Page 4 of A Beguiled Gentleman (The Bradley Brothers #1)

Chapter 4

If laughing at inopportune moments was a sought-after skill, Hannah would be qualified to give etiquette lessons. Unfortunately, that was not the case in polite society. Or any society, for that matter.

Hannah had put on her best face after laughing at Lord Noah. She had done her best to hide it, but he knew. She had seen it in the faint lines between his brows when he looked at her. But why on earth had he been having an entire conversation by himself? How was one expected not to laugh at such a thing?

“Miss Gibbons,” Lady Chatham said, drawing her attention. The two mothers had become engrossed in conversation since Lord Noah’s arrival. “How are you enjoying Warthford? Have you been to the bluffs yet?”

Hannah smiled. “Not yet, my lady. I’m afraid we have been too busy getting settled at Highgrove. I do hope to go soon, however.”

“Oh, you should let Noah take you. The edge of our estate borders the water, and he knows all the best trails. I am sure he would enjoy the company. With this new job, he has had his head in books for weeks. He could use some fresh air and good companionship.”

Hannah knew there was a blush on her cheeks even without the evidence of seeing her reflection. The sheer warmth was enough to know. “Of course. That would be lovely.” Except Lord Noah would likely want nothing of the sort after their rather unconventional meetings thus far. “Oh, Mother, I had forgotten we are quite busy this week.”

Her mother’s head swung toward Hannah. “Nonsense, my dear. Of course you could spare an afternoon for our friend’s son.” Her eyes became fire, and Hannah could do nothing but bite the inside of her lip. Her mother was not aware of Hannah and Lord Noah’s brief history, and Hannah was not necessarily keen on sharing it.

“Of course.” Hannah crossed her feet at the ankle, straightening her back. “I would love to, as long as you can spare me, Mother. I was only thinking of all you have to do with the move. I hate to leave you floundering.”

Her mother waved a hand in the air. “We are not paupers. There are plenty of servants to do the work. It would be wonderful for you to have an afternoon of frivolity.”

What a seamless way of getting Hannah to go on an outing with an eligible gentleman while simultaneously getting the point across to Lady Chatham that they did not have a lack of funds. Hannah often wondered if people ever saw her for herself, or only for what she came with—money. Though, not even that enticement had been enough to make up for her social blunders in past pursuits.

“If it is agreeable to Lord Noah, then I have no objections.”

“Oh, wonderful,” Lady Chatham said, clapping her hands together. “He needs a good day out of doors. Perhaps you could even plan for a picnic.” Her eyes peered off, deep in thought. Whether those thoughts were innocent or calculating was yet to be known.

“You say that Lord Noah is residing at the dower house on the property?” Her mother took a sip of tea, peering at Lady Chatham over the rim of her cup.

“Yes. He is staying there until he finds a place of his own. Though we are in no rush for him to leave, of course. But my sons are rather strong willed.” Lady Chatham gave a soft laugh. “Some of them more than others.”

The way she spoke, it was unclear just how many sons Lady Chatham had. “Some?” Hannah piped in.

“Yes.” Lady Chatham set her tea down, clasping her hands in her lap. “I have five sons, Miss Gibbons. My eldest, Donald, then my second, Archibald, and then there is Anthony, Noah, and our youngest, Peter.” She smiled. “I do my best to keep up with them all, but they are quite rambunctious, even if nearly all are in their twenties now.” She looked up. “Though, Donald, I suppose, is in his early thirties.” With a laugh, she shook her head. “I feel as if I am losing my mind some days.”

“Isn’t that the truth of it,” Hannah’s mother said, smiling and leaning forward with a hand to her chest. “I only have my sweet Hannah. I cannot imagine how you do not have a head of gray hair after raising five boys.”

Lady Chatham lowered her chin. “You have yet to see me without my bonnet, Mrs. Gibbons.”

The ladies both tipped their heads back with a laugh.

“Oh, goodness. I am sorry, Miss Gibbons.” Lady Chatham turned to her. “Enough of our old lady talk. What interests do you have, dear?”

