Page 4 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Two

Hannah pushed the curtain aside and peered out to the street. A carriage rambled by. The driver sat ramrod straight, gaze ahead. Across the street, a pair of women walked by, each with a basket hanging from their arms. In all probability, they headed to the market to shop for the day’s needs. Absently, she wondered what they would purchase and if they had other problems in their life besides ensuring to prepare a good meal that day.

As of late, she’d spend most of her time indoors. Mourning her father’s death meant she should not attend any social functions, nor go out to tea or other things. Not at least for a month. It had only been two weeks and already she grew restless and bored.

It would be different if she had company, but living in the house alone meant the only company was her housekeeper, Marta, who was a godsend, and a young chambermaid who came once a week to clean.

A man on horseback appeared and at once she knew who it was.

Henry Campbell.

She stared down and watched as he dismounted and tied his horse to ensure it stayed. Then straightening his jacket, he walked to the front door.

Automatically, her hand went to her hair. She’d not expected to see him that day; it had only been a pair of days since he’d last come by.

For whatever reason, Henry had taken it upon himself to be her protector and ensure all was well. As much as she looked forward to his visits, the fact that one day he would go and never return brought anxiety to her heart.

Voices downstairs told that Marta had invited him in, and Hannah glanced quickly in the mirror to see the visage of drawn features and an empty gaze. Dragging her eyes away, she exited the room and went down the stairs.

“Hello Henry,” she greeted upon reaching the landing. “It is nice to see you. I did not expect your company again this week.”

Butterflies tumbled in her stomach when his gaze met hers. To describe him would sound like an exaggeration. Her closest friend, Felicity Macleod, had often described him as “beautiful” and Hannah had to agree.

Henry was exquisite, there was nothing about him that was not perfect. Tall, with light brown hair that he did not have to do much to for the waves to fall into place. He had clear blue eyes that were framed by thick long lashes and further enhanced by two straight slashes for eyebrows. He had a strong jawline, and his lips were just thick enough to give a woman unseemly thoughts.

It was clear that he was either unaware of his attractiveness, or he tried his best to ignore it, not seeming to notice the looks of appreciation from both men and women whenever he entered a room.

Hannah was certainly not immune to him and had to remind herself constantly that he was only a friend, and their relationship would never go further. Not just because of the fact he’d never once attempted anything familiar, but also because their social standings were vastly different. She was on the verge of destitution and he was a member of a very wealthy family.

“Please come into the sitting room. I am craving a cup of tea.” Hannah walked into the only room she and her parents had spent money on to ensure company could be hosted without showing how horrible their financial situation had become. The walls, carpets, and seating had all been updated just a pair of years past, and for it, she was glad.

Marta brought a tray with tea and two plates with a slice of cake on each. The woman was a wonder when it came to stretching the budget for food.

“What brings you today? Is there something I can help you with?” Hannah asked as she poured the tea. “I am so grateful for company. I cannot wait for another pair of weeks to pass so I can go out and do simple things.” She smiled, handing Henry his cup, a tingle going up her arm when their hands touched.

“I came to see how you were. I was passing by on my way to meet with someone. Business,” he clarified.

Hannah poured tea into a second cup. “I see. Well thank you so much.”

“My family is hosting a party next Saturday,” Henry said and visibly cringed. “Sorry. I am not sure why I am telling you as you will still be in mourning.”

It was hard to not smile at his discomfort. “Even if I was not in mourning, I am sure that I would not be on the guest list. You and I are on very different social levels.”

“You are my friend, and I would invite you. As a matter of fact, although you cannot attend, know that you are very much invited.”

Despite the pang in her chest, Hannah chuckled. “Thank you very much, Mister Campbell. I am honored. If I were not in mourning, I would accept,” she teased.

She studied him for a moment. It would make it so much easier on her foolish heart if he did not visit as often. When he married, which he would of course to a woman of his social standing, she would be devastated.

He met her gaze for a moment and then looked around the room. “Have you decided what to do about your living situation? You should not live alone.”

“Says the man who is here visiting me while I am unescorted,” Hannah goaded.

His sensuous lips curved, and his gaze moved to the doorway. “Your housekeeper is about.”

“I have written my only aunt, who lives closer to Edinburgh, and asked if she would consider moving here to live with me. I am not sure she will agree, but she is a widow and has been alone for a few years. It could be she is ready for a change.”

He nodded. “It would be a good solution. It would be safer and a way for you to continue to live in this house.”