by Donna Hatch
Table of Contents
Title Page
Other Works by Donna Hatch
Praise for Donna Hatch:
Copyright © October 2017
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
About Donna Hatch
Mirror Lake Press, LLC
Copyright © October 2017
Other Works by Donna Hatch
The Rogue Hearts Regency Series:
The Stranger She Married, book 1
The Guise of a Gentleman, book 2
A Perfect Secret, book 3
The Suspect’s Daughter, book 4
Courting the Countess
Courting the Country Miss
Heart Strings, Songs of the Heart series Book 1
Novellas and Short Stories
“When Ship Bells Ring”
“Constant Hearts”
“Emma’s Dilemma”
“The Reluctant Bride”
“Troubled Hearts”
The Matchmaking Game
Christmas Novellas:
“A Winter’s Knight”
“A Christmas Reunion”
“Mistletoe Magic”
Anthologies:
With Every Heartbeat, “The Reluctant Bride,” Emma’s Dilemma,” “Constant Hearts”
Timeless Romance, Winter Collection “A Winter’s Knight”
Timeless Regency Romance, Autumn Masquerade “Unmasking the Duke”
Timeless Regency Romance, Summer House Party “A Perfect Match”
Fantasy Novel: Queen in Exile
Praise for Donna Hatch:
“Written with heart and depth, Donna Hatch’s books are absolute must-reads for any fan of swoon-worthy historical romance.” ~ Sarah M. Eden, USA Today best-selling historical romance author
“No one creates chemistry between Regency Historical characters better than Donna Hatch. If you want a “sweet” read, but with lots of sizzle, you have to read her books.” ~ Author Carol A. Spradling
“Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses.” ~ Reading is My Super Power Reviews
Copyright © October 2017
Mirror Lake Press, LLC
All rights reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief passages embodied in critical reviews and articles.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, incidents, places, and dialog are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.
Interior Design by Heather Justesen
Edited by Heather B. Moore, Jennie Stevens, and Lisa Shepherd
Cover design by Lisa Messagee
Original Copyright: 2016 Mirror Press
Published by Mirror Press, LLC
ISBN-10: 1-941145-75-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-941145-75-3
Chapter One
Birthdays were overrated. People really ought to stop celebrating them after the age of sixteen. Snuggled into the featherbed of her sister’s country estate, Hannah Palmer toyed with a croissant. This evening she might very well die of humiliation. Or worse, embarrass her sister and brother-in-law, the Earl and Countess of Tarrington, all in the name of birthdays. She let out a huff.
Alicia practically bounced into the room. “Happy birthday, Sis!”
Hannah smiled wryly. “I think you’re happier about it than I am.”
At odds with her rank as a countess, Alicia grinned and climbed into bed with Hannah and wrapped her arms around her. “I am happy about it. How often does a girl get to wish her favorite sister happy eighteenth birthday?”
Hannah gave her a wry smile. “I’m so relieved to learn I’m your favorite, since I have no competition.”
Alicia laughed. “It would be sad if I claimed another for that auspicious honor.” She wound a strand of Hannah’s blond hair around her finger.
“You’re more energetic than usual today.”
“Little Nicholas actually slept all night long.” A maternal tenderness crept into Alicia’s expression as it always did when she spoke of her infant son.
When the time came—if it came—Hannah planned to keep her baby in her room, rather than follow the convention of letting a nursemaid care for her child during the night hours. She vowed to be the devoted, loving mother her sister had already proved to be. Of course, Hannah might never realize the sweet dream of motherhood.
Alicia twisted around in bed and fixed her amber gaze on Hannah. “And I’m so happy that you’re finally letting me throw a ball in your honor.”
Hannah winced. “Yes, I just adore big parties filled with rooms of people I don’t know.”
“I know how you feel about it, dearest,” Alicia said soothingly. “But this will be a good practice for you before you go to London this Season. When I’m finished with you, society will toast you as the New Incomparable.”
“I’ll be a clumsy, tongue-tied idiot, just like always.”
“You’re only clumsy when you’re nervous. More practice at social events will help you not to be nervous.”
Not be nervous in public? Hardly likely.
Alicia tapped her on the nose. “You are a beautiful and accomplished daughter of a respected gentleman, and the sister of a countess. No need to fear.”
“I hear blonds aren’t fashionable this year.”
“The only ones who say blond hair isn’t in fashion are those who are jealous. Just keep your head high and smile as if you know an embarrassing secret about everyone.”
Hannah stared into the flames writhing in the hearth. “It’s not that simple.”
“It is that simple.” Alicia squeezed her. “If you say next to nothing, everyone will think you are mysterious and will be all the more fascinated with you. Besides, you’ll wear a mask tonight. Surely anonymity will lend you courage.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Spending the evening alone with Alicia and her charming husband, Cole, would be preferable to a room full of strangers. But perhaps Alicia was right; a costume mask might help Hannah find some courage buried deep inside.
