chapter Eleven
Susannah found her aunt and Mrs Logan waiting for her in Royal Crescent when she returned. Kate’s immediate greeting included an apology for not accompanying her to Florence House.
‘I admit I was concerned when you were not at home,’ remarked Susannah.
‘I had business I was obliged to attend to.’
‘At eight in the morning?’
She was surprised to see her friend looking a little ill at ease, but she had no time to reflect upon it for her aunt was already fussing over her.
‘With Edwards driving you, and Lucas in attendance I was not overly worried,’ declared Aunt Maude, hugging her. ‘And when the snow set in I guessed you would be obliged to put up at the house overnight.’
‘Knowing how few habitable rooms there are in Florence House perhaps it was a good thing I was not with you,’ remarked Kate. ‘I said to Charles—’
‘Charles?’ Susannah turned to her. ‘You were with Charles Camerton? Was that the reason you could not come with me.’
She had never seen Kate blush before. Could it mean that her friend was truly attracted to the gentleman? Susannah tried to be happy for Kate, but she had to acknowledge a slight disappointment, a vague feeling that somehow her friend had let her down.
* * *
Susannah kept them occupied for the next hour discussing the snow and the situation at Florence House. She did not mention the viscount’s presence in the house, salving her conscience with the thought that do to so would give rise to unnecessary speculation. At length she escaped to her room to dress for dinner, only to suffer an uncomfortable half-hour as Dorcas bemoaned the loss of the tasselled cord from her
mistress’s green-silk gown. She was scandalised by Susannah’s airy admission that she had never liked the cord and had thrown it away. Her declaration that she was going to send the gown back to Odesse to be
fitted with a ribbon tie instead met with even more condemnation.
‘Never did I think you would be guilty of such extravagance, Miss Prentess,’ declared her maid, shaking her head. ‘Why, as high and mighty as a viscountess you are getting.’
‘No, I am not,’ declared Susannah, blushing hotly. ‘Why on earth should you say such a thing?’
Dorcas turned to stare at her.
‘It’s just a saying, miss, as well you knows. And I’m sure if you want a gown altering then ’tis no business of mine.’
Susannah quickly begged pardon and sat meekly while her maid dressed her hair, fervently hoping that she would be able to get through the rest of the evening without blushing again over the events of the past few days.
* * *
By Sunday the snow was melting, leaving the ground waterlogged and the sky grey and overcast. Susannah wondered if Jasper had left Bath, now that he knew she had no intention of marrying Gerald. She realised she would be very sorry if she did not see him again. Then she remembered his final words to her—it may be best if we do not meet for a few days. Her hopes rose. Surely that could only mean he was remaining in Bath? With this in mind she took particular care over her choice of walking dress for the Sunday morning service in the Abbey. A watery sun broke through the clouds as she descended from the carriage, prompting her aunt to hope that they had seen the last of the winter weather.
The walk to the Abbey doors was a short one, but Susannah was aware of the frowning looks that were cast her way as she accompanied her aunt. A frisson of nerves tingled down her spine. Did they know about her meetings with Lord Markham? To dine with him in York House had been a risk, but that was compounded by being stranded with him at Florence House the following night. Head high, she tucked her hand in Aunt Maude’s arm and accompanied her into the Abbey. A quick look around convinced Susannah that the viscount was not present. She was disappointed, but considering the looks she had received, she thought perhaps it was for the best.
The service seemed interminably long and Susannah was impatient to be outside again where she could confront those who were casting such disapproving stares in her direction. Better to know the worst immediately. At last they were making their way out through the doors and into the spring sunshine. Aunt Maude had been blissfully unaware of the frosty looks and now sailed up to Mr and Mrs Farthing, who were conversing with Amelia Bulstrode.
‘Oh, Mrs Wilby, I did not see you there.’ Mrs Bulstrode stopped, flustered, her eyes flickering to Susannah and away again. ‘Heavens, I did not expect—that is, with all the talk, I thought you might prefer not to come here today.’
