Chapter 4
Later that afternoon,Susan went into Ash to book her ride to London and pay thefare.
On her walk back from the village she heard someone calling out toher.
“Miss Susan, MissSusan.”
She stopped on the path through her father’s field and turned to see who was calling. Daniel was running afterher.
“Didn’t you hear me calling to you as you passed the house?” he asked, as he caught up withher.
“Oh, Daniel. I’m so sorry, I’ve been totally absorbed with thoughts of going to London and I didn’t hear you atall.”
London? You’re going to London?When?
“The day after tomorrow morning, on the Londoncoach.”
“Will you be staying long?” he asked, as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his trousers. He was no longer dressed as a sailor but as alocal.
“Up until the time I must start teaching again—I might stay at least a couple ofweeks.”
“Oh.” He sounded disappointed. “Then I’m glad I caught you. I was planning to stop by to seeyou.”
“Well, you see menow.”
He laughed. “I do indeed. And am glad ofit.”
“Would you like some tea? I’m parched from the warmmorning.”
“That would be splendid,” hesaid.
They walked on in silence until they reached thehouse.
“Come in, Daniel. I’ll put the kettle on. I hope you don’t mind sitting in the kitchen, the house has been a mess since the wedding. Louisa’s no longer around to tidy up. Mother’s useless, and, I’m afraid, I’ve not been as attentive as I should be either, and please take a seat at thetable.”
Daniel sat, folding his hands, and resting his arms on thetabletop.
“It matters not to me. I shall soon be returning to my ship and its tiny quarters. Even the captain must accept all kinds of restrictions. This kitchen is half again larger than my smallcabin.”
Susan busied herself with making thetea.
“Then you’ll be back at sea by the time I return fromLondon?”
“I shall. And that is why I wanted to speak with you today. Can you sit for a moment?” heasked.
Susan shot him a glance. “The tea is almost ready. Would you like a piece of peach pie? Our trees have put out the sweetest peaches thisyear.”
Daniel nodded. Susan served the tea and pie and came to sit at the kitchentable.
“What takes you to London?” Daniel began, looking a little nervous, and Susan suspected he was hesitant to launch directly into what he really wanted tosay.
“I’m to visit my dear Cousin, Jessica. She’s been traveling abroad and I long to catch up with all her news. Besides, she promises we two ladies shall have a gay time with her husband traveling toScotland.”
“I’ll miss seeing you the rest of mystay.”
“Very kind ofyou.”
Daniel seemed to gain his courage and said, “Susan, you must have suspected by now that I have feelings for you.” He paused to gage her reaction. She nodded, but didn’t speak, waiting for his further thoughts. “Unfortunately, we’ve not had a lot of time to spend together, and I must be gone before you return from London.” He nervously set aside the piece of pie. “And while I believe you might regard me with some warmth, I can’t gage how deeply your feelings mightgo.”
