Page 20 of A Rogue to Forget

“What is your plan now?” Henry asked, purposely changing the subject. “Knowing you, there is already something in the works.”

“A woman by the name of Louisa Kent has arrived in Glasgow. She purchased a large home not too far from Evan and Felicity. I am sure our dear friends will not hesitate to have her for tea.”

“And you, being a thoughtful gentleman, will not only be at this tea, but you will insist on showing her around Glasgow.”

Mile’s lips curved. “Of course.”

The plan had promise and Henry wondered if he could perhaps intercede and beat Miles to the woman.

“Luckily, Grant has left to the continent. He is traveling with the woman who he expects will give him all the money he requires.”

“If his plan does not work, he will be hard-pressed to come up with the money in a very short time.”

Henry chuckled. “I am confident in our friend. He will have the money.”

“What about you?” Miles asked, his gaze once again delving. “What is your plan?”

“I am going to ask my father for a loan.”

It was an hour or so later that they walked out. Miles looked to Henry. “Where are you going?”

“To see Evan.”

“He is not home. I went over there earlier, and George informed me they’d gone to the convent to see Hannah’s mother.”

The news struck him oddly. In that moment, he felt left out of something important. “How far is it?”

Miles shrugged. “I am not sure, half a day, maybe further. I would be surprised if they return today.”

Looking on as his friend mounted and tapped his hat in farewell, Henry remained rooted to the spot. Why had they decided to go to the convent? Something must have happened the day before.

He mounted and guided his horse to Hannah’s house.

The housekeeper did not seem surprised to see him. Since he often visited, the woman was used to his unannounced visits.

“I hear Hannah went to see her mother,” Henry started as he walked into the foyer. “What happened?”

Marta motioned him to the sitting room. “Would you like to sit down, Mister Campbell?”

“No, thank you,” Henry replied, trying to keep from sounding impatient. “I am not staying.”

The housekeeper seemed to consider whether to reply or not. “The man who approached me the other day at the market. Miss Hannah and I saw him yesterday. He was arrested but refused to talk. Miss Hannah decided to seek answers from Missus Kerr.”

“Did the man try to approach you? Who is he?”

“He did not, especially when Miss Hannah went to a constable. They chased him and my nephew Silas caught him. He is a man called Beans. I do not know his first name, but his last name is McBean.”

Henry nodded. “Thank you.”

Moments later, he rode near the market and slowed his mount. At a leisurely pace, he continued past the stalls of fruits and wares until spotting the man in question. He knew him. Years ago when pursued for payment of his debts, this particular man had been sent to find him.

Although the man had not caught him—Henry was a fast runner—he remembered Beans clearly.

Henry dismounted and walked closer until catching the man’s gaze. “It has been a long time since you’ve chased me,” Henry said by way of greeting.

Beans’ yellowed gaze narrowed. “If I were you, I would keep walking.”

“Who do you work for now? The Blackwells?”