‘Talk?’ Aunt Maude glanced at Susannah, a crease furrowing her brow. ‘Perhaps I have missed something. I have not been outside the house since Thursday.’
‘Then you will not know that everyone is talking about the new establishment you have seen fit to create,’ Mrs Farthing’s strident tones cut in. She turned to Susannah, her rather protuberant eyes snapping angrily. ‘I suppose you think yourself superior, Miss Prentess, to be setting up your own house for fallen women. Our establishment in Walcot Street is not good enough for you. I wonder what your uncle would think if he knew you had put one of his houses to such use.’
So it was Florence House that had started such a fluttering in the dovecotes. Relief allowed Susannah to respond mildly to the accusations.
‘I beg your pardon, ma’am, but you said yourself the Walcot Street home cannot cope with the number of applicants. My own small attempt to help distressed gentlewomen...’
‘Gentlewomen!’ Mrs Farthing snorted. ‘Trollops, they are. Wanton hussies, flaunting themselves before the young men. Is it any wonder that they find themselves in difficulties? Rather than trying to set up your own establishment, you should contribute to ours. I do not know why you want to pander to these females, setting them up in their own house out of town with a cook and a housekeeper and treating them as guests. Guests! They should be made to work, to understand the error of their ways. And if she were my niece, Mrs Wilby—’ she turned her attack towards Aunt Maude ‘—I would strongly counsel her to leave these matters to those who understand them.’
‘I’m afraid she is right,’ added Mr Farthing, smiling at Susannah in a very patronising way. ‘You young
ladies like your worthy causes, I know, but my dear wife has the right of it. You should not be associating with these creatures, lest you become tainted.’
Susannah’s temper reared at that, but Aunt Maude nipped her arm. Somehow she managed to hold her peace while Mrs Wilby smiled and nodded and said all that was necessary before leading her away.
‘Tainted!’ Susannah almost ground her teeth in annoyance. ‘Why, Aunt, if anyone is to talk of arrogance—’
‘I know, my dear, but few people are as liberal as you.’ Aunt Maude patted her arm as she guided her firmly towards the waiting carriage. ‘It is the reason we told no one about your little scheme, is it not? How on earth did word get out?’
Susannah wondered this, too, and she considered the matter during the short drive back to Royal Crescent.
‘I do not believe it could have come from the servants, I pay them very well for their discretion.’
‘Mrs Farthing did seem to be particularly well informed,’ mused Aunt Maude as the carriage pulled up at their door. ‘I suppose the truth was bound to come out at some point.’
‘But not yet,’ muttered Susannah. ‘Not now.’
She followed Aunt Maude into the house, where they divested themselves of their coats before repairing to the drawing room.
‘It could be very damaging if the connection between Odesse and Florence House is known,’ said Aunt Maude. ‘She is not yet well established, and the knowledge might affect her business. If that happened we would have to find another market for the lace, too. But who could have let it slip? Apart from the servants only you, me and Kate Logan know the truth.’
Susannah walked to the window and stared out. Suddenly the spring sun did not seem quite so bright.
‘There is another,’ she said slowly. ‘Lord Markham knows the truth.’
‘What?’
Susannah turned from the window. She could not bring herself to meet her aunt’s astonished gaze.
‘He followed me on Friday morning. I was obliged to explain to him. Everything.’
‘Oh heavens!’ Aunt Maude fell back in her chair, one hand pressed to her breast. ‘Why did you not say earlier, my dear? I suppose you thought it not worth a mention. And when I recall how bad the weather was on Friday, I suppose we must think ourselves lucky that he was not snowed up with you.’
‘Well, actually, ma’am...’
* * *
It took all Susannah’s reassurance and the judicious use of her aunt’s silver vinaigrette bottle to bring Mrs Wilby back to a semblance of normality. She would not rest until she had heard the whole story. She was shocked, scandalised, not least when Susannah told her that the viscount had cooked dinner for them all.
