tapping his nose with her finger.
"Not while you were kissing me if that makes the situation less disgusting?"
"A little," he chuckled. "I'll have to do something about that, get my mother off your mind," he smiled, pulling her in for another kiss, "does that help?" he asked as he pulled away breathlessly, running his hands down so they rested on the small of her back.
"Very much so," she whispered dreamily, before pulling him roughly down for another kiss.
"All good things have to end sometime," Walter muttered angrily, as the broke away like naughty children, after hearing Emily call out to them through the darkness to come in.
"I suppose," she muttered blushing furiously, smiling when Walter took her hand kissing each knuckle gently.
"Well I bet your glad I refused mother's cheese and pickle sandwiches now?" he chuckled as he shut the door behind them.
"Oh I don't know, I've had the most awful cravings for pickle lately so I suppose it could have been worse…in fact you're very lucky I didn't eat a jar of pickles before I came to find you." He chuckled gently, pausing outside the door of the cottage for a moment and making sure no one was around he placed a final kiss on her lips before they entered the house.
4 MONTHS LATER
Making sure Emily was nowhere around, Flora somehow managed to lift herself out of her chair at the kitchen table and totter over to the window. She loved watching him while he worked. The summer meant most of the time he worked with no shirt on and Flora was quite happy to watch him from the window. There was no harm in it at all as long as Emily or Wally didn't see her, also she would prefer it if Walter didn't see her drooling all over him, while he worked.
She'd had plenty of free time to dream about him over the last few months. Emily had her duties now down to an absolute minimum, which pretty much just included peeling the vegetables and the occasional sewing jobs. Flora was struggling to decide whether she loved all this pampering or whether she was utterly sick of being pregnant.
Despite the sleepless nights, the terrible backache, the cramps, the funny eating habits and the general uncomfortable ness and boredom of being pregnant she was having the time of her life. Everyday was a new experience and she was happy to be sharing it all with her new family. The most precious moment had to have been when she first felt her baby kick.
It had happened a month or so after her evening in the house with Walter it had been one of the rare evenings they had been able to spend alone. As her pregnancy went along Emily became more reluctant to leave her side and therefore her moments alone with Walter had been limited. However this particular evening both the senior Coreys had gone for dinner at a friend's and Walter and Flora had been left alone to do some well deserved cuddling.
"I just think people would not approve of me courting my brother's pregnant widow at this moment in time," Walter had whispered into her hair. She had known he was right, he usually was.
"I'm just damn sick of having to sneak around all the time," Flora had moaned, reaching back a running a gentle hand down his cheek. "I wish we could just spent an endless amount of time together."
"I think that too. But you know I'm applying for this new position in town and the last thing I need in any scandal. We just have to wait a while until after you've had the baby and then I can start to court you officially. I know it seems like a long time away, but it'll worth it in the end?" She had nodded reluctantly, and smiled slightly as he placed a gentle kiss on the top of her hair. "I think the shock would perhaps kill mother if we told her at the moment." Flora had giggled at this, and he had gently tickled her waist in hope of lightening the mood.
"Stop it!" She exclaimed, attempting to pull his hands off her. She had been lain across him, which meant whenever she tried to stand up and get away from him he easily just pulled her back down onto his knee. "It is naughty to be this nasty to a pregnant woman! Just wait till I tell your -- oh my word!" She had suddenly sat bolt upright her hands flying to her stomach immediately.
"Flora?" He had asked concerned, "What is it? Is everything alright?" His concern had made Flora smile. There were times when Flora wondered just how strong his affection for her really was. Did he really love her and just struggled to show it, or was she really just the next best thing to Marie for him?
"The baby…I'm sure the baby just kicked!" She gasped, "There again! Here…" she then took his hand and placed it over the correct position on her abdomen, before she sunk back into him. "Can you feel it?" She had whispered, the tears welling in her eyes.
"Yes," he had croaked. This wasn't the easiest of moments for him. It had brought back so many memories on when he'd first felt his own child move in Marie.
