Two weddings and several revelations (11)

[the_comfortable_courtesan]

Flora Ferraby knows not what’s ado with her (2)

Was this not quite entirely the thing that she and Hannah would deplore that ladies spent their time in doing instead of better occupation - making scenes at the dressmaker’s? – caused her quite extreme chagrin to think of it as they returned to Mulcaster House.

Jennie made a dip to her, and said, must quite immediate go speak to Her Grace, if Miss Ferraby would give her leave? Flora waved permission as she handed her own bonnet and cloak to the footman.

How now, Fl – Miss Ferraby! Enchanted! Beauf was also entering after some excursion – from his dress, riding in the Park at the fashionable hour.

Flora swept a curtesy. Lord Sallington.

They walked up the grand staircase together. Beauf heaved a sigh and said, he dared say there was no likelihood that they might have some private converse.

Flora gave a little groan and said, sotto voce, 'twould be supposed you went make a declaration. But indeed, should like to exchange news without all were looking upon us in hopes of marriage bells.

Mayhap, said Beauf, in similarly lowered tones, we might go ride the morn – oh, taking a groom for propriety, but I fancy Askew will maintain a discreet distance.

'Twill serve, said Flora. Indeed, a ride would be agreeable.

So, the following morning, Flora was up betimes and dressed in the riding habit she had been in two minds whether to pack at all, quite scampering down to the stables, where she found Beauf and the groom ready with a horse ready saddled for herself. O, is this not Cathy’s Fiammetta?

Indeed so. I asked her and she is entire happy that you may ride her this morning. Has had little enough time to give her any exercize of late – today they go conclude some matter about the town-house.

Was agreeable quiet at this hour in the Park – a few that were more interested in a pleasing canter than being seen by Society – Why, said Flora, there, I surmize, is dear Aunty Belinda, that one knows not whether to call Lady Bexbury any more. But indeed, we need not go make civil, she will not mind.

Dearest Flora, said Beauf – Askew having dropped back to a discreet distance – how is our lovely Kate?

O, a bouncing girl that thrives exceeding, and we are already in consideration that she goes beyond our capacities for teaching. But is it not fortunate that this excellent young woman Ellen Hudson comes to us, that the Randalls, that is Mr Randall, that is in charge of the dispensary on Lady Bexbury’s Shropshire estate and his wife, that used to be the village schoolmistress until she had too much upon her hands with her own children and housekeeping and nursing matters, took in and told us of, for 'twas a very sad case – was the village schoolmistress, entire respectable, beguiled by a rascal that came about the place upon some matter of mining machinery – but now we have a fine wet-nurse for Miranda and one that may take a place as governess. Has a healthy little boy of her own. We endeavour to bring her about to see that she is not some sad sinner.

Beauf smiled. Sure, you and Hannah have a deal of matters upon hand that must preclude hearing through recitation of times-tables &C, and 'tis a fine charitable act.

Somewhat of that, Flora concurred. And although the children are very good about speaking into Verrie’s hearing trumpet, and she entire doats upon 'em all, should not wish to impose upon her, sure she has a deal of household matters upon her hands as well as botanical correspondence. But, dear Beauf, how go matters with you?

Why, matters get on at Nitherholme – am entire pleased with how my gallery comes along, and the gardens – he paused – indeed, I wonder does Julius think he has now accomplished all he might with the gardens at Nitherholme and sighs for fresh fields – do you know has he communicated aught in the matter to Hannah?

Has he so, she has not told me, said Flora, but indeed I am surprized that Julius desires to quit Nitherholme, had supposed him quite entire suited there – for I apprehend 'tis not just the gardens, but that there is a deal of botanical exploration he may undertake in the locality –

I fear he finds it somewhat tame, for I have found him reading Lord Offgrange’s thrilling account of his expeditions in the Spanish Americas, and other works, that make me think he desires a wider sphere for exploration, and I should not wish to hold him back, was that his wish.

You would surely miss his company.

Desperately, agreed Beauf, indeed I should feel exceeding lonely at Nitherholme without him, but is it not the office of friendship to consider one’s friend’s desires above one’s own? Not to impose one’s wishes?

Oh Beauf, said Flora, a little tearful, I daresay Julius has like feelings towards you –

I wonder, said Beauf, for lately – perchance I imagine it – has seemed occasional a little out of temper – mayhap feels some resentment that I hold him back –

Why, I will ask Hannah has he said anything to her that might lead to that conclusion, but sure she has not remarked to me that he feels the oppression of patronage or the like.

Oh, I hope he does not!

Flora looked at Beauf – had always had a certain streak of melancholy in his nature – indeed he looked extreme troubled. Dearest Beauf, she said, I doubt not that you go trouble yourself quite unnecessary, and 'tis some entire indifferent matter troubles Julius –

But if 'tis so, why does he not open it to me? Have we not been the closest of friends since childhood, more than brothers?

Flora sighed. Indeed that was so. She was unable to fathom the matter: mayhap dearest Tiger might contrive to do so at once, but, alas, she did not seem to have inherited that gift, or mayhap 'twas somewhat that came with age and experience.

I mind, she said at length, that I am but a woman, and that there are manly matters that I do not understand – if you spoke to Quintus –

Oh, Quintus! cried Beauf, would I daresay prescribe me a purge, or to go quack myself at some spaw –

Flora took thought that Quintus, for all his skills as a physician, seemed unable to find any remedy for poor Sukey’s fits of melancholy.

Well, I will go think upon the matter, and talk to Hannah when I return to Yeomans.

Dear Flora, you are the finest of friends.

Oh, poo. But let us return to Mulcaster House, afore they start upon speculating that you have obtained a special licence and we go marry very quiet.

That brought a sudden transforming grin to Beauf’s face.

Comments

[nenya_kanadka]

O, these darlings! They're all so earnest, and such decent kids, and so much gayer than they realize. <3

I love the little detail of Aunty Belinda not minding if they don't interrupt her riding to do the polite. I do feel Belinda and Flora must get along famously. :D :D

[cesy]

Aww :)