She went to her bag and pawed through it until she pulled out a small wrapped box, and handed it toSusan.
“There.”
Susan opened it and found a beautiful simple locket, and inside of that was a lock of Daniel’s goldenhair.
“What is it? Katherineasked.
Susan handed it to Katherine toexamine.
“How sweet. I know he wanted to have a miniature portrait done but there wasn’ttime.”
“I treasure it. And will wear it this very evening.” She turned to the mirror and put it around herneck.
Susan felt a warm glow when she thought of Daniel. What a sweet man. And he was so sincere. She treasured his friendship, and she was grateful for his interest in her. But where was that spark? —that charge of surging energy she felt when she was touched by John? Perhaps it was nothing. She had a dear man in her life and she wasgrateful.
* * *
Champagne was being servedin the drawing room. Standish and a footman were keeping the glasses filled as the guests, dressed in their finest, chatted with John and AuntClarissa.
John was engaged in conversation with Bentley and Patricia. Fitz stood to one side eyeing John, and Sir Andrew was on the other side eyeing thefootman.
As Susan and Katherine came into the room John turned to them. Susan was dressed in one of her ball gowns and Katherine had managed to make it with Aunt Clarissa’s altered dress. It was outdated, but it was formal, and it somewhatfit.
“Ah, there you are. Come have some wine and join us. Everyone, this is Elizabeth’s nanny and tutor, Miss Susan Wilton, and her friend, Katherine Howe who is her guest for a day ortwo.”
The guests looked over but did not respond, except for Patricia who nodded and said, “Pleased to meet youboth.”
Susan and Katherine went to receive a glass of champagne and then went over to where John and Clarissa were standing. As they approached Fitz moved in closer toJohn.
“Did you enjoy your stroll in the park?” John asked Katherine. “I saw you and Susan with Elizabeth. I was just coming back from afternoonsheering.”
“We did. It’s such a lovely estate. You must be very proud of it,” Katherinesaid.
“Very muchso.”
“Susan says the railway will be coming through here. Is that something youwelcome?”
“Itis.”
Fitz said, “His grandfather designed the park. I find it just breathtaking. Such lovely vistas and fine walks. What an honor it would be to be mistress of such a lovelyhome.”
Susan groaned inwardly. How could this woman be so obvious? Did John not see what she was trying todo?”
She turned to Sir Andrew. “I’m curious, Sir Andrew, do you live in London or in thecountry?”
“Mayfair. One needs to live centrally, and be active in certain circles in myprofession.”
“Oh, and what would that be?” Susanasked.
“I’m a poet. I have several published volumes. Perhaps you’ve heard of them…Ode to a Field of DaffodilsorThe Firmament of My Beloved’sBrow?”
“Alas, I have not,” Susan said. “And where might I find copies of yourworks?”
“Alas, they are not widely available as I am self-published. But I shall be happy to send youcopies.”
“I would appreciate that verymuch.”
Sir Andrewbeamed.
