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

but I am not some simpering miss in need of your protection.”

Kate opened her mouth but closed it when Martin stepped into the parlor. “There is no point in arguing with your sister, Kate,” he said with mirth in his eyes. “I have discovered she is almost always right.”

“Almost?” Hannah asked.

Martin chuckled. “There have been a few occasions when you were wrong.”

“That doesn’t sound like me,” Hannah joked.

She had to admit that Martin looked deucedly handsome today. He was dressed in a blue riding jacket, maroon waistcoat, buff trousers, and black Hessian boots polished to a mirror-like shine. His dark hair was brushed forward, and she had the strangest desire to run her hands through it.

“Have you had breakfast?” Edward asked.

Martin walked further into the room. “I have,” he replied. “I have come to collect Hannah for our ride through Hyde Park.”

Hannah swallowed the bite of food in her mouth. “Thank you for doing so.”

Martin met her gaze. “How are you faring today?”

“I am well.” Hannah removed the napkin from her lap and placed it onto the table. “I find I am most eager for our ride today.”

“As am I,” Martin said.

She rose from her chair and smoothed her blue riding habit. “I do hope Lord Charles won’t mind our slow pace.”

“If he does object, then I will ride with you.”

“That is kind of you, but I do not wish to intrude on your time with Lady Emma.”

“You are never an intrusion, Hannah,” Martin assured her. “Besides, I am quite confident Lady Emma wouldn’t wish for you to feel excluded, either.”

Hannah smiled at him. “You are a good friend,” she said.

Something flashed in his eyes at her words, but she couldn’t quite decipher it. “If you are ready…” He held out his arm in invitation.

“I am.” She walked over and took the proffered limb. “We shall have the most splendid time together.”

Martin smiled down at her. “Yes, we will.”

Kate spoke up. “You mean with Lord Charles and Lady Emma?” she asked in an amused voice.

“Yes, that is precisely what we meant,” Hannah said.

Edward tipped his head at Martin. “I trust you will see to Hannah being properly chaperoned.”

“Make no mistake of that,” Martin replied.

“Do we still intend to meet them at the Hyde Park Corner entrance?” Hannah asked as Martin led her from the parlor.

“Indeed, we do,” Martin said. “Luckily, it isn’t too far from here.”

They exited the front of the townhouse and Hannah acknowledged the groom holding the reins to two saddled horses, including the mare she had ridden the day before.

Martin stepped over to the white mare and intertwined his fingers. “Allow me to assist you,” he offered as he leaned over.

After she was situated on the side saddle, Hannah reached for the reins and waited for Martin to mount his horse.

Martin glanced over and gave her an encouraging smile. “Shall we?”

“We shall,” she said, urging her horse forward.

They rode next to one another in quiet, but the silence was comfortable. Rather, it was until Hannah noticed Martin staring at her.

“Whatever is the matter?” she asked.

Martin shifted his gaze away from hers, looking abashed. “I was just admiring your riding stance.”

“Oh,” she murmured. “Thank you.”

The entrance to Hyde Park Corner was up ahead, and Lord Charles and Lady Emma waited atop their horses.

Hannah put her hand up in greeting as they grew closer. “Good morning,” she said.

Lord Charles gave her a charming smile. “Good morning, Miss Blackmore,” he greeted. “You are looking lovely today.”

“You are kind to say so,” Hannah replied as she heard Martin cordially acknowledge Lady Emma.

“Would you care to stretch your horse’s legs this morning, or would you prefer to walk along the trail?” Lord Charles asked.

“I would rather walk, assuming you don’t mind,” Hannah replied.

“Not at all,” Lord Charles said. “I am only here for the pleasure of your company.”

The path wasn’t wide enough for all of them to ride side by side, so they paired off, and Hannah and Lord Charles took the lead.

Lord Charles didn’t wait long before asking, “Besides being high Society’s most in-demand matchmaker, how do you occupy your time?”

“I enjoy shopping,” she replied.

Lord Charles chuckled. “As most ladies do.”

“I find it thrilling when I find the perfect fabric or ribbon,” she shared. “I am constantly redesigning my hats.”

“That is rather…” he hesitated, “interesting.”

She smiled. “It is all right to admit you have no interest,” she said. “After all, my sister, Amelia, shares your opinion of shopping and hats.”

“This is your sister who is married to the Duke of Harrowden?”

“Yes.”

“I daresay I never thought the duke would ever marry again.”

Hannah bobbed her head. “The duke appears gruff on the exterior, but he is quite kind and considerate.”

“That’s not something I’ve noticed.”

“Regardless, my sister is deliriously happy with His Grace,” Hannah said. “Both of my sisters have made fine matches.”

“Is that because they are matchmakers?”

“Heavens, no,” Hannah replied. “Both His Grace and Lord Berkshire were opposed to marriage when they first met my sisters, but their hearts softened as they grew to care for one another.”

“Is that what you want?” Lord Charles asked. “To be deliriously happy with your choice?”

“I suppose that is what every young woman wishes to have.”

Lord Charles nodded approvingly. “I have admired how you and your sisters strive for your clients to have love matches.”

“We feel it is the most important thing in a match.”

“Most of Society does not feel the way you do.”

“I am well aware, but we are changing opinions where we can.”

Lord Charles adjusted the reins in his hands. “I am glad we are getting to know one another better,” he said.

“I feel the same way,” she replied. “Although, I do have a confession to make.”

“You do?”

Hannah gave him a sheepish smile. “Until yesterday, I had not ridden a horse for many years.”

“May I ask why?”

“When I was younger, I was rather reckless with my safety,” she admitted, “and I was thrown from my horse when it jumped over a hedge. I broke my arm, and I vowed never to go riding again.”

“What changed