"Oh this feels wonderful…weird…but wonderful." He had smiled down at her, placing series of kisses along the top of her head. "There is nobody I would rather share this moment with than you," she had whispered, turning slightly so she could place a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you so much," with that she had buried her head in his shoulder dozing gently, waiting for him to reply, but once again he said nothing, just stroked her hair softly. He had so desperately wanted to say those three little words back to her for so long, but every time he attempted it they just got stuck in his throat and even now 4 months later he had not managed to utter them to Flora.
Struggling to stand any longer she made her way back to her chair. Walter puzzled her, at times he would be loving and caring like had had that evening and at others he would push her away and spent the evening in the other house. The house was now pretty much finished, however Flora was to stay put for the moment so at least one member of family could be there at all times. The crib had been moved from the nursery into her current room, a job Walter had struggled with.
She had also attempted many times to bring up the topic of his child and his wife but whenever she managed to shift the conversation that way he either changed it again or coldly told her it was none of her business, before storming away. Finally giving up Flora tried to subtly asked Emily about Marie and their child. Yet so far the only information she had been given was Marie died during childbirth and the baby died a couple of days after. This still puzzled Flora, she'd thought Marie had died through some major operation she had had because…well she wasn't all there, of course this wasn't the sort of thing she could ask Emily or Walter about. So instead she was waiting and hoping that sometime soon Walter would open up and talk to her about his wife.
Flora had been struggling today, she hadn't slept all the night before. The baby seemed to delight in keeping her awake all night. She was just about to pull herself up again and make herself a cup of tea when Walter entered through the door, wiping his sweaty forehead with the sleeve of his open shirt.
"Oh afternoon," he muttered embarrassedly as he saw her staring up at him with a delirious smile on her face.
"Good afternoon Walter," she replied, pulling on the table in an attempt to pull herself up.
"Don't you get up, what is it? I'll get you what you need," he insisted, pushing her gently back down into her chair. She preferred it when he fussed around her than Emily, it was a nice reminder that he did care for her, even if it was only a little.
"I was just going to make myself a cup of tea, really it's fine, I can manage. I need to stretch my legs every now and again anyway."
"Alright then," he muttered disbelievingly, although locking an arm around what was left of her waist to help her to her feet. He realised he perhaps lingered a little with her in her arms, but it was the only time he could hold her without it looking too suspicious. She smiled up at him nervously as he let her go. "I'll give you a hand," he whispered, though quickly regretting his words as he turned to see her angrily raise her eyebrow.
They hadn't spoken much over the last week or so. He had been staying as far away from her as possible really, she had somehow got the idea that he liked the idea of bossing her around and telling her what to do after they had had an argument a few days ago…
--
Flora huffed angrily pulling the cloth from his hands and continuing with her job of wiping down the mantle piece. Not willing to be so bullied by this stubborn pregnant woman he snatched the cloth back from her.
"Walter! Will you please stop it!" She exclaimed irately, trying to retrieve the cloth back from his hands.
"You shouldn't be doing so much Flora, how many times do I have to tell?" He hissed, glancing around making sure his parents weren't lurking by…it wouldn't do to have them overhear his being concerned and fussing over her.
"Oh not you as well," she sighed, "I've heard enough from your mother today so don't you start as well."
"Well I would have thought after hearing it from two people you may decide to take our advise and tone it down a little, but obviously I was wrong!"
"I really don't need this right well, I didn't sleep especially well and I'm very tired," She moaned sleepily, rubbing her head in frustration.
"Then go and try and get some rest now--"
He didn't have time to finish though, as she cut him off angrily, "I thought you were supposed to be on my side, support me and stick up for me when Emily is nagging me not start lecturing me as well."
"I am not going to sit back, while you make yourself ill Flora…and your baby, which you will do if you aren't careful. I'm trying to do what is best for you," He insisted softly, reaching over to grasp her hand and squeeze it comfortingly.
"Just calm down a little, go upstairs and get some rest and I may be able to sneak up and see you when mother isn't watching," he suggested, smiling gently at her, but she wasn't having any of this. She just saw all this fussing of a way of him controlling her.
"I don't think so somehow," she hissed, pushing him firmly away from her. "What I do is absolutely nothing to do with you and I do not fretting over me and MY child, I am not Marie!"
