“Fortunately,” the woman continued, “the weather was pleasant and the roads smooth.”
“Laurence asked me to give his apologies for not being here upon your arrival,” Isabel said. “He and John—John Stanford is his cousin, if you remember? Anyway, he and John are meeting a man concerning business this evening and will be unable to join us for dinner.”
“I suppose both men are attempting to secure a future for the women in their lives?” their mother replied with a smile. Hannah thought her cheeks would burn down the house. “Therefore, there is no apology needed, not after all your husband has done for us.”
Hannah had no idea what Laurence could have possibly done, besides marrying Isabel, but she dismissed it.
Her mother turned to Hannah. “And you? Have you finished your book?”
“No,” Hannah replied. “However, I believe I will have it finished in the next month or two.” She shared what the publisher—or rather the wife of the publisher—had said.
“It will not be an easy path,” her mother said. “There are many things the publisher must consider. However, I do not doubt your book will shine amongst the others they receive.”
Hannah beamed with pride. “Thank you,” she said and then paused. “I wanted to ask…”
The door opened and Forbes entered carrying a silver tray with a tea set.
“Forbes,” Isabel exclaimed. “you have just arrived. Why not take some time to rest? We have a butler in attendance here.”
Forbes smiled as he set the tray on the table. “I have not served the three of you at once in some time,” he said. “I could not help but ask young Chambers for the honor of doing this for you.”
None of the women could argue such a point, and Forbes poured their tea before bowing and leaving the room.
Their mother smiled over her teacup. “So often Forbes has gone above and beyond his duties as butler,” she said. “We have been lucky to have him in our home.”
Hannah nodded, and she took a sip of her tea as her mind returned to Scarlett Hall. Then she started. “Mother, how horrible of me! How is Juliet?”
Her mother’s eyes drew tight with worry for a moment. “Her foot is healing. She refuses to use a convalescence chair and insists on using crutches of all things to move around, but she has been able to do so quite well. Annabel is staying with us in order to help with Juliet.”
Hannah glanced at Isabel, who gave a slight shake to her head. So, something was amiss. For all the wonderful news her mother had for them, the woman was hiding something.
“Hopefully she behaves,” Isabel said. “She is getting far too old to be playing her silly games.”
The conversation continued, moving from one subject to another. Hannah wanted to discuss John, but one did not simply bring up a topic of discussion in the middle of discussing the purchase of a dress. When the talk turned once again to Lawrence, Hannah became hopeful she would be able to bring up John.
Then her mother surprised her by outright asking, “Is there anything you wish to tell me about John?”
Pleased to finally have the opportunity to share her wonderful news, Hannah replied, “The fact of the matter is, we are in love, and I believe he will ask me to marry him.”
Her mother’s response could not have been more pleased. “That is wonderful!” she said as she hugged Hannah. “I was so worried! But to hear this makes me happier than you can ever realize. So, tell me how this all came about.”
Hannah shared the various outings they had experienced, what had happened at the circus, and their confession of love for one another. She did not mention the kiss they shared, but she doubted rather highly either woman would be as excited for that particular event as she.
“Now I find myself wanting to be near him at every possible moment,” Hannah said at the end of her tale.
Her mother reached over and took her hand. “That is what it is like to be in love,” she said. “I truly am happy for you.” Then she turned to Isabel. “I am happy for you both. My dream was for my children to marry for love and for no other reason.” She sighed. “I hope you do not mind if I lie down for a while. I am exhausted and need to rest.”
Isabel covered a yawn. “As do I.”
Hannah looked up and was surprised to see the sun well past its zenith. She, too, felt drained, as if explaining her life to her mother had taken all her willpower. However, she did not want to go to bed just yet.
“I believe I will read for a while before retiring,” she said.
“Well, be sure to rest if you need it,” her mother counseled.
Hannah smiled. “I promise I will.”
When the two left, Hannah sat thinking about the plans for the following day. John was to arrive for dinner in order to become better acquainted with her mother. Her thoughts turned to him asking for her hand in marriage. She had no doubt it would happen, the only question was when.
Smiling, she rose and poured herself a glass of wine. She returned to her seat on the couch and sipped at the liquid as images of what life married to John would be life played in her head.
***
Hannah awoke with a start and her eyes settled on the dying embers inside the fireplace. When she glanced at the clock on the mantle, her eyes went wide, instantly snapping her out of her drowsiness. It was past one in the morning! Her cheeks heated as she recalled the dream she was having. She must have nodded off thinking of John, for in her dream, she and John stood beneath a tree in the middle of a field, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. She could almost feel his lips pressed against hers, and the thought brought a smile to her face.
Rising from the couch, she stretched and then made her way to the door. She needed to get to bed; sleeping on the couch was not the best idea. When she opened the door, she nearly screamed when she walked into the tall, imposing figure of her butler.
“Forbes!” she gasped, her heart racing. “You startled me.”
“My apologies, Miss Hannah,” he said with a bow. “I came to see if you had retired for the night.”
“I am afraid I fell asleep,” she replied. Then she frowned as she took a step backwards into the room. Forbes followed her in. “How did you know I was here?”
