Page 42 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
Susannah nodded. Not having any experience of her own, she would have to take Lady Stanford’s word.
“When do you expect the joyous occasion?”
“Spring.”
Her eyes widened. So soon? Was it truly normal for a woman to be ill that long?
“I see I have shocked you.” Lady Stanford appeared amused.
“But your confinement. Are we leaving earlier than expected?”
“No. I can complete my lying-in as comfortably here as in Kent. Some even claim Town doctors are quite superior to those in the country. Unfortunately it will mean you may not have a chaperone for the last few weeks of the season.”
“By then I will relish the break, I assure you.”
Her Ladyship smiled brightly at her husband. “See, I knew she would be understanding.”
“Indeed,” he grumbled. “Even so, I still think you should take several days off from the bustle of entertainments.”
Lady Stanford’s smile turned to a frown. “I am not made of glass, Nathaniel.”
“No, but I’d feel more comfortable if you’d take more care… please.”
Her expression softened. “All right. You do not mind, do you, Miss Wayland? We will need to cancel our visit to the theatre and send our regrets for Lady Lincolnhurst’s soiree next Friday, but we can still have our at home on Tuesday.”
“Whatever is needed for your health, Lady Stanford. I would never want you to suffer on my behalf.”
“It is not as desperate a situation as that. Nathaniel is simply being overly cautious.”
Sir Nathaniel captured his wife’s gaze. “It’s my duty to protect my family; would you deny me my responsibility?”
A fond look passed between them and Susannah ducked her head, feeling oddly caught between the couple during an intimate moment.
“Can we cool the flirting? Poor Miss Wayland is not used to your overt gestures.” Mr. Kendall’s lips twitched.
“Overt? I hate to know what you consider subtle,” Sir Nathaniel said.
Lady Stanford leaned forward and looked around her husband at her brother. “I believe we are interrupting your intimate moment right now.”
Mr. Kendall’s brow furrowed. “I do not follow.”
“By your definition, Eddie, subtlety would be simply thinking about the person. Tell me, brother, do you have a certain someone on your mind?”
Sir Nathaniel snickered. “Yes, do you? I noticed your eyes straying toward a certain petite blonde last night.”
Mr. Kendall pointed his fork at his friend. “Shut up, Nate.”
“So there is someone.” Lady Stanford’s dark eyebrows inched up.
Crumpling his napkin, Mr. Kendall stood. “I believe I am finished. Do excuse me.”
Both Stanfords laughed.
Susannah would have thought it rude if Mr. Kendall had not flashed her a bright smile, his eyes full of amusement.
They ate silently for a few minutes. Lost in her thoughts, Susannah was surprised when Lady Stanford suddenly ran from the room. Sir Nathaniel glanced up in alarm, his gaze flitting to the door before they heard retching. He hung his head.
“If I’d known she would be so ill…”
