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“I’m only just noticing that I never knew that before. Odd, considering we’re no longer strangers.”
“It wasn’t my intention to hide it from you, if that was what you were thinking.” He doubted a commoner was really privy to the names of any nobles, so he figured it was safe.
Hannah nodded her head. “Stephen Norton,” she said. “What a pretty name.”
“Pretty?” Stephen’s brows went up. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard my name as being described aspretty. Or anything relating to me, for that matter.”
Hannah’s lips twitched. “There is a first for everything.”
“I quite like the sound of that, though. Is there anything else you find pretty?”
This time, it was her turn to lift her brows, a soft smile still playing around her lips. “Are you fishing for compliments, Stephen?”
“Is that what it sounds like I’m doing?” he asked idly. “You must forgive me. I’m not used to receiving compliments from a beautiful woman.”
“I would have never expected you to have such a smooth tongue, either.”
“Your presence brings it out in me.”
She giggled. Stephen could hardly believe what he was saying. He’d never flirted so blatantly before and around a woman like Hannah, he was surprised he even had coherent thoughts.
“If you came to check on me, Stephen, I’m doing very well. The Stanton family have been very kind to me. Miss Lily has even given me a few of her dresses during my stay here.”
“It is quite a lovely dress.”
“I think so too.” She looked proudly down at herself. “I was very impressed when I learned that Mrs. Stanton was the one who made it. Don’t you think it’s wonderful?”
“I reckon she could make a living off it if she wished.”
“I agree. I really am enjoying myself here. Though I’m incredibly bored the moment they leave.”
“Would you like for me to come by more often then? To help you assuage your boredom?”
Stephen didn’t realize how tense he’d gotten as he waited for her reply and was happy when she smiled and nodded. “Nothing would make me happier.”
“Except perhaps a healed ankle.”
“Of course, of course.”
They both laughed at that, Stephen trailing off first. He wanted to mention the kiss, the one they had shared and the one they almost did. He wanted to see how she felt about it, but the thought of doing it suddenly made him so nervous he couldn’t speak.
Before he could get his thoughts together, they were once again interrupted. This time, it was by the entire family, the sisters bringing in the food and Mr. and Mrs. Stanton bringing in the extra chairs.
When Mr. Stanton spotted Stephen sitting by Hannah’s side, he clapped him heavily on the shoulder. “Stephen, I heard you were here. You’re sure you won’t be able to stay for supper?”
“I’ve already overstayed my visit, sadly.” Stephen rose. Only when they were in the army together did Mr. Stanton ever speak to him like that and he could tell the other man was enjoying doing it again.
“That’s a pity,” Miss Lily said. Both her and Miss Julia had taken a seat to the left of Hannah, so Mr. Stanton and his wife occupied the other end. “Maybe another time then? Allow me to escort you to the door.”
He nodded automatically at the hope in her voice. It held a force that made him wonder if it was more of an order than a suggestion. “I’ll try to make the time.”
Hannah’s attention was being occupied by Mrs. Stanton. Stephen inched to the door with Lily by his side, hoping to catch Belle’s eye. When it didn’t look as if he would get it any time soon, he called out to her.
She looked up at him and instantly smiled. “You’re leaving already, Stephen?”
“I’m afraid I have some business to take care of.”
“And will you be back soon?”
His heart began to pound as he nodded. “As soon as I can manage it.”
“I’ll be waiting for you. You did say you would make my days a little less lonely.”
“That I did, Hannah,” he said, unable to stop himself from smiling. “And I intend to stick to that promise.”
