A Clash of Magics by Guy Antibes (read this if txt) 📕

“I agree.” She sat across from Kate at the table. “Furthermore, they both indicated they would be calling on me later today.”

Kate reached for her teacup. “Do you find that you favor one over the other?”

“It is much too soon for me to determine that.”

“May I ask why that is?”

“Not only did I enjoy dancing with both of them, but they were quite pleasant to talk to,” she replied, placing a white napkin on her lap.

Kate took a sip of her drink and placed the teacup back on the saucer. “That is a promising sign.”

“I would agree.”

Edward picked up the folded newspaper on the table. “I urge you not to rush into anything,” he advised.

“I have no intention to,” she responded. “I will thoughtfully consider a suitor’s qualifications and determine if he is best suited for me.”

Edward looked displeased by her response. “I daresay that it won’t be as simple as you are making it out to be,” he said. “Love isn’t always rational.”

“Love is just one part of the equation.”

“It is the most important part,” he pressed.

Hannah picked up her fork as she shared, “If all goes according to plan, I will enter into a courtship before the end of the Season.”

Edward exchanged a concerned look with Kate. “Sometimes, even the best laid plans fail, through no fault of your own.”

“I understand what you are saying, and I do appreciate your concern.”

Cooper stepped into the room and met Hannah’s gaze. “Lord Egleton is hoping for a moment of your time,” he announced.

Hannah put her fork back on the table. “Will you show him to the drawing room and inform him that I will be there shortly?”

“As you wish,” Cooper said before departing from the room.

Kate looked at Hannah curiously as she rose from her chair. “Would you care for me to accompany you?”

“That won’t be necessary,” she replied.

As Hannah departed from the parlor, she found herself growing increasingly curious as to why Martin wanted to speak to her. Perhaps he was here to apologize.

She stepped into the drawing room and saw Martin standing there with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. He was fashionably dressed in a blue jacket, ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers, with his dark hair brushed forward. Her heart lurched at the sight of him, but she kept her face expressionless.

Martin smiled when he saw her. “I hope I am not calling upon you too early.”

“No, you are not,” she replied. “I was just having breakfast with Kate and Edward.”

He extended his arm out with the flowers. “I brought these for you.”

Hannah stepped closer and accepted them. “They are lovely,” she acknowledged as she took a moment to breathe in their heavenly scent.

“Not as lovely as you are,” he remarked.

“I see that you are attempting to disarm me with flattery,” she said, lowering the bouquet to her side.

“It has generally worked in the past.”

“Perhaps, but things are different between us now.”

He stepped closer to her. “That is what I would like to speak to you about.”

“It is?”

“We have been friends since we were little children, and I don’t want to lose your friendship over something as silly as a disagreement.”

“I am pleased to hear you say that.”

“Then you are in agreement?” he asked hopefully.

She smiled. “I am.”

“Good, because I am sorry for my behavior last night.”

“It was rather vexing.”

Martin chuckled. “Marianne said I should blame it on the champagne.”

“Were you drinking last night?”

“I was not, but I had no other excuse for my behavior,” he said. “I was wrong in insinuating that you were blatantly flirting with Lord Groff.”

Hannah walked over to a table and put the flowers down. “I am pleased to hear that, because I was doing no such thing.”

“I know that, but I was concerned for you.”

“Why?”

“Surely you know the effect your smile has on people,” he said.

She gave him a baffled look. “I do not.”

“I assumed as much,” he replied. “Your smile can light up even the weariest of hearts on the darkest night.”

“That is kind of you to say.”

Martin took a step towards her, his face solemn. “I want to be a good friend to you, Hannah,” he said, “which means I would like to help you in your search for a suitor.”

“That is wholly unnecessary.” She felt a jab of disappointment at his words. She knew he didn’t have feelings for her, but the reminder didn’t make it any easier.

“I assure you that it is,” he pressed.

Hannah attempted to keep the displeasure off her face. “I do appreciate your offer of assistance, but I am a matchmaker,” she asserted. “I have no doubt I can select a suitor on my own.”

“That may be true, but I am still willing to help.”

“In what way?”

“I can help you flirt.”

Hannah arched an eyebrow. “Do be serious.”

“I am.” He took a step closer to her, causing her to tilt her head to look up at him. “I am proficient in the art of flirting.”

“I can assure you that I do not lack in that regard.”

“No?” he asked, maintaining her gaze. “I believe everyone could use some practice now and again.”

Hannah chastised herself for feeling the least bit nervous at being this close to him. He had made it evident, time and time again, that they were just friends. So why couldn’t her traitorous heart remember that?

“You start by complimenting them,” he said in a low voice.

“I don’t believe in flowery words,” she replied stiffly.

“Then find a way to make them sincere.” His intense eyes began to roam her face slowly. “I could easily compliment your enchanting face or how your eyes sparkle when you smile.”

“Pardon me if I do not believe you are being sincere,” she forced out. How she wished his words were genuine.

“Or I can say your goodness and kindness to others has always beguiled me.” His words sounded oddly intimate.

His eyes dropped to her lips, and for the briefest of moments, Hannah thought he might kiss her. Instead, he blinked and took a step back.

Martin cleared his throat.