‘Well he is a very odd sort of man,’ she declared, fanning herself rapidly. ‘To remain in the house while you were all at sixes and sevens with the birth. And you say he did not insist upon taking the best bedchamber? Very odd indeed.’
‘He was content to sleep in the parlour and leave Mrs Gifford’s room for me.’ Susannah was relieved when her aunt accepted the inference. She feared that not even the vinaigrette would help if she had to confess to spending the night in the same room as the viscount.
‘Oh good heavens, what a tangle,’ declared Mrs Wilby. ‘It is bad enough that everyone knows you are involved in Florence House. If they should discover that you spent the night there, alone, with Lord Markham—’
‘I was hardly alone, Aunt,’ objected Susannah. ‘There was the scullery maid, three other ladies and two babies in the house, too.’
‘As if that makes it any better! I suppose it is too much to hope that the viscount has left Bath. He was not at the Abbey.’
‘Neither was Mr Barnabus.’
‘That is true.’ Mrs Wilby sighed. ‘Perhaps we should attend the ball in the Upper Rooms tomorrow night, after all, to make a show of indifference.’
Susannah shook her head.
‘We agreed we would go to the Fancy Ball on Thursday this week. We mentioned it to several of our acquaintances. I do not see that we should change our plans because of a little talk.’
‘Then we must wait until Tuesday to see what effect this has upon our card party.’
Susannah was inclined to be optimistic.
‘It is a matter of little importance to anyone but ourselves. I hope we will find our rooms as busy as ever.’
* * *
But when Tuesday arrived several of their usual guests sent their apologies and there was a depressing number of empty tables in the room. Susannah was relieved to see Gerald Barnabus arrive and several other young gentleman came in shortly after, but Susannah heard them telling her aunt that Mr Warwick would not be joining them.
‘He said he had a prior engagement, but we think otherwise,’ declared Mr Edmonds, grinning at his friends. ‘Your links with a certain house in the country appear to have upset him badly.’
‘Aye, guilty conscience, most likely,’ added William Farthing with a grating laugh that reminded Susannah very much of his mother.
Mrs Wilby raised her brows. The young man coloured and immediately begged pardon before moving off quickly with his friends to find amusement at one of the card tables. Susannah turned away, pretending to be busy until they had passed. Their amusement was almost worse than the disapproval of the older members of Bath society. She hoped her aunt’s obvious displeasure at their laughter would prevent the matter being raised again, but when several of them joined Susannah at the loo table, she discovered that they were more than ready to tease her about Florence House. She tried to keep her temper, but their constant gibes made her call a halt.
‘I pray you will say no more, gentlemen. This is a cause that should be supported by every Christian, not ridiculed. You at least should realise that, Mr Farthing, since your own mother is so closely involved with Walcot Street.’ She handed the cards to the gentleman on her right and rose from the table. ‘Pray continue the game for me, Mr Edmonds, I have had enough for tonight.’
She walked away, trying to calm herself. She should have known what to expect.
‘Miss Prentess.’ She turned to find Gerald beside her. He gave her a rueful smile. ‘So Florence House is no longer a secret.’
‘And the subject of much merriment,’ she said bitterly. ‘The jokes and winks, the innuendo—’
‘They are young and thoughtless,’ he said pacifically. ‘It is unusual for an unmarried lady to be involved in such a charity. You know yourself most young ladies would deny all knowledge of such matters.’
‘I would very much like to know how the secret got out,’ she said. ‘I don’t suppose it was you...’
‘Good Gad, Susannah, you know I would not say anything! I did not even tell Jasper about it.’
‘No, of course not.’ She smiled, and after a few moments he went off to join in a game of whist.
Susannah moved to a corner table, ostensibly to trim a flickering candle, but this was only an excuse to have a few moments to herself.
‘You are very pensive.’ Mrs Logan approached her.
‘Kate,’ Susannah kissed her cheek. ‘I did not see you arrive. How are you?’
‘Well, thank you.’ Kate searched her face. ‘But you are looking pale, Susannah. What is wrong?’
