by Laura Beers
“I understand what you are saying, and I do appreciate your concern.”
Cooper stepped into the room and met Hannah’s gaze. “Lord Egleton is hoping for a moment of your time,” he announced.
Hannah put her fork back on the table. “Will you show him to the drawing room and inform him that I will be there shortly?”
“As you wish,” Cooper said before departing from the room.
Kate looked at Hannah curiously as she rose from her chair. “Would you care for me to accompany you?”
“That won’t be necessary,” she replied.
As Hannah departed from the parlor, she found herself growing increasingly curious as to why Martin wanted to speak to her. Perhaps he was here to apologize.
She stepped into the drawing room and saw Martin standing there with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. He was fashionably dressed in a blue jacket, ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers, with his dark hair brushed forward. Her heart lurched at the sight of him, but she kept her face expressionless.
Martin smiled when he saw her. “I hope I am not calling upon you too early.”
“No, you are not,” she replied. “I was just having breakfast with Kate and Edward.”
He extended his arm out with the flowers. “I brought these for you.”
Hannah stepped closer and accepted them. “They are lovely,” she acknowledged as she took a moment to breathe in their heavenly scent.
“Not as lovely as you are,” he remarked.
“I see that you are attempting to disarm me with flattery,” she said, lowering the bouquet to her side.
“It has generally worked in the past.”
“Perhaps, but things are different between us now.”
He stepped closer to her. “That is what I would like to speak to you about.”
“It is?”
“We have been friends since we were little children, and I don’t want to lose your friendship over something as silly as a disagreement.”
“I am pleased to hear you say that.”
“Then you are in agreement?” he asked hopefully.
She smiled. “I am.”
“Good, because I am sorry for my behavior last night.”
“It was rather vexing.”
Martin chuckled. “Marianne said I should blame it on the champagne.”
“Were you drinking last night?”
“I was not, but I had no other excuse for my behavior,” he said. “I was wrong in insinuating that you were blatantly flirting with Lord Groff.”
Hannah walked over to a table and put the flowers down. “I am pleased to hear that, because I was doing no such thing.”
“I know that, but I was concerned for you.”
“Why?”
“Surely you know the effect your smile has on people,” he said.
She gave him a baffled look. “I do not.”
“I assumed as much,” he replied. “Your smile can light up even the weariest of hearts on the darkest night.”
“That is kind of you to say.”
Martin took a step towards her, his face solemn. “I want to be a good friend to you, Hannah,” he said, “which means I would like to help you in your search for a suitor.”
“That is wholly unnecessary.” She felt a jab of disappointment at his words. She knew he didn’t have feelings for her, but the reminder didn’t make it any easier.
“I assure you that it is,” he pressed.
Hannah attempted to keep the displeasure off her face. “I do appreciate your offer of assistance, but I am a matchmaker,” she asserted. “I have no doubt I can select a suitor on my own.”
“That may be true, but I am still willing to help.”
“In what way?”
“I can help you flirt.”
Hannah arched an eyebrow. “Do be serious.”
“I am.” He took a step closer to her, causing her to tilt her head to look up at him. “I am proficient in the art of flirting.”
“I can assure you that I do not lack in that regard.”
“No?” he asked, maintaining her gaze. “I believe everyone could use some practice now and again.”
Hannah chastised herself for feeling the least bit nervous at being this close to him. He had made it evident, time and time again, that they were just friends. So why couldn’t her traitorous heart remember that?
“You start by complimenting them,” he said in a low voice.
“I don’t believe in flowery words,” she replied stiffly.
“Then find a way to make them sincere.” His intense eyes began to roam her face slowly. “I could easily compliment your enchanting face or how your eyes sparkle when you smile.”
“Pardon me if I do not believe you are being sincere,” she forced out. How she wished his words were genuine.
“Or I can say your goodness and kindness to others has always beguiled me.” His words sounded oddly intimate.
His eyes dropped to her lips, and for the briefest of moments, Hannah thought he might kiss her. Instead, he blinked and took a step back.
Martin cleared his throat. “I believe it would be best if we stopped for now.”
“I agree.”
He took another step backwards. “I’m afraid it is time for me to depart,” he said, his words sounding rushed. “I intend to call upon Lady Emma.”
“I wish you luck.”
Martin stared at her for a moment before he departed from the room. Hannah walked over to the window and watched as he stepped into his coach.
She couldn’t account for his odd behavior, but she would never be foolish enough to allow Martin to flirt with her again. Her heart could take only so much rejection from him.
As the coach jerked forward, Martin couldn’t seem to believe what had just happened. He had almost kissed Hannah, right there in the drawing room. His intention had been to tease her, but when he was standing close to her, the desire to kiss her had become nearly overwhelming.
He was so thankful he had resisted the urge. If he hadn’t, he could have ruined everything between them. He had no desire to pursue Hannah. Good heavens, she was like family to him. So why had he noticed her comely figure when she walked into the room, or the faint smell of rose water on the delicate curvature of her neck? Those were things he should definitely not be noticing about his friend.
