When Hannah did not respond, Isabel said, “When your schedule allows, do send another card. I am certain Hannah’s reply will be as swift as it was before.”
“Most excellent, Your Grace,” he said, beaming. “Thank you for the tour of your gardens, and for your company, Miss Hannah.” He turned to Isabel. “And please inform His Grace how much I enjoyed his home, for I have never seen any finer.”
“I will be sure to do that,” Isabel replied. “Weber will see you out.”
Lord Cooper smiled and walked to the door where the butler waited for him to walk through. Once the door was closed, Isabel let out a sigh. “I have been in the company of some of the driest men in my time, but Lord Cooper is the worst. What a bore!”
Hannah gasped. “Isabel! You should not say such things.”
“Oh, do not pretend you do not feel the same way,” Isabel said in a whisper. She glanced around her. “You must promise me one thing, however.” Hannah nodded. “He is a friend of Laurence, so if he asks, tell him you found the man interesting. I do not want to hurt him by saying unkind words about his friends.”
Hannah giggled. “I will do that. However, what do we do if he asks to call over again?”
Before Isabel could respond, John came walking toward them. “Hannah? May I speak to you for a moment?”
Hannah nodded. She glanced down at the letter in his hand. Perhaps Miss Oakley had written to him and he wished to share his joy for its contents.
“I must speak to Laurence,” Isabel said before walking away, leaving Hannah and John alone.
“May we go to the garden?” John asked. “I want to share something with you, but I do not want others to overhear.”
“I understand,” Hannah said. Indeed, this must be about Miss Oakley. Pain stung her heart, and she knew tonight she would weep for what was lost.
Once outside, she followed him to a crossing in the path, far enough away from the house to not be overheard.
“I must tell you about myself, and you…” He shifted on his feet, and Hannah braced herself for the pain that was to come. “I must admit that I find myself at a loss for words,” he continued with a weak chuckle.
“I have learned that truth is best spoken from the heart,” Hannah said. “That is what Forbes, our butler, told me once.”
“He sounds like a wise man.”
“He is,” Hannah replied. The man was stalling, and she was not helping by allowing him to do so. “Please, say what you need to say.”
John held out the letter to her. “For you.”
With a trembling hand, she took it from him. “I am unsure if I should read this.”
“I would be honored if you did.”
Hannah nodded and opened the letter.
My Dearest Hannah,
When I went to the home of Lord Oakley, although we spent our time discussing business, I found I could not stop thinking of you. Forgive me for putting my thoughts to paper, but I did so in hope to appeal to you.
When you accepted Lord Cooper’s invitation, I felt a sadness come over me, for I believed that another man might win you over and have the joy of listening to you speak and be in your company. I realize now that I may be too late, but if it is your desire, I would consider myself the luckiest of men if you would allow me to court you.
Sincerely,
John Stanford
She stared at him for a moment, unable to form words, but then she managed to say, “I thought…Miss Oakley…”
“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “I have no desire to be around her, and truth be told, I doubt I will see her again unless I do business with her father.” He took a step toward her, and Hannah thought she would faint from the nearness of him. “I cannot imagine being in the company of any other woman but you. I am not the man you believe I am, nor is my past one of which I am proud. However, I believe that is behind me and…”
“Yes,” Hannah said, her throat dry. “I accept your offer of courtship.” Then she surprised herself by throwing her arms around the man. She was even more surprised when his arms encircled her waist, and she found she never wanted to let him go.
However, the moment came, and she released him. “Your past. You mentioned it has bothered you.”
John nodded. “I can assure you my foolish ways are behind me. In fact…”
Hannah placed a finger to his lips to halt his words. “It does not matter,” she whispered. “The past shall remain behind you…and us. We will speak of it no more.”
He smiled down at her, and she found herself returning his smile. “I believe we are best served sharing our good news with your sister and my cousin.”
“Yes,” Hannah said. “I believe you are right.”
With joyous hearts, she took his arm and returned to the house. Hannah had experienced something about which she had only read and written, and like her novel, she knew in her heart the ending would be happy.
***
Candlelight flickered, creating shadows across the wall as Hannah paced her bedroom. How dreary the day had begun, but how wonderful it had ended! Who would have thought that she, Hannah Lambert, lover of books, would have ever been courted by a gentleman and be happy about it? Not only did it please her, her mother would be proud. The only thing missing was Juliet here to share in the good news.
She stopped her pacing and widened her eyes. Courting was a serious matter! The typical road from such an arrangement oftentimes led to marriage. If John were to propose marriage, would she accept? It was not that she could not imagine being married to the man, but she was unsure if she was ready for such a step. And what about her novel?
A knock came to the door, and Hannah smiled as Isabel entered. She could not have been happier to see her.
“For a woman who is courting, you seem more concerned than pleased. Or am I wrong in my assumption?”
“I am pleased, but I find it all a bit unsettling. What if he asks me to marry him?”
Isabel let out a laugh. “I imagine it will be some time before he asks for your hand. From what I gathered earlier, it was difficult enough for the man to ask you to court.”
