A Country Miss in Hanover Square

by Anne Herries

  ‘It was you he told me to watch…’ Harry frowned, a little un certain. Had he misjudged the man? ‘I am not fooled by your lies. Where is she—upstairs?’

  Northaven laughed mirthlessly. ‘I almost wish she was,’ he said. ‘I should enjoy watching you play out the role of avenging angel.’

  ‘Damn you!’ Harry cried. ‘You ruined an innocent girl and you should pay for it.’

  ‘Leave it,’ Gerard said. He and Max held Harry by the arms as he reached for his pistol. ‘He isn’t worth the bother. The girl isn’t blame less, though I dare say he seduced her.’

  ‘She was willing enough…’ Northaven sneered. ‘It is a pity I could not convince the innocent Miss Hampton to run off with me. I should have enjoyed seeing your face then.’

  ‘You will meet me for this,’ Harry said. ‘I shall have satisfaction.’

  ‘Delighted,’ the marquis replied and his eyes gleamed with malice. ‘I have been waiting for this for many years. I shall send my seconds to Pendleton to wait on you tomorrow.’

  ‘You were not to blame for any of this,’ Lady Elizabeth told Susannah as they sat in her private sitting room and drank tea. ‘I cannot under stand why the girl has run away. She must have known that she would be ruined.’

  ‘It is distressing for you,’ Susannah said, for get ting her own trouble for the moment. ‘I did try to warn her—but she was in love with him.’

  ‘It was very foolish of her, for she has ruined herself,’ Lady Elizabeth said. ‘I wish now that Harry had never brought Jenny here, for I was beginning to be fond of her—and now I feel let down.’

  ‘She has betrayed your trust,’ Susannah said. ‘It is sad that she should do such a thing.’

  ‘If only she had confided in me. I could have made it possible for her to marry. I would have given her a dowry had she told me the truth.’

  ‘I do not think Pendleton would have permitted her to marry the marquis.’

  ‘No, perhaps not—though Northaven is still received in many houses. It would have been better to do the thing properly than have her run off in such a sly way! I am sure marriage would have been the lesser of two evils.’

  ‘Perhaps if I had told Harry that I saw them in Bath, he might have warned her—pre vented her from throwing her life away.’

  ‘Well, you were not to know that the foolish girl would behave so badly. No, I shall not have you blame yourself for this, and I shall give Harry a piece of my mind for up set ting you, dearest.’ Lady Elizabeth frowned. ‘He is inclined to be hasty at times. I hope you will forgive him. I shall tell him that he must apologise.’

  ‘Oh, no, you must not. Truly, you must not.’

  ‘Do not distress yourself, dearest. Well, if you do not wish it, I shall not scold him—but it was his own fault for bringing the girl here. He should have sent her to finishing school somewhere.’

  Susannah did not reply. Harry had been very angry with her for not telling him what she had seen. He had accused her of not trusting him and looked at her so coldly that she had wanted to die. She did not think he could look at her like that if he truly loved her, and she felt very unhappy. Had she not consented to marry him, she would have begged her mama to take her home immediately, but that would cause such a fuss that she could not bring herself to do it. She must speak to Harry when he returned.

  However, Harry had not returned by the time Susannah retired for the night. She un dressed, but could not rest and sat on a stool in the window, looking out, watching for his return. It must have been the early hours of the morning when she saw the three men ride up to the court yard at the back of the house and dismount. One of them took the reins of all three horses and headed in the direction of the stables; the other two walked towards the house. Susannah’s window was slightly open and she caught a few words as they passed through the door beneath her window.

  ‘You were a fool to challenge him! It is what he wanted, Harry, what he has been itching for these past years—his chance to kill you.’

  ‘He may try…’

  Susannah felt a chill trickle down her spine. The rest of their conversation was lost to her as they went into the house, but what she had heard was clear enough. Harry was going to fight a duel with the Marquis of Northaven!

  Oh, he must not! Susannah put a hand to her mouth as she realised that Harry could be killed or badly injured. She wanted to scream and shout, but she held the agony inside, because it would not help her. She knew instinctively that if she begged Harry to with draw he would look at her in that cold, proud way and tell her she did not under stand—or he would simply lie to her and pretend that she was mistaken and there was no duel.

