Page 44 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“I—” He looked down at the flower in his hand. “Is she still ill?”
“According to the messy note I received this morning from Javenia, the doctor was called. I suspect she is already there.”
They turned the corner. Halfway down the street a hack stopped in front of Kendall House and a swirl of light-yellow skirts exited before the driver could even get down to open the door. With quick steps she ascended the stairs.
“It is uncanny how well I know that woman,” Al said, the right side of his mouth lifting. “Well, shall we go join the drama?” Hepicked up his pace, catching up with Javenia at the top of the stairs.
Johnathan smiled. Al would adamantly deny his interest in Javenia’s sort of drama, but they all knew better. One day those two would stop circling each other and it would end in fireworks. Whether the sparks would pull them together or blow them completely apart was yet to be seen.
If the argument that erupted on how best to enter the house was any indication, it would be the latter.
Chapter 15
Susannah turned the page on her book, having made her way to the library after breakfast. Lady Stanford had gone to bed to recover and Susannah had been happy to lose herself in a gothic novel.
The butler entered. “Mr. Kendall asks that you join him in the east sitting room.”
She rose, placing the book on the table next to the sofa. Before she could ask why he needed her presence, the butler turned to lead the way. She followed without complaint, deciding to hold her tongue. Perhaps John had come to spend time with Mr. Kendall and had asked after her.
The thought brightened her day until she remembered the painting. Who was the woman that had inspired him so much?
John, however, was not the man awaiting her.
Mr. Wallace and his sister rose to their feet upon her entrance. “Mr. Wallace, Miss Wallace. What a surprise.”
“Forgive us,” Mr. Wallace said. “I know these are not your visiting hours, but we wanted to inquire after Lady Stanford.”
She glanced at Mr. Kendall, the only other occupant of the room. How much should she divulge? It was not her information to share.
“All is well. My sister was ill but is feeling better today.”
She sent Mr. Kendall a grateful smile. He subtly nodded in return.
“Shall I ring for tea?” she asked.
“I already have.” Mr. Kendall’s eyes flitted to the door, but he said nothing more.
Once they were all seated, conversation turned to the close of the ball. Susannah expressed her surprise at their visit after such a late night, but Mr. Wallace assured her it was no bother; he only wished to make certain all was well. His thoughtfulness did him credit and she again found herself drawn in by his attentiveness.
When the tea tray arrived she poured each person a cup.
“Have you ever attended Almack’s, Miss Wayland?” Miss Wallace asked.
“I have not, but Lady Stanford has arranged for me to meet with one of the patronesses to see if I might obtain a voucher.”
Mr. Wallace lifted his cup as if in salute. “We wish you well then, for not everyone who applies is found worthy. Some of the patronesses are uncommonly picky.”
“Very true, brother.” Miss Wallace then relayed the ups and downs of her own journey to obtaining a voucher. Ten minutes into the conversation the door to the sitting room flew open.
Miss Harris quickly made eye contact with each person.
“Your hat, Miss Harris,” the butler called from the hallway.
She yanked the pin out of it and tossed it to the harried-looking man. “Where is she?”
“Who?” Susannah said at the same moment Mr. Kendall said, “Upstairs.”
That seemed to be enough explanation. Miss Harris spun around and bolted for the stairs.
