by Jane Charles
“Yes. Such is done all the time.”
“Not by me,” he yelled. He shouldn’t have raised his voice to Hannah a second time, but she was being quite frustrating and unreasonable. “When I marry, I shall not touch the dowry brought by my wife. Just as I won’t use Eve’s to save me from this situation. Those funds are the only thing a woman can claim.”
Hannah rolled her eyes.
“I’m serious, Hannah. If I used your dowry, my honor would be destroyed. Please don’t suggest it again.”
At least he’d gotten her attention because she now stared at him as if she was first realizing the seriousness of the situation.
“You’d let pride stand in the way of happiness. You’d rather marry a miss you don’t even know because of honor?”
That is exactly what he was being forced to do. “Yes. It’s the only way that I can secure my family’s future.”
“Well, that might be your plan, but I refuse to let you out of the betrothal, if only to keep you from being a fool.”
“I can break the betrothal, Hannah,” he said quietly. He understood that her decision came from caring for him, but he’d not stand by and allow her to sacrifice herself.
“To do so would mean that my brothers could sue you for breach of promise. Can you afford to settle that debt, Lord Wingate?”
All he could do was stare at Hannah as it slowly sank in that she was serious. “You don’t even love me.”
“I’m not in a position to confess where my heart lies, nor am I ready to relinquish a chance at happiness because of your pride.” She strode past him. “I’ll be awaiting your decision.”
With that, Hannah exited the parlor. Ashton followed, not certain what he could say. He was stunned and admired her boldness and determination. And he wanted her more than he had at any time before.
As the front door closed, all he could do was stand there, shocked to the core at what had just occurred.
“Oh, I like her. I like her very much.”
He turned to find Eve standing in the corridor. “How long have you been there?”
“Long enough to know that if you don’t marry her, you’re a bigger fool than my other three brothers combined.”
If he let her go, Ashton would indeed be a fool, and even though he wouldn’t say the words to Hannah, he did love her, and he needed to find a way to have her.
Hannah was still shaking by the time she returned to Sam’s home, shocked at her own boldness. She’d stood there and demanded that Wingate marry her when he was trying to break the betrothal. At least she hadn’t sunk to begging, though she nearly had and that would have been beyond humiliating. However, refusing to let him break an agreement was an entirely different matter and she’d provided a reasonable argument without emotion.
If it was because his heart was simply not engaged and he’d only agreed out of force, she’d have set him free. However, Wingate was making all decisions because of stupid pride. It wasn’t as if the debt was being called due tomorrow. He had nearly two months and anything could happen between then and now.
“How did your visit with Lady Eve go?” Jillian asked as she joined Hannah for tea.
At the question, she winced.
“I did not go to Roxburg’s to visit Lady Eve,” Hannah answered.
“Bianca then? How is my sister?” Isabella asked as she settled beside Jillian and accepted a cup of tea.
“I didn’t visit with your sister either.
The two women blinked in confusion.
“I called on Lord Wingate.”
Their eyes widened with the rise in their eyebrows and Hannah quickly explained her purpose for doing so, what was said and why she refused to end their association.
“Goodness,” was all Isabella could say before she took a sip.
Hannah knew she must have shocked her sisters-in-law, but she was not one to easily give up.
“I think it’s quite daring.” Jillian grinned.
“Yes, well, I’m certain Wingate was quite shocked, and likely wishes not to have anything more to do with me,” Hannah provided. “I’d hoped to give him reasons not to break the betrothal, but my boldness and stubbornness might have given him more legitimate reasons to end the association than his pride.” And, that was what she feared the most. A miss simply didn’t behave as she’d just done, but Hannah refused to lose Wingate without a fight. He was the one she wanted last spring. He was the one she’d thought about all summer and fall as she planned on how she’d make him take notice of her in the coming Season. She had prayed that he didn’t marry before she had a chance to reacquaint herself with him and she’d not stand by now, when what she hoped for was within her grasp and watch it be taken away, regardless of the circumstance.
“Well, we’ll learn soon enough how he views your demands.” Jillian continued to grin.
Hannah’s stomach knotted. “Why?”
“We are having dinner at Roxburg’s this evening.”
“Bianca claims that they always come here, and she’d like us to join them for a change,” Isabella offered.
Hannah’s stomach knotted even further, and she was quite certain she’d have no appetite when supper arrived. “I don’t believe I’ll attend.” She couldn’t possibly face Wingate so soon after she’d just demanded he marry her.
In fact, the more she considered her behavior, the more a bit of humiliation began to creep in.
“After your show of bravery today, you mustn’t hide now,” Jillian argued. “Let him know you are serious and that he must find another solution to his problem.”
That was just it. Was there another solution to be had? Had she made matters all the more difficult for him?
Good lord, she’d threatened to sue for breach of promise.
Hannah took a deep breath and blew it out, trying to calm her nerves.
She would release him if necessary, but once again she reminded herself that he had nearly two months before a decision must be made and she’d not stand by as he threw away his future.
