by Laura Beers
Hannah smiled. “That you did,” she replied, “which is why I am grateful for your assistance.”
“We are friends, first and foremost.”
“I am pleased to hear you say so.”
Martin came to a stop outside of the stable door. “You should know that there was a time that I stopped riding, as well.”
“Is that so?”
He let out a deep sigh. “After my older sister died from falling off her horse, I found no enjoyment in riding. Frankly, I found little enjoyment in anything at the time.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
“Were you aware that Phoebe was to be married within the week of her death?”
She shook her head. “I wasn’t.”
“So much was taken from our family on that fateful day,” he said. “It took months before we found reasons to start smiling again.”
Hannah took a step closer to him and placed a comforting hand on his sleeve. “I understand that more than you know.”
“I know you do,” he replied. “You have experienced many hardships in your life, and yet you haven’t turned bitter.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t get angry.”
Martin placed his hand over hers. “I got angry,” he revealed. “I was angry at everyone for a while.”
“That is not uncommon after the loss of a loved one.”
“It nearly consumed me.”
“May I ask what changed?”
Martin lowered his gaze towards their hands. “I realized that Phoebe wouldn’t want me to wallow in my own self-pity,” he replied. “She would want me to live my life and to experience joy.”
“I am glad you finally came to terms with Phoebe’s death.”
He huffed. “I wouldn’t say that,” he said. “I still visit her grave site nearly every week when we retire to our country estate.”
“I think that is admirable.”
“Phoebe and I were exceptionally close,” he shared. “Since we were relegated to the nursery, we learned quickly to rely on one another.”
“I am glad that you two had each other.”
Martin winced as he admitted, “After Phoebe’s death, my father became a different person. A man I hardly recognize.”
“In what way?”
“I don’t think I have seen him smile since we heard the screams from the grooms calling for help,” Martin revealed.
“How horrible.”
“My father retreated to his work and doesn’t have time for anything else.” He shook his head. “As for my mother, she is determined not to fail with Marianne.”
“I am glad Marianne has you.”
A hint of a smile came to his lips. “I believe my sister could stand to hear that more.” He turned his attention towards the stable. “Are you ready to go riding?”
She squared her shoulders. “I am.”
“We could always head back up to the house and forget this madness,” he suggested.
“I think this is a good thing.”
“You do?”
“I don’t want fear to control my life anymore,” Hannah said with a decisive nod. “I want to prove to myself that I can do it.”
Martin gestured to a groom standing in the stable and took a step back. He watched as the stocky man walked a saddled horse out and extended him the reins.
“Will there be anything else, milord?” the groom asked.
“Not at this time,” Martin replied.
The groom tipped his head before disappearing back into the stable.
Martin adjusted the reins in his hands. “Are you ready to mount?”
Hannah stood back from the horse, her wide eyes roaming over the white mare. He could see a glimmer of fear in her gaze.
“There is no reason to be afraid,” he encouraged. “I won’t let any harm come to you.”
Hannah shifted her gaze towards him. “I’m glad you are here.”
“As am I.”
Hesitantly, she took a step closer and placed her hand on the mare’s neck. He didn’t want to rush her, so he stood by as she started petting the horse.
A giggle escaped her lips as the horse gave her a gentle nudge with her nose.
“I think she likes you,” Martin said.
“It would appear so,” she replied, her eyes not straying from the mare. “What a beautiful creature.”
Martin shifted. “Your sister ordered the grooms to saddle the most docile horse for you.”
“That was most kind of her.” She paused. “I believe it is time I mount.”
He walked over to join her on the other side of the horse. “Allow me.” He intertwined his fingers and leaned over.
Hannah placed her foot into his hands as she steadied herself by resting her hands on his shoulders. Then, he gently assisted her onto the side saddle. Once she was situated, she sucked in a breath, clearly tense.
Martin remained close. “How are you faring?”
“Well,” she said through clenched teeth.
“That didn’t sound very convincing,” he teased.
The mare took a step forward and a look of panic came to Hannah’s face. She leaned forward and placed her hand on the horn of the saddle.
“Hannah,” he said in a reassuring tone. “I want you to look at me.”
She turned to face him but didn’t release her firm grip on the horn.
“I am going to slowly lead the horse down this path,” he explained. “I just want you to focus on enjoying the ride.”
“I can do that,” she responded tersely.
He gave her an encouraging smile. “You can relax,” he stated. “If you fall off the horse, I will catch you.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“You must trust me.”
She bobbed her head. “I do.”
Martin felt immense pride in those simple words, and he hoped he never did anything to lose Hannah’s trust.
Slowly, he began leading the horse along the dirt path near the stables. He wanted to ensure Hannah became more comfortable with being in the saddle. He glanced back at her and was pleased to see that she appeared much more relaxed. Her back was straight, and her body seemed to move with the mare.
“Would you care for the reins now?” he asked over his shoulder.
She paused. “Will you remain by me?”
“I will.”
“Then I will give it a go.”