Hannah put a large spoonful of lumpy brown sugar into her chocolate, followed by a dash of cream. While Alicia rhapsodized about the ball, Hannah stirred absently before wrapping her hands around the china to warm her fingers.
Alicia ended on a sigh. “Maybe you’ll meet him tonight.”
“Him?” Hannah sipped the chocolate and snuggled into her pillows to drink the hot liquid turned decadent by the addition of the sugar and cream. Why most people chose to drink chocolate in its bitter form remained a mystery.
“Him,” Alicia repeated. “The man of your dreams. Your future husband.”
Hannah said dryly enough to be impertinent had she been speaking to a lady of rank who was not her sister, “Yes, meeting him at a ball would be convenient. I am persuaded that one must have a bit of cliché in one’s life to obtain a measure of happiness.”
“Only if you think marrying a wonderful man is cliché.”
Chuckling, Hannah shook her head. “You know very well I speak of meeting at a ball.” After setting aside her tray, she threw back the counterpane and stood. “I believe after breakfast, I’ll go for a walk, perhaps pick some flowers.’
Alicia’s brow furrowed.
“Oh dear. Are you sure that’s wise? I wouldn’t want you to suffer from one of your sick headaches.”
As she tied her dressing robe around her waist, Hannah exhaled a groan. “I’m not a fragile doll.”
“No, but the sunlight does seem to bring on those dreadful headaches. And with your frail health, you ought to be careful.”
It was all she could do not to snap at her sister. “My health isn’t frail; I merely get occasional headaches.”
Alicia gentled her voice. “Hannah, people don’t normally get the kind of headaches where they must be shut up in a dark room with no noise for two days.”
“Some do; the doctor has seen them in other patients. And I haven’t been truly ill for years. Honestly, I’m tired of everyone treating me like an invalid.”
“I’m sorry, dearest. I just don’t want anything to interfere with your enjoyment tonight.”
Hannah drew a long breath, releasing her agitation but not entirely pushing back her fear that she was sickly and might not be healthy enough to properly manage a household. Or more critical still, bear children. “I know.”
She headed toward her dressing room but stumbled over something in her path. After sending a glare at the slippers that had tripped her, she shook her head. So much for only being clumsy when nervous. She must have missed the day the Almighty handed out gracefulness.
“There you are.” Cole’s voice boomed from the doorway.
Halting, Hannah wrapped her arms around herself and backed up slowly. Though Cole was her brother-in-law, a man in her room while she was in a state of dishabille pushed propriety. But she needn’t have fretted; Cole’s eyes focused solely on Alicia. Though he and her sister had been married almost three years, and Hannah had spent much time in his presence, such a powerful gentleman still sometimes left Hannah little better than speechless. Alicia hoped Hannah would meet someone like Cole in London, but the idea of hosting the type of guests a peer would entertain in his home left Hannah with the urge to hide—preferably in the library with a good book.
Surely she could find a country squire who sought little to no contact with society and all its games and demands, someone who would not require his wife to live in the center of the beau monde.
Of course, any husband would expect children, which might be problematic. Was she doomed to spinsterhood?
“I have an appointment with Suttenberg,” Cole continued. “And then I am at your disposal for the rest of the day.”
Hannah almost shuddered at the mention of an even more powerful man than Cole. Conveniently, the Duke of Suttenberg didn’t appear to know Hannah existed.
Alicia crossed the room and took Cole’s hand, smiling as he kissed her fingertips. “Thank you. I want this ball to be perfect.”
“You’ve certainly planned it to the most minute detail.” Cole’s eyes crinkled as he gazed adoringly at Alicia, the hard edges around him softening.
What would that be like, to be loved so deeply? All the men of Hannah’s acquaintance treated her either as if she were invisible or incapable of original thought.
As the couple stood in Hannah’s room, absorbed in their private conversation, Hannah strode into her dressing room, shut the door, and began her morning toilette of bathing and dressing with her maid’s assistance. By the time she emerged, her room stood vacant, but the couple joined her for breakfast, happily discussing details of the evening, asking for her input on occasion.
Alicia’s eyes sparkled and her cheeks flushed in clear delight. Hannah smiled at the sight of her sister so happy; she and Alicia had not always enjoyed such bliss. Through heartache of losing their parents and brother, and all the financial troubles that had dogged them afterwards, Alicia had taken care of Hannah like a little mother. Alicia deserved to find happiness.
Alicia stood. “I’m going to spend a few minutes with Nicky before I check the progress of decorating the ballroom.” She turned to Hannah. “Do you want to come? He’s probably awake from his morning nap.”
Hannah shook her head. “I’ll visit the nursery this afternoon.” Though she loved her tiny nephew, at the moment she couldn’t bear to look at the sweet, torturous reminder of what she might never have of her own.
For now, she’d turn her energies to getting through the ball without embarrassing herself or her family. Later, she’d deal with a few of her other shortcomings.
