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

“I naïvely thought he was going to offer for me,” she admitted.

“Oh, Hannah,” Sarah rushed to say. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“We were on the veranda, and he was looking at me in such a fashion that I led myself to believe he held me in some regard.” She paused. “But I was wrong.”

Sarah walked over to the settee and sat down. “Well, I think Lord Egleton is a fool for not falling desperately in love with you,” she declared.

“Thank you for that, but it is time I accept that he doesn’t love me and never will.”

“Are you sure?”

Hannah nodded. “I have wasted entirely too much time on a fantasy,” she replied. “I need to carve out my own future.”

“How do you intend to do that?”

Hannah smiled. “I have a plan.”

“Is it a good one?” Sarah teased.

“I think it is quite brilliant,” she responded.

Sarah gave her an expectant look. “Are you going to share it?”

In a quiet voice, Hannah replied, “I intend to ask Kate for help to secure a match.”

“Your sister will be thrilled,” Sarah said.

“I have no doubt.”

“She is currently having breakfast with Lord Berkshire in the parlor,” Sarah said as she rose. “Perhaps you want to go speak to her now.”

“I think that is a wonderful idea.”

Sarah walked over to the armoire and opened it. “Then let’s get you dressed and readied for the day.”

A short time later, Hannah hurried down the stairs towards the parlor, finding herself rather anxious to speak to her sister. She believed Kate would be excited by the prospect, but she hoped her sister wouldn’t want her to divulge any information that she’d be uncomfortable with sharing.

The smell of food wafted out of the parlor, and she heard Kate and Edward politely conversing. She stepped into the room, and Edward rose from his chair at the head of the table.

She waved him back down. “Good morning,” she greeted.

Kate looked at her curiously. “You are rather cheery this morning.”

“I am,” Hannah admitted as she walked over to the buffet table.

Edward turned in his chair. “I am glad to see you looking so well after last evening.”

Hannah placed two pieces of toast on her plate. “I’m sorry I made us depart from the ball early. It was terribly unfair of me to do so.”

“I was rather concerned that you were feeling so poorly,” Kate said, “but I am pleased you have made a speedy recovery.”

Hannah sat on the left side of Edward. “It would appear I just needed a good night’s sleep.”

Edward grinned. “Did the birds wake you this morning?”

Hannah huffed. “Their incessant chatter is vexing,” she declared, “but they did not wake me this morning.”

“That is good to hear,” Kate acknowledged.

A footman placed a cup of chocolate in front of Hannah and she reached for it. “I wish to discuss something with you,” she said as she brought the cup up to her lips.

Kate put her fork down. “Whatever could it be?”

Placing her cup back onto the saucer, Hannah replied, “I was hoping you would help me secure a match this Season.”

A bright smile came to Kate’s face. “Are you in earnest?”

“I am.”

“We shall have such fun!” Kate exclaimed as she clapped her hands together.

Hannah put up her hand, stilling her sister’s words. “I want to emphasize the point that I want to do things on my own terms.”

“I understand. May I ask what changed your mind about me helping you find a suitor?” Kate asked.

An image of Lord Egleton came to her mind, but she quickly banished it. “I just believe it is the right time for me to seriously consider matrimony.”

Edward’s eyes held reservations as he watched her. “I do not want you to feel any pressure to be wed,” he encouraged. “You have only recently turned twenty and have many Seasons ahead of you.”

Hannah offered him a smile. “That is most kind of you to say.”

Kate reached for her husband’s hand. “We both just want you to be happy, Hannah.”

“I am happy, but I feel as if an important piece is missing from my life,” Hannah replied.

“And you believe a husband will fill that void?” Kate asked slowly.

Hannah nodded. “I do.”

Kate looked displeased by her response. “I want to make sure that you are doing this for the right reasons.”

“Why else would I be doing this?” Hannah asked.

Kate leaned back in her chair and studied her for a moment. “You’re right,” she said. “I have no reason to question your motives.”

“Thank you,” Hannah replied as she took a bite of her toast.

As Kate reached for her teacup, she remarked, “I had the most interesting conversation with Martin last night while you were dancing with Lord Whitehall.”

Hannah pressed her lips together, not liking the direction of this conversation. “You did?” she asked, feigning interest.

“I did,” Kate replied. “It would seem that he is interested in matrimony, as well.”

“Yes, he did mention that to me when we spoke on the veranda.” Hannah took a bite of her toast to avoid speaking more on the subject.

“Apparently, his father has given him a month to find a bride or be forced into marriage with Lady Isabella,” Kate said.

“That is awful,” Hannah muttered.

“Martin was hoping we could help him find a bride,” Kate shared.

With a shake of her head, Hannah attempted, “A month is not sufficient time to find him a match.”

“We’ve done it before,” Kate pressed. “Besides, don’t we at least owe it to Martin to try?”

Hannah frowned, knowing her sister made a valid argument. But that didn’t mean she had to like it. “I suppose we could try to find a match for him,” she agreed reluctantly.

Kate smiled victoriously. “Won’t this be fun?” she asked. “Both of you looking for matches at the same time.”

“But for two entirely different reasons,” Hannah countered. “Martin is being forced into marriage, whereas I am doing so voluntarily.”

“That may be true, but I am pleased that the rest of the Season will be anything but ordinary,” Kate said. “I would prefer to focus on you