Page 30 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“Ah, there they are,” Miss Harris said as they spied Mr. Kendall and the rest of the party from Kendall House in the next room. “We will practice with people who I know are safe and will not be offended if you make a mistake.”
When they arrived, the gathered circle opened to admit them and it was then that Susannah caught sight of John holding a glass of champagne in his left hand. Could she really practice with him in the circle?
“Miss Wayland,” Mr. Kendall said when he saw her. “Are you enjoying the evening?”
She let her fan rest on her right cheek, but also followed the movement with her words. “Yes. It has been lovely.”
He smiled. “And Miss Harris, are you as pleased with the party as Miss Wayland?”
She closed her fan. “Of course. Except when I meet daft men who claim to know more about the female sex than they actually do.”
Susannah had caught the movement of Miss Harris’s fan, which from her memory meant she wished to speak to him. Turning her attention to Mr. Kendall, she wondered how he might respond, then saw Mr. Roberts, his eyebrows raised, readyto argue his point. Before he reached them, Mr. Kendall spoke up.
“I see. Would you care to accompany me to the refreshment table? Perhaps we can discuss my incompetent friend along the way?”
Her mouth fell open at how masterfully Miss Harris had spoken to Mr. Kendall without ever uttering a word.
“Traitor,” Mr. Roberts muttered.
Mr. Kendall smirked and led Miss Harris away.
Susannah glanced about the room as a new understanding opened to her. There was far more flirtation happening than she’d originally thought, but not every man seemed to notice or care. Or perhaps they did notice, but simply did not return the sentiment.
Lady Stanford spoke up. “For all your flattery,Mr. Roberts, one would think you could spare a little for your childhood friend.”
He spun one of the two gold rings he always wore about his finger. “And cause her self-importance to puff up like bread dough, I think not.”
Sir Nathaniel offered his arm to his wife. “I do not believe Javenia is the one we should worry about becoming puffed up.” He tipped his head to the side, indicating Mr. Roberts.
His actions were met with a scowl. “I know where I’m not wanted. I shall find company who appreciates me.” With two hands he straightened his waistcoat, then turned with a flounce. The action was done too comically to signify true upset, especially when he cast them a dashing smile as he approached Miss Giles.
“Well my dear, I believe we should find you a seat,” Sir Nathaniel said. “You have been on your feet too long.”
Lady Stanford rolled her eyes but did not object. Since Susannah had not been invited to follow them, she chose to stay.Only she and John now remained. Normally she’d move closer to converse easier, but a bout of swirling butterflies chose that moment to take up residence in her stomach. Could she really flirt with him? The idea seemed awkward, given their years as friends. But how else would she change his mind?
Slowly she lifted her fan to just under her nose and began to flutter it. John glanced at her, his brow creasing before he returned his attention to his champagne.
Glancing down, she paused. Was it the left or right hand that meant come closer? Not sure she switched the fan from her left to her right to see if the results would be different then cleared her throat to gain his attention. He did not move. She cleared it again but louder.
John glanced at her. “Are you in need of refreshment, Miss Wayland?”
She batted her eyelashes at him. “I am indeed.”
He tipped his head to the side. “D-do you have s-something caught in your eye?”
Mortification swept through her. She must have done it wrong. When all the other ladies had displayed the coquettish action, the gentlemen had drawn closer.
Quickly she lifted a hand to her eye and swept it across her lashes. “Yes. Forgive me. There, that is better.”
“Good. Might I fetch you something to drink?”
“Or I could go with you.”
He nodded and offered his arm. A footman passed with a half-full tray of empty glasses and he placed his on it. Slowly they made their way through the gathered crowd.
“It is quite the crush, wouldn’t you agree. I do not believe I have seen so many people. And look at the ladies' dresses. So exquisite. Of course the gentlemen look fine too, but I do not believe they desire compliments as ladies do. Or do they? As a lady I would not know.” She was rambling and she knew it, butshe could not stop herself. “What do you say, Lord Newhurst? Do you wish for compliments on your appearance?”
Now why had she asked that?
