by Aileen Fish
“What will people think? I’m beginning to believe you have no care about finding a husband. If that is the case, why are we here? I’d much rather be at home caring for your father.”
Hannah sat back as guilt filled her. “Is it really so awful here? I thought you enjoyed the assemblies and seeing your friends.”
“I do, my dear, but we are in Town for a specific reason. If anyone sees you shopping for furnishings with any man, they’ll be watching for the banns to be read. We both know Oakhurst has no plans to marry, at least not soon, so if you’d set your sights there, you’ll end up heartbroken.”
Laughing, Hannah said, “How can you imagine such a thing? He is my dearest male friend, but that is all. If Jane or Joanna were here, they’d offer to shop also.”
“Yes, but they are married.” Mama waited for the footman to set her plate in place and walk from the room before she continued. “I’ve seen the looks exchanged between Oakhurst and Downham. Lord Downham obviously feels Oakhurst is his competition. If he feels so, what must the rest of the ton be thinking?”
“I will explain my relationship with Oakhurst to Downham.”
Mama choked on her coffee. “You’ll do no such thing! You won’t discuss Oakhurst with anyone, except your female friends, should they develop a fondness for him, and then only to warn them away.”
Hannah shook her head. “He’s not so bad a man as to deserve that. He deserves a respectable wife, one who will love him for who he is, not his income. I know he can’t have done any of what the gossips say about him. If he was seen with all those ladies, whether widows or not, it was likely he wished to avoid the appearance that he favored the company of one woman.”
Mama did not look convinced, but rather a touch disbelieving. “I do hope you don’t discuss such things among your friends.”
Hannah avoided her mother’s gaze hoping not to reveal anything. “I only speak on the topics my friends enjoy.”
“It hasn’t been so long since I was your age. I hope when you bring up a man’s…social habits, you are not in danger of being overheard.”
“We are very discreet, Mama. Never fear.”
“I still believe helping Oakhurst shop would be ill advised. I won’t allow it.”
~*~
After a day of following Lady B around one of the finer emporiums in London, Laurence was certain his home couldn’t contain that much furniture. Still, the styles suited him, the wallpapers not overwhelmingly old-fashioned or feminine.
He’d been disappointed that Hannah hadn’t joined them, as he valued her opinion. Most likely Lady B was doing her best to keep them apart. He wasn’t going to thwart the woman’s efforts to keep her daughter’s image as pure as Society demanded. The idea his presence alone could tarnish Hannah’s future irked him, but arguing the matter did no good.
The next day seemed perfect for being outside, ideal for taking Louisa on an outing. He’d noticed an advertisement in the paper of a marionette act in the park that afternoon. He quickly penned a note inviting Lady B and Hannah to join them, and called for his footman to deliver the message.
A small doubt lingered that Lady B would allow to let Hannah go along. She’d made excuses yesterday regarding Hannah’s prior engagement and had helped him shop on her own. He was growing tired of her interference. The more she pushed him away, the more he wanted to spend time with Hannah.
Her dry wit and unrestrained laughter were such a pleasure after the polite twitters from “proper” ladies, although in some that term might refer to their public appearance, not their general behavior. From the time she began to wear her hair up he’d known Hannah’s beauty would make her quite popular among the ton, but when she dressed for an evening out, some magic was performed that singled her out in even the largest gathering.
None of the men she appeared to be considering were good enough for her. He gritted his teeth. He couldn’t think of any man worthy of her. No matter whom she married, she’d be settling for a man who was beneath her.
His footman returned with Lady B’s answer. They’d be happy to join him and Louisa on his outing. Laurence was pleased to arrive at their home in his new barouche-landau, complete with two matching bays and a coachman.
A house, a carriage large enough for a small family, people under his employ‑ what was happening to him? Just months ago he was happily unencumbered, sharing a valet with several of the bachelors at the Albany. He didn’t regret the addition of little Louisa to his life, but he‑anyone who knew him, for that matter‑would never have believed him capable of adjusting to these changes.
