Echoes of the Heart: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 2

by Jennifer Monroe

  Hannah nodded, remembering vaguely a bore of a man with red hair and a long nose.

  “Will you accept?”

  It was just the thing that would keep her mother and Isabel happy, but she had no interest in making a decision at the moment. What she wished to do was speak to John, to learn if he had any interest in Miss Oakley, or if his interests lay elsewhere.

  To her delight, the front door opened and John entered.

  “Are we hosting a party in the foyer?” he asked, his eyes bright and his breath reeking of alcohol. To make matters worse, a long blond hair clung to the shoulder of his coat.

  So, I suppose I have my answer already, Hannah thought, her stomach doing flips as she attempted to keep down her evening meal.

  “We were just discussing Hannah’s evening,” Laurence said with a laugh. “Did your meeting go well?”

  “Yes,” John replied. “I have a good chance of doing business with Lord Oakley here in London. A jeweler’s, of all things.”

  Just the thought of John spending his days in such a place made Hannah want to weep. She imagined him adorning Miss Oakley with the jewels he had on hand, of him slipping a gold ring on her finger.

  When he had spoken of business a few nights earlier, Hannah had not understood then that he spoke of Miss Oakley’s father. Why had she been distraught over his happiness? She was not his mother, nor his keeper. In all reality, she should have been relieved; had she not been concerned with the path she had nearly gone down?

  What bothered her most was the realization that she had pushed him into the arms of another woman with her flippant behavior. Juliet might be able to act in such a headstrong manner, but it was not becoming of Hannah. She had to stick to her books, for that was where her strength lay.

  “As to your earlier question,” Hannah interjected, doing her best to keep her emotions under control, “I believe I shall send Lord Cooper a reply first thing in the morning. It would be an honor to spend time with such a respectable man. Will you help me choose the right dress? I wish to plan now, if you are available.”

  “I am,” Isabel said with a wide smile. She gave Laurence a quick kiss on the cheek. “I will speak with you later.”

  As they walked up the stairs, Hannah glanced over her shoulder and felt a sense of confusion wash over her, for the smile John had been wearing when he entered was gone, and a frown had now taken its place.

  ***

  John sat brooding in the library, a book in his lap, of which he had yet to read a word. It had been five days since he had returned to find Hannah speaking of accepting a card from another man. The thought of the sender of that card having an interest in her made him both angry and sad, his frustration directed more at himself than anyone else.

  How could he have allowed himself to have feelings for the woman? Then he had mussed it all with the wild belief that he was not good enough for her. Now he had driven her right into the arms of another man, and he had no one to blame but himself.

  His choice of the library had been twofold. It was a quiet place in which to think, but his true desire was to be in the room in case she chose to bring her Lord Cooper there. So far, however, the two had closeted themselves—and Isabel—in the drawing room.

  The door opened, and John closed the book but was disappointed when Laurence entered the room.

  “I secured tickets for The Royal Theater this Friday evening in Covent Garden,” Laurence said. “And, before you ask, I have a ticket for you, as well.”

  John smiled as Laurence took the seat opposite him. “That is wonderful,” he replied. “Thank you for your generosity. I look forward to attending.”

  Laurence waved a hand of dismissal. “Think nothing of it. We are family, and I…” He paused and frowned. “You seem different. Is everything all right?”

  John set the book aside. There was no sense in keeping secret his burden. “I believe I may have made a horrible, and costly, mistake.”

  “Oh?” Laurence asked as he leaned forward. “And what mistake would that be?”

  “You see,” John said, hoping he would not sound as foolish as he felt, “it has to do with Hannah.”

  Laurence sat back, a surprised look on his face. “Hannah? What has the girl done now?”

  “Forgive me. She has done nothing wrong. I am struggling to get the words right.”

  Laurence chuckled. “Sometimes it is best to simply say them.”

  “Very well,” John said. “The fact of the matter is, I have come to find her company more agreeable than I would have thought. What began as a favor to you and Isabel has become something more.” He glanced down to find his hands clenched so tightly, his knuckles were white. “When I returned from my business meeting with Lord Oakley, I was more certain than ever that Hannah is a lady I would like to court.”

  To John’s surprise, Laurence laughed. “Why, that is wonderful!” he said. “Yet, with such good news, why are you so glum?”

  “She is in the other room entertaining Lord Cooper,” John said with a sigh. “I am afraid I may have missed my opportunity and another man has beat me to it. I do not blame her, for I waited much too long to approach her. Yet, now that I have found my courage to do so, it is too late.”

  What he had hoped was to receive wise council but was taken aback when the man merely nodded. The room was eerily quiet for some time, and John shifted in his seat. However, as the minutes ticked by, he found he could wait no longer. “If Lady Lambert or Isabel feel me unworthy of calling on Hannah in an official capacity, then I suppose I would understand.”

  Laurence shook his head. “No, I am sure her mother would approve, and I believe Isabel already does. What does concern me, however, is whether or not your feelings for her are true.”

  “How can you say such a thing?” John asked. “You dare question my motives?”

  Laurence raised a hand. “Now, now,” he said. “I do not doubt your integrity. However, I do wonder if by my hand forcing the two of you together has brought about possible false feelings.”

  “I can assure you it did not. You see, I have told Hannah I was interested in books and poetry and a host of other things when I was not. Granted, we have many subjects in which we do not share an interest; however, somehow I cannot stop thinking about her. It is as if she has taken possession of me.”

  “It sounds much like when Isabel and I first married,” Laurence said with a sigh. “There were circumstances, many of which do not need repeating, nor do they matter, for there was a spark between us.” He walked over and placed a hand on John’s shoulder. “It was my determination to win Isabel’s heart that won in the end. If you feel this strongly for Hannah, which it seems you do, then tell her.”

