Chapter 3:

It had been a successful trip in more ways than one but somehow there was nothing like coming home. At least that was what Walter Corey, gentleman farmer believed especially when there was something worth coming home for. It hardly seemed possible but Walter was now sure in himself that come the spring, the summer at the latest, he would finally be able to call her his at last. Cecilia Ferguson, how long he had been pursuing that little minx he wasn't certain; a part of him thought it dated from the first time he clapped on eyes on her. A mere boy he had been then, squirming about in a church pew as if he had ants in his pants thoroughly bored and then from the front pew he had caught sight of the bluest eyes had ever seen peering over the top staring at him and being the uncouth lad he had been back then, he had done what came naturally to little boys, he had stuck his tongue out at her. If she had responded in kind he might have thought no more about it but instead this mere babe in arms had stared down her nose as if he were mere dirt on the floor before turning her head away as he were no longer worth noticing. He had vowed in the moment to make that little girl notice him and give him the time of day and in a way that was what he had been doing all his life.

Now she noticed him, now she hung off his arm at every social event, giggled at his jokes and smiled up adoringly at him. He had what he had always wanted, he was supremely happy. Or at least he assured himself he would be, when they were finally wed. Cecilia was everything he could want in a bride, beautiful, well mannered, with excellent connections, she would be a credit to him and bring him what all the money in world could never really do, acceptance. There really was no one to compare her to, even the years whilst she spurned him and he thought her lost to him and the practical part of himself urged him to consider choosing another he could never find a woman who even came close. The eyes were never as blue, the hair never as fair or with the brightness and bounce of Cecilia's, the smile never as dazzling and so he passed them all by pining after the woman he could never have, the only one who could light a fire in his blood from the merest touch.

And yet as he pondered on that feeling he was surprised when it was not blue eyes that beckoned him forth but eyes so dark they could be pools of shadow, for a moment he sat in confusion trying to remember where or who those eyes belonged to, certainly not the young lady of easy virtue with whom he had rested his weary bones whilst in London. Then it struck him, dark proud eyes glaring up at him from under a bonnet then a few moments later blazing with another far more dangerous emotion, taunting and beguiling him all at the same time. Her touch had been electrifying and he poor unsuspecting fool had been struck dumb, even after she had left he still felt the magnetic pull to follow. But the mysterious lady had vanished and been swallowed up by the great city, it was only a fool who would continue to dwell on such a siren when they had their hearts desire at home waiting patiently for their return and Walter Corey was no fool!

Thus content and certain of his path Walter urged the trap forward nodding greetings to neighbours and workers alike as he headed out of town towards the large farmhouse that was on the nearest edge of his estate. Pulling into the large yard which was deserted Walter jumped down and unhitched the horse, leading him over to the trough for a drink before taking him to the stables. However as both master and beast drew closer they heard the unmistakable noise of boys up to mischief.

"Tie him up John."

"That'll teach you won't up, you won't going showing us up in front of Miss Perks again…Little know it all!"

In between their callus remarks Walter could hear the un-mistakable sound of a child crying.

"Yeah big baby, what you going to do get your dead daddy to come after us?"

"No one will find you here and your poor mummy will cry her eyes out."

Leaving the horse Walter stormed along to the hayrick yanking the door open he caught sight of two notorious local lads, know equally for their spitefulness, as they were their stupidity. However they had made a foolish mistake this time, they had brought their little schoolyard vendetta onto his property and now he would deal with it. Reaching out he clipped the pair round the ear, ignoring their bawling as he grabbed their collars and physically tossed them out of his barn with a boot up the behind for good measure. Then returning he caught sight of their latest victim, the poor child would be five possibly six if he were a day, his face red and somewhat snotty from all the crying. Cutting the crude bindings Walter reached for a handkerchief mopping up the sobbing lad's face, it truly was a pathetic sight; the boy was rather small much like Walter had been when a young child and he remember the cruel taunts he himself had endured before he learnt a quick right hook was more than enough to silence evenhe harshest of critics.

"Here come on, they've gone now lad." Walter muttered kindly if a bit gruffly surprised when the relieved lad threw his arms about his neck and hugged him tightly. Patting his back in an effort to prise the lad loose Walter stood suddenly unaccustomed by such spontaneous affection and frankly embarrassed by it he added quickly. "Well you'd better be back to school lad and next time when you see those two coming find somewhere safe to hide."

Nodding the lad smiled broadly before darting out of the stables waving back gaily leaving a stunned Walter to wonder just who he had rescued.

- - -

Across town Flora Forester had managed to escape the clutches of her mother-in-law and odious friend the elder Mrs Ferguson, leaving the pair ensconced in the local tea shop passing their critical eye over anyone who had the misfortune to pass by. Flora had survived Mrs Ferguson's acid tongue, although she thought that had more to do with the presence of Mother Forester, as clearly her friend had just enough manners to resist tearing into Evelyn's daughter-in-law, well at least at the first meeting. Yet Flora could tell from the cold appraising eye that assessed her appearance and the way that Mrs Ferguson's comments stopped just as they would transcend into biting that she had clearly failed some sort of test.

