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

the friend who stood behind him. His name? she thought frantically. Whatever was his name? Ah, yes, Lord Lynd. He, too, was fashionably dressed but looked not nearly as splendid. He did not bend to kiss her hand, nor did his eyes send any kind of signal except, I am extremely bored .
    Flora sat through Lords Dashwood and Lynd's mandatory twenty-minute stay, hardly hearing the desultory conversation around her. She had always suspected a strong passion lurked within her, as yet unleashed, but now, as if she were in some sort of daze, she slowly came to realize she was falling in love with Richard, Lord Dashwood. I must have him , she thought as she decorously poured tea. "Sugar, Lady Boles?"
    "One spoonful, my dear, and you must tell me about your bathing excursion yesterday. Of course, you know how much I heartily approve. I feel both health and pleasure must be equally consulted in these salutary ablutions. An occasional dip in the purifying surge of the ocean can restore..."
    Did Lord Dashwood find her attractive? While the voce of Lady Boles droned on, Flora’s mind slipped its bonds and returned to the shore...
    In the pitch blackness of the night they are alone on the beach...never mind how they got there or why she is unchaperoned...her back is pressed tight against the sand, her arms spread wide, wrists pinned securely by Lord Dashwood as he bends over her, breath coming hard, trembling with passion.
    "Lord Dashwood, we must not be alone like this."
    "I had to get you alone, my darling, don't you understand?"
    "Understand what, sir?"
    "That I am mad for you. That I cannot sleep for thinking of you. That if you don't agree to marry me, I shall take you here, right on the beach. Then you'll be ruined and you'll have to marry me..."
    "Are you listening, Flora?" Her mother was looking at her quizzically.
    "Of course I'm listening." What was happening? Flora felt as if she were returning from the moon.
    "Then answer the question, Flora, and stop day dreaming."
    " Uh…I found the saline immersion to be most invigorating, Lady Boles. Most...uh, energizing and most edifying, and...and..."
    "And we most certainly extol the pleasures of bathing," declared Amy, jumping in. Waving her arm dramatically, she continued, "To plunge into refreshing waves and be wrapped around with liquid element is indeed...uh..."
    "Gratifying," said Flora, signaling her sister a silent thank you. This wouldn't be the first time Amy had saved her from her fantasy.
    When the two lords announced they were leaving, Amy and Flora accompanied them to the door.
    "I am so glad you could come," Flora said, making sure her face was arranged into the mask of the polite hostess.
    Lord Dashwood bent toward her, his smile as intimate as a kiss. "A pity you're not coming for the Season, Lady Flora. I would like to see you again."
    "Oh, but I am coming for the Season. Did I not tell you? Certain circumstances have caused me to change my mind."
    She was astounded at herself. The words had flown out of her mouth through no conscious effort on her part—strictly on their own. Beside her, she sensed her sister's start of surprise. At least Amy had the sense not to say a word.
    "That's marvelous news," Lord Dashwood exclaimed. He bestowed his charming smile upon her. "I shall see you in London then."
    Her whole being felt uplifted. They might have to anchor her to the ground . But she must remain calm. Out of strict politeness she looked at Dashwood's friend and casually inquired, "And you, Lord Lynd, will you be coming for the Season too?"
    "I have an estate to manage, so I shall skip the so-called delights of the Season ."
    Lord Lynd had spoken lightly, yet Flora noticed no amusement in his eyes, but rather... How strange, could that be concern?
    Lord Dashwood laughed. "I fear the social life of London holds no interest for my friend. He would rather be on his horse, clomping around in his fields in the hot sun, rather than set foot in London, except for Tattersoll's