"How dare you bring my wife into this," he said quite calmly almost under his breath. "I was just trying to look out for you. I was under the impression that is what people who cared a great deal about each other did, obviously I was wrong. So if you really want me to leave you alone, that is what I will do." He didn't say anything else, just swiftly turned on his heel and stormed from the room.
She had been too furious at the time to go after him, but she had chided herself for it later when he refused to even look at her, never mind not listen to one word of her apologises.
--
"You don't have to help…I can manage quite perfectly on my own," she whispered gently, she wasn't willing to bring up all that business up again after he had finally begun to speak to her again, but she was still livid at him for treating her like a child.
"If you don't want my help then I won't bother I only offered." He didn't sound angry to her, more wounded than angry. He was just about to leave her in peace when she suddenly jumped forward and grasped his wrist.
"Walter I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Please don't run away from a pregnant woman when I'm trying to apologise and make things right!" She cried. She sighed collapsing back against the door, panting. Why did she always manage to ruin the delicate atmosphere they had managed build between themselves? Huffing, she pushed herself away from the door. She moaned as she felt a her baby retaliate for her moving too quickly. Walking back towards the table, she leaned over it, breathing deeply, trying to rid her mind of the pain now growing. Forcing herself to stand straight she attempted to get herself back into the chair but before she had even walked two paces, she realised she couldn't stand any longer. The pain was too excruciating and she fell to her knees.
Walter stood outside Flora's room, pacing up and down the corridor. His father had returned with the doctor only minutes before, which had been an utter relief for Walter that he made it in time. He found it almost unbearable to listen to Flora's screams in agony, it brought back so many ill memories. I couldn't quite be sure if this had been all this fault, after all she was a couple of weeks early and she had gone into labour straight after there argument.
He'd never be able to forgive himself if anything every happened to her or the baby because of him. After all the months he was finally beginning to find those three little words loosening in his throat, he wanted to burst through the door and scream he loved her so much at the top of his voice just so she knew.
These last few months had been intolerable for Walter. He wanted so much to get close to her and realised she was a better people than any to open up too, but whenever he found himself really opening up to her he suddenly closed down again. Therefore they had gradually grown apart over the last few months. Flora had almost convinced herself he didn't care for her at all, or rather on the rare occasions when it suited him. And Walter…spent every meal time having to bear his mother bend his ear about finding a woman to settle down with, while his father dropped hints at Flora that Walter would never marry again, which always made the tears well in her eyes (though only Walter noticed).
Meal times were nothing compared to the long evenings though. He was unable to sleep knowing that every night the object of his affections was lay upstairs, most probably unable to sleep as well. Although she had often pressed him, he was being a proper gentleman to the letter and refusing all her invitations to abandon the hard sofa in the sitting room and join her in her nice warm comfortable bed. It wasn't an easy task that was for sure, and it was like a knife through his heart every time he saw the injured look on her after he refused to join her.
At first she had been understanding, realising it was for the best and they had agreed it was perhaps a little too early. So she had never mentioned the subject again for another couple of months. However the more often he turned her down and the further along in pregnancy she got the more she became to believe that it more to do with the fact he didn't want her. She would often storm off in rage if he denied her or she would break down and burst into tears, completely paranoid and upset that she would never get her figure back after having this baby.
He wondered if Flora knew how anxious he was at the moment. She had often questioned him of his affection towards her, would she ever dare to question him again if she knew he was feeling physically sick with worry at this very moment. Only once could Walter ever remember feeling so tense and that had been a very similar situation. He screwed his eyes up, desperate to dislodge the unpleasant cries from his wife as she went through labour, it had all sounded so similar to how Flora was at this very second. What seems like hours and hours of painful screaming and then a tense silence as the adult cries stop. Walter and Mr Corey senior held there breath, waiting for a sound or a sign that everything was alright…
Then they heard it, a shrill cry spreading throughout the house. The two men immediately bounded towards the door, waiting for someone to come out and fill them in. They waited for a couple of moments before Emily stepped outside a huge beam on her face.
"We have a healthy little granddaughter and a very proud and equally well mother…"
- - - -