The man smiled. “I came in an hour ago and thought I would let you rest a bit longer. You appeared to be sleeping so soundly, I could not bring myself to disturb you.”
Hannah was relieved he had not, for what she had been dreaming would have embarrassed her far greater than she cared to admit. Yet, that was silly; he could not have known of what she had been dreaming!
“Thank you,” she replied. The man had always been so caring, so kind. “Before I go to bed, I wanted to share something with you.”
“I would be honored,” the man replied. He turned to close the door. “I do not know the servants in this house; we do not need any curious ears.”
“No, we do not,” Hannah replied. She took a seat on the couch and patted the place beside her. “Please, sit with me.”
The butler nodded and did as she bade.
“The news of which I wrote in my letter to you?” Hannah said. “It is my hope and suspicion that he will ask for my hand. I believe him to be the worthiest of suitors.”
“It appears to be so,” Forbes replied.
“He is brave, strong, and kind. His heart is gentle, and I believe that he is what I need in my life.”
“If you are confident in your decision,” Forbes said, “then I wish you all the best.”
Hannah frowned. The man did not seem as happy as she thought he would be. “Do you have something you wish to share?” she asked. “Please, your opinion is important to me.”
Forbes shrugged. “I am but a mere butler,” he replied. “Certainly, you can receive better counsel from others.”
Hannah sighed. “Please.”
The older man chuckled. “Very well, if your heart is telling you this man is the one for you, then I am happy for you.” His smile faded slightly. “You are certain
he is the one for you? You have no doubts he cares only for you and no one else?”
“I have no doubt,” she replied, although his words bothered her. She had not doubted John’s sincerity in the past, but now she could not help but wonder.
“I have spoken out of turn,” Forbes said as if hearing her concerns. “My apologies.”
“No, you are right to ascertain that I am making the right decision.”
He smiled. “It is only because I care and do not wish to see you hurt.”
“Thank you,” Hannah said and then gave the man an embrace. “I have always cherished speaking with you. You are a true friend, and I wish for you to speak to John at the party, even for a moment. I believe you will like him.”
“I am sure I will,” Forbes replied. Then he added, “I have a present for you.” He reached into his coat pocket and produced a small ornate wooden box with a rose carved into its lid. “This is for you.”
Hannah could not help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. “You are too kind,” she said. She took the box from him and opened it, her eyes widening as she removed a hair pin, one of her favorites overlaid with jewels. Now, however, it had a blue butterfly with two green gemstones for eyes and gold webbing for wings that had been added to it. She smiled. “It is beautiful! Is this mine?”
He nodded. “I found it in the library under a seat cushion not long after you left for the season. It must have fallen at some point.”
Hannah frowned. She did not recall even losing it, but she pushed the thought away.
“I must admit,” Forbes continued, “I found I missed you all the more when I came across it, and when you wrote about Lord Stanford, I knew you needed something special.”
Tears welled up in Hannah’s eyes. “You remember how much I adore butterflies,” she said, touched by his gift. “You knew that and put it into my favorite pin. I will wear this at the party on Friday.” It truly was a beautiful addition, and Hannah was overcome with emotion. “I have missed you, as well, and I do not know how to thank you for such kindness.”
“Perhaps I can be the first to see it on you,” he replied. “Might I have that honor?”
Hannah nodded and placed the pin in her hair. “What do you think?”
“It is just as I suspected,” he replied with a smile. “There is no comparison. Miss Hannah will be the most beautiful woman in all of London.”
A tear escaped Hannah’s eye, and she hugged him once more. “Thank you for everything,” she whispered. “You will always have a special place in my heart.”
It was at that moment that Hannah realized she had never seen the man smile wider than he did just then.
“As will you in mine, Miss Hannah.”
Chapter Twenty-One
John placed the quill back in its holder and sighed. What a relief it was to finish the last letter, this one to his mother explaining that he was in London and not in Wales as he had led her to believe. The others were to various women from whom he had stolen kisses and then left them to wonder if he would return. In those letters, he apologized for his childish behavior and had asked their forgiveness for his forwardness.
The old John relished in his previous deed; however, the new was disgusted with the acts in which he had partaken. His hope was that the letters would bring peace to those women he had wronged and therefore bring peace to himself. A peace that had come through meeting Hannah, the woman he loved.
He grinned as he opened one of the tiny drawers in the writing desk and removed a small box. Inside it held a ring. Hannah had captured his heart and mind, and his plan was to propose to her. He was not certain if doing so tonight after dinner would be the best time; he would speak to Laurence about the matter.
His carriage would be ready in just a few minutes, and he would then be off to spend a wonderful evening with not only Hannah, but her mother as well. He had spoken only briefly to Lady Eleanor, and he looked forward to engaging in conversation with her in hopes he would meet her approval. However, he knew deep inside that, even if she did not, the approval of Hannah was all he needed.
The door opened and Chambers entered the room. The butler gave a deep bow. “Your carriage is ready, my Lord. Is there anything I must attend to in your absence?”
“No,” John replied but then looked at the letters on the desk. “Yes. I will need these letters posted tomorrow.”
