The Winds Of Fortune Episode 21
Minnie sat in an armchair in the drawing-room, a book on her knees.
As she watched her sister and Harry, a smile hovered about her lips.
Pearl, though still pale, looked enchanting in her blue dress, with a shawl draped around her shoulders.
The chaise longue that she was reclining on had been moved near to the fireplace, and Harry, seated beside her, had been reading a new murder mystery novel to her.
Now, however, they were deep in conversation.
Minnie still felt anxious about her sister, but Pearl had recovered a great deal since the car accident, to everyone’s relief.
No-one was more relieved than Ivor, who felt responsible despite the fact that it had been Alfred’s careless driving that had caused the collision between their two vehicles.
Pearl had suffered a concussion and a broken leg, but she was beginning to mend.
Pearl’s ongoing recovery had boosted Minnie’s spirits, as had the news that Harry had ended his relationship with Daisy Waddage.
Although she felt sorry for the young lady, Minnie couldn’t help rejoicing when she saw the way that Harry looked at Pearl.
She was still observing them with delight when Violet entered the room.
Minnie hadn’t seen much of her over the last week, but when she had, the girl had been withdrawn.
Her flirtatious manner and snide remarks had for some reason been banished – for the time being.
To Minnie’s amazement, Violet walked over to Pearl and asked after her health.
Pearl looked up, her eyes bright.
“Thank you, Violet. I’m feeling stronger each day. I’m sure I shall be better soon.”
Violet nodded and placed a box on the table beside her.
“For when you feel up to it,” she said, reddening, then she left the room.
“How kind!” Pearl exclaimed. “She’s brought me chocolates.”
Minnie raised an eyebrow. What had got into their cousin?
The door opened again and Ivor entered with a large bouquet of flowers.
He rushed over to Pearl, a worried frown on his forehead.
“How are you, Miss Vandunlan? I do hope you are improving.”
“I am. Please do stop worrying about me,” Pearl said.
“I am much better and will be running around before long, I dare say.”
Ivor glanced at the blanket that covered her splinted leg.
“I am so sorry for all you’re enduring. Are you sure there’s nothing more I can do to help?”
“You have done more than enough already, and none of this is your fault. You must stop blaming yourself,” Pearl insisted.
Minnie had to agree with her sister. Ivor could not have done more.
He’d visited and brought gifts every day since the accident and had insisted on paying for the doctor and for a nurse.
She couldn’t help but be touched by his remorse and consideration.
He was a truly decent man and she felt sorry for him.
Minnie rang the bell for the maid and relieved him of his bouquet.
“You are very kind, Mr Dodson-Smyth, and you should listen to Pearl. None of this is your fault.”
He looked delighted to hear Minnie say this, and gazed up at her adoringly as she asked Norah to put the flowers in water.
“Is your car mended?” Minnie asked him. “I do hope it is as good as new.”
“Oh, that’s not important,” he replied. “It will be fixed by the end of the week, and I am determined that Maseley will cover the costs.”
“Surely he’s not giving you trouble about it?” Harry looked shocked. “It’s the least he could do.”
“He told me I should have been looking where I was going,” Ivor replied dryly.
“No!”
“Yes, the bounder has no scruples. I shall apply to his father if he won’t listen to me.
“What’s more, I shall demand he apologises to Miss Vandunlan.”
Pearl shook her head, but Minnie agreed that it was the very least that Alfred Maseley could do.
Since the accident had happened, he’d been conspicuous by his absence.
Minnie glanced at Ivor. She couldn’t help warming to him further, but despite his kindness and decency, he wasn’t Theo.
What should she do? Ivor’s intentions could not be misconstrued.
It was an eligible match that would lift her out of poverty, back to her old life.
It would provide her mother and sister with a comfortable home and make Ivor happy.
She no longer knew what Theo’s feelings were, and even if he loved her, they could not marry now.
Despite all this, she still adored him, and she didn’t know which way to turn.
To be continued…