"This is my first book by A.T. Abbott and I enjoyed her writing, character development and steam... Hannah, the heroine is sassy, intelligent and strong. I enjoyed the banter and discussions her and Frederick had at times."

Belinda, Goodreads Reviewer

"Lovely book, very enjoyable, with intriguing characters... I really liked the writing and I think this new author is very talented and promising. I look forward to reading her future books!"

Gloria, Goodreads Reviewer

"A considerably short, fun read. A.T. Abbott had taken the marriage-of-(in)convenience trope and masterfully woven unresolved traumas, learning disabilities, steadfast love, and witty dialogue into a wonderful tapestry that is this book."

Varsh, Goodreads Reviewer 

September 1809

Ainsley Hall, Kent

The only thing worse than an arrogant lord was a handsome and arrogant lord. This was Hannah Stone's conclusion after another vexing dinner in the company of the Earl of Ashmore. It would have been so much easier to disdain the man if he wasn't so bloody handsome. She promised herself that tonight she would not rise to his bait, yet here she was, once again, arguing with him.

         "How could one possibly have qualms about extending the pensions to His Majesty's veteran soldiers?" Hannah fumed. "Shouldn't the Crown take care of those who fought in its name? It seems the least our nation can do to honor those heroic men."

The Earl of Ashmore grinned like a man very much pleased with himself and replied, "Miss Stone, your compassion does you credit. However, we cannot ignore the strain of such an expense on the country's finances. After all, a larger pension for every veteran would be a very costly affair, and considering how our Prince Regent is fond of living lavishly, England's financial state is not at its finest."

         Hannah huffed in a most unladylike manner. "And yet, the people of the ton still find it sensible to buy new dresses and coats every season, and to serve ten-course meals." She quickly glanced at her cousin, the Countess of Hartfield, and blushed. "I beg your pardon, Eveline. I meant no disrespect to you, but surely you understand the plight of those less fortunate."

The Earl of Hartfield and his wife seemed unaffected by Hannah’s faux pas; in fact, they appeared to be amused. Eveline, her cousin and fastest friend, tried to hide her smile. "Think nothing of it, dearest. You know that Rob and I share your opinion on the matter of the veteran's pensions. Although, I must wonder at you, Lord Ashmore. As I recall, you are a great supporter of the proposal."

         Hannah could not contain her indignation. She turned to the earl, only to find him smiling her way.

"Yet, it is so delightful to hone one's argumentative skills against such an accomplished opponent," he replied, setting her teeth on edge. "Sadly, Parliament does not offer half the intellectual challenge as a dinner in the company of Miss Stone."

He tipped his wine glass her way and emptied it, his ocean blue eyes gleaming with mirth. Mirth? Oh no. Hannah knew he was mocking her. Why else would he argue with her at every opportunity?

         Spending the summer at her cousin's estate in Kent had proven to be more challenging than Hannah had expected. Eveline Ainsley, the new Countess of Hartfield, was expecting her first child and had requested her friend's companionship. Unfortunately for Hannah, her cousin's husband, Rob, decided to invite his own guests: Lord Ashmore and his sister, Lady Francis. The sister, Hannah didn't mind at all; Fanny was an intelligent and lively girl. The earl, on the other hand, drove her to distraction with his insistence on arguing with her at every turn. Perhaps it was his elevated status, or perhaps it was the roguish charm that flowed from him; whatever it was, he irritated her beyond reason. And what was worse, he made her feel inferior. Hannah despised feeling inferior.

         At that moment, Lady Francis intervened by chiding her brother. "Now, Frederick, you mustn't tease Miss Stone so. She might withdraw her opinion in the future, and that would be a sad affair, indeed."

Hannah smiled at the woman and replied, "Worry not, Fanny, I have yet to encounter a situation where I felt disinclined to offer my opinion. Besides," she turned a cool gaze toward Lord Ashmore, "I would hate to take away from his lordship's entertainment."

Ashmore raised his eyebrow, his smile widening. "You are most gracious, Miss Stone." Hannah could throttle him where he sat.

         After the dinner had concluded and the party retired to their chambers, Hannah met Eveline in the garden for their regular evening stroll. The autumn night was brisk, and the skies clear, leaving the moon to illuminate the silent flower beds and neatly trimmed hedges. As the two women walked, Eveline pleaded with Hannah to see reason.

"Dearest, you really must compose yourself. I know that Frederick may seem slightly pompous at times, but allowances must be made to the fact he is a very intelligent man. Not to mention, his time in Parliament cannot contribute to his good opinion of people."

         "But, why must he be so contrary? He has an opinion on every subject under the sun, and I just know that he mocks me in his mind. I see his eyes light up with the most fiendish joy whenever he manages to refute my words."

         Eveline stared at her cousin before replying drily, "Indeed, how unusual of him. If only I knew someone else with such similar properties."

Hannah gasped in outrage. "Eveline Ainsley, how dare you compare me to him? I'm not contrary. Am I?"

Her cousin sighed and took her hand. "No, you are not, my dear. But you must admit that you do enjoy a heated argument occasionally."

To this, Hannah had no reply. Her cousin knew her all too well.

Hannah noticed that Eveline appeared flushed. Beneath her blue satin gown, the swell of the countess's belly showed the signs of the life that was growing within her. Worried she might overexert herself, Hannah led them to the nearest bench and sat them down. Frowning slightly, she asked, "How are you feeling, Evie?"

