Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,88

happy to afford the young man a private interview.’

‘I know, but perhaps he is coercing her.’

‘They are only in the next room. She has but to raise her voice and we would hear it.’ The housekeeper picked up her scissors and snipped the thread. ‘Be patient,’ she said, putting away her needle and folding up the pillowcase. ‘You were sufficiently convinced of Mr Warwick’s sincerity to bring him here. Now let him make his case to the lady.’

Susannah stopped pacing.

‘I may be wrong,’ she said. ‘Until very recently I would not put my trust in any man—’ She broke off as the adjoining door opened and the young couple came in. One look at Violet’s happy face told her that everything was well.

‘Miss Anstruther has consented to become my wife,’ declared Mr Warwick, following Violet into the parlour. He caught her hand and smiled down at her. ‘We want to be married immediately, so that no disgrace shall be attached to my child.’

The proud note in his voice as he uttered the last two words was unmistakable. Mrs Gifford caught Susannah’s eye and smiled.

‘That is settled then.’ The housekeeper got up from her chair and came forwards to envelope Violet in a motherly embrace. ‘I wish you very well, my dear.’

‘You understand what you must do?’ Susannah asked Violet.

The girl nodded. ‘We fly to Scotland immediately, I understand that.’

‘But Miss Prentess is sending her own maid to act as your chaperon and look after you until we can be married,’ Mr Warwick told her. He addressed Susannah. ‘I will not risk a meeting with Anstruther until Violet is my wife, but once I have her safe then I shall write to him. I hope he will recognise the connection.’

‘And if he will not?’ asked Susannah gently.

‘Then I shall take Violet to my own family. I have already written to apprise them of the situation.’ The young man met her gaze steadily. ‘I have told them what a fool I was not to accept my responsibilities immediately.’

‘Oh, no, no,’ cried Violet. ‘You were shocked, frightened, I quite understand.’

His arm went about her.

‘Ah, sweetheart, you are an angel to be so forgiving, but I must bear some blame...’

‘Yes, yes, you can discuss all this in the carriage,’ Susannah interrupted them. ‘If you are going to make any headway at all today then you need to be setting off as soon as may be. We know your father is on his way to Bath, Violet. It would be better if he did not find you here.’

‘No indeed.’ Violet’s eyes darkened with fear. ‘I will go and collect my things, and I must say goodbye to Jane and Lizzie, and the babies.’

She hurried away, returning a few minutes later with her meagre belongings packed in a single portmanteau and her travelling cloak around her shoulders. Mrs Gifford provided a basket of food and a flask of wine to refresh them on their journey and Susannah accompanied them to the door, where the carriage was waiting.

‘I cannot tell you how very grateful I am to you, Miss Prentess.’ Violet hugged her. ‘Without your kindness I do not know what would have become of me.’

‘You need not think of that now. You have no doubts about marrying Mr Warwick?’

‘Oh, no, none at all.’ Violet’s eyes positively shone at the prospect. ‘But how will you manage without your maid? Who knows how long we will be gone?’

‘I shall miss her, of course, but she is by far the best person to look after you on your long journey,’ replied Susannah, sending a laughing glance towards her servant as she helped Violet into the carriage. ‘You have sufficient money with you, Dorcas? I do not want you to leave Miss Anstruther until she has hired a suitable maid.’

‘Don’t you worry, miss, I’ll make sure she takes on someone that knows how to look after her. ’Tis you I am more concerned about, miss,’ said the maid gruffly. ‘Without me to dress you.’

‘I shall fetch Mary upstairs to help me,’ replied Susannah. ‘You said yourself she has ambitions to be a lady’s maid. Now go along, and look after your new charge.’

A flurry of goodbyes, a few last minute words of advice and the carriage was shut up.

‘Ah, they are such children,’ declared Mrs Gifford, wiping her eyes with the corner of her apron. ‘I pray they will be happy.’

‘So, too, do I,’ muttered Susannah fervently.

She stepped back and raised her hand in a final salute as the coachman