Villa Eugénie
Biarritz
France
19th March 1910
My dearest sister,
My happiness for you knows no bounds. I am due back in England in just over a week. Despite the ongoing wedding plans, of course I will spare the time to visit you. I will come to you directly once I have arrived in England.
Your loving sister,
Flora
Flora’s last night at the Villa Eugénie coincided with the King’s first visit to the household. When she arrived downstairs, the drawing room was already full of guests, many of them speaking in fast, indecipherable French. Mrs Keppel was holding court, a tiara glittering amidst her lush auburn curls. Surveying her, Flora realised that this was Mrs Keppel’s court. For a month a year – away from England – she was the queen she so wanted to be.
The King’s arrival was heralded by Caesar, the fox terrier, trotting before him through the double doors, followed by the usual whiff of pungent cigar smoke. The attention in the room immediately left Mrs Keppel and focused on its new occupant. Flora was relieved to see the King was at least able to breathe, yet his eyes were still rheumy and his complexion pallid.
‘I hear you’re leaving tomorrow.’ A gentleman, whose resemblance to the King was disconcerting, appeared by her side. From his grey beard and moustache down to his considerable girth, he could have been his double.
‘Yes.’
‘The King seems much recovered from his ailment, does he not?’
‘He does, yes,’ said Flora, wishing the gentleman would introduce himself, as she had drawn a blank on his name. ‘Thank goodness.’
‘I heard from the King that you were a great comfort during his illness.’
‘I do not think so, sir, I—’
‘The King thinks otherwise. And all of us thank you.’
‘Forgive me, sir,’ Flora surrendered, ‘but I’m not sure we have ever been formally introduced.’
‘My name is Ernest Cassel, and you are currently a guest under my roof.’ He smiled at her, laughter in his eyes.
‘I must apologise, sir, I have seen so many new faces in the past few months . . .’
‘There is no need to do so. The good news is, I know who you are. Allow me to hand you my card. There might come a point in the future when you need to contact me. I am not only your host at the Villa Eugénie, but also a close friend and advisor to both the King and Mrs Keppel. Now, shall I escort you into dinner?’
It was only later, when the King and his entourage were leaving, that he finally sought her out. She smiled at him as she rose from her curtsey.
‘I am glad to see you looking so well tonight, Your Majesty.’
‘Thank you, Miss MacNichol. We will see each other when I return to London, God willing. Goodbye, my dear.’ Then the King kissed her hand and, with a smile, departed.
Flora arrived at High Weald two days later. Aurelia met her at the door and ushered her into the drawing room for a restorative tea.
‘So, tell me all about the King. I can hardly believe you have met him!’
‘He was well and jovial, as he always is,’ Flora replied.
‘Of course, it cannot be the first time that you have met him. Given Mrs Keppel’s . . . position in his life.’
‘There’s no doubt that they are extremely close friends.’
‘I understand if Mrs Keppel has sworn you to secrecy.’
‘She really hasn’t.’
‘Arabella says she even wields power with the government! Flora, forgive me, I forget that you are such an innocent and trust only in the better nature of humans and animals. Anyway, I shall compromise your discretion no longer, and instead tell you of everything that has been happening here since we last met.’
Flora listened to her sister’s fond chatter about Archie’s care for her condition, and loathed herself for how duplicitous her soul really was.
‘It is hard to believe that I shall soon have a child to keep me occupied. Everyone here prays it’s a boy. Whereas I hope it is a girl. And healthy, of course.’
‘So Archie is happy about the baby?’
‘Oh yes, and I think I have even managed to put a smile on Arabella’s face. You know, I do sometimes wonder why Mama was so friendly with her.’ Aurelia lowered her voice. ‘Perhaps she was nicer back then. Or maybe it’s the fact that she lost Archie’s father in the war. But she really isn’t a very warm person.’
‘I am afraid I can’t comment as she’s never spoken more than a couple of sentences to me. You poor thing, it must be difficult living under the same roof as her.’
