by Aileen Fish
Laurence couldn’t hide his astonishment at the girl, but there was no time to think on that. They turned down the first path they reached. Moonlight allowed them to see where they walked, but the trees were in shadow here. Lady Susan pressed closer to his arm as if the darkness frightened her. He placed his hand on top of hers where it rested on his sleeve. “Fear not. I won’t compromise you.”
She squeezed his arm. “It’s not you I’m worried about. There could be footpads or all sorts of miscreants lurking here.”
When he noticed a larger shadow than one tree should cast, Laurence slowed. “I believe that’s them. Will you feel safe here while I confront them?”
“Yes, do what you must.”
Fully aware he could be interrupting a pair of strangers, Laurence tried to make is footsteps loud enough to carry. He called out, “Lady Hannah? Is that you?”
She answered with what sounded like a sob.
“Hannah?” He ran the last few steps.
Downham ran away in the opposite direction. Laurence was torn between giving chase or helping Hannah, but her quiet sniffle told him which choice was the right one. He gathered her in his arms. “Are you all right?”
Hannah brought her hand to her neck and nodded. “I am now. Thank you.”
“Lady Susan, will you come?” he called out.
“You brought her here? No one must see me like this.” Hannah pulled away and her hands moved to her hair, her bodice, her hair again, then one hand remained pressed against the neckline of her gown.
“What did he do to you?”
“Nothing, truly. He tried, and my gown was torn when I pulled away, but what you interrupted was a disagreement, not a seduction.” She sniffled again and wiped one cheek.
“A disagreement wouldn’t leave you in tears.” Anger burned inside him. His hands shook, itched to punch something. Someone.
Lady Susan came to Hannah’s side. “You poor dear. You must pull yourself together so we may return to our table and Lady Bridgethorpe won’t suspect anything.”
Hannah hugged the other girl. “Mama will be so disappointed in me. I should never had allowed Downham to leave the main path.”
“Did he make an offer?” Lady Susan asked.
“A request is more what I’d call it. Nothing was said of marriage.” Hannah sniffled.
“I’m so sorry, you must be heartbroken.”
Laurence stepped back and let the girls talk. He would swear Lady Susan had joined the crying, as her voice wavered slightly. She seemed to know just what to say to calm Hannah, though. The older girl smoothed Hannah’s hair, adjusted some hairpins, and pronounced her fit for rejoining her mother. How she could see well enough to be certain Laurence wasn’t sure.
They faced Laurence, and Lady Susan asked, “Shall we continue our walk?”
He held out each arm and the three of them walked in silence back to the lighted path.
When he was able to see Hannah more clearly, he cringed, and the urge to pummel Downham surged. A few of the curls had fallen from her hairstyle, making her look thoroughly kissed. The lace on her neckline was torn loose on one side.
Passersby ogled the three of them and whispered behind their hands. Laurence couldn’t bring Hannah out in the main area looking this way. He remembered Lady Susan wore a shawl and realized what they must do. “Lady Susan, may Lady Hannah borrow your shawl?”
“Excellent idea.” She quickly passed the garment to the other young lady.
Hannah wrapped it tightly over her shoulders.
Even having the torn garment covered didn’t stop the stares. At any other time Laurence might enjoy the speculation that he’d partaken of the kisses of both young ladies, but that was before Louisa arrived in London. Before he’d begun to realize how much he cared about Hannah’s reputation.
He paused just before the end of the path. Speaking softly, he said, “Lady Susan, Hannah appears to have lost a hairpin or two on our stroll. Perhaps you could assist her in repairing her appearance?”
“Of course.” With minimal fuss, she straightened Hannah’s appearance and they gathered their resolve to continue on as if nothing had happened. With more people about, there were surprisingly fewer stares, perhaps because there was so much more to look at.
Lady B wore a deep frown when the three of them approached. “Where have you been?” she whispered.
“We went for a stroll, Mama, as we told you.”