Martin stopped and extended her the reins. “You are riding brilliantly,” he praised.
She laughed as she accepted the reins. “I daresay you need spectacles, then.”
“Just think what you have accomplished in such a short period of time.”
Hannah flicked the reins and the mare started walking down the path. “The longer I ride, the more familiar it becomes.”
“I am pleased to hear that.”
“Although, I am not sure if Lord Charles will be impressed with this sedate pace on our ride through Hyde Park tomorrow.”
Martin found his mood souring at the mention of Lord Charles. “I don’t give a fig what Lord Charles thinks, and neither should you.” He said his words much harsher than he had intended.
She eyed him curiously. “Are you not friends with Lord Charles?”
“I am.”
“You have an odd way of showing it,” she muttered.
Martin glanced over at her. “I have no problem with Lord Charles. I find him to be an honorable man.”
“As do I.”
“Good,” he forced out.
Hannah increased the horse’s speed just a tad, and he found himself trailing behind, which was good, as he found he wasn’t in the mood to talk anymore.
Hannah realized that a smile was on her lips as she descended the stairs and headed towards the breakfast parlor. She was in the most pleasant mood. When the birds had awakened her this morning, she didn’t find them as irksome. Instead, she thought of her father cradling her by the window.
She stepped in the parlor and saw Edward
sitting at the head of the table with a newspaper in his hands. He promptly rose and greeted her, “Good morning, Hannah.”
“Good morning,” she replied cheerfully. “Isn’t today a wonderful day?”
He gave her a peculiar look as he returned to his seat. “Should I fetch the doctor?”
She laughed as she stepped over to the buffet table. “I know I am not generally cheerful in the morning—”
Kate cut her off as she stepped into the room. “I can wholly attest to that.”
“As I was saying,” Hannah resumed, “I know I am not generally cheerful in the morning, but I find myself looking forward to today’s activities.”
“Is that so?” Kate asked as she came around the table and sat down.
“Yesterday, I conquered my fear of riding a horse, and I am eager to go on a ride with Lord Charles through Hyde Park,” Hannah replied as she sat down at the table.
“You were outside for a considerable amount of time with Martin yesterday,” Kate commented.
“Yes, he was most patient with me,” Hannah said, “but I didn’t dare go faster than a trot.”
Edward glanced over at Kate before commenting, “You have been spending quite a bit of time with Martin.”
“I have,” Hannah agreed as she placed her napkin on her lap. “Although, he has been rather opinionated about my relationship with Lord Charles.”
“Why do you suppose that is?” Kate asked.
Hannah gave a half-shrug. “I’m not sure, but it’s rather irksome.”
“Do you take issue with him pursuing Lady Emma?” Kate inquired.
“I do not,” Hannah replied. “I just want Martin to be happy with his choice of bride.”
“As do I,” Kate stated, “and I do believe Lady Emma is a good match for him.”
Hannah reached for the cup of chocolate a footman had just placed in front of her and took a sip. “Martin does appear to be taken with her,” she said as she put it back on the saucer.
Kate gave her a pointed look. “As you do with Lord Charles.”
“I find Lord Charles most agreeable.”
“That’s an interesting way to describe a suitor,” Kate commented.
“What would you like me to say?” she asked. “That I am desperately in love with him, and I swoon at the mere sight of him?”
Kate shook her head. “That’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“I’m not going into this blindly,” Hannah asserted. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“But I am your older, and much wiser, sister,” Kate teased. “I will always worry about you.”
Hannah picked up a piece of plum cake. “I would be foolish to discount your advice, but I am not some simpering miss in need of your protection.”
Kate opened her mouth but closed it when Martin stepped into the parlor. “There is no point in arguing with your sister, Kate,” he said with mirth in his eyes. “I have discovered she is almost always right.”
“Almost?” Hannah asked.
Martin chuckled. “There have been a few occasions when you were wrong.”
“That doesn’t sound like me,” Hannah joked.
She had to admit that Martin looked deucedly handsome today. He was dressed in a blue riding jacket, maroon waistcoat, buff trousers, and black Hessian boots polished to a mirror-like shine. His dark hair was brushed forward, and she had the strangest desire to run her hands through it.
“Have you had breakfast?” Edward asked.
Martin walked further into the room. “I have,” he replied. “I have come to collect Hannah for our ride through Hyde Park.”
Hannah swallowed the bite of food in her mouth. “Thank you for doing so.”
Martin met her gaze. “How are you faring today?”
“I am well.” Hannah removed the napkin from her lap and placed it onto the table. “I find I am most eager for our ride today.”
“As am I,” Martin said.
She rose from her chair and smoothed her blue riding habit. “I do hope Lord Charles won’t mind our slow pace.”
“If he does object, then I will ride with you.”
“That is kind of you, but I do not wish to intrude on your time with Lady Emma.”
“You are never an intrusion, Hannah,” Martin assured her. “Besides, I am quite confident Lady Emma wouldn’t wish for you to feel excluded, either.”
