Loving Lord Egleton: A Regency Romance (Regency Matchmakers Book 3)

by Laura Beers

  The sound of birds chirping in the wind drew his attention and he turned his head towards the noise.

  “How I hate that sound,” Hannah murmured.

  “What sound?”

  Hannah pointed towards the birds in the trees. “The birds warbling,” she replied. “Every morning I awake to the most incessant chatter.”

  “I find it odd that you do not enjoy birds’ chirping.”

  “Why is that?”

  Martin grew solemn, then shared, “Your father once told me that you were a restless babe and the only thing that seemed to soothe you was being by the window, with a gentle breeze and the sound of birds chirping.”

  “That is impossible.”

  “I assure you it is not,” Martin said. “I remember your father telling me that, because I thought it was odd that he had been the one holding you. My sisters and I were raised by a team of nurses from birth.”

  “My parents did employ a night nurse.”

  Martin grinned. “Just one?” he teased. “We were raised to be seen, but not heard.”

  “That is a sad way to live.”

  “It is a realistic way to live,” he said. “Your sisters and you were the ones that were the anomaly amongst the ton, not me.”

  Hannah shifted her gaze towards the birds. “Perhaps I have been too hard on the birds that live outside my window.” She smiled. “I have even plotted their little deaths.”

  Martin chuckled. “That is terrible.”

  “No one would shoot them for me, so I was forced to resort to throwing my pillow at them.”

  “How was that received?”

  “Not very well,” she admitted, shaking her head. “I have discovered that I have terrible aim.”

  “Why am I not surprised?”

  Bringing her gaze back to meet his, Hannah said, “Some of the memories I have of my parents are fading, and I am scared that I will eventually lose them completely.”

  “You won’t,” he assured her.

  “How can you be so certain?”

  He offered her a tender smile. “Because they will always be a part of you,” he replied. “Furthermore, I do believe the more you share your memories, the stronger they will become.”

  “Even the memories I want forgotten?”

  “Such as?”

  She took a shuddering breath. “I can recall the precise moment the constable informed us of our parents’ accident, and I can see the unwavering pity in his eyes,” she shared. “I keep reliving that moment every time I close my eyes to sleep.”

  “Surely you have good memories of your parents?”

  “Of course,” she replied. “There are too many to count.”

  “Perhaps you should focus on those instead.”

  Pressing her lips together, she shared, “I’ve tried that, but my mind constantly returns to that moment in time.”

  “Your parents loved you very much, there is no denying that,” he said, “and I have no doubt they wanted you to live a happy, full life.”

  Hannah bobbed her head in response. “I would agree with that.”

  “It is so easy to focus on the negative aspects of our lives, but the true test of strength is finding joy in the absence of happiness.”

  “Thank you,” she said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

  “For what?”

  “You have reminded me what is important in life, and I shall not forget that.”

  Martin smiled. “I am glad to hear that, because I was afraid you might start to plot my death, as well.”

  “Now, why would I do that?”

  He shrugged. “Why would you plot the death of charming birds, either?”

  Hannah laughed and the sound warmed his heart. “They know what they have done,” she declared.

  “Remind me not to cross you,” he teased.

  “You could…” Her words trailed off when she turned her attention towards the townhouse, watching as Lord Charles and Lady Emma approached.

  Martin rose from his spot on the blanket, only now realizing how close he and Hannah had been sitting as they spoke.

  He shifted his gaze towards Lady Emma and watched as her brother escorted her. She was dressed in a pink gown with a white ruffle adorning the round neckline.

  Her face lit up when she met his gaze, and he found himself returning her smile.

  Lord Charles came to a stop next to the blanket, his eyes not straying from Hannah. “How are you faring today, Miss Blackmore?”

  Hannah offered him a smile. “I am well,” she replied. “And you?”

  “We were most excited to receive your invitation for a picnic,” Lady Emma said. “It has been forever since we last had one.”

  “Is that so?” Martin asked.

  Lady Emma bobbed her head. “Isn’t today such a lovely day for a picnic?” she questioned, turning her gaze towards her brother.

  “It is,” Lord Charles replied.

  Martin offered his hand to assist Lady Emma onto the blanket. Once she was situated, he sat down next to her and put his hand on the handle of the basket. “I have it on good authority that this basket contains biscuits,” he revealed.

  “I do love biscuits,” Lady Emma stated.

  “As do I,” Martin said.

  Lord Charles claimed the seat next to Hannah on the blanket, and Martin found them entirely too close for his liking, but Hannah didn’t seem to mind the close proximity. What was worse, she almost seemed to welcome it.

  Lady Emma spoke up next to him. “Lord Egleton, am I correct in my recollection that you enjoy riding?” she asked.

  “I do, very much,” he replied.

  “My brother and I have found the most delightful trail in Hyde Park,” Lady Emma shared.

  “Is that so?” he asked.

  Lord Charles nodded. “You are more than welcome to join us tomorrow.”

  “I believe I shall,” Martin said.

  Turning his gaze towards Hannah, Lord Charles asked, “Would you care to join us, as well?”

