A Sense of Destiny (Perceptions Book 6), page 9
Chapter Eight
Flora rummaged in her pocket, produced a handkerchief and passed it to Violet, waiting patiently for the storm of emotion to abate. She felt great sympathy and an instinctive affinity for her new friend. Flora had many justifiable grievances regarding her own upbringing, but she had never been lonely. Quite the reverse. Growing up with four younger sisters, it had been almost impossible to find solitude, other than the suffocating silence imposed during mandatory prayer time in her family home. She had never had anyone to confide in either; no one she trusted to understand her misgivings, to temper her often rebellious thoughts or to support her growing need for independence.
‘Perhaps we are not so unalike after all,’ Flora remarked when she sensed that Violet had her emotions under control again.
‘Whatever do you mean by that?’ she asked, mopping her eyes and blowing her nose. ‘Come to that, I am surprised you haven’t run off. You didn’t return to Beranger Court to have me cry all over you and burden you with my problems.’
Flora patted her hand. ‘I am happy to know you feel comfortable enough to be yourself with me. As to our being alike, I was always surrounded by people, but never anyone I felt an affinity with.’
Violet managed a wan smile. ‘I understand better than you could know. I have no siblings, but Anthony’s sister has been my companion since my mother died when I was twelve. I am still not entirely sure how she wormed her way into our family, but she managed to do so and then never left.’ She gave a slight shudder. ‘Anyway, you can be sure that I never felt the least bit inclined to confide in her.’
‘You are not affectionately inclined towards your fiancé’s sister?’
‘She is ten years Anthony’s senior and she has never married. I did…’ She hesitated. ‘Well, I did wonder if she had designs upon Papa. She always seemed to come alive in his company and pretend an affection for and interest in me that evaporated as soon as Papa left the room. Whether or not they had any sort of understanding, I am unable to say. Papa was a magnet for female attention but never showed any inclination to marry for a second time. He told me more than once that no other woman could replace Mama in his heart.’
‘Start from the beginning,’ Flora said, relieved when Remus didn’t put in an appearance. She wouldn’t have put it past him, even if there was no threat to her safety, since he was the most inquisitive spirit guide in the entire universe. He would haughtily inform her that it was his duty to watch over her, but Flora wasn’t deceived. He simply enjoyed his vicarious earthly existence and the accompanying salacious gossip enormously. ‘I would be most interested to know why you think your father’s death was not an accident.’ Finally, a rush of wind past her ear. Remus knew, or suspected that she was right to be worried about the manner of Violet’s father’s death. ‘I am also curious to know why Miss Walker was foisted upon you and why, if you’ll pardon me, you would agree to marry a man when you dislike his family. I’m sure you realise that you will never be rid of her once you and Mr Walker have exchanged vows.’
Violet sighed. ‘You make a reasonable assumption, insofar as Ellen is concerned. But I am getting ahead of myself.’ She paused to gather her thoughts. A light drizzle had started to fall again but Flora was so interested in and worried about Violet’s account that she barely noticed the wind increasing in strength, whipping up the surface of the lake and blowing the drizzle into their faces. ‘Anthony is only ten years my father’s junior and fifteen years older than me. I cannot recall a time when he wasn’t in our company. As his skill as a watchmaker grew, so too did Papa’s dependence upon him. Anthony is congenial and thoughtful and I looked up to him, I suppose, as an older brother.’
Ah, I see.’ And Flora thought that she very likely did. ‘You are not in love with him, but you are used to leaning upon him in times of distress.’
‘Yes, I suppose I am. Papa hinted often that he would like to see the two of us married. Anthony made his own feelings abundantly clear on the matter. I was not of age when Papa died, although I am now. But at the time I was devastated and not myself.’
‘Which is when you really leaned on Anthony, one imagines. I cannot blame you for that. It must have been a very lonely time. I know Switzerland holds no mysteries for you but even so, you had to deal with your father’s death in a foreign country. If Anthony offered to handle the arrangements while you grieved and came to terms with your shocking loss, I can quite understand why you allowed him to take control.’
