Chapter Nine

Hannah laughed heartily and was still smiling when they entered the candle-lit drawing room. They were warmly greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Middleburg, a jovial couple who looked rather alike, each having round, pink faces and dark hair. The room was full of handsomely dressed gentlemen and brightly clad ladies. Fans fluttered and laughter tinkled while servants circulated bearing trays of champagne.

Hannah looked about for Julia and saw her speaking with a smart-looking woman wearing a brilliant scarlet gown of silk moiré. The rich color set off the woman’s black hair and ivory skin beautifully. Hannah hurried toward the pair but was waylaid by Miss Janine Grantley.

“Miss Winstead,” Janine whispered, clutching her arm. “Do you know who is here this evening?”

“No, I don’t,” Hannah replied. “But I’m sure you’re referring to the vision in the scarlet gown.”

“I am indeed! It’s said she was sent to stay with her uncle to get her out of Boston. Apparently, she shocked Boston society beyond anything by attempting to elope with a gamester! Her papa had to find her out and drag her home, creating a scene that was talked of for weeks! Naturally, she was excluded from last winter’s balls and parties, and those in the know say the damage to her reputation cannot be undone!”

“That’s a pity,” said Hannah, “and we must not make her situation worse by gossiping about her.”

“Oh, certainly not!” whispered Janine and then turned away to tell the story to Mrs. Hunt and Miss Dashmore, who had just arrived.

Hannah was not introduced to the lady in question until just before they sat down to dinner. She was making her way toward Captain Clarke so he could escort her into the dining room when Julia tapped her on the shoulder.

“Hannah, dear, I don’t believe you’ve met Maria Compton. Maria, this is Miss Hannah Winstead.”

Maria Compton’s eyes, as she turned toward Hannah, surprised her. They were brown and beautiful, but there was something cold in them that immediately reminded her of Mr. Godder. She took Maria’s hand graciously, however, and murmured an appropriate greeting.

“I’ve been admiring your gown, Miss Compton. The color suits you very well.”

“Thank you. I had it made for the Governor’s Ball in Boston, but circumstances prevented my attending. You don’t need to look innocent, Miss Winstead. I saw you speaking with that vile Miss Grantley, so I know you must have heard the story of my aborted elopement. Don’t be uneasy,” she added with a laugh. “It doesn’t bother me to be gossiped about in the least.”

Hannah did not know how to reply to such a speech, so she simply stammered, “It’s a lovely dress.”

Aaron then appeared at her elbow. “Hannah, I know my dull remarks are no match for the witticisms of two young ladies, but may I offer you my arm into the dining room?”

“Captain Clarke,” said Julia quickly, “have you met Miss Compton? She’s staying with her uncle and aunt, Colonel and Mrs. Compton. Maria, Captain Aaron Clarke.”

Hannah saw the brown eyes flash as Maria looked directly at Aaron and smiled warmly. She offered her hand and he took it, then—to Hannah’s amazement—raised it to his lips.

“Ah!” cried Maria. “There is gallantry in the provinces! Perhaps my time here will not be as tedious as I expected.”

Hannah had little experience with men and did not know that flattery, a becoming low-cut gown, and flashing dark eyes can wreak havoc on even a sensible man. She was surprised again when, seeing Julia turn away to join Joshua Barker, her most ardent suitor, Aaron turned to Miss Compton and offered his other arm.

The three made their way into the dining room, and Aaron gallantly seated each lady, one on either side of him. But he was accosted by Mrs. Middleburg.

“Oh no, Captain Clarke,” she called gaily. “You will not monopolize two young ladies. Miss Compton must cross to the other side of the table and bestow some of her smiles on Mr. Carnwin.”

Aaron rose and pulled out Maria’s chair, saying to Mrs. Middleburg, “’Tis no matter, ma’am, for I can admire her very easily from across the table.”

This speech brought guffaws from the gentlemen and giggles from the ladies. Many a fan was raised to hide remarks made to neighbors. All eyes were on Maria as she gracefully went round the table and accepted the seat pulled out for her with alacrity by the delighted Mr. Carnwin.

The dinner proceeded. Hannah was very much engaged in speaking with Mr. Dale Kent, who sat on her other side, but whenever she turned toward Aaron, she saw his eyes fixed on Miss Compton. This disturbed her a little, but she dismissed her feelings as silly.

