Chapter 9:

Walking along the promenade her hand resting in the crook of Edward's elbow Flora almost had herself convinced that she was perfectly content, Edward was a charming and courteous companion and were it not for Evelyn's constant watchful presence she might actually have found herself enjoying her afternoon. It was the third afternoon in a row that Edward has requested her company on his afternoon constitutional along the promenade, he had claimed the long walk was proscribed by his physician as the best way of easing his stiffness but Flora secretly believed the man would use any excuse to get out of the house. They both enjoyed the relative privacy walking along sea front afforded, as Evelyn insisted she was too old for such exertions and so sat on one of the many benches watching their progress from afar. However even over the distance Flora could still feel the weight of Evelyn's eyes as they bored into her back, the expectations were already becoming noticeable. The satisfied way Evelyn watched them both had been obvious from the moment they informed her of their courtship and Flora could tell that she felt they were dragging their heels before becoming engaged Evelyn would be the first to interfere.

It was the sudden seeming inevitability of her future that Flora found more than a little unsettling, but what was more unnerving was the way Edward seemed to bow so easily to Evelyn's wishes. Perhaps his own mother had been cut from the same cloth as her and he was simply used to being dominated by a maternal figure? What ever the reason she couldn't help the fact that it was beginning to irritate her, and part of her longed for him to indulge in some rash inappropriate gesture just to shock and defy Evelyn's iron grip over her family. Stephan had been much the same, so passive when surrounded by woman and yet so commanding when with his own men, it was as if the Forester men had had their personality split down the middle and all it took was one of the white haired virago's to bring out the quivering wreck.

Well not this time, Edward was going to discover a backbone or there was no way she would ever consider marrying him. Perhaps all he needed was a little push in the right development.

"I suppose we should be turning back now." Edward's voice jarred her out of her silent musings and gave her the first idea in his re-education.

"Oh but there is a lovely little bench just round the headland, it would be nice to sit and enjoy the sunshine whilst it lasts."

"Yes but we'd have gone too far, Evelyn couldn't possibly see us round there and…."

"We won't be long I hardly think she would notice." Flora countered smiling sweetly as she reached down and took his hand pulling an only half resisting Edward after her.

"But Flora…"

"Please Edward for me?"

Smiling brightly at such a request Edward finally relented, relaxing as Flora squeezed his hand and held it not returning hers to the normal position on his elbow as they walked over to the small bench half buried in the sea wall.

"It is lovely…Although not as lovely as you my dear." Edward replied after a few moments before blushing at the blatant use of a pet name. "Forgive me I…"

"It's alright I liked it." Flora replied softly unable to remember how long it had been since anyone used an endearment to refer to her, Stephan hadn't been one for such nonsense and had ceased calling her anything but Flora soon after they were married. Smiling the pair fell into an easy silence as they enjoyed the dramatic scenery and Flora saw Edward consciously relax, the tension that he always seemed to carry melting away in the sunshine. And so pleasant and relaxed their afternoon may have remained but for the sudden voices they heard carried round the headland on the wind, a pair of lovers play-fighting, a pair of lovers Flora recognised immediately and she felt a stab of pain at the knowledge.

"Can we walk back now I have to bath and change before tonight?"

"Just a little further I want to make sure we have lost that nosy old woman!"

Giggling coquettishly the female replied teasingly. "Why what were you planning on doing to me when she had?"

The answer to that became clear, as oblivious to the couple sitting not ten feet away, the bickering pair slipped round the headland the gentleman pressing his clearly enthusiastic companion against the promenade wall for a passionate kiss.

"Well really." Edward muttered beside her, shaking his head in disbelief at the canoodling couple who fortunately due to their only recent acquaintance he didn't recognise and Flora breathed a sigh of relief when the kissing couple finally satisfied headed back towards town without turning towards them. Unable to quell the very real feeling of hurt and jealousy Flora surprised more than herself with her reaction. "You don't approve of couples kissing then?"

"Well…Unmarried and in public…" Edward blustered glancing in surprise at a rather flushed Flora who was eying him with something approaching determination. "Well shouldn't people wait?"

"So you have no desire to kiss me then?" Flora asked the emotional tremor in her voice surprising them both.

"Well no…I mean yes….of course I do…It's just…." Edward blustered. "I never thought you'd want….And well Evelyn…"

"Blast Evelyn, do you want to kiss me or not?" Flora retorted more harshly than she had intended causing Edward to start in his seat. "Forgive me…" Flora began worried her forcefulness had repelled him, surprised when he lent forward and kissed her suddenly, a rather awkward bumping of noses and lips.

