Ms Marigold

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The hours slowly turned into days, the Major gained his strength gradually and sent for his own butler Jarvis to serve him and bring him clothes whilst he recuperated. We walked daily discussing our lives and experiences. Whilst I was feeling rather smitten I was not sure that the feelings were reciprocated. On the fourth day Major Wainwright once again asked me to join him on a walk to the meadow. The meadow was quite a distance so Mrs Flora and Tilly packed us a light lunch in a hamper. The spring day was perfect. The warm sun cascaded onto the fields and made every colour so vivid. As we walked I linked my arm into his, we once again talked about the flowers, bird song and the village. We settled under a large oak tree and laid the blanket out straight.

"Thank you Viola for making me so welcome in your home, and for caring for me so wonderfully, your Aunt would have been proud and I am forever grateful for your hospitality". He lay on his side, leaning on one arm, drinking wine with the other. I smiled and simply told him that he was welcome, and that it was me that should thank him as he had given me my first purpose since moving. I sat and watched him day dream, staring at the fields in the distance without a care in the world. Everything looked golden, I am sure the light had not appeared like this before - it was beautiful. As I sat enjoying the view he turned to look at me, he stroked my hand and smiled. I took a large intake of breath and felt like my heart had stopped beating for what seemed like minutes, if not hours. I was confused; the Major showed me affection and kindness but was this just his way of showing me gratitude? The afternoon was perfection, the conversation flowed and we laughed and talked about his adolescence and the stories of how he misbehaved with my cousin. How I had never met him before was beyond me. We had visited Marigold Place many times as we grew up. On all occasions Major had either been visiting family out of the area, was at school or at war. Our lives had entwined but were so far apart.

On the walk back to Marigold Place I linked my arm in his and felt a warm glow. As we approached the house I could see Ms Spring waving her hand to me frantically. “Excuse me Major” I unlinked my arm and handed him the picnic basket and hurried forward. As I stepped forward Major grabbed my arm and kissed me gently on my forehead. “Thank you again my dearest Viola”. I felt my cheeks turn crimson and smiled. I wanted that moment to last forever and savoured his gentle kiss on my cheek. I turned to join Ms Spring who was looking even more frantic than before. “Quick Ms Marigold, you have visitors”. I was only expecting Rose and was curious as to who had joined her on her journey”. Walking into the drawing room I stopped suddenly. I felt the crimson colour that I had just gained drain from my cheeks, there stood Mr Farley.

Mr Farley, my childhood sweetheart was deemed ‘not good enough’ by my mother or father. The son of a London banker Mr Farley was beautiful and intelligent but whilst he was born into a modest family he was not well suited to my class. I loved him but respected my father’s wishes more, partly as I was unsure about marriage and being tied to London. When I found out that I was to inherit Marigold Place one of the strict requirements written by my father and aunt was that if I were to marry I had to marry a gentleman with exact or greater wealth. It was also ruled that I was to always have the rights over Marigold Place, whereas like every other marriage my husband should take ownership of my financial wealth.

In the meantime Mr Farley married another, Jessica. A fellow banker’s daughter she was beautiful and kind. She felt no threat from me and made me feel welcome every time we met. I knew I would always love Mr Farley but was content in the knowledge that he was in love and settled. Yet here he stood in front of me accompanied by my sister.

“Mr Farley, what a pleasant surprise”. I sat and greeted Rose and asked Tilly to bring us some refreshments. “What brings you here with Rose” Taking a sip from his tea he sighed and rubbed his forehead whilst looking lost. “My dearest Viola, forgive me for my impromptu visit but my darling Jessica has passed away, passed away in childbirth”. As he spoke he looked at me, the pain etched on his face. I moved to hold him and comfort him, yet Rose glanced at me to keep my distance and she moved forward to hold his hand and soothe him. “Mr Farley I am sorry to hear your news, what can I do to help you”. He went on to explain that he needed respite away from London, to be able to grieve and come to terms with his loss. Once Rose had seen how much he was suffering she insisted that he join her on her trip. Of course I was not going to dismiss him, but the timing could not have been worse.