"I'm merely winded a bit. I seem to tire quickly lately."

Hannah huffed. "Of course you're tired; you are growing a living person inside your body. What a strange thought; I can't believe that in a few months Rob will be a father."

Eveline smiled lovingly. "He is so excited, Hannah. We both feel blessed beyond words." Her eyes avoided Hannah's as she added, "The doctor assured us there is no reason for concern, you know. I wish you could share our happiness."

Eveline's words panged Hannah, but she hid her pain behind a wide smile. "I am overjoyed for you and Rob, dearest. Simply because I do not want to marry and bear children of my own does not mean I cannot feel joy at the prospect of becoming a doting aunt." As much as Hannah loved her cousin, she knew they would never see eye to eye on this issue. And even though her words were encouraging, in truth, Hannah was terrified.

She was only six when her sister Margaret was born, but she remembered the day with astounding clarity. Above all, she remembered never seeing her beloved mother alive again. Maria Stone did not survive the delivery of her third child, and Hannah felt her bereavement still. Whatever society might expect of her, she decided long ago that she would never suffer such a fate. Now, her most beloved cousin was increasing, and Hannah had to feign calm and joy; but for Eveline she would suffer through it all and keep her fears to herself.

After several minutes of rest, Hannah felt the old restlessness build up within her. No matter how hard she tried, she needed to move almost constantly – a very infuriating trait that had placed her in several awkward situations over the years.

Eveline sensed her unrest and rose from the bench. "Come, Hannah. I think it is time for bed. For the next several hours, at least, you are safe from the presence of your nemesis."

Hannah chuckled, "A nemesis, indeed! If only his intentions were so nefarious. No, he is simply a vexing man who needs to receive a good academic thrashing." Pleased at the burst of laughter from Eveline, Hannah pushed away her anxiety and walked back towards Ainsley Manor.

***

         For the past year, Frederick had found very few things that amused him. He’d tried to drown himself in the affairs of Parliament, but the reality of his financial ruin dampened even the sweetest of victories in the House of Lords. Not to mention his family being swindled by that scoundrel, Mr. Parker, who vanished after his father's death, along with a significant amount of his family's fortune. Sparring with Hannah Stone was the ray of light in his otherwise dismal day.

As he took his morning swim in the lake near the manor, Frederick contemplated their argument at dinner yestereve. When she became indignant, Hannah's eyes fired sparks and her cheeks flushed so becomingly. She was beautiful when she raged at him, and Frederick found he couldn't refrain from bringing such excitement upon her.

Frederick had been at Ainsley Manor for only a month, but during that time he had to concede to the unfortunate fact he was quite infatuated with Hannah Stone. She was so bright and so loving to her friends and family, and each moment with her brought him exquisite joy. Nevertheless, it was pointless to think of it. 

He breathed deep and dove to the bottom of the lake, where the rays of light filtering through the clear water danced on the rocks. It was so peaceful there, under water. He could almost forget his impoverished state, or his sister's lack of dowry. But the quiet of the lake could not remove Hannah's imprint on his mind.

         Bloody hell, he thought, stop pining over what could never be! His lungs burned as he pushed himself from the bottom and rushed up to the surface. If he was a different man, if his situation was less dire, he could see himself offering for Hannah's hand. Over the past month of his stay at Ainsley Manor, her presence became the thing for which he waited with bated breath. Her wittiness, sharp mind and kind heart ensnared him just as surely as her lithe form and luscious mouth haunted his nights. He found that a morning swim in the frigid lake was one of the only ways to ease his desire, as well as riding out with his friend Rob. Indeed, at the age of nine and twenty, physical exercise had suddenly become a crucial part of his day.

         Frederick swam to the edge with swift, sure strokes. He’d found this hidden spot several weeks ago on one of his excursions. Here, the land rose to create a natural barrier hiding a small creek that fed the lake. The trees grew old and large, shading the water and hiding anyone from view of the manor. It was a lovely and perfectly secluded location where no one disturbed him, except the occasional deer or fowl. As he waded out of the water, shivering in the morning breeze, he listened to the joyful chirping of birds from the branches above him.

Thinking of Hannah Stone was pointless because he had nothing to offer her. While he had no doubt that Sir Elias Stone, Hannah's father, would offer a generous dowry for his daughter, it wouldn't cover the debts of his estate. Not to mention his forges in Shropshire were failing and he didn't know why. He received the reports regularly, and from the little he could make of them, one thing was clear – their upkeep exceeded their income. Retaining a new man of business was out of the question; he would never be able to trust a stranger again.

Frustration welled in Frederick's chest. Panic would soon follow if he didn’t act quickly, so he dressed with haste and made his way back to the manor. Perhaps he could convince Rob to join him in a morning ride before breaking his fast. The idea of confiding in Rob came to him, not for the first time. How easy it would be to share his troubles with his closest friend and to seek his council! But confiding in Rob meant Frederick would have to explain why he couldn't understand the reports – or some of the letters from the solicitors. Shame overcame frustration. No, there was no one with whom he could share this burden. His father and mother were gone, and his sister could never learn of their dire circumstances. His only hope was to marry the richest chit in London, and maybe, with a bit of luck, he could postpone the inevitable discovery that he had nothing to his name but an empty title.