Page 46 of Trapped with the Earl of Sin

“Of course, I will not say a word. You can trust me.”

As they returned to their work, Susanna’s mind was no longer solely on the flower arrangements. She could not stop thinking about Martin and the possibilities that lay ahead. For the first time in days, she felt a glimmer of clarity amidst the confusion…

Unfortunately, all of that seemed to float away the moment she laid eyes on Martin. It was as if he left her speechless and completely unable to talk. Every single time she tried to plan out the conversation in her mind, she found herself left with a blank emptiness when she met his gaze.

She kept fearing again and again that he did not mean his words, and that it was just another way for him to tease her. There was no way that Susanna could bear the idea of being made a fool of.

It was already going to be hard enough to get through this wedding with all the drama that Edwin might cause, without being utterly humiliated as well. So she continued to tiptoe around Martin, trying to avoid him as much as she could, so she did not have to say a thing.

Susanna threw herself into wedding-based activities in an attempt to distract herself from the ever-growing complicated feelings that were blooming inside her. Since Martin seemed to be focused on Edwin, she knew that Luke was cared for, and she did not need to cross paths with him very much.

She was probably letting Mary down by not talking to Martin, and herself as well, but she simply could not make herself doit. She kept telling herself that it was pointless because once the wedding was over, they would not need to talk or see one another again. So she could forget that all of this had ever happened. It was easier for her that way, to keep her heart safe.

“Well, it is nice to see you being such a wonderful sister,” a voice declared, shattering the silence in the drawing room that had been accompanying Susanna’s thoughts. “I am sure Mary is very happy to have your assistance.”

Nerves fluttered through Susanna as she found herself smiling at Martin’s mother. She was a lovely woman, one who Susanna enjoyed talking with when the chance arrived. But the fact that they were alone for the first time ever, and with the fears she had about Martin, she was not sure.

“T-thank you,” Susanna stammered. “I am just trying to do what I can to help out.”

Her heart pounded as the lady took a seat opposite her. Was this just a chance conversation? Or was there more to it? Was she about to have to answer some very difficult questions? She sat up a little straighter in the chair, trying to brace herself for the worst.

“Does this make you excited for your own wedding, one day?”

“Oh.” Susanna furrowed her brow. That was not what she expected to be asked. “I suppose so. I am not too sure.”

Abigail laughed at her. “Oh dear, you remind me of my son. He has never seemed keen on the idea of marriage either, although I am not sure why.” She smiled to herself as she tapped her fingers together. “I think it is wonderful to have love in your life. It makes the days brighter and more worthwhile. A woman as beautiful as you should have no trouble finding a husband. Someone who will love you forever and treat you well.”

Susanna swallowed hard. What on earth was she supposed to say to that?

“Yes… I am sure it is lovely. It sounds very nice.”

Nice?That was such a small word to use, but at this moment, Susanna did not know how it would feel to be truly loved.

“Perhaps you just need to find the right person,” Abigail continued, sounding innocent enough, but Susanna could sense that there was more underneath her words. “Maybe, just like my Martin, you need to find the love of your life. Then you will see that I am right.” She smiled, almost to herself. “There is something about weddings that simply makes you feel romance in the air, have you not noticed that? It is all I can feel.”

Susanna forced a polite smile, her mind racing as she tried to decipher the true intent behind the lady’s words. Was she merely making conversation, or was there a hidden message? The ambiguity made Susanna uneasy.

“Yes, I suppose weddings do have a way of bringing out those feelings in people,” Susanna replied carefully. “They remind us of the possibilities that love can bring.”

The lady’s eyes twinkled, and she leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a secret. “Do you believe in destiny, Susanna? In the idea that some people are meant to find each other?”

Susanna hesitated. “I think it’s a lovely thought, though I’m not sure if life always works out that way.”

“Ah, ever the pragmatist,” the lady said with a chuckle. “But sometimes, my dear, pragmatism must give way to faith. Especially in matters of the heart.”

Before Susanna could respond, there was a knock on the door, and Mary entered, her face flushed with excitement. “Susanna, there you are! We need your help with the seating arrangements. It is turning into quite the puzzle.”

Relief washed over Susanna as she stood up, grateful for the interruption. “Of course, Mary. I shall be right there.” She turned to the lady with a gracious smile. “Thank you for the lovely chat.”

The lady nodded, her eyes still holding that mysterious glint. “Any time, dear. Remember what I said.”

As Susanna followed Mary out of the drawing room, she could not shake the feeling that the conversation was more than justidle chatter. Did Martin’s mother know something? Was she hinting at something specific? And why did the mention of destiny and love make her feel so unsettled? Had Martin been open and honest with her about his feelings for Susanna? And did that mean he was not teasing her with his comments about falling for her, after all?

If that was the case, then what on earth was she going to do?

“What was that about?” Mary asked curiously as they walked.

Susanna hesitated, not quite sure how to explain the conversation without revealing too much. “Oh, just a little talk about weddings and love. Martin’s mother has some interesting views on destiny, and I think she is getting very caught up in the romance here.”

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