Page 18 of Pursued Beyond Treachery (Harrowed Hearts #2)

S usannah pulled the covers up to her nose. Why had she been such a ninny? John had a right to be angry. His friend’s character had been called into question. His intense emotion had caught her off guard, and she had reacted in kind. Why, she did not know.

Yes, you do , that pesky inner voice chided. She knew exactly why she’d reacted so harshly, and it embarrassed her. Somewhere in the world there was a woman with fascinating curls and captivating pink cheeks. Whoever the woman was, she hated her already.

How had she managed to draw John’s attention with only a painting? Then again, perhaps the woman was married and her husband had commissioned the work. That would be a relief.

But would John talk about someone else’s wife like that? Certainly not. No this Venus of a woman had to be of the young unmarried variety, and as such, would be direct competition. Unless, of course, the lady of the painting had already won his heart.

She rolled to her side, yanking the blanket up over her head.

Life was unfair. Just when she’d got up the courage to pursue John, he’d gone and fallen in love with someone else.

Not that he’d called it love, but she could see it in the way his blue eyes lit with excitement, the ease with which he spoke, and the broad smile that had bloomed on his face the night of the ball, before they were interrupted by the Wallaces.

Was there any hope he’d change his mind? Probably not.

When John found something he liked, he committed himself to it heart and soul, hence the reason he was so good at painting. If this angel of a woman had his heart, she’d hold it forever.

Tears gathered in Susannah’s eyes, the futility of her hopes bringing anger with them. She punched her pillow, once, twice. It didn’t help.

It was time to look elsewhere. Mr. Wallace had certainly shown her a preference, and she had to admit she enjoyed his company.

When she and John had first quarreled she had told herself that her anger came from a desire to get to know Mr. Wallace better.

And in truth, some of it had. Perhaps her mind already knew what her heart refused to recognize.

It was time to move on, no matter how much it hurt.