Every Scandalous Secret Read Free Page B

ruined.

Chapter 2
     
    A s was her custom, Susanna was up at dawn, and she felt a bit guilty ringing for Caroline’s maid so early after a late night. Marie had blond curls that fell from confinement across her neck or down her cheek. Yawning, she tucked the hair back behind her ear and looked into the wardrobe where Susanna’s clothes hung on display.
    “Miss Leland, tell me ye brought more than this.”
    Susanna blinked in surprise at her forthright speech, even though Caroline had laughingly warned her in advance. “Is something wrong, Marie?”
    “O’ course not, miss, but ye’ve not purchased new gowns in some time, I see.”
    “They are serviceable and flatter me well, or so I’m told,” Susanna answered in confusion.
    “Yes, miss, that makes perfect sense.”
    And she said nothing else, only laid out the gown Susanna chose. Once or twice while she worked on Susanna’s hair, she opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it. Susanna did not question her again. She wouldn’t force the girl. Too many people treated servants as if they only existed in service.
    The breakfast room was deserted at first, and Susanna ate contentedly as she read the Times. When she heard male voices in the corridor, she tensed, then questioned her own reaction. Eating the last of her toast with deliberation, she reminded herself that Mr. Wade would not give up easily. Perhaps she didn’t want him to, she realized, never having played such a game with a man before. Of course, she needed to be concerned that others might discover their connection.
    Would he risk the censure of her brother or her male cousins? She didn’t know.
    Several young men entered the breakfast room, and all greeted her politely. Mr. Evans gave her a special smile of familiarity, but then he’d probably bestowed that on every female member of her family, with their long history in Cambridgeshire. Mr. Wade came in at the end of this group and attempted to conceal a yawn. His eyes look shadowed, as if he didn’t relish the morning, but this did not surprise her, with his well-known preference for an evening’s entertainments. Lord Keane and Lord Swanley went to the buffet, while talkative Mr. Frobisher approached her directly.
    “Miss Leland, my, you are awake early.”
    “Country hours, sir,” she said, nodding briskly. “Others would do well to arise. Much can be accomplished—not that I am accusing anyone of being lazy,” she added quickly, realizing she sounded too bossy and opinionated, as her sister would be quick to point out.
    But Rebecca wasn’t there. Mr. Wade was the one who rolled his eyes and smiled as he turned away.
    Thankfully, Mr. Frobisher himself beamed at her. “Yes, yes, at home I am usually out inspecting the fields. A good brisk walk invigorates the blood.”
    “I like to walk as well. I am off to explore the park as soon as I’m finished here.”
    But if he heard the invitation in her voice, he ignored it.
    “We’ll be walking the fields as we shoot,” Mr. Frobisher said.
    “Hunting? What good exercise,” she said, feeling foolish.
    “Not so good for the birds.” Mr. Wade brought a loaded plate to sit down beside her.
    She stood up. “I’ll leave you gentlemen to it, then.”
    “And what are your plans for the day, Miss Leland?” Mr. Wade asked.
    She glanced uneasily toward the Lords Swanley and Keane, who debated the merits of kippers versus ham but did not notice Mr. Wade’s bold curiosity.
    “Nothing that would concern you, sir,” she said, smiling. “I do believe a brisk walk is in order.”
    “Wait, and I shall accompany you.”
    Without hesitating, she called, “Lord Swanley, Mr. Wade just told me that he wishes to accompany you on your hunting trip.”
    “He’s changed his mind, then?” Lord Swanley said happily.
    Mr. Frobisher cleared his throat and studied her with bemusement through his newly polished spectacles.
    Mr. Wade smiled. “Miss Leland insists I go. I do believe she thinks my