Chapter 11

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Dabbing her nose delicately Flora tried to concentrate on her sewing whilst William read aloud. It had just been typical that after being caught out in the rain she had developed a slight chill, which had turned into a stubborn cold, preventing her from following up on Walter's invitation. So instead she had been forced to remain indoors, plagued by Foresters, Edward who flitted around like a worried hen until she was tempted to throw her sewing at his head and William who took it upon himself to 'entertain' his mother during her convalescence. The only bright spot had been yesterday when the florists had delivered a beautiful bouquet of cream roses, the card officially came from Helen Corey who expressed her sincerest concerns for her health yet in the post script it became obvious just who was really responsible, the throw away comment about judging English weather could only have come from Walter. So despite Evelyn's muted tutting about allowing anything from that woman into her house Flora insisted they be placed in her room and she spent much time arranging them to perfection.

"Oh do hurry up Edward!" Evelyn's exasperated cry could be heard through the house. "I would like to arrive at the Ferguson's reasonably on time!"

"Yes Aunt I'm just going to check on…"

"Honestly Edward Flora is quite recovered, and I will not explain to my friends why we are late." Evelyn snapped and that clearly was the end of the matter as a moment later the front door closed behind them.

Sighing in relief as blessed silence descended Flora glanced up at William who had suddenly stopped reading. "Mama Can I go outside, it's stopped raining."

Glancing at the window Flora noted that the clouds had indeed disappeared. It was the perfect weather for a brief outing, and with both Evelyn and Edward out of the house, perhaps now would be the right time to call on Helen Corey and thank her for the lovely flowers?

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"Mr Corey…"

"Mrs Forester…Young Master William." Walter replied politely setting down his shovel and rubbing his sweat stained fringe from his eyes. His gaze raked warmly over them both before glancing over her shoulder, clearly expecting another less welcome visitor.

"The good Captain and my mother in law have been called to town." Flora replied watching mischievously as Walter's smile grew at that particular news. "I came to pay my respects to your mother and to thank her for those lovely flowers."

"I'm delighted to hear that you liked them!" Walter added offering her his hand to step down from the trap, squeezing it slightly pleasantly surprised when Flora returned the pressure and continued to hold his hand far longer than was necessary. "However mother has just popped along the lane to visit our neighbor, she shouldn't be long…" He added quickly, anxious that she would turn and leave. "Perhaps you would care for a brief tour? You haven't seen the farm proper and well I would like to show it to you."

"I am sure that would be fine..." Flora trailed off mutely accepting the arm he offered and stepping closer smiling as their shoulders brushed against each other, walking sedately as William bounded off in front of them. "Mr Corey I…"

"Walter."

"Pardon?"

Smiling Walter patted her hand affectionately. "I think you should call me Walter, Flora, don't you?"

Returning his smile they settled into an easy silence, following William as he darted into the stables. "Mother come look…." Following her son Flora found herself standing outside a huge loose box where a grand shire was eagerly tucking into his feed. "Isn't he magnificent?"

"Yes." Flora replied indulgently smiling as her son practically bounded with enthusiasm. "He is most handsome." She added catching Walter's eye as she said it and enjoying twitch of his eyebrow and slight blush that colored his cheeks.

"It's a she and you are right she is very beautiful." Walter retorted and now it was Flora's turn to blush. "Come William lets leave her to her feed." He added placing his hand on the boy's shoulder and steering them both out of the stables. "Where to next?"

"The chickens!" William exclaimed before darting off in the direction of the hen huts.

"Walter I, I wanted to thank you for the flowers they were beautiful."

"Thank me?" Walter replied feigning innocence.

"Yes you, I know you sent them."

"Well it seemed the least I could do since it was my fault you caught the cold in the first place."

"Your fault?"

"Yes well if I hadn't given you a lift, if we hadn't been quarrelling…"

"Then I would have been out walking when the weather turned and I might well have caught my death instead!" Flora added finally, stopping Walter in his tracks. "Talking about our discussion…I…Well we…What did you mean when you said you were waiting for me?"

"Exactly what I said." Walter replied enigmatically. "I am waiting and will continue to do so for as long as necessary."

"Waiting for what exactly?"

Suddenly embarrassed, as Flora continued to stare at him perplexed, Walter avoided her gaze suddenly finding the farm yard dirt fascinating. Finally he managed to force his tongue out of the knot it had worked itself into. "For some clue….some hint as to where your affections lie."

"Where they lie?"

"That perhaps they might…" Walter hesitated reaching down and catching her hand as he stepped closer their eyes meeting and locking. "That you might…"

"Mother!" William's impatient shout cut Walter off mid flow and embarrassed dropped Flora's hand so quickly it might have burnt him.

"Coming William." Flora called out suddenly conscious of the heat that had crawled across her cheeks and down her neck as they rejoined her son.

"Can I feed them?"

"You know where the feed is…" Walter replied smiling as William beamed happily at him before darting across the yard. "He's a good boy."

"Yes he is, I am blessed I know it."

"Any man would be proud to have him as a son..." Walter replied softly catching her gaze. "I am sure his father would have been very proud of him and of you for coping as well as you have but perhaps now…" He broke off spotting William as he came barreling across the yard.

