“I must say I am rather surprised by you, Hannah.”
I could only imagine how I had disappointed her. “How so?”
She smiled. “You have positively blossomed in the months we have been separated. Last Season you were—well, perhaps we should not speak of it. But now, you have so many friends. Miss Atherton, Captain Bromley, Mr. Jennings. You even hold an acquaintance with Lord Jennings. Although apparently you arenotfriends.” She studied me for a moment. “Howhaveyou made such fine acquaintances?”
Her question, although a bit rude, was not undeserved. Last Season, when Georgiana had taken it upon herself to serve as my chaperone, I’d proven quite a disappointment. Not only had I danced with only one gentleman, but I’d also not conversed easily with her friends, leaving her to act not as my chaperone, but as my nursemaid.
“Our mothers were friends,” I said simply. If Georgiana knew what happened between Damon and me this summer—the ruse, the ball, our kiss—she would likely fly into a fit of nerves.
“You are being modest.” Henry turned away from the window and sat on the sill. “Hannah practically grew up at Summerhaven.”
“I see.” Georgiana’s eyes widened with delight. “But why haven’t you spoken of your acquaintance with the Winfields?”
“BecauseIam not well acquainted with them,” Henry said. “Mama and Hannah spent a considerable amount of time at Summerhaven, but being older, I usually remained in the city with Papa to focus on my studies. We have a few scattered memories from my early boyhood, but nothing to boast of.”
A shadow dimmed Georgiana’s joy. “That is too bad. But what a delightful discovery as we endeavor to secure Hannah’s future.”
I groaned.
“You did not think my wife agreed to let you come along simply for the pleasure of it, did you?” Henry chuckled.
“I had hoped.”
“Oh no.” He shook his head. “Now that she has experienced the bliss of matrimony, she will not be satisfied until she sees every one of her acquaintances happily settled.”
“You say that as though my liking marriage is a bad thing,” Georgiana said.
“No, my dear. To be honest, I am relieved. I only thought Hannah might like to know what—or ratherwhom—she is dealing with.”
Georgiana scowled playfully at Henry. “You act as if marrying off one’s ward is not precisely the goal of every chaperone in attendance. I originally intended Captain Bromley for Hannah, but Mr. Jennings is the second son of an earl and a much better prospect.”
My eyes widened, and my gaze flashed to Henry, pleading with him to intercede.
“And isn’t he set to inherit a fine house from his mother?” she asked. “I do believe I remember hearing as much from Miss Wilson last Season.”
“Winterset Grange.” Henry nodded.
“That is right,” she said. “A charming estate in the north.”
“Your memory is a wonder, my love. But I don’t believe Hannah wishes to marry the same boy she waded in ponds with as a child. Perhaps you should focus your matchmaking efforts on some other poor unsuspecting gentleman.”
“I disagree. Their amiable acquaintance should lend itself quite nicely to a blissful marriage. Don’t you agree, Hannah?”
“Not at all.” I shook my head. “Ollie and I—”
“Ollie, says she.” She glanced meaningfully at Henry.
“Mr. Jennings,” I corrected myself,“and I do not suit.”
“Whyever not? You seemed quite content together in the rose garden this afternoon. He gave you a rose and then kissed your hand, did he not?”
“Yes,” I said. “But—”
“I thought so. A winter wedding will be just the thing.” Georgiana nodded, undeterred. “Spring would be better, of course, but it is not wise to wait too long.” She then rose from the settee and walked to where Henry stood as if everything was done and decided. “Oh!” she said. “I almost forgot. A bit of gossip is already stirring at our little house party. Apparently, Lord Jennings is here on the hunt for a wife, and that is why the duke is here with his daughter. He caught Lady Margaret’s eye last month in London. Rumor has it they mean to become engaged before the party’s end.”
“Wherever did you hear that?” Henry asked.
“Hester Richins,” she said, “who heard it from Grace Crenshaw, who heard if from her maid, who heard it from Lady Margaret’s maid.”