However secretly Flora couldn't help but ponder whether it was more likely that she hadn't failed at all but that she had passed a little too well for Mrs Ferguson's liking. Mentally recalling her mother-in-law's attire Flora had been surprised to find that the old woman had deliberately dressed down for such an occasion, her dress was of good cloth and well made but even plainer than she usually wore and as a result Mrs Ferguson had stood out further by comparison. Perhaps that had been the reason for Evelyn's barely concealed huff when Flora had appeared dressed in her new green frock, which although conservative in colour brought out the best in her and was stylishly cut showcasing her slim figure. It had certainly drawn its fair share of ladies approval at the ladies church meeting and perhaps that was what had drawn Mrs Ferguson's ire?

Whatever the reason Flora was simply pleased to be out from under that gimlet blue gaze and decided to use her rare freedom to pay a visit to Dora Martins. However stepping into the shop she was stunned by the scene in front of her as the old tailor was backed up against the counter, his faced flushed as an uppity woman, whose best years were clearly behind her, was giving him a fair piece of her mind.

"Your staff are clearly incompetent! Well I won't pay for their mistakes it must be done again at your expense!"

Hovering in the doorway unsure whether she should leave and come back once it had all blown over Flora suddenly caught sight of the material strewn across the floor and the muted sound of crying coming from Dora's fitting room. Concerned about her friend Flora ignored the insults levelled at the poor tailor and hurried over to the fitting room, pulling open the curtain to find a sobbing Dora huddled in the corner.

"Goodness what is the matter?"

Spotting Flora Dora threw her arms around the older woman sobbing against her shoulder. "Dress fitting all wrong...I forgot to add the extra inches, we all do it, it's just easier than getting her to stay for a fitting…Now I have to pay for it myself and I can't afford it…Material like that's more than I earn in a month!"

"Shush Dora it's not your fault its her own fault not letting you take the measurements you needed."

"I know I told her but she got so cross….She's insisting I get the sack but Missus we need my wage."

"Leave this to me!" Flora insisted pushing the now wide-eyed Dora away ignoring the girls panicked 'no ma'am don't!' as she gathered herself heading back into the shop.

Waiting for a pause in the blonde's tirade Flora took a moment to assess her opponent, obviously wealthy from the number of pointless frills that adorned her person with a disturbing tendency to loud and rather gaudy colours. "Excuse me I understand there has been some misunderstanding?"

Whirling round to stare in amazement at the woman who dared to interrupt her, the blonde's eyes narrowed, as she took in the rather pretty brunette in the green dress. "And who may I ask are you?"

"An interested party." Flora replied quickly. "I understand you are dissatisfied with a dress made here, it doesn't fit properly?"

"And who are you a shop girl?" The blonde snorted.

"No but my friend is the girl who made it so….."

"Oh so you've come to try and change my mind well I won't she made a mess and now I am expected to pay for it!"

"Did she now?" Flora retorted with just the right edge of sarcasm in her voice to silence all titters of conversation in the shop.

"Well of course she did how else would you explain why the dress doesn't fit?" The blonde retorted speaking slowly as if she was dealing with some dim witted fool.

"Oh I don't know perhaps the fault lies in vanity? I mean what other reason could there be that any sensible lady of discernment doesn't even stop to have her measurements taken when clearly they need to be?"

Biting her lip the blonde stepped back as if slapped, trembling slightly as her rage built, her many ringlets bouncing under her stylish hat. "I beg your pardon."

Smiling pleasantly Flora grabbed a nearby tape measure and advanced on the now silent blonde. "Shall we check your measurements…See where the mistake actually lies?"

Stepping back the blonde grasped her parasol tightly as if she would sooner strike Flora down than allow such a thing.

"No need…I…" Turning back to face the tailor she drew herself up to her full height and with a glare down her upturned nose she whirled round and stormed out of the shop without uttering another word.

Smiling smugly Flora turned around to astounded faces.

"You...You..." The tailor spluttered pointing from Flora to the empty door and back again unable to finish his sentence so one of the girls had to come and lead him away for a lie down.

"Oh Missus you were so brave." Dora exclaimed staring in wonder at Flora.

"She wasn't that intimidating." Flora insisted unable to understand just why everyone was treating her with such reverence.

"But to stand up to Miss Ferguson..."

"Miss Ferguson?" Flora felt her stomach turn over as she realised just who she had humilated in so public a manner, it certainly had earned her new friends amongst the working lasses but she dreaded to think what it would do to her social standing; Evelyn would be furious and somehow from the look on Miss Ferguson's face this was one insult she would not let go so easily.

"But what about the dress?" Dora murmured picking up the exquisite burgundy velvet gown. It had large bell sleeves that hung down from the wide collar which bared a daring amount of shoulder before plunging to a tiny waist and then flaring out, a truely extravagant amount of velvet forming the full skirt, lined in chinese silk it was a virtual dream of a dress.

