Page 49 of A Rogue to Forget

Hannah lifted her gaze to the woman. It was obvious that both Henry and Alana, who was lovely, got their good looks from their mother. Although older, Catriona Campbell remained a beauty.

Lips pursed as if considering what to say, she studied Hannah for a long moment.

It took all her will not to speak first and tell the woman she cared very little about society and all the rules that her marriage with Henry would violate.

“My son is quite taken with you.”

Hannah nodded.

“I can see why. You are a lovely young thing.”

“Thank you.”

The woman looked to the doorway. “I suppose there is no need to explain to you why a marriage between you would be detrimental to Henry’s status in the community. It would bring scandal to our doorstep. Surely you do not want that.”

“Scandal is everywhere, Mrs. Campbell. I am not sure what scandal you speak of. That my father was murdered was neither his fault nor mine. Once the killer is brought to justice, you will learn it had nothing to do with any type of felonious undertaking on his part.”

The woman seemed taken aback by her long response. “You seem very sure about it.”

“I know my father was a respectable man, a man with unwavering values. He would never be part of anything criminal. I have done investigating of my own.”

Mrs. Campbell’s face hardened. “And so have I. Perhaps not your father, but your mother has a rather questionable past. It will come to light. If you marry my son, one of the most eligible men in Glasgow, inquiries will be made.” She held out a hand. “And before you say it isn’t true. I know our social circles. They are not keen to accept an unknown woman, without any kind of credentials to recommend her, readily.”

“Mother!” Alana fought to sit up. “You are being cruel.”

“I am being honest. This lass has to know what she is facing. What Henry will have to endure.”

Hannah stood. She wanted to run from the room and straight out the door. However, if she were to be honest, she’d not expected a warm welcome.

“If your circles are such as you describe, why would anyone wish to be part of them? I prefer true friendships to horrible people who cannot see past a person’s personal worth.”

“We cannot change society,” Mrs. Campbell replied, her tone clipped. “It is the way of the world.”

“Perhaps,” Hannah replied. “But we can change whom we surround ourselves with.”

She stood and walked to the doorway, fully aware it was rude to not wait for the matriarch. Once in the hallway, she listened for voices and then entered the dining room.

At once, Henry stood and came to greet her. He searched her face, but she’d already schooled it. “This is such a beautiful room.”

“Err…yes. It is.” He ushered her to a chair and assisted her to sit.

His mother and Alana entered after and were seated. Both looked to Hannah, who sipped her wine wishing it were something stronger. She refused to look at Felicity, as her friend would immediately know she was furious.

“I am glad for everyone to be here. Let us raise a glass to Henry and Hannah,” Henry’s father, bless him, tried to lighten the mood in the room.

Everyone lifted their glasses and took a sip.

Henry then cleared his throat. “I would like to toast Hannah. For her bravery in coming here and accepting to marry me despite the obstacles that will present themselves. I am proud of you.” When he met her gaze and winked, Hannah smiled. Only Henry could lighten her mood with but a look.

His mother exchanged looks with Alana, who seemed delighted at what had to be the most drama she’d experienced in months.

The meal looked delicious; however, to Hannah, it tasted horrible. Either it was bland, or the conversation with Henry’s mother had left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Thankfully, Felicity kept the conversation going, bringing up the butterfly ball and the upcoming women’s tea at her house.

“I will ensure an invitation is delivered promptly,” Felicity said and then looked to Alana. “I suppose you will not be able to attend.”

Alana grimaced. “No sadly.”