Page 48 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
She tipped her head to the side, observing him as one might an odd animal in the menagerie. He wanted to turn and run. That was not what he’d meant to say.
There were so many conclusions one could draw from his choice of words, and while he knew the source of his vicissitude, Miss Guthrie might think she was the unpleasant means.
Miss Martha Guthrie chuckled. “And what has brought on your unpleasant change of fortune, Lord Newhurst?”
“An in-in-inability to find Miss Harris and Miss Wayland in a crowd such as this.”
Miss Martha’s smile faded and she glanced around at the hordes of people. “I can see your dilemma.”
The elder sister took hold of his arm. “Then we shall help you. Best to start in this direction.”
“But Harriet—”
Miss Guthrie shushed her sister. “It is no trouble at all, Martha.”
Miss Martha glanced over her shoulder, then back, a downturn to her lips.
“Come along,” Miss Guthrie said, pulling him with her.
Johnathan did as she ordered, feeling bad for the maid that had come up behind them, her arms full of packages. Miss Guthrie chattered about each of the shops they passed, relaying to him which she liked best and which were not worth a lady’snotice. The sound of her voice was so much like Susannah’s it almost lulled him into forgetting his quest.
But when, after turning at Piccadilly and coming up the west side of the street, he saw Susannah with Mr. Wallace at her side, his mind stopped working entirely.
Mr. Wallace held two packages as he leaned in to say something to Susannah. She smiled up at him. Johnathan glanced around for Javenia, but she was nowhere in sight.
“Miss Wayland,” he called.
Susannah glanced in his direction at the same moment Miss Guthrie’s hand tightened on his arm.
“Oh, look at that beautiful piece of silk, Lord Newhurst.” She tried to pull him to a stop, but he kept walking.
“In a moment, Miss Guthrie, I need to speak with Miss Wayland.”
A frown marred Susannah’s face as they approached. “Miss Guthrie.” She nodded.
“Cousin.” Miss Guthrie gave a similar nod of acknowledgement. “How are you on this fine day?”
“I am well. It is nice to have a sliver of sun, is it not?”
The pleasantries wore on Johnathan’s nerves. How was he to apologize with so many people present?
“Where is Ja—Miss Harris?” He opted for formality in view of the company.
“Inside.” She motioned to the cafe. Through the window he saw her speaking with Lady Braithwaite.
He never had understood Javenia’s friendship with the lady. For his part, he found himself quite frightened of her. She may have been small, but she had a fierce air about her, as if she’d seen battle and walked through thousands of bullets unscathed.
“What brings you to the shops today?” She asked, but Miss Guthrie answered.
“Lord Newhurst is kindly escorting us about.”
His nose scrunched. How had a search for Susannah turned into what sounded very much like a courting activity?
“I see.” Susannah turned to Mr. Wallace with a smile. “Mr. Wallace has also been kind enough to help us. We met several shops back and he offered to carry my packages for me.”
Mr. Wallace returned her smile. “It is the least I can do after you assisted me in finding the perfect gift for my sister.”
The same irritation that had plagued him yesterday bubbled to the surface, but he pushed it down. He needed to regain Susannah’s trust, and if the only way to do so was by being friendly to his competition, then so be it.
