Page 19 of Pursued Beyond Treachery (Harrowed Hearts #2)

T he rest of the outing on Bond Street was an awkward affair, but it was the look of pity in Javenia’s eyes that followed Johnathan home. She had no answers. No one did. The only person that could answer his questions was Susannah and she seemed completely enthralled with Mr. Wallace.

He’d overheard the man reminding Susannah of a drive they’d apparently planned and she’d asked him if he intended on attending Almack’s in a sennight. They’d been entirely too cozy chatting in low tones and ignoring the happenings around them. His stomach clenched at the memory.

Eventually the two parties had parted ways and he’d escorted the Guthries back to their carriage before collecting his horse.

Miss Guthrie had also asked him about his intentions to attend the assembly rooms on Wednesday next.

He’d never tried to procure admittance. Too many people, especially ladies.

But the knowledge that Mr. Wallace would be advancing his suit at every opportunity drove him to answer in the affirmative.

Only, he needed a voucher—and that required him to talk to a lady.

He groaned.

He would do it. He just hoped he didn’t make as big a fool of himself with Lady Jersey—the only proprietress with whom he was acquainted—as he had with Miss Guthrie.

It was too late in the day to visit the lady today and he needed to ready himself for dinner with Lord Ansley.

Tomorrow , he promised himself. He would visit Lady Jersey during her at home hours in the morning and pray she had pity on him. If not, he did not know what he would do.

Probably go mad sitting at home, wondering if Susannah was losing her heart to Mr. Wallace.

How could he have been so wrong about her supposed jealousy? He’d been certain she held some regard for him, but her obvious attention to Mr. Wallace conveyed a completely different sentiment.

Maybe what he’d seen as envy had been boredom with his conversation. That certainly had happened a time or two with other ladies. The thought was lowering.

Why could women not come with instructions on how to win their hearts? It would make the courtship process infinitely easier. Then he might know how Susannah truly felt.

Then again, did he want to know? What if, as he already suspected, she viewed him only platonically? What if Mr. Wallace fascinated and intrigued her far more than he ever could? What if the man’s kisses burrowed straight into her heart?

He stomped up the steps of Newhurst House, wishing he could shut up his overactive brain. He could not, would not give up now.

He’d overheard Susannah speaking to Javenia about remaining at Kendall House for the week, allowing Melior to rest. Perhaps if he stopped by after his dinner meeting, he could finally offer the apology he owed Susannah.

Yes, that was the start he needed. Best to send around a note advising them of his late arrival.

In his study he pulled out a scrap of paper.

Nate,

Would it be permissible for me to call on you, Eddie, and the ladies this evening near nine?

J. N.

He almost added a line about needing to speak with Miss Wayland, but on second thought realized that if Nate did not read too much into it, Eddie would.

After Javenia’s revelation, he had no doubt they would all unabashedly play the matchmaker if he gave the smallest inkling of his plans.

And while the help would be a godsend, they would probably find some way to bumble it so badly he’d never recover.

He’d muddled things enough anyway.

An hour later, a note came back to him.

John,

Miss Wayland and Eddie will be away this evening having been invited by Javenia and her mother to attend the theatre we’d originally planned. You would find only myself and Melior this evening, which I doubt is your purpose. Best take up your box at the theatre.

N.S.

Glancing at the clock, he contemplated sending his regrets to Lord Ansley, but duty won out over desire. The theatre started in one hour, the same hour he was expected to arrive at Berkley Square. He tossed the letter onto the desk. If only he did not hold such strong convictions.