Daniel sat, folding his hands, and resting his arms on the tabletop.
“It matters not to me. I shall soon be returning to my ship and its tiny quarters. Even the captain must accept all kinds of restrictions. This kitchen is half again larger than my small cabin.”
Susan busied herself with making the tea.
“Then you’ll be back at sea by the time I return from London?”
“I shall. And that is why I wanted to speak with you today. Can you sit for a moment?” he asked.
Susan shot him a glance. “The tea is almost ready. Would you like a piece of peach pie? Our trees have put out the sweetest peaches this year.”
Daniel nodded. Susan served the tea and pie and came to sit at the kitchen table.
“What takes you to London?” Daniel began, looking a little nervous, and Susan suspected he was hesitant to launch directly into what he really wanted to say.
“I’m to visit my dear Cousin, Jessica. She’s been traveling abroad and I long to catch up with all her news. Besides, she promises we two ladies shall have a gay time with her husband traveling to Scotland.”
“I’ll miss seeing you the rest of my stay.”
“Very kind of you.”
Daniel seemed to gain his courage and said, “Susan, you must have suspected by now that I have feelings for you.” He paused to gage her reaction. She nodded, but didn’t speak, waiting for his further thoughts. “Unfortunately, we’ve not had a lot of time to spend together, and I must be gone before you return from London.” He nervously set aside the piece of pie. “And while I believe you might regard me with some warmth, I can’t gage how deeply your feelings might go.”
He paused and studied her further. “Might I have any hope at all that you could care for me?”
Susan took pity on his struggle. “Daniel, I greatly appreciate your kind words and feelings, and while I admit to feeling a great deal of warmth toward you, at the same time I’d have to say we’ve had too little time together for me to accurately gage the depth of my affection.”
“I understand and accept that. But I’ll soon be back at sea, and can’t be sure when I’ll return again. Might you consider a correspondence? That could keep us connected, and we would have the opportunity to explore our hearts and feelings further.”
Susan nodded. “That sounds acceptable.”
Daniel smiled. “I’m pleased you agree to that. I’m an ardent correspondent and will have ample opportunity to post letters in various ports of call.”
“And how shall I respond to you?”
“The Admiralty forwards letters. I’ll leave you with an address.”
Susan, while pleased with Daniel’s interest, still felt the need to bring up a difficult subject.
“But Daniel, I need to be honest with you about one subject in particular.”
“I may know what you want to say,” he said, a little hesitantly.
She smiled. “You do?”
“You’re concerned about my being at sea for long periods of time—isn’t that so?”
“Yes. That is my concern exactly.”
“As it’s also mine.
“You’ll be gone for long periods of time for most of your early married life. How could you possibly hope to establish and raise a family under such conditions? It seems to me that it would be unfair to both your wife and your children.”
Daniel was thoughtful for a moment. “When I was young all I thought about was life at sea. The romance of the mighty vessels. The excitement of world travel. The opportunity to prove one’s bravery in battle. Little did I consider any aspect of what my family life might be like. It was all about the adventure. But now that I’m older—more mature and experienced, I begin to see the problem you so rightly point out.”
“And do you have a solution for that dilemma,” Susan asked.
“I have, not until now, met a person who might direct my thoughts in that direction. But I’ll give it my full consideration.”
“What might your alternatives be?” Susan asked.
“You ask a very tough question, for which I don’t have an answer.”
“Would you consider leaving the navy?”
That really gave Daniel pause.
“I can’t say yet. Of course, that is a possibility. But what else could I do? All of my training is of a nautical nature. I’ve obtained a position as captain, way head of the usual age for such an attainment. I have a stellar future mapped out for me by my superiors. I can’t shed that responsibility lightly.”
Susan couldn’t help but feel his turmoil. “I do understand, believe me.”
“I can promise you nothing at this point, except to say that I care a great deal for you and I wish us to continue our exploration together. If you’re willing, that is.”
Susan needed to give that some thought. Her romantic life up to this point had been a turmoil, with a great deal of disappointment along the way. And she was still haunted by the strange sensations she’d felt when she danced with the Duke. Of course, that meant nothing, because the Duke was aristocracy, and she was but a humble school teacher, so nothing could ever come of that. But still… it was an experience by which to measure others.
Finally, she smiled and said, “Yes, Daniel, I’m willing to correspond with you. I’d greatly appreciate getting to know you better—and you, me. Neither of us can foresee what the future might bring, so let’s throw caution to the wind and see what fate has in store for us.”
