Loving Lord Egleton: A Regency Romance (Regency Matchmakers Book 3), Laura Beers [ap literature book list .TXT] 📗

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