Read Online Lady Flora's Fantasy by Shirley Kennedy - Free Book Online Page B

think...no, I shouldn't say anything."
    Instantly alert, Flora demanded, "Speak up. Say what's on your mind."
    Still hesitant, Amy answered slowly, "We know Lord Dashwood is as handsome as they come, and ever so charming, but don't you think he's a bit...well, the word effuse comes to mind."
    How could Amy think such a thing ? Rarely did Flora ever feel like snapping at her sister, but now was one of those times.
    "I have no idea what you mean by effuse," she responded coldly.
    Amy appeared to take a deep breath, as if she were preparing to jump off a cliff. "What I mean is, all his fancy words and quoting of poetry out of the blue I equate to insincerity."
    Flora quelled a sudden surge of anger. How dare Amy . Could she not see that Lord Dashwood was near-perfect in every way? Still, she took a moment to consider, reminding herself that over the years, Amy's perceptive remarks on human nature had always been quite keen for one so young, and her opinion should be respectfully considered. But no. Her sister's opinion of Lord Dashwood was wrong, wrong, wrong.
    "I appreciate your concern, Amy, but in this case you are mistaken."
    "Forgive me for saying this, but I fear you have a blind spot when it comes to Lord Dashwood. Quite frankly, I think he's a bit of a wastrel."
    Flora drew herself up. "Lord Dashwood is a well-mannered gentleman who is a great credit to the English nobility." Resentment welled within her. In a gust of emotion she could not control, she continued, "He is honorable, creditable, altogether delightful, and—" the words burst out "—how could you even imply he's not sincere? I would stake my life that he is. If he only danced with me the once, then he had good reason. Perhaps he was tired, or not feeling well, or did not wish to monopolize my time."
    Amy thoughtfully bit her lip. "Flora, forgive me for saying so, but I'm worried about you. You've always been so sharp-witted, and in most matters so temperate. It rather surprises me that when it comes to Lord Dashwood, you're not listening to reason."
    Flora's anger deepened, but she had never argued with her sister, not since they were children, and would certainly not start now. "You have your opinion and I have mine. I have nothing more to say on the subject, so shall we talk of something else?"
    Amy, always the tactful one, nodded in agreement. "Forgive me. That was just my humble opinion, and of course we'll change the subject."
    "You're forgiven." Amy's words didn't really hurt because Flora knew she was wrong. But what caused that strange look that had flashed for the briefest of moments through Amy's eyes? Surely not concern, mixed with pity. Surely not that.
    "I saw you talking to Lord Lynd tonight," Amy said.
    Lord Lynd . Flora gasped and clapped her hand to her mouth. "Oh, no, I hadn't thought till now. I left him without saying a thank you or goodbye—just walked off with Lord Dashwood and started dancing. How rude of me."
    Amy shrugged. "A trifle rude, but I doubt you'll be banished from the ton because of it."
    "I feel bad. Mama taught me better than that. It's not like me to forget my manners in such a fashion."
    Amy smiled. "Could it be you were distracted by a certain enchanting gentleman whom we're not going to discuss?"
    "Perhaps Lord Lynd didn't notice," Flora replied, ignoring Amy's comment. "After all, why would he care? Even if he had noticed, he's surely forgotten my slight social faux pas by now."
    When Flora finally crawled into bed that night, she knew she'd have a hard time getting to sleep. Lord Dashwood liked her . She knew he did...or did he? She would spend a restless tossing, turning night trying to figure him out. As for Lord Lynd, she really should apologize next time she saw him. And she certainly would, if she remembered.
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