‘Oh, nothing.’ She tried to dismiss it with a smile. ‘I am merely wondering how everyone knows about Florence House. I have spoken to the servants, and I am convinced not one of them has said anything about it. Gerald, too, swears he has not said a word.’ She bit her lip. That left only Jasper.
You may rely upon me to say nothing of Florence House.
In her mind’s eye she saw his image again, standing at the carriage door, solid, secure...and unreliable. He had let her down, and it hurt all the more because she had been so sure she could trust him. Giving herself a mental shake, she dragged up a smile.
‘Well, it cannot be helped. We must do what we can to continue. Will you play vingt-et-un tonight, Kate? The winnings from the table are badly needed. I have paid Mr Tyler for the moment, but there will be more bills.’
‘Of course, although only until Char—I mean, Mr Camerton arrives.’
‘Oh, will he be coming then? Is be bringing the viscount?’
‘I can only vouch for Mr Camerton,’ replied Kate, a heightened colour in her cheeks. ‘I do not think he has seen Lord Markham at all this week.’
‘My biggest problem with Mr Camerton is that he wins far too often.’ Susannah said it lightly, but she was half in earnest. She had noticed that when Charles Camerton was at the table, Kate’s attention was not given fully to the game, and she could ill afford more losses.
* * *
The following morning Susannah’s worst fears were confirmed. Their rooms had been only half-full, and when Mrs Wilby totted up the figures she reported sadly that they had made only thirty pounds.
‘Hardly enough to pay for the supper.’ Aunt Maude put down her pen. ‘And nothing from Kate. She was playing picquet with Mr Camerton for most of the evening. One can only guess what her losses must be. I cannot understand why she continues to play against him.’
‘Can you not, Aunt?’ Susannah rubbed her arms. ‘I think she is in love with him.’
‘Kate? I do not believe it. She has completely forsworn men.’
‘That is what I thought, too. I thought she felt as I do.’
‘But if she is in love...’
‘I know,’ said Susannah in a hollow voice. ‘Everything has changed. And it is all Lord Markham’s fault, damn him!’
‘Susannah!’
She coloured and quickly begged pardon. ‘But it was the viscount who brought Charles Camerton to our rooms, and he betrayed me—us.’
‘I am inclined to be philosophical,’ her aunt responded. ‘Florence House could not remain a secret for ever, and I cannot be sorry if Kate has found a man to love her.’
‘Her first husband was a brute,’ declared Susannah. ‘In Gibraltar his viciousness was the talk of the regiment. I only hope she will not be hurt again.’
‘My love, not all men are undeserving scoundrels,’ said Aunt Maude gently. ‘I was happily married to a good, kind man for fifteen years. Why, even Lord Markham may have his good points. At least he does not appear to have told anyone about Odesse.’
‘He should not have told anyone anything,’ retorted Susannah. ‘He promised me—’ She broke off, determined not to give in to the dull aching misery inside her. ‘Enough of this. We shall come about, so let us not be too despondent. The sun is shining, Odesse has just delivered my new walking dress, so I shall take a stroll in Sydney Gardens. Will you come with me?’
No more was said about the card party and Aunt Maude was content to accept Susannah’s assurances that all would be well. A visit to Odesse confirmed that her business was still doing well. In fact she reported that the number of customers was increasing, but despite that, Susannah felt the leaden weight inside. It was not that the secret of Florence House was out, but the fact that she had trusted Jasper, and he had let her down.
* * *
As they made their way to the Upper Rooms for Thursday’s ball Aunt Maude wondered aloud how many of their acquaintance knew about her patronage of Florence House, and how many would show their disapproval. Susannah made a brave response, but she was secretly relieved to find that they were not completely ignored when they entered the ballroom.
A short distance from the door a group of young bucks stood talking. Susannah knew them all, but as they approached one of them looked up. For a moment he glared at her, then turned and strode off.
‘Dear me, it appears we have indeed offended Mr Warwick,’ murmured Aunt Wilby.
She spoke quietly, but a young gentleman making his bow to Susannah overheard and grinned.
