Page 125 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 26

Susan stoodin Clarissa’s room, with her back to the door, breathing heavily. She was tingling all over and tried to gather her wits and calmdown.

“He’s alive. Daniel is alive,” sheshouted.

Clarissa was at her desk and put her hand to her mouth in astonishment. “Oh, my dear child—amiracle.”

“He was just here, and he asked me to marry himagain,” she blurtedout.

“What splendid news. And did you accept?” Clarissaasked.

Susan was still in shock. This was all too much to assimilate in such a short time. She was unsure what tosay.

“Susan? Are you going to accept his proposal?” she askedagain.

“I don’t know,” she saidsoftly.

“What did you tell him? Is he stillhere?”

Susan went over to Clarissa’s desk and pulled up a chair to sit near her. “No, he’s gone for now. I told him I was too much in shock and I needed time to think about it. He’s agreed to give me time but insists he’ll be backsoon.”

“Susan, what startling news. You must be in a great deal of turmoil rightnow.”

“I certainly am. But it’s not just the surprise of seeing Daniel,though…”

“Really? Whatelse?”

Susan was unsure if she should tell Clarissa, but she desperately needed to talk to someone about what else was happening toher.

“John and I… we’ve developed feelings for eachother.”

“Susan… You andJohn?”

She nodded. “John declared his love when we were walking. And he was most sincere. But I said I wasn’t quite over my feelings for Daniel, and I asked him to please wait. But that was before Daniel’s return. And now Daniel has asked me to marry. Clarissa, I’m totallyconfused.”

“And do you have feelings forJohn?”

“Yes, I do. Is that terrible ofme?”

“Not at all. How could you not? You are so compatible and you both share a love for Elizabeth which can’t help but bind you even closertogether.”

“Clarissa, what should I do? Tellme.”

Clarissa laughed. “Oh, my darling, you know I can’t tell you that. That is something you’re going to have to work out byyourself.”

“It’s not fair,” she said with a pout. “I was just about to accept John… and nowthis.”

“Then you still have feelings forDaniel?”

“I’m surprised, but I do.” She glanced at Clarissa’s clock and became flustered. “And now it’s lesson time and I must fetchElizabeth.”

She sighed and headed for the door, but turned and said, “And if you’re blessed with any life changing insights for me in the next hour or two, please let meknow.”

* * *

John foundSimon at breakfast earlier that samemorning.

“Brother, are you free anytime this morning?” Johnasked.