“But they are, and neither of us can deny them.” She heaved out a sigh. “Mama always tells me that the best things in life occur unexpectedly and without planning; it was what happened when she met my father.” Shadows clouded her eyes briefly, gone with her next blink. “She needs happiness in her life right now, I think, so do you, so why shouldn’t you ask for her hand? It would be a lovely way to make her last days wonderful.”
The child’s heart was in the right place, but she simply didn’t understand there was more to it than magic. “Your mother and I aren’t in love, you understand. Such things could affect a union.” It was important she understand that. He wanted no misunderstandings, even if his own feelings were already rushing toward such a state. Perhaps that was a good indicator of his inexperience, or perhaps he merely knew what he wanted.
“But you can still marry her as a friend. I know it’s done; my friends have older siblings and such. And that will take care of the legalities, yes?”
Clever girl.She’d be trouble down the line. “How do you know these things?”
“Everyone assumes children don’t have any idea about what goes on around them. They think that because we don’t talk about certain things, we remain ignorant of them.”
“And why have you selected me over a different man?”
“Don’t ask me such a nodcock question.” Nothing but sincerity reflected in her face. “I’m not a dunce. I’ve seen the looks you exchange with my mother.”
That was good information to tuck away, even as heat crept up his neck. But she deserved his respect and his honesty. “It would probably be a marriage of convenience only, so that you might have a parent and stability once she dies.” His voice faltered on that last word, but he couldn’t think of that now.
“You will make her last days pleasant, though.”
“To the best of my ability.” That was a truth he wouldn’t waver from.
“That is the most important thing.” She nodded. “But do you think you might fall in love with her if she lives for a few months more?” There was such a wistful tone in her voice, his heart went out to her. “It’s something I know she worries over, that finding a new husband who will care for her until the end.”
It was astonishing how much this child carried upon her shoulders. If at all possible, he would alleviate that for her so she could enjoy what remained of her childhood. “Well, considering I’m halfway at sixes and sevens around her, it wouldn’t take much.”
“How wonderful!” Hannah smiled. “Mama is a special person. She adores flowers and pretty gowns and gems that sparkle, people who make her laugh, and watching sunsets.” Her swallow was audible. “I suppose those are all things she will miss the most.”
“Then we’ll do our best to give her those and then remember them for her as we move forward.”
“Oh, and kisses! Mama loves those.”
“Ah, I see.” That was something indeed he would like to give to Sophia. The heavy responsibility he would potentially gain if he convinced her to marry him settled over his shoulders. Did he have the mettle to become an instant father? He met Hannah’s eyes, caught the hope and anticipation there, and he sighed.
“If it helps, I already spoke to my father about you taking up where he left off.”
The announcement made his lower jaw drop. “I beg your pardon?”
The girl nodded. “I often talk to Papa about things that bother me or worry me. Sometimes, when he answers, I feel it here.” She touched a hand to her chest. “When I asked if he would mind me having a new papa, all I felt was peace, so I know he approves.”
“I see.” The maturity of this young girl and how she had managed to cope with her life amazed him. Perhaps he wouldn’t be teaching her much along the way, but it would be her teaching him. “I’m telling you all of this in the strictest of confidences.” He lowered his voice to make it seem as conspiratorial as possible. “I had already planned to propose to your mother this afternoon, for I’m serious when I say I’m enchanted by her. Only God knows if she’ll accept.” When she jumped up and down in place, he held up a hand. “But please, you must keep it a secret until we know what she says.”
“I will. I promise!” Impulsively, she threw herself into his arms and gave him a hug. “Thank you, Mr. Mattingly. We shall all get along famously, and then I needn’t worry so much that I’ll be alone when the inevitable occurs. I am so happy I’ll have a father again!”
The excitement both bolstered his confidence and discomfited him. “What’s the English saying?” He cocked his head to one side. “Oh, yes, don’t rush my fences for me.” When he flashed a grin, she giggled. “Is there anything I should know about your mother that will strengthen my case?”
“I don’t think so, but she already considers you are adorable.”
Heat on his neck intensified. “Is that so?”
“She likes your spectacles and that you read. Intelligent men, according to Mama, are quite attractive.” When the girl tried to wink, both of her eyes briefly closed, and he bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “May I come with you into the maze?”
“I’d rather you didn’t. If you mother agrees to my suit, there might be kissing.”
God, please let there be kissing!
Hannah shrugged. “I don’t mind. Sometimes kissing is romantic. Unless Uncle Arthur is doing it.”
I don’t want to do this in front of an audience.For it might prove emotional for them both. “There might be lots of kissing.” And if he was lucky, a bit of exploring might follow.
“Yuck.” Finally, the girl pulled a face. “I’ll stay behind but come find me immediately if you have good fortune. I wish to pick out a dress for the occasion. Perhaps my grandmother will let us clip some roses for vases.” With a wave and a wide smile, Hannah dashed away from him and loped through the gardens toward the manor house.