Sitting back in his chair Walter once more emptied his wine glass. Setting it down he tapped the rim once and like lightening the waiter was at his elbow refilling it to the brim. Lifting it once more Walter took a deep sip before trying to recall just what his companions had been discussing. Frowning slightly as he tried to concentrate Walter caught snatches of words, 'Inflation' and 'gold standard' being amongst them; normally such conversation would have engaged him but since 'that night' he had found his enthusiasm for business waning. What after all was the point any more? All his life he had struggled and worked to make himself worthy of Cecilia Ferguson and for what, a mere doxy who didn't care a jot for him, who coveted not him but his wallet!
"Come on Walter!" One of his acquaintances insisted practically dragging him to his feet and it was only then he noticed the club dining room was practically deserted.
"I had not realised it was so late….I should be heading to bed." Walter mumbled leaning heavily against his companions shoulder to keep his balance but managing to finish his wine all the same.
"Fie on that! You're coming with us!"
"Where are we going?" Walter managed to mumble as he forced his body to cooperate and place one step in front of another.
"Why to Kate's of course!" Was the enigmatic reply and shrugging as if he understood the reference Walter allowed his new friends to hurry him along with them, not caring where he happened to end up as long as there was more wine when he got there.
Wine there certainly was along with a few other commodities for purchase. Kate's it turned out was a rather upmarket house of ill repute ruled over by a bulldoggish looking woman who answered to the name. Her beady eyes assessed everyone on arrival, and they lit up when Walter's party arrived, a group of inebriated men yet clearly ones of means. Yet Walter was determined she was destined to be disappointed in him, he was not yet so drunk as to allow one of her girls to make a dent in his wallet. So instead whilst his colleagues entertained themselves Walter took a seat at the bar and fixing the barkeep with his most intimidating expression signaled for him to keep the drinks coming until he said otherwise.
Perhaps it was the sheer amount that he seemed able to put away or perhaps it was his aloofness but Walter soon found himself once more under Kate's piercing gaze.
"A gentleman should never drink alone."
Snorting Walter shook his head at her blatant attempt to foist a girl on him retorting with a simple. "I am no gentleman madam so there is no harm done!"
"I am afraid we only entertain gentlemen here Mr.?"
Ignoring her attempts to learn his identity Walter returned to studying his glass. "I am not here to be entertained so as I said there is no need to concern yourself unless of course you have an objection to me paying your inflated bar prices?"
That clearly flustered Kate who for a moment seemed on the verge of asking him to leave simply on principle, what man could possibly object to indulging with one of her girls unless of course his preferences swung the other way and she wanted none of those in her respected establishment. However one look at the mounting number of glasses in front of this new patron and steady way he seemed to be working his way thought her best malt even with the exorbitant price tag made her hesitate. Clearly intrigued she condescended to dally longer. "So we have nothing to tempt you is that it?"
"I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary if that's what you mean?" Walter answered lifting his gaze from his glass for a moment to scan the crowd of beauties. "They're all so false."
"There the best in London!" Kate huffed her professional pride wounded yet there now there was a challenge to be met. "Come name some specifics I will not have it put about that Kate's could not satisfy I do have my standards!"
Quirking an eyebrow Walter took another sip of his drink. "Alright then but you will be doomed to failure."
Smiling as if she had already won Kate settled her ample form the next chair. "Blonde, Brunette or Red Head?"
Rolling his eyes at such an obvious question Walter began to reply Blond surprised when "Brunette" slipped his lips instead.
"English Rose, Mediterranean or something more exotic?"
"Fair." Walter replied. "Very Fair, porcelain complexion."
Smiling Kate scanned the room before waving over one of her girls. Turning Walter caught sight of the courtesan weaving her way across to them, she was pretty but that was all there was no true beauty there. "Well?" Kate asked amazed when Walter simply shook his head. "Too young?"
