Her Impetuous Rakehell (6 page)

She hesitated, so he added, “I’m a close friend of the family. You may tell me anything without fear. I’m tight-lipped and would never let the secret go any further.”

“Well, she believes Lord Downham will make her an offer soon.”

“Has she said how she feels about this?”

The dance steps separated them. When she drew near again, she said, “She…to be honest, Lord Oakhurst, I don’t feel comfortable discussing my friend this way.”

“I understand.” He gave her credit. Too many people were all to eager to blurt everything they knew or had heard about another person, no matter the level of their friendship. Yet if Lady Henrietta thought there was nothing between Hannah and Downham, she would most likely have said so.

The question was how to discourage Downham. Short of inviting the man to meet him in the ring in Gentleman John’s Saloon for a few rounds of boxing, Laurence couldn’t think of any action pointed enough to make a sound impression. Fighting her beau was hardly the way to convince Hannah he had her best interests at heart.

The alternative would be to appear to be considering her himself, but he’d never mislead her that way. Regardless of his visions for a warm family life with Louisa, he couldn’t bring himself to pretend to consider some girl for his wife. That would be the cruelest thing ever, not only discouraging another man but also doing the very deed he accused that man of attempting.

He needed Knightwick’s help.

First, since he was making a second round of dances with her friends, he could ask Hannah to dance again. As soon as he’d returned Lady Henrietta to her mother’s side, in the small group that included Hannah and Lady B, he did just that. “I’d be delighted if you’ll stand up with me again, Lady Hannah.”

Lady B’s reaction was confusing. Her forehead furrowed and she narrowed her gaze at Laurence. “Hannah, you’ve promised the remaining sets this evening, haven’t you?”

“No, I do have another dance free, after Mr. Tatum’s second. Lord Oakhurst, I shall save it for you.” Her eyes sparkled. Was she more pleased that she’d vexed her mother or that she’d dance with him again?

He remained with Lady B and Mrs. Thompson while Hannah and Lady Henrietta danced with their partners. Lady B wrapped her hand around his arm. “Let’s take a turn about the room, dear boy. I am weary of standing still.”

He patted her fingers, leading her through the press of the crowd. “I could lead you out in the dance after Hannah’s, if you’d prefer.”

She chuckled. “I do hope you are not using your skills on my daughter.”

“My skills?”

“Your ease of flirtatious conversation worries me. Your reputation concerns me.” She paused to greet a friend, then they walked on. “I understand the relationship between you two, but most of Society would prefer to think the worst. You don’t do her any favors by singling her out for your attentions.”

He parted his lips to point out how he’d danced twice with one other young lady just a short time before, but he knew that wasn’t what she meant. She saw through his words, even when he tried to fool himself. “I mean her no harm. I enjoy her company, however, and worry about some of the men who are spending a lot of time with her.”

“Any gentleman in particular? Is there something I should be aware of?”

He led her into an alcove where they might speak more privately. “You can’t have missed the rumors surrounding Downham.”

“What people infer and the truth rarely interlace. You, of all people, should know that.”

He couldn’t stop himself. He grinned. “Can you be certain where the line was crossed?”

Her stern frown returned.

Laurence sighed. “You are correct. Rumor greatly exaggerates fact, and sometimes creates a world unto itself. But I’ve heard directly from one girl’s brother regarding implied promises of marriage that never materialized. Lady Hannah is important to me. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“You surprise me. Before Louisa came into your life you demonstrated no hint that you were concerned about others.”

Those words sliced sharply through him. “Was I really so shallow?”

She patted his arm. “I wouldn’t call you shallow, even in your most devious moments. You’ve never spoken of apprehension over anyone’s future, though, at least in my presence.”

That was true, but David was the only friend who’d married recently, and his choice in a bride had been perfect for him. Laurence had questioned his sanity in thinking of marriage so young, but the lady he’d chosen had the ideal qualities suited to David’s lifestyle. “I had my moments with David, but he’s much more likely to listen to reason than Lady Hannah would.”

