A Sense of Destiny (Perceptions Book 6), page 25
‘So she would.’ Archie smiled across at her. ‘How do you feel about Luke’s attachment to Violet Baxter?’
‘I am delighted for them,’ she said, meaning it.
‘I’m sorry, I don’t mean to pry but I rather assumed that you and he…’
‘No.’ Flora shook her head. ‘I am inordinately fond of Luke, perhaps even a little in love with him, but he cannot accept me for the person that I am and would attempt to change me. I haven’t worked so hard for my freedom, fought against the privations forced upon me by a father determined to mould my future, only to have my character altered by an opinionated husband.’
‘Your second sight?’
‘Are you aware that Luke’s parents consulted a medium before embarking upon their ill-fated trip to America and were told it would be safe for them to go?’
‘I was not aware, but it explains a great deal. As a young man, Luke worshipped his father without realising that he had feet of clay. The rest of us knew, or at least suspected, but we also realised that it would be a waste of breath and probably cost us his friendship if we tried to tell him.’
Flora nodded. ‘And now that he’s aware, the damage is done. I warned him that Ottilie Fleming was out to trap him because of the sins committed by his father, but he accused me of being jealous.’
‘Ouch!’
‘Quite. He couldn’t accept that I knew more than he did about her motives because of my perceptions. Hurtful things were said in the heat of the moment that cannot be taken back.’ Flora gazed off into the distance as she relived that unhappy time. ‘He felt so violently opposed to my abilities that he almost fell headlong into a disastrous marriage. It created a gulf between us that can never be bridged.’
‘In that case, I shall allow myself to be glad that my friend has set his sights upon a more suitable prospective bride,’ Archie said, smiling at her. ‘I take it you have no objections to Violet.’
‘Violet will suit him admirably. I am sure the countess would have approved of his choice.’
‘You didn’t tell me how you left things with the Bishop.’ He put his empty cup aside. ‘Tell me to mind my own business, if you like, but naturally I am curious.’
She told him most of it, leaving out the fact that the bishop was Yardley’s father.
‘Goodness,’ Archie said when she ran out of words. ‘What dark secrets do you harbour that could harm your father? Not that he doesn’t deserve to be taken down a peg or two, but surely as a man of God it follows that he is beyond reproach.’
Flora grinned at Archie, well aware that he was being facetious.
‘That’s what I wonder.’ She told him about her paternal grandmother’s skill with herbs that led to her being branded as a witch. ‘Papa tried to lock her away. He was ashamed of her, but I thought she was a wonderful woman, wise and kind and harmless.’
‘You inherited her skills,’ he said. ‘And I speak from personal experience.’
‘I hope I did.’ She went on to tell him about her father admitting to having accidentally killed his own father in a dispute that got out of hand.
‘Heavens!’ Archie raised both brows. ‘The more I hear about his character, the less I like him. Do you suppose that is the secret he’s attempting to protect?’
‘I wouldn’t think so. I have known for some time and not spoken a word. Besides, I have no proof.’ Flora frowned. ‘There must be something else. Something important.’ She looked across at Archie. ‘And I shall not rest easy until I find out what it is.’
The soft, somnolent smile that he treated her to melted her vulnerable heart. ‘Of course you will not,’ he said.
The End
Want more from Flora, Archie and Luke? Look out for A Sense of Fate coming soon!
About the Author
Hi, I do hope you enjoyed A Sense of Destiny. If so, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. I’d love to hear what you thought of this particular novel – what you enjoyed most about it and what you didn’t like. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Reach me at wendysoliman@rocketmail.com
I’m a British author, brought up on the Isle of Wight, but now live in Andorra. I share my life with my long-suffering husband and a rescued dog of indeterminate pedigree named Jake Bentley after the hero in one of my books. Both Jakes are handsome mongrels with independent spirits and wild streaks.
I’ve had over sixty books published, ranging from Regency romance, (my first love), to contemporary women’s fiction and marine crime mysteries.
When not writing I walk miles with my dog, make half-hearted visits to the gym, read other people’s tomes…oh, and I’m on a one woman mission to keep the wine trade profitable!
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Also available from this Author
Historical Romance
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Lady Hartley’s Inheritance
Duty’s Destiny
A Reason to Rebel
Forgotten Heiress
For Want of a Reputation
Christmas at Castleray
Ava’s Passion
Lady Mysterious
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To Defy a Duke / The Duke’s Legacy / A Duke by Default / Of Dukes and Deceptions
Mrs. Darcy Entertains Series Boxset
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Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 1 – 3 Boxset
Emma Bingley’s Romantic Nature / Naomi Sanford’s Compassionate Nature / Bella Darcy’s Impetuous Nature
Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 4 – 6 Boxset
Eleanor Bingley’s Rebellious Nature / Rosie Turner’s Contrary Nature / Susie Darcy’s Tenacious Nature
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Ducal Encounters Series 1
At the Duke’s Discretion
With the Duke’s Approval
Portrait of a Duke
For the Duke’s Pleasure
In the Duke’s Estimation
Captivating the Duke
Ducal Encounters Series 2
Reunited with the Duke
Christmas with the Duke
Representing the Duke
Safeguarding the Duke
Acting for the Duke
Emulating the Duke
Ducal Encounters Series 3
Conspiring with the Duke
Dedicated to the Duke
Impugning the Duke’s Honour
By Order of the Duke
Supporting the Duke
Protecting the Duke’s Interests
Ducal Encounters Series 4
As the Duke’s Agent
Masquerading with the Duke
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Carlton House Cartel
Chance
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A Sense of Purpose
A Sense of Misgiving
A Sense of Injustice
A Sense of Turmoil
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Contemporary Titles
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Wendy Soliman, A Sense of Destiny (Perceptions Book 6)
