Page 65 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
Miss Martha gave a comical eye roll behind her sister's back.
“Will you survive?” Susannah asked near her ear.
“Is there any other choice?” Giving a jaunty salute, she followed her sister.
“Martha, do behave yourself,” Aunt Guthrie called as the young woman walked away without a backward glance. “That girl,” she muttered.
“Best make our break while she’s still occupied,” Mr. Kendall said quietly, offering Susannah his arm.
She gratefully took it, but not before her aunt turned back to her. “Susannah, I need to speak with you.”
The music ended for the set and Mr. Kendall pulled her toward the floor.
“Perhaps after this set,” he called back.
“But I—”
The rest of her aunt's words were swallowed up in the noise of the crowded room, and for the first time Susannah found she was thankful for chaos.
Two songs, when danced with a partner as agreeable as Mr. Kendall, were incredibly short. At least her mind believed so even if her feet disagreed. The moment the music ended, a familiar face emerged from the crowd and Mr. Wallace claimed the next two dances.
She smiled at his enthusiasm, but her parched throat and aching feet wished he’d have at least given her a set to rest. As usual, his conversation drew her in with stories of school larks and questions about her own education. When the songs came to an end, she found she regretted nothing of the last half hour.
He led her to the refreshment table where she obtained a glass of ratafia, drinking it far quicker than she probably ought.
“My, you were thirsty.”
“I am indeed.” She set down the cup and retrieved another, this one filled with lemonade. Less desperate than before, she sipped it as slowly as she could while Mr. Wallace pointed out different people he was acquainted with.
“Bragging on all yourconnections, Henry?” Miss Wallace asked from behind them.
Mr. Wallace glanced over his shoulder. Susannah could not see his expression, but she could see Miss Wallace’s. Her smile turned to a frown and she abruptly turned and walked to where a group of ladies were chatting.
“Please excuse my sister. It seems she’s not quite learned that eavesdropping is rude.”
The cheer that had marked his expression before had fled. His stance was stiff and his arms tucked against his side.
“I take no offense. It is a ballroom after all. Nothing said here is completely private and I am well aware of the good-natured teasing that exists between you and your sister.”
He peered down at her and smiled. “Thank you. You are too generous. What might—”
“Susannah, there you are, my dear.” Aunt Guthrie interrupted. Latching onto her other arm, she cast Mr. Wallace a bright smile. “Do excuse us. I have needed to speak to my niece on a matter of some import all evening.”
Susannah tried to beg his intervention with pleading eyes and a subtle shake of her head, but Mr. Wallace was too much of a gentleman and immediately agreed to her aunt's proposition.
Aunt Guthrie pulled her toward the far rooms away from the music.
“Where are we going?”
“Never you mind.” Aunt Guthrie’s grip became painful. “You have far too much of your mother in you, I say, cavorting about like you come from good breeding. Why Lady Stanford broughtyou to London is beyond me. And how in the world did you receive a voucher for Almack’s?” She shook her head, her jowls jiggling with the action. “The standards for entry are becoming dismally low indeed if they let chits of your standing attend.”
When they reached a secluded alcove, Susannah dug in her heels, pulling her arm free. “Madam, you have said quite enough. I need to return to my party.”
“Do not speak to me thus, you sniveling brat. You should be grateful that I have even noticed you at all this season. I could ruin you and your family in an instant, but I have chosen to be generous. In return, youwillobey me.”
“You can have nothing so serious to claim. My parents' reputation is unblemished.”
“But it will not be when I have your father’s debts called in and have him sent to debtor’s prison.”
