It was clear, as Mary took her leave, that she did so with an unburdened heart, secure in the belief they were undiscovered. Susan only wished she could share in such optimism. Her aunt had seen them in close embrace; of that she was certain. She felt hot and uncomfortable as she returned to Lady Bertram’s side.
“Are you well, Aunt Bertram? I did not expect you to come downstairs this morning.”
“I dare say you did not,” said her aunt placidly. “But I found myself in want of company. A handsome woman, is she not, your Mrs Lynd?”
“Indeed, she is the handsomest woman I know,” Susan said warmly, at once regretting her unguarded tongue.
“She puts me in mind of someone I was once acquainted with,” Lady Bertram continued.
Had she thought the room hot? Susan felt now rather as if ice-water ra
