Page 30 of A Rogue to Forget

“You earned it,” Hannah said. “Do not use it to leave me.”

Marta laughed. “I could never do that to you, Miss Hannah. You have lost too much already.” The woman folded the notes, then pulled one. “I will give this to Silas for his help.”

“There is something else I wish to speak to you about.” Hannah motioned for Marta to sit. “I have been thinking. We should hire a permanent maid. You do too much, and I can afford one more person now.”

The money from the box had been deposited at the bank. She was financially secure now, not having to pinch pennies or worry about repairs for the house or other things that had plagued her since her mother’s departure.

“I do not mind,” Marta said, looking around the kitchen. The woman was fiercely territorial. “Would this person live here?”

Hannah shrugged. “Not necessarily. Perhaps someone who comes every day to help and leaves in the evening. I will need you to accompany me more, therefore there must be someone here.”

“Very well. I will help you find someone.”

*

With Silas intow, Hannah rode in a hired carriage to Felicity’s house. The butler greeted her warmly as she stepped into the parlor.

“Missus Macleod is in the sitting room.”

Hannah entered the room and could sense something was wrong. Felicity let out a sigh and motioned to an empty chair. “I am so glad you’re here. I could use the company.”

“Is something wrong?” Hannah studied her friend’s face.

Felicity smiled. “No, nothing really. I was just worried about you today. With all the rumors flying.”

“I told him not to come back. It is not right for a bachelor to come calling all the time.” Hannah smiled at Felicity. “I was becoming too attached.”

Her friend’s wide eyes met hers. “When did you see him? How did you hear?”

“This morning,” Hannah replied. “I have not heard anything as of yet. But I knew sooner than later, the gossips would speculate about his visiting so often and alone.”

“This morning,” Felicity repeated, not meeting her gaze. “Hannah, that he visits is not what I’m referring to.”

“What are you talking about?”

Just then a maid walked in with a tray. On it were two glasses of lemonade and dainty biscuits.

“Thank you, Rosalie,” Felicity said, dismissing the woman.

“Something is wrong,” Hannah said, her heart racing. “What happened?”

It was a few beats before Felicity seemed to gather her thoughts. “Last night at the ball. Henry and Una Stewart were caught in a rather compromising state.”

Immediately, her stomach plunged and her chest constricted. Hannah gasped. “What?”

“From what I heard, it was a rather passionate kiss and embrace. The women who happened upon them said it was a bit before Henry and Una even noticed their presence.”

“I see. It is not surprising. The Stewarts are close friends of the Campbells, are they not?” It was as if she was not in her body but outside, watching what occurred. An empty version of herself sitting near Felicity, speaking as if all was well.

“I suppose,” Felicity replied, studying her closely. “I am sorry. I know you care a great deal for Henry.”

Hannah nodded. “This was going to happen sooner or later. Which is why I was stern with him this morning. What upsets me is that he did not tell me. He should have informed me. Instead, he acted as if all was the same. If anything, the fact he came to visit after what occurred angers me. How could he?”

To her shock, tears began to fall, trailing down her face unabated. Once again, she was to lose someone. How much more could she take?

“Promise you will never leave me.” Hannah reached for Felicity’s hand. “Promise.”

A tear trickled down Felicity’s cheek. “I promise. I will never, ever leave you.”