Louisa looked leery about leaving Lady B’s home with Laurence, but she happily took Hannah’s hand and climbed into the carriage, leaning over the side to look down at the street. “It’s broken.”
“What’s broken?” he asked, sitting beside her, their backs to the horses.
“The carriage. The top broke off.”
He chuckled. Her father could likely only afford one carriage, if that, a very serviceable one. “The top is merely pulled down.” He tugged her bonnet so it hung down her back. “Like your bonnet,” he added.
A pout clouded her cheerful face and he feared she was going to cry.
Hannah laughed brightly and tugged at the ribbons holding her own hat in place. “How fun, to let the wind blow in your hair, don’t you think, Louisa?” She nodded sharply at her mother.
Lady B frowned. “You’ll turn brown, my dear. You’re determined to vex me, aren’t you?”
“Oh, mama, one outing without a hat won’t ruin me.”
Turning her glare on Laurence, Lady B simply responded, “We’ll discuss it later.”
An odd form of tension had simmered between mother and daughter recently. He hoped he wasn’t the cause of it. Rather than continue to cause strife, he untied Louisa’s bonnet and replaced it on her head. Due to the angle he was sitting, he had difficulty tying the ribbons beneath her chin. The resulting bow ended up slightly askew, but he knew no one would comment on it.
Louisa yanked at the ribbons, untying them. “It’s crooked. The bow goes here.” She pointed beneath her chin.
Drawing in a deep breath, Laurence forced a cheerful smile. “I need practice, and I see you will give me much of it until I get this right. Please turn toward me so I may do this properly.” He refused to glance at the two ladies opposite him, knowing they must be laughing at his situation.
With the bow tied, he sat back and took in the passing scenery, intent on keeping his mask of composure in place. He couldn’t let them see how close he was to losing his weak grasp on the life he now found himself living. If someone had pulled the carpet from beneath his feet he couldn’t have been more off balance.
“Has David mentioned the filly he’s looking to acquire? Colonel Sir Lewis Branson’s horse out of Zephyr’s granddaughter.” Somehow in recent years Hannah had become a skilled conversationalist, gracefully guiding them into safer territory.
“No, I hadn’t heard. Your father must be overjoyed at the news.”
“They haven’t mentioned it to him yet. David and Knightwick don’t wish to get his hopes up and have it come to naught.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
“Yes.”
Lady Bridgethorpe’s hands had come together in a firm grasp at the mention of the earl. She never spoke of it, but her husband’s prolonged illness must weigh heavily on her. One would never know it to see her in Society. She kept up a strong front.
“We’re planning a celebration dinner when Trey finishes his studies. We haven’t set a date yet, but it will be before Mama and I return to the country. You must plan on attending, as you are practically one of the family.” Hannah paused a moment before adding, “Isn’t that right, Mama?”
Lady B’s smile appeared genuine enough. “Of course, Laurence. You will come, won’t you? My younger three daughters will attend, and Lord Bridgethorpe, if he’s strong enough.”
“It sounds delightful. I will be s
ure to come.” He returned to watching the passing traffic, his thoughts going back to his surprise at Lady B’s acceptance of his invitation. Against his better judgment, he mentioned it. “I wasn’t certain you’d both be able to join Louisa and I this afternoon.”
Hannah glanced at her mother, but kept quiet.
Lady B narrowed her gaze. “It’s important that Louisa have some female company in addition to her nurse. I don’t think it wise we make a habit of being seen together in Society too often, you understand. After you are settled in your new home, it would be better for you to have Louisa’s nursemaid bring her to our house.”
He nodded. “I see. And I understand your meaning. I only considered making the child more relaxed in my presence, and having you two, with whom she’s grown familiar, join us improves her enjoyment.”
“Are you enjoying your outing, Louisa?” Lady B’s expression softened as she looked at the young girl.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Have you seen marionettes before?” Hannah asked.