‘Take no notice of Warwick, Miss Prentess, he’s been like a bear with a sore head recently. Probably worrying over some female.’ He laughed heartily, then he leaned closer, saying confidentially, ‘We’ve told him, ma’am, that if it’s that sort of trouble...’ he tapped his nose
‘...then the gal might be glad of your little, ah, charity.’ With a knowing grin he linked arms with his companions and walked away.
‘I suppose we shall have to accustom ourselves to such talk,’ remarked Mrs Wilby in a tone of long-suffering. ‘It will die away soon enough, once there is some other juicy gossip to replace it.’
Susannah knew this to be true, but it angered her to think all her careful preparations for Florence House might be jeopardised because the secret had been revealed too soon, and by a man who assured her she could trust him.
She had convinced herself that she never wanted to see Lord Markham again, that she could shrug her shoulders and put him from her mind, but when she saw him conversing with Gerald Barnabus all the pent-up anger of the past few days came flooding back.
As if aware of her eyes upon him, the viscount looked up. He touched Gerald’s arm and the two men approached. Susannah watched in growing anger and amazement as Jasper made his bow to her aunt. He was completely at his ease. She glared at him, but it had no effect. When he addressed her she quickly turned away from him, causing her filmy muslin skirts to flounce around her. How dare he think he could betray her and get away with it!
‘Miss Prentess, are you not well?’
‘Perfectly, thank you.’ She wanted to ignore him but he took her elbow and in the confusion of the crowded room he adroitly moved her away from her aunt.
‘Are you cross with me for staying away for so long?’ he said quietly. ‘I beg your pardon, but I had business to attend to, and thought, in the circumstances—’
‘In the circumstances, my lord,’ she interrupted him savagely, ‘it would be better if you stayed away for good,’
‘What is this? What have I done to offend you?’
‘As if you did not know!’
His brows snapped together.
‘No, I do not know. When we parted on Saturday—’
‘On Saturday you promised not to mention Florence House to anyone.’
‘And I have not done so.’
‘Why, then, is everyone talking of it? Why have I been subjected to cold stares and even been snubbed by my erstwhile acquaintances?’
‘Susannah, I give you my word—’
‘Don’t you dare use my name,’ she shot back at him. ‘How dare you even speak to me!’
She went to move away but his fingers tightened on her arm.
‘I do not know who has given away your secret, but it was not me.’
She shook off his hand.
‘Everyone else who knows about Florence House has been party to the secret for months and not a hint of it has leaked out. But only days after I tell you, it is common knowledge.’
‘However that may be, it is not my doing, and not my groom’s either. He knows better than to talk out of turn.’
‘I do not believe you.’ Her lip curled. ‘Pray leave me, Lord Markham. I have no wish for your company this evening.’
Susannah turned away and this time he made no attempt to prevent her. She made her way back through the crowd to her aunt’s side, prepared to explain the angry flush on her cheek, but Aunt Maude merely gave her a distracted smile.
‘Mr Barnabus has gone, Susannah, but he said to remind you that you promised to dance with him later. Oh dear, I have received the cut direct from at least two ladies, and Mrs Sanstead says I should persuade you to distance yourself from Florence House if you are not to be ostracised by Bath society.’
‘Really? How dare these small-minded matrons think they can dictate to me!’
‘Now, Susannah, pray be careful,’ Aunt Maude begged her. ‘Do not let your temper carry you away. We need the good offices of these ladies. How else are we to fund Florence House for the rest of this year?’
‘I neither know nor care,’ Susanna ground out furiously.
‘Perhaps we should close the house, until we have more funds.’
Aunt Maude’s tentative suggestion brought Susannah’s outraged eyes upon her, but after a moment her fury died down.
‘No, I will not do that, unless there is no other way.’ She looked around. ‘I expected to see Kate here.’
Mrs Wilby tutted.
‘Oh, my dear, it completely slipped my mind. She sent a note to say she was going out of town for a few days.’