“Yes, it’s not your place to warn Hannah. I would appreciate if you brought your concerns to me. And please, don’t be so public with your friendship with her. It’s likely to be misconstrued.”

Chapter Six

A few days later, Hannah woke early, unable to sleep in her excitement. Laurence had signed the lease on his house, and had asked Mama for assistance furnishing it. Hannah enjoyed helping Mama choose wallpapers and carpets when she redecorated, but the idea of selecting the furniture itself was too grand to imagine.

When she married, her husband would most likely have a home that was decorated to his taste, or filled with family pieces. He might allow her to change a few small things. Laurence, however, needed everything. From nutmeg graters in the kitchen to a backgammon table, his purchases needed to be of a style suited to his new rank in Society.

Mama met her at the breakfast table, where Hannah had nearly finished her toast. “What has you so bright-eyed at this hour?”

“You well know. We are helping Oakhurst today.” She hoped Mama caught her proper usage of his title, even though they were alone in their dining room.

“‘We?’”

“Oh, you must let me accompany you. You know how I love matching curtains to carpets and upholstery. I have no engagements today.” She held her breath awaiting the answer.

“What will people think? I’m beginning to believe you have no care about finding a husband. If that is the case, why are we here? I’d much rather be at home caring for your father.”

Hannah sat back as guilt filled her. “Is it really so awful here? I thought you enjoyed the assemblies and seeing your friends.”

“I do, my dear, but we are in Town for a specific reason. If anyone sees you shopping for furnishings with any man, they’ll be watching for the banns to be read. We both know Oakhurst has no plans to marry, at least not soon, so if you’d set your sights there, you’ll end up heartbroken.”

Laughing, Hannah said, “How can you imagine such a thing? He is my dearest male friend, but that is all. If Jane or Joanna were here, they’d offer to shop also.”

“Yes, but they are married.” Mama waited for the footman to set her plate in place and walk from the room before she continued. “I’ve seen the looks exchanged between Oakhurst and Downham. Lord Downham obviously feels Oakhurst is his competition. If he feels so, what must the rest of the
ton
be thinking?”

“I will explain my relationship with Oakhurst to Downham.”

Mama choked on her coffee. “You’ll do no such thing! You won’t discuss Oakhurst with anyone, except your female friends, should they develop a fondness for him, and then only to warn them away.”

Hannah shook her head. “He’s not so bad a man as to deserve that. He deserves a respectable wife, one who will love him for who he is, not his income. I know he can’t have done any of what the gossips say about him. If he was seen with all those ladies, whether widows or not, it was likely he wished to avoid the appearance that he favored the company of one woman.”

Mama did not look convinced, but rather a touch disbelieving. “I do hope you don’t discuss such things among your friends.”

Hannah avoided her mother’s gaze hoping not to reveal anything. “I only speak on the topics my friends enjoy.”

“It hasn’t been so long since I was your age. I hope when you bring up a man’s…social habits, you are not in danger of being overheard.”

“We are very discreet, Mama. Never fear.”

“I still believe helping Oakhurst shop would be ill advised. I won’t allow it.”

~*~

After a day of following Lady B around one of the finer emporiums in London, Laurence was certain his home couldn’t contain that much furniture. Still, the styles suited him, the wallpapers not overwhelmingly old-fashioned or feminine.

He’d been disappointed that Hannah hadn’t joined them, as he valued her opinion. Most likely Lady B was doing her best to keep them apart. He wasn’t going to thwart the woman’s efforts to keep her daughter’s image as pure as Society demanded. The idea his presence alone could tarnish Hannah’s future irked him, but arguing the matter did no good.

The next day seemed perfect for being outside, ideal for taking Louisa on an outing. He’d noticed an advertisement in the paper of a marionette act in the park that afternoon. He quickly penned a note inviting Lady B and Hannah to join them, and called for his footman to deliver the message.

