Susan sat between her mother and Louisa. Susan leaned in and bumped her shoulder against her sister.
“How’re you holding up?” she asked.
Louisa turned to her. “Oh, I’m exhausted, but what fun.”
“Yes, Mrs. Tunbull.”
Louisa looked startled. “Oh my, I am, am I not? I only just realized when you said that.”
“You’ll get used to it. Is there anything you need from me right now?” Susan asked.
“Oh, no. I’m in my husband’s care from here on out. You’ve done your duty well. Thank you, dear sister.”
Susan smiled and leaned in and kissed Louisa’s cheek.
Then mother reached over, to get Susan’s attention.
“And who is that most handsome sailor you’ve been dancing with all afternoon?”
“Oh, Mamma, don’t you recognize Katherine’s brother, Daniel?”
Mother looked astonished. “That’s Daniel? That skinny tyke that used to run with you and Katherine at the swimming hole?”
“The very same, Mamma.”
“Well, I be… He’s grown into quite the young man, hasn’t he?”
Susan nodded, and Mother became quite animated. “And might there just be a budding romance developing there? He seems ever so attentive.”
“I don’t know. We’ve only re-met after all these years.”
“You should speak to Katherine, and have her sound him out. A captain in the Royal Navy would be quite a prize, would it not?”
“Mamma, he’s not some prey. And besides, what kind of marriage would it be with a seafarer? He’d always be at sea. There’d be no family life.”
That seemed to sober Mother. “You may have a point.” Then she spoke again. “And what was all that fuss with the Duke—bolting like that in the middle of a dance?”
“I’ve no idea, Mamma.”
“Were you rude to him?”
“Not at all. But I’ve often heard that he was volatile. Perhaps he has issues on his mind. It’s not for me to say. We should just be grateful that he chose to attend the wedding at all.”
“Well, after all that business with Simon… He owes us some respect, don’t you think?”
“Mother, let it be. That’s all in the past. I only want to look forward. I have the new school year starting up next month, and I want to focus on being the best teacher I can possibly be.”
A week after the wedding, Susan was surprised to receive a letter from her cousin, Jessica Bradley, from London.
14 August, 1830
My Dearest Cousin Susan,
I just wanted to say how sorry I was to be unable to attend your sister’s wedding. However, I was traveling with my husband in Greece, Italy, and Spain and only received the invitation after we returned home—as it was impossible to forward mail with our insane travel schedule.
I am writing to you instead of your mother because I have always felt such an affinity with you and I feel we have a very special bond as more than cousins—are we not more like sisters? I would be ever so grateful if you would pass on my regrets to your mother and sister. I know they will understand.
Now, what about you? I want to hear everything about you and about your sister’s wedding. Write me a nice long letter with all the news.
No. Wait. Even better—why not come to London for a visit? I believe your school is still on break, is it not? Come and stay with me for a week or two. Ronald must travel up to Scotland for several weeks and we shall be all alone. We can shop and dine out and go to the theater or the opera or the ballet and sleep late and gossip for hours on end. What do you say? Oh, please, please, please do come. And don’t worry about costs, my darling Ronald is super rich, and he’ll foot the bill for everything—even though he may not know it at the time.
I will not write more now, as I only now want to hear that you will accept my invitation.
Your adorable cousin,
Jessica
Susan was most excited. She’d not seen her cousin in several years. And they’d been so close when they were younger and students at the same school.
She dashed to find her mother or father. Her mother was not to be found, but she found her father in the barn sharpening wool sheering clippers.
“Papa, I just received a letter from Cousin Jessica.”
“And how is the lass?” he asked as he put one set of clippers aside and picked up another.
“She and Ronald just came back from a Mediterranean tour and she wants me to come to London for a visit. And I’d like to do that very much.”
“London, eh? And what’s in London of any value that you can’t find right here?”
“Oh, Papa, don’t be so provincial. You know London holds many delights that the provinces don’t provide.”
“Silliness, debauchers, spendthrifts, and wastrels, I have no doubt.”
Susan laughed. “I’m not asking your permission, Papa. I’m announcing that I’m going. I’m no longer a child. I can make my own decisions.”
“And just how are you to get to London? We have no horse and trap to spare?”
“The London coach. It leaves Ash every morning and returns every evening. Simple as pie.”
“Huh. So be it then. But mind you tell your Mamma yourself. I’ll not be bothering with any of her upsets over you leaving.”
“You shall have nothing to worry about.”
Susan dashed from the barn and immediately went to her room to write Jessica an affirmative response so she could get in the last post.
Chapter 4
Later that afternoon, Susan went into Ash to book her ride to London and pay the fare.
On her walk back from the village she heard someone calling out to her.
“Miss Susan, Miss Susan.”
She stopped on the path through her father’s field and turned to see who was calling. Daniel was running after her.
“Didn’t you hear me calling to you as you passed the house?” he asked, as he caught up with her.
“Oh, Daniel. I’m so sorry, I’ve been totally absorbed with thoughts of going to London and I didn’t hear you at all.”
London? You’re going to London? When?
“The day after tomorrow morning, on the London coach.”
“Will you be staying long?” he asked, as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his trousers. He was no longer dressed as a sailor but as a local.
“Up until the time I must start teaching again—I might stay at least a couple of weeks.”
“Oh.” He sounded disappointed. “Then I’m glad I caught you. I was planning to stop by to see you.”
“Well, you see me now.”
He laughed. “I do indeed. And am glad of it.”
“Would you like some tea? I’m parched from the warm morning.”
“That would be splendid,” he said.
They walked on in silence until they reached the house.
“Come in, Daniel. I’ll put the kettle on. I hope you don’t mind sitting in the kitchen, the house has been a mess since the wedding. Louisa’s no longer around to tidy up. Mother’s useless, and, I’m afraid, I’ve not been as attentive as I should be either, and please take a seat at the table.”
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?” Danie
l 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.�
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“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.
The Governess Who Stole My Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Page 4