At one point, a small part of the crowd near them broke free, and a woman dressed in a fine blue dress shrieked. A man with missing teeth and a gray beard had removed his shirt and was flexing his arm muscles.
“Someone tell Stanley that George the Handsome wants to join the circus!” he shouted to the delight of the onlookers.
Not all were impressed, however, as a man in a well-tailored coat rushed over and punched the old man in the jaw, sending him backwards into the crowd. “How dare you act like an animal in the presence of ladies!” he yelled.
Several more screams resounded as the assembly pressed forward, and when a man easily double the size of most men backed into her and sent her crashing to the ground, she cried out in fright that she would be trampled by the now panicked crowd. However, by some miracle, she managed to stand, but John was no longer beside her.
Several groups of men began fighting, creating more panic as gentlemen held their wives in an effort to lead them outside. Fear enveloped Hannah, and tears welled in her eyes as she desperately searched for John.
“Hello, beautiful.”
Hannah looked on in horror as a man took a swig from a bottle and then gave her a toothless grin. No one took notice, and any who did either turned his nose up at her or ignored her completely as they attempted to reach the exit.
Fearing she would die, Hannah pushed forward; however, the room was much too crowded and too many people were in a panic to escape. She could no longer hold back the tears as bodies pushed at her. Would she ever see John again? Why had she not told the man how deeply she cared for him? That she in fact loved him? What if she had wasted her last opportunity to share what she truly felt?
Her heart jumped into her throat when a man fell to the ground beside her. She wanted to help him, but she could do nothing as he disappeared under the feet of those around them.
Breathing was becoming difficult as bodies pressed against her. She was scared and, even worse, alone. Yet, as all hope began to leave her, she heard her name.
“Hannah!”
She turned to see John fighting his way through the mob.
“John!” she shouted back. She reached out for him, but he was too far away. When a man tried to push John out of the way, Hannah screamed, but John elbowed his way past.
“Hannah!” he cried again, and Hannah tried her best to reach him, but she was jostled back once again. With an outstretched hand, her gloved fingertips touched his as tears flowed down her face, and they ebbed away from each other once again like two pieces of driftwood flowing on ocean waves.
As if by a miracle, John broke through the final line of people and wrapped his arms around her.
She wept into his chest, unable to believe he had found her.
“Shh,” he whispered into her ear. “You are safe now. I was so scared for you.”
“As was I,” she replied. “But I am safe as long as I am with you.”
“Listen,” John shouted just a woman slapped a man near them, “We must move to the side against a wall or we’ll be separated again. We will be safer there. Now, do not let go.”
“Never!” she shouted back.
He nodded and began to push through the crowd toward the closest wall. Hannah held on this coat and kept as close as she could so as not to be separated from him again, and when they reached the wall, they worked their way to an empty spot below a set of stairs.
Before she could blink, John wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled him toward him. Just as quickly, he turned her to her back was against the wall, and he pressed his body against hers providing a cover of protection as the angry crowd moved past them.
“You will never be hurt,” he said as he gazed down at her, his arms placed against the wall on either side of her as if bracing himself against the mob that pressed from behind.
The noise around them seemed to fade, and it was as if they were the only two in the room.
“I must tell you something,” he said and then grunted when a body pushed him toward her. “If we are to die tonight, in this crowd, you must know that I love you.”
A tear of joy came to Hannah’s eye. “And if these grounds are to be our final resting place,” she said, her voice trembling, “know that I love you, too.”
It had been earlier that night that Hannah had asked Isabel when one should confess love to another. Although Astley's Circus was the last place Hannah could have imagined professing such words, she said them regardless, and the love in her heart doubled. And as they whispered the word love again, Hannah considered her upbringing for just a brief moment. One must always be a lady and sustain from acts that could ruin her reputation, or so she had been told often from a young age, and she had done her best to adhere to such standards.
Yet, as the crowd around them continued to panic, Hannah felt a calmness come over her. If she was to die, she had one more last thing to do. Perhaps John had thought the same, perhaps their hearts had spoken one to the other, for their lips met, and like their love for one another, became one. It was the most beautiful thing Hannah had ever experienced, and no words could have captured her thoughts. For within that kiss, her heart fluttered, her breath became short, and happiness like none she had ever experienced passed through her body like a burning sensation.
As the kiss broke, John continued to protect her. And although the people around them continued their violence, she had never felt safer in all her life.
Chapter Nineteen
Hannah was uncertain how long she remained in John’s arms. It could have been in the space of a breath or as long as an hour; however, it did not matter. She wished to remain there her entire life. His scent was titillating, and fully masculine, and she could not get enough.
John glanced over his shoulder. “I believe it to be safe now,” he said. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, but inside she was screaming, No! I wish to remain here forever! However, what would she do under his protection, standing against a wall at the amphitheater?
