‘And what was your reply?’
‘Well – and this is where I hope you will be proud of me – I said that because of the sudden turn of events, I needed to take a few days to think about it. And that is why I asked you to come to see me. You are so sensible in matters of the heart, dear Flora. What do you think I should do?’
Flora swallowed any personal thoughts she might have on the subject. ‘Perhaps the first question to ask is why you did not accept his proposal immediately. What held you back?’
‘Why, Flora, I told you only a few days ago that I would refuse any further proposal, although that was perhaps because I was protecting myself and my pride. And also, I am still not sure that he loves me as I love him.’
‘Has he said he loves you?’
‘Yes . . . or at least, he said his life would be empty without me.’
‘Well then, there we are!’ Flora forced a bright smile. ‘It amounts to the same thing, whichever words Archie chose to use.’
‘Does it?’ Aurelia looked at her beseechingly. ‘Perhaps I expect too much and have too many romantic notions, but his initial hesitation makes me feel – despite the reasons he gave me – that he had reservations.’
‘Which he has now resolved, and which had nothing to do with you.’
‘I asked him if there was someone else who had captured his heart. He swore that there was not.’
Flora’s heartbeat quickened. ‘Then surely everything he has told you is enough for you to accept his proposal?’
‘Yes, but you know that I had other suitors earlier in the Season and they were ardent in their pursuit of me.’ Aurelia stood up and began pacing the small drawing room. ‘I was showered with flowers and love notes, and even though I did not want them, I was certainly convinced they wanted me. With Archie, I feel rather as if I am the ardent suitor, chasing a man who has always seemed . . . indifferent to me.’
‘But even from my limited experience of men, I know that many of them approach love in a very different way to women. Some are overtly romantic, but many are not. Look at our father,’ Flora said, grasping for an example. ‘Even though it is obvious he adores Mama, he is not and never has been openly romantic with her.’
‘Do you really think he adores her?’ Aurelia paused in her pacing. ‘I’ve always rather wondered. And I certainly don’t want a marriage like that.’
Flora realised she had lost ground by using her parents’ distant union as an example. ‘Perhaps it’s simply that men are taught that they mustn’t show emotion. And Archie Vaughan is just one of those men.’
Aurelia stared at her sister, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. ‘I know you have never liked him, or trusted him for that matter. I am rather surprised you seem eager to defend him in this.’
‘My feelings about him are irrelevant. I am only trying to be pragmatic and as honest with you as I can be. You’ve asked for my opinion, and I have given it. He has seen the error of his ways and wishes to marry you. I doubt you could ask for more, especially given the alternative . . .’
‘I know. Up until Archie’s proposal, I felt I might die of misery at the thought of being banished up to Scotland with Mama and Papa.’
‘Then, you have your answer.’
‘Yes, except I could not bear it if I thought Archie didn’t really love me and was simply marrying me to take my dowry and save his family home.’
‘Dearest Aurelia, I think Lord Vaughan has proved all too successfully that he has a mind of his own, and cannot be forced to do anything he doesn’t wish to.’
‘You really think I should say yes?’
Flora told the biggest lie so far.
‘I do.’
‘And despite your negative feelings towards him, you will agree to be my chief bridesmaid and dance at my wedding?’
‘Of course.’
‘Then . . .’ – the cloud lifted from Aurelia’s face – ‘you have convinced me. I will tell him I shall accept his proposal when he comes to visit me tomorrow afternoon. Thank you, my darling sister, I do not know what I would do without you. Now, the decision is made, let us call for some tea. I feel positively weak from the stress.’
An hour later Flora allowed Freed to hand her into the brougham, exhausted from the tension of the deception. She had done what was right in persuading Aurelia to accept Archie’s proposal. Yet doubt gnawed at her all the way home to Portman Square. All Aurelia wished for was to have her love for Archie returned by him.
Flora knew it was the one thing he could never give her.
‘I presume you are already aware of the notice in this morning’s Times?’ Mrs Keppel passed the newspaper to her and Flora read its substance.
‘Yes, Aurelia told me of Lord Vaughan’s proposal.’
‘And you are happy they are to marry before Christmas? It’s an unusually short engagement.’
‘Perhaps they both feel as though they have wasted precious time. I am very happy for both of them, they love each other dearly.’
Mrs Keppel’s eyes slanted knowingly. ‘Then I am happy too, and will send a note of congratulation to them from the household forthwith.’
‘As I will send mine.’
‘By coincidence, there is a letter arrived for you by hand from the Vaughans’ London household this morning. I told Mr Rolfe that I would give it to you personally.’
‘Thank you.’ As calmly as she could, Flora took the letter from Mrs Keppel’s delicate white hand.
Mrs Keppel watched her fingering the envelope. ‘My dear Flora, I am at home this afternoon and not receiving any visitors if, having read the letter, you wish to join me later for tea.’
‘I . . . thank you.’ Flora left the parlour and hurried upstairs to her bedroom. Closing the door firmly, she sat down on her bed and stared at the letter. Just the sight of his writing made tears burn at the back of her eyes. Tearing it open, her fingers trembled as she unfolded the paper.
18 Berkeley Square
Mayfair
19th October 1909
I have done as you requested, even though I know it is wrong for all three of us. Now it is agreed, I have suggested we marry as soon as possible.
Despite it all, I love you.
Archie
‘Ah, Flora, I was expecting you.’
‘Were you?’ Flora hovered at the door of Mrs Keppel’s parlour later that afternoon.
‘Of course,’ she said matter-of-factly. ‘Close the door behind you. Your tea is already here, so we will not be disturbed.’
Flora did so and walked slowly towards Mrs Keppel, in an agony of indecision. She’d never been one to confide in others before, but today . . .
‘Do sit down, my dear, and warm yourself by the fire.’ Mrs Keppel handed Flora a cup of tea and she sipped it gratefully. ‘Now, we can sit here and take tea and gossip, or we can talk about the real reason that you appear before me now. Which would you prefer?’