"Yes and too short and just too…." Walter paused unwilling to say what had sprung to mind in front of the young girl who already seemed to be most affronted by his appraisal of her charms.
Nodding as if she understood his requirements better now Kate sent away the girl and asked her to send over Mary. "This one will be more to your tastes."
A few moments later a more Mary made her way across the room her slender willowy figure a complete contrast the first's petite but buxom frame. Sitting back Walter had to admire the lady's classic beauty, high cheeks bones stood out from flawless skin and she held herself well, so well she almost reminded him of someone. Smiling as she clearly sensed her victory Kate rose from her seat. "I'll just leave you two to get better acquainted."
Nodding Mary coolly took Kate's chair. "Perhaps you would be so good as to introduce us?"
"No…No All wrong!" Walter hissed, cringing at the girl's nasal clipped tone causing her storm off in a huff.
"What's wrong now?" Kate demanded exasperated by the unreasonableness of this customer.
"Her voice is cringe worthy so sharp and trying on the ear."
"I wasn't aware I had to find the right voice as well!" Kate retorted sharply. "What would you like let me guess an obscure regional dialect?"
"No just something more soothing, lilting…" Walter paused as the very voice he was describing filtered over. "That's it." He exclaimed turning round as he caught sight of the owner, surprised when it wasn't one of the primped butterflies but one of the waiting staff.
"But she's one of the staff! …She's not even a brunette." Kate huffed as if Walter had somehow deliberately misled her before waving Maggie over. The Auburn haired lass made her way over quickly her quick wits clearly taking in Walter's intent gaze and calculating just how much she could make that night.
"Are you sure this time?" Kate asked surprised by his choice, a barmaid, true her skin was flawless but she was favoured with a sharp tongue and a less than perfect countenance that had kept Kate from employing her as anything other than a waitress.
"Can I help you sir?" Maggie's soft Irish lilt asked.
Smiling Walter nodded offering the girl his arm, and as she led him up the stairs Walter realised suddenly he hadn't even thought of Cecilia in hours and as he gazed at his companion he realised just which woman had if only subconsciously been occupying his thoughts. Perhaps the next morning he would return to Eastbourne, it seemed he had more unfinished business there than he had supposed.
- - -
Sitting at the breakfast table Flora Forester sipped delicately at her tea, outwardly she was the perfect picture of calmness and composure but on the inside part of her was screaming. She hadn't been able to sleep the night before and one glance at her face in the mirror that morning confirmed the fact, she looked pale and drawn and the reason for her anxiety was sitting across from her eagerly digging into his breakfast without a single notion as to the turmoil he had created. Edward's proposal, she simply couldn't believe it. What had come over him?
Setting her tea cup down with a clatter Flora hid her trembling hands under the table lest Evelyn notice her indisposition and demand to know the cause of it. Surely he must have realized it was too sudden to ask for her hand, they had barely been courting more than a few weeks. Yet how was she to tell him that without breaking his heart, he seemed so sincere so completely in love with her that she could not help but feel like a sham. She had to admit she had used him, partly to assuage her own wounded pride over Walter's rejection and worse than that she now suspected she had only agreed out of a hope it would make Walter jealous.
Suppressing a snort Flora stabbed viciously at her toast with her knife. Walter Corey, the bane of her life, the man was an utter cad. How could he have led her on like that, coax her into caring for him and then blatantly flaunt his engagement in her face. Even when both parties were away, Walter in London and Cecilia at her Aunt's in Norfolk, she couldn't escape news of the happy couple. Every twist and bend in their courtship was examined in depth by the local populace and currently the town was ablaze about the now infamous tiff at dinner and the startling revelation that Walter Corey was to buy the extravagant Lennox Mansion for his beloved. Having seen the house from the end of the driveway Flora couldn't personally see what all the fuss was about, it looked a vast and gloomy pile, perfectly impractical to live in and run as an efficient household. Not that practicality and efficiency were qualities one would associate with Cecilia Ferguson!
