Page 94 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
He’d only meant to lay his head on the desk for a moment after he’d finished, but apparently he’d fallen asleep.
Gathering the remains of his late-night writing into a pile, he vowed to replace all the paper he’d wasted, or perhaps he could repurpose these pieces. He’d seen paper made often enough in Maidstone. It could not be too difficult to soak and re-screen old pieces.
The door opened and Johnathan straightened.
“You look terrible,” Nate said as he took in his appearance. “Did you stay up all night? You are still in your evening wear.”
“Not all night. I had a letter to write.”
“And you could not wait until morning?”
“No.” Not wanting to answer any more questions, he quickly tucked the finished square into his jacket pocket. Fishing out a coin, he set it on the desk. “For all the paper.”
Nate grabbed up one of the crumpled pieces that had fallen to the floor. “My dearest Susannah—”
Johnathan yanked it out of his hands before he could read another word, but not before a huge grin spread across Nate’s face.
“Best clean up before you deliver the finished product.” He slapped Johnathan on the back, then sniffed. “Make sure to wash well.”
With a roll of his eyes, Johnathan left to the sound of Nate’s soft chuckles.
A half hour later, washed, shaved, and redressed, he returned downstairs. He was too nervous to eat breakfast and he had no idea where to find Susannah, but he could wait no longer.
Someone cleared their throat and he glanced up.
Mr. Guthrie stood alone in the entryway. “I believe the footman went in search of you.”
“Ah, yes.” He stared at the pudgy man, his mind going to his letter. He didn’t want to have an interview with Mr. Guthrie just now, but it would probably be best to do so before speaking with Susannah. He needed to clear the way so there would be no more obstacles.
“This way.” He gestured down the hall to the study he’d left only a half hour ago. They passed the footman on their way and he nodded in acknowledgement, releasing the man to see to other duties.
When they entered, Johnathan found Nate, Al, and Eddie seated near the fire. He stopped. Perhaps another room would be better for this discussion.
“Come in,” Eddie said. “We have been waiting for you, Mr. Guthrie.”
The man visibly swallowed. It was one thing to have to face a viscount, but quite another to also face a baronet, a future baron, and the nephew of a duke. Johnathan noted the extra chairs that had been brought in. It seemed his friends were here to provide added incentive for the man to hold his ground against his wife.
Once they were all seated, Johnathan shared what he knew.
Mr. Guthrie listened quietly, not contesting or denying anything he said.
“Is this true, Mr. Guthrie? Did your wife pay Mr. Wallace to pretend interest in Miss Wayland?”
“Yes.” He shook his balding head. “It is all true. And sorry I am to admit it. I first received knowledge of it from Lady Braithwaite who arrived at my house, a sniffling Miss Wallace with her. The young lady told of her brother’s arrangement, and I immediately left to collect my wife from the Durhams’ ball.” He cast a glance at all of them. “Please know that I had nothing to do with this. My wife acted of her own volition and I do not condone her behavior.”
“And what was Miss Wallace’s part in all of this?” Johnathan had to know. If the plan had been to point him in Miss Guthrie’s direction, why have another contender?
Wrinkles formed on Mr. Guthrie’s forehead. “As I said, she revealed her brother's dealings.”
But not her own. Had she acted alone hoping that by exposing Miss Guthrie she’d be able to somehow catch him for herself? If so, she’d be sorely disappointed. With the way swept clear, there was nothing holding him back from Susannah.
Except Susannah herself.
“How did your wife control your niece?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Miss Wayland and I have been friends for quite some time, then suddenly she became cold and distant. What threat did your wife use to keep her away?”
