Page 55 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“I am not old enough for such an endeavor.”
“But are you not the same age as Sir Nathaniel?” Susannah asked.
“No, thank heavens. I am a full half year younger.”
The impish smile he cast her broke through her resolve not to laugh. Her hand flew to her mouth to cover the sound and she glanced around to see if anyone of importance had taken note. Too busy with their own arrivals, the other guests seemed not to notice.
After greeting the hostess and her dashing son, they made their way into one of the many rooms set aside for guests. A woman at the pianoforte played soft music as guests mingled or partook of the refreshments.
Susannah kept watch for John as she was again introduced to people whose names she was certain to forget, and finally she was rewarded for her vigil. Short-cropped yellow hair appeared above the crowd.
When the gathering parted, however, she found John with Miss Wallace on one arm and Miss Guthrie on the other.
To his credit, he appeared as if he’d like to hide under the furniture until there were no more people present, but the sight of so much attention being lavished on him nipped at Susannah’s heart. Would she be afforded a single moment alone with him to offer her apology?
“Miss Wayland,” a familiar masculine voice said. She turned to see the smiling face of Mr. Wallace. “Such a delight to see you again. Might I procure you some refreshment?”
“I—” She glanced at John, his focus taken up with the two pretty women who seemed to be vying for his attention. “Yes, refreshment would be nice.”
Mr. Wallace disappeared for only a few moments then returned with tea and tarts. “Might we find a seat?” He gestured to a pair of unoccupied chairs.
She cast Lady Stanford a glance. Already in conversation with two older women, she gave her an encouraging nod.
“I would like that very much,” she finally assented.
When they reached the spot, her eyes landed on her aunt who happened to occupy the seat across from them.
“Good evening Mr. Wallace,” her aunt cooed. “Such a pleasure to see you here. I see you have found my dear niece.”
Mr. Wallace looked between them. “Mrs. Guthrie is your aunt?”
She acknowledged the relationship.
“Really. How delightful? I am not sure if you know, but I have been acquainted with the Guthries for quite some time.”
“Three years at least.” Aunt Guthrie cast him a fond smile.
To Susannah’s surprise, the expression seemed genuine. How irregular. Usually her aunt’s expressions held a bit of artifice.
Her aunt continued on. “Miss Wayland is the eldest daughter of my brother. We quite adore her and try to help where we can. It is the least we can do, considering her family's situation.”
“Oh?” Mr. Wallace glanced at Susannah and then leaned toward her aunt.
Aunt Guthrie lifted her chin, her eyes flashing. “Yes, but one does not speak of financial difficulties at a gathering such as this.”
And there was the barb Susannah had expected, given in the sweetest tone with the most innocent expression, but with every bit of intent to injure.
Her aunt quickly changed the subject. “How is your family, Mr. Wallace?”
Susannah listened to their conversation for only a moment before her mind wandered. If Aunt Guthrie disliked her so much, why the act? There were plenty of families who lived separate and indifferent lives; something their two families had done for years. Why the false kindness now?
“Oh, look Miss Wallace, we have found your brother.”
Miss Guthrie’s voice pulled Susannah from her woolgathering. John and his two ladies stopped next to them.
Miss Wallace nodded to them before casting Miss Guthrie a tight smile. “Also your mother. Perhaps you would like to take a rest while Lord Newhurst and I take another turn about the room.”
“No thank you, Miss Wallace. But you are welcome to retrieve some refreshment since you were complaining of a parched throat a few moments ago. Maybe your brother could escort you?”
