Lady Hannah's Holiday (Spirited Storms #5) (The Spirited Storms)

by Jane Charles

  “Hannah, if I knew of any way to avoid marriage to Miss Palmer, I would use it and continue courting you.” He placed a hand over his heart. “If I could follow my heart, that is exactly what I would do.”

  Then why wasn’t he fighting harder? If he truly, in his heart wanted her, he’d use the two months he had to find a solution. “Yes, well, it’s best to leave our hearts out of consideration.”

  She took a quick drink of the brandy, tossing back what remained in the snifter to hide the tears that had sprung to her eyes and hoped they evaporated before Wingate noticed. Setting the glass aside she stood. “It is better that we both remain rational. I wish you well.”

  Chapter 20

  “Sam and I believe we may have come to a reasonable solution, that everyone can live with and retain honor,” Nathaniel Storm announced.

  Ashton turned to find the two brothers standing at the entrance.

  “How long have you been there?” Hannah asked with suspicion.

  “Long enough to believe that neither of you wish for your courtship to end.”

  “It matters little. Palmer has the upper hand, Wingate has too much pride and honor, and we have little time.”

  She nearly hissed pride and honor as if they were foul words. Perhaps Hannah didn’t realize that if a gentleman lost either or both, there was nothing of worth left.

  “A loan,” Nate announced.

  “I’ve enough loans already,” Wingate argued. “I’ve already advised that I’d not accept nor seek another.” Though, he had given consideration when Samuel had made his first offer, but Ashton couldn’t see how adding debt to pay debt would solve anything.

  “This loan would be different, as in the end, you will likely owe it to yourself.”

  Hannah frowned.

  “We’ve the ability to release a portion of Hannah’s dowry, on good faith, that once you set matters to right in England, you will return the funds to the dowry,” Sam offered.

  “I’ll not use Hannah’s dowry.” For them to mention it once again was insulting.

  The twins stiffened; their chins lifted as their shoulders drew back.

  “What are you two about?” Hannah asked slowly.

  “When we found the two of you, after spending the night together, we didn’t make demands or haul you before a vicar because we assumed how it would end.” They stared at Ashton. “That matter still remains and we fully intend that the two of you marry. It is not something we can overlook.”

  Ashton pinched the bridge of his nose. They had every right to force a marriage. He knew it was his fate as soon as he and Hannah had been stuck in the house through the storm. He’d also assumed they’d be given time to properly court, but Palmer had to ruin everything.

  No, his father had ruined everything.

  “No,” Hannah argued.

  “Yes,” Samuel and Nate answered at the same time.

  Ashton turned back to Hannah. “They are correct. It’s always been understood that we’d marry.”

  “Not by me,” she cried. Then she stepped toward her brothers. “Nothing happened. We were caught up in circumstances. I will not allow you to force Wingate into a marriage he does not seek. It’s bad enough that you insisted on the betrothal.”

  “A betrothal is a promise of marriage,” Nathaniel reminded her. “What did you expect would happen?”

  “It’s not as permanent as saying the vows, and still leaves the opportunity for the parties involved to change their mind.”

  Her voice was high, nearly shrill, the likes of which Ashton had never heard, yet he wasn’t disturbed, as she was clearly panicked.

  Luckily, he’d learned enough to believe it came from lack of control, and possibly because she was being ordered to do something instead of asked.

  “You lied to me. All three of you lied.” She was taking a step back. “I thought we’d court, then to learn we were betrothed, but with hopes of a long betrothal to make certain we were a good match, and all along the three of you might as well have been planning a wedding.”

  “It wasn’t like that,” Ashton insisted.

  “Wasn’t it? You and my brothers already decided on marriage in the end. When was it to take place? Before we left Barbados? Was I going to even be asked what day I prefer or were you too afraid of how I’d react?”

  Ashton held her eyes. “As you are right now.”

  “Sam and I were going to see that you married before you sailed,” Nate answered to Ashton’s surprise.

