A Country Miss in Hanover Square by Anne Herries Page A

that he was out of town. Susannah could feel nothing but relief. She would be quite happy if she never saw him again!
    The knowledge that she might well have lost more than her reputation if Lord Pendleton had not come to her rescue that night was sobering. However, Susannah was an in curable romantic and she still had her dreams of a white knight on a charger. His face was in distinct, and she had begun to accept in her heart that her romantic ideas were nonsense. The Marquis of Northaven had frightened her and opened her eyes to the nature of certain types of men. She understood better now why both Amelia and her mother had warned her against being intimate with some of the gentlemen.
    ‘I was wondering how much longer you plan to stay in town,’ Lord Pendleton was saying to her. ‘And what you will do when you leave?’
    ‘Oh…’ Susannah’s thoughts had wandered a little, but she gave him all her attention. ‘I believe we are to stay for at least another two or three weeks. I have no idea what we shall do afterwards. I sup pose we shall go home.’
    Susannah frowned at the idea. If she returned home in three weeks without having secured an offer, it would be the end of her dreams. She knew her mother had hoped that she would make a fortunate match, but as yet she did not think she wished to marry any of the gentlemen she knew. At least, there was only one she might feel able to accept, but she did not imagine he would ask her, for, despite his unfailing kindness, he must think her a foolish girl. A little sigh left her lips. She had hoped for so much and it might all come to nothing.
    ‘Does some thing trouble you, Miss Hampton? Or are you bored?’
    ‘Oh…’ Susannah blushed as Lord Pendleton looked at her in concern. ‘No, of course I am not bored, sir. Forgive me if I gave that impression. It is just that…’ She shook her head because it was impossible to explain. She did not even know herself what was making her feel restless and hastily turned the subject. ‘I heard of your race, sir. It must have been exciting.’
    ‘Yes, perhaps,’ Harry said, with what she thought a boyish grin on his lips. ‘It was quite mad, but we suggested it as a joke and people started to bet on the outcome and then we had to go through with the nonsense.’
    ‘I thought it was thrilling. I wish I had been there to see it.’
    ‘It would not have been suitable. I believe we attracted quite a rough crowd.’
    ‘Oh, then perhaps—’ She bit back her words of protest. ‘I like horses and I should enjoy watching them race—at a suitable venue, of course.’
    ‘Perhaps one day I could take you to the races, if your mama would make up one of the party.’
    ‘Yes, that would be interesting. I attended a balloon race with Amelia and some friends, you know. I found that great fun. We followed in the carriage and it was a great spectacle.’
    ‘Yes, I believe it is. You enjoy music and reading, I know,’ Harry said. ‘Tell me, what other pursuits please you?’
    ‘I love to walk with my dogs,’ Susannah told him, realising with a shock that she missed the freedom of the country side here in town. ‘One can be so free in the country, do you not think so, sir? I am often scolded for traipsing all over the place like a hoyden but the air is so fresh…’
    ‘You enjoy the country.’ Harry smiled. ‘I like it myself. The pleasures of town are well enough for a few weeks, but home is best, I believe. Do you ride or drive yourself in the country, Miss Hampton?’
    ‘I used to ride before Papa died,’ Susannah said. ‘I have never driven myself, but it is some thing I should like to learn. Perhaps I shall one day.’ She was un conscious of the wistful look in her eyes.
    ‘I dare say your husband will teach you when you marry, Miss Hampton.’
    ‘Perhaps…’ Susannah’s cheeks coloured. She dared not look at him and searched for a new topic of conversation. Her eyes lit on a gentleman who had just that minute