Page 87 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
What if her tears were out of fear that he’d not offer for her?
His feet moved with the thought, eating up the distance that now separated him from Susannah.
Of all the days to have chosen to walk, this had to be the worst. Kendall House was a much longer distance from the Durham residence than his own place. It would take him at least a half hour, and all that time Susannah would be living in fear, a fear that he had caused.
He was no better than Mr. Wallace.
His hands curled into fists. Not true. That man would have taken what he wanted and left Susannah to face Society's wrath alone. He wouldn’t. He’d voice his feelings for her if it was the last thing he did on God’s green earth.
Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead by the time he reached Kendall House, even though his breath clouded in the cold night air. Taking the steps two at a time, he was startledwhen the door opened before he knocked, the butler ushering him in and to the study.
“What the devil happened tonight?” Nate asked before Johnathan was even fully in the room. “I trusted you, John.”
“Where is Susannah?”
Nate crossed his arms, his wide stance appearing as immovable as a wall. “With Javenia and Melior… and Lady Upton,” he added as an afterthought. “But by the state she was in when she entered the house, I should call you out. I could not get one word out of her. Eddie was no help either, only dashing in, saying I should talk to you, and something about needing to borrow my horse.”
Good, then Eddie had already gone to do his bidding. It was late, but hopefully early enough to deliver the message and get a response.
“I need answers, John.”
“Susannah and I were caught together… alone… on the balcony tonight.” He cleared his throat. “I-in an”—he swallowed—“intimate embrace.”
Nate’s arms dropped to his side and his face went slack, then without warning he laughed. Not a short burst, but a long guffaw. “You are joking.”
“No, I am quite serious.”
“That’s not what I meant. All this time we have been trying to gently nudge you toward Susannah and all it took was a few moments alone on a balcony.”
Johnathan stomped toward his friend. “This is no laughing matter, Nate. I ruined Susannah’s reputation this evening. Can you not understand the gravity of the situation?”
Nate sobered. “Of all of us, you know I understand better than anyone what a marriage begun on a ruined reputation looks like. But at least for you, the lady returns your feelings.”
Johnathan stopped, rocking back on his heels. “What did you say?”
“Susannah loves you. Melior and I have suspected it since long before we came to London. We’d hoped that by offering her a season, the competition would compel you to find your voice and speak up.”
“That was cruel, Nate.”
Confusion crossed over his friend's face. “How so? It helped, did it not?”
“At what expense? Do you know that her aunt paid to have Mr. Wallace pretend interest in her in order to keep her away from me? Or that Mr. Wallace intended to use Susannah for his own purposes, then take the money and leave her with heartache? If you’d not brought her to London, none of this would have happened. She’d still be safely tucked away in Kent in a loving home with a family who adores her, instead of here with that despicable woman who claims a kinship with her.”
Nate crossed to the seat at the desk and melted into it. Staring vacantly at the far wall he said, “I had no idea.”
“Neither did I until tonight. And as for me, I am a grown man. I no longer need my friends to speak for me or fight my battles. I am grateful to you, Eddie, and Al for standing by me and defending me through my Harrow days, but I’m old enough to speak for myself.”
Nate lowered his head into his hands, allowing silence to envelop the room. The only sound was that of the tick of the longcase clock.
Time ticked by slowly as Johnathan’s frustration cooled. Melior and Nate had meant well. There was only love in their desire to help him and Susannah find happiness. His heart softened. Crossing to the desk, he laid a hand on Nate’s shoulder.
Nate lifted his head. Moisture shimmered in his eyes, but he blinked it away quickly. “Did we make this trip for nothing? Endanger my wife and lose my daughter for nothing?”
Johnathan’s hand tightened on Nate’s shoulder. How could he have forgotten their recent heartache? They had sacrificed time, money, and even Melior’s health in an effort to help him find happiness. While misguided, it was a true sign of their loyal friendship.
And what had he done in return? Laid a heavy accusation at Nate’s door, one he held little blame for. No, blame for Susannah’s situation lay squarely on her aunt, cousin, and Mr. Wallace.
Memories of Miss Wallace showing up at inconvenient times led him to wonder who else had been involved in the scheme.