‘Oh no, you misunderstand.’ Violet blinked wide eyes at Flora. ‘Papa died in Wales. Climbing was a passion of his, which is hardly surprising, given that he spent so much time in Switzerland. He was very experienced but still, accidents happen. He had come to England with Anthony to speak with some important people who were keen to acquire exclusive rights for Papa’s timepieces.’
‘He was intending to sell up?’ Flora asked, surprised. ‘He wanted to retire?’
‘I don’t think he was, actually, but Anthony seemed very keen to do business with these people. I overheard him several times attempting to convince Papa that the offer was far too generous to decline. Anthony and Papa could still make the watches and leave the marketing to those better suited to that purpose.’
‘Your father’s watches were already in demand?’
‘Yes. That was Papa’s argument. He absolutely didn’t want to give up control. Well, he didn’t mind Anthony gradually taking over but on the strict understanding that the business remained in Papa’s hands.’
‘It seems to me that you made a very comfortable living the way things were, so why was Anthony so determined to sell up?’
Violet spread her hands. ‘I have absolutely no idea, and he wouldn’t tell me if I asked. Women, in case you were not aware, have no heads for business.’
Flora grunted, privately thinking that Anthony sounded like a controlling prig. ‘Excuse me, but is your Mr Walker in debt? I cannot think of any other reason why he would be in such urgent need of his share of the profits.’
‘I have no way of knowing that, and I could never ask if his circumstances are straitened. That is something else he would never discuss with me.’
‘Do you love this man?’
‘I beg your pardon?’ Violet blinked and Flora knew she had overstepped the bounds of their fledgling friendship.
‘Sorry, I have no right to ask that question.’ She grinned. ‘There, I did warn you that I tend to speak my mind, and that trait has got worse since I came to work for the countess. She was most certainly outspoken. One was never left in any doubt about the nature of her thoughts. But anyway, as to your fiancé, if you love him, I shall endeavour not to say what I think of his behaviour.’
‘Love has little to do with the matter, as far as I am concerned. I have yet to see a marriage founded on love that endures once the initial passion wanes. It is much better to marry a man who can look after his wife and give her a comfortable life.’ Violet looked away. ‘Love complicates everything.’
‘A cynical view,’ Flora remarked.
‘Perhaps.’
‘You were explaining about your father’s fall and why you think it wasn’t an accident,’ Flora reminded her new friend, thinking it better to keep her opinions to herself regarding Violet’s views upon matrimony. Even so, she knew without recourse to Remus that Violet would be making a mistake that she would quickly regret if she went through with the union out of some misguided attempt to keep her promise to her father.
‘Yes, so I was.’ She paused and Flora could sense the pain flowing through her, along with Violet’s need to articulate her suspicions. ‘I haven’t told anyone about this before.’
‘You can depend upon my discretion,’ Flora said, briefly touching her hand.
‘Papa and Anthony went to Snowdonia, which ought to have been an easy recreational climb by their standards. But I am told that bad weather closed in unexpectedly, Papa got separated from Anthony and the servant they had with them, somehow missed his footing in the torrential rain and slipped from a ridge. Anthony heard him cry out and attempted to rescue him. He himself was covered in cuts and bruises still when he returned to our lodgings and was distraught.’ She paused and ground her teeth. ‘Or so I thought.’
‘You imagine, I suppose, that Anthony pushed your father off the ridge because he refused to sell off his controlling interest in his profitable business.’
‘I don’t want to think that.’ She shook her head, clearly conflicted. ‘And I didn’t, at least not until a few weeks ago when a most disturbing message was delivered to me. But I am getting ahead of myself again. You asked about Ellen. She came from her home in Gloucestershire to visit Anthony just before Mama died.’
‘Convenient,’ Flora mused, her suspicions aroused.