Martin turned his attention towards the window. He thought he had seen a trace of longing in her eyes, but that was impossible. Hannah had never shown any interest in him, which is why he had always enjoyed her company. He tired of the women who always batted their eyelashes at him and hid behind coy smiles.
No, Hannah was different from the other ladies, and she always had been. He sighed. She had thought his words earlier weren’t genuine, but he had meant every word. Regardless, whatever he was beginning to feel for Hannah needed to be suppressed, at all costs. He wouldn’t jeopardize his friendship with her over something as trivial as misplaced feelings.
The coach came to a stop outside a townhouse and the footman put the step down. Martin stepped out and took a moment to admire the large columns framing the main door.
He walked up and knocked. After a moment, the door opened and a tall man with thinning white hair answered.
“May I help you?” he asked politely.
Martin reached into the pocket of his waistcoat and pulled out a calling card. He extended it towards the butler as he said, “I am here to call upon Lady Emma.”
The butler accepted the card and opened the door wide. “Please do come in,” he stated. “I will see if Lady Emma is accepting callers.”
“Thank you.”
As the butler walked away, Martin saw Lord Charles descending the large staircase that dominated the far wall.
Charles smiled broadly at him. “Good morning,” he greeted as he approached.
“Good morning,” Martin replied.
“Are you here to call upon my sister?” Charles asked, stopping in front of him.
&nb
sp; “I am.”
Charles nodded approvingly. “I have no doubt she will be pleased to see you.”
“I hope so.”
“I am on my way to call on Miss Blackmore,” Charles informed him.
“Are you now?” Martin asked, hoping to keep the terseness out of his voice.
“I am,” Charles answered. “I must admit that I am rather eager to become more acquainted with her, especially after dancing a set with her last night.”
“I wish you luck.”
Charles eyed him curiously. “I know you are a friend of Miss Blackmore’s, but I can’t help but ask if you have spoken for her.”
“I have not,” he replied. “We are just friends.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Charles said with relief in his voice. “I didn’t dare to compete against you for a lady’s hand.”
Not wanting to continue this line of conversation, Martin’s eyes roamed the spacious entry hall with the vaulted ceilings. “You have a beautiful townhouse.”
“Yes, it has been in our family for generations,” Charles announced proudly.
The sound of the butler’s heels clipping on the tile drew his attention. “If you follow me, milord,” the butler said. “Lady Emma and Lady Bideford will greet you in the drawing room.”
Charles gave him an encouraging smile. “Now it is my turn to wish you luck,” he joked.
Martin followed the butler down the hall and stepped into a room with red papered walls. All available space on the tables and mantel over the fireplace was filled with trinkets of every size and shape. Lady Emma was sitting on the settee next to her mother, and both had needlework in their hands.
He stopped in the center of the room and bowed. “Thank you for agreeing to see me today, Lady Emma.” He tipped his head respectfully towards her mother. “Lady Bideford.”
Emma placed the fabric on the table next to her. “I wanted to thank you for the flowers that were delivered this morning.”
“You are most kindly welcome.”
With a side glance at her mother, Emma asked, “Would you care to have a seat, my lord?”
“Thank you.” He sat across from them on an upholstered armchair. “It is a lovely day we are having, is it not?”
Lady Bideford bobbed her head. “It is quite glorious,” she replied. “Emma took advantage of the nice weather and went on a morning ride.”
“Is that so?” Martin asked.
Emma nodded. “I prefer riding in the morning. The paths are not as crowded, and my horse can stretch its legs.”
“I would concur,” he said. “Have you ridden in Hyde Park?”
A smile came to her lips. “I adore riding in Hyde Park,” she answered. “I especially love riding near the Serpentine River.”
Lady Bideford interjected, “When my Emma is not riding her horse, she is often found practicing the pianoforte and harp.”
“What wonderful instruments,” Martin praised.
“Yes, Emma is quite accomplished,” Lady Bideford gushed. “Besides speaking multiple languages, she is also well-versed in many subjects, including art, history, and chronology.”
Emma’s smile dimmed, making it apparent that she was not thrilled by her mother’s praise.
“Lord Egleton does not need a list of my many accomplishments,” Emma said softly.
“I am just making conversation,” Lady Bideford remarked.
Emma gestured towards a teapot sitting on a table near her. “Would you care for some tea, my lord?”
“I would.”
Leaning forward, Emma picked up the teapot and poured three cups of tea, before putting it down and extending him a cup and saucer.
“Thank you,” he replied.
Emma handed her mother a cup before she retrieved her own. A silence descended over them as they took long sips of the warm beverage.
Martin lowered the cup to his lap. “Do you read, Lady Emma?”
“I do,” she replied, perking up.
Lady Bideford spoke up. “But I assure you that she doesn’t read drivel.”
“Interesting,” Martin replied, amused. “What books do you consider to be drivel?”
“Anything that is much too heavy,” Lady Bideford replied, “such as philosophy and theology.”