Straightening her spine, she looked to Jillian. “You are correct. I’m not to be trifled with and it’s best he realize that now.” Though it was a dangerous game since such behavior could send him running right into the arms of Miss Palmer. Except, this wasn’t really a game and if in the end, Wingate didn’t appreciate her boldness, then they weren’t meant to be together anyway.
Oh, if only her heart felt as rational as her head, then all would be well, but in truth, she feared her behavior might just lose her the one gentleman that she’d always wanted.
Chapter 19
In normal circumstances, Ashton wouldn’t have minded that he’d been seated across the table from Lady Hannah. Of course, beside her, he could have conversed freely. Instead, he was able to gaze upon her beauty, and note the determination in her green eyes.
It was probably best that they weren’t in discussion on any topic, given she’d not release him, and he’d twice risen his voice in her presence. Not that he’d been angry with Lady Hannah, he’d simply been frustrated. Regardless, it wasn’t well done of him and at the first opportunity, he’d apologize.
What the bloody hell was he to do?
Marrying Lady Hannah would see his family financially ruined, to the extent that they’d never recover. However, at least he would be happy with his wife. Or, Ashton believed they’d be happy. But, how happy would she remain when there was no pin money to be had, and no allowance could be set aside for new gowns or even another Season in London. Further, Eve would no longer be in a position to attend, unless she’d not mind wearing fashions from the previous year.
Ashton glanced to his sister and relaxed. Truthfully, she’d not care as she’d purchased very little this last Season since she had perfectly good clothing already in her wardrobe that had hardly been worn. She’d gone so far as to suggest that if the biddies of London noted she was wearing a creation from an earlier Season and gossiped, then they clearly had too little entertainment in their disap
pointing lives and she’d not be bothered by them.
Perhaps Eve had already known of the financial difficulties and decided to put a brave face on the situation, but Ashton couldn’t understand how Eve would know the extent of their debts if he had not.
Eve and Hannah were much alike in how they viewed Society and neither one fit well into what was considered normal behavior. Of course, that probably came from being four and twenty. They’d matured and learned to remain within the strictures of Society and dismissed much of the silliness that plagued so many. That was one of the very reasons he was drawn to Hannah. Stubborn, yes, pragmatic as well. Other than suggesting they hunt for buried treasure; she was a reasonable woman.
It was odd that Lady Hannah insisted on their betrothal not be broken. He would have assumed she’d be glad to be given control over her life but that hadn’t been the case.
He also understood that she was trying to save him from himself, but it didn’t quite make sense that she’d alter her future, given their earlier discussions.
Despite the inability to speak with her during dinner, other than the general conversation that occurred around the table, Hannah had looked at him often, with either a slight smile or a raised eyebrow. Was she taunting him? Daring him to renege on the agreement reached with her brothers.
Or, was it her stubbornness again? Because she was being told they’d not wed, she’d force the issue.
Would she truly alter her future, an unknown future, because she was being told she couldn’t have something?
He shook his head. He couldn’t imagine her taking such a drastic action out of stubbornness. Hannah was too reasonable for such behavior.
He glanced over and she was looking at him through her lashes. Or was she? Just how far could her stubbornness go?
And why the hell didn’t it bother him?
Those questions were still in Ashton’s mind when the women left the gentlemen to enjoy rum and cigars.
As the door closed, Samuel Storm turned to him.
“I understand that my sister called on you today.”
Ashton resisted the urge to pull at his cravat. It was highly improper for a lady to call on a gentleman regardless of the circumstances or wherever they might be.
“I promise that neither Nathaniel nor I, nor any of my brothers will sue you for breach of contract.”
That was a relief.
“Lady Hannah has reached her majority; therefore, she could possibly bring the suit on her own,” Roxburg reminded them.
“That would be my concern.” Henry offered with a bit of humor in his eyes. Ashton doubted his cousin would enjoy the situation if he were in this situation.
“Do you think she’d risk her reputation by making such a public claim?” Ashton asked.
Most woman would prefer nobody ever learn that they’d been set aside and as everything had occurred in Barbados, there was the possibility that nobody in England would ever know. However, she’d made the threat, which meant it was something she had considered.
Samuel shrugged. “That all depends on her motivation and how determined she is to have you.”
Ashton took a drink from his rum then he pushed back his seat to stand. “Then I should speak with her to determine the seriousness of her position.”
When he didn’t find Lady Hannah in the sitting room with the other ladies, he was directed to the doors open to the veranda. At least he wouldn’t have to request a private discussion, as she was already alone, or so he assumed.
It didn’t take long to find Lady Hannah after he stepped outside. She was at the far end of the veranda, perched on the railing, her back against the post and staring out to the ocean. The slight breeze tossed her errant curls and ruffled her skirts.
She was quite beautiful, especially in the moonlight, which reflected enough off the ocean that he could see her quite clearly, aided by the light coming from inside the house.
If things were different, he would march over and sweep her up into his arms and kiss her until the rest of the world disappeared. Except, she was not his, whether she agreed or not.