"Oh Dora it's beautiful people will be queueing to take it of your hands!"

Sniffing Dora nodded. "It is the best I've ever done...I know why don't you have it?"

"Oh no." Flora muttered backing away from the dress. "I couldn't I haven't anywhere to wear it!"

"Oh but it would be perfect for you it only needs a little altering, mainly taking in." Dora added giggling as she held the dress up against a reluctant Flora and the girl was right it was a striking colour on her. "Oh go on for you I'd let you have it at cost, forgo my commission."

"Oh Dora I couldn't do that to you!"

"I insist...Do you want to try it on?"

Smiling as she ran her fingers across the velvet Flora caved in, nodding and giggling as Dora dragged her off to the nearest changing room.

- - -

A few hours later Flora was settled in the sitting room the afternoon tea spread out in front of her but they were sat waiting for William to return from school. Glancing at the clock Flora could practically hear Evelyn tutting under her breath. So her son was late back, he had probably made some friends and was out playing and to be honest Flora envied him, if she could find away to escape afternoon tea she would have done so as well.

"That's it!" Evelyn suddenly huffed ringing the bell for Nancy to clear away the tea things even the lemon cake that Flora had made especially as a treat for William for his first day at school. "I trust you will give your son a stern talking to when he finally returns Flora!"

Bending her head obediently over her tea cup Flora muttered her agreement, wondering about the stern words Evelyn might need to have with her when she learnt how much she had spent on one dress that afternoon.

"Oh before you go, I did have some news from Mrs Ferguson."

Freezing in her seat Flora bit down on her lip in order to keep the look of horror from showing on her face. "Yes?"

"You consider yourself honoured my dear, as usual I have been invited to the Ferguson's Christmas ball and Mrs Ferguson was so kind as to condesend to include you on this years invitation. Of course I doubt you have anything appropriate, I hardly think you attended anything of that class back in India." Evelyn broke off snorting in amusement at her own joke. "So I suggest you pop down to Jessop's they may be able to make you up something suitable in time."

Smiling broadly Flora enthused her thanks until even Evelyn tired of hearing it and dissmissed her daughter-in-law claiming a sudden headache. Heading down to the kitchen with the remains of the lemon cake Flora ignored the glances of the maids, who had by now at least grown accustomed to their young mistress's strange independence and unsual tendancies of turning up in the kitchen at odd hours to make her own tea or get her son a glass of water. Returning to their work they didn't notice her slip out the back door.

"There you are William!"

On hearing his mother's voice William appeared from his hiding place in the hedge. "Mother."

"And where have you been?"

"Playing."

"When you should have been having tea with your Grandmamma." Flora reminded sternly but unable to keep a cross expression on her face as her son squirmed guiltily.

"Sorry mother."

"It is your grandmother you should be apologising to." Flora remined him sharply. "And to think you missed my lemon cake and I made it especially for you first day at school." At the mention of school the boy pulled a face, although it equally could have been about missing out on cake. "Well perhaps I could slip you a slice..."

"Two?"

"Two!" Flora exclaimed. "I don't think your behaviour deserves two William!"

"It's not for me...It's for a friend."

Smiling Flora nodded slipping back into the kitchen to cut two slices of cake, wrapping one in a clean handkerchief for William's new friend. "Here but not a word to your grandmother and do not be late for supper!"

Nodding the boy scampered out the back gate heading off who knows where but at least he went with a smile on his face which was more.

- - -

Breathing deeply Walter Corey pulled tightly on the rope, calling at his workers to put their back into it he wanted to back home before his dinner was completely spoiled. Stepping back he admired his handiwork and gave the lads instructions when they needed it.

"Mr Corey sir."

"Yes John."

"You got a visitor." The young lad scoffed waving behind his employer where standing by the gate was the same ragamuffin he had rescueded earlier from his barn, looking rather sheepish but determined to stay.

"I thought I told you to be on your way young man!" Walter insisted closing the distance between them until he towered over the small boy.

Smiling the lad reached into his pocket before pulling out a folded handkerchief and handing it over to a surprised Walter. "For me?"

Nodding the lad smiled waving for him to open it. Raising an eyebrow Walter did as he was asked surprised when he uncovered a slice of warm cake, breaking off a piece in order to be polite Walter popped it into his mouth surprised when the cake melted in his mouth and he had the delicate tang of lemon on his tongue. "It's good."

That was obviously the right thing to say as the boy broke out into a broad smile. "Mama made it, it's my favourite."

"Well you give your mother my compliments." Walter replied popping the rest of the slice into his mouth watching as the boy stared in fascination at the sheep as if he had never seen one before.

"Are they fluffy?"

Snorting in amusement Walter opened the gate. "Why don't you come and find out for yourself?"

That was obviously all the invitation the boy needed as he bounded through the gate without a second's hesitation and Walter wondered just what he had let himself into.

- - -