Susan turned back to Sir Jasper. “Did you ride or bring yourgig?”
“It was such a lovely afternoon I rode over on Dapple. Such a fineanimal.”
There was a knock on the door and Mother inserted herself into theroom.
“Sir Jasper, what a pleasure to see you. Julie says you’re to have tea. May I joinyou?”
Sir Jasper looked annoyed for a moment, but put on a brave smile and answered, “Of course, Mrs. Wilton. It would be a pleasure and an honor.” He stood to welcomeher.
Mother scooted over and drew up a chair. “Susan tells me you’ve been having fine weather along the coast this summer. I know the channel storms of winter can be fierce so it must be nice to have a finespell.”
“Indeed it is. And I noticed the cabbages in your vegetable garden are particularly plump this season,” Sir Jasperresponded.
“Yes. They are. Theyare.”
And the three fell into silence until Julie came in with the tea tray and beganserving.
Sir Jasper kept glancing over at Susan, but she had busied herself with serving the tea and was not catching hisglances.
“Miss Susan, shall we take a walk after tea? There’s something I would like to discuss withyou.”
“Certainly, Sir Jasper, it would be lovely to take a stroll. Perhaps we could walk down by theriver.”
Silence overtook the trio once again as they sipped theirtea.
Mother finally spoke. “Sir Jasper, how is your fine father and his business? Last we spoke you said he might be expanding his wholesaleoperation.”
“Ah… yes. Indeed he will. The good news is there will soon be a railway connection running between Folkestone and London. That will greatly increase our ability to keep the fish fresh. And I believe the line will be constructed somewhere in the vicinity of Preston, if I’m not mistaken. So you will soon be able to pop up to London whenever youlike.”
“How interesting,” Mother saidflatly.
Susan gave her a look indicating she wanted to be alone with SirJasper.
“Oh, my… how late it’s become. I really have much to attend to before supper. If the two of you will excuseme…”
Sir Jasper rose halfway up from his chair. “Good day to you, then, Mrs.Wilton.
“Good day, Sir Jasper.” Then sheleft.
Susan had had quite enough of this boring tea and she stood, saying, “Shall we take our walk now, SirJasper?”
“I should be delighted,” heoffered.
As it was summer no wrap was needed, and Susan led the way from the house along the road to the riverwalk.
The Kent countryside was mostly agricultural, with gently rolling hills and flat grazing fields with many sheep farms like her father’s. The path along the river provided a pleasant stroll, with overhanging trees giving shade and a pleasantaspect.
“Have you been working on any new songs?” Susanasked.
“I have. I’m working on anOde to Her Royal Highness, Princess Charlotte on her Birthday, Sir Jasper said as he took a quick glance into his hand mirror and adjusted his curl. “Ever since His Majesty, King George bestowed my knighthood upon me for writingHail, His Conquering Majestyfor his coronation, I have endeavored to please his Majesty with a new musical work each year. It’s exhausting, but one must bow to the royalwill.”
“Of course,” Susan said, having heard the story of his knighthood far too manytimes.
They walked on in silence a few minutes before Sir Jasper asked, “Have you given any thought to our lastconversation?”
Susan knew exactly what he was referring to but chose to feign ignorance. “And which conversation would that be, SirJasper?”
He looked askance at her. “Susan, certainly you must remember my urgent request for an answer to my proposal of marriage. I’ve patiently waited these many months and each time I ask, you evade an answer. I am patient, but not eternallyso.”
