Page 16 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“By the by, have you heard the rumor?” Javenia blessedly changed the subject.
His focus returned to her. “There are many rumors about Maidstone. You will have to be more specific.”
“Georgette came by to relay several bits of news, some of which I cannot share yet, but she mentioned Al has taken a special interest in some girl in London.”
So this was why she and Al were at odds again, and if the downward pull of Javenia’s lips were any indication, also the cause of her distress. It was an idle tell at best, but Algenon lavished enough compliments on the ladies to make half of London believe he had a preference for them. Yet the only woman he did not pamper with frivolous words seemed not to see the little glances cast her way.
It was a shame neither of them could see what everyone else already knew. And they were so hardheaded they’d probably not believe it if anyone risked telling them.
“Does this girl have a name?”
“Not one that his sister could give me.”
“Then it is another idle report. No use fretting over it.”
She stood and tossed her head. “I am not fretting, simply asking if you’d heard of it. The man can go chase any tittering, featherbrained woman he chooses.”
He smirked. “What makes you think this one is anything like the other silly women he’s been involved with?”
She laughed. “History, my friend. Lots of history.”
Chapter 5
Susannah had not so patiently waited the last six weeks to begin packing her trunks. If only time would move faster. Two weeks still remained between her and the London season, but that did not mean she needed to wait around like a bump on a log. Time would pass far quicker if she kept herself busy.
Leaning back, she tried to pull the hefty trunk down the hall away from the attic stairs. She’d made it this far; she could do the rest.
“What the devil?” Someone muttered, catching her so off guard that she let go of the handle and fell right onto her backside. Pain ricocheted up from the point of contact and she winced.
Feet pounded and John sunk down next to her. “Are you injured?”
She fought the urge to rub her abused tailbone. “I will be alright.”
“M-my apologies. I’d not meant to startle you. May I?” He extended his hand to help her rise.
Without thought she slipped her hand into his—an action she’d done a thousand times over the course of her lifetime—and allowed him to help her to her feet. Unfortunately the trunk had fallen in such a way to pin her hem. The restraint at her feet pitched her forward with an ominous ripping sound.
John let go of her hand and his arms encircled her as she fell into his chest. A grunt escaped him, but thankfully his footing was secure and he held her upright.
It took a moment for Susannah’s mind to catch up with her position, but when it did, something warm and exciting washed through her limbs.
Her gaze traveled up from John’s snowy white cravat until her brown eyes locked with his soft blue ones. Heat from his breath puffed against the ringlets on her brow, and she realized how quickly his chest rose and fell. Was he alright? Had she hurt him?
Unconsciously her fingers curled in his shirtfront. John shuddered, then abruptly pushed her away from his person, the action almost sending her back to her previous position on the floor. At the last second, his hands steadied her.
“Please forgive me.” He turned to leave.
Susannah was completely confused. He’d saved her multiple times from a tumble and now he asked her forgiveness?
“Jo—Lord Newhurst, wait.”
He stopped, but did not turn.
“Could you assist me?” It was a desperate bid to get him to stay, but it worked.
One glance over his shoulder at the heavy trunk and he retraced his steps. “What are you… that is, w-why not,”—he hefted the trunk up with ease— “your butler could h-have h-helped.”
John had not spoken with such disjointed sentences before his tour of the continent, but since his return it had become hisusual form of address. Either that or not respond at all. Oh, he’d always had a bit of a stutter, but it never really bothered her. Today, however, it did.
