“How unusual, the poor dear.” Hannah’s heart clenched at the awfulness of such a thing. “Did it scamper out?”
Lucy hesitated as if she did not understand the question, then quickly said, “No. No, it did not.”
“Oh, there must be something horribly wrong with it.” Hannah was the one encouraging Lucy to go faster now. “It’s so cold outside that the thing will likely freeze. Why didn’t you save it?”
“I don’t know anything about the little beasts but am aware of your fondness for them.” Lucy exited through the terrace door.
Hannah rushed outside and immediately spotted the pond several steps from the terrace. They raced down the short flight of stairs into the garden and through the moonlit path to the pool of water.
The surface was so still that it perfectly reflected the moon like a mirror.
“Where is it?” Hannah shook her head.
“It has to be here somewhere,” Lucy said, somewhat bewildered.
But in looking at the surrounding area of the pond, Hannah realized there were no darkened areas suggesting drops of water. Hannah looked at Lucy in shock, thoroughly confused.
There was no cat.
So, why had she been led out into the garden on such a bitterly cold night?
The respite from Lady Alison while she danced with the duke was one Lucien wished might last forever. His only regret was that during his conversation with his mother, he had lost sight of Hannah.
As the music ended, the muscles along the back of his neck tensed in anticipation of having to entertain Lady Alison once more. In the last few interactions, he had become less and less patient with her petulant and cruel behavior. She had already entwined herself around the duke like an invasive weed. Why did she need to keep her grip on Lucien as well?
A curious thing happened as Lady Alison neared. Lady Jillian and Lady Elizabeth approached her out of nowhere, barring her way toward him.
He would have to thank them later for their intervention, which would afford him a few more moments of blissful silence.
“Lord Brightstone.”
He turned to the sound of the gentle voice and found Miss Honeyfield gazing sweetly at him. “If you had the opportunity to speak to Miss Bexley again, to explain your side of the situation, would you spare a moment?”
“I have a lifetime of moments to spare if she would accept them,” he answered.
Miss Honeyfield beamed. “I hoped you might say something of the sort. She’s on the terrace.”
He did not bother looking back at Lady Alison. If given the opportunity to be with Hannah, he would never once regret turning his back on the loathsome woman who had sucked the life from his soul that past fortnight.
Ladies planted themselves opportunistically in his path, but he darted around them, not caring if his actions were unseemly. He was determined to reach the terrace as swiftly as was possible. When he finally pushed outside, he discovered Hannah on her hands and knees, peering out into the garden.
The scene was admittedly a strange one, and it gave him pause. At least, until Miss Beauchamp wished him luck, swept past him and closed the door behind her. He did not miss the distinct click of the lock sliding into place.
Hannah straightened, locked eyes with him and froze. “Are you looking for the cat as well?” she asked with hesitation, sensing something was amiss. “I confess, I don’t think there is one, despite Lucy’s insistence that it’s out here.” She scanned the area. “Where is Lucy?”
“She left.” He gestured to the door.
Hannah frowned. “And why are you here?”
“I was instructed to come out here to speak with you if I so desired, to present my side of what has transpired between us.” He stepped closer but stopped his advancement when she tensed.
“Who would say that?” she asked.
“Miss Honeyfield,” he replied. “I believe this was a scheme you were not privy to.” Disappointment crushed at his chest.
“I was not.” Her chin lifted with indignation. “I don’t even have my cloak…” The words died on her tongue as she peered at something behind Lucien.
He turned to see a bundle of cloth set upon a table beside the door. Her cloak, apparently. He took the item and brought it to her, spreading it over her shoulders.
“I realize now this was not your idea,” he said. “But I should still appreciate the opportunity to speak to you.”
A rattle sounded at the door as someone tried to open it.
Hannah glanced in the direction of the locked door and sighed. “It doesn’t appear I have much of a choice.”
“No, it does not.” Though Lucien spoke grimly, he had never been so overjoyed at a scheme in his life. “And I’m glad for it.”
Hannah blinked up at him.
He gently grasped her hand. “I’ve wanted this moment since I botched my proposal to you. I don’t always know the right way to articulate how I’m feeling. Indeed, I have a terrible habit of saying things entirely wrong. The way I have with you.”
She regarded their joined hands but did not withdraw from his grip.
“The truth of the matter is…” He thought back to the letter he’d written to her, where his heart poured out like poetry onto the page. “The truth is that I believe I’m in love with you.”
Hannah’s eyes flew up to meet his. “I beg your pardon?”
“No.” He shook his head and her brows furrowed. “No, I know I’m in love with you,” he said vehemently.
“Love?” the word squeaked from her mouth as her eyes went wide.
“I haven’t stopped thinking of you for a single moment since you fell into my life.” The corner of his lip twitched. “Quite literally.”
Her mouth lifted in a slight smile.
“It was your vivacity,” he quickly said before he could ruin it all over again. “The openness of your nature, the way you forged your path and strode onward in your carefree manner. It’s the way you laugh, the way you so brilliantly experience and share your joy.” He closed the distance between them and reached out to stroke her face with the back of his gloved hand. “You are radiant, Hannah.”
She pulled away from him. “Is this practice?”
“What do you mean?” he asked, momentarily taken aback.
While there had been difficulties between them, he’d assumed she would be glad of his confession. That there might be a possibility for her to give him a chance to reclaim her heart as she had his.
“If it is practice, you needn’t bother.” Her voice wavered, and her eyes shone with tears. “Because you’re terribly good at it.”
He frowned. “Practice?”
“I overheard your mother say that you were using me for practice, not to pursue for marital options.” Hannah balled her hands into fists and straightened her back. “You needn’t bother as you have far surpassed your tutor.”
“My mother made that heinous suggestion once, and at that time, I not only declined her cruel idea but I also defended your character. You are a good person. I have always known that.”
“And yet the likes of Lady Alison managed to secure your affections so quickly,” Hannah said bitterly.
“I did that for you.” Lucien’s pulse sped up. This was exactly why he needed a private moment to speak with Hannah. Not only inclined to confess his love but also to explain Lady Alison. She had slipped so far from his mind when he first saw Hannah that he’d nearly forgotten.