‘That is a pity, I would have liked her support tonight. Never mind.’ Susannah put on a brave smile. ‘We shall stand our ground, Aunt. One or two may turn away from us, but our true friends will stand by us, and I hope once the gossip has died down we shall recover.’ She smiled mischievously. ‘Besides, I cannot leave yet. Odesse assured me this latest gown she has created for me will look its best when I am dancing.’
* * *
There was no lack of partners for Susannah, but the numbers soliciting her to dance were sadly diminished, and the high-nosed stares she received from a group of matrons standing with Mrs Farthing suggested that many of them were shocked to learn of her involvement with Florence House. Keeping her head high, Susannah smiled and laughed with her dance partners, but by the time she rejoined her aunt after a series of lively country dances her cheeks ached with the effort.
‘Heavens, I never thought dancing could be such a chore,’ she muttered, following Aunt Maude to a space where they might not be overheard, but when asked if she wanted to go home, she quickly disclaimed, ‘I beg your pardon, Aunt, I should not be complaining. There are still many here who do not care a fig for my association with Florence House.’
‘Yes, my love, but they are not the high sticklers who can make a difference to our long-term plans. If the cream of Bath society should turn against you, then your patronage of Odesse could count against her—’ Aunt Maude broke off and gazed past Susannah, a wary look in her eye.
‘Miss Prentess, would you do me the honour of standing up with me for the next dance?’
Jasper’s cool voice brought the angry flush back to Susannah’s cheeks. Had he not understood what she had said to him? Without turning, she said coldly, ‘No, my lord, I will not.’
Aunt Maude gasped in horror, but Susannah merely hunched one white shoulder. Instead of moving off, the viscount stepped closer. She was aware of his presence, the heat of his body at her back. She could feel his breath on her cheek as he spoke quietly in her ear.
‘Think carefully about this, madam. Your credit in Bath is sadly diminished. Can you afford not to dance with me?’
She bit her lip. He was right. It did not take Aunt Maude’s beseeching stare to tell her so. Slowly she turned around. He smiled and held out his arm, but the steely glint in his eye told her he was not in the mood to be refused. Reluctantly she placed her fingers on his sleeve.
‘That is better. Let us see what we can do to repair the damage.’
‘I am doing this under sufferance,’ she muttered as he led her on to the floor. ‘I have not forgiven you.’
‘Since I am not at fault there is nothing to forgive,’ he retorted. They took their places facing one another, more duellists than dancers. He bowed to her as the music started, and as they passed in the dance he continued, ‘Do you know, you are the most stubborn female I have ever met.’
‘It must be a novel experience for you, my lord, to find a woman who will not toady and flatter you.’ She bit the words off quickly as they circled about the other dancers. Angry as she was, Susannah did not wish anyone else to hear their argument. When Jasper took her hand again he carried on the conversation.
‘Not at all—’ they separated, circled, returned ‘—there are many such, but few who would be as ungrateful as you.’
Susannah’s eyes flashed, but she was obliged to hold back her retort until they were once again holding hands.
‘Oh, so I should be obliged to you, should I, because you deign to stand up with me?’
‘No, you tiresome wench, because I am trying my utmost to prevent you from becoming a pariah. My attendance upon you may persuade those ladies whose support you need to think better of you.’ His lips curved upwards as he watched her struggle. He reached out and took her hand as the last notes of the music died away. ‘You know I am right,’ he murmured as he bowed over her fingers. ‘I can make you or break you tonight.’ He straightened and bestowed on her his most charming smile. ‘Well, Miss Prentess, what is it to be? Shall we stay for the cotillion?’
The fact that he was right did nothing for Susannah’s temper. In any other circumstances she would have swept off and left him standing alone on the dance floor, but she was well aware that such an action would only increase the disapprobation already surrounding her. She cared nothing for her own standing in Bath, but at present Florence House could not survive without the extra revenue she could provide. In the future she hoped there would be sufficient money from Odesse and the lace-makers to help maintain the house, but
this was a critical time. She needed the viscount’s support.