Daniel placed his hand on top of hers. “I’m so glad, Susan. And I’ll promise to consider all my options regarding my career in the navy.”
* * *
It’s not a long coach ride from Ash to London and when Susan arrived at the coach stop at Sloan Square, Jessica was there to greet her.
Jessica was rather tall and thin, with a face that might be described as ‘horsey’. But she had such a lively and pleasing demeanor that one immediately saw only her sparking personality.
“Good heavens, you look wonderful,” Susan exclaimed as she took both of Jessica’s hands. “Travel certainly does suit you.”
“It’s all those hours spent on the ship’s deck in the Mediterranean sun. I think I look like a pickle, but I’m glad you approve.”
Susan laughed and embraced her cousin. “I’m so glad to be here. Has Ronald already left for Scotland?”
Jessica took Susan by the arm and led her to a hansom cab.
“He has—much to my relief. There is nothing quite like traveling with one’s husband to appreciate how pleasant it is to be apart.”
Susan laughed. “Jessica, I know you don’t mean that. You’re absolutely devoted to one another.”
Jessica raised her chin and looked down her nose. “Yes, but in small doses. And for now, you and I are together and we are going to have an absolutely splendid time.”
The cab took them to Jessica’s residence in Radcliff Square. As they descended from the cab, Susan said, “I’m dying to hear all about your trip.”
“And you shall, but first let’s get you settled in. You must wish to freshen up after your journey.”
They entered the stately entryway to the Bradley house.
“Good afternoon, Miss Susan,” the butler greeted Susan as he took her bag.
Jessica said, “Lowell, will take you to your room. Then tea in the library right over there, when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“I’ll be right down,” Susan answered.
The aspect from the bedroom window was quite charming, overlooking the square with its row of houses on either side of a central park.
Susan abandoned her luggage and, as she was leaving the room, Lowell asked, “Shall I have your bag unpacked, Miss?”
Susan was not used to servants caring for her, as they only had one all-purpose domestic at home. And she was taken by surprise at the question.
“Oh, yes. If that’s convenient? I didn’t pack very much.”
“Whatever you wish, Miss.”
> “Yes, that would be nice, thank you.”
Susan scooted down the stairs and went into the library where Jessica was seated at the tea table.
“Ah, that was quick,” she said, then rang a bell on the table.
A maid appeared.
“We’ll have tea now, Miller.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
“Come. Sit. Let me look at you.” Susan came over and sat opposite. “I was trying to remember when we last saw each other. Was it at your ‘almost’ wedding?”
“Oh, my. Was it that long ago? I suppose it must have been. Goodness.”
“I assume you’ve recovered from that horrible event?”
Susan laughed. “I don’t know how horrible it was. I see that I was probably spared an even more gruesome marriage. But yes, I’ve thoroughly recovered.”
“And now? Is there someone else?” Jessica asked.
“Perhaps. But it’s uncertain.”
“Ah, then we must find you the perfect gentleman while you’re visiting London. I know any number of eligible young men who’d find you the essence of charm.”
“Oh, my, I don’t know if I’m quite prepared to go husband shopping.”
Miller came in with the tea tray.
“Madam,” she said, as she placed the tray and poured tea.”
Jessica sat back in her chair and studied Susan. “Best not to take it too seriously. I think we’ll go shopping tomorrow and find you some stunning new dresses. Then we’ll attend a few teas, a few suppers, and a night or two at the theater. And we shall let nature take its course, shall we not?”
“Oh, I feel quite exhausted already. You must remember I come from a quiet country village. My life is comprised of my students, my family, and my few childhood friends.”
There was a knock at the door and Lowell came in. “Madam, Sir Allister Beaumont.”
“Please show him in, Lowell.”
“Oh, Jessica, you have a guest,” the dapper young man said as he gazed at Susan through his monocle. “What’s the occasion?”
“Allister this is my dear cousin, Susan Wilton, visiting me from Kent.”
“Kent? Really? I thought only sheep came from Kent.”
“Sit down Allister and have some tea and behave yourself. You sound like the most hideous London snob.” Jessica poured him a cup of tea.
“Ah, but Jessica, my dear, that is exactly what I am.”
Susan leaned forward, “And you would also be correct, Sir Allister, as my father is, indeed, a sheep farmer.”
“Then I beg your pardon, for I thought you were nothing less than a Duchess—such a handsome lady.”
“Most gracious, Sir Allister, but I’m just a school teacher.”
“And what brings you to Radcliff Square this afternoon?” Jessica asked.
