Page 32 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“Not at all. She was bumped by a gentleman who did not take the time to watch where he was going. If you will excuse me.” He bent and carefully retrieved the fan.
Lady Plum looked him up and down. “It is a surprise to see you here, Lord Newhurst. We are not often graced with the opportunity to view your fine figure at parties.”
John stepped back, the pink on his cheeks appearing to match the rosy hue of his hurt nose. “I—that is… t-thank you.” Then under his breath, he said, “I think.”
Again the woman ogled him. “No need to thank me. But should you find yourself without someone to keep you company, do find me. I would be happy tochatwith you for a while.”
He backed away, brows raised, then spun as if he wished to escape the room all together. The laugh that Susannah had been holding burst out, causing several people to cast her looks of disdain.
It seemed her embarrassment for this night was complete.
Johnathan gripped the fan tightly. The blatant way Lady Plum had admired him was disconcerting. Of all the ladies he wished to catch the attention of tonight, she was the very last. Second would be her friend Mrs. Cline. The two women were the biggest busybodies London had to offer and over twice his age—not to mention married.
He would have left the event entirely if Susannah’s laugh had not reminded him of his cause. Her hand slapped over her mouth and her eyes widened at her outburst. She looked so cute that his feet stopped. He extended the fan to her and she took it without saying anything, her head dipping to hide her face.
Several couples scooted around them, censure on their faces. No wonder she was embarrassed.
“Come, let us find the others.”
She glanced up, her soft brown eyes filled with something. Was it relief? It was unusual for him not to be able to read her, but he found this expression different than most. Then again, she’d been acting odd all evening.
Her hand found his forearm and he steeled himself for the fire he knew her touch would ignite. The warmth of her hand spread up his arm as she offered her thanks and then chattered nervously about the beauty of the rooms. He loved the sound of her voice. It was neither too high, nor too low. The sing-song way she spoke soothed his own embarrassment at Lady Plum’s attentions.
If only Susannah showed as blatant an interest in him as the old matron had, then it might be easier to pursue a possible courtship with her. Or it might not. What would he do if she looked him up and down like she wanted to eat him for supper? His hands began to sweat in his gloves at the mental picture. Perhaps he ought not to think about such things in a full ballroom. He’d likely need to borrow Susannah’s wayward fan to cool himself.
It took several minutes to locate Nate and Melior, they having found a quieter part of the house. Eddie and Javenia were also there, plates of refreshments in their laps.
“What can he possibly see in her?” Javenia was asking as they approached.
Melior’s eyes flicked over her friend’s shoulder and Javenia immediately stuffed cake in her mouth, her attention completely on her food. He had no doubt what they were speaking of, but it seemed the ladies were not comfortable voicing their concerns about Al in front of Miss Wayland.
There were only two seats left on the sofa next to Javenia, Eddie having taken up the seat on the opposite side next to his sister. The arrangement did not disappoint in the least.
If he’d been more of a gentleman he might have stayed standing to give Susannah space, but the opportunity to sit next to her was too tempting. They sat so close to one another that their arms touched and the hem of her skirt brushed the tops of his shoes.
Conversation turned to the newest fabrics, and his mind wandered. Was Susannah at all affected by his closeness? Did she feel the warmth they shared? He stole a glance at her. She sat perfectly still, only adding to the conversation when called to do so. Was she uncomfortable?
Not wanting to discomfit her more, he let his gaze travel about the room. In a chair at the other end, a familiar gentleman with dark hair stared blatantly at Susannah. Johnathan’s eyes narrowed. He had a passing acquaintance with Mr. Wallace, the man that had bumped into Susannah, but it had been some time since the gentleman had joined them for the season in London. His sister, however, had been a constant these last three years, seeking Johnathan out whenever they attended the same gathering.
Finally Mr. Wallace’s gaze found Johnathan’s, but instead of looking chagrined, he only smiled and returned to speaking to the man next to him.
Johnathan shook his head. Some men were a bit too bold.
“I believe we have bored poor John to distraction,” Eddie said.
Pulling his attention back to the group, he noted all their eyes were on him. Had no one else noticed the people in the other chairs watching them? Probably not. The other guests had paid little attention to their group either, except of course Mr. Wallace.
“I am s-simply tired,” he lied. Why had he given such an excuse? His starched posture and clenched muscles were sure to dissuade them from such a notion.
Melior covered a yawn. “It is getting late.”
“Maybe for country hours,” Eddie argued, “but not in town. You have grown soft, Mel. It’s time we toughen you up a bit.”
Nate shook his head. “I like my wife the way she is, thank you. There will be no brotherly intervention this season. If she is tired, then I believe it best that we make our excuses to the hostess and retire for the evening.”
Eddie peered at them in confusion. Johnathan did not blame him. Melior was a woman of Society; she bloomed in large groups usually floating about the room impressing everyone. Why would she want to leave early?
More to the point, why would she take Susannah away so soon? He enjoyed sitting next to her even if Mr. Wallace’s eyes were again upon her. There was no help for it, though. They declared they would leave and no convincing could change Nate’s mind.
