Page 113 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

“Very well, let me ask you this,” she said, picking up her knitting and returning to the socks she was making for Elizabeth. “How would you describe what you feel—physically—when you are with each man? Can you dothat?”

Susan gave that some thought. “Well, Daniel makes me feel warm, safe, andcomfortable.”

“AndJohn?”

“Hmm. There have been times when I look at him and I can’t catch my breath. And if he touches me, I feel a shiver all the way down to my toes. It’s like a sudden spark when you least expect it—like when you reach out to touch someone when it’s dry in the winter and a spark jumps between the two ofyou.”

Clarissa nodded. “Can you see the difference from what you justsaid?”

Susan thought about that. “Safe and comfortable versus shivers and sparks. One sounds bland and the other passionate andexciting.”

“Hmm. Not to mention the fact that there is the problem of your captain being at sea for long periods of time. Now, I guess, it’s going to be up to you to make the finaldecision.”

Susan was still in turmoil. “I don’t know. Daniel is so ardent and caring. And I’ve only begun to explore my feelings for John. It’s just too early for me to make such a momentousdecision.”

“And there’s also the fact that if you married John, you’d become Elizabeth’s step-mother. You would become a permanent part of her life. Does that appeal toyou?”

Susan lit up. “Oh, Clarissa, you know itdoes.”

Susan’s body seemed to collapse. It was all too much to handle at the moment and she put her hands up to the sides of her head and just shookit.

* * *

John had toldStandish to tell Miss Fitz that he would not have time to visit with her before supper. However, she had been invited to meet for sherry in the second drawing room atsix.

She was already seated by the fireplace with a glass of sherry, with Standish standing by, when John entered. John gave a discreet nod to Standish and he left theroom.

“Miss Fitz…” Johnstarted.

“Oh, please, just Fitz. Certainly, there’s no need for a great deal of formality between the two ofus.”

She was dressed elegantly—far exceeding the dress requirement for a simple supper evening at home. Her hair was perfectly coiffed, her dress—a dazzle—and her physical attributes in fulldisplay.

She was seated on a love seat and patted the space next to her—clearly an invitation for John to sit besideher.

However, John remained standing and stood with his hands folded behind him—back to thefire.

“Miss Fitz,” John began, “I want you to know that I’m happy to have you in my house as myguest…”

“And I am delighted to behere.”

“However, it is rather an inconvenient time for me, as I am in the final stages of preparing my wool for shipment tomarket.”

John was trying to be polite and a goodhost.

“But certainly that doesn’t takeallyour time, every single day. You must make time for… recreation… as well, is that not so? I know you like to ride. And you shoot. And, of course, your evenings are free, are theynot?”

John could see she was unrelenting in her pursuits and he determined to beforthright.

“Miss Fitz, what I am trying to say, is that I am aware of your intentions in finding a suitable husband.” She blanched at his directness. “And I see I must make it perfectly clear to you that, while one may not discount your undeniable charms, it is not to beme.”

She was stunned, and for a moment had no response. Then she asked with an obvious acerbity, “Is it that teacher? Has she insinuated herself into your life? Is she yourintended?”

“That is neither here nor there, Miss Fitz. And my point is that while you are welcome to stay as long as it takes for you to make other arrangements, I expect you to make them in a timely manner. Am I perfectlyclear?”

Fitz gazed down at her glass of sherry and nodded but did notspeak.

Then John asked, “And how was your visit with Lady Briddlesworth? Is she still collectingorchids?”