‘I don’t care for Ellen’s company but she had no hand in Mama’s death, if that’s what you are thinking.’ Flora had been, but refrained from comment. ‘Mama died from a lung complaint. There was nothing suspicious about it. Anyway, Ellen took superficial interest in me and by the time I emerged from my grief and realised she had firmly inserted herself in our family circle, it was too late to remove her from it. I should add that Anthony’s parents both died young and Ellen more or less raised Anthony single-handed, so Anthony is devoted to her.’
‘She is more of a mother to him than a sister, and he feels obligated towards her?’
‘Perhaps. Anyway, her month-long visit to Switzerland became a permanent stay. My governess decided to take an alternative position and either Ellen or Anthony suggested to Papa that I would need a companion. I was not consulted and I didn’t mind the new arrangement—not at first, anyway. But I soon discovered that Ellen, when out of sight of my father, was unfeeling and had no interest in my welfare. She was supposed to prepare me for my introduction into society, but made precious little effort in that regard.’
‘Because she fully intended that you should marry her brother?’
Violet offered up a wan smile. ‘So it would seem, in hindsight. Anthony is self-assured, charming, handsome…all the things a woman could possibly wish for in a husband. I also felt safe with him and turned to him in my grief when Papa died. He proposed not long after I came out of mourning. I agreed to marry him but insisted upon waiting until we had tied up our affairs in Switzerland and returned to this country.’
‘You had subconscious doubts about his suitability, I imagine.’ Flora smiled at her. ‘I will not return to the embarrassing question of love.’
‘I am very fond of Anthony, which ought to be enough. If one does not love, then one’s heart cannot be broken.’
‘As your father’s was when your mama passed,’ Flora said softly. ‘You have grown up watching him grieve year upon year. It’s no wonder you set so little stock by the power of love, even though you have seen first-hand evidence of that power. Some might say it is better to love and lose…’
‘Do you speak from experience?’ Violet asked.
‘Oh good heavens no.’ Flora exhaled expansively. ‘I am far too sensible.’
They both laughed.
‘I am comfortable with Anthony,’ Violet said, her laughter fading. ‘I know he will not be unkind or neglectful, and that counts for a great deal.’
‘I assume the sale to the would-be purchasers went ahead after your father’s death.’
‘Actually, no. I inherited Papa’s share of the company. Anthony suggested I allow him to attend to its future as he saw fit. He knew I wanted to settle permanently back in England and he thought winding up our affairs in Switzerland and handing over control to the buyers would be the best way to go about it.’ There was a bitter edge to her voice. ‘Naturally I cannot be expected to understand the complexities and Anthony offered to deal with them on my behalf.’
‘Oh, naturally. You declined, I hope.’
‘I did, and I have never seen Anthony so angry. I could tell that he was on the verge of losing his temper with me, which gave me some insight into how things would be when we were married. He is a controlling individual who likes to have his own way, but he is wily enough to conceal that aspect of his character.’
‘You could break off the engagement.’
‘I could, and very well might, now that I suspect him of killing Papa. But it’s not straightforward. Our affairs are so closely entwined. I know absolutely nothing about the business and dividends and so forth. If I break off the engagement, Anthony will not take the rejection well and will likely swindle me.’ She paused. ‘Besides, what if I have got it wrong and am doing him an injustice? Perhaps he really did try to save Papa. He seemed distraught because he had failed.’
‘Whether he orchestrated the accident or not is beside the point. It will be impossible to prove as long as the servant claims not to have witnessed what occurred. As to your affairs, I would recommend employing a reliable solicitor and accountant. Luke will be able to recommend worthwhile people.’
‘I cannot speak about this to the earl.’ Violet became agitated at the prospect. ‘Or anyone else other than you. I can’t help feeling disloyal, despite my suspicions.’
‘Which is precisely how Anthony wants you to feel. He has gradually increased your dependency upon him, without making it obvious.’
‘Anyway,’ Violet added, sighing. ‘Papa would not want me to be responsible for the loss of the business he worked so hard to build up, which will likely happen no matter whom I employ to look after my interests.’