  “And if I were to ask her and she rejects me? What then?”

  “Do you care for her?”

  John nodded. “I do.”

  “Then you will want her to be happy no matter her reply.” He squeezed John’s shoulder. “I will leave you to your thoughts, but remember this. Sometimes one must give up what he believes he wants if he is to get what he truly wishes.”

  When Laurence was gone, John stood and walked over to a window, which looked out over a small garden. A movement caught his eyes, and he watched as Hannah and Lord Cooper walked together along the path, Isabel following behind them. What he expected was a joyous or happy expression, but what he saw instead was sadness. Perhaps it was not too late after all!

  Hurrying to a small writing desk, he took out a piece of parchment and found a quill. He had no idea how this plan would work, but if he did not make the attempt, she would be lost to him forever.

  Chapter Thirteen

  In preparation for Lord Cooper’s arrival, Hannah had selected a white dress with a lace pattern along the hem of the skirts as well as the sleeves. With the matching gloves adorned with lace, she felt beautiful, and Isabel had told her as much.

  As she sat in the drawing room, Lord Cooper sitting across from her and Isabel at her side, Hannah could n
ot stop her mind from drifting to John. When he had returned home that evening five days ago with that blond hair on his coat, her flustered heart had forced her to blurt out the acceptance of Lord Cooper’s request to call. Perhaps allowing the man to go to the arms of Miss Oakley had been the wise choice at the time, but now as Lord Cooper continued to speak, she realized what a mistake that had been.

  “It was then when I came to the conclusion,” Lord Cooper was saying, his arrogance prevalent, “that the servants in my household, although loyal, are a simple lot. It is quite confounding that they manage to survive in life at all.”

  Hannah offered the man a smile in an attempt to show interest in what he had to say, but it was not an easy task. Lord Cooper was perhaps thirty years of age with red hair and features that she would not have considered unpleasant, if it were not for his nose getting in the way. She wondered why he had never married, but now that she had endured his incessant complaining, she began to suspect the reasons why. He spoke only of himself, what he possessed, and had not a good word to say about any of it. Not once did he ask anything of Hannah.

  “Nevertheless, they serve me well, and I have selected a few to travel with me to London for the season. In the past, I have been much too occupied with other matters than to take time for myself or to search for a potential bride. Yet, this season has bestowed upon me a gift—the chance to pursue what I want.” The grin the man wore made Hannah wish to excuse herself and run away. Then, much to her surprise, he asked her a question. “How are you finding the season thus far?”

  “I am enjoying it,” she replied, glad at the opportunity to speak for the first time. “The parties have been lovely, and the atmosphere…”

  “Such a waste of money,” he interrupted with a dismissive wave of his hand. “It is why I host my parties toward the end of the season, when everyone has had their fill of wine and food. One must always be careful of their expenditures.”

  Hannah looked to Isabel for help, and like before, the woman came to her rescue. “Lord Cooper, I am curious to know. In what activities do you partake when your busy schedule leaves little time for socializing?”

  “A most excellent question, Your Grace,” he replied. “I am honored to answer it.”

  Hannah tried to suppress her frown. Since Isabel had become a duchess, the manner in which the ton spoke to her had changed dramatically. If Isabel said the sky was blue, the ton would applaud her and marvel at how acute her observations were.

  “Like most gentlemen,” the man replied, “I prefer to hunt than to attend parties. However, I do enjoy a good book. One must be well read to get ahead in this world.”

  For the first time, Hannah smiled. Perhaps a part of the man was human after all. “Which novels have you read?” she asked.

  Lord Cooper drew back as if she had spit poison and burned the man with her words. “Novels?” he said with a sneer. “I do not read such rubbish, for they only make the mind lazy. I only read books concerning true subjects, but I am particularly fond of books on business. Have you read The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith? No, of course you would not. Few women find such intellect intriguing.”

  As the man droned on about what he considered the best book ever written, Hannah found her thoughts turning once again to John and his love of books. How she wished he was here instead of this man! But no, he would be thinking of Miss Oakley rather than her if he were here.

  “The day is lovely,” Isabel said. “Would you like to take a stroll through the garden? The flowers are gone for the season, but the air will do us all a bit of good.”

  “That is the most excellent of ideas,” Lord Cooper replied. “Truly, I had secretly hoped to be able to view them.”

  Hannah considered laughing, but she decided against it. The manner in which he fawned over Isabel was outrageous, even more so than others of the peerage. Casting a glance at her sister, she gave her a small smile, which was returned with a wink. She would have to find a way to thank the woman later.

  The day was indeed fine. The sun shining down on them eased the light chill that hung in the air, but anything was better than the confines of the house in the company of the pompous man at her side.

  As they walked, Lord Cooper continued his tirade—something about the “filthy chimney sweeps” and how they apparently pilfered some of his silver the last time they had been in his house. She doubted the poor dirty children were the cause of his missing items; if they began stealing, no one would invite them into their homes.

  At one point, she glanced up to see John staring out the window to the library. He wore a sad expression that surprised her, and she wondered if there was anything she could do to help. But he turned away from the window and disappeared.

  Lord Cooper was complimenting Isabel on a fountain, gushing as heartily as the water that flowed from the jug held by a statue of a woman.

  Finally, the moment came when the man went to take his leave, and they walked him to the foyer. “I must be on my way,” he said as they headed back to the house. “I hope to send another card and perhaps call over again, if that would be acceptable?”

  What Hannah wished to do was decline now, for she would prefer to stare at the walls than to spend another moment in his company. However, she had made a promise to Isabel.

  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 n
odded 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.”