Page 38 of A Rogue to Forget

Morning came and,to Hannah’s surprise, she felt refreshed. Although she was reluctant to have to face other people, she dressed and combed her hair. When looking in the mirror, she noted that although a bit pale, she did look well-rested. It could be that without the threat, she was able to sleep better.

“Good morning,” Felicity greeted her in the corridor. “I was just about to come and fetch you for breakfast. Cook has outdone herself, it smells lovely.”

They went to the dining room where Evan already sat. He stood and held out a chair for his wife and then for Hannah.

“Were you able to sleep well?” he asked her and Hannah nodded.

“After the teas, food, and bath, I slept like a babe.”

“I am glad to hear it,” he replied with a smile.

“We must move forward. Perhaps plan a lady’s tea here,” Felicity said. “I do not wish to pressure you, but the sooner we move forward, the better for you.”

The underlying reason was of course that Henry was to marry soon, and Felicity tried to distract her from it.

In actuality, the thought of it broke her heart. Each time she remembered what had occurred between Henry and another woman, it was as if her entire body split into pieces.

“Yes. I agree, it is best to move forward and begin my new life. It seems I will be living alone for the time being.”

Felicity nodded. “With Marta as a companion, all should be well. What about perhaps hiring a butler?”

“No,” Hannah replied. “I do not feel comfortable with men under my employ. Silas is enough. I have hired a maid.”

It was afternoon by the time she and Marta returned home. She was excited at the prospect of continuing with redecorating the house. It had been a relief that Jules had not wanted the money, because without it, things would have been harder for her.

Now as she walked into the disorganized house, all she saw were possibilities.

“I will change into something more serviceable. In the meantime, put the items that will be fixed near the front door,” she said to Silas.

By the time the men arrived, and furniture was loaded and taken away; the sitting room and dining room were bare except for the main table.

“My goodness,” Marta said. “Where will you eat until the chairs are returned?”

“In the parlor. Let us set up a table with two chairs for meals.” They went to the parlor and moved a round table to one side of the room near the French doors. Then they brought a matching set of chairs from her father’s office and put them on either side.

Hannah covered the table with a large square embroidered cloth and in the center placed a vase. “I will cut some flowers. Can you fetch tea? I am famished.”

“It looks lovely,” Marta said and hurried away.

With little Betty at her heels, seeming to find interesting smells in every corner of the garden, Hannah walked about and snipped flowers for the vase. Flowers she and her mother had tended over the years bloomed brightly despite the dire need for tending. With a sigh, Hannah realized she looked forward to the task of gardening. The more to keep her occupied the better.

“You look beautiful today.” Henry’s voice fell over her and she fought not to turn and face him. Her chest constricted and Hannah blinked, attempting to keep from crying.

“Why are you here? Did you not get my message? Felicity said it would be delivered today.”

He walked closer. Despite her not looking at him, she caught sight of his booted foot. “I did, which is why I am here.”

“Please, Henry.” Hannah finally turned to him. It took her breath to see him. He was the only man she’d ever love, and now alone with him, all she could think was how much she missed him and needed his touch.

“I am not going to marry her. I’ve made it clear to her family. I cannot, will not marry someone I do not care for or am not attracted to.”

The basket forgotten, Hannah hurried to the side of the house where passersby would not see her. Her chest heaved with deep gulps of air.

“What happened, are you unwell?” Henry neared and held her by the upper arms. “Hannah?”

“I have to move on. Don’t you see? You cannot continue to come. It makes it harder.”

From behind him, she caught sight of Marta, who looked on with understanding and then walked away. She’d give them privacy, for which Hannah was thankful.