Sir Allister, shot a glance to Susan before answering. “I thought I might find you grieving the loss of you husband to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands and I thought you might like some comfort.”
Jessica lowered her eyes and poured herself another cup of tea.
“How kind of you to think of me. However, as you can see, I’m entertaining my cousin for a week or two and we expect to be fully employed during the time she’s here.”
Susan sensed a certain underlying tension brewing between the two. It briefly crossed her mind that it sounded like an exchange of lovers—but she dismissed that as unlikely.
“And how is your lovely wife?” Jessica asked. “Is she still mourning the loss of her Pekinese?”
“Ah, the precious Cybil—struck down by a hackney cab on the Brompton Road.”
“We’re to interview new puppies for the vacant position tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait.”
“Be charitable, Allister, you wife needs some kind of entertainment. You’re out and about so often, I’m sure she must feel like a widow at times.”
Allister shifted in his chair. “And how about another cup of that delicious tea?”
* * *
“How can I ever thank you enough for these lovely dresses. You spent far too much on me,” Susan said, as she held up another one of the three dresses Jessica had bought for her when they were out scouring the very best shops.
“Really it’s nothing at all. And I want you to look your most elegant for the theater this evening,” Jessica said, as she sat in a chair in Susan’s room. “Try that one on. I think I have the perfect necklace you can wear with that.”
“What will we be seeing this evening?” Susan asked as she slipped on the new dress.
“Stunning. Oh, my. Now I shall have to up my game or you’ll eclipse me entirely.”
Susan blushed, but looked in the mirror and had to admit she did look quite presentable.
“We’ll be seeing The Wayward Prince,” at the Royal. Everyone but everyone is talking about it.”
“Will we be going with any other of your friends?” Susan asked.
“I believe Bunny and Sally, and one or two others. I’m not arranging the outing.”
“And shall we dine before?” Susan asked.
“Oh, my dear, one never dines before. No, we’ll be going to Tallister’s for supper after.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Susan removed the dress and put on her robe, contemplating a nap before tea.
Jessica seemed to hesitate but finally asked. “What did you think of Sir Allister?”
Susan thought for a moment. It was a probing question and she was not quite sure how to answer. “He was quite handsome, and charming, but there did seem to be an edge to his conversation. I know this is London and there is a way of behaving that is foreign to me, but I sensed that you and he… How shall I put this?”
“Seem to be more than just friends?” Jessica asked with a wry smile.
Susan was a little shocked at her openness. “Yes, something like that.”
Jessica nodded. “It might appear so, but we’re just banter buddies. It amuses us to spar in naughty ways. I assure you it’s quite harmless.”
“And how does Ronald feel about these flirty exchanges?”
“He laughs. However, wit is not one of his virtues and, while he might enjoy the show, he’s quite dumb when it comes to participating—even with the most willing of young ladies.”
“Oh, dear, Jessica. I don’t understand London at all. I fear I’ll be too plain and honest for your scintillating friends this evening. Feel free to leave me at home if you think I might ruin the evening.”
“Never. But there’s always one way to avoid embarrassment.”
“And what is that?”
“Simply say nothing.”
Chapter 5
Both ladies looked quite stunning. Heads were turning as Jessica and Susan exited the cab and entered the Theater Royal lobby. Of course, everyone recognized Jessica—a London doyenne. But whispers ran through the theater goers as they tried to identify who Susan was.
Jessica had had her personal maid do Susan’s hair. And, as she was very skilled, she’d gently enhanced Susan’s natural beauty.
“Bunny! Sally!” Jessica called out, as her two friends approached from across the lobby.
Bunny was Bertram Clyde, Ronald’s solicitor, and Sally was his wife.
Bunny laughed and said, “Jessica, my dear, you’re as brown as a side of roast beef. Where ever have you been?”
“Hasn’t Sally told you of our continental travels?”
“By Jove, she has not. But I do seem to remember Ronald speaking to me about a European jaunt some weeks back.”
Jessica introduced Susan, who, taking Jessica’s advice, said mostly nothing.
“Is this the extent our party?” Jessica asked.
“Oh, no, our box seats six. One more couple has yet to arrive. However, I believe they are to be late,” Sally said. “Oh, shall we have a glass of champagne before?” She turned to Bunny for confirmation.
“If I start the evening with champagne I shall fall asleep before the end of the first act.
Let’s save it for the interval, shall we? Second acts usually bore me silly and I’ll be good and ready for a nice snooze just about then.”
“Very well, then. Let’s take our seats?” Jessica suggested.
Diaries of a Heartbroken Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Collection Page 5