"Perhaps…" Flora began softly as they watched William throw the seed all over the yard. "Perhaps we should continue this another time without so many interruptions"

"Tomorrow?" Walter asked. "You have the church group do you not, I could pick you up outside and we could go for a drive just the two of us?"

Smiling Flora nodded catching his eye for a moment before William forced bird seed into her hand. Laughing at his antics Flora felt her heart lift, as even with her back to him she could feel Walter's eyes on her, could sense the smile that tugged at his lips; tomorrow had never seemed such a long time away.

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Pacing up and down in front of his mirror Walter tugging irritably at his cravat. It just wasn't perfect and it had to be everything had to be just right for this meeting; he had already persuaded his mother to visit a friend for tea after the ladies group. She had agreed with a minimum of fuss but he could tell from the raised eyebrow and piercing expression she had barely contained her curiosity and he would no doubt face an inquisition later on that evening. Pulling out his pocket watch he balked at the lateness of the hour, barely remembering to pick up the single pink rose as he bolted for the door and his waiting trap.

Fortunately for Walter that afternoon the ladies group over ran by some fifteen minutes so he was there in plenty of time for him to arrive at the church, so much time that he was left kicking his heels in the lane, mentally repeating everything he wanted to say until it all merged in confusion.

"Good Afternoon Mr Corey!"

Whirling round Walter found himself face to face with Mrs Forester, the wrong Mrs Forester who seemed most annoyed by his presence.

"Ma'am." He muttered tipping his hat wishing to any deity that would listen that the damn woman would pass on. "Fine weather we are having."

"Hmm I suppose it is fair enough for you farmers." Evelyn sneered her beady eyes flickering from Walter to the church doors and back again. Then suddenly they opened and out streamed Eastbourne's ladies society. Tipping his hat as they passed Walter prayed that Flora would notice Evelyn's presence yet as she appeared her eyes seemed solely locked on him, a bright smile lighting up her face, that Evelyn would have to have been blind to ignore.

"Wa…."

"Good Day Mrs Forester have you perchance seen my mother?" Walter replied formally cringing slightly as he watched Flora's face crumple.

"No I…Wa…"

"Well then I will leave you with your Mother…Mrs Forester…Mrs Forester…" He added tipping his hat at both ladies, watching for a moment as the colour drained from Flora's face and she turned to face a furious Evelyn before swinging up into his own carriage. "I look forward to the next time we meet, ladies." He added finally catching Flora's gaze for a moment as she was ushered unceremoniously into the waiting Forester carriage, her face pale and panicked, unable to quell the feeling that somehow things had just dramatically turned for the worst.

- -- -

Gritting her teeth Flora paused at the study doors waiting for Evelyn's permission to enter. Her mother-in-law had been strangely silent throughout the ride home, and perhaps that had been worse. She had expected a verbal lashing for going against Evelyn's specific instructions and continuing to consort with those Corey people yet she had been met with icy silence. The only words spoken were on their arrival home when Evelyn had bid her come to study after she had changed.

Pushing open the heavy oak door she shut it silently behind her taking a few steps into the room waiting for Evelyn to look up and acknowledge her, but instead her diminutive mother-in-law remained bent over the desk hard at work on a letter. After a good few minutes of standing in nervous silence Flora finally couldn't stand the suspense.

"You called for me?"

Finishing the last line with a flourish Evelyn set down her pen glancing up at Flora over her spectacles. For a moment her gaze was piercing and Flora had to fight the impulse to step back.

"I did, sit down." Evelyn eventually replied taking off her spectacles and setting them down on the desk. "I am to understand Edward has made a proposal of marriage to you?"

"Yes…Well I…" Flora replied clearly wrong footed by this line of questioning.

"I take it from your hesitation you are unsure about whether to accept or not?"

Surprised at the personal nature of the question Flora replied cautiously. "I have not yet decided."

Frowning slightly at her answer Evelyn screwed her mouth up, an early warning sign of disapproval and so Flora hastily continued. "He is a good man and I am fond of him, I just haven't known him that long and well it has all been a bit sudden."

Nodding as if accepting her answer Evelyn picked up the letter she had been writing playing with it, her retort completely taking Flora by surprise. "So it has nothing what so ever to do with Walter Corey then, or the fact that you are in love with him?"

"I…I am not in love with Walter." Flora gasped her cheeks flushing furiously.

"Oh you're not?" Evelyn replied mockingly. "That will make this easier then, mores the pity…" She trailed off before fixing Flora yet again with her piercing glare. "You are to copy out this letter and sign it." She added handing over the letter she herself had only just finished.

Confused Flora took it opening it out and almost gasping in horror as she read the contents.

'Dearest Edward,

I have thought long and hard about your proposal, I know things have moved quickly between us and I claimed I needed more time to think but the more I do so the more certain I become of my decision. I will be delighted and honored to accept, I can think of no finer thing to bring myself and my family happiness….'

"Are you quite mad?" Flora gasped staring over at her mother-in-law. "I cannot possibly do as you ask."

