Lord Spencer met his scrutiny head-on. “Would you like to share why I am here, Your Grace, or would you rather go on pretending?”
“I cannot conceive of your meaning.”
“Let us not beat around the bush. You know my story.”
Though Elias despised gossip, the tale got repeated in thetonso often that it was impossible to avoid.
“Very well. You caused quite a stir after your sudden naming as Lord Spencer’s true-born son and heir. I cannot help but feel apprehensive.”
After years and years of military service, the man before him was awarded a noble title for his achievements. It took the king’s acknowledgment to convince the old Lord Spencer to claim his maid’s son as his one true descendant. Rumor was that the old curmudgeon sent for his attorneys from his deathbed, reluctant until the end to do something so common as to let his “bastard” inherit. Not that there was much of a fortune still languishing in his dusty coffers, from what Elias had gathered.
“I am surprised it took you this long to ask. Yes, I am Lord Spencer now, but I have always been my mother’s son,” he continued, ignoring Elias’s raised eyebrow. “I will not deny my origins. Nor am I under the illusion that you won’t hold it against me.”
“You do not seem to think much of me.”
Lord Spencer shrugged. “People of your station are predisposed to assume the worst. Of course, there are… exceptions.” His features softened.
“Lady Hannah is—”
“Lady Hannah is an extraordinary woman.”
“You might speak like you know my sister, Lord Spencer, but I am not so easily convinced. My sister is a romantic, a gentle soul, and easily deceived. You mean to take her away into the Northand deprive her of the respectable society she cherishes. While she might be shortsighted, I am far less inclined to be so.”
Lord Spencer regarded him with an odd look. “The Lady Hannah I know is kind and gentle, indeed. Yet she finds little joy in society, which was quite apparent at the last function. Whatever worries you have, do you truly think she did not consider it herself?”
“My sister can be overly optimistic. I won’t let her make a mistake that would cost her entire life.”
“She is also stubborn and proud.” Lord Spencer held fast against the expression of utter incredulity that Elias had trouble holding back. “Which is why I am quite surprised you find yourself at liberty to make choices for her. I have learned firsthand that any such notions were utterly futile. Believe me, if she did not get her way, I would not be here, speaking with you right now. Let me add this, Your Grace. I intend to let her have her way so long as I am by her side.”
Why, he ought to challenge the upstart to a duel for the nerve. His sister was, indeed, prideful and stubborn when the occasion called for it. But who was he to speak? Elias slowly lowered his glass to the table, every moment an internal battle. The best that Elias could do for Hannah was to let this man leave the room, still breathing.
“You show up here, thick as thieves, without even putting in the least bit of effort to do things by the book. You are rushing into this union. Is it because you are afraid that you will lose her? If you were honorable, you would have sought my approval right away. Instead, all you do is make excuses. Give me one reason not to call you out.”
A muscle flexed in Spencer’s jaw. Good. This was not a game.
“If I had made no effort, then—” He swallowed words Elias could not begin to guess at. “I have come here because, despite Lady Hannah’s best attempts at pretending otherwise, yoursister thinks the world of you. Even though she’d never submit to anyone else’s decisions, she longs for your support.” Lord Spencer barked a resigned laugh. “I am a rough man, myself, and God help me, I am no good with speeches. Why, I have offended you faster than a horse is spooked by the swaying grass. All I know is that your sister thinks of you as a man of courage, capable of keeping an open mind and taking a risk. Is she mistaken? If so, I will not shy away from your challenge.”
Elias was wrong. Lord Spencer really did know his sister. However, the Elias that Hannah thought so highly of… for a long time, that person no longer existed. But now…
Opening up. Taking a risk.
Hehadbeen opening up. For the right person… he was ready to take a risk. Old Elias would not even entertain the thought of making a mistake. He would drag his feet in a futile attempt to gather more information, more evidence that could prevent every chance of getting hurt… Yet all Elias felt was impatience at the chance of happiness.
His heart could not be wrong this time. And, perhaps, his sister’s heart was not wrong, either.
“Tell me this. What does my sister think of you?”
“She thinks I could make her happy. And I would go through the fiery gates of hell before I let her down.”
Elias drew a deep breath before offering a handshake.
May was right, after all.
There was no hiding love.
He had to back down and believe in what was before him. Because if what Hannah and Lord Spencer had was real, then, perhaps, there might be a happy ending for Elias, too.
“I’ve spoken with Spencer,” said Elias, taking a seat next to May in the shade of the estate’s Greek-style alcove.
