Page 5 of A Rogue to Forget

“And you should not visit as often. I know you are doing it out of kindness.” She left unsaid that rumors would spread that she hosted a single man. But Hannah was not important enough for the gossips. Then again, Henry was one of the most eligible bachelors in Glasgow and he did catch the eye of the rumor mongers.

“What are your plans for the week?” he asked, sitting back, looking very much at home. For a quick moment, she pictured him living there and them having tea and discussing their weeks. It would never come to be that they would be together, but she decided to enjoy moments such as the one presently.

“I have decided to inventory all the furnishings. Those that can be repaired easily, I will see about it. Those that are no longer suitable, I will sell. Although I do not have much money to spare, I plan to redecorate the dining room and entrance. It will make me feel better. Once I am out of mourning, I can host teas and such for women friends.

“Wonderful idea,” Henry exclaimed. “I will personally see to helping you get rid of the things you do not wish to keep. I know of a man who will pay for old furniture as he repairs them and sells them at a market on the outskirts of town.”

Her heart warmed at how he knew people that most of his social class rarely paid any attention to. “How do you know him?”

“I have a rather large family and have helped some of my relatives with such matters.” He stood, went to the doorway, and peered toward the entrance. “Once you are ready, I will personally take you to his shop. You will be amazed at his work, and I am sure you can barter with him to get replacements and repairs.”

Unable to stop herself, Hannah stood and rushed to him throwing her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. The action violated every rule of polite society, but she didn’t care. “Oh Henry, thank you so much. You have no idea how much I treasure your friendship.”

When she sniffed, Henry hugged her back. “Are you crying?”

“I cry about everything lately,” Hannah replied, smiling up at him despite a tear trailing down her cheek. “Do not pay me any mind.”

His blue gaze met hers, a soft lift to the corners of his mouth. “Of course I pay you mind.” When he cleared his throat, Hannah took a step back.

“In two weeks Mister Campbell, I expect your assistance in making my house presentable for company.”

When he hugged her again and pressed a kiss to her temple, Hannah let out a sigh. There was no doubt that when he married, her heart would break into a million tiny pieces.

“I best be on my way,” he told her, his arms loosely around her shoulders. “Do not be sad. You can start making a list of which items you plan to do what with.”

“That is a grand idea,” Hannah replied with what she hoped was a brave face. “Have a good day, Henry. Thank you so much for seeing about me.”

Together they went to the front door, and she stood in the doorway and watched him go to his horse and mount. Unfortunately because he donned a hat, she could not see the sunlight play on his hair. However, he cut a fine form on his horse as he waved at her and rode away.

There was something about the way he’d looked at her that was different that day. It could be her imagination, but it was as if he had a secret he wished to share but didn’t dare.

“Miss Kerr, I am going to the market, do you require anything?”

Hannah turned to Marta. “I cannot think of anything. Would you please see if anyone is giving away puppies? I think I would like one for company.”

“Of course.” The woman went toward the parlor.

“Leave the dishes,” Hannah said still looking out the window. “I will take care of it; I plan to finish my tea. Go on ahead, enjoy the pretty day.”

“Very well. It would do you good to sit in the garden and get some sun,” Marta replied.

Hannah nodded and smiled at the older woman. “Thank you, Marta, I will do just that.”

*

“I have beenknocking on the door for a long time, thank goodness it was unlocked,” Felicity Macleod, her best friend, walked out to the garden and threw her wrap over a chair. “Honestly, Hannah, you should be more careful. Someone could come and accost you. You could be robbed.”

“I do not have anything worth stealing,” Hannah replied, standing to give her friend a hug. “I am so glad you came. Firstly, is there any news?”

Felicity sat down and gave her a worried look. “Evan went to speak to the investigator charged with your father’s case,” she informed her, referring to her husband.

Her stomach sunk. “And?”

“Nothing,” Felicity said with a shake of her head. “No one saw anyone enter or leave the tea shop. They do not have any idea why someone would kill your father. Although the investigator did find out from a man who delivers supplies that about a month ago, a man came and argued with your father.”

“Who was it?”

“The investigator would not give Evan a name. He said he was looking for the person to speak to them.”