Folding her napkin as the maid took her massacred breakfast away Flora rose to leave. Fortunately she had errands to run in town which would keep her away from the house and Edward for most of the day.
"Where are you running off to?" Evelyn's sharp voice inquired over the edge of her newspaper.
"I have errands, the apothecary and then I need to call in at the tailors to pick up Williams new coat and then the ladies group at the church I have a very busy day." Flora replied trying to keep her voice neutral and even despite the provocation.
"You will be back for our walk I take it?" Edward suddenly cut in as he glanced up from his breakfast for the first time that morning, his handsome face creasing in the concern.
"I….I fear not." Flora replied quickly fussing with her napkin as she fought to avoid his eye.
"But…"
"Why don't you accompany Flora on her errands Edward, it would give you a chance to get to know the town better. I am sure much has changed since your youth." Evelyn interjected a wry smile tugging at her lips as she caught the brief scowl that graced Flora's features. "I am sure Flora would enjoy the company."
Gritting her teeth Flora forced a smile, suppressing a stab of guilt when Edward beamed like a child at Christmas. Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea; it would give them some time alone, time she needed to break things to him gently.
- - -
Leaning back in his cab as they pulled away from the station Walter once more cursed his impetuousness. There really had been no rational need to take the earliest train so he could only suppose he had still been under the influence when he had made that decision. Unfortunately for him that had worn off about half an hour into the journey and not long after the mother of all hangovers had kicked in. Nursing his poor head Walter had locked the door to his compartment and scrunched up his poor eyes against the piercing daylight, trying to ignore the jolting of the train as he fought to retain his breakfast. Then just as he was sleeping off the other ill affects they had arrived in Eastbourne, on market day of all things and he had been forced to hang around outside the station until a cab was free and that delay had done nothing to improve his sour mood.
Gazing blankly out of the window Walter was content to watch the world go by, wives and mothers doing their shopping, gossiping and haggling with the street vendors, children playing on the corners and diving in and out the traffic. It seemed as though the whole of Eastbourne was out and about on the streets, and perhaps amongst them was the very lady he come back to see. Flora Forester, he couldn't even think her name without a small smile tugging at his lips. It seemed ludicrous that he could ever have chosen Cecilia over Flora; for once his mother had been right all along she was perfect for him, beautiful, modest and practical. He couldn't help but look back and cringe at his past behavior, no doubt he would have a great deal to make up for but that could wait until he had at least had a bath and changed into his best suit. Then he would offer to pick his mother up after the church group meeting, and of course offer to drop the lovely Flora home by which time he would have arranged to meet her again, perhaps a picnic or a walk along the seafront….
Then suddenly as if summoned by his musings there she was just leaving the apothecary. Banging on the side of the cab Walter waited until the driver stopped before realizing he couldn't possibly face her like this, he desperately needed a shave and as for the smell there was no disguising the pall of alcohol that hung about him. That would hardly impress her but there was no harm in watching. Even when she seemed lost in her thoughts she still moved with a natural grace, and Walter watched mesmerized as she crossed the street unwittingly holding his breath as she drew nearer. Close enough almost for him to touch and certainly close enough to overhear the words that made the blood freeze in his veins.
"Flora dear is that all?"
Biting down on his lip as he recognized the voice that muttered the endearment so casually, Walter watched murderously as Captain Forester stepped into view and assisted the lovely Flora with her packages, placing each one carefully in their waiting trap, before offering her his arm.
"Yes thank you Edward."
"Perhaps a stroll along the front, we might as well take advantage of the sunshine whilst it lasts don't you think?"