“You were spying on me?”
“I was merely keeping an eye on the two of you,” Isabel replied with a small smile. “I saw the eagerness in his face to speak to you, and you were without a chaperon. Let us just say it was my way of chaperoning without interrupting.” She tilted her head. “Come, let us sit.” They made their way to the settee. “Is something else bothering you?”
Hannah sighed. “I do not believe he would lie to me, but I rather have some concerns.” She smoothed her skirts absently. “What of him and Miss Oakley?”
Isabel raised her brows. “Miss Oakley? Why on Earth are you worried about that woman?”
“The night he returned from dinner with Lord Oakley, he had a strand of hair on his coat, and the color matched that of Miss Oakley.”
“I see,” Isabel said. “Ask yourself one question. Why would John ask to court you if he was interested in another woman? As soon as word got out, what would he gain by maintaining a secret relationship with Miss Oakley?”
Hannah pursed her lips. “You make a valid point. I did not consider that.” There was the shame of his past that he had mentioned, but that was not for her to share. Granted, it was still a concern, but she had to push that into the back of her mind. If he wished to inform her, he would. Otherwise, it was John’s secret to keep.
“The truth of the matter is,” Isabel continued as she took Hannah’s hand in hers, “there must be trust in order for any relationship to be successful. Do you trust John with all your heart?”
Hannah did not have to take time to think of her response. “I do. The strange thing is that I believe I have garnered a deep affection for him, but I am unsure. I have read about love and even written about it in some form or another, but this is the first I have experienced it for myself.”
“I imagine you will find out for certain soon enough,” Isabel said.
Hannah giggled. “Not that I did not want to, but I thought it would be with Juliet you would be having this conversation, not I.”
“Why would you believe that?”
“Because I had sworn off the season, suitors, courting…anything that might lead to love.” She shook her head in wonderment. “Now I find myself enjoying those things I once despised.”
“You never despised the idea of love,” Isabel admonished. “You simply did not believe it was right for you. Look at your writing. Do your characters not fall in love?”
“Yes, they do,” Hannah said with a laugh. “That does not mean I had plans of such a life. If I had written about pirates, it does not mean I wish to be a pirate.”
“No, of course not,” Isabel said with a light chuckle. “You know, there was a time when I thought that love was not meant to be; that it only ended in heartbreak.”
The words shocked Hannah. Had Isabel not loved her first husband, Arthur? Perhaps it was because he died she spoke as she did. She wished to ask, but Isabel kept her life close to her breast. If she wished to share her story, she would, but not a moment before.
Isabel waved her hand as if the brush away a draft of melancholy. “Be that as it may, we are here in London for the season, and the world lay before you. Enjoy yourself.” She rose and turned toward the door. “Oh, and do not forget that John will be leaving for his family home in the morning.”
Hannah nodded. John had claimed during dinner that, now that they were courting, his staying in the same house as Hannah would be inappropriate. She was sad he would be alone there, but his reasoning was sound.
“What was that?” Isabel asked.
Hannah did not realize she had mumbled. “Oh, nothing,” she replied as she took the candle in hand. Another task awaited her, and she followed Isabel to the door.
“Where are you going?” Isabel asked suspiciously.
“I must write a few letters,” Hannah replied. “One to mother and one to Forbes to share the good news, and one to Albert to decline his proposal. I have been so caught up in recent events, I had nearly forgotten to write them.”
Isabel smiled. “Do not stay up too late. We will see them sent off tomorrow.” She pulled Hannah in for a hug. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Hannah replied.
Once in the library, Hannah lit a few candles and then sat at the writing desk. Besides informing her mother of her recent courtship, she would write to thank the woman for pressing her into attending the season. In her letter to Forbes, she would thank the man for his wise advice and to inform him that she missed his company. The letter to Arthur would be the most difficult, for she did not wish to hurt him, but it had to be done. She could no longer keep him waiting.
She dipped the nib of the quill in the ink and began to write. It was an hour later when Hannah yawned and returned the quill to its place for the final time that evening. Collecting her letters, she placed them in the desk drawer, hoping she would not forget to send them in the morning.
Chapter Fourteen
Although she had spoken with John every day since he had left the townhouse, Hannah thought he never looked more handsome than he did now as he stood beside the carriage. He wore a deep blue coat and a crisp white shirt that did little to conceal the wide chest. With his strong arms and bright smile, Hannah would have readily agreed if the man wished to whisk her away to a faraway land and marry her as soon as they arrived.
“Hannah,” he said as he took her hand and kissed her knuckles, “you look beautiful.”
Hannah smiled and looked down at her gown. Light blue muslin with white stripes, she had fallen in love with its woven bodice and flowing skirts as soon as she had seen it in the catalog. However, the manner in which he looked at her made her love it that much more, and she worried her cheeks were hot enough to ignite a fire.
They were on their way to the Royal Theater with Laurence and Isabel, and Hannah suspected it would be a night she would never forget. She had never been to the opera, and that in itself would have been unforgettable, but to do so with John was another thing entirely.