A small doubt lingered that Lady B would allow to let Hannah go along. She’d made excuses yesterday regarding Hannah’s prior engagement and had helped him shop on her own. He was growing tired of her interference. The more she pushed him away, the more he wanted to spend time with Hannah.

Her dry wit and unrestrained laughter were such a pleasure after the polite twitters from “proper” ladies, although in some that term might refer to their public appearance, not their general behavior. From the time she began to wear her hair up he’d known Hannah’s beauty would make her quite popular among the
ton
, but when she dressed for an evening out, some magic was performed that singled her out in even the largest gathering.

None of the men she appeared to be considering were good enough for her. He gritted his teeth. He couldn’t think of any man worthy of her. No matter whom she married, she’d be settling for a man who was beneath her.

His footman returned with Lady B’s answer. They’d be happy to join him and Louisa on his outing. Laurence was pleased to arrive at their home in his new barouche-landau, complete with two matching bays and a coachman.

A house, a carriage large enough for a small family, people under his employ‑ what was happening to him? Just months ago he was happily unencumbered, sharing a valet with several of the bachelors at the Albany. He didn’t regret the addition of little Louisa to his life, but he‑anyone who knew him, for that matter‑would never have believed him capable of adjusting to these changes.

Louisa looked leery about leaving Lady B’s home with Laurence, but she happily took Hannah’s hand and climbed into the carriage, leaning over the side to look down at the street. “It’s broken.”

“What’s broken?” he asked, sitting beside her, their backs to the horses.

“The carriage. The top broke off.”

He chuckled. Her father could likely only afford one carriage, if that, a very serviceable one. “The top is merely pulled down.” He tugged her bonnet so it hung down her back. “Like your bonnet,” he added.

A pout clouded her cheerful face and he feared she was going to cry.

Hannah laughed brightly and tugged at the ribbons holding her own hat in place. “How fun, to let the wind blow in your hair, don’t you think, Louisa?” She nodded sharply at her mother.

Lady B frowned. “You’ll turn brown, my dear. You’re determined to vex me, aren’t you?”

“Oh, mama, one outing without a hat won’t ruin me.”

Turning her glare on Laurence, Lady B simply responded, “We’ll discuss it later.”

An odd form of tension had simmered between mother and daughter recently. He hoped he wasn’t the cause of it. Rather than continue to cause strife, he untied Louisa’s bonnet and replaced it on her head. Due to the angle he was sitting, he had difficulty tying the ribbons beneath her chin. The resulting bow ended up slightly askew, but he knew no one would comment on it.

Louisa yanked at the ribbons, untying them. “It’s crooked. The bow goes here.” She pointed beneath her chin.

Drawing in a deep breath, Laurence forced a cheerful smile. “I need practice, and I see you will give me much of it until I get this right. Please turn toward me so I may do this properly.” He refused to glance at the two ladies opposite him, knowing they must be laughing at his situation.

With the bow tied, he sat back and took in the passing scenery, intent on keeping his mask of composure in place. He couldn’t let them see how close he was to losing his weak grasp on the life he now found himself living. If someone had pulled the carpet from beneath his feet he couldn’t have been more off balance.

“Has David mentioned the filly he’s looking to acquire? Colonel Sir Lewis Branson’s horse out of Zephyr’s granddaughter.” Somehow in recent years Hannah had become a skilled conversationalist, gracefully guiding them into safer territory.

“No,
 
I hadn’t heard. Your father must be overjoyed at the news.”

“They haven’t mentioned it to him yet. David and Knightwick don’t wish to get his hopes up and have it come to naught.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

“Yes.”

Lady Bridgethorpe’s hands had come together in a firm grasp at the mention of the earl. She never spoke of it, but her husband’s prolonged illness must weigh heavily on her. One would never know it to see her in Society. She kept up a strong front.