When John moved away, Hannah could not help but gasp at what she saw. Women with torn dresses and disheveled coiffures. Men with sleeves missing and blood-covered shirts. More than one person lay on the ground as others attended to them. Several people limped through the door, while others hung their head as if in shame for their actions this evening.
When John took her elbow, she relished in his touch as they walked toward the door. He looked from side to side as if ready to stop anyone who would attempt to hurt her. He reminded her of Edmund, a hero from one of her favorite stories, but even that man was unworthy of standing in John’s shadow.
They reached the door without incident—the waiting room had cleared significantly while Hannah had been under John’s protection—and they made their way to the foyer. As soon as they were through the doors, the smell of smoke assailed her, and she turned to see the building directly to their right lying in ruins. Although it was no longer in flames, smoke continued to billow into the sky. Bystanders stood across the street and stared at the building while those who had been in the amphitheater stood in small circles to recount their stories.
“Your sister and Laurence,” John said as he stared at the burnt building. “Let us pray they have already reached the carriage as I asked.”
Hannah could do nothing more than nod, she was so filled with worry. If anything happened to her sister, Hannah would be destroyed.
John never released her arm as they made their way away from the smoke to where a line of carriages waited. She sighed with relief when Isabel came running toward them.
“Hannah!” Isabel cried. When she reached them, she pulled Hannah into a tight embrace. “Oh, you are safe! I was terrified…the mob…I thought you were hurt.”
“Everyone pushing separated me,” Hannah explained, realizing she was another recounting her story. “I thought I would die, but then John saved me.”
“Thank you,” Isabel said to John and then surprised Hannah by throwing her arms around him, as
well. Isabel embracing someone outside of her family was a rarity. “I am so glad you both are safe.”
“And Laurence?” John asked.
Isabel turned, and Hannah followed her gaze to where a man leaned against a wall, his hand gripping his leg. “While protecting me, a large group of six people fell, one of them against his leg. He is in pain, but he refused to rest in the carriage until you were both found safe.”
Hannah’s heart went out to the man as they walked over to him. Laurence straightened, the ever-valiant man, but his eyes widened as Hannah hugged him. “Thank you for caring for my sister. You are the kindest and bravest of men.”
Laurence turned several shades of red. “Thank you for saying so,” he said. Then he spoke to everyone. “Let us be thankful we are all safe. We may leave with only a few bruises, but others I imagine received broken bones. I have not heard of anyone dying, however, so that is gratifying.”
Hannah shivered at the thought as Isabel slipped her arm through Laurence’s. The manner in which the two smiled at one another brought a smile to Hannah’s face, for it was the smile of those in love, one about which she had once wondered but now understood.
“I believe we should return home,” John said. “I for one need a drink.”
Everyone laughed and made their way to the carriage, and although Hannah pretended not to notice, she watched as Isabel helped Laurence up the step. Her sister was a woman of strength and heart, and her love for the man knew no bounds. Then Hannah looked at John and realized that she felt much the same for him as Isabel did for Laurence.
***
The clock had long since struck midnight, and Hannah, having washed up and changed into a dress that did not have a ripped skirt or the smell of smoke, sat in the drawing room with a glass of wine as she listened to Laurence recount his version of the events of that evening.
“When we reached the bottom of the stairs, I told Isabel that the room was far too crowded and that someone would be hurt if they fell. When I heard the woman cry out, I knew trouble was at hand.”
Hannah nodded. His story was much what she and John had experienced, only Laurence and Isabel had been able to reach the exit much more quickly despite his leg injury.
“How long do you believe you waited for us to exit?” John asked. Hannah wondered the same.
“I would say a half hour at most,” Laurence replied. “I wanted to go back in and search for you, but Isabel said it would be fruitless. The mob was much too large and unruly, and any attempt to push back against them might have left me trampled beneath their feet.”
Hannah was uncertain, but she thought he sounded as if he were disappointed rather than relieved he had not returned.
Isabel must have heard his disappointment. “My husband speaks as if he failed. However, as always, his heart was right.”
“Isabel was correct in her assumption,” John said. “The danger did worsen with each passing minute. I am thankful you two made it to safety when you did, for any one of us could have lost our life at every turn.”
The crackling of wood in the fireplace was the only sound for a few moments, each person in his or her thoughts.
“What of you?” Laurence asked, his voice making Hannah start. “What happened?”
Hannah’s cheeks burned and she swore Isabel gave her a knowing nod. Yet, how could the woman know she and John kissed?
John was quick to reply. “When the fire began, Hannah and I were separated in the crowd. I attempted to find her, but the surge of people was like an ocean wave driving me further away.” He turned to look at her. “I knew I needed to find Hannah, and I made an oath to myself that I would. Finally, as I fought against the crowd, I saw her.” He had yet to take his eyes off Hannah. “Lady or not, she would not succumb to the disorder of the mob around us. And although I was able to force my way through, I found her standing in courage.”
Hannah smiled and wished to reach out and take his hand. “He is kind, but in truth, it was his bravery that saved me,” she said. “For he shielded me as those around us fought one another in order to escape.”