‘At least she too is away at present, so we have the house and each other to ourselves. Also, I have some news! Even though Mama cannot come just now because of Papa’s broken ankle, she wrote to tell me that Sarah’s mother died a few months ago, and suggested I should write to her and ask her if she would come to live here permanently to be my personal maid and help me through my pregnancy and the birth. To my joy, she wrote back immediately and said she could think of nothing she’d like more. So, tomorrow Sarah arrives at High Weald and I will feel at least that I have one person on my side in this household.’
‘How wonderful! But you say Archie has been attentive to you?’
‘Oh, he is, when his head isn’t in a botanical book or peering at a plant in his hothouse. Sadly, he’s gone to London as he has business to attend to there. He said he will be back at some point next week. Depending on when you are leaving, I doubt you will see him, which is a shame.’
‘Yes.’ Flora felt her emotions rise in relief and then fall traitorously in disappointment. ‘At least it means you’re all mine.’
‘I know you have never really taken to him, Flora, but he is a good man, and kind to me.’
‘Then that is all that matters.’
‘Yes. Now forgive me, Flora, but I think I must go and rest.’
‘Of course. May I help you to your room?’ she asked, holding a decidedly green Aurelia by the elbow as she rose.
‘Please do, yes. And I am always better in the afternoon.’
Flora walked upstairs with Aurelia. As she called for her maid and asked for the tea, Flora pulled wide the sheet and blanket on the enormous canopied bed in which Aurelia – and no doubt, Archie – slept.
‘Thank you,’ Aurelia said as Flora helped her up onto the mattress. ‘I am told this nausea will pass very soon. And it helps so enormously that you are here.’
Flora sat in the chair close by until her sister’s eyes closed and she fell asleep. She tiptoed out and went to her own room to freshen up, but felt herself drawn to the window, where she could see the sun illuminating the garden. Even though she knew pregnant women could feel ill in the first two or three months, Aurelia was now over that time, at almost four months. Flora only prayed all was well.
The comforting bulk of Sarah arrived the next day, looking overwhelmed and red-faced after the long journey from Esthwaite, but overjoyed to see her two girls.
‘Mama has said she will come down for the birth, but Sarah is a godsend,’ Aurelia said as she joined Flora in the dining room for dinner that evening. ‘She seems very pleased with her new lady’s maid uniform, although it will have to be let out. I do hope the other staff won’t bully or look down on her. They seem to think that everybody born in the north is inferior, including me.’ She gave a small, false laugh.
‘Don’t be silly, Aurelia darling. I’m sure that you are imagining it.’
‘And I am sure that I am not. Even my own husband calls me a mouse and tells me I mustn’t allow the servants or Arabella to order me around so. Perhaps I am not cut out to run a household.’
‘Being sweet and gentle hardly precludes authority, or, in fact, respect. You are simply feeling vulnerable because of your condition, that is all.’
‘And again, I say I am not. It’s very odd because – forgive me for saying this – at home you seemed to be the shadow, whereas here in this house it’s me. How thin
gs have changed in the past year.’
‘But you are happy with Archie?’
‘Of course. You know how I adore him, but now, because I am with child, he does not visit me any longer. And . . .’ Aurelia sighed. ‘It is difficult to explain, but that is the only time when I feel I possess him fully. You will understand soon enough what I mean when you marry Freddie.’
‘Yes. I am sure I will,’ Flora replied, repressing the usual shudder. ‘And if you believe you have problems with your household, you should see my future home. I am only too glad to let the Countess continue running it, for I will barely know where to begin.’
‘My sister, the Viscountess . . .’ Aurelia shook her head. ‘Who would have believed it?’
‘Who indeed?’
Flora was relieved that Sarah had brought with her some much-needed fresh Lakeland air, both metaphorically and physically. And in her capable, caring hands, over the following days, Aurelia brightened considerably.
‘I never thought I’d see the day when I had my girls back. One married and expecting a child, and the other about to be . . . almost royalty!’ Sarah exclaimed as she tucked Aurelia up in bed for her afternoon nap. ‘I always liked Lord Vaughan, I did, such a pleasant gentleman. Do you remember, Miss Flora, when he came to visit you at Esthwaite last summer and you got half drowned climbing Scafell?’
