Page 20 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“Probably because she cannot stand going against expectations.”
“No, why did Melior offer to give Miss Wayland a season?”
Nate rocked back on his heels; his attention suddenly drawn to the bookshelves that graced every wall of the large room. He locked his hands behind his back and hummed. “Like I said before, she simply wanted to be generous. Miss Wayland has had a difficult year and we both know Mr. Wayland probably doesn’t have the funds or time to take her to London. Plus, with one less mouth to feed it will ease some of the family’s burden.”
Johnathan had first-hand knowledge to refute several of his friend’s claims, but the way Nate would not make eye contact set him on edge. He observed him closely. The tell-tale tuck of Nate’s lip as he bit on the corner, a twitch under his eye, the way he rocked forward and back. The details were all there. Nate was lying. Well, perhaps not outright, but he told only half the truth.
He wanted to press him, but he would not keep the ladies waiting. Far be it from him to be rude after Melior had given him the opportunity to see Susannah one last time before all of London beheld her beauty.
Slowly he rose to his full height. Looking down at Nathaniel, he said, “Lead the way.”
A tiny sigh slipped past his friend’s lips, but he’d not escaped questioning. No, Johnathan planned on thoroughly interrogating him once they were all settled in London.
In the splendor of his visiting parlor, he found Susannah dressed in brand-new traveling attire. He should not have been surprised; Melior would not allow her to go to town ill fitted for the fashionable world, but the fine cut of the light blue garment trimmed in black made the whole experience far more real.
Susannah really was going to London to find a husband. His tongue froze in his mouth as his mind screamed in protest.
“Lord Newhurst.” She curtsied.
She even sounded more cultured. Had Melior given her lessons on diction?
Her name escaped him in a whisper. “Susannah.” When his mind caught up with what he had done, he straightened. It had been years since he’d allowed himself the pleasure of her given name.
Her cheeks pinked and he cursed himself for embarrassing her. “My apologies, Miss Wayland. You are for London, then?”
His words were so blessedly clear of his usual stutter that he gave himself a mental pat on the back.
“I am. And when do you follow?”
Had her father not told her? They’d spoken of it just yesterday. “Day after tomorrow.”
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Melior’s hand briefly flutter near her midsection, a suspicious smile on her lips. But the moment his head turned she wiped it away, coming forward to offer her goodbyes as well. It was all so awkward and unnecessary.
He studied her as she invited him to spend his first evening in Town with them, claiming he’d need a good meal after such a long journey. Flitting eyes, fidgeting fingers. It seemed Nate was not the only one withholding information. He tipped his head to the side in contemplation.
Melior stopped, then added, “You will not be the only one in attendance as I have invited several families to Kendall House that evening to celebrate our arrival.”
Kendall House? Why not Nate’s townhouse? His gaze flicked to his friend.
Nate stepped forward. “We thought it would make more of an impression on Society if we stayed in Melior’s family home. With Eddie being the only occupant at present, there is plenty of room.”
Johnathan nodded. “And Eddie does not mind you interrupting his peace?”
“He’s the one who begged us to come and relieve him from his solitude. Claimed he would go mad before the opening of Parliament if we did not come early.”
Eddie always had liked company far more than he or Nate. His love of Society could only be rivaled by Al who simpered about, plying ladies with his overly sweet compliments and winning their undying affection.
“Heaven help us if we were responsible for my brother’s deterioration into bedlam.” The smirk on Melior’s face matched that of her husband’s. They made the perfect pair, their banter and absurdity running together like a bubbling brook bringing smiles to both his and Susannah’s faces.
“I suppose dinner at Kendall House would be nice.” He shifted from one foot to the other, realizing he should have offered to have everyone sit, but the way Susannah glanced at the door stopped the words from forming. “I should not keep you. Do you have any other stops before you depart?”
“No, this is the last,” Melior supplied, her gaze wandering to Susannah.
“Yes,” Susannah added. “I… that is…Will you be attending the Prince Regent’s ball at Carlton House in a fortnight?”
The Prince’s ball? How in the world had his friend come by an invitation to his Majesty’s ball?
Nate cringed and Melior stepped forward, wringing her hands. “My uncle, you see…”