  “I don’t know,” she responded, her voice hesitant. “I fear that it has been entirely too long since I’ve last ridden.”

  “You must come,” Lady Emma pressed. “Charles and I go riding nearly every morning, and I grow tired of the same trivial conversations with him.”

  Lord Charles chuckled. “Thank you for that, dear sister.”

  Lady Emma smiled playfully. “I am just attempting to persuade Hannah to join us,” she said, “especially since I know how much you enjoy riding.” She shifted her gaze back to Hannah. “Please say you will come.”

  Martin decided to take pity on Hannah and was about to interject on her behalf when she surprised him by saying, “I believe I shall join you.”

  Lady Emma clasped her hands together. “We shall have such fun!”

  His brow shot up as he stared at Hannah in amazement. What in the blazes was she thinking? She hadn’t ridden a horse since she had fallen off one, and that was many years ago.

  Martin cleared his throat as he rose. “May I speak to you for a moment, Miss Blackmore?”

  She smiled tersely up at him. “You may,” she replied as she accepted his proffered hand.

  As they walked away from the group, Martin whispered, “Do you truly intend to join us on a ride through Hyde Park?”

  “That is my intention.”

  “Are you mad?”

  “No, I don’t believe I am,” she replied cheekily.

  Once they were far enough away for their conversation to stay private, Martin reached for her arm and gently turned her to face him. “You haven’t ridden a horse since you fell off and broke your arm.”

  “I am well aware.”

  “And you intend to just start riding again?” he asked.

  Hannah glanced over at Lord Charles before saying, “Riding is important to Lord Charles, so it must be important to me, as well.”

  “But even your father couldn’t convince you to ride again.”

  She looked displeased
by his remark. “I am well aware, but I do not want to disappoint Lord Charles.”

  “Perhaps you should just explain the reasons why you don’t ride,” he suggested. “I am sure he won’t fault you for them.”

  “What if he does?”

  Martin softened his words. “Then he isn’t the one for you, Hannah.”

  She bit her bottom lip before saying, “It’s not that simple.”

  “This is madness,” he declared, leaning closer to her. “Why not just be honest with him?”

  “I have my reasons.”

  “Then they are foolhardy.”

  Hannah lowered her gaze to the lapels of his jacket. “Does this mean you won’t help me?”

  Martin sighed. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you,” he replied. “But I do not like this. Not one bit.”

  “Duly noted,” she said. “It would be best if we returned to our guests before they begin to feel neglected.”

  “Lead the way, Hannah.”

  “Thank you for the lovely picnic,” Lord Charles said as they crossed the entry hall. “My sister and I had the most delightful time.”

  Lady Emma bobbed her head. “I must agree with Charles, wholeheartedly.”

  “I am pleased to hear that,” Hannah replied.

  Lord Charles stopped at the door and turned to face her. “I look forward to our ride tomorrow.”

  Hannah forced a smile to her lips. “I do hope you will be patient with me. I haven’t ridden in quite some time.”

  “You don’t need to concern yourself with that,” he assured her. “Just being in your presence brings me great joy.”

  “You flatter me, sir.”

  His eyes crinkled around the corners. “That was my intention.” He bowed. “I will be counting the moments until we meet again.”

  “As will I,” Hannah replied, hoping her words sounded genuine. Frankly, she was dreading going riding tomorrow. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to spend additional time with Lord Charles, but she wished they were going on a carriage ride instead. Why had she agreed to go? It was sheer madness on her part, but she didn’t want to reveal the truth of the matter.

  Hannah glanced over and watched as Martin kissed the top of Lady Emma’s gloved hand, eliciting a giggle from her.

  “Until tomorrow,” Martin said as he released her hand.

  Lady Emma shifted her gaze and offered Hannah a smile. “Good day, Miss Blackmore.”

  “Good day, Lady Emma.”

  After Lord Charles and Lady Emma departed, Hannah turned to face Martin. “It would appear that Lady Emma is quite smitten with you.”

  “I can hardly blame her,” Martin said with a grin.

  She returned his smile. “Dear heavens, your cockiness astounds even me.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “It wasn’t meant as one.”

  “That is a shame, because it sounded like one.”

  “Then I must have said it wrong.”

  Martin chuckled. “Regardless, Lord Charles is taken with you, as well.”

  “It definitely appears to be that way.”

  “If that’s the case, why did you feel the need to lie to him?” Martin asked, giving her a knowing look.

  Hannah pressed her lips together. “I did no such thing,” she replied. “I do intend to go riding with him tomorrow, assuming you will still help me.”

  “Make no mistake of that, but why didn’t you just tell him the truth about why you don’t ride?”

  “For what purpose?”

  “To maintain honesty between you,” Martin pressed.

  “And what would that achieve?”

  Martin furrowed his brow. “You are keeping a part of yourself hidden from Charles.”

  “That is hardly the case,” she contended. “We are still getting to know one another.”

  “Are you?” he challenged. “Because as a standard rule, I tend to avoid lying to someone I am courting.”

  Hannah shook her head. “You are being rather irksome at the moment.”

  Martin crossed his arms over his chest. “You just know I speak the truth, and it infuriates you.”

