Chapter 14
Fourteen
Susanna walked through the drawing room door with her head held high and insides buzzing. Her conversation with Ambrose had been brief but rewarding. His proximity and smiles had bolstered her confidence and driven her to an impertinent offer.
She did not regret inviting him to court her.
It was liberating to make her feelings known.
It was not genteel nor reflective of delicate sensibilities, but the ship had already sailed on meeting those requirements.
She would simply have to show him how she met his remaining stipulations—the ones that weren’t ridiculous.
A task within her power, if he continued to seek her out.
As she entered with Ambrose a few steps behind, everyone turned toward them. A card table had been set and Grace, Henry, Miss Witworth, and Mr. Scott were playing. William and Miss Colley were sat at the sofas in conversation.
Could they see the pink in her cheeks or sense the reason behind her smile? Grace’s raised eyebrows spoke of curiosity, not accusation.
Susanna lifted up the book. “I found it,” she said and made her way to the seat opposite William. Susanna resisted looking at Ambrose but hoped he would join her.
“Mr. Hartley, I saved you a seat beside me,” Miss Witworth said.
“Hm?” Ambrose sounded distracted.
Susanna repressed her smile.
“We are playing speculation,” Grace said. “Do you wish to join us?”
“Yes, of course,” Ambrose replied.
Disappointment flitted through her like a startled bird. Although she should have expected it. He had said he could not neglect the other ladies, and Grace would take him to task if he frustrated the entire purpose of the party.
Taking her seat, Susanna opened her book and flipped to a random page. She had no intention of reading, but it would allow her to avoid speaking with the others. The card players began discussing the game while William asked after Miss Colley’s older brother.
Looking up from the book, Susanna was instantly annoyed by how close Miss Witworth sat to Ambrose.
The young lady’s eyes were bright, her smile eager, and her movements graceful.
It was easy to see why she had made his list of candidates.
Susanna returned her gaze to the page and reminded herself that Ambrose had declared he was indifferent to Miss Witworth.
“Pray what has you so rapt?” William’s deep voice pulled her from her thoughts.
They were alone; Miss Colley was halfway to the card table.
“It is Mr. McAdam’s book on road making.”
“I cannot believe it.” William stood, sat beside her, and reached for the book.
Susanna gave it up willingly. He flipped to the title page and frowned.
“Observations on the Present System of Roadmaking,” he read and then cocked his head. “My dear Miss Susie, I cannot allow you to read such a dull thing in my presence.”
“Ah, how fortunate for me that you are not my master.”
She reached half-heartedly for the book, knowing full well that he would lift it out of her reach. As she’d told Ambrose, she knew his brother.
William pulled the book away and held it up. His smile dared her to snatch it back.
She shook her head.
“This childishness is not endearing,” she said.
He chuckled. “You certainly speak your mind.”
“Since you are not privy to my thoughts, how can you possibly know if I am speaking my mind?” she asked archly.
He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “That sounds as if you have a secret.”
“I have a great many secrets, from you.” She held out her hand. “My book?”
“I will trade the book for a secret,” he said and leaned in closer.
The exchange was entirely predictable, like the steps of a dance. The only surprise was William leaning so near. Did he wish her to whisper the secret in his ear? Was this the method he wanted to teach Ambrose? She nearly laughed at the idea.
“Very well,” she said with barely suppressed mirth before leaning toward his ear. “Your brother told me you intended to charm me.”
She leaned away in time to catch the flash of surprise mixed with anger. She giggled.
“What is so amusing?” Miss Colley asked as she approached.
Heat crept up Susanna’s neck, and she leaned away from William. She had not meant to give the appearance of enjoying his attentions.
“Now, Miss Colley, how can you ask?” William scolded playfully. “Miss Fenton has just revealed a closely guarded secret. You cannot wish me to break her confidence?”
Susanna hit his shoulder with the back of her hand. “Pay him no heed, Miss Colley. He is prone to talk nonsense.”
“Slander,” he replied with a smile.
Miss Colley looked between them with a quizzical smile. Their easy intimacy was sure to be misunderstood by those who did not know their history. Despite his flirting, William would always think of her as a sister and she would always consider him a brother.
Susanna glanced toward the card table. Mr. Scott and Miss Witworth were absorbed in their game, but the other Hartleys watched them. Grace’s brow was furrowed and Ambrose’s eyes were narrowed.
“Miss Fenton.”
Susanna returned her attention to Miss Colley.
“Mrs. Arden said that you might assist me in finding some music.”
“Oh yes, there are a great many arrangements in the library. I will show you.” Susanna stood. “If you will excuse me, Mr. Hartley.”