Lady Chatham did not look old to Hannah at all. Refined, yes. But old, certainly not. Hannah could see a few silver strands of hair beneath Lady Chatham’s bonnet, and she had some fine lines about her eyes, but they were endearing on such a woman. Her sweet nature gave her a softness, whereas a more harsh woman might appear more severe with her coloring.

Hannah looked at her mother, who encouraged her with a faint nod. She turned to Lady Chatham. “I enjoy painting, my lady, but that is nothing extraordinary amongst my sex. I fear I do not have anything unusual to recommend myself.”

“My third son, Anthony, is a painter. I would suggest you two share ideas and show each other your work, but he has been on tour for some time.” Her smile dimmed. “He has an adventurous heart, and nothing at home can keep his attention, I’m afraid.”

“Not even the shore?” Hannah asked. “It seems it would be a painter’s dream.”

“Yes, well, he exhausted that subject of study long ago and determined he must paint faces, of which one is never the same. Landscapes seemed to bore him after a time. So he now paints portraits and whatever draws his interest around the world.”

“How exciting,” Hannah’s mother said, leaning nearer still. Hannah feared she might fall off her chair if she continued in such a fashion. “He has a lively spirit. There is nothing wrong with that.”

“And Lord Noah?” Hannah asked, turning to their hostess. She was unsure as to why she felt the need to ask that now. Perhaps because a sadness had entered Lady Chatham’s eyes as she spoke of her son Anthony, despite her many glowing words, and Hannah wished to see the light return to her gaze.

Lady Chatham’s smile became warm again, showing a more secure love. “Noah will never leave. Whether it is in his best interests or not. But, selfishly, I am content to allow it. He is a very sweet boy.” Lady Chatham shook her head, waving her hand. “I am sorry. I do not know what has come over my tongue today. My boys would not appreciate me being so candid with someone they do not even know.”

Hannah wondered if Lady Chatham knew of her son’s recent heartbreak. It might explain some of her sentimentality.

Her mother’s eyes seemed to strike a gleam. “Are any of your sons married, my lady?”

Lady Chatham smiled. “Only Archibald. He was married about four years ago, and they have since blessed me with my two grandsons, James and Joshua.”

“Do they favor your son or daughter-in-law?”

“Oh, Archibald without a doubt,” she said with a laugh. “They have his same wild blond curls and mischievous grin. It is like seeing Archie grow up all over again. But doubled.” She tipped her chin down and the ladies all smiled at the picture she painted.

While the mothers continued their reminiscing, Hannah’s eyes caught on a flash of sunlight glinting on the glass windowpanes as the door swung open. Lord Noah’s hair was in disarray, as if he had run his hands through it with abandon. But that did nothing to diminish his overall appearance. The young man had a boyishly sweet look about him, and despite his gentle features, he was still very handsome. The blue of his jacket suited his coloring, and his light brown hair stood out against it and brightened the color in his cheeks—which was a faint hue of pink at the moment.

Lord Noah had not even managed to shut the door behind him when his eyes caught on the group of them off to the side of the courtyard. For a moment, Hannah thought he might retreat back indoors, judging by the twitching of his fingers on the handle and the way he paused in his exit instead of continuing on. But, after a few moments, he made his way over to them.

Oh, botheration. Why did Hannah feel embarrassed every time she saw this young man? Not that it had been many times, of course, but both situations had been rather unfortunate circumstances. And now she was keenly aware of how he must feel every time he saw her, which made her mirror his own discomfort. Luckily, the mothers were blissfully unaware of the unease between the younger party.

Lord Noah broke into a smile, though Hannah wondered how true it was, for his eyes held a tiredness to them. “Excuse me, ladies.” He laid his hands on the back of a vacant chair. “I had not realized you were still here, or I would have gone through the front. I hate to interrupt good company.”

His smile grew more genuine as he spoke, but the poor man seemed to have forgotten the state of his hair, and Hannah could hardly keep her eyes from it.

“Nonsense,” Hannah’s mother said, beaming. “A bit of male company never goes amiss.”

“I agree,” Lady Chatham added, smiling at her son. “Time seems to have gotten away from us. I assumed your meeting would last longer.”

