Page 59 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart

“I think you may call me just Clarissa now. It’s better if there is less formality between us, don’t youthink.”

Susan smiled, “I like thinking of you as my aunt, but yes just Clarissa it shallbe.”

Susan explained about the incident earlier that morning with John and his daughter. It had upset her and she wanted to see what Clarissa thought aboutit.

After Susan told her the story, Clarissa sat, thinking aboutit.

“The human heart, eh? So complex. So fragile—and yet so strong. Poor John. He’s been brooding all these years. I’ve seen it poison his life. He’s never been able to look with longing toward another woman. But perhaps now, things will begin tochange.”

“How do you see thathappening?”

Clarissa leaned forward slightly. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say this, but I believe it’s important you know this for Elizabeth’ssake.”

“Yes?”

“The servants talk, you know?” she said with a smile. “It seems that earlier this morning—most likely after seeing his daughter—John went to his room and threw out all of Annabel’s clothing that he’d been holding on to all these years. It seems he told Standish to get rid of them all and then he left and has still notreturned.”

“Oh, my… It sounds like the actions of some hero out of a romance novel,” Susan said, with just a trace of asmile.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been urging John to do just that. I know that true love can be enduring but after a while… He could never let go and both he and his daughtersuffered.”

“Is there anything you think I could do to help him?” Susanasked.

Clarissa considered that then said, “I’m not sure there’s anything you candoexcept to be compassionate and patient with him. This is really something he’s going to need to work out for himself, I’mafraid.”

“And what about Elizabeth? I know she’s too young to be aware of what’s going on with him, but do you think she might continue to suffer hisresentment?”

Clarissa considered, thoughtfully, then said, “That’s difficult to say. I think the best thing there is for you to continue your love and support for her. Hopefully, one day, John will find some healing and come around to heragain.”

“Thank you, Clarissa, I guess we’ll both need to hope for the best for the Duke and do what we can to supporthim.”

Susan rose toleave.

“Oh, Susan, how did your trip to Ash go? Was your friendsick?”

Susan smiled and told her about the surprise of seeing her beau, Daniel, and the complications they were strugglingwith.”

“Ah, a budding romance,” shereplied.

“Perhaps. But we still have a lot to workout.”

“I wish you all the very best, mydear.”

* * *

Susan didn’t seeJohn for several days. He was not at supper nor did she see him out walking or riding in themornings.

Then a few days later she saw him when she was taking her usual morning walk. He spotted her, but turned aside and went in a differentdirection.

However, the next morning as she was returning from the extent of her walk, John came up behind her and fell into step besideher.

Susan looked up and smiled, but didn’t say anything. They walked on together in silence for a short distance. Then John said, “Miss Susan, I must ask for yourforgiveness.”

“Whatever for? I’m not aware of any slight on yourpart.”

“I was short with you and Elizabeth the other day. I feel I behaved badly and I regretit.”

“Sir, Aunt Clarissa has apprised me of your enduring grief over the loss of your wife. I believe your action the other day came out of that grief, and I dounderstand.”