****

Within another two weeks, the village was abuzz with the news that Captain Aaron Clarke was the admirer of Miss Maria Compton. The married ladies of the town did all they could to promote the match by inviting the two principals to every conceivable gathering. Although Miss Compton flirted with any number of gentlemen and Captain Clarke was rather quiet and discreet, it was easy for even a casual observer to see that the two were rather taken with each other.

Hannah could see it too, and it worried her. If Aaron were to marry, which he had every right to do, she herself would be at the mercy of a new mistress. She would become the employee of Mrs. Clarke and so would Mrs. Carne, Katie, Alberta, and Clara. But that was not the worst of it; Aven and Andrew would have a stepmother, and their happiness would depend on her ability to love and be kind to them.

Would Maria Compton treat the little boys well? Hannah tried to convince herself that she would, but a circumstance occurred to make her think otherwise and to cement her growing dislike of Maria.

She had driven her pony to the Middleburgs’ one morning to bring Julia a book of poetry she had promised to lend her. She was sorry to discover on being shown into the drawing room that Maria Compton was there, looking lovely in soft brown voile that matched her eyes. Hannah was too well bred to show her distaste for the woman, however, and greeted her with as much warmth as she could muster.

When Hannah had explained her errand and brought forth the book, the three young ladies began to speak of poetry, comparing authors and works and debating the merits of individual poems.

“I do declare,” commented Miss Compton at one point, “speaking of poetic works and perusing this delightful book of poetry reminds me of many a happy morning spent with Mrs. Dorchester and her daughters in their townhouse on Beacon Hill. Miss Penelope could read so beautifully! Did you say, Miss Winstead, that this volume came from Captain Clarke’s library?”

“Yes,” Hannah replied, pleased that Miss Compton liked poetry. “Captain Clarke has a fine library.”

“I’ll call one morning to see it,” the other replied. Hannah could do nothing but acquiesce, and Maria continued, “Miss Winstead, I’m curious about the children in your care. How long will they be staying with Captain Clarke, and what will you do when they are returned home?”

Hannah was aware of Julia’s surprised glance at the impertinence of the question, but she replied calmly, “The boys are permanently with the captain. He has custody of them and means to raise them as his own.”

Maria tried to appear unconcerned at this news, but Hannah could easily see she was surprised.

“I’m rather shocked,” she owned after a few moments’ thought. “I understood from others who have spoken of the matter that the children’s mother left them for only a year or so while she journeyed to India on some business or other.”

Hannah was not about to be drawn into a further discussion of Captain Clarke’s personal affairs and made no reply. Julia, to smooth the awkwardness of the silence said, “They are charming little boys, Maria; you will like them.”

“My dear,” answered Maria, “there is not a child in the world I would like, probably not even my own if I were to have the misfortune of producing any.” There was silence from the others and she added, “One would need to love a man greatly to take on the care of children that were not even his. Aaron Clarke may have difficulty in obtaining the wife he desires.”

Hannah could listen no longer. “Captain Clarke has said nothing of wishing to marry,” she said pointedly, “so I don’t think you need be concerned about him.”

Maria turned on her with flashing eyes but then suddenly smiled prettily. “I was joking, Miss Winstead, of course. A man as wealthy as Captain Clarke is reputed to be, and as handsome and charming, will have little difficulty when he does choose a bride.”

The party then broke up, and Hannah returned home with her thoughts in turmoil. The first person she saw when she entered the house was Mrs. Carne and overtaken by an irresistible impulse, she confided in her.

After Hannah’s tirade of dislike of Miss Compton had ended, Mrs. Carne laid aside her dust cloth and sighed.

“It’s ever been so, miss, that many a man has little sense when it comes to a sireen like Miss Maria Compton.”

“But, Mrs. Carne, Captain Clarke is such a good man and so clever, how could he be drawn in by such a woman?”

“We don’t know for certain that he has been.”

“All the village is talking of it, and the lady herself is planning her wedding, I vow!”

“It takes two to make a wedding, miss. When he’s put a ring on her finger, I’ll fret. But a flirtation of a few weeks’ time won’t worry me.”

Hannah was forced to leave it at that, but her fears were not allayed. She threw herself into the creation of her gown for the village ball and endeavored to forget that by Captain Clarke’s own admission, he had fallen prey to the wiles of a pretty woman once before. What was to prevent its happening again?