“You seem to have lost one of your party.”
Laurence helped the two young ladies into their seats. “Lord Downham suddenly determined he must leave.”
“You didn’t‑No, I won’t ask.”
“To be honest, mama, I’m feeling a bit tired myself. Would you be terribly disappointed if we returned home?”
“Of course not,” Lady B said. “But you must consider the others.”
“I didn’t want to be impolite,” Lady Susan responded, “but I have had enough entertainment for one evening also.”
Laurence smiled at her. He grew more impressed with her by the moment. Lady Susan had an outstanding, quick mind.
He rose. “I shall send for the carriage.” This evening couldn’t end soon enough. He felt awful for Hannah, knowing the questions her mother would raise. He felt worse for Hannah, with the heartbreak she’d endured. She deserved so much better than that cad, but she wouldn’t have listened to anything Laurence told her on the matter.
He must call on them in the morning to be sure Hannah was recovering well.
Chapter Nine
Hannah managed to hold off her mother’s questions before retiring to her room, which she did directly upon arrival. Mama must have noticed how Hannah kept the shawl wrapped so closely, but she said nothing. When Hannah looked in the mirror in her bedchamber, she saw how pink her eyes were. Mama would have noticed that, too.
When she rose the next morning, Hannah knew she must face Mama and answer her questions. She dreaded the discussion, and waited as long as she could before descending the stairs.
Mama wasn’t in the dining room when Hannah entered, so she was given a small reprieve. Her relief ended quickly when a footman appeared in the doorway. “Lady Bridgethorpe requests you to join her in the morning room once you have eaten.”
“Thank you, Peter.” Her mouth was so dry she had to take large drinks of water between bites of her toast. She’d only eaten half of one slice when she decided she needed to speak to Mama sooner rather than later.
Her mother didn’t look up from her book when Hannah entered. As she sat on the settee, Hannah said, “Good morning, Mama.”
Mama placed a ribbon between the pages of her book before closing it and setting it to one side. “Did you sleep well, dear?”
“No.”
“You didn’t appear to have enjoyed yourself last night.”
“The music and dancing were quite lovely.”
“Do not play games with me. What happened on your walk with Lord Downham? Where did he disappear to?”
Hannah’s eyes welled. “Oh, Mama, I was so certain he was going to ask for my hand.”
“Did he ask for something else?”
“Not in so many words. He kissed me, and his hands began to caress me.” Her voice cracked and she had to take a deep breath to ease the pain in her throat. “I was trapped against a tree, but managed to escape his arms just as Laurence arrived.”
Surprisingly, Mama didn’t react to Hannah’s use of his given name. “I’m grateful he was there to protect you, although I would never have allowed you to wander away from the dancers if he or one of your brothers wasn’t there.”
“I was so mistaken about Lord Downham’s character.”
Mama sighed. “We all were, I fear. However, the Season isn’t over, and you had several other suitors showing a marked interest in you. We might be able to salvage the situation in spite of this setback.”
“Is that all this is to you? A ‘situation’? A ‘setback’? This is my life, Mama. I loved Lord Dow
nham.” Hannah wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. “I was planning our life together.”
“Forgive me. I chose my words poorly.” A tear ran down Mama’s cheek. “I do understand. I’ve never had my heart broken. Your father was my only love. I hadn’t realized your affections had become so strong for Lord Downham.”
“To be honest, I wasn’t certain myself, until I realized his true nature. I favored him above the other men, and I was ready to accept him when he asked me to marry him.”
“Had he hinted he planned to?”
Hannah twisted the handkerchief in her hands. “As I understood him, I thought he was saying so. I was greatly mistaken in his intentions. Oh, Mama, what am I to do? If I was mistaken about him, how can I trust my heart with other men? I’m fond of a few others, and could possibly learn to love one. But how do I believe him capable of loving me?”
