Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,56

poured coffee for them both.

‘I suggested Morton and your menservants should take the shovels and try to force a path to drive the carriage to the village. I think you would like the midwife to come here as soon as possible?’

‘Yes, thank you. I did check on Jane. She and the baby are well but I shall be happier once the midwife has seen them.’

‘Of course. I have given instruction that if the midwife is not available then they must bring the doctor.’

She murmured her thanks, once more shaken by his kindness.

* * *

Susannah was relieved to feel a little better once she had broken her fast and the rest of the morning passed quickly. She coaxed Violet Anstruther down to the kitchen and showed her how to prepare breakfast for the others, then she busied herself with household duties until the noise and bustle at the front door heralded the arrival of the midwife. She was accompanied by a cheerful-looking woman who introduced herself as Mrs Ibbotson and said she had come about the position of housekeeper.

‘I am a widow, you see, Miss Prentess,’ she explained, when Susannah took her aside to interview her. ‘All my children have flown the nest, so there is nothing I would enjoy more than to be looking after the young ladies until Mrs Gifford returns. The viscount’s man told me what is expected and a few extra shillings is always welcome. I took the liberty of bringing a bag with me in the hope that you would agree to me starting immediately, which I am free to do.’

With a recommendation from the midwife and Bessie’s statement that she had known Mrs Ibbotson for many years and knew her to keep an excellent house, Susannah felt it safe to think of returning to Bath.

‘The men say the main road is passable,’ Jasper informed her. ‘I will follow you in my curricle, to make sure you come to no harm.’

‘Pho, I have my coachman and footman to look after me, I shall be safe enough,’ she declared, but she was pleased to know he would be there, all the same.

Suddenly it was time to go. Susannah said goodbye to the girls, forbade any of them to come outside to see her off and found herself being handed into her waiting carriage by the viscount.

‘I will take another route once we reach Bath,’ he announced. ‘There may be talk.’

‘I suspect the weather is providing the Bath residents with plenty to discuss for the moment.’

‘Nevertheless, we should avoid giving them fuel for gossip.’ He stood back as the servant put up the steps and closed the door. ‘It may be best if we do not meet for a few days, just to be on the safe side. You may rely upon me to say nothing of Florence House, or of our being here together.’

‘Thank you.’ It was too soon, there was more she wanted to say, but she had to content herself with a small wave. Jasper raised his hand in salute and was lost to sight as the carriage pulled away.

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