Page 51 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Fourteen

It felt like old times when Henry arrived at Evan’s home and found his three friends lounging in the parlor.

Evan sat at the piano, slow notes of nothing familiar filling the air. Miles sat on a chair, his long legs stretched out as he studied the liquid in his glass.

Then there was Grant, who he’d not expected to be there. Felicity’s brother stood next to the sideboard pouring brandy into two glasses.

“I see you have returned and look well,” Henry said, crossing the room and taking one of the glasses. “What news do you bring from abroad?”

“He has not said a word as of yet,” Miles said, his deep voice with tones of boredom. “I expect he waited on your arrival.”

The music stopped and Evan studied them. “So far it seems only I have come up with the money. Admittedly not quite as planned. We have but eight weeks before I have to meet with Captain MacFarland.”

“I will have the money shortly,” Grant said with a smirk. “She’s agreed to gift it to me, despite my insistence to repay it.”

“Ha,” Miles barked out. “I doubt you put much effort into the argument.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Grant lowered to a chair. “I will have my portion.” He looked to Henry. “What about you?”

“Not sure,” Henry replied with honesty. “There is a chance I will not have it. I have asked my father for a loan, and he is considering it. Then there is another way that I am considering.”

Evan huffed. “Henry will have the money. Miles?”

Lord Johnstone lifted his glass and studied it. “It seems that the only one who has so far stuck to the rules of how to come up with the money is Grant. Therefore, I will do you one better.” He looked at Grant. “I will pursue, seduce, and get the money from a woman in one week. I will wait until it is almost time and then I will begin my pursuit.”

“Very sure of your abilities for someone whose plans just fell through,” Henry said with a laugh.

Of course Miles could afford to take such chances in order to beat Grant. He was wealthy and if worse came to worse and he could not acquire the money by seducing an affluent woman, he could pay it himself.

Evan stood and went to the doors, pulling them closed. “Tell us about this woman, Grant.”

They waited as Grant refilled his already empty glass. “Not much to tell. I will admit to never knowing someone so extremely rich. We traveled throughout Europe staying in ostentatious mansions and estates that rivaled the Versailles. The banquets and balls that we attended had to have cost a king’s ransom. At times, I had to go for long walks so as to not fall into the spell of thinking I belonged. Although the degree of luxury can be quite attractive, it was all so very… contrived.” He continued, “Everyone spent most days sitting about espousing about the stupidest things. The imports of fabrics, the lack of taste of whatever delicacy they’d eaten the day before. Every little thing was nitpicked because they had nothing else to do. Then after tea, everyone would go to their perspective spaces and spend hours preparing for whatever evening fete they chose to attend.”

Grant emptied his cup. “There was some kind of social, must-be-attended gathering every single night.” He looked at each of them. “Every. Single. Night.”

While he took a breath, Henry, Miles, and Evan exchanged amused looks.

“How much longer will this continue?” Henry asked. “You cannot very well walk off into the sunset once you have the money in hand.”

The butler appeared and refilled the decanter with more brandy, his gaze moving about the room. “Would you like something to eat in here, sir?” he asked Evan, who nodded.

“That is certainly something I have to consider,” Grant replied with a pensive expression. “How long can I withstand it?”

Listening to Grant gave Henry a short reprieve. He’d expected to be questioned upon entering about the engagement. To his surprise, his friends either didn’t know, or did not consider it interesting.

“What?” Henry asked, noting everyone looking to him. So much for the reprieve.

“I asked why you have not come up with the money, but instead have to ask for a loan from your father?” Miles asked. “You had planned to marry a young unsuspecting lady with a huge dowry. Had you not?”

It was his turn to make an announcement. Although Evan already knew, he’d left it to him to announce.

“I am engaged to Hannah Kerr. Although she has come about an inheritance of sorts, it is not enough for my portion. Therefore, I have failed in my quest to marry wealth.”

Both Evan and Grant were quick to congratulate him. Each of them nearing and hugging him with enthusiasm and wide smiles.

By the study of him by Miles, Henry expected his aristocratic friend was not as enthused with the idea.

“I am going to marry her, Miles. My parents are informed, albeit not happy about it.” Henry held out his hand. “Are you not going to congratulate me?”