“Why?” he asked as he approached, though he loathed to disturb the silence filled only with the waves rolling and crashing onto the shore. He well understood why she’d come here as the setting was soothing. Unfortunately, there was nothing that could completely calm him at this juncture in his life.
Lady Hannah slowly turned and arched an eyebrow. “Why what?”
“Why do you insist on holding me to a betrothal that you never agreed to in the first place.”
The corner of her mouth tipped before she raised a glass of brandy and took a sip.
“Brandy? Aren’t ladies supposed to drink tea following supper?”
Lady Hannah snorted. “Bianca wasn’t in the mood for tea and determined there was much too much tension this evening and decided that if the gentlemen could enjoy port or rum with their cheroots, the ladies should be allowed to enjoy brandy.”
“I know few ladies who have ever tasted brandy. I was to understand it wasn’t a beverage they would enjoy.”
Lady Hannah lifted an amused eyebrow. “Does that mean you weren’t aware of your sister’s liking for the beverage?”
Ashton’s face heated. “I was aware, especially since she finds Madeira loathsome.”
Hannah had expected Wingate to seek her out. After their discussion this afternoon, he might still be reeling from the shock, but he seemed to have recovered. “I brought you a glass.” She gestured to the small table between two cushioned chairs.
His eyes widened. “What if I hadn’t come out here?” he asked as he crossed to retrieve the snifter.
She shrugged. “Most likely I would have suffered disappointment as I partook of it myself.”
Hannah had never experienced such boldness in her life. Not in England and certainly not in London where such behavior would be frowned upon. However, she found the experience quite exhilarating. Perhaps it was the island, and freedom from her mother. Or, perhaps it was because she may lose something she wanted and was prepared to fight.
Wingate settled on the rail opposite her, leaving a short span of distance with his back perched against the opposite post.
“It’s a beautiful evening,” Wingate stated though he was looking at her.
“You didn’t come here to discuss the weather, did you? If so, I’d be quite saddened.”
Daring, another new experience, but Hannah needed to be careful or he might find he no longer cared for her.
“You know I did not,” he admitted.
“Please tell me, what is on your mind, though I’m fairly certain that I already know.”
Hannah was prepared for him to officially end the betrothal and expected he would. Sam and Nate had explained to her the extent of Wingate’s debts after she returned home this afternoon. She knew they were large, practically insurmountable. But she also wasn’t ready to give way to his plans.
“Why hold me to an agreement when we know so little about each other? How can you be so certain we will suit?”
She wasn’t expecting that question. “It was an agreement made with honor.” Did he doubt they’d be happy? He hadn’t admitted that he loved her, but neither had she. But the way they’d kissed on the beach, she’d assumed he cared? Had she gotten it all wrong? Further, he’d claimed he wasn’t forced. Had he lied to her?
“You and I both know that you could break the betrothal if you wished and your brothers would offer no argument.”
What he said was true, especially since Sam promised that he’d give no assistance in her suing for breach of promise. Not that she had really expected him to.
“When we walked on the beach, you didn’t believe in rushed betrothals and that unhappiness was often the end result. You are the one who agreed that a couple should come to know one another better before taking the final step into matrimony.”
“At the time, I believed we had months to come to know each other before we needed to return to
England.”
“That still doesn’t alter the fact that this betrothal is against everything that you wanted.”
Hannah sucked in a breath, then slowly blew it out, setting her brandy aside. “We still have two months to come to know one another and I don’t wish to be denied the opportunity.”
“Why, when the result will be the same in the end.”
“Will it?” she asked.
“I see no escape.”
Hannah picked at her skirt, not looking at him and decided to confess her plan. “Truthfully, I thought that perhaps if I didn’t release you, Palmer would have little choice. We could continue the courtship and betrothal until we left the island.”
When Wingate said nothing, Hannah looked up at him from beneath her lashes, not certain what to expect from her admission.
“I just need to clarify that you are doing this more to save me from my father’s mistakes and not because you feel a particular emotion for me?”
Hannah’s heart squeezed. He wanted her to claim she didn’t care, which she could not. However, in that moment, with that question, she realized that perhaps Wingate didn’t truly care for her, despite what he’d said earlier. Or at least, didn’t care enough that he wished to fight for her and what they could have. “It is to save you from this predicament. However, it is for me as well. I don’t wish to be denied what could be.”
“Do you still intend to sue me for breach of promise?”
Nothing she had said earlier had changed his mind. Wingate was lost to her. He was going to pursue and marry a stranger because honor and pride demanded such. But, if he had cared even the slightest, he’d allow himself the two months they still had. Instead, he was easily setting her aside.
It was a devastating blow, and one she’d face when alone. Nobody wanted a gentleman who wasn’t willing to fight equally as hard for her. “It was an empty threat. I’d never take such an action. Not only would it put my name on the lips of every gossip, it is unfair to you.”
“You would have had the right.”
“To what purpose? No doubt Palmer would pay any amount the courts deemed I was due, and I’d be left with nothing but humiliation.”