Page 29 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

“I agree, he is. But he’s also anenigma.”

“Howso?”

Susan explained his odd behavior at thewedding.

“But it seems he holds no animosity toward you. He appeared to be the perfect gentleman—although darklyso.”

“How do you mean?” Susanasked.

“There is a brooding intensity behind his eyes. He looks like he could either break into song or slay a dragon, depending on hismood.”

“Oh, Jessica, I adore you. You can always make melaugh.”

“And it also seemed to me that he was scrutinizing you quite thoroughly, aswell.”

“But remember, Jessica, he’s a Duke and I’m but a school mistress. He was just being polite to alocal.”

“But certainly, he must consider you more than just that? After all, his brother was to marryyou.”

“His brother… yes. The second son with noinheritance.”

After leaving the pump room, they left the building and went to the street where Jessica hailed acab.

“I must alert cook that we’re havingguests.”

“Isn’t it a bit late? It doesn’t give her a lot of time to prepare for two more guests, doesit?”

Jessica waved her hand in the air as the cab headed towardThe Circus. “She always prepares for more than expected. Folks are always staying for dinner at the lastmoment.”

Susan laughed. “My mother would have a cow if we sprang unexpected guests onher.”

“Ah, my dear, but this is Bath. One always expects theunexpected.”

* * *

John had beenpolite and reserved all through dinner. However, he kept studying Susan and smiling when she looked up athim.

Aunt Clarissa was in a cheery mood and helped carry the dinner conversation through to theend.

As there were no other gentlemen in attendance to have port and cigars with, all four retired to the sitting room for coffee andcognac.

As they were heading toward the sitting room, Susan placed her hand on John’s arm, stopping him as the two ladies walked onahead.

“John, I wanted to let you know I met your brother inLondon.”

He seemed startled. “Did you have an appointment withhim?”

“Oh, no. It was a chancemeeting.”

“Was it awkward foryou?”

“Somewhat, but Irecovered.”

“I’ve not had a word from him since he absconded with my money before yourwedding.”

“Yes, I asked him if he’d paid you back, but he indicated that hehadn’t.

“And that’s true. How did heseem?”