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

All too soon, the music came to a stop and Martin offered his arm. “That was rather fun,” he acknowledged.

“It was,” she readily agreed.

“I don’t think I have enjoyed myself so well in quite a long time,” Martin said as he started to lead her off the dance floor.

“I am pleased to hear that.”

He hesitated for a moment before saying, “I was hoping to discuss something with you.”

“You were?”

Martin glanced over at her. “Would you care to step out on the veranda with me?”

She tried to keep the excitement out of her voice as she replied, “I would.”

He led her outside, then dropped his arm and turned to face her. “It is beautiful out here,” he acknowledged. “Are you warm enough?”

“I am,” she replied.

The moon was high in the sky and lit the well-maintained gardens. She watched as couples walked along the many footpaths, and she couldn’t believe she was with Martin right here, right now.

Feeling rather bold, she asked, “What is it you wished to discuss with me?”

A slow smile curved his lips, making him appear devilishly handsome. “I assume you are aware that I hold you and your sisters in high regard.”

She returned a shy smile then immediately looked away. “I am.”

“I’m pleased to hear that,” he said, “because I would hate to do anything that would jeopardize my friendship with any of you.”

Hannah was unsure of what to say, so she remained silent.

He took a step closer to her, and she tilted her head to look up at him. “My father has decided it is time for me to wed.”

A slight gasp escaped her lips. “He has?”

Martin nodded. “He has, and I find myself in a terrible bind.”

“Which is?”

“I don’t want to marry the girl he has selected for me, but I want to marry another,” he said as he gazed intently at her, “a woman of my own choosing.”

Hannah felt her breath catch in her throat at his declaration. Did he mean her?

“So, Hannah,” he started, “my question is this.” He paused, and she felt herself holding her breath in response. “Will you do me the great honor of helping me secure a bride?”

“Yes, I will…” Hannah caught herself and stared at him in disbelief. “I beg your pardon?”

“I want to hire you to find me a bride.”

“You want me to find you a bride,” she repeated back.

He smirked. “Isn’t that what I just said?”

She brought her hand up to her forehead. This wasn’t happening. She’d been so sure he was going to offer for her, but he had no intention of doing so. He wanted to hire her to find him a bride.

“Hannah?”

Lowering her hand, Hannah gave him a blank stare. “I will need to speak to Kate about this.”

“Of course,” he replied.

She started backing up. “If you will excuse me…” Her voice trailed off, not bothering to finish her sentence.

Martin eyed her with concern. “Are you all right, Hannah?”

“I will be.” She stopped and rushed to correct herself. “I mean, I am.”

“Allow me to escort you back to Kate and Edward,” he offered as he stepped forward and put his arm out.

She put her hand up. “That won’t be necessary,” she insisted.

Martin lowered his arm to his side. “No?”

“I can return to them on my own.”

“But it is my privilege—”

She spoke over him. “I do not wish to burden you.”

“It isn’t a burden…”

Rather than wait for him to finish his sentence, Hannah spun on her heel and hurried towards the ballroom. She didn’t wish to spend one more moment in Martin’s presence. What a fool she had been. He had only ever considered her a friend, and she had spent nearly every waking moment dreaming about him.

She couldn’t wait for this most unfortunate night to come to an end.

3

Hannah laid in bed listening to those blasted birds. She was in a rather foul mood as she thought about the previous evening. She had been so sure that Martin was going to offer for her, but all of her dreams were dashed the moment he asked her to find him a bride.

For so long, she had hoped his heart would be turned towards her. The small things he did affected her in so many ways, and she thought he could do no wrong. But that was all in vain. He only considered her a friend, and always would. How quickly had her life turned upside down, and it was all Martin’s fault. Why couldn’t he love her?

No. She refused to feel pity for herself. She was stronger than this. If Lord Egleton didn’t want her, then it was time to accept it and move on. It was time for her to find a suitor who would appreciate her for who she was. She was finished pining for Lord Egleton, and she would prove to him that she was worthy of being loved.

Coming to a decision, she sat up and put her legs over the side of the bed. She stepped over to the dressing table and began to brush her blonde hair as she stared into the mirror. She was not vain enough to believe she was beautiful, but she was pleased with her appearance, nonetheless. She was most fortunate to have fair skin, an oval face, and delicate features, just as her mother had.

Hannah sighed. How she missed her parents. There was not a day that went by that she did not think of them. It had been five years since they were taken from her life entirely too soon in a horrific carriage accident. She didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye.

A knock at the door broke her out of her musings.

“Enter,” she ordered.

The door opened and her lady’s maid stepped into the room. “You’re awake early,” Sarah commented.

“I’m afraid I have had a lot on my mind,” Hannah admitted.

“Anything you wish to discuss?”

Hannah put the brush down and sat in the chair next to the dressing table. “Lord Egleton asked me to find him a bride.”

Sarah lifted her brow.