A Simple Deception

V

"I promise you, Peter, the waters are very shallow in London," replied Susanna.

After dinner, the family took tea in the drawing room, and Susanna watched as Cecily monopolised baby Jackie, cradling her and cooing at her and delighting in her smiles.

"I am so pleased she likes her," whispered Claire.

Susanna turned to Claire, unsure if what she had said was meant to be heard. Nevertheless, Susanna frowned. "Well, of course she does. Mother is nothing if not a devoted grandmamma. You have seen how she spoils Perrie, and now Lily, too."

Claire flushed pink. "I know," she replied as Jack, who was sitting on the other side of Claire, took her hand in a simple act of affection.

Jack finally pried Jackie away from Cecily sometime after ten, when the baby had long fallen asleep, and he, Claire and Peter made their way home.

Susanna wished her mother a goodnight before retiring, which unfortunately meant she needed to summon her mother's maid, Naismith, to make the ruse believable. Susanna's hair was let down, and she managed to avoid the rags by complaining of a headache.

It was quite curly from the style she had been wearing that day, and it hung down at her waist. She changed into her nightgown as Naismith organised her dressing table, and once the lady's maid saw Susanna abed, she left.

Susanna eyed the clock on her mantle and watched as the time ticked past eleven o'clock. She had not confirmed a time in which she would be meeting with Mr Whitfield. Susanna had not known when she would be free. He had merely told her to come when she could.

She knew that most of the servants would be in bed now, and after tending to her mother, Naismith would be retiring too. Susanna threw back her covers and changed into a dress that she was able to button herself. She pulled on slippers that she would be able to walk quickly in and donned a hooded cloak, despite the fact that it was a mild night.

Susanna looked out of her window into the darkness that was Grosvenor's Square and felt the nerves fluttering about in her stomach. She knew that it was not too late to change her mind, but the moment that thought appeared, Susanna become determined to go. If she remained in her bedroom, it felt as though she was resigning herself officially to be wed to one of the many Lord Bertrams who would come calling.

Susanna was careful to open her door quietly, thankful for Warwick's efficiency in oiling all the hinges so that they did not make a peep. She closed it behind her and began to creep down the hallway towards the stairs. The house was silent, still, and she did not hear any sign of movement from any servants still awake.

When she made it to the landing, Susanna peered over in the foyer below and saw no remnants of any candlelight, all having been snuffed as the servants retired. Susanna made her way down the stairs purposefully, feeling each step in the darkness with her foot. One misstep and she would tumble down them noisily and would be discovered. When she finally made it to the ground floor, Susanna quickly flitted over to the heavy front door, ensuring that her hood was securely over her head.

Susanna opened and closed the door as quickly and as quietly as she could, feeling an elated sense of liberation the moment she stepped out into the garden. She ran up the path and out of the Ashwood gates and made her way out onto the street. She could hear the sounds of carriages in the distance, and the homes of her neighbours, as well as the paths outside of their houses, were dimly illuminated by the gas lamps that lined the street.

"My lady."

Susanna nearly screamed in fright at the sound of a voice behind her. But she managed to control her reaction as she spun around to face whomever it was.

Alex Whitfield was climbing to his feet, having been sitting against the stone fence of their neighbour's home. He was dressed in the same clothes as he had been earlier, which were a more proper ensemble than what he had been adorned with that morning, not that Susanna had disapproved.

He was smiling at her as he removed his hat, stepping into the light of one of the streetlamps. "I will not lie; I did doubt you would come." His accent was more pronounced as he spoke a longer sentence, and were she not standing before him, Susanna would have known it was him.

Susanna felt the nerves once again in her stomach, only this time they were not flutters, but stampeding animals sending her heart into palpitations.

Mr Whitfield approached her, looking down upon her with his hulking height. He was away from the direct light and so the night was cast over his face, masking his features. But Susanna could still see his dark eyes appraising her with what seemed like curiosity.

"I said I would," she replied breathlessly. "I thought I was to meet you in Hyde Park."

She could see Mr Whitfield's dark brows furrow. "And walk alone? Never," he admonished. "Though, I must admit to you, I am glad you are come." He smiled again and Susanna felt her cheeks flush as the simple act made her chest squeeze. She had never before been more grateful for darkness. Susanna's breath hitched in her throat as he reached out to her, running his fingers gently over the hood of her cloak. "It should be a crime, my lady," he uttered quietly.

"What?" stammered Susanna.

"To conceal such beauty," he replied simply, smiling again, before motioning for her to follow him in the direction of the park.

Susanna blinked; her eyebrows raised so high they might have been a part of her hairline. She had never received such a simple, open compliment from a man before. Of course, she had been complimented, but they were not real. Susanna could hear the genuine sincerity in Mr Whitfield's voice. She shuddered, a thrill travelled down her spine, as she started after him, having to walk swiftly to keep up with the pace of his long legs.

Her motivations had been honest. Susanna desired more from her life than what could be found inside a ballroom. She craved a worldliness that could not taught in finishing schools. But Susanna also could not deny that Alexander Whitfield had affected her in a way that was totally unfamiliar to her. Maybe, perhaps, he could show her the way ... the way to finding her own happiness.

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Hope you enjoyed it!

I wonder if Susanna is right? I wonder if it will be that simple? 

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HAHHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHA I couldn't say that with a straight face -- lol sorry sweet girl -- you're evil creator isn't that nice! Would I even be me if I didn't make you suffer for a good ending?

But I do wonder if and when we'll find out some more about Alex's backstory soon - he has to have some pretty compelling reasons to run with Len, right? 

Speculate here (so I can enjoy your torture when I wake up in the morning hehe) -->

You guys - after FOUR YEARS of not getting a hair cut (for reference, I am currently sitting on my hair it's that long) I've finally booked in for a cut! My long time hairdresser is gonna chop my braids off and they're going right to the Little Princess Trust again to make a wig. I'm finally going to dye my hair, too. I'm so excited!! I haven't dyed my hair since before I went to Europe! 

My appointment is on the 18th and I will post pics when it's done (that is if I'm having a good face day which, let's be honest, isn't often!)

I've been seeing lots of questions about Peter in the comments, too, asking about who he will end up with. I'll give you a hint, we haven't met her yet ... but, we WILL meet her in this book! I love her, and I hope you will too! 

Alright, I better get to sleep.