“No forfeit at all,” she whispered.
His eyes stared at her in disbelief for a long moment.When she brought the pocket watch to him, there was a barely perceptible acknowledgement.
“Now, now, Lady Hannah.That isn’t playing by the rules,” another matron protested.“He must pay his forfeit to get back his pocket watch.Perhaps you should have him sing.Or give a demonstration of his fighting skills.”The woman’s gaze shifted to Michael’s muscled form beneath the tightly fitted jacket.
“I’ll reserve the right to ask for my forfeit later,” she said.The ladies squealed in delight, and Hannah instantly regretted the scandalous remark.A moment later, their attention was turned to the last item—her handkerchief.
Viscount Brentford lifted up the handkerchief, sending her a mischievous smile.“Gentlemen, should we start the bidding for this lovely embroidered handkerchief?”
Michael stood from his seat.“A thousand pounds,” he said softly.
There was a flurry of discussion over the exorbitant amount.
“For what, Lieutenant?”Viscount Brentford asked.
“For Lady Hannah’s handkerchief.”His eyes never left hers when he added, “That is my bid.”
The room grew uncomfortably quiet, and Hannah wanted to sink beneath the table.Dear God.Did he realize what he’d done?Now, the entire room would believe they were having an affair.She was mortified to think of it.
There were no other bids.Michael took the handkerchief and pocketed it, leaving the guests behind as he exited the dining room.He asked for no forfeit, and Hannah knew she was expected to follow him.
The Graf silently shook his head in disapproval.Hannah didn’t know what to do.The game was not yet at an end, not to mention, Michael did not possess a thousand pounds.
Her embarrassment rose even higher as she overheard two ladies speculating about their relationship and whether or not Michael would offer for her.She knew, full well, that it would never happen.
Miss Nelson insinuated herself beside Hannah.“Aren’t you going to return Lieutenant Thorpe’s pocket watch?”
It took Hannah a moment to realize she was still holding the watch.“Oh.Eventually, I suppose.”
“Why did he bid a thousand pounds for your handkerchief?”Miss Nelson asked.“Are you betrothed to him?”
Hannah shook her head.“I’m not certain why.I suppose it gave him an excuse to leave the game.”
Her explanation didn’t appear to satisfy the young woman.Miss Nelson continued, “Would you like me to return the watch to him?”
Hannah’s fingers curled over the gold.It was a way out, a means for her not to see the lieutenant again.She looked over and saw the hopeful light in her eyes.Miss Nelson honestly believed that Lieutenant Thorpe was a marriageable man, an officer from a noble family.And after his bid, a man with a fortune of his own.
“No, thank you.”Hannah stood from her chair.“I’ll take care of this.”
The other ladies had begun a new game of Look About, searching for a hidden item.After several minutes, Miss Nelson joined them, seemingly disappointed that Hannah had not accepted her offer.
Graf von Reischor caught her arm as Hannah reached the door to the staircase, warning beneath his breath, “Don’t, Lady Hannah.It would do your reputation no good.”
“Whatever was left of my reputation, Lieutenant Thorpe just destroyed with that bid.He’s going to answer for it.”She tightened her lips and strode forward.
There were less than twenty-four hours in which she would be permitted to make her own decisions.Escort or not, the Graf would not control her actions tonight.
“I’m going to return the watch,” she said.
The Graf opened the door for her, gesturing for her maid to accompany them.Lowering his voice, he asserted, “Regardless of what there might have been between you once, do not compromise yourself.He cannot wed you.”
Marry Lieutenant Thorpe?A man who had said she was nothing but a complication he didn’t want?Frustration poured through her, and Hannah clenched her fan tightly.“You see things that are not there.”
“I see more clearly than you, it seems.And neither your mother, nor your father, would allow you to speak with a man alone.”
She took a calming breath.“I will not be alone.And you insult me by implying that I am trying to seek out an affair.”
“An affair is all you could ever hope to have with him.”
