Page 62 of The Earl’s Hoyden

“And don’t you dare say ‘nothing,’” Lucy warned.

“Because we can see right through you,” Jillian added.

Elizabeth curled her hand into Hannah’s. The gesture was one of support when Hannah needed it most.

“I’m afraid it’s a long story,” she bemoaned.

“We have a fresh teapot and enough cakes to keep Jillian happy,” Elizabeth said.

In response to this, Jillian leaned forward to capture the largest tea cake with the biggest dollop of frosting and nibbled it with a contented smile.

Hannah started at the beginning when she saw Lucien in the country, this time being entirely honest about their interaction and his appeal for her assistance in making him more fashionable.

“I knew it,” Lucy hissed. “No man with Lord Brightstone’s bookish ways immediately becomes a gentleman’s fashion plate over the course of a few months.”

“And why did he never consider you?” Elizabeth asked indignantly. “That would have been the ideal opportunity to inquire if you would allow yourself to be courted by him.”

“I’m afraid I told him I had no interest in marriage.” And so Hannah went on to confess how she truly had recalled their pact all those years ago at Lady Finch’s and how much she had cherished it in the hopes of never having to be hurt by rejection and disappointment.

For all the good that had done.

“If I’m being entirely honest, I was rather looking forward to having a manor with all of us together in the country.” Hannah smiled at her friends. “I could imagine Jillian working on her art, Elizabeth endlessly reading scores of books, Lucy filling the music room with the loveliest sounds, Amy baking decadent treats we would all enjoy.” Hannah gave a wistful smile. “It seemed the perfect plan. And far better than the awfulness of dealing with suitors.”

“Well, I’ll concede that it would be far better than this suitor business,” Jillian announced, doubtless at her limit from her marital pursuits through the last few years.

“But that isn’t all of it,” Hannah said miserably and told them about the ill-fated kisses. Her face burned with humiliation as she admitted how he had asked her to court him after her father had words with him. Of course, she also shared the poorly timed marriage proposal after their impassioned kiss that led to a smidge more. She did not elaborate on the “smidge more” with the maids likely listening in on the conversation on behalf of Lady Westwich.

“And he never approached you again?” Elizabeth asked in horror.

“He tried, but I refused to see him,” Hannah replied. “My father did instead, and I haven’t seen Lord Brightstone since. Well, except for at Lady Whimbly’s soirée, but we didn’t speak. I doubt Lady Alison would ever allow him to, even if he were so inclined.”

“But, Hannah,” Elizabeth said gently. “You cannot close your heart to the possibility of love.”

That familiar ache slammed into Hannah’s chest, and tears sprang to her eyes once more. “And who would love me?”

“We do.” Amy hugged her. “And if you open yourself to the possibility, I think you’ll find there are others who would be honored to fall deeply in love with you.”

Hannah drew in a pained breath. Her heart was still wounded, and the idea of placing it out there for someone else to step on was terrifying.

“Or you could set it all aside,” Lucy suggested.

Amy tilted her head in chastisement. Lucy, of course, ignored her. “Don’t think about love or men or Debrett’s or any such nonsense because that’s what it all is. Instead, think of how much you love dancing and seeing us at balls. Think of how much you love to dress up. And if nothing else, think about how much faster the season will go by with happiness rather than languishing about in your bed.”

“Lucy makes a very good point.” Jillian reached for Hannah’s hand. “Shrug it all off and enjoy your time with us.”

“That’s when romance happens usually,” Elizabeth added excitedly.

This time it was Lucy who shot the sharp, reproaching look.

But they were right. All of them, in their own ways. The days of lazing about in her bed made the season stretch on interminably, and it was only just beginning. There would still be months to endure.

It would be far more agreeable to don her finest dresses, sip lemonade with her closest friends and dance when the opportunity presented itself. The season would close in no time, and she would be free to return to the country once more.

She would live her life for herself and no one else.

A familiar laugh rose over the sound of the orchestra, unfettered and charmingly joyful. Lucien spun Lady Alison on the dance floor and glanced in that direction.

Hannah.