With enormous effort she forced herself to smile at him, saying through her clenched teeth, ‘With the greatest of pleasure, Lord Markham.’
* * *
‘Well, that passed off exceeding well,’ declared Mrs Wilby as she waited for Susannah to extricate herself from her chair in the hallway of Royal Crescent. ‘Lord Markham’s timely intervention had a profound effect on everyone. Even before you had finished the cotillion Lady Horsham and Mrs Bray-Tillotson came up to speak to me, and I have received no more than a nod from either of them before.’ She took Susannah’s arm and led her into the morning room on the ground floor, where candles burned and the fire had been built up for their return. ‘And then to join Mr Barnabus in escorting us to supper. Why, even Mrs Farthing and her cronies could not quite snub us after that!’
‘No’ Susannah moved towards the fire to warm her hands. ‘His lordship was most accommodating.’
‘Indeed he was. I think he must regret letting slip our secret.’
‘He maintains he said nothing.’
‘Well then, it was even more considerate of him to give us so much of his time tonight.’
It was clear to Susannah that her aunt had been very anxious about their reception at the ball and her relief now took the form of continuous chatter. Susannah let it wash over her for a few minutes before making her excuses and fleeing to her bedroom.
She was obliged to be grateful for the viscount’s attentions but she would have preferred a simple apology. In that he was no different from most men, so arrogant that he would not admit he had been at fault, that he had made known her connection with Florence House. His refusal to do so had quite spoiled her evening. Jasper was a good dancer and in other circumstances she would have revelled in standing up with him for the cotillion, holding his hands, laughing up into his face, but his perfidy hung between them like a cloud. She had kept her smile in place, concentrating on the intricacies of the dance and determined not to allow her anger to be visible to the constantly changing partners, but it had been difficult.
The viscount had been most attentive at supper, too. Outwardly Susannah had been serene and smiling, but he had not been deceived, and once Dorcas had undressed her, brushed out her hair and departed, Susannah slipped between the sheets and relived her brief, final meeting with the viscount.
They had been waiting for their cloaks when Jasper came up to take his leave. He had taken advantage of the noisy, bustling chatter to speak to her alone.
‘You will not cry friends with me?’
‘I am, of course, grateful for what you have done tonight, my lord...’
‘Well that is something, I suppose.’ He took her hand. ‘I have much ground to make up, but I will come about, Susannah, believe me.’
But, of course, she could not believe him. She could not trust him ever again.
* * *
When Jasper awoke the following morning his first conscious thought was of Susannah Prentess. How she had ripped up at him when she thought he had broken his word to her. She had looked quite magnificent, those hazel eyes flashing with emerald-green sparks of anger. It would take time and patience to convince her he had not been to blame but it would be worth it. For the present he hoped he had deflected some of the disapproval away from her—surely the attentions of a viscount would count for something with the Bath harpies.
He jumped out of bed and rang the bell. He was eager to see Susannah again—it surprised him a little to realise how much he wanted to see her—but he must allow her a day or two. At present she was too angry to listen to reasoned argument. There was plenty to do. He had letters to write to his man of business, and he and Gerald had discussed plans for a riding party with Charles Camerton and a few of the other gentlemen of their acquaintance, so perhaps he should talk to Gerald about that. Still, he might take a walk this morning, and if he should happen to bump into Miss Prentess, well....
* * *
He made his way to the Pump Room, stopping off on his way to call at the White Hart, where he was told that Mr Camerton was gone away.
‘We are expecting him back in a day or so, though, m’lord,’ said the servant, pocketing the coin Jasper pressed into his hand. ‘He’s left his bags here.’
With an inward shrug Jasper left the inn. His plans to form a riding party must wait, then. He crossed the road to the Pump Room, but a quick tour of the crowded room informed him that Susannah and her aunt were not present. However, having ventured into the busy meeting place, he could not leave before speaking to a number of his acquaintances and listening to the latest gossip. He was pleased that this no longer centred on Susannah—she had been supplanted by the news that the Dowager Countess of Gisburne was in Bath.