"A short stroll perhaps." Flora agreed nodding yet there was something in her expression that tightened, it was there only momentarily but Walter noticed it. Perhaps things were not as he had first suspected. He knew he should urge the driver on lest he be caught eavesdropping and yet he could not tear himself away he had to know just what was between Flora and that knave of a Captain. Yet if he were caught it would hardly further his own suit. Leaning forward he rapped on the side of the cab and it started forward with a jolt, steadying himself on the door Walter glanced up and felt his heart leap into his throat. For a long harrowing moment his eyes met another dark pair, ones that widened in recognition before flashing in anger. There was only one thing left to do, recognize he had been caught out, and so reluctantly Walter tipped his heat at the couple before settling back into his seat and praying to god he hadn't blown his last chance.
- - -
Cursing under her breath words that would have made a sailor blush Flora Ryan stormed up to her room to change. Walter Corey, Walter Bloody Corey! Just when she had every sorted in her own mind, just as she was building up the courage to turn down Edward's proposal Walter Corey had to appear and turn her into a babbling idiot.
Slamming her gloves down on her vanity Flora attacked her windswept hair ferociously, no caring if her pins ripped at her hair she was so angry. The nerve of the man, to so blatantly listen in on their conversation and then leave with no more apology than a tip of the hat! He didn't even bother to stop long enough to bid them good morning; clearly it was so beneath him either that or he was in such a hurry to see his beloved Cecilia that nothing and no one else mattered. She clearly didn't matter and that was what hurt, even after all that talk about being friends he couldn't even stop long enough to pass the time of day with her.
Sighing as she rubbed her eyes Flora suppressed the sudden and irrational tears that threatened, she just had to get through today and now she had to change for the ladies church group. Absently picking her favorite dress in an effort to cheer herself Flora found her thoughts drifting back to the awkward walk and drive back she had just endured. Edward had been kind and attentive, a little too attentive for her tastes. He was the model of a man in love, thoughtful and complimentary and it only made her feel more wretched, as no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't find those feelings for him. She liked and respected him much like she had Stephan but in her marriage there had been no illusions neither of them had claimed to feel more than they did and so she had been comfortable in that arrangement. How could she possibly accept Edward knowing as she did that he felt and assumed she felt more for him than she did or possibly ever could?
And then there was Walter…There was always Walter.
It seemed she would never be at peace when around that man. She couldn't let Edward into her heart because of him. Everywhere she turned he was at the heart of all her troubles well no more. He had made his choice and she would just have to accept that it wasn't her and move on with her life, for her son's sake if nothing else. Nodding at her refection Flora had to admit she was pleased with the result, she looked more like her old self, resolved and confident. So certain in her decision she headed back into town unaware that the very man she was determined to drive from her thoughts was at the same moment resolving to make a claim on her heart.
- - -
Humming under his breath Walter drew out his pocket watch for the umpteenth time in the last few minutes, surely they had to be finished soon, how long could women talk about flowers and fundraising for anyway? Then suddenly as if his prayers had been answered the church doors open and the ladies began to trickle out in gossiping pairs. Tipping his hat as they passed Walter kept furtively scanning for the very lady he had came to find his anticipation practically bursting out of him as still she didn't appear.
"Walter what a lovely surprise." His mother's voice dragged him from his trance.
Fixing a smile Walter got down from the trap nodding at his mother and old Mrs Higgins. "I thought it looked like rain so I thought it wise to come and fetch you."
"That was most unusually thoughtful of you." Helen answered with a knowing smirk as Walter continued to subtly glance over her shoulder. "However I promised Mrs Higgins here I would come with her to visit her sister who is most under the weather."
"You would be most welcome to accompany us Mr Corey." Mrs Higgins piped up almost upsetting her spectacles in her excitement.
"Well I…"
"Oh no Walter would be no use my dear, men never are!" Helen cut in earning her a grateful smile from Walter who couldn't think of anything worse than sitting by an old biddy's bed and listen to her rattle of her many aliments and complaints. "But I do know how he can make himself useful since he seems so inclined…" She added and for a moment Walter felt something akin to panic as no doubt she would extort some sort of penalty. "You can take Mrs Forester home, as you are right it does look like rain then come back into town for me."