"I'm sorry I just, well I've never kissed anyone like you before." Edward muttered and Flora instantly understood his awkwardness, all his experiences had clearly been the kind where funds of some sort were exchanged and so when it came to courting the poor man was clearly completely in the dark. So leaning forward Flora placed a steadying hand on Edward's shoulder tilting her chin up so he could lean down and kiss her properly, closing her eyes at the hesitant touch of his lips on hers. It was pleasant, as despite his shyness Edward clearly had experience of kissing women and were it not for the pulse jumping passionate but brief kiss she had exchanged with Walter she would have been content.

Breaking apart Flora could not help but blush at Edward's starry expression accepting his hand gratefully to rise as they began to make their way back, pleasantly surprised when he did not insist on hurrying so as to appease Evelyn. Her delight growing for when questioned by the fiery elder Forster he muttered something vague about forgetting the time and distance they had walked so caught up in conversation were they. Smirking inwardly at Evelyn's clearly furious expression at their deliberate flouting of her restrictions, Flora consoled herself with thoughts that under her influence Edward might just manage to break them all free of her mother-in-law's stranglehold.

- - -

- - -

Across town oblivious to the fact that their exchange had been observed another couple prepared separately for the Hargrove's dinner party. Walter content in the knowledge that Cecilia would be there to smooth his transition into this new social circle, even if that did mean the rather odious presence of her brother who barely made the pretence of chaperoning them. However if Walter had been aware of his fiancé's thoughts as she dressed and perfumed herself then he would not have been so confident as Cecilia's thoughts tended to the other extreme. Cecilia had long ago realised her power over Walter extended only as far as the social doors she could open, if he made his own contacts then her advantage would be lost and that was something she could never allow. He was a proud and stubborn man, and had shown throughout their courtship an annoying determination not to be ruled by anyone, not even her. That was something that would have to change, perhaps that night's party would present the right opportunity, remind him just how far she had lifted him andthusly just how far he had to fall.

Gazing into her vanity mirror Cecilia played with her blond ringlets idlely as she scrutinised her complexion. It was true she wasn't getting any younger and yet were it not for her mother's urgent warnings about the real direness of their financial position, she would have been content to remain unattached a while longer. She had played the cocquette for so long, set one ardent beau off against another since she was a mere slip of a girl, the prospect of belonging to one man alone and for the rest of her life filled her with a sense of dread. Yet marry she must and Walter was an attractive if somewhat rough man, if only he would learn to bow to her wishes she would help mould him into the man he could become, the man who could command the respect of others and who as his wife she would rule over Eastbourne society much like her mother had done.
However Walter must never realise such intentions. His stubborn pride risked ruin for them both if it were not checked. Perhaps Cecilia pondered a small lesson in humility was required but she'd have to bide her time, wait for the right moment to begin undermining her intended. So when he arrived in a carriage to collect her and John she smiled sweetly and blushed innocently in response to his compliments.

Such an occasional presented itself between the soup and fish courses when their rather pompous host was pontificating on the benefits arising from a classical education, that it was truly a foundation of a gentleman's character. It was an opinion that most of the table shared, only Walter remained strangely quiet hoping that his own lack of formal education would pass unnoticed and that conversation would turn to other subjects where he was able to hold his own. However instead of helping it pass by subtly changing the subject as she was so apt at doing Cecilia seemed to pounce on it. Agreeing with old Mr Hargrove most enthusiastically before enquiring from different gentlemen which had gone to Eton and Harrow and just where the Oxbridge divide in the room was located so she could avoid offending either parties. This of course led to each gentleman declaring his allegiances most publicly and staunchly, and a playful collegial teasing erupted until as was inevitable Walter was picked on.

"I wasn't so fortunate gentleman I am afraid I spent my formative years managing my farms." Walter replied politely but Cecilia could tell from the slight pink tinge to his ears that he was embarrassed; a feeling that was shared by the rest of the guests as conversation awkwardly fell silent. However fortunately the fish course arrived and the awkward conversation moved on to the delightful sauce the Hargrove's chef had created. Yet despite his reprieve Walter was clearly unsettled as he tapped for his wine glass to be refilled twice in less than five minutes, a rare gesture for a man who hardly drank.

Walter's silent sullenness continued for most of the dinner as conversation seemed to steer away from local or business issues each time it approached them returning to literary and artistic discussions where his lack of classical education left him stranded. Realising the man had little too contribute people slowly began to talk over him, no longer asking for his opinion and meeting his eye and so Walter continued to drink steadily surprised when he found himself in the unaccustomed position of being more than a little drunk. It was then that he suddenly found himself the focus of everyone's attention.

"What? I mean pardon?" He muttered surprised when the young lady who had been sitting opposite all night and had barely said more than two words to him was looking at him eagerly and asking him questions.

