“That will make Isabel and myself, and her mother, very happy,” Laurence said with a smile. “But what of you? This is your fourth season. Will you come away with a woman you believe is worthy as a bride?”
“Oh, yes,” John replied. “By the end of the season, I will have a bride-to-be.”
“Then we shall drink to luck, for both you and Hannah.” He raised his mug. “May you both find what you seek.”
John raised his mug in agreement. He was unsure about Hannah, but he knew he needed as much luck as he could get.
Chapter Six
As Hannah followed Laurence and Isabel through their London residence, a townhouse much larger than she had expected with its nine bedrooms, a ballroom, and a library, as well as the typical drawing and other necessary rooms. Granted, it was not as large as Scarlett Hall, but it was impressive, nonetheless.
Scarlett Hall. Just the thought of her childhood home gave her a longing to return there, to return to a time when these heavy burdens to attend the season were not forced upon her. A time when she was allowed to read whenever she liked, wherever she wished, and rarely called upon to pretend to be someone she was not. She also missed the open fields, but the small park nearby would have to do.
Hannah perked up when she went to the bedroom assigned her and found she had been assigned a lady’s maid, Sally by name. To most women of the ton, having a lady’s maid was as common as owning a pair of stockings. However, Hannah’s mother thought the cost of such a servant was unnecessary, especially when one had three daughters.
“You may have a lady’s maid when you marry,” she had told her daughters often. “Until then, rely on one another for aid in dressing.”
To be honest, Hannah could not have cared less if she had a maid or not, but the fact she had one now, she had to admit, was a bit exciting. Juliet was not a patient companion when it came to dressing, especially on those nights when full-dress was required.
After an early dinner of which Hannah ate little—traveling did that to her—she gained permission to visit the library. Laurence did not seem surprised at the request; Hannah wondered if she was that obvious and realized she should not be. Regardless, she was glad for the distraction.
The sun had yet to set, and it streamed rays through a grand window that brought light to the otherwise dark room. Bookshelves filled two of the walls floor to ceiling, the rich dark-stained wood crafted with intricate lines. Two large club chairs sat before a fireplace, a dying fire popping from time to time in the grate. To some, the room had a stuffiness that would have sent them running to the open airiness of the drawing room. However, to Hannah, it was like a comfortable blanket.
She would have enjoyed it much more if a problem were not gnawing at the back of her mind. Thoughts of John and the night before persisted, and although she did not wish ill will on Miss Oakley, Hannah could not help but wonder how long the two had spent talking beside the fire after she retired.
Against her will, her imagination took root. She could picture them, their chairs pushed close together, Miss Oakley seducing John with her beauty and wit and leaving poor John to cower in fright when the woman made an attempt to kiss him against his will. He was a gentleman and would never strike a lady; however, Hannah would be happy to do it for him. With steps as quick as lightning, she would give the woman a right slap for her forwardness, and Miss Oakley would beg for forgiveness. Then, when the woman ran away in shame, Hannah would allow John to hold her.
A loud pop from the fireplace brought Hannah back to the library, and she placed a hand on her cheek in horror. What was wrong with her? Never in her life had she ever thought of striking a girl—or a woman—because of a man! Juliet, yes, for her moments of foolishness, but never had she grown so jealous she wished to strike someone. Then again, she had never had any interest in a man before….
“You have a guilty expression.”
Hannah turned to see Isabel enter the room, a wide grin on her face.
“Have you been caught in something you should not?”
Is she so strong and wise that she could read my thoughts? Hannah wondered in a panic. No, that was ridiculous.
“Do I need to inform Laurence?”
She did know!
“I…” The words stuck in Hannah’s throat. What would Laurence do when he found out she had found an attraction for his cousin?
Isabel came to stand in front of Hannah, her arms crossed over her breasts. “Imagine his horror in learning you have stolen one of his books.”
Hannah sighed as her body deflated with relief. She would not have to confess the truth to her sister!
“This is so exciting,” Isabel said as she plopped herself into the chair beside Hannah. “Our first season together! I do wish Juliet was here to share in it with us, as well.”
“Yes, I do, too,” Hannah said. “I never thought I would miss her, but I truly do.”
Isabel nodded and looked around the room as if in search of something. “John seems a nice man.”
“Yes,” Hannah said, unable to keep an image of his smile from appearing in her mind. “Very nice.”
“Do you enjoy his company?”
Hannah nodded.
Her sister seemed to study her for a moment. Did she know the extent of interest Hannah had in the man?
“We have made several plans, including taking a carriage ride through St. James Park. I have never been, but I hear it is a marvelous place to meet others. On Friday, I believe we shall go shopping for a new dress.”
Hannah understood that it was a part of the season to engage in numerous activities; however, she had come for a specific reason. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “What of the society?” she asked with a glance toward the door. “The one of which you spoke?”
“From what I heard, they are to meet in a fortnight on a Tuesday late in the evening,” her sister replied. “I have already sent word that they should expect your arrival.”
