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

was undeniably handsome, and his rich, baritone voice seemed to calm her very soul. When he spoke to her, he made her believe she was uniquely special, and he made her feel things without ever being touched.

She wasn’t entirely sure if he would be at the ball this evening, despite being close friends with Miss Olivia’s family. Martin didn’t appear to share the same love of social gatherings she had. Ever since his grandfather died, his appearances had been sporadic. That didn’t stop her from dreaming about dancing with him and being held in his arms, though.

Kate’s voice broke through her reverie. “I am rather eager to see Miss Olivia this evening.”

“As am I,” Hannah agreed. “It has been weeks since we last saw her.”

The coach jerked to a stop in front of a lavish townhouse, and she couldn’t help but admire the massive white columns that framed the main door. The coach dipped to the side as the footman stepped off the perch, placed the step down and opened the door. Edward exited first and reached back to assist the sisters.

Once her feet were on the ground, Hannah slipped her gloved hand out of Edward’s and clasped her hands in front of her.

“How exciting,” Kate murmured as she came to stand next to her. “It has been quite some time since we visited Lady Vincent’s townhouse. I had forgotten how magnificent it is.”

“It would appear they have spared no expense. The entire townhouse is lit up,” Edward commented.

“It is not every day that your daughter is engaged to be married,” Kate said.

“Quite right,” Edward replied.

As they followed the line of people into the townhouse, Hannah found herself admiring the dark blue walls in the entry hall and the beautiful artwork on the walls. They stepped into the ballroom, which was immensely bright with sconces lining the walls and a large, ostentatious golden chandelier hanging from the middle of the domed ceiling.

“It is deucedly hot in here,” Edward muttered under his breath.

“I consider it charming,” Hannah countered.

Edward huffed. “I would prefer to stand by the open doors in the back of the ballroom.”

“I am not opposed to that,” Hannah replied, scanning the room for any sign of Lord Egleton.

They slowly progressed further into the room, soon finding a spot by the French doors.

“Much better,” Edward sighed.

Kate smiled at him. “Thank you for coming this evening.”

“It is my pleasure,” Edward replied. “We couldn’t very well have let Hannah attend on her own.”

Hannah was about to respond when she heard Miss Olivia’s voice over the crowd. “You have finally arrived,” she declared as she approached them.

Hannah smiled at her fair-haired friend, admiring her pale pink gown with its ornate net overlay. “How are you this evening?”

Miss Olivia returned her smile. “I am overjoyed,” she said. “All my dreams are finally coming true!”

“Is that so?” Hannah asked.

Miss Olivia bobbed her head. “George is the most attentive fiancé,” she gushed, “and he encourages me to pursue my passions.”

“I am pleased to hear that,” Hannah replied.

Miss Olivia glanced between Kate and her. “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done.”

Kate placed a hand on Miss Olivia’s sleeve. “You don’t have to keep thanking us,” she said, “especially since your father paid us most handsomely when you accepted Lord George’s offer of marriage.”

“But I feel as if I should,” Miss Olivia pressed. “Without you, none of this would have been possible.”

“All we have ever wanted is for you to be happy,” Kate said.

“That I am,” Miss Olivia declared. “Please say that you will attend the wedding.”

Hannah nodded. “We have every intention to.”

“That is wonderful news!” Miss Olivia declared. “I must return to George before the start of the next dance.”

As they watched Miss Olivia step back into the crowd, Hannah had to admit that she was slightly jealous of her friend. She appeared so deeply in love that her countenance appeared to shine. She had barely registered that thought when she saw Lord Egleton emerge from the crowd and approach them.

His eyes crinkled around the edges when his gaze met hers. “Miss Blackmore,” he greeted politely. “How are you faring this evening?”

“I am well,” she replied.

His eyes perused the length of her. “You are looking remarkably lovely this evening.”

Hannah felt the familiar warmth in her cheeks at his praise. “You are too kind, my lord,” she replied, tearing her gaze away from his.

Martin shifted his attention towards Kate and acknowledged her. “How has Edward been treating you?”

Kate exchanged a look with Edward that was filled with love. “He has been most attentive to me,” she replied.

“I am pleased to hear that,” Martin said.

Edward spoke up. “I am surprised to see you in attendance this evening.”

Martin’s brown eyes roamed the ballroom. “My mother thought it would be best if I attended, since Lady Vincent is a dear friend of hers, and she isn’t able to come while in mourning.”

“That is most thoughtful of you,” Kate acknowledged.

“It is, isn’t it?” Martin joked, puffing out his chest for effect.

The music started up, and he surprised Hannah by turning his attention towards her. “May I have this dance?”

She felt a rush of excitement at his question, but she couldn’t seem to formulate a sentence with him looking at her the way he was. Fortunately, she was able to force out the words, “You may.”

Martin held out his hand and she eagerly placed her own into it. How she’d longed for this! She held her head up high as she allowed him to escort her to the dance floor, feeling immense pride that she was on his arm. He led her to where the other women were lining up before taking his place with the men.

They began to dance the quadrille, and she found herself smiling at Martin whenever he met her gaze. How she enjoyed having his undivided attention, even if it was only for a moment. Whenever he would reach for her hand, she felt a jolt of awareness rush through her and wished he would never