"Is it true you're going to buy the Lennox mansion for Cecilia?"

Gaping at such a preposterous question Walter was about to deny all knowledge when Cecilia cut him off.

"Oh you found out our little secret."

Starting in his seat Walter turned at Cecilia's voice, staring at her in astonishment as she preened at everyone's comments. "Cecilia?"

"Oh Walter honestly I don't know how they pried it from me...Now don't be cross darling I know it was to be our secret until after the wedding but I just couldn't keep it too myself!" Cecilia gushed smiling brightly at Walter's confusion which she attributed to the wine's slowing of his wits.

"Eh eh Dark horse you Corey!" Mr Hargrove chuckled raising his glass to toast the surprising Midas touch of young Corey, who it seemed had managed to overcome his less than stellar qualities in the old man's eyes simply by throwing a little cash about. Or more than a little Walter thought to himself, the Lennox mansion what on earth had possessed her to say such a thing, he would have to sell over half of his holdings just to secure the building and as for how much it would take to run, that place needed an army of staff and just how was he too afford that with less than half the income coming in? Clearly Cecilia had taken leave of her senses.

"Cecilia..."

"And when we are settled we will throw a ball of such extravagance that people will be talking about it for years to come, you'll be invited of course!"

"Cecilia!" Walter suddenly snapped the rein that he was keeping on his temper suddenly breaking under the strain.

"Yes Walter?" Cecilia asked the picture of innocence and yet possibly it was the wine or the candlelight was she smirking at him? She had him trapped, for the first time he realised it, if he refused her now in public then it would ruin his chances of ever impressing these people and yet if he did not...If he did not then the consequences were unthinkable and she knew it, the way her smug smile grew as he continued to hesitate, and then it hit him she had planned this. It was if the blinkers had suddenly been ripped from his eyes and he could see so clearly, and as he continued to stare at her Cecilia began to shift awkwardly her relief palpable when the ladies rose to adjourn to the drawing room for coffee.

Gratefully accepting the brandy he was offered Walter completely ignored the cigar in favour of downing his drink, his mind too preoccupied over this new turn of events. His perfect bride to be was a fake, and for the first time he saw himself as he truly was, her cash cow, her way to return to the higher echelons of society. Biting his lip until he drew blood Walter turned to face John who had ben propped up with his own brandy, his tell tale flushed face an indication that he also had had more than his fair share of the evenings alcohol.

"Having a nice evening?" John slurred slightly, snorting in amusement at Walter's less than impressed expression. "Sour in the mouth isn't it, don't worry you'll get used to it?"

"Used to what?" Walter asked genuinely curious.

"Being manipulated by woman of course!" John snorted. "They're all a bunch of money grabbing whores." He added a touch too loud as his brash comments drew half the table's attentions not that John seemed to notice. "She's got you you know by the short hairs, and everytime it's another twist to get what she wants believe me I know, at least she'll be your problem soon."

"Will she?" Walter retorted sharply and for the first time John seemed to be aware of what he had said and the implications.

"Look now Walter..."

"No don't you look Walter anything John, we're leaving, we should never have come in the first place. My kind don't belong here that has never been more apparent."

"Look now Corey." Mr Hargroves began his ruddy face flushing as the argument escalated. "I don't know what this quarrel is about but lets have none of this unpleasantness."

"You're right lets not." Walter retorted jovially his decision now made he smiled evilly as he got to his feet dragging a half protesting John to his feet. "My compliments sir on a most enlightening evening, but I am afraid us farmers have to be up early to do about all those menial tasks that are below gentlemen such as yourselves so I really must be taking my leave." Then turning to a footman he asked for their carriage to be brought round and Miss Ferguson to be fetched then half carrying half dragging the intoxicated John after him he left the Hargroves fine home. A moment later and a red face Cecilia came storming out.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"Leaving why what does it look like?" Walter snapped back pushing John up before him into the carriage where he promptly passed out.

"How dare you do this to me? I have never been so embarrassed!"

"Haven't you I find that hard to believe!" Walter snapped before offering her his arm to help her up into the carriage.

"I'm not going!"

"Fine." Walter replied. "I am sure you can find you're own way home then, I will drop your drunken brother on a street corner somewhere."

"You can't do that!" Cecilia screeched reluctantly accepting his offer to help into the carriage but sitting as far as she could from the strangely quiet Walter. "Well aren't you going to explain your atrocious behaviour?"

"No." Walter replied sharply, sitting in silence for a loaded moment longer as Cecilia stewed in her own fury. "Are you going to explain yours?"