"You can and you will." Evelyn retorted a hint of steel entering her voice. "This is a golden opportunity not only for you but your son and I will not let some foolish romantic notions get in the way of what is rightfully Williams!"

"Rightfully Williams?" Flora stuttered in confusion.

"The Forester Fortune by blood should be his and it will be." Evelyn replied more to herself than to clear up Flora's confusion.

"But that money rightfully belongs to Edward and…"

"Except now after him it will pass to William providing you do as you are told." Evelyn retorted as if explaining to a particularly stupid child.

"Well I refuse!" Flora snapped throwing the letter down on the table. "It is a monstrous idea."

"You refuse do you?" Evelyn snorted her face twisting into some approaching a smile. "You foolish girl do you really think you have a say in any of this. It is quite simple if you do not do as I ask then not only will the Forester money pass poor William by but so will my own, I will disinherit you both. Without my loving care and financial support how long would you last Flora out in the big cold world, how far will my poor Stephan's pension take you?"

"You wouldn't?" Flora gasped her eyes wide at the thought of being penniless and living in the gutter. "I'd think of something, I'd find work of some kind and…"

"And what of William, where will you find the money for schools and university without my deep pocket to supplement the cost?"

"We would manage!" Flora retorted sharply.

"I trust you aren't pinning your hopes on a certain farmer Flora?" Evelyn asked all faked innocence. "You see somehow I don't think he has the same depth of affection for you as you hold for him. It took little more than a look dissuade him, your saw yourself he went away without even a kind word to you didn't he?"

"What did you say to him?" Flora demanded getting to her feet her fists clenched angrily by her side.

"Nothing." Evelyn replied smiling benignly. "If it is any consolation my dear he did seem briefly upset but when compared to the damage pursuing you would bring I must say there wasn't a moment of indecision."

"You lie!"

Smiling smugly Evelyn shrugged her shoulders. "It really doesn't matter my dear whether you believe me or not, the truth of the matter is plain, he is not about to propose marriage and whisk you out of my household and if you do not accept Edward's proposal then I will ruin both you and your son. I can do it Flora and I will. I could tarnish your character so it would be impossible for you find work. After all do you really think me ignorant of how you met my son; your aunt ran an up market tavern did she not? Oh you must have seen my poor boy coming. Taking him for a fool playing the waiting game till he was so infatuated he would have proposed making a raid on heaven just to get you into his bed, and then the pregnancy so convenient that you became with child so soon. He had no choice but to marry you, my poor noble boy, binding a woman little better than a glorified bar maid to him for life. No wonder he didn't dare bring you here and took you with him to India, but he wrote, he wrote to his poor mother and confided his fears, the wife who he feared would embarrass him, the marriage he wasn't sure of, the child that was so conveniently timed!"

Drained and shocked Flora sank into her chair. "No….No he wouldn't."

"He did and I still have the letters my dear, I keep everything that might one day be of value to me."

Hanging her head Flora mumbled. "William is his son I never lied to Stephan."

"Of that I have no doubt one only has to look at him to see his father but poor Stephan wasn't so sure and so he confided in his dear mama." Evelyn replied. "Now my dear perhaps you had better make a start on that letter." She added pushing the spare sheet of paper and pen towards her silent daughter-in-law.

"You would really have me do this, for what money?" Flora asked reluctantly picking up the pen, raising her gaze to meet Evelyn's. in one final plea. "I don't love Edward, but I was a loyal wife to your son and a good mother to his child, doesn't that count for anything?"

For a moment Evelyn seemed to consider her words. "It is the only reason you are not already out on the streets my dear and for this new marriage it shouldn't be too difficult a charade for you pull off since you've done it once already. As for exchanging you for the Forester money nothing could be easier and personally I would have thought you'd be flattered, it is not everyday a common whore receives quite that sort of sum in payment."

Gripping the pen so hard Flora had to fight the urge to fling it back in the old woman's face and tear her damn letter up into a million pieces. Yet her courage failed her, wiping at the bitter tears that began to fall she concentrated on making her handwriting smooth and even, at least that way she didn't have to concentrate on the actual words. Signing the letter Flora sat numb as Evelyn immediately seized it reading it over for any mistakes, nodding in satisfaction before blotting it and ringing for the maid. "I suggest you go make yourself presentable no doubt Edward will want to see you shortly."

Taking a deep breath Flora wiped her cheeks pinching them slightly to bring back some colour stepping out the way as one of the housemaids barreled through the door.

"Would you take this to Captain Edward Teresa." Evelyn commanded handing over the letter to the housemaid whose eyes bulged as she caught a glimpse of the contents, curtseying before hurrying out of the door hotfoot with the latest gossip. Following her out the door Flora paused on the threshold as Evelyn called her back.

"A happy smile Flora remember you've just gotten engaged, please do everything in your power to convince people of that especially Edward after all he seems quite genuinely fond of you and I will expect you to do everything in your power to keep him so." Evelyn paused catching her daughter-in-law's gaze. "And I do mean everything!" She added raising an eyebrow to emphasis her point.

Paling at the barely concealed command Flora bit down on her lip nodding sharply before turning and fleeing to the relative sanctuary of her room, knowing she would not be able to hide there for long.

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