"Mrs Forester?" Walter asked holding his breath until he discovered whether it was the older or younger, the prospect of sharing any confined space with Evelyn Forester was not something he wanted to contemplate.
"Surely you remember Walter." Helen chided her son before turning round and striding back into the church, returning a moment later practically dragging a protesting Flora behind her.
"Honestly Mrs Corey I am quite capable…"
"Of course you are dear but well it does seem to threaten rain and well Walter is here with nothing better to do, you'd be helping me by keeping him out of mischief!" Helen added with a wry grin in her son's direction.
"Indeed I insist Flora." Walter added stepping in to offer her his arm before Flora could find the words needed to protest further.
Biting her lip as she glanced from Helen's smug expression to Walter's pleased smile, Flora realized she had been well and truly set up and so there was nothing for it but to accept gracefully and keep a polite yet aloof distance during the drive. Accepting Walter's arm Flora pushed away thoughts about the strength under her fingertips or the way his hand fit perfectly into the dip of her waist as he assisted her up into the trap. Instead she settled herself carefully down on the seat, arranging her skirts neatly as Walter fussed with the horse before swinging up easily beside her and sitting rather closer than Flora would have considered appropriate. Then waving goodbye to Helen they set off, a tense silence quickly descending as Walter searched for the right question to break the ice.
"How is William?"
"He is quite well thank you Mr Corey." Flora replied succinctly before allowing the silence to swamp them once more.
"And the rest of your family?"
"We are in perfect health thank you." Was her next also brief reply and from the way Walter shifted uncomfortably it was clear he was unsettled by her aloof behavior. Suppressing a smirk at this, Flora hid her personal satisfaction and maintained her expression of polite detachment.
"I…Urrr…I want to apologise for not stopping to greet you properly earlier, it was unpardonably rude of me and were it not for the extenuating circumstances…."
"It is quite alright Mr Corey." Flora cut in. "Edward and I were not offended, we realized," Flora paused noting with satisfaction the way Walter seemed to flinch whenever she used the word 'we'. "Well we assumed you were rushing off to see your fiancée."
"My What?" Walter gasped bring the trap to a sudden halt.
"Your fiancée, Miss Cecilia, has she not returned from Norfolk?" Flora replied surprised when instead of nodding Walter turned a violent shade of puce.
"That woman has no connection with me….I can't believe people don't know…" He broke off unable to believe the treachery of that woman. Did she think she could shame him into marrying her? Sighing he turned and caught sight of Flora's perplexed expression. "I broke with Miss Ferguson before leaving for London; I am astounded she hasn't informed people."
"You broke your engagement?" Flora questioned still unable to believe what she was hearing. "But why you seemed so…" She broke off blushing as she remembered the passionate embrace she had spied on.
"Appearances can be deceptive." Walter replied enigmatically. "Take you and that Captain Forester for example; an unbiased onlooker might say you are quite the item."
"So you were spying on us!"
"Spying how very dramatic!" Walter snapped back, unable to believe how things had gone so badly wrong. Suddenly anxious to be anywhere but under that accusing gaze he geed up the horse glaring up at the darkening sky which seemed to rumble warningly. "I was merely passing by any fool can see how very cozy you were."
"How dare…What business it is of yours at any rate Mr Corey?"
"It is everyone's business, it is quite clear to all rational thought how unsuited you are…He could never make you happy!" Walter snapped his patience almost at an end as it began to rain. "He is so staid, now I don't doubt he is a good man, but he is dull, good and dull!"
Unable to believe what she was hearing and unwilling to allow it from a man who didn't even know the person he was slandering Flora retorted sharply. "Edward Forester is a true hero; he risked life and limb for his country. Something you I note never have."
"Yes and he lost one, do you wish to be married to a cripple?"
The crack of Flora's palm as it connected with his cheek shocked Walter so much he stopped the trap, he always supposed she had a fiery temper but he would never have suspected she could become violent, her reaction clearly had shocked Flora as well as she stared at him for a moment in disbelief before scrambling down from the trap.