As Susanna led Miss Colley to the opposite side of the house, she was grateful to Grace for subtly providing an escape from William. Despite knowing his intentions, Susanna had been carried away by his easy manner. It would not do for anyone to think she had designs on the elder Hartley.
The evening passed without another opportunity to speak with Ambrose. However, their eyes met several times, and that was enough to fuel her hopes. She went to sleep with a bright eagerness for what tomorrow might bring.
The next day found Susanna walking beside Henry as he led his visitors along the circuit path of Brentmere Park.
The sun shone bright, bringing a warmth that had been sadly absent for much of June.
Birdsong accompanied the crunch of feet and the low conversations of the group.
Susanna smiled as they passed an oak tree where she had played with Jamie a few days before.
Though she was a frequent visitor to the Ardens’ country seat, Susanna was always struck by the beauty of the grounds.
The picturesque park was first started by Henry’s grandfather and greatly expanded by his father.
In addition to the ponds, stream, cascade, and grotto, there were half a dozen buildings that one encountered as they walked the paths.
A few of the buildings were rustic or Gothic in design, but the majority appeared plucked from the islands of Greece.
Already they had examined the kennels that looked like a small castle, explored the square temple of Apollo, and admired the manmade lake.
The new visitors were appropriately complimentary and praised the perfect situations and whimsy of the buildings.
Their next stop was the attractive Temple of Venus.
As they climbed the hill, Susanna glanced up at the circular building. It was a small, open rotunda made from cream-colored stone. Ten Corinthian columns supported a small dome that covered a classical marble sculpture of the goddess of love.
Beside the building, Grace and Miss Witworth sat in the gig, waiting for the rest of the party.
Henry had insisted that Grace not overexert herself and take the small carriage.
Susanna suspected Grace would have argued the point had Miss Witworth not expressed trepidation at the miles of walking required for the full tour.
“It is perfectly situated,” Miss Colley exclaimed from behind them.
Susanna glanced back and was pleased to see that Miss Colley walked with Mr. Scott and William while Ambrose trailed at the end.
“Excuse me while I assist my wife,” Henry said before striding ahead to the carriage.
After a few steps, Susanna reached more level ground. Footsteps close behind made her turn slightly. She smiled in welcome at Ambrose. Her smile widened as he did not continue to the gig but fell into step beside her. Her heart tripped at the sign of favor.
“Not rushing to Miss Witworth’s side?” she asked with a small smirk.
“To what purpose? She has Henry’s arm. It is you that is in want of an escort.”
A thrill ran through her as he offered his arm. “How observant you are.”
That he had sought her out was encouraging. Walking beside him was so natural and easy. It was a shame it was only a few steps.
They entered the cool shade of the rotunda where Grace, Henry, and Miss Witworth waited.
The others gathered around to listen to Grace’s short speech about the temple.
They had both heard the information, so Susanna pulled Ambrose past the statue of Venus to the southern view.
They stood shoulder to shoulder admiring the scene.
Below the temple was the lake, with ducks and two swans gliding about. Beyond the lake in picturesque succession was a square temple, an ornamented bridge, and the house. From this height, peeking just above the horizon, was the barest vision of the buildings of London.
“This might be my favorite prospect,” she said.
“It is beautiful,” he replied.
She glanced at him, but he was steadfastly looking at the view.
“The country has its charms,” she said.
“For once I agree with you.”
“Come now, we are not always disagreeing.” She bumped his shoulder with her own.
“No, not always,” he agreed with a smile. “Though I fear I cannot agree that living in the country is superior to living in London.”
“There is no need for fear”—Susanna turned to him, grinning—“for I also prefer living in London.”
“Really?” He met her gaze for a brief moment. Her heart ignited inside her.
The conversation ended abruptly as the others joined them to take in the view.
Despite the brief words, her smile was wide, and warmth from her burning heart filled her. Ambrose wanted to know her preferences for where to live! It seemed he was taking her invitation to court her seriously. Perhaps he had already added her name to his list.
Things between them were moving rapidly, but Susanna was not anxious. It was right. She could so easily imagine her life with Ambrose. Her imaginings brought her peace, not worry. Was that because she loved him?
She must write Aunt Blackwall and tell her of these changes. The glow in her heart, hopes for the future, and his receptiveness needed to be detailed for Aunt’s examination.
If he continued to walk with her, she would endeavor to show him her knowledge of domestic economy.
Once he knew that she was capable of managing a household, she was sure to increase in his estimation.
If she could continue to demonstrate how suitable she was, things were sure to progress between them.