“Oh, Daniel… this is sosudden.”
“I know. And I’m sorry—it’s just that we have so little time together.” He stopped walking, released her hand, and turned to her. “But we can wait. I absolutely donotwish to rush you. It’s just that it’s so difficult in my situation. I have no time or way to court you casually, and I wanted to express my feelings so that you would know exactly where Istood.”
Susan’s heart and mind were racing. She was trying to reconcile all of her emotions. But the one thing she knew right now was she did not want to rush into this. She’d just made a commitment to Elizabeth and she wanted to give the girl at least a year or two before considering leaving her. And as much as she was attracted to, and admired Daniel, their recent re-acquaintance was too recent and she felt there was not enough bedrock to theirrelationship.
“I’m not ready yet, Daniel,” Susan finally said. “But please let me acknowledge your willingness to sacrifice your navel career for us. But I think we both need moretime.”
“But you’re not rejecting me entirely?” heasked.
“Oh, Daniel, no. Not at all. And, in fact, I want to encourage you in the strongest terms. But it’s just too soon. I hope youunderstand.”
Susan went on to tell him about Elizabeth and how much she was helping the child. And how she wanted to give her the best start in life that she could, but that would take sometime.
“I fully understand,” Daniel said. “And I honor you for your dedication, and it makes me love you all the more, for I know what a good mother you would be to ourchildren.”
That embarrassed Susan somewhat and she looked away and started walkingagain.
Daniel caught up with her and took herhand.
“I hope I’ve not scared you off. You must forgive me for my haste. But I promise to be patient and totally there foryou.”
Susan looked up to him again. “Thank you, Daniel. I really appreciatethat.”
The late afternoon light was beginning to fade and, with it being autumn, there was a definite chill in theair.
“Shall we head back? I think I’m ready for tea,” Susanasked.
“Yes, and if I know Katherine, she’ll be busy baking some wonderful treat forus.”
Tea was chatty, as Susan told the family all about her new job and how adorable the young Elizabeth was. She talked about her walks and how charming and respectful the Duke was to her. And she gushed about Aunt Clarissa and how none of that would have happened without her respect for, and understanding of,Susan.
It was starting to get dark and Susan was concerned about getting back to Haverford House. And before too long she would be required to bathe and put Elizabeth tobed.
Susan stood. “I really must be going. Thank you all for a wonderfulafternoon.”
Katherine spoke up with a sly smile. “Daniel, will you show Miss Susan to the doorplease?”
“Of course.” He was already standing and offered Susan his arm. But before taking it, Susan wrapped the shawl around hershoulders.
“Shall we?” she asked, taking Daniel’sarm.
As they were leaving the house Daniel grabbed his bicorn captain’s hat and took it with him to thedoor.
He helped her up into the trap and before she left he took herhand.
“My dearest Susan, I’ve had no opportunity to shop for something special for you. And as I’ll be leaving again shortly, and I don’t expect us to meet again this trip, I want to leave you with a token of myaffection.”
“Oh?”
Daniel took his hat and removed the folded ribbon cockade that was attached to the side of the hat that denoted he was acaptain.
“I wish you to have this. Wear it in remembrance ofme.”
“How lovely, thank you. But you won’t be court marshalled and forced to walk the plank because you gave this to me, will you?” she askedteasingly.
Daniel laughed. “If so, then I shall be honored to go to my death for yoursake.”
He handed her the rosette. “May I?” He asked, leaning in for a kiss on hercheek.
“Youmay.”
