Page 3 of A Rogue to Forget

“Nonsense,” his mother stated.

“Besides, I have no title. I am sure they will seek a titled man for her,” Henry added.

His mother rolled her eyes. “He is only speaking as a brother. Although I must admit, he has a greater understanding of your private life than we do. I hate to know why he insisted that you not court his sister.”

Despite his mother’s grave expression, Henry chuckled. “Mother, I am sure it is because his family has already chosen a partner for the lass. I do not know her; perhaps she is too young still for the marriage market.”

“What about…?”

“I will think on it, I promise,” Henry interrupted his mother. “Now tell me, who is coming to help you prepare. Alana?” he asked, knowing his mother would not wish to have his sister there at the moment. In Alana’s current state of expecting her fourth child, she was a bear to be around.

It wasn’t that his mother was opposed to the children, it was that his sister was rather annoying when in the family way. Complaining about everything from the weather to even the air she breathed.

Henry found it comical; his mother, not so much. The family as a whole did their best to avoid Alana, except to ensure she was well. She lived a short distance away with her ever-suffering and doting husband.

“Goodness no.” His mother sipped from her cup, her eyes moving to the windows. “I have plenty of help from my friends.”

*

It was latein the afternoon when Henry finally left his father’s study to go out. He needed to check on someone, ensure she was well.

Hannah was alone, with no family and barely enough money. Although it was not his responsibility, he’d made it so to look after her. The distraught young woman was not only reeling from her father’s murder, but being abandoned suddenly by her mother, who’d decided she needed to seek solace in a convent.

That he’d been the one to find her father’s body, and had given the news to both her and her mother, it set things in motion for Henry to stop by often and visit.

Hannah insisted that he should not come around and witness her mental state, but something about her pulled to him. It was more than attraction to the lovely woman. The situation brought out the protector in him; a part he’d never known before rose and demanded he ensure Hannah came to no harm.