For a moment Walter stared in astonishment, as Flora began to storm away not caring that the rain was slowly drenching her or that it was a good mile left to the house. Swinging down from the trap Walter shuddered as the heavy rain began to flatten his hair down, plastering it to his forehead and into his eyes as he quickened his pace to catch up with her. Drawing level he reached out and grabbed her elbow roughly not at all surprised when she struggled stubbornly.
"You are the most difficult woman I have ever met, what good would it do to catch your death come back to the carriage?"
"Let me go!" Flora hissed dangerously. "I would rather risk a cold than listen to anymore of your vileness."
"A cold how about pneumonia and what will happen to your son then without a mother, a life with Evelyn Forester controlling his every move?" Walter spat not caring how harsh he sounded or how roughly he grasped her arm as he attempted to drag her back to the trap.
"Walter you're hurting me." Flora gasped surprised he immediately released her and stood expectantly clearly waiting for her to capitulate, the rain now running down his face and into his drenched suit. Yet he made no attempt to move. "You'll catch cold as well if you stay out here any longer."
"I am waiting for you. " Walter replied enigmatically, stepping forward and closing the distance between them. Raising a tentative hand he brushed a stray lock of wet hair away from her forehead before cradling her icy cheek. "I will for as long as it takes."
Trembling at his touch, the sudden warmth of his fingers against her icy cheek Flora couldn't break away from his gaze, his eyes seemed darker than normal a stormy grey and they sucked her in closer until she could feel the heat of his breath on her face. She wasn't surprised when Walter's other hand brushed up her arm, trailing along her jaw to lift her chin gently and despite the rain Flora suddenly felt warm. Letting her eyes drift closed she lent up anticipating Walter's move but instead he suddenly stepped away jolting her from the pleasant warm aura his body exuded and back into the storm.
"What…"
"Someone's coming." Walter replied sharply and his warning was timely as a moment later a carriage rounded the bend.
"Flora thank god."
Unable to quell the sinking feeling Flora glanced up at Edward's relieved exclamation.
"When I saw the storm I was worried, the idea of you catching cold well… Oh hello there Corey." Edward exclaimed, suddenly noticing the other man as he jumped down and dramatically draped his own coat possessively over Flora's shoulders.
"Captain Forester." Walter replied politely with a nod. "I was just passing and noticed Mrs Forester walking I stopped to offer her a lift but now I see I am no longer needed." He added bitterly, surprised when Flora seemed to flinch at his words.
"Yes well thank you but there is no need for you to hang around any longer, you'll catch your death, come now Flora there are some blankets in the back. "
"Just a moment." Flora replied politely before turning her back on Edward and walking close enough to a confused Walter that her expression remained hidden.
"Thank you for your kindness Mr Corey."
"It was no trouble at all Mrs Forester." Walter replied neutrally.
"And I look forward continuing our conversation in the near future." Flora added earnestly. "I found it most enlightening."
Smothering a smile as he caught on to Flora's hidden message, Walter had to stamp out the sudden joy that had burst within his chest lest he forget himself and pull her immediately into embrace there and then. "I think that can easily be arranged Mrs Forester."
Smiling warmly Flora reached out and squeezed his hand softly, surprised when Walter returned the pressure before she had to retreat to the safety of the carriage. For a moment Walter stood watching her, surprised when he felt barely a flicker of jealousy as Edward fussed over her instead he had to stifle a laugh when he overheard Flora's reply.
"What was so fascinating?" Edward had asked.
"Mr Corey was starting to teach me how to predict English storms; he thinks I need some immediate instruction!"
"I could teach you that!" Was the Captain's rather huffy reply, at which both Flora and Walter shared a knowing look, one latent with promise, soon they would finish that little exchange and this time Walter was determined to make it somewhere they wouldn't be interrupted.
- - -