Page 101 of The Reckless Love of an Heir
Susan’s skin flushed with warmth and probably flooded with colour. ‘I had no idea how to.’
‘How to what?’ her mother asked. ‘What are you sorry for, Susan?’ She gestured quickly for the maid to put down the tray and leave.
‘She has been making-up to Henry, Mama, and now Henry wishes to marry her!’
‘Alethea.’ Henry’s voice was a reprimand.
He crossed the room to join Susan and his arm settled about her waist as her mother looked at her wide eyed, her eyebrows lifting. ‘Susan?’ Her voice asked Susan to clarify what Alethea was talking about.
‘We are engaged to be married,’ Henry told her. ‘I have spoken with Uncle Casper.’
Her mother frowned. ‘But you are in mourning… Oh, good Lord. Susan.’ She came to her and held Susan’s hands. ‘Why you left London…’ Then she looked at Alethea. ‘Oh, my dear…’ She deserted Susan and went to Alethea. ‘Oh, my dear.’ She embraced Alethea.
Alethea glared at Susan and Henry across their mother’s shoulder.
‘Do not worry,’ Henry said quietly to Susan’s ear.
She was not worried – she was embarrassed.
I hate you!Alethea’s eyes screamed.
Henry’s arm released Susan. ‘We must speak to my father and mother now. Come along, we will leave.’ His hand embraced hers.
‘I will return later,’ she said. But her mother was too busy comforting Alethea to notice Susan leaving.
‘I foolishly did not think to bring the carriage,’ Henry said as they walked into the hall. ‘What would you have us do? We might both travel in your father’s carriage, or I can wait while you change into your habit and we’ll ride home together?’
He had said home, because it was his home, but when they were married it would be hers too. The thought scared her. She did not want to leave her family.
‘We will travel together by carriage,’ he decided for her and looked at the footman. ‘Please have the carriage made ready, and ask them to tie my stallion to the rear.’
The footman hurried away.
‘Would you like to go upstairs and fetch your bonnet and a shawl?’
She nodded, her gaze saying,thank you. Her lips were no longer able to form words.
‘Go.’ He nodded at her.
She turned away and ran upstairs, her heart pumping hard, thumping in her chest. She sought out a bonnet to match her dress. A straw one, with grey ribbons. At least she was in something dark that would be appropriate to his mourning; she wouldnot feel as though she was insulting his parents. She did not have a dark shawl so she took her paisley shawl.
When she returned, Henry was no longer in the hall. ‘Where is Lord Henry, James?’
‘He is waiting outside, miss.’ The footman walked across to open the door for her.
She passed him quickly.
‘Susan.’ Harry was standing to one side of the portico. He stepped forward. ‘Ready?’
No!She nodded regardless.
‘Come along then.’ He lifted his gloved hand, she placed hers within it, and together they walked to the carriage. He helped her then climbed in behind her, pulling the door shut behind him.
When the carriage rolled into motion, he held her hand again.
‘I am terrified,’ she said. ‘Do you think Alethea will ever speak to me again?’
‘She will, once she has calmed down.’