After donning her favorite old pelisse and straw hat, Hannah picked up a basket and went to the renowned Tarrington Castle Gardens. The air smelled fresh and rich, and the golden morning shadows played hide-and-seek with the birds. The trees adorned themselves in the halcyon rust, burgundy, and amber they only wore for autumn’s brief reign before their inevitable surrender to winter.
Hannah scoured the area for the last summer roses. Maids would surely fill her room with roses from the hothouse if she requested, but she wanted to rescue the garden-grown blossoms before the frost damaged them. Too bad the lilacs had already gone for the year. Carefully selecting blooms, she snipped them and laid them in her basket. Serenity enfolded her in its matronly embrace, and by the time she turned toward Tarrington Castle, peace filled her soul.
Surely she’d do well tonight. She’d practiced conversing with Alicia’s friends, entertained a few gentlemen callers, and spent hours with the dance master. Moreover, she’d be wearing a mask so if she tripped or trod on someone’s toe, no one would know her identity.
Humming and swinging the basket, she strolled along a path skirting the main drive while birds flitted and twittered and fat bees buzzed. Hoofbeats clattered up to the front steps. A sudden breeze gusted, and Hannah reached for her hat to ensure it remained pinned to her hair. The rider, wearing a multi-caped coat, dismounted by the front steps. He paused, tugged his clothing into place, and tossed the reins to a stable hand who trotted to him.
Barely giving the stable hand a glance, the rider said, “My visit will be brief.”
The stable hand caught the reins and patted the lathering horse. “Yes, m’lord.”
The visitor strode to the front steps. Hannah wrinkled her nose. Though his hat concealed most of his hair and shadowed his face, only the Duke of Suttenberg possessed such arrogant mastery, as if he viewed himself ruler of all the earth instead of only his own properties.
Though she’d planned to enter through a side door, Hannah followed him up the front stairs so she could better observe the full force of his snobbery. And if she were honest, catching a glimpse of his handsome face would be no hardship. As long as he didn’t turn his intimidating stare her way, she ought to manage to hold on to her wits.
He glanced over his shoulder. Her breath stilled. Though she’d spent time in his company four times—yes, she’d kept track—she was never fully prepared for his masculine allure. She’d seen plenty of gentlemen, including her brother-in-law, Cole. But the Duke of Suttenberg’s face never failed to turn her to a blithering pool of mush.
The duke cast a passing glance over her and intoned, “Inform your master I am arrived.”
Hannah’s mouth dropped open, and her face burned with one part humiliation and two parts anger. He didn’t remember her. Worse, he’d mistaken her for some house girl, a servant.
The butler opened the front door, drawing the duke’s attention. “Ah, Your Grace. My lord is expecting you.”
The duke entered without casting a second look at Hannah. Arrogant, thoughtless cad! That he would forget someone whom he should recognize by now spoke volumes to his conceit. Clearly, he viewed her as too far beneath his notice to have gone to all the trouble of remembering her face. True, she didn’t like being the center of attention, but neither did she want to be treated as if she were a patch of mud to be scraped off one’s boots.
As she ascended the steps, Cole’s and the duke’s voices boomed through the main hall as they greeted each other. She entered the main hall as Cole bowed.
“Your Grace. Thank you for coming. I would have gladly come to you.”
The duke
waved away Cole’s words with a graceful motion of his hands. As they crossed the great hall toward Cole’s study, the Duke of Suttenberg removed his hat, revealing a glorious head of hair that bordered on black, and peeled off his gloves before handing them to the butler following him. “‘Tis of no consequence,” he said grandly, probably thinking himself so magnanimous as to condescend to call upon a peer of lower rank.
“May I offer you a drink?” Cole offered. The study door closed, shutting off their conversation.
Hannah nodded her thanks to the head butler, who closed the door behind her, and handed her basket to a passing maid. Just to prove she was not as thoughtless as the duke, she looked the maid in the eye. “Would you see that these are put into a vase of water and taken to my room, please . . . Mary, is it?”
“There are two Marys employed ’ere so they call me Molly.” The girl bobbed a curtsy and took the basket.
“Thank you, Molly.”
A footman took her coat and hat and she thanked him. After firmly putting the arrogant duke out of her mind, Hannah busied herself with helping Alicia put the final touches on the ball. Noontime, as they sat at the breakfast table enjoying a cold lunch, Alicia glanced at the wall clock and worried her lip with her teeth.
“Are you worried the ballroom won’t be ready in time?” Hannah asked.
“No, it’s well in hand. I only wonder when Cole will return. He went to the fields with the duke and hasn’t returned yet.”
“They went to the fields?”
“Apparently, the duke discovered methods to improve crop yield and has offered to help Cole with our tenants’.”
“Everyone seems to think the duke is some sort of expert on everything,” Hannah grumbled.
Either Alicia failed to hear Hannah’s ire or chose not to comment on it. “He is wise beyond his years and always does everything exactly as he ought.”
