Hannah walked outside into the fresh morning air. Perhaps she could take her mother to the beach soon and they could try to find treasures together.
Hoofbeats intruded on her thoughts, and Hannah looked down the road, spying a figure galloping toward their home.
The shape of him was so familiar that even from a distance she knew who it was, and butterflies lifted in Hannah’s stomach. At the speed he rode, it only took a moment before Noah’s horse came to a halt before her home. He slipped from his horse, smiling as he strode over to her. She expected him to stop and bow a greeting, but he didn’t, continuing forward until he wrapped her up in his arms, pressing her to him with a desperation that nearly made her cry.
She nestled her head in the crook of his neck and inhaled. “Noah.” It was the only word she could manage at the moment.
He held the back of her head with one hand as his other wrapped around her waist. Then she felt a kiss pressed to the crown of her head.
“I need to speak with your father, but I appear to have been distracted,” he said lazily. She heard and felt his deep breath as his chest rose, pressing into her further.
“I am in no rush for you to leave.” In fact, she could stay just as she was all day. For many days, even.
Then he pushed her away, and she looked at Noah in confusion. He ran a hand up his neck, his cheeks flushing. Glancing back at Hannah, he jerked his head behind her.
“Mrs. Gibbons,” he said, forcing a smile. “How good to see you on this fine morning.”
Hannah chuckled. She hated that Noah felt uncomfortable, but his face and manners were undoing her.
“Good morning, Lord Noah,” her mother said. She walked up beside Hannah and took her arm. “I must admit that we were not expecting your visit. A calling card would have been appropriate.”
“Of course.” Noah nodded. “I realize this. But it was a matter of some urgency.”
“Oh?” Her mother did not seem impressed.
“Is Mr. Gibbons available for me to have a word with?”
Her mother hesitated. “I suppose I can go let him know that you are here. If you truly feel it cannot wait.”
“That would be very much appreciated, Mrs. Gibbons. Thank you.”
As she released Hannah’s arm and turned, Noah stepped toward Hannah with a smile.
“You may follow me, Lord Noah,” her mother said, making Noah’s smile fall and his blush return.
“Of course,” he called out. Noah looked back at Hannah. “I will speak with you as soon as I can.” He followed after her mother, and Hannah could not help the smile that spread across her face. How was she to think of anything else for the remainder of the day? Hannah trailed behind them into the house, and when her mother led Noah down the back hall to her father’s study, her only logical option was to pace about the house in a nervous fit.
Her mother came back to the foyer alone and approached Hannah. “So,” she began, studying her. “Does Lord Noah have anything to do with what you were speaking of this morning?”
Hannah looked at the floor. She knew how her mother felt about Noah. And they were just barely beginning to mend things between them. She feared this would only drive them apart again. “And if he is?” she asked, nerves lacing her words.
“Then I would say the boy finally came to his senses.”
Hannah’s gaze snapped up. “I thought you did not like him?”
“No,” she clarified. “I said I did not like how he was leading you down a road to heartbreak. But if he is planning to do right by you, then I am—” She stopped and took Hannah’s hand, pressing it between her own with a sort of motherly protectiveness. “Then I am very happy for you. He will provide you with a good life.”
“Thank you.” Hannah smiled, though her throat felt tight. “That means more to me than you realize.”
Shoes clacking against the floor caused her mother to turn toward Noah, who had just entered the room.
“I believe I will go have our cook put on the tea,” Mrs. Gibbons said. She walked from the room, and as she did, Noah strode over to Hannah, taking her hand.
“Can I speak with you alone?” he asked.
Hannah burst into a large smile and laughed. She could not hold her joy in any longer. It was as if someone who had always dreamed of flying, but knew it was unattainable, had suddenly been given wings. The impossible was suddenly possible, and she did not know what to do with the happiness that welled up within her.
Noah pulled her along until they were alone in the morning room, and he continued on to the settee, pulling her down beside him.