  “If you returned home married, there was little Mother or Danby could do, and the reason we thought it best to marry here,” Samuel added.

  “You two are just as bad as Mother and Danby, manipulating my life to what you think is best.” She poked a finger into Samuel’s chest. “It’s my life and the three of you are trying to take control,” Hannah yelled. “Well, I won’t have it.” She turned to Ashton. “You are free, Lord Wingate.” She picked up her empty glass and strode past him. “It’s clear that pride and honor matter to you far more than I ever have.”

  “Hannah, wait.”

  She stopped and turned. “I hope you and Miss Palmer are very happy. Our association has come to an end.”

  “Isn’t this parasol lovely?” Hannah turned to Jillian who was holding a lavender sunshade

  “Lovely,” Hannah offered with little enthusiasm. She was only shopping because Jillian, Isabella and Bianca insisted that she do something to occupy her time, to cheer her up, instead of moping around the plantation.

  Jillian rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think it’s lovely, Isabella?”

  “Quite fetching, I’m certain,” she mumbled without even glancing in Jillian’s direction. Instead her focus was out the window.

  “What has your attention?” Bianca crossed to stand beside Isabella and then frowned. “He certainly doesn’t look happy, now does he?”

  “Neither does she,” Isabella offered. “One would think they were off to a funeral, not engaged in a courtship.”

  Hannah’s stomach sank and as she made her way to Isabella’s side and prayed that they were speaking of some other couple they were acquainted with.

  Unfortunately, it was what she feared. Directly across on the walk was Wingate with a woman who Hannah assumed was Miss. Palmer. Neither was smiling. In fact, they were stiff in posture and not speaking.

  It had only been three days since she’d cried off, but the pain hadn’t lessened. In fact, she could barely stand to speak to her brothers because the betrayal was felt so deeply. Yes, she wasn’t so foolish as not to realize a betrothal meant marriage in the end, but no date had been discussed, where or when. At least, not with her. She’d barely had time to recover from the shock of learning she was betrothed before she learned the full extent of her brothers’ plans, all without consulting her once, before everything came to an end: her courtship, betrothal and eventual marriage to Wingate.

  If they’d only dealt honestly with her from the very beginning, eventually she would have understood. Instead, they’d manipulated her, much as Danby manipulated the lives of his relatives and she was done with interference from everyone.

  She’d hoped that Wingate would be different, but the fact that he’d known for a week that they were, in fact, to be married and hadn’t told her, meant she couldn’t trust him not to manipulate her in the future either.

  Was there any gentleman that could be trusted?

  “Do you think they even like one another?” Jillian asked.

  “Oh, they’ve stopped.” Isabella leaned in. “He’s speaking to her.”

  Hannah really didn’t need to be told what was occurring since she was watching as well.

  Then they turned and Miss Palmer pointed in their direction.

  Hannah quickly pulled back from the window. It wouldn’t do for Wingate to catch her spying on him, especially since she wished she hadn’t seen them at all.

  “They’re crossing the street.” Jillian pulled Isabella and Bianca further into the shop and
the three of them quickly picked up something to admire as Hannah turned her back to the door and began inspecting fans in the far back corner of the shop.

  “I’m certain you will find a selection within to help shield your sister’s complexion for the duration of her visit, Lord Wingate.”

  The woman’s tone was so quiet and demure, and it was all Hannah could do not to turn and get a better look at her.

  “I thank you, Miss Palmer. Eve has shown no interest in coming into town but shows a good deal of interest in walking along the beach.”

  “Of course,” Miss Palmer murmured.

  “Wingate, Miss Palmer,” Jillian greeted.

  “Your Grace, Mrs. Storm, Mrs. Storm,” Miss Palmer returned.

  The formality of it all set Hannah’s teeth on edge, but as long as nobody noticed her, they could have their perfectly polite and proper discussion without her.

