by Wendy Vella
How could she do that, attend balls and dinners as if her life was unchanged after the horror she had seen this day?
“Of course, we are both very excited about your dinner, Thea, as is father.”
They talked about their children, and families, and then moved on to the topic of Madame Alexander’s, and all the while Hannah’s thoughts churned, thinking of what she must do, and how she must also find a way to foil this man who would blackmail her and murder people without a care. She could not allow him to continue, knowing that she and those she cared for would not be safe if she did so. Yet what could she do?
“Lace, Hannah!”
“Sorry, what did you say, Phoebe?”
“I was discussing the lace Alex has procured from Scotland.”
“Yes, it is quite something.”
“Are you sure you are feeling all right, Hannah?”
“Yes, I just look horrid, but you…” Hannah leaned forward in her chair to examine her friend. She knew how to divert Phoebe. “You look pale and peaky.”
“I never look peaky and I’ll thank you not to mention that word in connection with me again!”
It was a constant source of irritation to her sisters and friends that Phoebe only ever looked beautiful. Still, they often tried to convince her otherwise.
“She was like that in her first pregnancy, do you remember, Bella?” Livvy jumped into the conversation.
“I was not.” Phoebe rolled her eyes. “And it is very bad of you to always try and make me believe I look ugly, when I do not.”
“It was worth a try though, Phoebe,” Thea said. “In all honesty, if I didn’t love you dearly I would loathe you passionately. Perhaps you could cut your hair just to make you look less…” Thea waved a hand about as she tried to come up with the right words.
“Of everything.” Hannah sighed. “If you would just do something like wear a sack about the place, it would be a service to the women of London.”
“I tried that once.” Phoebe nibbled a biscuit and looked like a Botticelli angel. “You remember, Hannah, we both wore shapeless dresses the color of mud to that picnic in the park.”
Hannah thought back to that day and wished she could go back in time and have the worries she’d had then. They had decided to see how people reacted to their clothing, men especially.
“I do, and you were surrounded by men the minute you arrived, and the next day several young ladies had dresses made in that exact color. But for what it’s worth, I thought you looked ugly. If my memory serves, didn’t Lord Peet write an ode to your beauty that day?”
“That’s right.” Phoebe shuddered. “Something about eyes and skies. It was terrible.”
Hannah sat back in her seat and thought about the blackmailer while more tea was poured and the woman chatted. How was she to get rid of him? Could she hire someone to murder him? The thought had merit, but then was she not just as bad as he? But didn’t he deserve to die, and wasn’t she, Hannah, doing the people of London a service by removing such a blackguard?
Could I hire someone to kill someone? The thought made her queasy.
“Hannah, you are woolly gathering again,” Phoebe said.
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Surely that particular saying is getting old by now.”
Phoebe thought about that. “No, I think I still have a few years left with it.”
“Will your family be accepting my brother’s invitation to the house party in Twoaks, Hannah?”
“Father and Bridgette are very happy about the prospect, thank you, Thea. He has heard much of Twoaks, where you were all born.”
“Of course the offer is still there to stay with him, but we understand if you change your mind and stay with Finn and Phoebe.”
“Of course they will stay with us, and it is my fondest hope we have good news by then.” Phoebe’s smile was sly as she looked at Hannah.
“We will not be pushed into anything, Phoebe.”
“Pooh to that.”
“You have something between your teeth, Phoebe, and it makes you ugly,” Livvy said. To which Phoebe poked out her tongue.
Hannah listened as they talked, and ventured the odd word or two, but when it all became more than she could bear, she told them she had to leave as her headache had worsened.
“I shall call and see you soon.” Phoebe hugged her, looking concerned as she walked Hannah to the door.
“I am all right, Phoebe, I promise.”
CHAPTER TEN
She left her friend and walked down the street to her carriage, but the prospect of climbing inside was too much for Hannah. She needed to walk and think, needed to tire herself until the panic eased and she could work through what must be done in a clear, concise way.
“Mary, I wish to walk for a while.”
“Of course; I shall send the carriage on ahead.”
Hannah struck out along the street with Mary trailing along behind. Her maid was not one for a brisk pace.
How had her life spiraled out of her control? What was she to do now?
“We need to cross here, Miss Wooller.”
Mary’s words intruded on her thoughts as they reached the end of another road, and she realized she had been walking with no idea of where she was headed.
“Thank you, yes,” she said, making her way across the street to the other side.
A tingle in her spine made her look up, and she saw Alex striding in her direction. He lifted a hat when he passed a lady, his easy smile making the woman twitter. She saw no lasting effects from his knock to the head, and knew only relief. He looked vital out here, with the sun shining down on his tall lithe form. He walked with grace, and his clothes fitted him to perfection, and her heart sighed just looking at him.
He had not seen her yet, which meant Hannah still had time to avoid him. She was not up to seeing him yet and as Alex had always been able to see through her, she had no wish for him to start interrogating her if he thought she was upset.
