Before she could speak up, Marianne asked, “I am being a terrible friend, am I not?”
“No, you aren’t,” Hannah rushed to assure her.
Marianne smiled at her. “I just want you to be happy, and I will support you in your decision to find a suitor.”
“Thank you, Marianne.”
“Besides, if your marriage fails, you could always run off to the circus with me,” Marianne joked.
Hannah laughed. “But I don’t know any horse tricks.”
“I am sure they could find a use for you somewhere.”
“Perhaps. I am rather accomplished on the pianoforte.”
Marianne leaned back in her seat. “I don’t think that is a skill they are looking for in the circus.”
“That’s a shame.”
Martin walked into Lady Bowers’ ballroom and eyed the crowded room. Men and women were lined up against the gold-papered walls, leaving the middle of the floor open for dancing, and musicians were playing in the corner.
He was supposed to meet Kate and Hannah here so he could be introduced to Lady Emma Brooksbank, but he wasn’t having any luck finding them. He had no doubt they’d already arrived, but he couldn’t seem to locate them. As his eyes scanned the dance floor, he saw Hannah dancing with Lord Groff.
She was dressed in a lovely pale pink gown with her hair piled on top of her head. She was truly a vision of perfection. He watched as she smiled at Lord Groff when they came together, her whole face lighting up. Martin found himself growing increasingly tense at her blatant display of affection. Did she not know what affect her smile had on men?
A familiar voice came from next to him. “May I ask which lady you are eyeing with interest?” Lord Charles Brooksbank asked.
“None of them,” he said.
“Is that so?”
Martin turned to face his friend. “If you must know, I was watching Miss Blackmore dancing with Lord Groff.”
“May I ask why?” Lord Charles asked curiously.
“She is like family,” he replied, “and I wanted to ensure that Lord Groff is behaving himself.”
Lord Charles bobbed his head. “I have heard a rumor that she is interested in being courted this Season.”
“Is that so?” Martin said, feigning disinterest.
“I am hoping she will consider me,” Lord Charles said.
“Why is that?”
Lord Charles gave him a blank stare. “Because Miss Blackmore is the most beautiful young woman in the room.”
“She is so much more than just beautiful.”
“I have no doubt of that,” Lord Charles agreed. “I have been admiring her since last Season, when she made her debut.”
“Why didn’t you attempt to court her then?”
Lord Charles shifted his gaze towards the dance floor. “I’m not entirely sure why, but something was holding me back.” He paused. “However, I can’t help but notice that she seems different now.”
“Meaning?”
“She doesn’t appear as guarded,” he replied.
Martin turned his attention back towards Hannah and watched as she ended the dance with a curtsy to her partner. “I’m afraid I don’t see it,” he said as she accepted Lord Groff’s arm.
“Perhaps I am just imagining it,” Lord Charles remarked.
“Shall we go speak to Miss Blackmore?”
A broad smile came to Lord Charles’s face. “I think that is a grand idea.”
They navigated through the crowd as Lord Groff led Hannah off the dance floor and escorted her to Kate and Edward, who stood in the rear of the room.
Martin turned towards Lord Charles. “I should warn you that Miss Blackmore is rather reserved until she gets to know you.”
“Is that so?”
“It is, so please be patient with her.”
Martin came to a stop next to Edward and greeted Hannah. “You are looking especially lovely this evening, Miss Blackmore.”
Rather than offer him her usual shy smile, she met his gaze unflinchingly and replied, “Thank you, Lord Egleton.”
He gestured towards Lord Charles. “Have you been introduced to Lord Charles Brooksbank?”
“I have,” she replied, “but it was so long ago.”
Lord Charles cleared his throat. “It was,” he replied in a hoarse tone. “I must echo Lord Egleton’s sentiments. You are looking positively enchanting this evening.”
A small blush came to Hannah’s cheeks. “That is kind of you to say, milord.”
What in the blazes? Why did it irk him that she responded to Lord Charles in such a fashion?
“Do you have a dance partner for this next set?” Martin asked.
“I do not,” Hannah replied.
He opened his mouth to ask her to dance when Lord Charles spoke first. “If that is the case, may I have this dance?” he asked, holding out his gloved hand.
Hannah gave Martin a curious look before she slipped her hand into Lord Charles’s. “I would be honored.”
Martin frowned as he watched Lord Charles escort Hannah towards the dance floor. For some reason, he had been looking forward to dancing with Hannah, and now he would have to wait until the next set.
Kate’s voice broke through his musings. “Are you interested in meeting Lady Emma Brooksbank now?” she asked.
“I suppose I am.”
“You aren’t sure?” Kate asked.
Martin shook his head. “No, I am ready,” he said.
“I am relieved to hear that, because you only have a month to secure a match.”
“I am well aware.”
Kate gave him an encouraging smile. “Follow me, then,” she said, walking a short distance towards a young, blonde woman with a thin face, which enhanced her wide eyes. A matronly woman draped in pearls with grey hair stood beside her.
As he came to stand next to Kate, he heard her greet them politely before saying, “May I introduce Lady Bideford and her daughter, Lady Emma?”
He bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet both of you.”
Lady Bideford spoke up. “I understand that you are friends with my son, Charles.”
“I am indeed,” he replied. “We studied at Oxford together.”
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of your grandfather,” Lady Bideford said solemnly. “He was a good man.”
“He will be dearly missed.”
Lady Bideford nodded, then turned towards her daughter. “I should note that my