“What’s a mary-nette?”
Laurence sat back and let the ladies talk to Louisa for the rest of the ride. She grew more animated the more she spoke, and by the time they reached the park she jumped from the carriage step onto the street. He offered a hand to Lady B and Hannah as they stepped down, then gave his arm to Lady B to lead them into the park.
Louisa ran ahead of her nursemaid, looking more like a four-year-old than he recalled since her arrival in London. Hannah hurried to catch up with them, leaving Laurence to walk with the countess.
“How is she faring?” he asked.
“As well as can be expected, I imagine,” Lady B answered.
“I’m unfamiliar with the behavior of children, especially not one who’s lost as much as she has.”
“Tell me, dear boy, do you plan to bring a mother into her life?”
He gnawed the inside of his lip. Lady B was the one person who could see beyond his fibs, so there was no hope of lying to her. “I won’t marry for the sake of Louisa alone. That isn’t the life I want to give her.”
“Perhaps you should be using your evenings wisely and getting to know the young ladies who are still free to choose among.”
He grew tired of these veiled inferences to avoiding Hannah in public. “I’m not comfortable with the small talk expected of me. I don’t like the idea of raising the hopes of every young woman I asked to dance.”
“I could put in a good word with a few matrons who plan an afternoon of cards or a poetry reading, or a musicale. I know how you love your cards.”
He chuckled. “Can you see me sitting through recitations of poetry? I never cared much for reading, and listening to someone do so poorly is the worst torture I can imagine.”
“Oh, I could introduce you to forms of torture you’ve never considered.” She patted his arm. “It’s lucky I love you, Lord Oakhurst. As long as you behave, I won’t subject you to my humor.”
“I consider myself forewarned.”
They reached the gathering of children, most with a governess or nursemaid watching over them. The puppeteers kept the children laughing with a nonsensical skit. Hearing Louisa’s laughter warmed him, wiping away all the ill feelings Lady B’s warnings stirred in him.
When the show finished, Hannah took Louisa’s hand and they walked together down the path, the nursemaid a few paces behind. Laurence and the countess followed. Suddenly, a brown-spotted spaniel puppy darted across the path.
“Puppy!” Louisa squealed.
Hannah held her back. “It’s not our puppy, honey. It’s dirty. Let’s leave it alone.”
“I want a puppy!”
“Maybe one day Lord Oakhurst will let you have one.”
Laurence cringed. The words made him sound callous. He wasn’t a heartless man simply because he didn’t want the dirt and hair, not to mention the noise, of a dog in his home.
Kneeling, Louisa broke into fits of giggles when the pup stretched on its hind legs to lick her face. The child squeezed it, sheer joy all over her face.
Lady B said nothing, but looked up at him expectantly.
He shook his head. “It’s filthy. Most likely flea-ridden. It must belong to someone.”
“It doesn’t appear to be well-cared for. It’s awfully thin,” Hannah said.
“A dog should be able to hunt, or herd, or guard, or something. This scrawny thing doesn’t look capable of any of that.”
“No,” Lady B said, “but it seems terribly good at loving Louisa. That is a job you need filled at this time.”
She didn’t say the next few words he expected, but he knew she felt the same thing he did. He would be taking home the dog. “Very well. I’ll have one of the servants bathe it and make it a bed belowstairs.”
Louisa clapped her hands. “Thank you!”
Hannah picked up the squirming bundle of fleas and cockleburs and pressed a hand against its muzzle to keep it from licking her chin. “Well then, what shall we call it?”
“Lulu,” Louisa shouted.
“Is it a male or female?” Lady B asked.
Hannah held the dog at arm’s length. “It’s a male. Louisa, we need a boy’s name.”
“I want to call it Lulu.”
“I can’t have a dog named Lulu, no matter what sex,” Laurence muttered.
“What about Spot? Harry? Laury?” Hannah smirked at Laurence as she said the last one.
“Lulu,” Louisa insisted.
Hannah raised an eyebrow at him.