Flora’s blood froze in her veins at Sarah’s remark. She had not uttered a word to Aurelia – or anyone else for that matter – of where she’d been that day when she’d appeared back in the kitchen at Esthwaite, soaking wet.
‘And you in your pa’s breeks and cap! I’d never seen ’owt like it! Me and Mrs Hillbeck laughed and laughed at the sight of you.’
‘Archie came to visit you at Esthwaite last summer?’ Aurelia looked at her sister, puzzled.
‘Yes.’ Flora recovered her composure. ‘He was on his way back from shooting in Scotland and decided to drop in. I’m sure I told you, darling.’
‘If you did, I don’t remember it.’ Aurelia’s lips were set tightly. ‘You climbed Scafell together?’
‘That they did, and she went to sleep before I’d even drawn her bath that night,’ Sarah cackled. ‘In them funny clothes, looking like a man, and her going to be a viscountess in a few weeks’ time!’
‘You definitely didn’t tell me that,’ said Aurelia.
‘No. I was embarrassed, as you can imagine. Sarah is right, I did return home in rather a state, but Archie wished to see the mountains, and I had no choice but to show him. Now, are you all settled? We will leave you in peace.’ Flora went over to the bed and kissed her sister on the cheek. ‘Rest well, and I’ll be in my room reading.’ Before the slightest look could betray her, Flora headed for the door.
Safely in her own room, she put her head in her hands, breathing heavily and pacing across the wooden floor. Now she wished that Archie was here, so she could talk to him about what had just happened. No doubt Sarah knew the publican in the village who had lent Archie his clothes for the journey, or perhaps someone had seen her step into Archie’s motor car at the gates – it was a small community. It hardly mattered how Sarah knew she’d been with Archie that day. What mattered was explaining why she hadn’t ever told Aurelia about it.
At dinner that night, Aurelia made no mention of Sarah’s revelation. Neither did she ask for further details when Flora escorted her upstairs to bed and kissed her goodnight. Yet – and perhaps it was her imagination – she had felt a coolness in her sister’s manner.
Flora did not sleep well that night. One way and another, she was grateful when a letter arrived for her from the Countess, asking her if she could spare a few days to travel to Selbourne and discuss wedding plans.
Aurelia hardly murmured when Flora asked if she would mind if she took her leave to go to Hampshire.
‘Of course you must. And I am feeling much better already.’ Aurelia looked at Sarah fondly, as she tidied the room. ‘And Archie will be home soon.’
‘I am leaving early tomorrow morning, so I may not see you before I depart. But I will be back in three days, I promise.’
‘Thank you. Now Sarah is with me, all will be well. Do send my love to the Countess and Freddie.’ Aurelia gave her a tight smile, then rolled over in preparation for sleep.
Flora left, knowing without a doubt that her sister was suspicious. Entering her room, she went straight to her writing desk, and drew out a sheet of writing paper and her ink pen.
High Weald
Ashford, Kent
2nd April 1910
Aurelia knows of your visit to the Lakes. Sarah, our old maid, who has come to High Weald to take care of her, told her of it. Please do your utmost to reassure her that nothing inappropriate took place. I am frightened for my sister’s state of mind and do not wish to compromise her health. She has never been strong. You are to be a father and the safe delivery of your child is of the greatest importance.
F.
29
‘At last!’ Freddie said as he greeted her in the hall of Selbourne Park and kissed her hand. ‘I was beginning to wonder if you had deserted me and England’s shores for good. How was Biarritz? And the King? The gossip in London goes that his condition has been far more serious than his subjects have been told.’
‘Oh, he was quite well when I left,’ Flora was able to answer almost truthfully. ‘He had a cold, that was all.’
‘Good, good. Mama is hoping he might attend our nuptials. He’s been sent an invitation. Did he mention it when you saw him?’ Freddie offered her his elbow and they walked through to the vast drawing room.
