Page 87 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

‘Good morning, Mr Tanit!’ Flora beamed, apparently genuinely cheered by my presence. ‘I rarely see you here in the kitchen.’ She looked concerned. ‘Is Mrs Tanit unwell?’

‘Oh, no, she’s fine. Thank you, Lady Vaughan.’

She rolled her eyes playfully. ‘I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, it’s Flora to you, Mr T.’

‘Thank you, Lady Vaughan,’ I replied purposefully, which caused her face to drop. ‘I’m here today with the unfortunate news that Mrs Tanit and I have decided to leave High Weald immediately. We will both be gone by this evening.’

Flora looked confused. ‘Please, Mr Tanit, I don’t understand. May I ask the reason?’

I hesitated. She deserved to know about Teddy’s behaviour, but I was wary that, after the Tessie situation, she probably couldn’t endure much more. ‘I won’t be drawn on the reason, Lady Vaughan,’ I responded. ‘But truly, from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for everything you’ve done for us. It would not be an overstatement to say that some of the happiest years of our life have been spent here at High Weald.’

Flora simply shook her head. ‘I won’t accept your resignation without a reason, Mr Tanit. I think I am owed that, at least.’

I accepted her argument. ‘It’s best, ma’am.’ I paused. ‘Mrs Tanit no longer feels comfortable at High Weald.’

Flora slowly shut her eyes and inhaled deeply. ‘Teddy,’ she replied.

‘As I said, Lady Vaughan, I won’t be drawn on the reason.’

Flora massaged her temples. ‘I’m truly sorry, Mr Tanit. The boy is out of control.’ She stared out of the kitchen window at the vegetable patch we’d spent hours cultivating together. ‘I will miss our conversations putting the world to rights.’ She turned back to face me. ‘Not to mention your horticultural prowess.’

‘All of which has been learnt from you, Lady... Flora.’

She gave me a sad smile. ‘I don’t expect Eleanor to come up here, but please send her my warmest thanks, and tell her that she will also be greatly missed.’ Flora looked contemplative. ‘You know, I struggle to remember what High Weald was like without you.’

‘That’s very kind of you to say,’ I replied honestly.

‘Where will you go now?’ she enquired.

I gave a small shrug. ‘We plan to go to London. It’s our best chance at finding work.’

‘Will you be all right for money? I want to make sure you’re looked after, seeing as that vile son of mine has made you feel uncomfortable.’

‘I never said that your son—’

‘You don’t need to, Mr Tanit.’ Suddenly, Flora’s eyes lit up. ‘Will you wait here a moment? There’s something I wish to give you.’ Before I had a chance to agree, Flora was already out of the door and running up the main staircase. When she returned, she had a small blue box in her hand. ‘This is a gift from me to you. Without wishing to be crass, its value is enormous. Were you to sell it, then it would provide all the funds you need for a new start.’

I was shocked. ‘Oh, Flora, I could never—’

‘You haven’t even seen what it is yet!’ She delicately opened the box. A small onyx panther lay within. ‘Now, it might not look much, but this panther is manufactured by a company called Fabergé. They’re incredibly prestigious.’

Little did Flora know how familiar I was with the House of Fabergé. My father had often told me about its exquisite pieces. ‘Please, Flora, I know what the value of that item must be, and there is absolutely no question of me taking it. Thank you... but no.’

Flora held firm. ‘Mr Tanit. The man who gave me thispanther – my father – no longer walks this earth. I think that part of the reason he left it to me was so that I might use it to better my circumstances, should I ever need to.’ Her eyes momentarily glazed over. ‘Since my father’s death, Archie has reappeared in my life, and now I live here at High Weald in comfort and in happiness. I do not need this piece, which I keep in a drawer, and never so much as look at. I strongly believe that my father would want you to have it.’ She squeezed it into my hand. ‘From one good man to another.’

‘Flora, this is a family heirloom.’

She smiled slyly. ‘Well, itisa family heirloom... but probably not in the most conventional of ways, Mr Tanit. I assure you, I am most happy to part with it. If nothing else, please keep it as a reminder of your time here at High Weald.’

There was no arguing. Flora wished me to take the panther. ‘Very well. I will keep it with me. Thank you for everything.’ Rather unexpectedly, she enveloped me in an enormous embrace, which I reciprocated.

‘Thankyou, Mr Tanit.’ I turned to leave the kitchen. ‘You’re absolutely insisting that you leave High Weald tonight?’

‘Yes.’ The idea of seeing Teddy again was not one I could consider. ‘It has to be tonight.’

‘What will you do about accommodation? London is an expensive city.’

I gave a long exhale. ‘I’m not entirely sure, but we’ll find something,’ I assured her.