“I shall be but a moment, Mary, if you wish to sit there in the sun. I promised Bridgette a necklace from this shop.” She hurried inside, making for the rear where she pretended to study the display cabinets of jewelry. She focused on a delicate ring. A single rose-colored stone was elevated above the gold band. It was not as elaborate as some, but to Hannah the beauty was in the stone. It seemed to hold so much mystery inside; the fathomless depths full of secrets. Leaning forward, she pressed her forehead to the cool glass.
What was she to do?
Alex looked to the doorway of the shop at the exact moment Hannah walked through it. He recognized the lavender skirts and chip bonnet, but had he not, he could not have mistaken the jolt of awareness that flashed through him.
Hannah.
Following, he entered and looked around the dim interior; when he did not locate her he moved to the rear. At first, Alex thought she was examining the display, but on closer inspection her forehead was resting on the glass and her eyes were closed. His stomach clenched at the sight. Despair radiated from her, total and utter defeat in every line of her body, and Alex stood unmoving for seconds while he grappled with the sight. Her deep inhalation shook him from his trance, and he stepped closer.
“If I were a betting man, which incidentally I am, I would believe you ducked into this shop with haste to avoid me, Miss Wooller.”
She straightened in one jerky motion. “Oh, Alex, you surprised me. H-how is your head?” She’d been crying, he noted, and the desperation in her eyes was very real. She looked beaten, as if there was no hope left anymore, no chance to retreat from whatever was holding her in its grip.
“Did I? Somehow I doubt that. In fact, I will say again that I think you ducked into the shop to avoid me, and my head is fine, thank you for asking.” Alex kept his words light. He would find out what was wrong with her, but he would not do so by direct confrontation, as he had the feeling if he spoke to her in such a manner at that precise moment, she may fall apart.
He wanted to hold her, te
ll her to share her worries, unburden herself and let him carry some of the load she bore. Instead he teased her.
“Don’t be silly, why would I avoid you?”
“Why indeed. It’s my hope that it is not because your heart no longer beats a little faster when you look at me.”
“Don’t talk like that, Alex. We are not in l-love and there is no future for us.”
“Actually there is, everyone is saying so.”
“Alex, I’m—”
“If you say you’re sorry I’ll kiss you.”
Her teeth clamped together so quickly the noise seemed loud in the small space. He made himself chuckle, although to his ears it fell short from actual humor.
“Is something wrong? You look pale, like you have been crying, Hannah.” Good work, Alex. Hadn’t you just decided to take this slowly?
“I am pale. As you very well know, it is the way I always look; also, I had fish last night and I fear it was off, and today I am suffering.”
She was lying. He knew her well enough to know that. Lying again, when before he had believed her to be one of the most open, honest people of his acquaintance.
“Are you looking to purchase anything in particular from this shop?”
“I thought to purchase a necklace for Bridgette.” Her eyes went to the cabinet
“And found yourself looking at rings.”
“Something like that.” Her tone was flat, none of her usual defiance in the words.
“Which one do you like?”
“That one with the pink stone. It’s simple but elegant, and so very precious, don’t you think?”
“Yes, and perfect for you,” he said slowly.
“Which one do you like?”
“The pink one also.”
It was a silly conversation, but Alex believed she needed that to compose herself from whatever she had faced this day to traumatize her.
“If would be a perfect betrothal ring,” Alex teased her, hoping that she would turn on him, fire something at him from her waspish tongue.
“Alex,” she said, trying to sound threatening and failing miserably.
He stepped closer, let his arm brush hers, as he tilted her chin to face him. “Hannah, what has upset you?”
“Nothing.” She pulled free and stepped away from him. “The fish, as I told you.”
“No, there is more to this than just fish. I believe it has something to do with the notes you have received.” The flash of fear in her eyes confirmed his words. “Talk to me, sweetheart; let me help you.”
She spun on her heel away from him, then rounded the cabinet to stand on the opposite side, putting the expanse of glass between them. “There is nothing wrong with me, Alex, I am just working out how to end our relationship with the minimum amount of fuss. I know our families will be sad, and because of that I think I must leave London as soon as I have told them.”
“You are lying to me, Hannah,” Alex said slowly. “And our arrangement will stand until at least the end of the season, and if you try and say otherwise, I shall deny it.”
“Don’t be silly, Alex, this will be best for all concerned.” She was panicking, he could see the rapid rise and fall of her chest. He needed to back away before she ran from him, give her room until she felt calm, only then would he question her again.
“I-I shall see you later, Alex.” She made for the door and Alex was on her heels as she reached the path outside.
“Where is your carriage?”
“I am walking with my maid. We have just been to see Bella and Phoebe, Livvy and Thea were there.”
“Walking?” He wrapped his fingers around her wrist as she prepared to leave. “You are walking with your maid from Luke’s house to your father’s?”
“Yes.”
“But that’s at least an hour’s walk!”
