The manor came into view across the open parkland as she walked.
The place where she had found her ruin.
Several carriages were pulled up at the front, gay laughter ringing out over the green lawn as fine ladies and sharp-looking gentlemen gathered to greet the new arrivals.
The sound of a whip rang out behind her, and Hanna jumped to the side of the road as another conveyance rushed up and passed her.
The horses skidded to a halt just in front of her, and the door opened to reveal Lord Henry Emsley.
Of course, there would be no escaping the louse now that he was in residence.
“Hanna, my dove. Have you come to your senses then?” Emsley said in a mildly amused tone, holding his hat as he hopped from the carriage.
He winked conspiratorially at her. “Although you are a little early, my dear. The gentleman’s entertainment is only scheduled in a few days from now.”
Hanna shook her head, her face grim. “No, Lord Emsley, I am not here to see you. And I will not be joining you at your party.”
He cocked his head, inspecting her with a glint in his eye. “You are different, little Hanna. You have changed.”
Hanna bit back her retort, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.
“Well, a pity that. I rather liked the old you. But never mind, I am sure we can get reacquainted soon.”
“As I said, I will not-”
“Now now, don’t be so hasty,” Emsley smiled. “I have come to learn that there was a product of our illicit little liaison. A boy, it seems.”
Hanna gasped, she had not thought he would discover the truth so quickly.
“Hmmm, yes, I see it is true. Do you love the boy?”
Hanna felt her cheeks flare as panic washed over her. “Yes, of course I do, I would do anything…”
She saw the trap for what it was a moment too late. She walked right into it.
“Exactly,” hissed Emsley, grabbing her arm and pulling her close enough to smell the cologne on his skin. “If you want to keep the boy, you will come to me when I send for you. No excuses.”
Fear stole her words, and Hanna fought to keep the tears at bay, knowing Henry would keep his word. He would take her little James, and there was nothing Hanna would be able to do to stop him.
“I see we understand each other,” said Henry, tipping his hat with a mocking smirk and clambering back into the carriage. He tapped the roof twice with his cane, and the conveyance drove on, leaving her behind in the dust.
Hanna stumbledin despair down the road to the cottage, uncaring if anyone saw her. She needed Maria, she needed to hold James tight in her arms and inhale the scent of him.
Her baby.
Hers.
She didn’t know what was going to happen, but Hanna knew she would never hand him over willingly, nor would she comply with Henry’s disgusting request.
The small house came into view, and relief washed over her, hurrying her footsteps. Everything would be okay, she just needed to make it inside.
As she came up to the front door, it opened, and Maria stood there with baby James in her arms. Hanna flung her arms around the both of them, tears finally flowing as she hugged them tight, kissing the top of James’s downy head.
Maria cleared her throat, squinting up at Hanna. “Hanna, love, I don’t know what has happened, but I need you to listen to me.”
Hanna nodded, smiling down distractedly at the babe.
“Hanna.”