“My poor girl.” Mama rushed to her side and wrapped her in a warm, heart-mending hug. “You are so loveable. There are many, many men in Town who’d love to call you wife. You needn’t decide today. In fact, we can return to the country if you prefer. We can come back to Town next year, or perhaps go to Bath. There’s no rush for you to marry. To be completely honest, I would prefer having you at home a bit longer. I would most prefer having you happy, however, whatever that entails.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Hannah let go of the pain she’d kept inside and cried on the ample, comforting shoulder of her mother’s.
Later that afternoon, Hannah lay in her bed reading when Peter knocked on her door. “Miss Clawson is here. Shall I show her into the drawing room?”
“Yes. Tell her I shall be right down.”
Hannah straightened her hair but didn’t bother to change from her morning dress. Her friend was standing in front of the window when Hannah entered. “I’m happy to see you, Amelia.”
Amelia turned and showed her frown. “You won’t be when you hear what was being said at morning calls this morning.”
“Oh, please tell me it isn’t true. What are they saying about me?”
“The tale is different depending on the teller. Lord Downham attacked you. Lord Oakhurst attacked you. Lord Oakhurst attacked you and Lady Susan together. You and Lady Susan met with Oakhurst intentionally. Lord Oakhurst discovered you with Downham and beat the man senseless.” Amelia drew in a dramatic breath. “I scarcely know what to believe, as none of it can be true.”
“Actually, some of it is.”
Amelia gasped. “No! Tell me.”
“I walked the paths with Downham, and Laurence and Lady Susan walked behind us. Somehow we were separated, and Downham took me down a secluded path. You’ll never believe the way he treated me. I thought he wanted a kiss, and I so desired to know what his kiss felt like, so I let him. He wouldn’t be satisfied with just a kiss, though. If Laurence hadn’t arrived when he did I fear what might have happened.”
Amelia sat speechless for a few moments. “I cannot believe it of Lord Downham. It’s no surprise Oakhurst came to your rescue, it’s quite apparent his feelings for you. Yet I was certain Downham had those feelings, too.”
“Laurence? His feelings toward me? What are you saying? He cares about me like a sister.”
“I’ve seen how he looks at you, Hannah. That isn’t brotherly love in his eyes.”
Amelia must be mistaken. Surely Hannah would know if a man was in love with her.
Or perhaps not. She’d thought Downham loved her, and she couldn’t have been more wrong. “In spite of what you believe, Laurence has no intentions to marry, and certainly not with me.”
“I won’t continue to argue with you. What does your mother say regarding all of this?”
Hannah sighed and let her shoulders slump. “She suggested we return to Bridgethorpe Manor. If what you say about the gossip is true, she might be right. I cannot be seen in Society if they are speculating over my actions with two men. And poor Lady Susan, to be dragged into my mess.”
“She cares little for what Society thinks of her. Her part in any of this will be forgotten soon enough.”
If only they’d forget Hannah’s part in the scandal. And Laurence’s. She hadn’t even considered how this reflected on him, and he was working so hard to improve his standing. She was such a selfish girl to only consider her own reputation. Laurence’s was so much more important now with Louisa in his care.
“It appears I will be returning to the country as soon as possible. You will write to me, won’t you? Tell me of your wedding? And your wedding trip. Where do you plan to go?”
Talking of Amelia’s plans lifted Hannah’s spirits somewhat, and let her think of something other than the horrible man she’d believed herself in love with.
~*~
Two mornings later, Laurence was once again awakened by an early morning visit from Knightwick. He quickly pulled on some clothes and stumbled down the stairs. “Good Lord, man, don’t you ever sleep?”
Knightwick sat stiffly in his chair. “I haven’t slept since I received Mother’s letter. I cut my trip short to return to Town. What she said made no sense. How is it both you and Downham compromised my sister in the same evening?”
Laurence sank into a chair and covered his face with his hands. “They can’t believe it of her.”
“I doubt people believe half of what they gossip about, but that doesn’t prevent them from talking, or making the story even more entertaining. What is the truth of it? I thought you were there to protect Hannah.”
