Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,72

had already accepted Gerald? He paused, rubbing his chin. If that was so, why did she not tell him as much?

* * *

By the time he reached York House he was no nearer an answer and he strode on to Westgate Buildings, where he was informed Mr Barnabus had not yet left his room. He took the stairs two at a time and his knock upon the door was answered almost immediately.

‘Jasper, come in.’ Gerald was in his shirtsleeves, his cravat hanging loose about his neck. He stood aside to let Jasper enter. ‘I thought you were at Markham.’

‘I returned last night. I understand I should congratulate you.’ Jasper watched him carefully. There was nothing but genuine pleasure in the young man’s smile.

‘Ah, you have heard then. She has accepted me at last.’

Jasper forced his own lips into a smile and said casually, ‘You have been very busy while I have been away.’

‘It was all agreed at the Upper Rooms on Monday. I was coming out of the tea room when we met and, well...’ He paused while he deftly knotted his neckcloth, then grinned at Jasper. ‘Suddenly we had agreed it all.’

‘Extraordinary,’ murmured Jasper.

‘Isn’t it?’ said Gerald. ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am.’ He glanced down at his watch. ‘I cannot stay longer, I am afraid. I am off to Hotwells to see my mother. I want to tell her myself and give her time to become accustomed to the idea before I take Susannah to meet her. Then we can decide upon when and where we are to be married.’

Jasper had been holding on to some faint idea that this was all a hoax, but now that hope died. Susannah would not deliberately serve Gerald such a trick. But something was wrong, he was certain of it, and if he was to prevent her making the biggest mistake of her life then he had to call a halt to this engagement, before it was too late.

He went back to his hotel and sent a note to Royal Crescent, formally begging for an interview with Miss Prentess as soon as she returned. Shortly before dinner he had his reply. He read the words aloud. ‘Miss Prentess

regrets she is not at home to callers.’

With a savage curse he screwed up the paper and hurled it into the fireplace.

* * *

Susannah and Lady Gisburne’s visit to Florence House took the best part of the day, but Susannah was well satisfied with the result. Mrs Gifford was now back as housekeeper, and after accepting their condolences upon the death of her sister she sat down with them to discuss the running of the house. Lady Gisburne approved of all that had been achieved and promised to provide funds to enable more extensive repairs on the house to begin immediately. Before leaving, Susannah took some time to speak to the young ladies still in residence. There were only two, Lizzie and her baby having moved to Henrietta Street. Violet Anstruther was inclined to be tearful and required a great deal of comforting from Mrs Gifford, but Jane and her baby were doing well and Susannah was touched when Jane asked permission to call her daughter Susan.

* * *

‘You were wise to start on a small scale,’ Lady Gisburne commented as the carriage trundled back to Bath. ‘Now word of Florence House is out I expect applications to increase rapidly.’

‘Yes, sadly I believe that is true. There are any number of young women requiring our support. The rent from Odesse and the lace-makers helps, but it will not cover everything. Your help is very welcome in keeping the house running.’

‘The papers are being drawn up even now, and I have sent out invitations for the little party on Saturday, to formally announce my patronage of Florence House.’ The dowager gave a thin smile. ‘There are times when a title is very useful, Miss Prentess. I have had very few refusals.’

‘I am glad to hear it, My aunt and I are very much looking forward to coming to Laura Place for the event, I only wish Gerald could be back in time, but he writes to say Mrs Barnabus needs him for a few more days yet.’

With an alarming want of tact he had also written that his mother had been thrown into strong hysterics by the news of their betrothal, but she did not intend to share this news with anyone.

‘Once you are married you may not be able to play such