  Which was exactly what the conversation turned out to be as they discussed which bonnets and parasol would look fetching on Eve, a ball Miss Palmer’s father was to host, and a promise of taking tea, though in truth, Miss Palmer said very little and only spoke when asked a direct question as if she’d been raised to only speak when spoken to.

  Hannah was just about to blow out a sigh of relief that they’d soon leave when she felt a presence behind her.

  “Excuse me.”

  Wingate’s breath was warm on her neck, and she stepped aside as he reached around and lifted a delicate ivory brisée fan, painted with the most delicate flowers.

  “Do you think Eve would like this fan?” he asked quietly.

  Her face heated at being discovered. Wingate must think her the worst form of coward at having hid.

  I’ve no way of knowing, Lord Wingate, but most ladies would appreciate the detail in the painted decoration.”

  He lifted another and with a flip of his wrist it opened to full fan. “This is lovely as well.”

  “Yes, it is, but for what purpose would she need such a fan?” Hannah asked.

  Wingate shrugged. “There is to be a ball.”

  Hannah took the fan from him and raised it before her face. “In that case, this would never do because the Chantilly lace does not allow a lady to hide her face, and specifically her lips if she wished to speak in private.”

  “Yes, of course. No point in twittering behind a fan when everyone can see you doing so.”

  Wingate stared into her eyes. Did she note pain or was it resolve that they’d been reduced to being no more than acquaintances who might occasionally meet within a shop?

  It pained her, deeply, but Hannah wasn’t certain she could forgive the omissions perpetrated by her brothers. While Wingate hadn’t lied, he’d not informed her of the truth of their circumstances either. How could she ever agree to marry anyone who only informed her of matters that he believed were necessary that she know?

  “Lady Eve complains of the heat,” Hannah offered. “If you wish to purchase her a fan, I’d buy her one more suited for cooling, than an adornment for a societal event.” Then with a nod of her head, she stepped away from Wingate. “Good day.”

  As much as she wanted to run from the shop, Hannah did not, but calmly crossed to the entry then stepped outside. The bright sun caused a sudden pain and she flinched before lowering her head and adjusting her bonnet to shield her eyes.

  Now where to? Bianca, Isabella and Jillian were still within.

  With a deep sigh, Hannah glanced about, then noticed the lending library across the street. There she could hide among the stacks until it was safe to leave without fear of running into Wingate again.

  She’d never been one to hide, yet, her brothers’ betrayal and her love for Wingate had turned her into a coward. And she did not like it in the least.

  Chapter 21

  Ashton needed to spend no further time with Miss Palmer to know that they would never suit. He’d believed that her shyness when they first met was due to not knowing him and the awkward situation in which they found themselves. However, her demeanor had been much the same when he dined at her home the evening before, as it had been today. Trying to pull her into conversation was near impossible and before they’d ever stepped foot into the shop, she’d spoken no more than ten words.

  He had had no intention of purchasing anything for Eve but when he had looked over at the shop and saw Hannah along with her sisters-in-law peering out of the window, he made the decision then and only because he needed to see Hannah. What he hadn't expected was his brave and stubborn Hannah to be hiding in the back corner looking at fans and ignoring him completely. But after painful niceties had been shared, Ashton found an excuse to speak with Hannah by way of a fan.

  It was impossible not to compare Hannah to Miss Palmer, even though he had nothing against Miss Palmer. They simply would not suit. She was too quiet, too fragile, too insecure and basically too timid. However there was nothing timid about Hannah and in that instant when Ashton had stood beside the fans and glanced back at Miss Palmer, he knew that his pride needed to be set aside or he would be miserable for the rest of his life.

  After gathering his purchases, a fan and a parasol, and stepping outside with Miss Palmer, Ashton caught site of Hannah entering the lending library across the street. If he were alone, he’d pursue her now but to do so would be unfair to Miss Palmer. Instead, he’d escort her home and make an excuse for not joining the family for supper the following day. It wasn’t fair to further encourage her, not that he’d been all that encouraging, as she knew why he was escorting her about.