“Ah, yes.” Lord Noah’s smile faltered, but it returned just as quickly as it had vanished. “It seems Mr. Jennings is not sure his client will need representation after all. Which is a good thing, in my opinion. Less quarrels, in court or out of it, makes for a happier world, does it not?”

Temptation beckoned Hannah to speak, but she did not trust herself not to stick her foot in her mouth.

“What a positive attitude, Lord Noah,” Hannah’s mother said. “I appreciate your outlook on life.”

“Yes.” Lady Chatham reached over and placed her hand over one of her son’s. “He always chooses to look at the good in things.”

Perhaps Lord Noah chose to look at the positive in life too much. Is that why he had misread that young woman’s intentions? After getting such an intimate look into a practical stranger’s life, she was on odd ground. She barely knew the man, and yet she knew one of his deepest secrets.

“Oh, I have a wonderful idea,” Lady Chatham continued. “Noah, why don’t you take Miss Gibbons down to the pond? Assuming you don’t mind staying a bit longer?” She turned to Mrs. Gibbons. “It’s just such a lovely day and I would hate for this weather to go to waste.”

“I quite agree, my lady,” Hannah’s mother replied. “What a splendid idea.”

Hannah tipped her head toward her lap, but her gaze darted to Lord Noah. His eyes had widened but his smile remained in place. This was indeed a horridly uncomfortable situation.

Finally, he swallowed and gave a quick nod. “Of course. I would be delighted.”

“Oh, but wait.” Hannah sat closer to the edge of her chair. “I’m afraid my maid has not come with us. And I would hate for Mother to have to escort us.”

“Nonsense,” Lady Chatham said. “The pond is just down there.” She pointed a short jaunt away from the courtyard where they sat. “We can easily see you from here.”

Hannah looked back at the other victim of their meddling mothers to find Noah already stepping toward her.

“Oh,” Hannah said as he held his arm out to her.

“Please, Miss Gibbons,” he said. “I would be honored to show you our . . . pond.”

She stood, taking his arm as she drew in a deep breath. There was no polite way to decline.

They walked in silence for a time until they were out of earshot, and even though she scrambled to come up with something, Hannah still did not know what to say. Should they move ahead in blissful ignorance? Pretend the night on the balcony never happened and forge a new path ahead?

“I can practically hear your thoughts.”

Hannah whipped her head toward Lord Noah, her mouth agape. “Excuse me?” She was giving him an out. This did not need to be discussed if he did not want it to.

“And you seem much surer of your path today.” He nodded toward her feet. “Perhaps because someone is leading you?” His eyes glinted, and a crooked smile appeared in the corner of his mouth.

Hannah’s shoulders sagged, and an awkward laugh slipped out. “I promise I am not always so untoward.”

“No?” His brow puckered as he feigned thought. “I don’t need to worry you will trip and fall into the pond?”

“No, I will not be falling into the pond.” Goodness, how embarrassing. Though Hannah could hardly blame him for saying so. It had not been one of her best moments. “Is that what you think of me?”

“I do not know what to think, if I am being honest.” He lifted his gaze, looking about the grounds. “It was a strange night, and it has become muddled in my mind. Not for a lack of thinking about it,” he added, his eyes dropping to his boots.

Their feet made a gentle swishing sound as they walked through the soft grass. “You wish to speak of it then?” This was his final chance to move on and pretend it never happened. And now, as it became more evident that he did wish to discuss it, Hannah wondered if she was truly being magnanimous after all. For her part in the ordeal was quite possibly the most embarrassing.

“I do not see how we can ignore it.”

“Rather easily, I would say. We simply speak of other things.”

Lord Noah stopped, turning toward her. His eyes went to the patio before fastening on her. “We could. But as I am a man with no answers to any of life’s questions at the moment, I feel it important to insist on clarification on this matter while I have the chance.”

Hannah’s gaze briefly flicked to his unkempt hair. And then she thought back to the strange conversation he was having with himself as he walked upon their party earlier. “Very well. What would you like to know?”

“You heard my proposal to Marg—Miss Lewiston,” he corrected.

Not a question, per se. “Yes, I did.”

He nodded, a soft pink filtering into his cheeks. “Very well. I assumed as much. But after that, you had mentioned noticing how preoccupied I seemed before you crashed into me.”

