Her Impetuous Rakehell by Aileen Fish

Author:Aileen Fish [Fish, Aileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Aspendawn Press
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Hannah glided around the floor in Mrs. Helmsley’s ballroom, in the arms of Lord Downham. She loved waltzing more than anything she could think of, at the moment. The graceful movements, the gentle music, and the scent of Downham’s cologne filled her senses.

“What has you so deep in thought?” Lord Downham asked.

“No thoughts, actually. I’m simply enjoying the moment.”

“That pleases me. I enjoy seeing you so happy.” His eyes smoldered with what she hoped was love. “My wish is that you always feel thus.”

Always. Was that a hint? There was only one way he could ensure her future happiness, and that was to marry her. Butterflies fluttered inside her. Why did he wait so long to say what she longed to hear? If he preferred to seek permission first, he could speak to Knightwick. He stood in their father’s stead more often than not, now. Knightwick’s approval would be accepted by her family.

Amelia waltzed past simply aglow in her pale blue gown. Mr. Young had a pinched look, as if his shoes were too tight, or he had something worrisome on his mind.

Hannah gasped. Was tonight the night Mr. Young would propose? How lucky her friend was to finally have the mattered settled, and what’s more, to marry the man of her choosing.

Lord Downham’s lips turned down. “I see Lord Oakhurst is here. He’s been attending a surprising numbers of assemblies of late. I wonder what his purpose is.”

“He told my mother he wishes to improve his reputation so as not to disparage that of his ward as she matures.”

“Humph. I can’t see him doing something as honorable as that.”

The hairs on the back of her neck bristled. He might as well speak poorly of one of her brothers. “If you believe that, you do not know him as we do. He’s a very kind and generous man. I’ve known him most of my life.”

Downham looked down his nose at her. “I’m astonished your parents allow you to associate with the man.”

She bit her tongue. She wouldn’t rise to argue with him. This was a side of him that caused concern. He couldn’t object to Laurence’s presence when her family gathered, but his superior attitude was not something she could endure for a lifetime. He’d appeared haughty at times, which she could understand as an earl’s heir, but never so condescending as when he spoke of Laurence.

What had happened between the two men to give him such a disliking for Laurence?

Their waltz ended and Hannah was glad to let him walk away to play cards until time for their next dance. Mr. Young brought Amelia to stand beside Hannah, and took his leave also.

“I’m so excited,” Amelia said, her grin spreading.

“Has he said anything?”

“He asked permission to call on me tomorrow.” She grasped Hannah’s hand. “I think he will propose.”

Hannah hugged her friend. “I’m so happy for you. I knew he would eventually, but to keep you waiting after his marked attention last Season, well, it’s simply callous. But he’s making up for it now.

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