Page 56 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

She followed him down the hall and to the sitting room, where Katherine and their mother were alsoseated.

Katherine stood up and went over to give Susan ahug.

“You rascal, surprising me like this,” Susan said, pinching Katherine’scheek.

“It’s all his fault,” Katherine said, pointing to Daniel. “He wouldn’t let me tell you he wasback.”

“Guilty,” he said, raising hishand.

“How did this happen? I didn’t expect to see you for ages. And did you get my letter?” sheasked.

“I didn’t. Did you getmine?”

“I certainly did, and I answered it just before I moved toHaverford.”

“Navy mail is very slow. And with us at sea, it may take months. But the reason I’m here at all is that we got called back to port unexpectedly. It seems we have a new mission and needed to be outfitted differently. So here I am—with shore leave for aweek.”

“How delightful,” Susan said. “But you know I’m employed now and not as free to visit as I was previously. I have the most adorable charge now—a sweet five-year-old named Elizabeth. She’s the daughter of theDuke.”

“How did you get here?” Katherineasked.

“I borrowed a trap,why?”

“Why don’t the two of you go for a drive? Take a walk along the river. It’s such a lovely autumn afternoon then you can come back fortea.”

Susan looked over at Daniel, who was smiling andnodding.

“That sounds lovely,” shesaid.

Daniel took the reins and flicked them to get the horse to move. They drove mostly in silence until they reached Susan’s favorite riverwalk.

Daniel tied the horse and they began their promenade. He took her hand in his and gazed into her eyes as they startedout.

Susan was still reeling with the surprise of seeing Daniel, but she was enjoying herself immensely. It felt nice to have her hand in Daniel’s, and it was also nice to be walking along in silence. She’d come to realize that to be truly silent with someone and at the same time to be in total peace was a rare gift. She couldn’t help but remember walking along this very path with Sir Jasper and enduring his incessantchatter.

“It’s so wonderful seeing you again, Susan,” Daniel finally said. “I’d resigned myself to a much longer absence, and now here weare.”

“Then you missed me?” Susanasked.

Daniel looked into her eyes and smiled. “Need youask?”

Susan returned the smile. Daniel squeezed herhand.

“Susan, I’ve given a lot of thought to what we discussed previously about my life atsea.

“You said so in your letter and I really appreciate you giving consideration to thematter.”

“Susan, it’s very important that you answer me truthfully, and tell me what is truly in yourheart.”

“Of course.” She looked at him with some concern. “Why would Inot?”

“Good. Because these are my thoughts. I really care a great deal for you Susan, and if your feelings were as intense as mine, and you agreed to marry me, then I would be willing to give up my naval commission and seek a land position so that we might create a lifetogether.”

Susan was struck silent as she integrated what he’d justsaid.

“Marriage? Are you asking me to marry you,Daniel?”

“Only if you feel completelyready.”