Hannah bounded from her chair and embraced her sister. “Thank you for that! My dreams will come true this season, I can tell. And although my book will be discussed often once it is published, I will never forget your help in this matter.”
Isabel took Hannah’s hand. “You are more than welcome. And to be honest, it was Laurence who told me about this group. However, you must never tell anyone else.”
“Oh, you have my word!” Hannah said, liking her brother-in-law even more.
“And do not forget your promise,” Isabel said with a pointed look. “You are to genuinely attend whatever functions come your way and be open to meeting gentlemen who approach you.”
The price she had to pay in order to see her book completed, and published, was well worth the inconveniences as far as she was concerned. Although she had no desire to meet any gentleman, nor to fall in love, she agreed, nonetheless. “I will attend so many balls you will scold me for never being here. In fact, when is our first?”
“Laurence has a good friend, Mr. Hugh Elkins, who is hosting a party next Saturday. His parties are known to be the best for starting the season off right, and his invitations are highly coveted, even if he is the younger son of an earl and not an earl himself.” She patted Hannah’s hand. “Now, I would advise you to prepare for bed soon. We will be busy tomorrow and every day that follows. You will need sleep when you can take it.” She stood just as John entered the room and stopped upon seeing them.
“Oh, forgive me for interrupting,” he said.
Isabel smiled. “Not at all. I was just bidding Hannah a good night.”
“I promise to be in and out in a jiffy. I have been wanting to read for the last few nights, and I simply could not put it off for another day.”
A flutter in her heart left Hannah a bit breathless, especially when John smiled at her before moving to one of the bookcases.
When Hannah looked at Isabel, she could not help but notice the tiny smile that played on her lips, as if she had some sort of secret. Yet, it was there only a few
moments, and Hannah wondered if her mind was playing tricks on her.
“Well, goodnight,” Isabel said, and she left the room, leaving Hannah alone with John.
Then a thought came to Hannah. Was it appropriate for her to be alone in a room with the man? In all reality, they were not courting, and he was a guest in the house just as she was, after all. They were bound to run into one another from time to time, were they not?
Yes, it is fine, she assured herself.
“Ah, here it is,” he said as he pulled a book off the shelf. “‘The Gentleman’s Guide to Africa’. I was recommended this book some time ago, but I have not had the chance to find it. When I learned Laurence had a copy, I could hardly believe it.”
Hannah could do nothing more than nod—her voice had somehow left her once again. John took the chair Isabel had vacated and sat gazing at her, and Hannah had to fight the urge to shift in her seat.
“And what is it you are reading?” he asked as he leaned over to look at her book.
“The…poetry of Rice.”
“Rice?” John asked with a small frown. “How would one write about such a food?” He shrugged. “If you enjoy it enough you might fill a whole book, I suppose.”
Hannah could not stop herself from closing her eyes and laughing, but when she opened her eyes once more and saw him staring at her with a worried look, she stopped and covered her mouth. Had he been serious in his statement? She wished she could pull the cushion over herself and hide.
“I see I am not caught up with the latest poetry.” He sighed as Hannah struggled to contain her laughter, even as it horrified her that she wanted to laugh. “There is no need to poke fun at me. I shall write a poem concerning pudding.”
She could no longer hold in her mirth, and tears streamed down her face as she laughed so hard her stomach hurt. Finding her breath was difficult, but she wiped the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath to bring herself back under control.
The poor man wore an exasperated look. “It is something many people enjoy…”
She could not allow the man to suffer any longer. “It is not rice as in the food; it is the man’s name. Bartholomew Rice.”
John cleared his throat, his cheeks a bright crimson. “I see. I was only speaking in jest, you know. Of course, no one would write about rice—the food.”
Hannah suppressed another giggle and did her best to regain her composure. She studied the man as he opened the book before him. Even his eyes were handsome, if such a thing were possible, and his lips moved as he read, which she found an enthralling action, perhaps the most arresting thing she had ever seen.
“We are to take a carriage ride in St. James Park. Did your sister tell you?”
Hannah, who had been sitting gazing at him with her chin resting in her hand, her elbow leaning on the arm of the chair, sat up straighter in the chair. “Yes. Before you arrived she informed me.”
“I have been to St. James Park many times,” he said as he closed his book. “It is nice, but you must endure countless greetings and pretend you are fascinated with everything you see.”
“Oh, you are accompanying us?” she asked stupidly. Had he not included himself in that ‘we’ he mentioned?
He nodded. “I am.”
Well, that made the outing seem that much more appealing than it had been when she first learned of it.
“I imagine we will see each other quite often throughout the season,” he continued. “We will more than likely attend many of the same functions and parties. If you do not mind my company, of course.”
Hannah shook her head so quickly, she thought it might leave her shoulders. “Not at all,” she blurted before she could restrain her response. “You must not…I mean, you should remain with us the entire season.” Why had she said that? Was she concerned he would find others with whom he would rather spend his time? Why should she care? It was all so confusing! She would not fall in love with anyone, this man included!
