Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager(28)

She lifted her head.

‘Not strong enough, I think.’

‘But not all young men are cruel, Susannah. Some may be wild, yes, and thoughtless—this young man who courted Florence, you say he disappeared. Surely it is possible that he did not know of your sister’s condition, or mayhap circumstance prevented him from coming back to her.’

‘Believe me, my lord,’ she said slowly, ‘I know that man was an out-and-out scoundrel.’

* * *

In the dim light he saw a strange look flicker across her face—revulsion, horror, anger. Jasper’s brows drew together. What was it she was not telling him? Before he could frame another question she gave a tiny shake of her head.

‘This is a drear conversation when we should be celebrating having come safely through a most trying day. Is there any more of the mulled cider?’

She held out her glass

‘I do not think I should give you any more. You will accuse me of trying to befuddle you with drink.’

She laughed. ‘No, that was last night, when you were trying to seduce me. Today you have been a true friend, my lord.’

A friend. He smiled ruefully. No woman had ever called him friend before.

‘If we are friends then surely you should not be calling me my lord.’

She turned her head to give him an appraising glance from those clear hazel eyes. They twinkled now with mischief.

‘What should it be, then—viscount? Or perhaps Markham?’

His smile grew.

‘Try Jasper.’

‘Jasper.’ He liked the sound of it on her lips, the slight hesitation in her voice as she tried it out. She nodded, apparently satisfied. ‘And you must call me Susannah.’

‘Thank you.’

She leaned back on the sofa and sipped at her drink, comfortable in his company, not worrying when her shoulder brushed his.

‘No, you have been most gentlemanly—’ A giggle escaped her. ‘Perhaps that is the wrong word—I have never known a gentleman prepare a meal before. And it was delicious. The baby is safely delivered and peacefully sleeping with her mother, the other girls are resting. Did I tell you the meal was delicious, sir? All is right with the world.’

‘A good day’s work, Miss Prentess.’

‘Yes indeed.’ She smiled, and as he watched her eyelids began to close. Deftly he reached across and took the rummer from her fingers as she dropped into a deep sleep.

* * *

Susannah opened her eyes. She was lying on the sofa, her head cradled on a pillow, and she was tucked around with blankets. She shifted her head and saw the viscount stretched out in the chair opposite, his feet resting on a footstool and his many-caped driving coat thrown over him. He stirred in his chair.

‘Good morning, Miss Prentess.’

She sat up and immediately put one hand to her head as it began to pound in the most unpleasant manner.

‘I did not sleep in Mrs Gifford’s bed, then.’

‘I did not like to disturb you.’

‘I brought this bedding downstairs for you...’

‘There was plenty for two.’ He rose, throwing off the coat and the blanket beneath it. His hair was a little tousled and stubble shadowed his cheeks, but she thought he looked remarkably well after spending the night in an armchair. ‘I shall see if Bessie has built up the fire in the kitchen. I think we should have some coffee.’

Susannah said nothing as he went out. She remembered sitting here last night, talking to him. She remembered drinking the cider but then...nothing. She looked down. She was still fully dressed, neither she nor anyone else had made any attempt to disrobe her. Her hand crept to her neck. She had been alone, asleep and in the company of a strange man—a nobleman, moreover, with a reputation for breaking hearts—and he had made no attempt upon her honour. In fact, he had given her his own pillow and wrapped her in the blankets she had brought down for his comfort.

She stood up and was relieved to find her head did not feel any worse for the effort. Walking to the window, she drew back the curtains to let in the morning light. It was still early and the sun had not yet risen but its effects could be seen in the clear blue sky with its scattering of blush-pink clouds. A movement caught her eye and she saw Jasper step out on to the drive.

When had she begun to think of him as Jasper? A memory surfaced. She recalled declaring that they were friends now. With a groan she put her head in her hands. Had she been drunk last night? What else had she said to him? She raised her head to watch him striding towards the stables. He was hatless, his thick black hair gleaming and he moved with an easy grace that made her pulse stir. Quickly she turned away from the window. It was madness to think of a man in that way. It was frightening.

She bundled up the bedding and carried it upstairs, taking the time to wash her face and hands and re-pin her hair before returning to the parlour, where she busied herself relighting the fire. She wanted the coffee Jasper had promised and he did not disappoint her. He entered with a tray balanced on one hand and looking so assured that she laughed.

‘You add the accomplishments of a waiter to your many skills, my lord.’

‘Obviously a misspent youth.’ He put the tray down on the small dining table and held out a chair for her. ‘I’m afraid there are no fresh-baked muffins but there is some toast, if you would care for it.’

She joined him at the table and helped herself to a piece of toast while Jasper poured coffee for them both.

‘I suggested Morton and your menservants should take the shovels and try to force a path to drive the carriage to the village. I think you would like the midwife to come here as soon as possible?’

‘Yes, thank you. I did check on Jane. She and the baby are well but I shall be happier once the midwife has seen them.’

‘Of course. I have given instruction that if the midwife is not available then they must bring the doctor.’

She murmured her thanks, once more shaken by his kindness.

* * *

Susannah was relieved to feel a little better once she had broken her fast and the rest of the morning passed quickly. She coaxed Violet Anstruther down to the kitchen and showed her how to prepare breakfast for the others, then she busied herself with household duties until the noise and bustle at the front door heralded the arrival of the midwife. She was accompanied by a cheerful-looking woman who introduced herself as Mrs Ibbotson and said she had come about the position of housekeeper.

‘I am a widow, you see, Miss Prentess,’ she explained, when Susannah took her aside to interview her. ‘All my children have flown the nest, so there is nothing I would enjoy more than to be looking after the young ladies until Mrs Gifford returns. The viscount’s man told me what is expected and a few extra shillings is always welcome. I took the liberty of bringing a bag with me in the hope that you would agree to me starting immediately, which I am free to do.’

With a recommendation from the midwife and Bessie’s statement that she had known Mrs Ibbotson for many years and knew her to keep an excellent house, Susannah felt it safe to think of returning to Bath.

‘The men say the main road is passable,’ Jasper informed her. ‘I will follow you in my curricle, to make sure you come to no harm.’

‘Pho, I have my coachman and footman to look after me, I shall be safe enough,’ she declared, but she was pleased to know he would be there, all the same.

Suddenly it was time to go. Susannah said goodbye to the girls, forbade any of them to come outside to see her off and found herself being handed into her waiting carriage by the viscount.

‘I will take another route once we reach Bath,’ he announced. ‘There may be talk.’

‘I suspect the weather is providing the Bath residents with plenty to discuss for the moment.’

‘Nevertheless, we should avoid giving them fuel for gossip.’ He stood back as the servant put up the steps and closed the door. ‘It may be best if we do not meet for a few days, just to be on the safe side. You may rely upon me to say nothing of Florence House, or of our being here together.’

‘Thank you.’ It was too soon, there was more she wanted to say, but she had to content herself with a small wave. Jasper raised his hand in salute and was lost to sight as the carriage pulled away.





Chapter Eleven

Susannah found her aunt and Mrs Logan waiting for her in Royal Crescent when she returned. Kate’s immediate greeting included an apology for not accompanying her to Florence House.

‘I admit I was concerned when you were not at home,’ remarked Susannah.

‘I had business I was obliged to attend to.’

‘At eight in the morning?’

She was surprised to see her friend looking a little ill at ease, but she had no time to reflect upon it for her aunt was already fussing over her.

‘With Edwards driving you, and Lucas in attendance I was not overly worried,’ declared Aunt Maude, hugging her. ‘And when the snow set in I guessed you would be obliged to put up at the house overnight.’