She drew her shawl in tighter to ward off the cold of the winter evening and glanced at John. “Is your coat new?” she asked as an excuse for staring at the man. “I do not recall seeing it before.”
“Indeed, it is,” he replied as he straightened lapels that did not need straightening. “I was able to collect it just this morning.”
When their eyes met, Hannah could not stop the smile from spreading across her lips. She may not have a deep understanding of love, but she could not deny the spark that they possessed.
“Since my cousin has been so gracious in securing tickets for tonight, I have something for us all.” He reached into his coat. “In three weeks’ time, we will go to Astley’s Circus.”
“The circus?” Hannah gasped. “So, Juliet was telling the truth!” Juliet had spoken of a circus in London with animals and other forms of entertainment, including a man who could juggle fire sticks. Hannah had dismissed it at the time as one of her sister’s outlandish tales.
“Oh, yes,” Laurence said. “Astley’s Circus does exist.” He turned to Isabel. “You have heard of it, have you not, my dear?”
“I had not,” Isabel replied. “Although, it does sound exciting. Thank you for such a wonderful gesture.”
“It is the least I can do,” John said as he returned the tickets to his inner pocket. “After all you and Laurence have done for me.” When he said this, he had turned to Hannah, and she caught the meaning behind the words.
What he said was true, for it was Laurence who allowed Hannah to join them for the season, and it was Laurence who, in turn, had invited John to join them. The more she thought about it, Hannah came to realize how wonderful Laurence was.
“There is no kinder gentleman, nor one as noble, as you,” Hannah added, looking at Laurence. “I, too, thank you for allowing me to join you and Isabel for the season.”
Laurence chuckled. “Think nothing of it,” he said. “But I insist you flatter me no more.”
Hannah smiled, and her heart went out to the man. Although Isabel never spoke of it to her, Hannah knew the man’s leg pained him from time to time. However, Laurence was the type of gentleman who did not make an issue of it. She doubted she knew anyone as brave as he.
The conversation moved on to the play and what they expected in the experience, and Hannah could not stop her mind from driving to the possibilities of the future. As Isabel said, John would more than likely wait to propose marriage, but she suspected she knew her answer if he did.
***
“The Royal Theater,” Laurence said as the four stood outside the carriage on Haymarket Street.
Hannah looked on with awe at the massive white building and its four large columns as men and women dressed in their best finery made their way up the steps to stand beneath the large portico. The chatter of those around them, combined with their laughter, added to the magic of the evening. However, when Hannah spied two large statues, she gasped and pulled on John’s coat, not caring if she appeared a child gaining the attention of her mother when she saw a kitten.
“Look!” she whispered. “Tragedy and Comedy. I have only read about them, but to see them in person? What an adventure!”
John nodded. “It makes me happy that you are happy.”
Hannah sighed in awe. How beautiful it was to share such wonders with a man such as he, but to have him understand the significance behind it made it that much more magical.
“Your Grace,” a man in dark livery said with a bow. “I am Harold and will be your steward this evening. It is an honor to have you as our guest.”
Laurence acknowledged the man with a dip of his head. “I am pleased to be here.”
“If you will follow me, please,” the steward said.
Another man opened a door, and the party walked into a vestibule. To their left was a grand staircase wide enough for a dozen men standing shoulder to
shoulder to ascend. They followed Harold up the carpeted steps, which led to a large landing with so much red fabric covering the furniture and floor, Lady Ellen would have been impressed.
Through another door, they walked down a short hallway lined with curtained openings, and they stopped at a box that contained four seats that looked out over the theater. Beneath them, the seats were filling quickly, and they faced a wide stage flanked by deep purple velvet curtains that matched those behind them. The backdrop consisted of a painted blue sky with rolling green hills, and the front of a small cottage sat before it. A grand arch connected two tall columns placed on either side of the stage, each displaying the Royal Crest in gold. On either side of them were enclosed boxes like the one in which they sat as well as others on the opposite side of the theater.
“Isabel,” Hannah said when she looked upward, “look at the ceiling!” Intricate patterns that resembled a spider’s web laced the ceiling that was so high, it seemed to reach up to Heaven itself.
“It is wonderful,” Isabel said, “but we must sit.”
Hannah nodded in embarrassment as Laurence and John stood waiting patiently for them to take their seats between them. As Hannah sat, John took the seat to her left and Isabel to her right, leaving the furthest right seat for Laurence. Hannah never thought she would attend such a production, and now that she was here, she was nearly in tears.
“These designs,” John said in a loud whisper as he ran his hand along the banister, “the craftsmanship is commendable.”
Indeed, the woodwork was impressive with its rose, thistle and shamrock carvings in deep gold embossed into the walls of the box.
“Much money has been invested in the theater,” Laurence replied. “I never realized how intensive the sum required was until now. It was certainly well spent.”
A hush came over the crowd as a man walked onto the stage, and Hannah felt a rush of excitement as the gas lights lowered.
“Although much has changed since the fire that attempted to take away our theater,” the man said, “there is much that has remained the same.”
Secrets of Scarlett Hall Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection Page 34