Emma gave him a smile over the rim of her teacup. “I enjoy reading books with a lot of pictures so I can avoid thinking too much.”
Lady Bideford shook her head disapprovingly. “That is not entirely true,” she said. “I have often seen you reading Fordyce’s sermons.”
“That is admirable of you,” Martin acknowledged.
Emma placed her empty teacup onto the tray. “How do you occupy your time, my lord?”
“I enjoy riding, as well,” he replied, “but I’m afraid I don’t have as much leisure time as before. My priorities shifted after my grandfather died.”
A look of compassion came to Emma’s face. “I am sorry for your loss,” she said. “I lost my grandmother last year and am still grieving her loss deeply.”
“It is a hard thing to lose a loved one,” he acknowledged.
“That it is,” Emma agreed.
Martin rose from his chair and placed his empty teacup onto the tray. “Thank you for receiving me, but I’m afraid I have work I need to see to.”
“Must you go so soon?” Lady Bideford asked.
“The pile of correspondence on my desk is a never-ending task,” he remarked, “but I must admit that meeting with you both has been a respite from my duties.”
“Please allow me to walk you to the door,” Emma said, rising.
“I would be honored,” he replied as he offered his arm.
“I do apologize for my mother,” Emma whispered as they stepped into the entry hall. “I assure you she means well.”
“I can tell that your mother dotes on you.”
“That she does, and she loves to tout my accomplishments to others,” she said. “It can get rather tiresome.”
Martin stopped at the door, lowered his arm, and turned to face her. “That is what precisely any good mother would do,” he reassured her.
“You are being much too kind.”
He smiled. “I find that it is rather easy to do so.”
A blush came to her cheeks at his words. “You flatter me, my lord.”
“I did enjoy our time together,” he said. “If you do not object, I would like to call on you again.”
She bobbed her head. “I shall be looking forward to it.”
Martin tipped his head in response before stepping through the main door. It was time for him to get back to work.
8
Hannah sat rigidly on the settee as she listened to Lord Groff share a story about fox hunting. She had never understood the appeal of the sport. Frankly, it seemed rather barbaric for grown men to chase after a poor little fox for hours, waiting for the perfect opportunity to kill it. But who was she to judge? It was a sport for gentlemen, and her father had been known to participate in the hunt.
Her father.
How she missed him. And her mother. Not a day went by that she didn’t think about them, but she never spoke about them. She couldn’t. It was much too painful. Her heart still ached at the loss of her parents. They were taken from her entirely too soon.
Kate nudged her arm. “Did you hear Lord Groff?”
Hannah gave him an apologetic smile. “I apologize,” she said. “I’m afraid I was woolgathering.”
“Not to worry,” he replied with an indulgent smile. “My sisters react in a similar fashion when I start sharing my hunting stories. I assure you that I do not take any offense.”
“I am pleased to hear that.”
Lord Groff rose from his chair. “I’m afraid I must depart, but I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together.”
Rising, Hannah replied, “I feel the same way.”
“Wonderful,” Lord Groff said. “I shall call upon you again when my schedule allows it.”
“I will have
something to look forward to, then.”
Lord Groff tipped his head at Kate. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Lady Berkshire.”
“Likewise, Lord Groff,” Kate responded.
After Lord Groff departed from the drawing room, Hannah lowered herself again to the settee and reached for her teacup.
Kate shifted in her seat to face her. “May I ask your thoughts on Lord Groff?”
“He is pleasant enough,” she replied, lowering the cup to her lap, “but I do not see myself marrying him.”
“Why is that?”
“He spent the entire time talking about fox hunting.”
Kate gave a half-shrug. “He is passionate about the sport.”
“That he is,” Hannah replied, “but did you notice that he failed to ask me one question about myself?”
“I had noticed that.”
“I am not one who generally likes to talk about myself, but I do think it is a necessary step if we are spending time together.”
“I would agree,” Kate said. “Perhaps Lord Groff was just nervous around you.”
“Regardless, I would rather focus my attention on Lord Charles.”
“Is that so?”
Hannah nodded. “He is a charming man, and I think we would suit admirably.”
Kate reached for her teacup and took a sip. “Is there a particular reason for favoring Lord Charles?”
“I believe I said that I find him to be charming.”
“You did, but I can’t help but wonder why that is.”
Hannah lifted her brow. “Do you not find Lord Charles charming?”
“I never said that,” Kate said. “Dear heavens, we are just going in circles, are we not?”
“I suppose I find his frankness appealing,” she replied. “He speaks his mind and I do not have to wonder where I stand with him.”
Cooper stepped into the room and met Hannah’s gaze. “Lord Charles is here to call upon you, miss,” he announced. “Are you available?”
“I am,” she replied as she smoothed out her pale pink gown.
Kate glanced over at her. “Are you nervous?”
“I am not.”
“Why do you suppose that is?”
Hannah gave her a baffled look. “Pardon?”
“It has been my experience that meeting with a potential suitor can be rather nerve-racking,” Kate said.
