Page 65 of The Earl’s Hoyden

“Mary, please.” There was a tremble to Hannah’s voice that stilled Mary’s efforts.

“I thought I might have news that could…” Mary’s voice trailed off.

“There is nothing that anyone can say that would explain away the idea of my being used as practice for him.” Hannah lifted her chin, finding solace in her newfound strength to set Lucien aside. “If he is unhappy, he has made his decisions, and I ask you to please stop discussing him.”

Mary lowered her gaze. “Yes, my lady.”

She did not mention him again as the day wore on, nor when she readied Hannah for the ball that evening. But it did not mean that Hannah had stopped thinking of Lucien. The very mention of his name lodged him in her mind like a stubborn stain that could never be fully removed.

Her friends were all in attendance at the evening’s ball, which immediately elevated her mood. But so were Lucien and Lady Alison, which decidedly dropped her mood once more.

“I heard some interesting news about Lord Brightstone today,” Elizabeth began once they were all gathered around.

“Oh, do tell,” Lucy demanded eagerly.

“I don’t care to hear it,” Hannah said as politely as possible.

Amy nudged her. “Aren’t you the least bit curious?”

Hannah was not. How could she be when the very mention of his name was like a fresh slice to her wounded heart?

“By all means, please proceed.” Hannah waved a hand at them to continue. “I’ll help myself to a bit of lemonade.”

Lady Gentry had something of a sweet tooth, and so it was that the lemonade at all her social functions was some of the best in London.

Hannah’s friends all shared a look.

“Come now,” Hannah protested at their disappointment. “I’m a grown woman and perfectly capable of securing a glass of lemonade on my own.” She winked at Elizabeth. “Perhaps love will find me as I do.”

“I’ll join you,” Jillian said as she gave a subtle nod in Lucy’s direction.

That nod was the first indication something was amiss. Something Hannah was not privy to.

Before she could protest, Jillian curled her hand around the crook of Hannah’s elbow and led her away. “Let’s leave them to their gossip.”

As they made their way through the crowded ballroom, the dancing couples swept by in circles over the center of the dance floor. One pair in particular caught both Hannah and Jillian’s attention as they twirled past. The Duke of Dudley and Lady Alison, both engrossed in their conversation.

Jillian watched them with a little smile pulling at her lips. “It’s such a relief to see those two together.”

“I imagine you’re glad for the reprieve from his company,” Hannah replied.

Since the duke had been spending more time with Lady Alison, he was seldom around Jillian. Without his oppressive person looming over her, Jillian laughed again and shared her wondrously unique ideas and thoughts. It was as though he had blocked the sunlight from her world, and she shone without him once more.

“Even more than that…” Jillian took a glass of lemonade. “It frees up Lord Brightstone for you.”

It was as unexpected as Mary’s comment had been earlier that day. There was something amiss with Hannah’s friends. But what?

“You must come quickly.” Lucy was suddenly at Hannah’s side, grabbing her arm and pulling her.

Hannah did not resist, allowing herself to be dragged from the lemonade table before she could even pour a glass. “What is it?” She asked, alarmed.

Lucy’s hand was like ice. “A cat…”

Hannah was immediately listening. “What of it?”

“I think it fell into the pond outside.” Lucy tugged her toward the terrace. “I saw it through the window. It was perched on the edge as cats do, you know. Then, it just fell in.”

“It just fell in?” Hannah shook her head. “Did it stumble or slip?”