Flora snorted. ‘I doubt whether your father still feels that way if Walker killed him.’
Violet smiled. ‘You speak of Papa in the present tense. You can have no idea how comforting that is. But of course, your strong Christian beliefs will convince you that he has gone to a better place.’
‘Not my Christian beliefs precisely, but I do know for a certainty that there is more to come after this life and that death is not the end of things.’
Violet threw back her head and sighed. ‘How reassuring to have such absolute faith.’
‘Where is Miss Walker now?’
‘Anthony is held up in Switzerland, dealing with an important order that he doesn’t trust Papa’s watchmakers to discharge without supervision. We intended to return to England together after the order was completed, but then I received Mrs Pearson’s invitation to visit and decided to take it up. Anthony was not pleased, and tried to tell me I couldn’t do it. He was furious when I ignored his insistence that I remain with him. It’s the first time I have directly defied anything he has told me to do, which must make me sound like a mouse in comparison to someone as strong-willed as you are.’
‘Not at all. My personality was repressed for many years and it took a huge amount of courage to break free from my father’s control. I am still fighting against it.’
‘That’s what Anthony is.’ She paused, her expression reflective. ‘Controlling. I had never thought of him in that light before. He is charming whenever he gets his way, but his mood turns very dark when he does not. And being as well acquainted with Ellen as I unfortunately am, I can see where he got it from.’
‘Did she return to England with you?’
‘Oh yes. I decided that having got my way regarding Mrs Pearson, I would give in gracefully and accept Ellen’s company. She assumed that she would accompany me here, but I was having none of it and told her that the invitation did not include her. She was not happy but saw that my mind was made up. She is in my house as we speak, probably bossing the servants around.’ Violet smiled, revelling in her first act of rebellion. ‘Do you know, this is the first time in my adult life that I have not had someone watching my every move. It’s liberating.’
‘I am well aware.’ Flora smiled. ‘Tell me, why do you now think that your father was killed? Why he was murdered?’
‘A few days after I returned to England and Ellen was out somewhere, a note arrived for me from the servant who had accompanied Papa and Anthony on that fateful climb. Ben Arkwright had been in Papa’s employ for years and risen to the rank of senior footman. Papa enjoyed his company, so I can understand why he took him to Wales to look after him and Anthony. He could discharge the duties of a valet and was also a proficient climber himself. But when we returned to England just recently and I asked after him, I was told that he was no longer in our employ.’ She frowned. ‘Thinking back to the time of Papa’s death, I hadn’t seen him about the place then either, but had been too grief-stricken to give his whereabouts any thought.’
‘What did the note say?’
‘I have it with me and I will show it to you later, but basically it said that Papa’s accident hadn’t been an accident, and that Ben could tell me the truth.’
‘That must have come as a terrible shock,’ Flora replied. ‘Presumably Ben was either dismissed or felt unsafe in your household. Who could have dismissed him though, if your father was dead?’
‘Only our butler, and I haven’t asked him if he did. I have thought about this a lot, as you can imagine, and it seems to me that Ben watched the house, waited until he was sure that Ellen wasn’t at home, and then had the note delivered. He has told me where to find him if I want to know more. He’s taken a position not far from here.’
‘But you haven’t been to see him?’
‘No.’ Violet plucked at the fabric of her skirt. ‘I am afraid to hear what he has to say. Despite everything, I really don’t want Anthony to be a murderer. I’m being cowardly and putting off seeing Ben.’ She turned to give Flora her full attention. ‘I know it’s a lot to ask. We are hardly acquainted and yet I feel as if I have known you for years.’ She drew in a deep breath. ‘Will you come with me?’
*
Archie rose later than was his custom and broke his fast in a leisurely fashion with Luke and Paul in the dining parlour. Of Alvin and Luke’s brothers there was no sign. The conversation was as desultory as the weather; Luke’s suggestion of sport greeted with muted enthusiasm.