Laurence explained how the night had developed, and the curious and shocked expressions they’d received when they returned to the lighted path. “I failed her. It’s my fault she is in this situation.”
“It’s Downham’s fault, not yours. Or my fault for allowing her to spend an evening with him in a place with so many avenues to misadventure.”
“The talk will quiet soon, won’t it? I’ve never paid attention to how long the stories last when they’re about me.” He leaned back. His anger was so great he was beyond even acting on it. He felt powerless to regain control over the situation.
He should have spoken to Lady B about his fears regarding Downham. No matter that Knightwick didn’t think to mention it to her, Laurence should have done so himself.
“I don’t know. No man will have anything to do with her now, though. She might not even wish to return to Town next year. By the following year there should have been enough other scandals to gossip about that Hannah will be forgotten.”
Two years before she could consider finding a husband. He’d seen how she looked when Downham was attentive. She’d be miserable with no one’s flattery for so long.
She’d be close to twenty-three by then. Certainly not on the shelf, but with so many younger ladies arriving in Town each year, it would be harder to be the center of attention.
Who was he fooling? No man could fail to notice her. She was so much prettier than even the other ladies they called Diamonds. She was more sensible, and much less likely to flit from man to man than a girl in her first Season.
She didn’t deserve to be hidden away. She hadn’t done anything but be a victim of trusting the wrong man. Of allowing herself to be separated from her friends.
Knightwick shifted in his seat. “You’re very quiet. What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking I should marry Hannah.” The words escaped him before the thought was fully formed.
His friend simply stared at him for a full minute. “You are daft. Or making a joke. Yes, that’s it. You have horrible taste in humor, Oakhurst. This is a serious matter. This is my sister we are discussing. I won’t stand for such ridiculous ideas.”
“Why is it so ridiculous? She is fond of me, as I am of her. We get on very well. She adores Louisa. I’m in a position to take far better care of her than most any man.”
“Hannah doesn’t love you in the way she deserves to love her husband.”
“And you’re certain she wouldn’t come to love me over time.”
K
nightwick jumped to his feet and paced the room. “I have no idea how a woman loves. I do know Hannah wishes to love a man before she marries.”
“If she marries soon, the talk will die much sooner than if she simply retires to the country.”
“That’s true. Yet I can’t agree to this. I can’t agree to her marrying anyone without asking her wishes first.”
“Will you let me talk to her?” Laurence held his breath waiting for an answer.
“I suppose I must. But you must promise me something.”
“Yes?”
“Promise me you’ll never hurt her.”
“I swear to do everything in my power to be certain she is never unhappy, whether she will have me or not.”
~*~
Hannah sat in the window seat in the morning room, grateful it was at the back of the house so she didn’t feel as though all who passed by were peering up at the windows for a glimpse of that wicked young lady who’d disgraced herself in Vauxhall.
She and Mama would be leaving for home the next day. Mama was out paying calls on her friends, letting them know of the pending departure, and asking that they help to end the gossip. Telling the truth of the night wouldn’t help, it would only label Hannah as someone foolish enough, or eager enough, to allow a man to have his way with her.
The front door opened and closed, and she assumed Mama had returned. The footsteps were too heavy for her mother, however, and a second set followed the first. Had Knightwick come?
Not having the energy to find out, Hannah remained with her forehead resting on the cool glass.
“Hannah?” Knightwick’s voice came from the doorway.
“Good afternoon.” She didn’t turn his way.
“Hannah, Oakhurst is with me.”
She turned to sit properly. “Forgive me, Lord Oakhurst. How nice of you to call. Mama is not in at the moment but I’m certain she’d welcome your visit.”
Laurence walked past Knightwick. “I came to see you.”
Her brother left the room, surprising Hannah to no end. He was always the first to reprimand her and Laurence when they failed to behave properly.
“Is there news about Louisa? How is she getting on with her new nursemaid?”