“Did I?” Hannah asked, looking toward the pond. Why had she said that? That was practically admitting her intentionality in the matter.

“You did.”

“You must have misheard me,” she said, waving her hand.

“No, on that count I am quite sure of myself.”

She chewed her lip, watching as a duck flipped over, burying its head beneath the surface. If only she could be so lucky. “Very well,” she said, bringing her gaze back to him. “What is it you wish to ask concerning my remark?”

He regarded her carefully, and she felt trapped in his gaze. “I hate to even think it, but what other purpose would a lady have in doing such a thing other than attempting to trap a man into marriage?”

Hannah scoffed, then dipped her chin as she lowered her voice. “Fine. I admit I did it intentionally. But not for the reason you suppose.” How forward he must think her. How brazen and unladylike. “I was trying to help you.”

“Help me?” His eyes bulged, making him appear quite the madman when paired with his hair. Hannah could feel the urge to laugh bubbling up in her chest, but she did her best to push it down.

“Yes,” she continued, swallowing the tickle in her throat. “You were about to go after that young woman.”

“And?” He twirled his hand in the air, beckoning her to explain further.

“And I knew that would be a mistake, so my feet compelled me forward. And—into you,” she ended pitifully.

“Mistake—” He propped his hands on his hips, rolling his head. “Miss Gibbons, in what way did that help anyone?”

“I stopped you, clearly.”

His mouth fell open, and he pulled his head back slightly. “Please excuse me if I do not think it was your place to interfere. If I had gotten to her and she had heard me out, perhaps—”

“Nothing would have changed.”

He shook his head, running a hand over his face before bringing it back to his hip. “You do not know that. Perhaps if I’d had a chance to talk to her, we could have understood one another better.”

“And has she spoken to you since then? Responded to any of the letters you have sent?”

He leaned forward. “How did you know I wrote to her?”

Hannah forced her eyes not to roll. “That is not the point. The point is that I did what I did—”

“Ran into me—”

“To help you.”

Lord Noah looked off at the pond, his chest rising at a steady rhythm.

“Please,” Hannah continued. “I have not explained myself well, but trust that my actions—though unconventional—were done with the intention to save you from further embarrassment or heartache.”

At this, he peered at her from the corner of his eye. “You seem convinced she would not have changed her mind.”

“I know women like her,” Hannah added. “I do not think your pleas would have proven fruitful.”

Silence descended between them, and they let the sounds of their surroundings fill the void. Birds chirped above, wind whistled through the reeds in the pond and leaves in the trees. And the sound that hurt Hannah’s heart—the lightly ragged breath of the man before her.

“Well,” Lord Noah finally said, his voice rough. “I suppose I should thank you.” Just as Hannah opened her mouth to refute him, he continued. “Though perhaps you could have chosen a less violent method.”

Her lip twitched. “What else was I to do?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps go back inside and dance? I feel as if charging like a bull toward a man with a broken heart was not the correct choice.” If he was frustrated, the slight curve of his lip defied it.

“I am a bit impulsive, but that is my biggest flaw, Lord Noah.” She crossed her arms. “I do not go about trapping innocent men into marriage. In fact, I have no need for such drastic measures. I am a wealthy heiress.” Goodness, how conceited she sounded. And the words were not completely true. For while she was a wealthy heiress, no man had stuck around long enough to make her an actual proposal. At twenty years old, she was not worried over such things just yet, though her parents certainly seemed to be.

Lord Noah sighed, his shoulders sagging. “I apologize, Miss Gibbons. I do not normally jump to such conclusions, but with the nature of the evening, I did not know quite what to think.” He turned, striking a hand out to her. “Shall we call a truce and be friends?”

“I should like that.” Hannah smiled, taking his hand briefly. Their grip was stiff and awkward, but at least they were moving on to more comfortable ground.

They broke their grasp, and he crossed his arms. “I would like to clarify that normally I am a very agreeable sort of man. You only happen to catch me at my worst.”

“As long as you understand that the sentiment of strange circumstances also applies to me, then I would say we can agree on that point.”

