The Lady Seals Her Fate (The Langley Sisters #5) by Wendy Vella

and her maid up into his carriage, before climbing into the driver seat. Taking the reins, he was soon rolling through the London streets toward the park. Hannah sat quietly beside him staring straight ahead. He knew her well enough to know she was consumed with thoughts of her father and the situation she had placed Alex in.
    “You will have to forgive your father at some stage, Hannah.”
    “He betrayed me.” Her voice was flat and cold. “And in doing so forced us into this ridiculous charade.”
    “No one forced you into that, you came up with it all by yourself, so do not include me.”
    “I know.” Hannah sighed. “And I am aware of the inconvenience I am putting you to.”
    “Getting back to forgiving your father,” Alex said. “If Bridgette came to you tomorrow and said she was in trouble, that she had done something extremely foolish, but saw no way to extricate herself from the situation, would you do whatever was in your power to help her?”
    “That is not the same.”
    Alex tipped his hat to a lady walking down the street.
    “Answer the question please, Hannah.”
    “Knowing Bridgette, I imagine that it is something that is likely to happen in the future.”
    “Answer the question.”
    “Yes!” He didn’t smile at her tone. “I would do whatever I could to help her, and am taking whatever steps are necessary to keep her safe.”
    “What do you mean, you are taking whatever steps are necessary to keep Bridgette safe?” Alex looked at Hannah, but she had turned away.
    “I misspoke, Alex, I mean I would do whatever was necessary.”
    Alex wasn’t entirely sure she was telling the truth, but dismissed the thought. Woolly would never allow anything to threaten his daughters.
    “And do you think it is any different for your father, Hannah? No matter how misguided, he loves you and believed he was doing the right thing on your behalf.”
    She looked at a flower seller, and then raised her eyes to the tall buildings they passed. Her sigh told him he was right.
    “It hurts because usually he would listen to me, Alex, but in this he would not see reason. He thought increasing my dowry meant every eligible man would be at my door, not all the poor ones.”
    “You did not believe him capable of doing what he believed was the right thing for the daughter he loves very much? Did not believe him capable of making a mistake when your interests are concerned? He is worried about his heart, and this, as far as he is concerned, is reason enough to push you into marriage.” Alex knew this because his eldest brother had told him after he questioned Woolly over Hannah’s increased dowry.
    She was silent as he turned into the park. Her beauty shone in the sunshine, the deep emerald bonnet and pelisse made her skin seem almost alabaster, and the simple white dress finished the picture of exquisite beauty. Slender, elegant, she was a lady to her toes.
    “Yes.” She sighed again. “I know what you say is true, and know that his intentions were probably good, now that my spleen has cooled slightly. But I am still not ready to forgive him.”
    “I know.” He squeezed her hand then concentrated on maneuvering around a few carriages.
    “Alex, I want you to know that I am very sorry for what I have done to you. I had no right to embroil you in my problems.”
    He looked at her briefly. “Why did you?”
    “I don’t know, you just popped into my head and then your name was on my lips.”
    “At least you are honest, and after giving the matter a great deal of thought, I’ve come to the realization that this situation may help me also.”
    He saw a group of young women walking with an older lady, the Countess of Sinclair. She had four daughters, all of marriageable age. They waved to him, hoping he would stop, and then lowered their hands when they saw Hannah seated at his side. Yes, Alex thought, this may well work in his favor.
    “How so?” Hannah had been watching the women also.
    “I am a hunted