  What ought she to do? Susannah believed that duels had been outlawed in recent years. If she told a magistrate, he might put a stop to it…but what could she tell him? She had over heard a scrap of conversation that she believed meant Harry intended to fight a duel, but she had no proof—and she had no idea where or when the duel was to take place. Besides, he would be so angry he might never speak to her again!

  Susannah paced the floor of her bedchamber. There must be some thing she could do… If she knew where and when the duel was due to take place, she would do some thing to stop them. She must do some thing—she could not bear it if Harry were killed.

  Dared she go down stairs? She might hear a little more if she was bold enough, though it would be dangerous, for it would be thought most improper of her to be wandering about the house after every one else had retired.

  ‘You must know this is madness,’ Gerard said as they took a glass of wine together in the library. Max had joined them after handing the horses over to a sleepy groom. ‘The chit isn’t worth risking your life for, Harry.’

  Harry arched his right eyebrow. ‘You don’t imagine I am doing it for Jenny’s sake? Northaven has been spoiling for a fight for a long time. If I don’t settle this now, it will drag on—and who knows what he may try next? As you said, Gerard, it could have been Susannah. Oh, I do not mean that she would run off with him, for she has too much good sense. However, he might try to abduct her. He said as much—and that was why I challenged him. He hates me because of what happened in the war.’

  ‘And you think that by fighting this duel you will put an end to the ill will between you?’ Gerard asked and shook his head. ‘I dare say it may if you kill him.’

  ‘I hope that will not be necessary.’ Harry looked serious. ‘It will not suit me to chase after that wretched girl.’ He looked at Gerard. ‘I know you spoke of leaving for France soon. Could I ask you to see if you can find Miss Hazledeane before you go—make sure that she is with her aunt?’

  ‘And if she is not?’

  ‘Then I can do no more. She has been foolish, but Mama is fond of her—and for her sake, I would settle a small sum on Jenny.’

  ‘Very well,’ Gerard said. ‘I shall leave in a day or so, and then I have business in France. I do not know if I shall manage to return for your wedding, Harry. If not, give my good wishes to your bride—and I shall leave a gift for her with Lady Elizabeth.’

  ‘That is if there is a wedding after the way I spoke to her,’ Harry remarked wryly.

  ‘I dare say Susannah will take you—despite your show of temper,’ Max said and grinned. ‘I am not sure you deserve her—but she has a kind heart.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Harry said and pulled a wry face. ‘I think we should seek our beds. I have no idea when Northaven’s seconds will call, but I dare say the duel will take place the day after tomorrow at dawn…’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Good Lord, the time! Make that tomorrow, for it is past one.’

  Outside the library, Susannah caught her breath. She had heard only a few words—she had wrestled with her conscience before coming down stairs and knew she had missed much that went be fore. Instinct had told her that the men would take a last drink together in the library. Finding the door slightly ajar, she had shamelessly listened and she had been just in time to hear Harry say that the duel would probably
take place the following morning.

  Hearing sounds, which told her the men were about to leave the library, Susannah fled up the stairs. Her heart was beating very fast, for she had been shocked to have her suspicions confirmed. She knew she must not let the men see her, because if Harry knew that she was aware of the duel he would be at pains to keep the location a secret from her.

  Susannah knew that it would be useless to plead with Harry to withdraw from this foolish duel. He could not in all honour do so and she knew it would go ahead whatever she said. However, she was determined to discover where the gentlemen were to meet. She would follow if she could and then…

  Susannah had no clear idea of what she would do. She was distressed at the thought of Harry risking his life because Jenny Hazledeane had run off with the Marquis of Northaven. Harry had clearly had some feeling for the woman or he would not have reacted as angrily. He had called Northaven out and he might be killed—and if he died Susannah would have no one to blame but herself, for if she had spoken out at the start, none of this need have happened.

  Back in her room, Susannah leaned back against the door and closed her eyes, fighting the tears. She could not bear it if Harry died…but what could she do to stop him fighting this awful duel?