However, when he rose from the chair and smiled down at her, she knew she was lying to herself. “I look forward to that,” he said. “For you, Hannah, have already made my season better than all the others combined. Goodnight.” He bowed and left the room, leaving Hannah staring at the closed door.
She released her breath and sank into the softness of the chair. He thought she would make the season better? He wished to spend more time with her?
Setting her book to the side, she rested her head into the back of the chair, her mind bringing forth images of what the time they spent together would be like. Some of them even made her blush.
Chapter Seven
A pair of feet moved quickly through Scarlett Hall, although they produced no sound. To take such careful steps was a mastery long practiced and had never failed. The house was large, much too large for a single family—even if they had four children who inhabited it at one time.
Now, another bed sat empty, and it was as if the walls spoke of the loneliness left behind. Not everyone listened to the walls, but some existed to do just that.
The figure stopped outside Juliet’s room and, as was done many times before, opened the door without a sound. A smile formed on lips—just as they had before—and a few steps later eyes soaked in the innocent figure of the youngest of the Lambert daughters.
She slept in her shift, her body atop the heavy blanket. With each rise and fall of her breath, her bosom moved ever so gently. The figure sighed as it reached out and brushed back a long strand of dark hair from the girl’s face. Although she was beautiful, the young woman was prone to mischief. That was a shame, for she would have made a worthy bride, but she would never change. A shame, indeed.
The figure placed a hand to her cheek and relished in the smooth skin. Although tempted to kiss her head as was done many times before, it was not worth the risk of waking her. Juliet needed her rest, and waking her would serve no purpose.
A sigh escaped as the figure left the room, closing the door as quietly as when entered, and the figure moved to the closed door that led to the bedroom of the Lady of the house. The woman was a striking beauty matched only by that of her daughters. The matriarch who controlled not only the vast home and wealth, but the women who resided within it.
Like Juliet, her mother slept soundly, although blankets covered her form. Many nights had been spent watching this woman as she slept. For hours, the figure stood in the darkness contemplating how to proceed with the plan.
Lady Eleanor shifted in the bed, and tension seized the figure as the woman sighed and turned to face the window, her back to the watcher. It was too great a chance standing here, not when the time to complete the task was so near.
Therefore, the figure left the room and made its way to the room belonging to Hannah. The feeling of being in her room both thrilled and excited, and there was a longing for the woman. For he had desired her longer than she would ever have suspected. He walked over to her bed and ran a hand over the soft blanket before leaning over and inhaling the sweet fragrance left on her pillow.
“Soon we will be united,” he whispered as if she were there. “And we shall kiss as lovers do.”
He went to her vanity table where several bottles of perfume sat side by side. She was far too beautiful to need such fragrances, so he would rid her of them soon enough. She was for his eyes only, and he had to be careful lest another man try to steal her from him.
However, before he could worry about another man stealing her, he needed to find a way to gain her trust. Over time, he had gained much, enough that she confided her secrets in him. However, that was not enough. She would have to see him in a different light, and now that she had left for the season, he needed something to move his plan into action.
He was to entice the woman, lead her away from her childhood home, and once she was his, they would return to Scarlett Hall as man and wife. Lady Eleanor would not be happy, for he was far older than her daughter, but it would not matter, for once they were wed, he would finally take control o
f the house and the wealth that accompanied it. He and Hannah would commandeer the set of suites the mistress of the house currently occupied, allowing him to work his way through the coffers, changing his life from a humble man to one who was elevated in the ton.
Yet, how could he gain that last bit of trust that was needed?
Standing in the shadows, he thought the task impossible, but then an idea came to him as he spotted an intricate hair pin. By all accounts, the object was innocent enough, but as a plan formed in his mind, he realized that the pin would be the key to his success. It would unlock the heart’s desires, and Hannah would trust him like never before.
His enthusiasm was so great, he considered shouting out with joy. However, he could not do such a thing. If he did, he would be revealed, and it was much too early to have that happen. Therefore, he placed the hairpin into his jacket pocket and left the room once more.
As he passed by Juliet’s room again, he stifled a laugh. Her mischievous ways would soon be over, for once he took control of the house, she would be sent far away. If Lady Eleanor took it in her mind to attempt to stop him, he would make sure she was sent packing, as well. The woman had no right to run a house when a man was willing and able to do such things.
Moving down the stairs, he peeked into the library and smiled. Hannah had spent many hours of her life in this room, and he would indulge himself in sitting where she had sat so often.
After all, who was there to stop him?
Chapter Eight
In the past, Hannah cared little for dresses and the other feminine things Juliet and other women of the ton found important. However, she could not help but admire the silky white dress as she viewed herself in the full-length mirror. It had a high waist, flowing skirts and light blue lace at the cuffs and down the front. Over it, she wore a blue Pelisse coat that reached to her knees. Although she loved the coat, she hated the idea of covering the beautiful dress, but with the weather still cool, she had little choice. The fact was, she wished to look her best for the carriage ride through St. James Park.
Secrets of Scarlett Hall Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection Page 28
