Lord Noah’s smile altered, one side of his mouth falling while the other remained in a sad smirk. “Yes. It is a lovely day. I need to do better in attempting to enjoy it. Speaking of which—” His smile brightened, and he took a small step toward her. “I meant to tell you that I have secured a case.”
“Oh?” Hannah felt herself lean nearer as her heart quickened. “I am very glad to hear it.”
“As am I. I was beginning to worry—” he rubbed his mouth as if to hide his words from those around them—“that I might end up destitute.”
Hannah’s eyes flicked to his parents before she could think, and a wry smile spread over her lips. “I highly doubt destitution would be your lot in life.”
“You are correct, of course. It is only . . .” He paused, then lowered his voice. “I wish to make a life for myself. What sort of respect would I earn from a woman if I allowed my parents to supply me with everything? Though, that is the opposite of what Margaret . . .” His words trailed off, as did his gaze, fading into oblivion.
“So, tell me more about this case, if you would be so kind.” If she could get his mind off this young woman, he could begin to move on. It would take time, but perhaps she could help him along in this respect as well as his career. Rather altruistic of her, really.
His gaze snapped back to attention. “They return for another meeting this week. Do you have any more suggestions?”
“From me?” She couldn’t keep the shock from her voice.
He frowned. “Why do you sound so surprised, Miss Gibbons? I secured a client, therefore, whatever input you gave me was clearly effective.”
“I just don’t know what else to say. I gave you my opinion, but beyond that, I do not know how I could be of further help.”
“How about this?” He cupped his chin, leaning back as he looked at her. “I shall continue to keep you abreast of my affairs, and if I hit a snag, you can come to my rescue with more of your brilliant advice.”
Hannah felt her mouth twitch. “Do you always have such a sweet temperament, Lord Noah? For I do not know how I have become so deserving of it after the way things began between us.”
His eyes lowered. “You said you did what you did because of a desire to help me, did you not?”
“I did,” she said with a nod. And she meant it. Watching that woman crush him beneath her heel without an ounce of sympathy had been more than Hannah could bear.
“Then there is nothing else to discuss.” He turned a smile at a passerby before giving her his attention once more. “I feel horrible about the sullen mood I displayed at my father’s home, not to mention the horribly rude accusation. I do not want you to have a negative opinion after that encounter. This is the true me, Miss Gibbons. Well, as best as I can be at the moment, at least.”
“I am surprised you are being so vulnerable with me,” she said, her voice low.
He shrugged. “Why?”
A shocked laugh escaped her. “Because that is simply not how things are done in society. Men do not ask for women’s advice in business matters, and they certainly do not speak of their faults.”
He wore a bemused smile as she sputtered and rattled on. Then he said, “I like you, Miss Gibbons. You are a worthwhile confidant and incredibly entertaining to tease.”
She attempted to scowl, but her smile won out. “And you are quite insufferable.”
He leaned near her, his hair tumbling over his brow. “But you are intrigued, are you not?”
“I will not dignify that with a response. You are entirely too cocky as it is.”
“Ah, so you are intrigued?”
She scoffed. “No. I did not say—”
“If you fear I will become cockier, then you must have been about to give a favorable response. Otherwise, you would have given me a negative one and humbled me.”
The contradiction of this man was astounding. One moment he looked as if he might break, and the next he was smiling and teasing. Perhaps it was his way of coping, so she would play along for his sake. It wasn’t often someone quickly took to her as a friend, and she wasn’t about to forsake the opportunity.
“Don’t look now,” Lord Noah said, interrupting her thoughts. “But I believe your mother is cooking up a match for you.”
Hannah didn’t even turn to look. “I am not surprised. I have made things difficult, I fear.”
“Oh?” His brow creased.
She nodded as her gaze drifted over his shoulder. “I am trying my best to behave while in Warthford.”