  “I disagree,” she argued. “I know precisely what I am doing.”

  “You are playing a dangerous game with someone else’s heart,” Martin contended.

  “And you are inventing a problem when there is none.”

  Martin stepped closer to her. “Then why pretend to be something you are not?”

  “I daresay you are overreacting.”

  “I don’t believe I am,” he said.

  “Why does that not surprise me?” Hannah narrowed her eyes. “It might be best if you focus on your own relationship with Lady Emma and stay out of mine.”

  “I can do both,” he replied, his voice rising.

  “Not very well, if you ask me.”

  “I didn’t ask you.”

  Kate’s voice came from the other side of the hall. “Good heavens, whatever are you two going on about?”

  “Martin and I just have a difference of opinion,” Hannah revealed.

  “I see,” Kate said as she approached them. “Perhaps we should all discuss this in the drawing room, then.”

  “I don’t think there is a need—” Hannah started.

  Martin cut her off. “That is a wonderful idea, Kate.”

  Hannah shot him an annoyed look. “I think we have already said what needs to be said, haven’t we?”

  “I disagree,” Martin said. “I believe much more can be said on the subject.”

  Kate gestured towards the drawing room. “Shall we?”

  Hannah headed into the drawing room and walked over to the window. She wanted to be as far away from Martin as possible at the moment.

  Kate stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. “Why don’t we start with what is bothering you two?”

  Martin turned towards Hannah with an uplifted brow. “I think it might be best if Hannah goes first.”

  Hannah pursed her lips. “Martin is upset that I intend to go riding with Lord Charles tomorrow.”

  “You’re going riding tomorrow?” Kate asked with disbelief on her features.

  “I am,” she replied. “Lord Charles invited me to join him on his ride through Hyde Park, and I accepted.”

  “Are you sure you are ready for that?” Kate questioned.

  “I do,” she responded. “I used to enjoy riding immensely, and I believe it is time that I get back in the saddle.”

  Kate appeared displeased by her response. “That is a rather big decision, and it should not be taken lightly.”

  “Exactly my point,” Martin muttered.

  Hannah exchanged an annoyed look with him before she shifted her gaze back to her sister. “Why should it matter why I decide to go riding again?” she asked. “I thought you would be happy for me.”

  “I am,” Kate assured her, “but I should warn you that it might take some time for you to become accustomed to riding a horse again.”

  “I agree, which is why I asked Martin to help me.”

  Kate bobbed her head. “I believe that is a wise decision.”

  “Thank you,” Hannah said, giving Martin a smug smile.

  Martin shook his head. “I’m just worried about you, Hannah.”

  “I do appreciate your concern, but I’m not a child anymore,” Hannah pressed.

  “I am well aware of that,” Martin asserted, “but it doesn’t mean I won’t try to continue protecting you.”

  Some of the anger dissipated at his words. “Thank you, Martin,” she replied.

  Martin took a step closer to her. “I don’t want you to ever believe that you need to change to fit someone else,” he said, “because you are perfect just the way you are.”

  Hannah lowered her gaze at his remark. She couldn’t help but wonder, if he truly felt that way, then why didn’t he love her the way she loved him?

  “That was a kind thing to say,” Kate praised. “Wasn’t it, Hannah?”


  Hannah brought her gaze back up. “It was,” she replied.

  “Why don’t you go change into your riding habit, and we’ll go out to the stables?” Martin asked.

  “I think that is a brilliant idea,” Hannah said.

  As she passed by Martin, he reached out and touched her sleeve. “I am sorry for yelling at you, Hannah.”

  “You weren’t entirely wrong, you know.”

  Martin smiled. “Was that an apology, as well?”

  “I suppose it was.”

  Martin dropped his hand and stepped back. “Hurry on, then,” he encouraged. “I hope I don’t have to wait hours for you to change.”

  “I’ll be quick,” she promised as she exited the drawing room.

  As she hurried up the stairs, Hannah wished Martin wouldn’t say such nice things to her. It would be much easier to move on if he weren’t so agreeable.

  11

  Martin knew he had reacted irrationally when he yelled at Hannah earlier, but he hadn’t been able to stop himself. The mere thought that Hannah would change who she was to try to win someone else’s approval did not sit well with him. He meant it when he said that she was perfect just the way she was. She was kind, compassionate, and laughed as if she had never experienced pain.

  So why was Hannah so determined to win Lord Charles’s approval? If she allowed it, she would have a line of suitors vying for her attention. What was her plan? He knew she had one. She always did.

  He glanced over at Hannah as they walked down to the stables. She was wearing a blue riding habit and her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight chignon, emphasizing her high cheekbones. Was it his imagination, or was she becoming more beautiful with each passing day?

  Hannah turned her head towards him, and he realized he’d been caught staring. Rather than be embarrassed, he met her gaze and smiled.

  “Why are you in such a good mood?” she asked.

  “And you aren’t?”

  Hannah seemed to consider him for a moment before saying, “I must admit that I am rather nervous.”

  “I’m not surprised,” he said. “You haven’t been riding in years.”

  “You must think me terribly foolish to do so.”

  “I believe I have already made my stance known.”