“It appears that bravery and nobility runs through your family,” Isabel said. “And I am glad you were there for her.” She turned to Hannah. “And speaking of family. Do not forget Mother is to arrive Tuesday.”
“I have not forgotten,” Hannah said. “I am excited, for I have much I wish to tell her.” Her book was near completion, which was one of the pieces of news she wished to share. That and her love for John. “And John has agreed to join us for dinner on Wednesday.”
John gave her a warm smile. “I look forward to meeting the woman who raised such admirable women.”
“Oh!” Isabel said with a gasp. “I forgot to mention that we will be hosting a party on Friday.”
“A party?” Hannah asked. “Yes, you did forget to mention this!”
Isabel shook her head. “Somehow I had thought it was next month until Laurence reminded me just last week. Mother also mentioned in her letter that she was excited to attend, as well.”
“She will be with us that long?” Hannah asked in surprise. “And what of Juliet?”
“She is to remain with a chaperon,” Isabel replied. “Mother will be staying with us for a week.”
When first Hannah and then Isabel yawned, Laurence stood. “I believe I am ready to retire for the night.” He turned to Isabel. “My dear?”
Isabel stood. “Yes, I am hardly able to keep my eyes open.” She leaned in to kiss Hannah. “I will see you in the morning.”
“Yes, I must be off to bed, as well,” Hannah replied. “So much happened tonight, but I still have yet to feel the effects. How strange.” Then, as if a bucket of water had been poured over her head, the recollections of what had transpired that night came over her, and she trembled at the thought of what would have happened if John had not been come to her rescue.
“It is over now,” John said as he looked down at her. “You are safe.”
“Yes, I am,” Hannah replied. “Because of your bravery. Thank you again for protecting me.”
John smiled. “It was my honor.” He sighed. “Although I do not want to, I must leave. You and Isabel have a busy weekend, but I will see you on Wednesday.”
That was another five nights away, and Hannah wondered how she would survive without seeing him for that long. “Until then,” she whispered. She desperately wanted him to grab her, to press his lips to hers. Instead, he gave her a slight nod of his head and then turned to leave.
Hannah sighed and walked over to Isabel.
“Do my eyes deceive me?” her sister asked, a sly smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Or am I witnessing a woman in love?”
Hannah giggled. “They do not. I admit that I am in love, and he has said as much to me.”
Isabel hugged her. “When was this shared?”
“While we waited for the crowd to disperse at the theater,” Hannah replied with a laugh. The memories of John shielding her with his body brought heat to her face—and a tingling to her skin.
She was glad her sister did not ask if anything else had been shared, for Hannah doubted Isabel would be excited to learn that John had kissed her—and in public.
After saying their good nights, Hannah went to her room and donned her night dress. Under the heavy blankets, she thought of the awe of the circus and the daring of a handsome gentleman who had saved her from imminent danger. And, as she closed her eyes, Hannah realized how wrong so many women were. For the stories of love in romantic novels were indeed based on true events.
Chapter Twenty
The weekend had been filled with shopping and relaxation, but now Hannah was filled with excitement as she stood outside the townhouse and a footman set the steps beneath the door of the carriage. Her mother had arrived, much later than they had expected, and Hannah could not wait to share with her the events that had transpired since her last letter.
With a quick glance at the driver’s seat, Hannah was pleased to
see Forbes climb down from the perch as agile as a man half his age. As her mother stepped out of the carriage, Hannah could not help but smile. She owed this woman so much! If it had not been for her mother’s insistence in attending the season, Hannah’s novel would not have been nearly complete and Hannah would not have found love.
“Mother,” Hannah cried as she hurried over and threw her arms around the woman. “I am so glad you are here.”
“I can see that,” her mother teased. “I am glad to be here, as well. I apologize for arriving so late.” The light glow of dusk told them how late it was.
“As long as you have arrived safely,” Hannah replied. “And Forbes,” she embraced the man, “I am happy to see you.”
“As am I, Miss Hannah,” the man replied.
Hannah took a step back and studied the man. For years, she had been able to share secrets with him, and although many of the ton would have frowned upon the closeness they shared, Hannah did not care.
“There is so much I must tell you.”
“I look forward to that,” he said. “I am afraid, however, it must wait. It seems everyone is ready to go inside.”
“Forbes has only just arrived,” Isabel said with a bit of admonishment, “and there will be plenty of time to talk later.”
“He does not mind,” Hannah replied defensively and was pleased when she saw Forbes nod in agreement.
They entered the house, and Forbes helped the footman with the bags while Hannah followed Isabel and her mother into the drawing room. Hannah sat beside her mother while Isabel took a seat in one of the wing back chairs across from them.
“And how was your journey?” Isabel asked.
“It was well enough,” their mother replied. “Although I am finding my old age makes journeys less comfortable then they once were.”
Hannah shook her head. Their mother was not yet two and forty and thus far from old.
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