“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.”
A sudden scuffle brought a collective gasp as a man was dragged away by two others as he shouted obscenities that made Hannah’s cheeks burn.
“Vagabonds who try to sneak in,” Laurence explained in a low whisper. “Apparently, it happens often, sadly.”
“Speaking of matters that remain the same,” the announcer said with a light chuckle that made the audience laugh, including Hannah.
She glanced over at John, who seemed to be as enthralled as she. Now they would have yet another topic of discussion to share.
“Tonight, I promise, will be a magical night. One that you will never forget…”
As Hannah listened, she knew the man’s words were true, for the night was already magical, and it would only increase as the evening continued.
***
The play had entered its fifth, and final, act some time ago and was sadly drawing to a close. As the actor on stage spoke his lines and the woman looked on, Hannah imagined it was she and John instead. Her heart clenched and tears welled in her eyes as the man spoke.
“For neither the sun rising nor setting has shown such beauty as thee,” he said.
The woman took a step toward him, a bouquet of flowers clutched in her hands. “For the love you have shown me shall light a path. A path from which we will never waver.”
“That not even the darkness is able to impede,” Hannah whispered. She had read this play so often, she knew all the lines by heart.
Applause erupted, and everyone stood, Hannah included, tears streaming down her cheek. John offered her a kerchief, which she took with gratitude. As the applause continued to rumble through the room, she leaned closer to John to be heard. “That was beautiful; do you not agree?”
“Indeed,” he replied. “Far better than I could have hoped. I am surprised that I found it so engaging.” Hannah thought the comment odd, and her expression must have shown her thoughts, for he added, “I am afraid I have been worn out all day, which had me concerned I would not find the production as captivating as it was.”
She smiled. “Yes, fatigue can be quite a burden. I am pleased you were able to enjoy it.” She turned to Isabel, who also had tears in her eyes. “I believe I am understanding love more,” she whispered as the shuffling of the audience rose around them. “It is that bond two share when they have overcome any obstacle that might stand in their way.”
Isabel nodded. “That it is.” She turned to look at Laurence, and Hannah did not miss the adoring look she gave her husband. “And yet, it is so much more.”
Hannah followed the
group back down the hallway behind the boxed seats and out into the vestibule. The announcer had promised a night of magic and wonder, and he could not have been more forthcoming with his pledge. However, it was not only the play that had brought about such things; it was the joy of watching it with John at her side that made it as wonderful as it was.
Chapter Fifteen
John walked into the sitting room of his home and gazed out the window. Many thoughts possessed his mind this day, but Hannah was at the forefront of them all. They had attended the play together ten days earlier, and although a gentleman would never admit such a thing, the performance had him nearly in tears. He had never given serious consideration to the notion of love, not until he had met Hannah.
In the beginning, he had thought her a boring wallflower, one who secretly hoped to one day become a spinster. Not only had the woman shown to be much more than a simple wallflower, she had taught him to appreciate the arts. Despite what he had told her, he had never had a desire to read or attend the theater. In reality, visiting pubs and stealing kisses had been more his style.
Now, however, it was as if he had matured in some way. The thought made him chuckle. He may think himself a man, but his actions were more that of a schoolboy, especially with the manner in which he decided to come to London in the first place. He had run away like a child, and he could not quiet the troubles that nudged at the back of his mind. Perhaps it was foolish to worry about what had taken place in the past, but, then again, one must assume every situation and prepare for it.
A carriage pulled up in front of the house, and John smiled, for he knew to whom it would take him—the woman for whom he had feelings, strong feelings, in fact. He was not certain if what he felt was love, per se, but each time he was apart from Hannah, the deeper his longing for her grew.
He walked to the front door where his butler stood waiting, John’s coat and hat in hand.
“Thank you, Chambers,” John said as the man helped him into the coat.
“May I get you anything else, my Lord?” the butler asked after handing John his hat.
Echoes of the Heart: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 2 Page 13
