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