Chapter 28
Susan could barely waitto tell Clarissa the news. She also wanted to rush right off and tell Katherine, but this was not the best time as she knew the family would still be consumed with Daniel’sbreakdown.
She was tingling all over and retired to her room, before teaching, to gather her wits and calm down. She sat in the window seat and looked at the park to steady herself. Could this really be happening? The idea of being a duchess was so totally foreign to her as to be in the realm ofabsurdity.
And then she considered how she might be able to benefit her family by this marriage. She thought she might ask John to forego the living she brought to the marriage, as it was so little. But it would be a welcome addition to her family’s modestincome.
She checked the clock and it was near time to fetch Elizabeth but went first to visitClarissa.
“He asked me to marry him,” Susan said, standing before Clarissa who was seated at herdesk.
Clarissa looked up. “Daniel?”
“No, John,” Susan explained about her sad meeting yesterday withDaniel.
“And you’ve accepted John’sproposal?”
Susannodded.
Clarissa reached out both her hands for Susan to take. “My dear child, how absolutely wonderful. Now I shall truly be your aunt and you my niece. When is thewedding?”
“We’ve not decided yet. He must first speak to Elizabeth, and then my parents. And I must break the news to Katherine and her family. That will be difficult. They may feel I’ve betrayed Daniel or even theirfamily.”
“But certainly they will understand—considering his condition. You must be expected to move on. They can’t begrudge youthat.”
“It’s a delicate matter, and I must be sensitive as to how I tellthem.”
“But you will, my dear. There is no one more aware of other’s feelings thanyou.”
“Thank you. But I must go to Elizabeth now. It’s time forlessons.”
“Go. But know that I almost feel like it’s my wedding again. I am so excited for you. I hope you’ll let me help in planning thewedding.”
“I’d likethat.”
* * *
John carriedElizabeth in his arms. He was taking her to her room as it was her bedtime. Her head rested on his shoulder and she yawned. John patted herback.
“Tell me a story,” Elizabeth, said, yawingagain.
The covers were already pulled back like another yawn as John slipped her into the bed and pulled up the covers, tucking them around herneck.
“Once upon a time there was a country girl named Susan,” he began. Elizabeth blinked. “And there was a mean old prince named,John.”
“He wasn’t a mean prince,” Elizabethinsisted.
“Very well, he wasn’t mean—he was as sweet as a piece ofhoneycomb.”
“With extra sugar ontop.”
“Who’s telling this story?” John asked, as he leaned in and blew a wet blowing kiss on herneck.
“You are,” she wiggled. “Go on tell me thestory.”
“And this countrygirl…”
“Susan.”