‘No, his private secretary organises his diary, so even if he was attending, he may not know. Is your mother here?’
‘Not at present, no. She is out visiting one of her charities in Winchester. And Papa is up in London. So, my dearest Flora, we are quite alone.’ Freddie’s hands snaked around her waist and pulled her closer. His lips came down onto hers and his tongue forced her mouth open.
‘Please, Freddie!’ Flora struggled to free herself. ‘The servants might appear at any moment.’
‘So what if they do? Doubtless they have seen much worse,’ he chuckled as he tried to kiss her again.
‘No! I can’t. We are not yet married.’
‘As you wish.’ Freddie relaxed his grip on her, his mouth forming into a pout. ‘I cannot see what difference a ring and an entry in a church register makes. I hope you will not withhold your passion from me after that.’
‘Of course not. We will be joined in the eyes of God.’ She lowered her eyes chastely.
‘Well, damn it,’ he said. ‘I am eager for that moment. Now, seeing as you will allow me no closer than a leper until we are wed, I shall ring for some tea and you will tell me in full of your adventures in France.’
Flora was relieved when the Countess appeared an hour later. Trying to keep Freddie’s hands off her was akin to being constantly pawed by a ravenous tiger. After luncheon, Freddie departed to – as he put it – blow off some energy on his horse, while she and Daphne settled down to the details of the wedding.
Taking her glasses off her nose, Daphne smiled at her. ‘I suppose you are thinking how ridiculous this all is, my dear. And if you aren’t, I certainly am. But, of course, one must do the conventional thing. How is young Violet Keppel?’ she asked, changing the subject.
‘She is well, and both of the girls are very much looking forward to being bridesmaids.’
‘Such an odd girl, I’ve always thought . . . Lady Sackville, a dear friend of mine, was telling me only last week that Violet seems to have a strange fixation on her daughter Vita. What do you think?’
‘I only know they are friends.’
‘Whatever the case, Victoria has refused to entertain Mrs Keppel at Knole. Which rather surprises me, given her own mother’s scandalous past. But then it’s often those who have been cast out of their own glass house who seem the most eager to cast the first stone at others. Victoria certainly doesn’t appro
ve of the Keppel girls being part of your train. I had a deal of a job to convince Algernon it was the right thing to do. He doesn’t like going with the times – rather an old fuddy-duddy, bless his heart. Well now,’ the Countess said, patting Flora’s hand. ‘I think it’s time for a sherry, don’t you?’
Later, Flora stood at one of the floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows, surveying the enormous gardens in front of her. Beyond the yew hedge was a deer park and she could see the animals moving like shadows against the twilight. The outsized proportions of everything in the house made her feel like a tiny doll taken out of her toy house and transplanted into a human one.
She then thought of High Weald, which, though large, had a cosy and warm atmosphere. She hoped Archie would receive her letter before he left London.
If he didn’t, and Aurelia confronted him and he confessed, everything she had done to separate her life from him and her sister would be in vain.
After three days with Freddie – the most time she had ever spent with him – Flora had learnt his concentration was nonexistent: he would often ask her a question, and by the time she had begun her answer, his gaze had wandered off and he had lost interest entirely. One day, just to test him, Flora had started to tell him of her childhood, and when she saw his mind wandering, had recited a nursery rhyme instead. He hadn’t even noticed.
Flora had decided she should not waste her energy in conversation with him. His favourite pastime beyond all others was drinking. When he was drunk, she knew she could stand on her head on the dining table with her bloomers showing and he wouldn’t notice. On the last night of her stay, he had invited his group of louche friends to join them for dinner. Flora became the butt of many lewd jokes as they sat at table, all of them already half-cut.
Daphne caught her on the stairs as Flora was retiring from the raucous drinking games, boorish laughter drifting up from the drawing room.
‘My dear, I confess that my son’s behaviour tonight has not been what either of us would wish for. But believe me when I tell you that this is his last gasp. He understands his future responsibilities to both you and Selbourne, and will adhere to them.’
The Shadow Sister Page 31
