Susan sat down next to Aunt and took her hand. “We’re looking for some water. It shouldn’t take too long. Are you feeling anybetter?”
“I am a little. Yes, thankyou.”
“And how are you related to the Duke?” Susanasked.
“I’m his father’s sister. Widowed some years ago and since then in charge of the Haverford household. It keeps me busy and I’m still nearfamily.”
“It must be a comfort, Mrs.Darlington.”
“Please, call me AuntClarissa.”
“I will,” Susan saidsmiling.
Katherine returned with a glass of water. “Here you are, and the Padre said there’s a sofa in the vestry you might lie down on if youwish.”
Aunt drank the water. “Oh, no. I’ll be just finenow.”
“Can we get you anything else?” Susanasked.
Aunt shook herhead.
By now the rain was letting up and a few rays of sun created shafts of light in the neighboring fields. The Duke’s coach approached theentrance.
“Aunt, we can go now, if you like. The carriage is waiting forus.”
“Oh, yes. I should likethat.”
Susan helped her up and led her toward the churchdoor.
“Thank you, dear, you have been most kind,” Auntsaid.
“My great pleasure,” Susan assuredher.
As they were leaving, John turned to her and said, “A most pleasant wedding. Unlike the last one which ended so shamefully on my family’spart.”
He did remember. Susan nodded. “I’m pleased you enjoyedyourselves.”
“Your sister and her husband’s wedding present will be arriving at your family home in the next day ortwo.”
“Thank you, Your Grace, I’ll tell mysister.”
“John,” he said with a nod. “And if you don’t mind, I shall drop my Aunt back at Haverford House and return for the reception. I feel like a little celebrating is in order thisafternoon.”
“We’d behonored.”
The Duke and his aunt departed and, with their leaving, the church quickly emptied out and the guests headed toward the inn where the reception was beingheld.
Susan was attending to her family when Katherine cameup.
“Will you travel with Daniel and me to the inn?” she asked, and then leaned in and whispered. “He’s quite taken with you and particularly asked me to invite you. What do you say tothat?”
Susan turned to her Mamma and asked if she might travel with Katherine. She nodded inagreement.
Daniel sat directly opposite Susan in the carriage. He was beaming at her like a boy eatingwatermelon.
“Miss Susan, Katherine tells me you’re teaching at our old school, hesaid.”
“I am,” Susanreplied.
