Page 50 of A Rogue to Forget

Henry’s father met Hannah’s gaze. “What about you, sweet girl. Do you plan to begin hosting soon?”

“I am currently redecorating. But once it is completed, I hope to host ladies for tea.”

“Will there be someone living with you that can chaperone?” Mrs. Campbell asked. She knew full well what her situation was.

“Mrs. Murray has agreed to chaperone once I host events. I am still awaiting word from my aunt. I’ve invited her to live with me.”

Alana frowned. “Where is your mother?”

When Hannah took a breath, Henry spoke. “After Hannah’s father was killed, her mother felt a calling to join the convent.”

“For propriety’s sake, I would think she could ignore the calling until her daughter was established.” Mrs. Campbell shook her head. “Why would she leave?”

Henry’s father’s eyes shined with interest at the turn in the conversation. Hannah exchanged worried looks with Felicity.

Her friend attempted to intervene. “She was not strong enough to handle the death and did not take it well.”

“Not the time for this discussion. There is naught that can be done now,” Henry added.

Alana’s forlorn expression, as if on the brink of tears, was strange. “You poor dear. I cannot imagine going through so much.” She slid a look to her mother. “We should all strive to be kind to Hannah.”

“There is no need to warn us about such things, Alana,” Mr. Campbell said, looking to both his wife and daughter. “I think they have enough to face. We should support them.”

Hannah adored the man in that moment.

Mrs. Campbell straightened. “A mother ensures that her children do well and have the best of everything. No one can blame me for wishing that Henry make a wise decision and marry the right person.”

“That is what I am doing, Mother,” Henry replied. “I do not require the approval of anyone but the people in this room.”

“Our social circles…our acquaintances…” Mrs. Campbell made circular motions with her hands. “What about their reactions? You cannot pretend to be completely immune. What about me and your father?”

“Calm down, dear. I am sure things will work themselves out.”

For a beat, everyone was silent. Hannah wasn’t sure what she felt. On one hand, she would not break Henry’s heart, or hers for that matter, because of what Mrs. Campbell suggested. On the other hand, she worried that the woman was right. It would not affect her, the marriage, but what exactly would be the impact on Henry’s family?

“I am not sure who all you refer to, Mrs. Campbell,” Felicity said. “If you remember correctly, Lord Thomas married a woman who’s been divorced twice. The Duke of Stallings left his wife and is now living in Edinburgh with a woman half his age. His wife, the duchess, keeps lovers and is not discreet about it. Then there is the latest scandal, Felicity Murray marrying the rogue, Evan Macleod.” She took a breath and looked to Hannah. “The only thing that my dear friend Hannah will bring to your family is her strength, bravery, and deep abiding love for your Henry.”

A tear trickled down Hannah’s cheek. Never had she felt so supported and loved as she did in that moment. Henry took her hand and squeezed it.

“I am in total agreement with Felicity. With your outward support of our marriage, it will stop some of the gossips who will be too afraid to lose your esteem,” Henry added.

After dinner, the men remained in the dining room and the women returned to the parlor, where the subject was changed to a more neutral topic of the weather and gardening.

Finally, it neared time to leave.

“Thank you very much for a lovely meal,” Hannah said to Mrs. Campbell. “I am sorry you are upset. I hope one day, you will come to accept me.”

The woman let out a breath. “My sentiments have nothing to do with you. You are a lovely young woman.” She turned to Felicity. “I will ponder on what you have said.”

On the carriage ride home, Felicity went on about how horrible Mrs. Campbell had been to Hannah. “I expected more from her. I’ve always thought her to be a nice person.”

“She is a product of her upbringing. People of the aristocracy are brought up to think of nothing more than social standing and what others think,” Hannah said. “I understand her wishing for a good match for Henry.”

“Nonetheless. Henry has chosen you. She will have to accept it.” Felicity gave her a stern look. “And don’t you get it into your head that anything she said is valid.”

Hannah giggled. “I certainly was having second thoughts. Until your speech.”

Both laughed.

There would be interesting days ahead. Hannah prayed it would not change things between her and Henry.