He nodded, watching her with a sad sort of smile playing about his lips. And then a nagging thought would not leave Hannah be. “One last question, if you would indulge me,” she said, turning to look at the pond.

A breathy laugh slipped from him. “That depends entirely on the subject of the question.”

“It isn’t too personal. I was only curious if you often have conversations with yourself.” She looked at him over her shoulder, giving him a playful smile.

His brow creased and his head tilted to the side. “On the balcony? I don’t remember speaking to myself.”

“No,” she said, laughing. “Today while you were walking toward the courtyard.”

He closed his eyes, and his chest jerked. It started as a soft chuckle but continued until he held his stomach, bent over slightly. He straightened and wiped his mouth with a gloved hand. “Goodness. I had almost forgotten, but then you had to go and remind me.” He sighed as he looked up at the sky. “I was practicing for my meeting this afternoon.”

“That makes sense,” Hannah allowed. “But you didn’t answer my question. I asked if it was a frequent occurrence.”

He brought his gaze back down to her. “Honestly? I can’t really say. Perhaps I do and it’s so natural to me that I don’t even think about it.”

“Did it help?”

He bit his lip, shaking his head. “No, it didn’t.”

His honesty took her back for a moment. Some men might try and lie or enhance the truth in their favor. But his simple answer was . . . refreshing. “Well, I am sorry to hear it. Perhaps your next client will give you a more favorable answer.”

Lord Noah turned, walking a few steps before he nudged the ground with the toe of his boot. “I am starting to fear it is me, and no matter what I do, I will not have success in my career.” He turned back to her. “I am always pleasant and agreeable. I smile, I go out of my way to be polite, and yet, both solicitors today chose to take their cases somewhere else.”

Hannah watched him carefully as he spoke, though seemingly more to himself than to her. She just happened to be there to witness it. “Do you mind if I give you some advice?”

His hand, which had been working his chin moments ago, stilled. “You think you have advice which would be helpful to a newly established barrister?”

Hannah shrugged. “I might. If you are interested in hearing it.”

He removed his hand and crossed his arms over the expanse of his chest. “Color me intrigued, Miss Gibbons. Please, let me hear your thoughts.”

Well, this might be the end of their short friendship, but if Hannah could be of help to him, then it was worth a try. She had no long-term plans with this man anyway, so if he snubbed her after this, no real harm would be done—other than possible continued discomfort whenever they were to meet.

She took a bracing breath. “Judging by what I heard today, you are too kind.”

“Too kind,” he repeated. “Is—is that possible? I wish for my clients to know they shall get the very best representation from me, including a positive attitude.”

“That may be so,” Hannah continued, “But you need to show confidence in yourself as well. You have a service that these men need. They need you just as much as you need them. So instead of groveling for their business, you should be acting as if you are confident in the service you are rendering.”

His face contorted. “I do not grovel.”

A movement in Hannah’s periphery caught her attention, and both she and Lord Noah turned their gazes toward the courtyard. “Well, as uncomfortable as this has been, Lord Noah, it appears my mother is beckoning to me to leave.”

“Wait,” he said, pulling her attention back to him. “Is there any chance you would be willing to meet again? I realize this has not been the most enjoyable walk, but I am interested in hearing the rest of your thoughts.”

Hannah shot another glance at her mother, who stood in wait at the edge of the garden. But this young man was actually interested in advice from her. As a young lady, it was not often that others wanted to hear her thoughts on things. Especially men. This young man really was desperate. “I would be happy to share them with you if you are serious. Our mothers were devising a picnic out on the bluffs, so perhaps that would be a good time. And the picnic would be two-fold in purpose.”

“Oh? How so?”

“It would allow me to appear as if I am appeasing my mother’s matchmaking efforts, while having the added benefit of helping you.”

Lord Noah’s curious smile came back, as it seemed to do throughout the entire conversation. “Well, if you help me, I would be happy to help you with your little ruse as well.”

“Very good.” She ran her hands over her skirts. “Now, if you would escort me back—and if it is not too much trouble, try and seem pleased about it.”

Lord Noah held out his arm, his smile widening more than ever. “As you wish, Miss Gibbons.”