Page 16 of Pursued Beyond Treachery (Harrowed Hearts #2)

T o Susannah’s complete surprise, Lady Stanford was in the breakfast parlor the next morning.

“Are you well?” she asked hesitantly, glancing at the men in the room.

Sir Nathaniel frowned, but Lady Stanford smiled. “The physician tells me it is normal to have a bit of discomfort and other symptoms when one is increasing.”

Since Mr. Kendall did not appear surprised, she assumed he already knew.

“Congratulations. I must say that I’ve suspected all week.”

“I knew I’d not be able to hide it from you much longer. My symptoms have been far too obvious and have lasted a great deal longer than my mother-in-law says hers did, but the physician says it is normal to still be ill.”

Susannah nodded. Not having any experience of her own, she would have to take Lady Stanford’s word.

“When do you expect the joyous occasion?”

“Spring.”

Her eyes widened. So soon? Was it truly normal for a woman to be ill that long?

“I see I have shocked you.” Lady Stanford appeared amused.

“But your confinement. Are we leaving earlier than expected?”

“No. I can complete my lying-in as comfortably here as in Kent. Some even claim Town doctors are quite superior to those in the country. Unfortunately it will mean you may not have a chaperone for the last few weeks of the season.”

“By then I will relish the break, I assure you.”

Her Ladyship smiled brightly at her husband. “See, I knew she would be understanding.”

“Indeed,” he grumbled. “Even so, I still think you should take several days off from the bustle of entertainments.”

Lady Stanford’s smile turned to a frown. “I am not made of glass, Nathaniel.”

“No, but I’d feel more comfortable if you’d take more care… please.”

Her expression softened. “All right. You do not mind, do you, Miss Wayland? We will need to cancel our visit to the theatre and send our regrets for Lady Lincolnhurst’s soiree next Friday, but we can still have our at home on Tuesday.”

“Whatever is needed for your health, Lady Stanford. I would never want you to suffer on my behalf.”

“It is not as desperate a situation as that. Nathaniel is simply being overly cautious.”

Sir Nathaniel captured his wife’s gaze. “It’s my duty to protect my family; would you deny me my responsibility?”

A fond look passed between them and Susannah ducked her head, feeling oddly caught between the couple during an intimate moment.

“Can we cool the flirting? Poor Miss Wayland is not used to your overt gestures.” Mr. Kendall’s lips twitched.

“Overt? I hate to know what you consider subtle,” Sir Nathaniel said.

Lady Stanford leaned forward and looked around her husband at her brother. “I believe we are interrupting your intimate moment right now.”

Mr. Kendall’s brow furrowed. “I do not follow.”

“By your definition, Eddie, subtlety would be simply thinking about the person. Tell me, brother, do you have a certain someone on your mind?”

Sir Nathaniel snickered. “Yes, do you? I noticed your eyes straying toward a certain petite blonde last night.”

Mr. Kendall pointed his fork at his friend. “Shut up, Nate.”

“So there is someone.” Lady Stanford’s dark eyebrows inched up.

Crumpling his napkin, Mr. Kendall stood. “I believe I am finished. Do excuse me.”

Both Stanfords laughed.

Susannah would have thought it rude if Mr. Kendall had not flashed her a bright smile, his eyes full of amusement.

They ate silently for a few minutes. Lost in her thoughts, Susannah was surprised when Lady Stanford suddenly ran from the room. Sir Nathaniel glanced up in alarm, his gaze flitting to the door before they heard retching. He hung his head.

“If I’d known she would be so ill…”

He slowly rose to his feet without finishing his sentence, but Susannah completed it for him. “You would not have come to London.”

Glancing over his shoulder, he gave a quick nod. “She needs rest.”

“I truly do not mind staying in. Tell her to rest all she needs.”

“I shall do that, but it is not you that pushes her. It is the voice inside her head. I have no doubt it sounds a lot like her mother telling her if she stays in bed instead of doing her duty in Society she is not living up to her name. If only I could send that awful woman’s influence to the North of England with the lady herself. ”

Susannah blinked at him, not quite sure what to say.

In the end she said nothing. As uncharitable a thought as it was, she realized that having a good mother for a short time was so much better than having one who tormented her for her entire life.

Perhaps time with some people was not quite as important as the influence they left.