“If it were me, I’d rather have a man of little coin if there was love between us.” She shrugged. “Mama says that marrying for love is the purest form of joy one can find.”
“She’s not wrong.”
“Most of the time she is quite wise, but I fear she is holding back a secret from me.”
“Oh? How so?” This child that would soon enter womanhood fascinated him with her ability to converse with intelligence as well as understanding.
“Her eyes don’t look happy.”
“There is a saying that the eyes are a window to the soul, so you could be correct.” Though, the fact she’d discerned that at her age was somewhat disconcerting. She needed a much longer time to see the world as a child instead of an adult. “I don’t mean to interrupt your flower picking, but could you point me in the right direction to Ettesmere Park? There are two drivers stranded on the road with the broken coach, who need picked up along with my luggage. I told those fellows I would arrange for that as soon as I arrived.”
Hannah put the flowers in a willow basket at her feet. She lifted it and then pointed at the lane. “Just follow the path. The manor isn’t far.”
“Thank you.” He hefted his valise once more.
“I shall come with you. It’s nearly time for tea anyway.” She ducked between the rails of the fence and joined him on the lane. “Do you plan to stay with us since your coach is damaged?”
“Honestly, I have no idea what my plans are now. I don’t know how long it takes to repair a traveling coach.”
“Do you paint or draw?”
“No. Do you?”
“Only marginally, for Mama has made certain I’ve taken lessons. I’d rather explore the countryside and classify plants and flowers. I think it might be rather fun to become a botanist.”
That was surprising. “From the little I know of you, it’s not outside the realm of possibility, and if you apply yourself to studies, I have no doubts you’ll accomplish it.”
A blush stained her cheeks. “I appreciate that, Mr. Mattingly. And please, keep this secret. I haven’t told my family yet.”
“Of course.” His immediate future might be undecided, but he supposed one manor house in the English countryside was much like the other, especially if the remainder of this girl’s family was as interesting as she. “Do you enjoy staying at Ettesmere Park?”
“Most of the time, but if I had my druthers, I prefer London.”
“I do too. There is life and bustle there. So much to see and do. People all around. It helps when I’m feeling as if I’m alone in the world.” Why the hell had he admitted to that?
“That is exactly how it feels in London. And the lending libraries are vastly superior.” Hannah shot with a grin. Respect shadowed her eyes. “For a stranger, there is something about you, Mr. Mattingly, that makes my soul feel like it has found a friend.”
“Then I’d be honored to accept said friendship.” Lord knew everyone could use more friends. “It’s a lovely area.”
“Agreed, and the park even more so. I particularly like the maze.”
“How intriguing. I don’t know that I’ve ever been in a maze.”
Hannah smiled. “Then I’ll have that advantage over you, Mr. Mattingly.” Then she pointed. “There is Ettesmere Park. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”
He glanced at the charming edifice with the trailing ivy on one side and the three-storied façade. Green manicured lawns rolled away from it in the back. “I have a feeling that I just might.” And from the way anticipation buzzed at the base of his spine, he knew it might change his life in ways he could never imagine.