Page 90 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
“It seems there were many things he led everyone to believe,” Johnathan muttered. “At least he is gone. Did you find out any more information about his agreement with Mrs. Guthrie?”
Al shook his head. “No more than you probably already know. He was promised a large sum—a number he refused to reveal—to keep Susannah out of the way until you were married to Mrs. Guthrie’s oldest daughter.”
“And was Mr. Guthrie involved?”
“He only mentioned the mother.”
Silence punctuated the statement. Johnathan rubbed the back of his neck, trying to put the pieces together. He could understand Mrs. Guthrie wanting to raise her daughter to a title, but why not see her niece happily married and then use the connection to grant both her daughters more opportunities?
After several minutes, Al yawned. “Well, my friends, thank you for giving me a most diverting way of avoiding Miss Giles tonight.”
Eddie chuckled. “Thank John. He’s the one who not only foiled a plot but created a scandal to add a little excitement to our evening.”
Johnathan sighed. “Do not remind me.” Clasping his hands together, he stared at the fire.
Eddie sobered. “Have you and Susannah come to an agreement?”
He shook his head. “Melior said she cried herself to sleep before I had a chance to talk to her.”
The fire crackled and Al stepped back from the grate, a frown creasing his face. “Maybe sleep will make the conversation a little easier.”
“F-for whom?” Johnathan stood and began to pace. “I can talk to you both about paintings, and words, and inventions, even diabolical plots, without much trouble. But place a lady before me and mix in my f-f-feelings…”
“And your words shut down,” Eddie filled in.
A curt nod was all Johnathan could manage.
“Then write it.”
Johnathan stared at him.
“He’s right,” Al agreed. “Your issue does not extend to your fingers, only your mouth. Write out your feelings. Tell her how long you have admired her, adored her, even loved her. You could even read it, if you find you have the clarity to do so.”
The idea took root in his head. It was so simple and brilliant. Why had he not thought of it himself?
Eddie leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. “I once said I’d be your messenger, John. I could do so now.”
“No. I want to give it to her myself.”
“Probably the best option.” Al’s eyes twinkled in the firelight. “Then you will be present to receive her many thanks.”
Johnathan swiped a decorative pillow from the edge of the settee and lobbed it at Al.
He caught it without trouble and laughed. “What? You cannot claim it did not at least cross your mind.”
The reminder of Susannah’s arms wrapped around him, her kisses filling his whole soul brought warmth to every inch of him. It would be a lie to say he did not want to be near her when she read his words, but there was more to it. He wanted to stand before her when he offered everything he was or would ever be, to be hers for the rest of their days.
“I think,” Johnathan said slowly, “the two of you need to leave me alone and get some sleep. I have a declaration to write.”
Chapter 30
Susannah woke with a start, blinking into the dark room. Confusion enveloped her. What time was it? Why had she woken so early? She probed around her eyes. Why were they so puffy?
Then it all came rushing back to her.
The ball. Those glorious minutes on the balcony. Then John’s anger.
Would he leave her to suffer her fate alone? She would not blame him if he did. After she’d practically forced herself on him, why should he carry the consequences? But, oh, how wonderful it had been when she’d not only seen but felt his love in his kisses. Mr. Wallace and all her fears for the future had been forgotten for that one moment, that brief space of time.