  Ashton turned to Miss Palmer and offered his arm. “Shall I return you home or is there another shop you wish to visit?” As she’d shown no interest in shopping to begin with, he hoped she wanted to end this outing as much as he.

  She smiled up at him and her face relaxed, almost as if she were relieved. “That won't be necessary, Lord Wingate. I have an appointment with the modiste and it's not necessary that you return me home.”

  “At least let me escort you,” he insisted. Had Miss Palmer made plans so that she had an excuse to end their outing? Not that he was bothered.

  “That is not necessary I assure you.”

  Ashton could only stare down at her. This was the most she’d ever spoken to him. Further, there was nothing timid in her tone and he heard her quite clearly. What had caused the change?

  “If you are certain, then I will be on my way.”

  “I'm quite certain Lord Wingate.” Her smile grew wider. “Thank you for your escort this afternoon.” And with that she turned on her heel and strode off in the opposite direction of where the carriage waited. It was almost as if she couldn’t wait to be free of him. There was even a hurried bounce in her step. Odd that, but instead of being insulted or disappointed that she apparently wanted no more to do with him than he did her, it was further proof that he needed to set his pride aside.

  He quickly retreated to the carriage to leave his purchases inside then made his way to the lending library, watching in case Hannah emerged so that he didn’t lose her. When she’d not exited, he entered and waited for a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness after being out in the bright sun. Though not a large building, it did run deep with shelves lining the walls and creating aisles all loaded with books for purchase and borrowing.

  He couldn’t help but smile. He and Hannah had experienced one of their longest and liveliest conversations in a book shop. A day that was forever set in his memory as they discussed various authors and books, argued and discussed all manner of literary offerings at Hatchard’s. He remembered standing within after she’d gone and imagining a future of the two of them reading from the same book and sharing their thoughts afterward. Some of those discussions would take place in the library or parlor. Or, the bedchamber as they took turns reading to the other before they retired for the night. The images had been quite vivid and ones he’d kept close after he returned to Maywood Manor and imagined her living there and sharing his home.

  Why h
adn’t it occurred to him that he was already falling in love long before he arrived in Barbados? It wasn’t like any other woman had occupied his attention above a sennight before he met Hannah. Except, he hadn’t really believed in love and had never experienced it before, so perhaps that was the reason he didn’t recognize the stirrings in his heart. However, now that he was aware, he’d need to see that she was his, no matter the cost.

  As Samuel Storm had an extensive library on his plantation, Ashton assumed that Hannah was here to hide and not necessarily to obtain reading material. Therefore, he chose the center aisle and slowly walked down it, peeking through the openings to the opposite stacks until he recognized her golden hair and straw bonnet. With a grin, he retraced his steps until he was at the end. Approaching quietly, he came upon her where she stood holding an open book. Perhaps she was in search of something to read, though given her behavior in the shop, he assumed she was simply in hiding.

  “Did you find an interesting book?”

  Hannah jumped as she slammed the book, the clap of pages hitting with force, reverberating about them. “Lord Wingate, where did you come from?”

  He grinned and nodded to the front of the lending library. “From across the street. Same as you.”

  Hannah straightened to look around him. “Where is Miss Palmer?”

  “She has another engagement.”

  “Then why are you here?” Hannah asked slowly.

  His grin slipped. “I needed to see you.”

  Her chin drew up and lips firmed as she narrowed her eyes. “To what purpose?”

  “I'm sorry!” Ashton blurted out.

  Hannah sniffed. “For what are you sorry?”

  “I was wrong. I did not want to deceive you.” Ashton took the book and placed it on the shelf before he took her hands in his. It was necessary that he touch her. “I wanted to tell you about the agreement. They warned me that you would take issue, which you did.” He couldn't help but grin. “However, it never set right with me and I wanted to tell you. I especially wanted to tell you that day on the beach but you yourself told me how you would have reacted. If you would have sailed on the first ship at the very idea of a forced courtship, I could not imagine what your reaction would have been to an already agreed upon betrothal and eventual marriage.”