“I knew it! I just knew he would be there. Did you ask her his direction? Did she say anything else about him? Is he married?”
“She was quite suspicious of my intentions, being a total stranger. I explained a little of why we were looking for him and I asked her to join us for supper. I told her that my sister would be best at explaining the whole story.”
“Did she say yes?” Susanna jumped to her feet. “Is she coming for supper tonight?”
“Yes, she agreed to come to supper this evening.”
She clapped her hands together in glee. This was a huge breakthrough in her quest. “Thank you, Miles! You are the absolute best. Did she seem excited to hear the story?”
“She said she was curious to learn about the woman from his dedication. That it was the one story he never told anyone.”
“Lovely! I must go upstairs and wash and change. What should I wear I wonder?” With her head filled with possibilities she headed toward the back entrance to the inn. When she noticed Miles was still sitting on the bench she paused and called back. “Aren’t you coming to change as well? You wore those clothes on the road today.”
“I haven’t anything to change into. I only packed two sets of clothing as I thought we would be back in Marbury by now.” He frowned down at himself. “Do I look too shabby?”
Susanna raked her gaze over him. His jacket was dusty and his cravat somewhat wilted. The breeches that covered his muscular thighs were covered in horsehair. He had removed his hat, and his dark-blond locks were decidedly mussed. She had never seen him so disheveled, or so handsome. He had an air of relaxation around him as he lounged with his legs stretched out in front him, boots crossed at the ankles. It was as though someone had pulled all the starch right out of him.
“No, I mean yes, your jacket could use a brush. But otherwise, you look just fine, my lord. I think being on holiday suits you.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Susanna took asip of ale as she observed the courtyard full of performers. Someone had pulled out a fiddle and the lively music inspired people to dance. Dinner this evening had gone better than she could have expected. Marlow’s niece had been lovely and totally entranced by the story of the letters. Her uncle was her mother’s brother. He had often visited them throughout her childhood. He was of course an excellent storyteller but he never talked about Diana, even when Elizabeth had once asked him directly about his muse.
After telling the table the saga of the two lovers, Susanna had peppered Elizabeth with questions about her uncle and Elizabeth had been more than happy to answer them. James Marlow had inherited the house in Weymouth Bay from his uncle and aunt who never had children of their own. Elizabeth said that he was quite the Gothic hero, writing his novels by the sea, roaming the cliffs, and rattling around in the old manor house by himself. She had given them his direction and wished them luck in convincing him to come back with them to see Diana. Susanna took another sip of her drink. That part would probably be tricky. She would just have to rely on her powers of persuasion.
Next to her Clara and Julia chatted about a rip that needed repair in one of Julia’s costumes. The night air was cool and the moon full and high in the sky. Today had been a wonderful day. She swept her gaze around the courtyard as she enjoyed the music and the people-watching. Across the way, Giorgio was upside down walking around on his hands in front of a cheering audience. He then balanced on one hand and blew a kiss to Zelda who sat nearby.
“What is your brother doing?” Susanna asked.
Julia rolled her eyes. “Oh, he is just showing off in a desperate hope that Zelda will notice him.”
Clara shook her head. “He’s wasting his time. He is far too nice for Zelda. She only entertains men who are trouble.”
“I’ve told him that. But she plays with his emotions, treats him nicely until some toff who’s seen her in the show sends her a dinner invitation. He is so terribly available; I think she will just keep him dangling.”
Susanna frowned. Giorgio was too nice of a man to be kept dangling by anyone. Zelda was a fool to not snatch him up.
“Where is your protector? I haven’t seen him looming about since dinner,” Clara asked.
“He escorted Miss St. George home.”
“Oh, did he now?” Clara waggled her eyebrows.
“It’s not like that. He just wanted to see her safely home,” she replied. Was it? Miss Elizabeth St. George had been very pretty in a fresh-faced way. No, Miles was a consummate gentleman he would never allow a woman to walk home alone at night. Nothing more than that. Susanna shook her head. She focused her attention back on poor Giorgio. What he needed was to make Zelda a bit jealous. Perhaps if he wasn’t so available Zelda would realize what she was missing out on. Susanna stood and set her half-drunk ale on a nearby table. “I’m going to go help him.”
Julia looked up at her. “What are you going to do?”
“Just a bit of flirting. Perhaps that will catch Zelda’s attention.”
She crossed the courtyard. “Giorgio, I have been looking for you all evening.” She sent him her most winning smile.
To his credit he immediately turned his attention to her. “Lady Susanna, I’m at your service.” He lifted her hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles.
“The music is so lively and the evening air is cool and pleasant tonight.”
“Would you like to dance?”
Susanna placed a hand brazenly on his chest. “With you?” She batted her eyelashes for extra effect. “Very much!”