“I shall see it done, my Lord,” Chambers replied with another bow.
“Good. Then I suppose that is all,” John said. He went out to the entry and allowed Chambers to help him with his coat.
“Do take care,” the butler said as he handed John his hat. “The weather has turned a bitter cold.”
“I will,” John said and then sighed. “Tonight is important to me, for the mother of the woman I care for will be joining us for dinner.”
“I have no doubt she will be most impressed by you,” Chambers replied.
A loud knock on the door made them both turn. John frowned. He was not expecting anyone. However, perhaps it was the driver. That, of course, made little sense, and John waited for Chambers to open the door, curious as to who would come calling without sending word beforehand.
His curiosity turned to dread when he saw who waited on the other side of that door.
“Mary,” John whispered. His heart raced as the very woman from whom he was running stood beside her mother on the stoop of his London home.
“Lord Stanford,” Lady Harding said in her haughty tone John would have recognized anywhere, “I know such arrival without invitation is unorthodox, but considering the circumstances of your disappearance, I thought it was warranted.”
John sighed. “Perhaps we can arrange a time…”
“I believe it is imperative we speak now,” the woman said, the soft wrinkles at the corner of her mouth deepening with her frown. “Unless you prefer I tell all of London of my daughter’s heartbreak?”
Fear coursed through John, for he knew that such talk would not only ruin his name but also destroy what he had developed with Hannah. With an important dinner in less than an hour, he truly felt at odds as to what to do. He glanced at Mary, who looked at the ground, giving now indication as to her thoughts.
He would invite them in, clear the air, and still have enough time to arrive at Laurence’s townhouse, albeit late more than likely. However, he had no choice.
Therefore, he forced a smile and moved aside. “Please, come in. We should speak at once.”
The two women entered, and John leaned in to whisper to Chambers. “Tell the driver to wait. I should not be long, but I must take care of this matter.”
The butler nodded and collected the ladies’ cloaks before giving a bow and leaving John to lead them to the drawing room.
“I am glad you have come,” John said as he offered them a seat on the couch.
“Are you?” Lady Harding asked, a sly smile at the corner of her mouth. “I would have thought that, by escaping to London, you were attempting to avoid my Mary. You are aware you left her brokenhearted, are you not?”
Guilt stabbed at John, and he gave a nod. Like the others, he had not meant to hurt her. However, with her blue eyes and hair the color of wheat, he had wooed the woman until he received what he wanted. A kiss.
“I understand,” he said. He stood and pulled the bell chord. “I will have tea sent up immediately. I imagine you are chilled.”
The idea of tea seemed to please Lady Harding, for she smiled. “Indeed,” she replied with a light shiver.
For the first time since their arrival, Mary looked up at him. There was no doubt the woman was handsome, and John felt horrible for what he had done to her and the way he had left things between them. Her eyes seemed distant and sad, and it pained him to know he was the cause of that sadness.
“I take it your journey from Cornwall went well?”
“Yes,” Lady Harding replied. “The roads are far better than when I was young.”
John nodded, although his stomach
continued to knot. “The weather is cold, is it not?”
The conversation felt stilted, as if both he and Lady Harding were just becoming acquainted. John looked at Mary. “And what about you, Miss Harding? How are you faring?”
Mary smoothed her skirts, and John wished she would speak; he needed some sort of indication as to what she was thinking.
Then she surprised him by responding, “We had snowfall in Cornwall. I believe you would have enjoyed it.”
Lady Harding gave a heavy sigh. “Enough talk of weather,” she said, her steady gaze moving to John. “I journeyed here not to speak of snow but something far more important.” Dread filled John as the woman leaned forward. “I must know. Are you a gentleman of your word? Do you still intend to marry my daughter?”
***
Concern had tickled Hannah’s mind when, ten minutes after dinner was to begin, John had not yet arrived. However, traffic could have held him up, or so she thought, and she waited with her family.
When John had not arrived an hour after the appointed time and Laurence announced they would begin without him, her worry increased monumentally. Throughout the entire meal, Hannah picked at her food, her appetite depleted as she wondered where John was. Every noise, every carriage that trumbled by, had her straining to listen for the knock that would announce his arrival.
Now, at ten at night, Hannah sat in the drawing room near tears. Had something happened to him? What if he was in an accident or he was taken ill? He was a man who was never late. In fact, he tended to be early to any event. This was no ordinary event; this night was important to Hannah, and John was well aware of that fact, for they had spoken often over the course of the days since learning of her mother’s visit.
Her mind drifted to her conversation with Forbes and whether she had any doubts about the man. Yet, although Miss Oakley came to mind, she quickly pushed the woman aside. He had remained a gentleman with that particular woman as much as any since she and he had begun courting, so it would not be another woman. No, something terrible had happened, and nothing she did eased that thought.
“Hannah,” her mother said from beside her, “His Grace asked you a question.” Although Laurence had repeatedly asked her mother to address him by his Christian name, she refused. Her mother had said on many occasions that she had too much respect for him to address him in any other manner.
Secrets of Scarlett Hall Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection Page 39
