‘God! That man! One day, I shall give him the sack. I really will.’ Philippa scowled at the door before smoothing her face into an impassive expression.
‘Philippa, please focus. Lord Killian is here. In our house. Your house. Whatever. What on earth—’ Hannah was interrupted by Lord Killian’s arrival.
He wore a morning coat of dark green that brought out the same colour in his eyes. His unfashionably long hair curled at the high white collar of his shirt. He was obscenely masculine anddistractingly out of place in a room full of fresh blooms and delicate furniture.
Hannah’s heart beat so loudly, she was sure they all heard it.
‘Lieutenant General Killian. What a pleasant surprise. It is early for social calls. To what do we owe such an unexpected visit?’ Philippa rose and extended her hand to Lord Killian. He strode across the room and took her fingers in his gloved hand, bowing cordially.
‘I apologise for the abruptness. There is a matter of great urgency about which I must speak with you. Privately.’ Lord Killian glanced briefly at Hannah before returning his gaze to Philippa.
This is not good!
Hannah pressed her lips together and focused on Lord Killian’s cravat. The knot was simple and severe, just like the man.
‘There’s nothing you can say to me that Hannah can’t hear, and I wager there’s quite a lot you’re planning to say that directly impacts her. Or have I missed my mark?’
Lord Killian’s mouth quirked at the corner. ‘You are as perceptive as you are beautiful, Lady Winterbourne.’
Philippa’s smile flashed harder than the diamond pendant sparkling at her throat. ‘Flattery will get you nowhere, Lieutenant General Killian. But don’t let me stop you from the attempt.’
Heat rose from Hannah’s chest, over her neck, and into her cheeks. She would bet her favourite pistol he was here to tattle on her. Beastly man.
‘I would like permission to court Miss Simmons.’
Well. That was unexpected.
What could he possibly be thinking?
Lord Killian kept his gaze focused on Philippa as if Hannah’s opinion meant nothing in the matter. Which gave Hannah a moment to collect herself before letting the anger build.
The sheer arrogance!
‘I have no wish to be courted by anyone. Least of all you.’ Hannah’s voice was strong, even if her stomach was full of bees buzzing in a frenzy.
Lord Killian clenched his jaw, the only indication he’d heard her. ‘Lady Winterbourne, are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to discuss this privately?’
Oh, that just beats all.
Hannah rose from the couch and walked to Killian’s side. ‘Are you a complete imbecile? I’m the one you should be asking, and I already gave my answer.’ She was tempted to shove him just to force his attention toward her. But she didn’t trust herself not to punch him in his pompous(gorgeous)face.
‘I think Lord Killian has a point. This is a private conversation.’
Hannah turned to Philippa, her mouth parted on a shocked inhalation. ‘Excuse me?’
Philippa softened her smile when she faced Hannah. ‘A private conversation between the two of you. I shall take my leave.’
Hannah put her hand out to stop Philippa. ‘Wait, please stay. Neither of us needs to leave. It’s Lord Killian who should be excusing himself. I have nothing to say to him.’ Panic clawed at her throat. She couldn’t breathe. What could he be plotting? Certainly not a marriage proposal.
‘I’ll see you at luncheon.’ Philippa leaned closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘If you end up killing him, please try not to get blood on the couch. We just had it reupholstered.’ She squeezed Hannah’s hand.
‘This is completely untoward.’ Lord Killian’s eyes widened, and lines bracketed his mouth. Hannah took perverse pleasure in knowing he was equally uncomfortable. ‘I have come here to seek your permission to court Miss Simmons, Lady Winterbourne. Surely, after such a declaration, you don’t mean to leave ustogether alone, unchaperoned?’ Lord Killian stepped away from Hannah, moving to block Philippa’s exit.
Philippa smiled. ‘Why not? I have no doubt Hannah will conduct herself as a proper lady. And as an honourable gentleman, you wouldn’t dare press an advantage.’ Philippa swept around him to the door. ‘If you do, Hannah will remind you of your manners. She can be quite convincing.’
Killian stretched his neck and took a deep breath. ‘This is not how things are done, Lady Winterbourne. If she had a father, I would discuss this with him. As you are her patroness, I have come to you. A young lady does not choose who will or will not court her.’
Hannah ground her teeth together and tried not to scream.