  Susannah was walking in the formal gardens with Amelia when she saw Harry coming towards her the next morning. It was almost time for nuncheon and the two ladies had decided that a stroll in the gardens would suffice as neither of them cared to go for a long walk after Amelia’s unpleasant experience in the woods.

  ‘Good morning, Susannah—Amelia,’ Harry said. His expression was serious, but not angry. Susannah felt her stomach spasm with nerves as he looked at her. ‘May I ask for a few moments of your time, Susannah? You will excuse us, Amelia?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ Amelia said. ‘I am thinking of leaving the day after tomorrow…perhaps we could speak later?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Harry smiled briefly. ‘We must talk. I hope you will allow me to send an escort with you when you leave…to be certain of a safe journey.’

  Amelia inclined her head and walked away, looking thoughtful.

  ‘That was kind of you,’ Susannah said, trying to quell her nerves. ‘Amelia was upset by that incident in the woods.’

  ‘Yes, of course she must have been, for it was most unpleasant. It may have been a random attack with robbery in mind, or some thing more sinister, there fore I have asked Max and Gerard to accompany Amelia to her home.’

  ‘Yes, that would be ideal,’ Susannah agreed and glanced at him un certainly. ‘Your mama tells me that Miss Hazledeane was not with the marquis, but may have gone to her aunt.’

  ‘It would appear to be the case,’ Harry said. ‘Gerard will journey to the north to enquire after he has escorted Amelia home. I shall do what I can for Miss Hazledeane—despite her foolishness. I would wash my hands of the business, but Mama has a fondness for her.’

  ‘I see…’ Susannah bit her lip. ‘I am sorry I did not tell you that I witnessed her meeting with Northaven. It was wrong and misjudged.’

  ‘You did what seemed right at the time, but I dare say you have learned a hard lesson.’ Harry hesitated, looking rueful. ‘Once again I subjected you to a shocking show of temper. I believe in the heat of the moment I was harsh to you.’

  ‘You accused me of not trusting you. I believe I have lost your trust—and your good opinion?’ Susannah could not look at him, for she was too ashamed.

  ‘Please look at me, Susannah,’ Harry said in a gentle voice that brought her head up. ‘I hope to earn your for give ness if I can. I was angry because of what had happened, but more than that it hurt me that you did not feel you could trust me with your confidences. Even when you began to realise that Miss Hazledeane might have run off, it was to Toby you confessed your fears. I had hoped that you might feel closer to me, now that we are engaged to be married.’

  ‘Toby saw me walking in the garden. He came down. I would have told you if I had seen you first,’ Susannah said. ‘Forgive me, Pendleton. It was not lack of trust that caused me to hold back. I felt that it would seem sly or ungenerous to cast doubts on a lady’s character. I hardly knew her….’

  ‘Yes, I realise that—and I do under stand, Susannah. However, I should prefer it if you were to confide in me in future.’ He looked grave. ‘Unless anything has happened that has made you think you would prefer to be released from our engagement?’

  ‘Oh, no!’ Susannah said and then blushed. ‘No, I do not wish to be released, Pendleton—but if you wish it…’

  ‘Not at all,’ he said and gave her what she felt was a rather forced smile. He reached out to stroke her cheek with his finger tips. ‘I care for you a great deal, Susannah. If…anything should happen… If anything pre vented our marriage…I want you to know that you are the only lady I have ever wished to make my wife.’

  ‘Harry…’ Susannah’s heart raced as he bent his head. His kiss was light, soft and brief. ‘Please do not say such things! They frighten me. What could happen to prevent our marriage?’

  ‘Nothing, of course. I should not have mentioned it,’ Harry said and his smile warmed her. ‘It was foolish talk. Have you forgiven me, my dearest? The force of my temper has caught you three times now. I hope it has not made you take me in dislike?’

  ‘I could never dislike you,’ Susannah told him. She was tempted to tell him that she knew about the duel, to beg him not to go through with it, but she could not find the words. ‘I cannot wait for our wedding day.’