Hannah smiled at him. “You are a good friend,” she said.
Something flashed in his eyes at her words, but she couldn’t quite decipher it. “If you are ready…” He held out his arm in invitation.
“I am.” She walked over and took the proffered limb. “We shall have the most splendid time together.”
Martin smiled down at her. “Yes, we will.”
Kate spoke up. “You mean with Lord Charles and Lady Emma?” she asked in an amused voice.
“Yes, that is precisely what we meant,” Hannah said.
Edward tipped his head at Martin. “I trust you will see to Hannah being properly chaperoned.”
“Make no mistake of that,” Martin replied.
“Do we still intend to meet them at the Hyde Park Corner entrance?” Hannah asked as Martin led her from the parlor.
“Indeed, we do,” Martin said. “Luckily, it isn’t too far from here.”
They exited the front of the townhouse and Hannah acknowledged the groom holding the reins to two saddled horses, including the mare she had ridden the day before.
Martin stepped over to the white mare and intertwined his fingers. “Allow me to assist you,” he offered as he leaned over.
After she was situated on the side saddle, Hannah reached for the reins and waited for Martin to mount his horse.
Martin glanced over and gave her an encouraging smile. “Shall we?”
“We shall,” she said, urging her horse forward.
They rode next to one another in quiet, but the silence was comfortable. Rather, it was until Hannah noticed Martin staring at her.
“Whatever is the matter?” she asked.
Martin shifted his gaze away from hers, looking abashed. “I was just admiring your riding stance.”
“Oh,” she murmured. “Thank you.”
The entrance to Hyde Park Corner was up ahead, and Lord Charles and Lady Emma waited atop their horses.
Hannah put her hand up in greeting as they grew closer. “Good morning,” she said.
Lord Charles gave her a charming smile. “Good morning, Miss Blackmore,” he greeted. “You are looking lovely today.”
“You are kind to say so,” Hannah replied as she heard Martin cordially acknowledge Lady Emma.
“Would you care to stretch your horse’s legs this morning, or would you prefer to walk along the trail?” Lord Charles asked.
“I would rather walk, assuming you don’t mind,” Hannah replied.
“Not at all,” Lord Charles said. “I am only here for the pleasure of your company.”
The path wasn’t wide enough for all of them to ride side by side, so they paired off, and Hannah and Lord Charles took the lead.
Lord Charles didn’t wait long before asking, “Besides being high Society’s most in-demand matchmaker, how do you occupy your time?”
“I enjoy shopping,” she replied.
Lord Charles chuckled. “As most ladies do.”
“I find it thrilling when I find the perfect fabric or ribbon,” she shared. “I am constantly redesigning my hats.”
“That is rather…” he hesitated, “interesting.”
She smiled. “It is all right to admit you have no interest,” she said. “After all, my sister, Amelia, shares your opinion of shopping and hats.”
“This is your sister who is married to the Duke of Harrowden?”
“Yes.”
“I daresay I never thought the duke would ever marry again.”
Hannah bobbed her head. “The duke appears gruff on the exterior, but he is quite kind and considerate.”
�
��That’s not something I’ve noticed.”
“Regardless, my sister is deliriously happy with His Grace,” Hannah said. “Both of my sisters have made fine matches.”
“Is that because they are matchmakers?”
“Heavens, no,” Hannah replied. “Both His Grace and Lord Berkshire were opposed to marriage when they first met my sisters, but their hearts softened as they grew to care for one another.”
“Is that what you want?” Lord Charles asked. “To be deliriously happy with your choice?”
“I suppose that is what every young woman wishes to have.”
Lord Charles nodded approvingly. “I have admired how you and your sisters strive for your clients to have love matches.”
“We feel it is the most important thing in a match.”
“Most of Society does not feel the way you do.”
“I am well aware, but we are changing opinions where we can.”
Lord Charles adjusted the reins in his hands. “I am glad we are getting to know one another better,” he said.
“I feel the same way,” she replied. “Although, I do have a confession to make.”
“You do?”
Hannah gave him a sheepish smile. “Until yesterday, I had not ridden a horse for many years.”
“May I ask why?”
“When I was younger, I was rather reckless with my safety,” she admitted, “and I was thrown from my horse when it jumped over a hedge. I broke my arm, and I vowed never to go riding again.”
“What changed then?”
“You,” she replied.
“Me?”
She shifted her gaze away from his. “I didn’t dare disappoint you and not join you on a ride through Hyde Park.”
Lord Charles stared at her in amazement. “You started riding your horse again for me?” he asked.
“It started that way, but I soon realized that I was doing it for myself,” she admitted. “It brought back such a pleasant flood of memories that I was immensely grateful I had the strength to do so.”
“You are an impressive young woman,” Lord Charles said. “I do wish you had told me the truth, though.”
“I am truly sorry.”
“There is nothing to be sorry about,” Lord Charles assured her. “I don’t care if we go riding in a carriage or on a horse. I just wanted the opportunity to spend some time with you.”
“I feel the same way.”