He sighed. This had better not be a sign of things to come. “He’ll be called Lulu, then.”
Chapter Seven
Hannah glided around the floor in Mrs. Helmsley’s ballroom, in the arms of Lord Downham. She loved waltzing more than anything she could think of, at the moment. The graceful movements, the gentle music, and the scent of Downham’s cologne filled her senses.
“What has you so deep in thought?” Lord Downham asked.
“No thoughts, actually. I’m simply enjoying the moment.”
“That pleases me. I enjoy seeing you so happy.” His eyes smoldered with what she hoped was love. “My wish is that you always feel thus.”
Always. Was that a hint? There was only one way he could ensure her future happiness, and that was to marry her. Butterflies fluttered inside her. Why did he wait so long to say what she longed to hear? If he preferred to seek permission first, he could speak to Knightwick. He stood in their father’s stead more often than not, now. Knightwick’s approval would be accepted by her family.
Amelia waltzed past simply aglow in her pale blue gown. Mr. Young had a pinched look, as if his shoes were too tight, or he had something worrisome on his mind.
Hannah gasped. Was tonight the night Mr. Young would propose? How lucky her friend was to finally have the mattered settled, and what’s more, to marry the man of her choosing.
Lord Downham’s lips turned down. “I see Lord Oakhurst is here. He’s been attending a surprising numbers of assemblies of late. I wonder what his purpose is.”
“He told my mother he wishes to improve his reputation so as not to disparage that of his ward as she matures.”
“Humph. I can’t see him doing something as honorable as that.”
The hairs on the back of her neck bristled. He might as well speak poorly of one of her brothers. “If you believe that, you do not know him as we do. He’s a very kind and generous man. I’ve known him most of my life.”
Downham looked down his nose at her. “I’m astonished your parents allow you to associate with the man.”
She bit her tongue. She wouldn’t rise to argue with him. This was a side of him that caused concern. He couldn’t object to Laurence’s presence when her family gathered, but his superior attitude was not something she could endure for a lifetime. He’d appeared haughty at times, which she could understand as an earl’s heir, but never so condescending as when he spoke of Laurence.
What had happened between the two men to gi
ve him such a disliking for Laurence?
Their waltz ended and Hannah was glad to let him walk away to play cards until time for their next dance. Mr. Young brought Amelia to stand beside Hannah, and took his leave also.
“I’m so excited,” Amelia said, her grin spreading.
“Has he said anything?”
“He asked permission to call on me tomorrow.” She grasped Hannah’s hand. “I think he will propose.”
Hannah hugged her friend. “I’m so happy for you. I knew he would eventually, but to keep you waiting after his marked attention last Season, well, it’s simply callous. But he’s making up for it now.”
“I didn’t know it was possible to be so happy.”
“You deserve it more than most. You two will be so good to each other.” As happy as she was for Amelia, Hannah hoped her own situation would be resolved soon. This waiting was unbearable. What more did he need to know of her character to decide she was a good match? He must know by now if he was capable of loving her. Her income was not meager, and he didn’t appear to be in financial straits, so he wouldn’t be waiting for a lady with a large income. Rarely did she feel insecure about anything, but those doubts arose now. “Do you think Downham cares for me, Amelia?”
“Of course he does,” she answered. “He favors you over any of the other ladies at balls. He never dances with anyone else more than once and always dances twice with you.”
“That’s true. And he compliments me often. Yet he doesn’t look upon me the way your Mr. Young does.” Hannah had been so certain of his growing love for her just a month ago, but as the time grew closer to the highly anticipated proposal, her doubts had begun to take root. If only he’d speak up before those doubts blossomed.
After their next set on the dance floor, Lord Downham stopped before they had returned to where Mama sat. He leaned close and spoke in her ear. “Come find me in ten minutes. I will be in the fourth door beyond the ladies withdrawing room.” As he straightened, his smile sent shivers down Hannah’s spine and a wave of warmth up her neck.