“Why are you angry about that? I had planned to look at shops and take my time. I am not so old that I cannot endure an hour’s walk, Alex.” He felt the rapid beat of her pulse beneath his fingers.
“But you have only your maid with you. That is not enough protection.”
“How do you know I need p-protecting?” Her eyes darted left and right and Alex wondered who she was looking for.
“I just do.”
“What things could I p-possibly need protection from?” Her stutter gave her away. “A rabid flower seller perchance, or a stray k-kick from a horse. Mayhap a rogue fish could leap off a cart and b-bite me? Alas no, I am at least to be spared that, as fish do not have teeth.”
“You’re stuttering, Hannah, and you only do that when you are extremely agitated.”
“You are agitating me,” she snapped, trying to pull away from him.
“Don’t use that tone with me when I am trying only to help you. You know very well the streets of London can be dangerous to a woman.”
“Yes, I know that, and I shall use whatever tone I wish. Furthermore, I do not need your help.”
“Who has taught you the streets are dangerous?”
“Stop trying to confuse me, Alex, please, and just leave me alone.” Her words had lost their bite. “I can take care of myself, I promise you, and have been walking these streets for many years. I have my m-maid with me, and thus far have remained unharmed.
“Your father should not allow it.” Alex still retained a firm grip on her arm. He had a feeling if he released her she was not above running from him.
“He has no say in the matter, and never has had. I-I am a grown woman who has been making her own decisions for years. Not to mention the fact that you have no say in what I do, Alex Hetherington. Release me at once.”
“I shall take you home— Damn, I have my horse not my carriage.”
“I do not need a lift and after the morning I have endured the walk is what I need.”
“I will walk with you.”
“You bloody well will not!” Hannah’s whisper was fierce.
“Walk.” Alex placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her, then propelled her forward, and she had to move her feet or end up flat on her face.
“Maid!” His voice carried to where a woman lurked a safe distance away. “Please follow.”
“Unhand me, and d-don’t use that lofty tone with Mary.”
“Mary, if you would be so kind as to accompany us, please.”
Hannah looked over her shoulder at the silly look Mary now had on her face. “And another woman falls under your spell.”
“You, however, are immune.”
“Alex, this must stop. The entire business is getting out of hand, and I must b-bring it to an end for both our sakes.”
He adjusted his long strides to match hers. Releasing her, he then held out his arm, and with a sigh, she curled her fingers around it. They tucked into his sleeve and he felt them clench, almost as if she were holding on to him. Something was very wrong with her; he could feel the tension in her body.
“What happened to make your day turn sour, Hannah?”
Her laugh bordered on hysterical. “Just a small matter from my past has reared its ugly head.”
“A bad matter?”
“I-it is not important, and I should not have mentioned it. I will t-tell you no more, so do not ask me.”
“Can I help you?”
She was looking off in the distance, her eyes settling on the park where people strolled.
“No, but thank you for the offer. I know it is in your nature to be chivalrous, but I am able to sort this problem myself.”
“You’re lying again and that concerns me greatly, Hannah, because you are one of the most honest people I know. Therefore, whatever this is, it’s serious.”
“Alex…”
Just his name, one word only, and it held a wealth of emotion.
“Come, we shall take tea.”
“No.” She tried to pull her hand free, but he grabbed it and held it in his. “I need to return home, Alex, my father shall be worried for me.”
“You just said your father
allows you to make your own decisions and walk about London unescorted.”
“We should not be seen together in such an intimate setting; it will only make it more difficult when I put an end to the charade.”
He stopped, turning her to face him. His eyes ran over her pinched features. “It’s just tea, Hannah, surely nothing too taxing.”
“I-I cannot.”
“Cannot or will not?”
“There’s a difference?”
“I’ll kiss you right here in the street if you do not enter.” He looked up at the little blue sign above their heads. “The occupants of Truttles Tea Shop will be all agog over Miss Wooller’s fast behavior.”
“You would not dare to kiss me here on the street!”
He didn’t move, just looked down at her. His eyes took in the pallor, the smudges beneath her eyes, and the fact that the usually indomitable, immaculate, and self-contained Miss Hannah Wooller was unraveling. Something was threatening her existence, and she would not tell him the cause. But he would find out.
“Fine, we shall take tea and then and it will serve you right if I make you pay.”
“Do you honestly think I would let you pay for our tea?” Shaking his head, he muttered something unflattering and marched her inside.
They were seated minutes later, with Mary insisting on a table behind them.
“So this problem from your past, care to share the details?”
“No, and I believe I said I had no wish to discuss it further.”
“So you did, but tell me anyway because I will continue to ask you until you do.” He looked out the window and whatever he saw had him rising from his seat.
“What?”
“That man is following me again, I’m sure of it.”
“What man?” Hannah stood, and what color was left in her face drained away, Alex reached for her as she seemed to rock back on her heels. “Hannah, sit.” He urged her down into her seat.
“I am all right.” She waved him back to his seat. “It is the fish.”
