Hannah leaned conspiratorially in his direction and whispered; ‘We dance much better together now than the first time!’ She giggled a little.
Caleb turned to her with a smile, relieved she was, in fact, referring to him. He didn’t know what to say – it was intriguing to find that Hannah also had found their first dance awkward and contrived, as he had. This insight made him want to understand more of her perspective over the last week or so. He opted for saying nothing so as not to spoil the moment of levity.
Hannah wondered why Caleb did not respond to her brave quip. He had smiled, so she did not think he was offended. Perhaps, though, he had thought they were graceful that first night they danced….she inwardly cringed at her presumption his experience had been the same as hers.
In an unorthodox method of seeking comfort, she turned her conversation to Anne.
‘Do you enjoy champagne?’ Hannah asked, noting the empty glass flute in front of the Dowager.
‘I do. I have finished mine.’
‘Shall I try to attract the attention of the butler when next he passes, to see if we can procure a fresh glass of champagne for you?’ Hannah offered sweetly.
‘I am quite capable of doing so myself,’ Anne declined.
Hannah retreated back to her plate. Caleb had been listening to their exchange and sighed heavily at the fact his mother could not practise civility toward Hannah when she was blatantly making an effort.
***
The dinner complete, the ladies made their way in a chattering stream through to the drawing room. As they moved through, Sophia took Hannah by the elbow and steered her toward a secluded balcony.
‘Is everything well?’ Hannah asked, concerned.
‘Yes, quite well,’ Sophia nodded happily, though distracted. ‘Are you enjoying the evening?’
‘It has been delightful!’ Hannah gushed and they both looked out over the lawn where the sun was beginning to set and lit the sky with light pink and deep orange. The cool air was a welcome respite from the warmth of the crowded dining room.
Taking in the view in a moment of silence, Hannah noted that it was unlike Sophia to be so still and contemplative. It was obvious that Sophia had something to say but was reluctant.
‘Are you eager to tell me something, Sophia?’ Hannah looked from the side of her eyes at her friend.
Sophia shifted and twisted her skirt between her fingers – a nervous gesture that Hannah was unaccustomed to from her usually self-assured friend.
‘I have begun to develop strange feelings for somebody…’ Sophia tentatively explained.
‘Oh! Tell me, who?’ She had an inkling she knew who it was but did not want to identify the wrong person.
‘Lord Albert Dutton…’ Sophia flicked her eyes at Hannah uncertainly.
Hannah raised her eyebrows with a smile – this was who she had suspected. She did not respond verbally, allowing her friend space to express her feelings.
‘You think him a rake…’ Sophia dropped her eyes, ashamedly.
‘Not necessarily. Because I do not believe you would select somebody who was bound to act irresponsibly and break your heart. You are wiser than that.’
‘Thank you for your faith in me,’ Sophia smiled shyly.
‘What do you know of him that attracts you?’ Hannah prompted.
‘Of course, on first meeting it is clear that he is a strapping, handsome man, but in truth this distanced me as I know how conceited such men can be. Upon getting to know him a little more, it struck me that his wild confidence is a façade; he is deeper and more sensitive than he allows people to see. He has a secret passion for Art, did you know that?’
Hannah inhaled in surprise ‘I did not!’
‘He is one of us!’ Sophia nudged Hannah playfully with her elbow as they leaned against the balcony rail.
‘He looks at me with interest as though he is trying to figure me out and is enjoying the experience – that’s the best way I can describe it,’ Sophia shrugged.
‘He is a good friend of Caleb’s and I feel that Caleb is a good judge of character. I do not believe he would invest time in somebody whose perspective was shallow and superficial. I know they attend lectures together and so Albert must be a deep thinker, as Caleb is.’ Hannah intimated.