"My what? I behaved as the perfect fiance all throughout dinner, I got you invited in the first place and this is how you repay me..." She broke off pulling out her handkerchief and strategically patting her cheeks only glancing up over the top when Walter did not react as expected, instead of relenting as he normally did he continued to stare at her in silent fury.

"Stop acting Cecilia!"

"Acting how dare...Walter why are you being such a brute?"

Snorting in amusement Walter shook his head staring out at the passing streets ignoring the temper tantrum that Cecilia had decided to throw.

"I refuse to be treated like this Walter, if this is how you will treat me after we are married..."

"There will be no wedding Cecilia." Walter answered softly yet his words had as great an impact as if he had yelled them in her face.

"What?" She gasped her eyes wide in horror as the implications behind his word set in. "You have to, you asked me to marry you...You can't just back out, you'll be ruined, your character will be destroyed. No one would do business with you ever again."

"I think you over estimate your influence my dear!" Walter retorted sharply eyeing her critically in the dull light. What had he been thinking, she wasn't even the beauty she once was and the endearing nature had been nothing but an act, as had the affection she clearly didn't feel for him.

"If you back out now Walter Corey I will destroy you!"

Smiling tightly as she finally put her cards down on the table Walter met Cecilia's piercing gaze and for a moment neither looked away, each trying to bend the other to their will. Then suddenly Walter banged on the top of the carriage and the coachman obligingly brought it to a standstill. "You can but try Madam." Then getting to his feet Walter opened the door and jumped down onto the street before a particularly venomous idea took hold and rummaging in his pocket for the coin he was going to use to tip their driver he flicked the coin towards his former fiance. "For services rendered Madam." He added lifting his top hat in a mock salute before waving the carriage back on its way, savoring the stunned and horrified expression on Cecilia's face as she disappeared from his view.

- - -

Sighing Flora tried to concentrate on her letter but she had spent the last half an hour on it and still hadn't gotten past the first few lines. Her evening had been a rather dull affair, Captain Edward had been invited to dine in town with an old aquaintance which had left the rather dull party of her, William and Evelyn who had spent the entire night critcising her every move. Clearly it was her mother-in-law's revenge for disobeying her instuctions whilst out with Edward. The inquisition had only ended when tired of Flora's silent stubborness Evelyn had finally retired to her room. Gazing into the fire Flora rubbed her forehead, what she wouldn't give for some animated adult conversation. She loved her son but there was only so deep a conversation with a child could be, Evelyn always had an ultierior motive conversing with her was like navigating a battlefield, and Edward...

Edward was a nice quiet gentleman. Life with him would be calm and steady not like...

Shaking her head Flora tried to force the image of Walter from her mind. He was spoken for and from the events of that morning most enthusiastically anamoured of his fiance. Just remembering that morning twisted a knife in her gut. The two of them seemed so happy, but the idea of her Walter with that viper...

A knock on the study door roused her from her morbid thoughts.

"Come in?" Flora called out surprised when a bashful Edward appeared.

"I hope I am not interupting, if you are busy with your letter?"

Smiling Flora shook her head folding and placing her letter aside. "It's nothing that can't wait."

"I was wondering if you would like a turn about the garden?"

"Yes thank you that would be most refreshing." Flora replied gladly standing and joining Edward as he opened the door to the garden, taking his arm as they walked towards the roses. "Did you have a nice evening?" She asked after a lengthy silence.

"Yes and well no..." Edward asked and even in the dull moonlight Flora could make out the creeping sign of a blush on his cheeks.

"Don't you know?" Flora jested suddenly uncomfortable as Edward turned and grasped the hand.

"I...I missed seeing you, I know it seems sudden and foolish but Flora I realised something tonight...I couldn't concentrate on any of the dinner conversation, my friends were convinced I had taken a blow to the head I was such poor company. In truth all I could think of was how much I wished I was home with you...You and William have become my entire world."

"Edward..." Flora began suddenly uncomfortable with the serious way Edward was looking at her and the way his grip tightened on her hand.

"Flora I've never felt this way about anyone before. I know people will say its too sudden, that I am being foolish to even think it let along ask but...Flora will you at least consider...What I mean to say is Flora would you do me the great honour of considering an offer of marriage?"

Gasping as his words knocked the breath right out of her Flora pulled her hand free staggering back till she felt the reassuring bulk of an old Oak behind her. "But...But..." She spluttered unable to process the words.

"I know it's sudden and I don't expect you to answer now." Edward replied soothingly his handsome face creased in concern at her reaction. "Dear Flora just promise me you will consider it, take all the time you need..."

Nodding Flora swallowed down her immediate refusal. She needed space and time to think. Stepping gingerly away from Edward she turned and fled back into the safety of the house, unable to suppress the thought that things had suddenly become infinately more complicated.

- - -