Page 49 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“And what did you decide on, Mr. Wallace?”
“A jade comb carved with lotus flowers.” He pulled the small hair piece out of his pocket and showed it to them. “It will look splendid in Eleanor’s hair, don’t you agree, Lord Newhurst?’
Johnathan tipped his head, recalling Miss Wallace’s brown hair flecked with gold. The green would indeed be pretty, but far more stunning against a darker or lighter shade.
“I believe you are right, Mr. Wallace.”
The man smiled, flashing far too straight and white teeth.
Miss Guthrie, on the other hand, let out a huff. “Martha and I were just going to show Lord Newhurst a fine piece of silk from India. Are you familiar with Indian silks, Miss Wayland?”
The turn in conversation confused him, but who was he to understand how Miss Guthrie’s mind worked?
“I am not. Perhaps we can accompany you all.”
The bell on the cafe door tinkled and Javenia exited. Her gaze immediately fell on him and she frowned.
“John, I need to speak with you.” The way she drew out his name let him know he’d somehow landed himself in her black books.
“Um… excuse me, ladies.” He gave a slight bow to the others and stepped to the side of the shop where they would be out of hearing.
“How could you run off like that yesterday? You left Miss Wayland nearly in tears and she is still not the same today.”
“I know, that is why I have come to apologize.”
“You could have fooled me. Why were you with Miss Guthrie?”
“I visited Kendall House this morning, but they said you had taken Miss Wayland to the shops. I came upon Miss Guthrie by the haberdashery and she offered to help locate the both of you.”
“Then she took you the long way around because we met with her in the same shop over half an hour ago.”
Had she?
He glanced over his shoulder at Miss Guthrie who now spoke exclusively with Mr. Wallace while Susannah wandered down the street with Miss Martha. The three ladies seemed at ease with one another.
Then again, Susannah’s aunt had been absolutely abominable to her. He’d have to watch out for the Guthrie sisters in case they followed the same dissolute bend as their mother.
“Look, John, I do not usually insert myself into your affairs, but you need to be careful in this bid to win Miss Wayland’s affections.”
He stepped back. “How did you…”
“Anyone close to you can see how much she means to you. What we cannot decide is whether she returns the sentiment. For your sake, I hope she does.”
Mr. Wallace and Miss Guthrie must have noticed the others leaving because they rushed to catch up. What if Susannah really did favor Mr. Wallace? Could he let her go?
He sighed. “I have loved her for so long that the thought of losing her nearly suffocates me.”
“Then why have you not spoken before now?”
He raised an incredulous brow at her.
“I mean what reason, other than your particular difficulty in speaking.”
He had to think about that for a while. Finally he said, “Because if I do, and she does not accept me, I won’t only be throwing away a friendship, but I might lose my place in her family. It is the only one I have left.”
Javenia placed a hand on his sleeve. “Not the only one, John. Al, Nate, and I are here. We might have families of our own, but you have been like a brother to me since we both learned to walk.”
He shook his head. “But that is the crux of all this, for I have been like a brother to Susannah as well. What if I can never be more?”
