Page 88 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
Nate sniffed.
“Some good might still come out of this,” Johnathan finally said. “As the vicar back home might say, ‘God in his infinite mercy has brought goodness out of the dark.’ As much as I am loath to admit it, I have found more courage these last few weeks than I’d previously exercised.”
Nate picked up his letter opener and fiddled with it. “I suppose that is a comfort,” he said rather flatly.
“It is a good thing Mr. Wallace is a pompous idiot prone to boasting.”
That pulled a chuckle out of his friend. “There is a story behind that.”
“Indeed. The man could not help but brag to his friends in the card room. Thank God I heard it before anything unrepairable happened to Susannah. And thanks to his loose tongue, I have evidence that can be held against Mrs. Guthrie, should she try to make more trouble for Susannah—something I suspect she has been doing for several weeks now.”
Nate sat up straight, his gaze alert. “How so?”
Johnathan took up the seat across the desk and crossed his ankle over his knee. “There have been too many instances where either Miss Guthrie or Miss Wallace have crossed my path and wheedled out invitations. It has been positively uncanny. And then Susannah suddenly withdrew from me after the ball at Almack’s. Why? It made no sense until tonight.”
“You think her aunt has threatened her?”
“I do.”
Nate’s nostrils flared. “And under my roof, for I know the woman came for a visit this very day. Why did Miss Wayland not tell us? Did she really think we’d leave her to such mistreatment?”
Johnathan crossed his arms. “In all the time you have been acquainted with Miss Wayland, have you ever known her to complain or make requests for her own comfort?”
A shake of the head answered his question.
“Neither have I. Even after her mother died, she consistently thought of others, sacrificed for her father and siblings even at the expense of her own comfort. I suspect that independence runs far deeper than any of us realized and it seems her aunt capitalized on it. But I aim to see her threats stop. Eddie has delivered a message to Mr. Guthrie to meet me in the morning or face formal charges against him.”
Nate leaned over the desk. “On what? Do you think he has been a party to his wife’s dealings? Even then, how could you prove such a thing and what crime could you possibly charge him with?”
“Nothing. But I am banking on the fact that he is a man who conducts his fair share of business. Hopefully his conscience will convict him, if nothing else. I only need to warn the man to keep his wife and daughter in check.”
“And what about Miss Wayland? What are your plans where she is concerned?”
“I plan on marrying her… as soon as time permits.”
A slow smile spread across Nate’s face. “Good. It is about time you both came to an understanding.”
“About that.” Johnathan fiddled with the ring on his finger, tracing the seal it carried. “H-how do you know Susannah loves me?”
“No one who has seen you two together could ever doubt it. In the days before our loss, she’d become quiet and reserved. Then afterward, when we stayed at home and you came frequently, she lightened. There was relief in her expression and she returned to her easy, chatty nature. The only explanation for the change was you.”
Johnathan stopped fidgeting and glanced up at his friend.
“You bring her comfort, John. And that, my friend, is a treasure to have in a marriage. Take heart, for you are about to embark upon the greatest experience of your life, and there is no other woman better suited for you than Miss Wayland.”
He nodded, too choked up to reply. All these years he’d wondered, second guessed his own eyes, and battled his tongue for control. In a few reassuring words, his friend had lightened his load considerably.
If Susannah loved him, she could not possibly regret the incredible experience they’d shared. She’dmeantevery kiss and every caress. After a few deep breaths he asked, “Will you see if she will come down and speak with me?”
“She cannot,” Melior said softly from the doorway.
Johnathan jerked to the side, surprised by her silent arrival, but he should not have been. He’d been the one who had forgotten to close the door.
She stepped in. “Poor thing cried herself to sleep. I think it would be best to leave and come back in the morning. Or, if you’d rather, we can make up a room for you? I am sure your valet could bring over clothes in the morning.”
He weighed the options in his mind. Mr. Guthrie had been instructed to go to his residence, but perhaps a servant could be sent early enough to redirect him here. It would be nice not to embark on another long walk.
“A room would be appreciated. Thank you.”