  ‘Can you not?’ Harry looked thoughtful. ‘When you go to Amelia’s, I shall take a trip to London, to buy your wedding gift. Tell me, Susannah, what is your favourite stone?’

  ‘I like pearls and perhaps diamonds,’ Susannah said. ‘My emerald ring is lovely. I really do not mind. The pearls your mama gave me are perfect.’

  ‘There are others of equal merit in the family jewels, but I intend to buy some thing new for your wedding gift—some thing that has not been worn by any other Pendleton lady.’

  ‘Thank you,’ Susannah framed the words, but she really wanted to say, All I want is you, Harry. Please do not risk your life by fighting a duel.

  They heard a gong sounding from within the house. Harry turned his head and frowned—he had noticed un certainty in Susannah and he was not sure what was causing it.

  ‘I think we should go in, for I would not wish to keep Mama waiting, Susannah.’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she said and smiled as they turned towards the house.

  It was unlikely that she would get another chance to talk to him alone, for she had been invited to play croquet on the lawn with Lady Elizabeth and some of the others that afternoon. She felt a knot of nerves in her stomach as she wondered how she could pre vent Harry fighting that duel!

  Wild thoughts of sending a servant for the magistrate or locking Harry in his apartments went through her mind and were instantly dismissed. It seemed that there was nothing she could do—she was certain an appeal to Harry would fall on deaf ears.

  Perhaps Toby would know what she could do? She could at least confide her fears in him this evening.

  ‘How do you know about the duel?’ Toby looked shocked when she told him she had over heard Harry talking of it with his friends. ‘That sort of thing isn’t for the ears of delicate ladies.’

  ‘I am not a delicate lady,’ Susannah said. ‘Harry is going to risk his life to defend her honour and it isn’t fair. She won’t care if he dies, but I shall. It will break my heart, Toby. Can you not do some thing to stop it?’

  ‘What would you have me do?’ Toby asked and shook his head. ‘Nothing I said would change his mind, Susannah. It is a matter of honour. Surely you know that?’

  ‘Yes, I know gentlemen have foolish notions, but I do not think it is honourable for two grown men who should know better to try to kill each other!’ Susannah was cross with him, for he was clearly on Harry’s side. ‘Couldn’t you make sure Harry went to the wrong pla
ce—or persuade them to shake hands and make up their quarrel?’

  ‘Have you tried to persuade Harry not to go ahead with it?’

  ‘No…he wouldn’t listen to me.’

  ‘Do you imagine he would listen to me?’ Toby made a rueful face. ‘Harry would soon tell me to mind my own business.’

  ‘Then you can offer me no help?’ Susannah looked at him in appeal. ‘Please, Toby…’

  ‘Susannah, I would die for you,’ Toby told her. ‘But I cannot pre vent this duel. Besides, there is no need. I dare say it will end with them both firing in the air.’

  ‘Do you really think so?’ Susannah asked. ‘I could bear it if I thought it was all some silly nonsense—but I am afraid they hate each other and that the marquis will try to kill Harry.’

  ‘Well, if he does, he will fail,’ Toby said. ‘I promise you that Harry is an excellent shot—the best. He was given awards for bravery when he fought with Wellington. You don’t imagine he will die in a foolish affair like this?’

  ‘There you are—you think it foolish too,’ Susannah said and Toby frowned. ‘At least keep this to yourself, Toby. If you tell Harry that I know, I shall never forgive you!’

  She turned and left him, feeling un ac count ably cross. Men were all the same with their talk of honour and their stupid duels! Well, she was going to keep watch from her window in the early hours of the next morning, and when she saw the men leave the house she would follow them. She did not know what she could do to stop the duel, but she had made up her mind that she would do some thing.

  Susannah had lain on her bed, fully clothed, because she had had no intention of wasting time dressing later. She’d rested for a while, because the duel would not take place before dawn, then closed her eyes, but slept only fitfully, and was out of bed long before the first rays of the morning light began to creep over the silent gardens. She saw four men leave the house when it was still hardly light. A groom had horses waiting for them. Susannah waited to see which way they would ride before going quickly down stairs.