“Thank you,” he managed. “Although if she is disinclined to live in London, then perhaps not, for both my sisters have homes there.”
Lady Beasley had finished discussing her employee.
“Shall I send my daughter into the drawing room to visit with you?”
“No,” he said, perhaps too quickly. Yet he’d had enough of Lady Susanne’s company for the day. He hoped to grow fonder of and be able to tolerate her rather vapid nature for longer than a morning’s ride. For she was, in fact, a good contender to be a wife. Even the long-lasting attractiveness of her mother spoke well on her behalf.
He didn’t doubt Mrs. Malcolm would age particularly well, too, what with her cheekbones, then realized he shouldn’t be thinking of her at all.
“I think Lady Susanne should rest today,” he added, “but my advice is she get back upon that horse as soon as possible to avoid a festering fear, one which might prevent her from riding in the future.”
“Well said,” Lady Beasley agreed.
He nearly departed before remembering the concert. While he could not possibly ask her ladyship for permission to take the governess on an outing, he could invite Lady Susanneandher chaperone.
“May I have the honor of escorting Lady Susanne to the Hanover musicians’ concert in Sydney Gardens tomorrow night?”
“I am sure she would be most delighted.”
“Perhaps you would allow Mrs. Malcolm to be the chaperone again, only because the experience at the last concert was greatly enhanced for both your daughter and for myself by the governess’s knowledge of the music.”
Although Lady Beasley raised an eyebrow, upon consideration, she seemed to think it a good idea.
“Yes, I do not see why not.”
When Susanne rushedinto the sunny salon, she interrupted Alice instructing the two younger Beasleys as they translated a Latin passage of Homer’sOdyssey.The eldest sister stopped in her tracks and listened a moment before bursting out in laughter.
“I am so thoroughly relieved that I missed out on all your lessons,” she declared, then gave her sisters a pitying look.
“I think it’s interesting,” Pauline said.
“I like the story, but I would rather read it in English,” Leila admitted.
“Do you need something?” Alice asked, not appreciating the interruption, especially if it was merely to breed dissatisfaction amongst her pupils.
“I came only to say we are going out again with Lord Diamond. To another concert. I know you will love it, and I enjoy being with him, so everyone will be happy.”
Without waiting for a reply, merely assuming Alice would agree, Susanne departed.
“How splendid for you,” Leila said.
Was it, though?Alice wondered. For she didn’t think Lord Diamond was being sincere in his pursuit of Susanne. The girl might become overly attached and get her heart broken.
Alice was of half a mind to make him show his hand, so to speak. It would be easier on Susanne if she became a little hurt now when the relationship was new, rather than deeply wounded later.
This was not a ball, so Alice could wear one of her ordinary dresses without worry. Despite that, Susanne was trussed up as if she were going to meet the Queen herself. Recalling her own youthful days when she gladly took any excuse to wear her finery, Alice could only smile until she saw the dancing slippers.
“At least wear proper shoes,” Alice advised while they were donning lightweight shawls for the summer evening.
“But these match my gown and gloves beautifully.” Both were a turquoise color, the gown of satin, the gloves of silk, and each making Alice feel downright drab in her pale green cotton dress with plain white gloves.
“Mother,” Susanne called out. Mrs. Beasley appeared at the top of the stairs.
“Please don’t yell like that,” her mother admonished. “What is it?”
“Must I wear proper walking shoes when my slippers match so well?” She lifted her hem to show her.
Lady Beasley sighed. “They shall probably be ruined, but the perfection of your ensemble makes them absolutely imperative.”