Jasper received the information with interest, and set off for Laura Place, where he was shown into the countess’s drawing room by her stately butler.
He found himself in the presence of an elderly lady dressed in black satin. She was sitting in a large, carved armchair, her back ramrod straight, and the bright eyes that watched him cross the room were remarkably piercing.
‘Markham...’ she held out her hand ‘...I did not expect to find you here, but it is a pleasant surprise. You will take wine with me? Good.’ She paused while he bowed over her fingers and did not object when he then leaned forwards to kiss her cheek. ‘You can tell me how your family go on. I saw your sister in town, looking radiant, as ever. And how is Dominic, my godson? I wanted to get to Rooks Tower for the christening, but the weather...’ She waved one beringed hand. ‘I would have risked it, but Gisburne and my doctor were adamant.’
‘And quite right, too, ma’am,’ Jasper agreed, pulling up a chair and sitting down. ‘Dominic would never forgive you for knocking yourself up with such a journey. He is inordinately happy, you know.’
‘Having met his wife I can believe it,’ replied the dowager. ‘Zelah Coale is a very sensible gel, and a reliable correspondent, too.’
‘Yes, she has won all our hearts.’
Even as he uttered the words, Jasper realised with a slight jolt of surprise that Zelah had not been in his thoughts for some weeks now.
‘And how are you, my boy—still leading the young ladies a merry dance?’
‘Rather the reverse, ma’am,’ he replied, thinking of Susannah. ‘But tell me, what brings you to Bath?’
‘The winter left me a trifle fagged and my doctor thought it would do me good to take the waters.’
‘As long as it is nothing serious.’
‘Not a whit, although I don’t doubt Gisburne and his wife would like it to be. They must wish me at Jericho.’
Jasper grinned, too well acquainted with the dowager’s easy-natured son to believe any such thing.
‘You know he would dispute that, and your many charities would miss you, too.’ He paused, gazing down at the large signet ring on his finger. ‘And talking of your charities, I think you may be able to help me.’
‘Go on.’
Jasper took advantage of the servant’s entrance to consider his words. Once the glasses had been filled and they were alone again he began.
‘A friend...’ He hesitated, knowing that in her present mood Susannah would object strongly to the term. ‘An acquaintance has set up a home for young ladies of gentle birth who have been abandoned by their families for, ah...’
‘For being pregnant,’ she finished for him. ‘There is no need to be mealy-mouthed with me, Markham.’
He smiled.
‘I beg your pardon. Let me explain...’
* * *
When he had finished telling her about Florence House, the lace-makers and Odesse, Lady Gisburne nodded slowly.
‘Exemplary.’ She put down her empty wineglass. ‘What is it you want from me?’
‘Ostensibly all this was set up by Mrs Wilby. Now it is known that her unmarried niece is closely involved with Florence House and the Bath tabbies are sharpening their claws. Some have already cut the acquaintance. If they learn of the connection with the modiste it could destroy the small income that keeps the house going.’ He refilled the glasses and held one out to the Dowager. ‘The niece is an heiress and I believe she intends to fund the scheme, once she comes into her inheritance, but that will not be for a year or two yet. I would like to help them.’
She looked at him over the rim of her glass.
‘Repenting past sins, Markham?’
‘Certainly not,’ he replied, in no way offended. ‘Seducing innocents has never been my style, and despite my reputation I have always been alive to the consequences of my actions. I am tolerably certain there are no bastards of mine in the world. No, it is purely altruistic.’ He found he could not meet that searching gaze and studied the contents of his wineglass instead. ‘Any offer of assistance from me would be rejected, but you could tell Mrs Wilby there is an anonymous benefactor who wishes to invest in some worthy cause.’
The dowager sipped at her wine, a slight crease furrowing her brow. Jasper waited patiently, knowing better than to disturb the old lady. At last she looked up, a glimmer of a smile on her sharp features.
‘Very well, I will do it. If only to confound the Bath tabbies!’