The Winds Of Fortune Episode 15
Minnie liked the dining-room in Bosworth House.
It was a large, well-proportioned room, with satin drapes and French windows that led out to the gardens.
They were closed against the darkness this evening, and the room was lit by chandeliers and candelabra.
The table was covered with a crisp linen cloth, and beautiful cut glass and silverware was arranged at each place setting.
A flower display graced the centre of the table.
She was enjoying their evening meal. Miss Violet had gone out and Ivor Dodson-Smyth had joined them.
They had already partaken of consommé, salmon and asparagus, and now the aroma of beef and red wine filled the air.
She would miss the wonderful cuisine when they returned to America.
The pleasant evening was helping her to forget some of her troubles, and she sipped her champagne with gratitude.
“Miss Vandunlan, I hope you won’t think me forward if I tell you how charming you look,” Ivor remarked.
Minnie started. She had been lost in her own thoughts.
“Thank you.” She blushed, all her discomfort returning.
How she hoped she had not encouraged him the last time they met, for it was clear now that he had developed an attachment to her.
He was a charming man, and she liked him very much, but she was in love with Theo.
“You said you had two brothers, Mr Dodson-Smyth? Where is the youngest one studying?”
She changed the subject rapidly, hoping to fix his thoughts on something other than herself.
“Bertie’s at Oxford. He’s a good lad, but not really one to apply himself to his studies.”
Minnie smiled.
“He’s young. It won’t hurt him to have fun as well.”
Ivor returned her smile.
“What do you think of the ladies studying there?” he asked her.
“It’s simply dandy!” Minnie enthused. “The more opportunities there are for women’s education the better, in my opinion.”
He laughed at her fierce tone and raised his hands.
“Miss Vandunlan, I am in complete agreement. Women here were given the vote on equal terms with men only last year, and I am in favour of their being educated to use it wisely.”
“Absolutely, Mr Dodson-Smyth, but not just on account of the vote.
“Women deserve an education because they have as much ability as men and a lot to offer society.”
The debate continued and, in her enthusiasm, Minnie forgot to worry about Ivor’s feelings.
Her mother joined in from time to time, and it was a great comfort to Minnie to see Carrie animated once again on these topics so close to her heart.
After a while, she felt Mrs Northaven observing them.
“You two have a great deal in common,” she remarked with a satisfied smile.
“We must have Ivor over more often. You must get thoroughly acquainted.”
Minnie was horrified. She couldn’t miss Flora’s meaning.
Minnie turned resolutely to Edwin, who was seated on her left, and tried to engage him in conversation instead.
He was a quiet, easy-going man in his early fifties, with greying dark hair and a trim moustache.
He was shy compared to his wife, but Minnie was surprised by how easy he was to talk to.
She enjoyed a discussion about Egyptology – clearly a passion of his – and also about the estate.
This did a lot to restore her composure.
By the time the baked Alaska was brought in, Minnie was feeling better.
She tucked in to her dessert and took pleasure in watching her sister talking to Harry.
She was still worried about Pearl, who continued to eat little, but she was grateful to Harry, who was increasingly exerting himself on Pearl’s behalf.
The two spent a lot of time in conversation, and he seemed able to persuade her to eat, when others failed.
He was good for Pearl, and Minnie hoped that he might be developing feelings for her sister.
“How about some jazz and dancing when dinner is over?” Harry suggested.
“That sounds like fun.” Flora nodded indulgently.
“Even Ivor might enjoy it tonight, since my sister isn’t here to pester him,” Harry added.
Ivor smiled.
“I’ve no objection.”
“You must dance with Minnie here. The girls must be accomplished dancers.”
Minnie coloured, unsure what to say.
“Yes, Miss Vandunlan, I’d be delighted.” Ivor smiled at her.
Minnie could think of no way to refuse politely.
“Thank you.”
Her spirits plummeted and she set aside her spoon, no longer hungry.
“Would you like to dance, Pearl?” Harry enquired.
“It’s very kind of you, but I haven’t felt like dancing since . . .”
“It’s up to you, but maybe it would lift your spirits?”
“It would be just as well if they didn’t,” Ivor whispered. “Miss Daisy Waddage might be jealous.”
“Who is Miss Daisy Waddage?” Minnie asked.
“A young lady that Harry has been walking out with for the last six months.”
As Minnie looked up, stunned, she saw Norah’s woebegone face.
They had come here for a holiday, but perhaps they should have stayed at home.
How could she help this poor girl? Pearl was as grief-stricken as ever and Harry had a young lady.
And now she had to dance with Ivor. What was Minnie going to do?
To be continued…