Page 52 of A Rogue to Forget

Instead of taking his hand right away, Miles stood to his full towering height and then shook it. “Have you thought this through? There is the matter of Jules Brown and his unsavory business. It could…no, it will cause problems.”

“I have taken it all into consideration. There is nothing Jules Brown can do that would affect my family or my marriage. It was obvious he wished nothing to do with Hannah other than to acquire that box.”

Henry met Miles’s gaze. “I understand your perspective. It is not lost on me that if things were different, it would be simpler to marry someone from our social circles. However, I have made up my mind.”

“Will you marry someone of your class just to ensure to keep the right pedigree in your family?” Grant asked with a lazy grin directed at Miles.

“I would rather not marry than risk harm,” Miles replied. He turned his attention back to Henry. “We can try to ignore things, and for the most part, I prefer not to think of titles and such. However, it is inescapable. There are certain responsibilities that cannot be ignored. You will be quite wealthy upon your father’s death.”

Picturing punching Miles was easier than listening to yet another person explain the responsibilities of their social standing. It was ridiculous.

“Do you hear yourself?” Henry finally said. “Lecturing me as if I was just born yesterday. I come from a long lineage. Clan Campbell was and continues to be the most powerful presence in Scotland. I do not take my duties lightly. Hannah Kerr has every quality desired in a lady; she will not waver in her duties. I have little doubt of her abilities. Therefore, the only obstacle is people who think that all begins and ends within the ridiculous clutch we live in.”

“I do wish you the best,” Miles said. “I really do.” His friend frowned. “I wish it were different. I am only presenting the facts, not how I personally believe.”

Henry relented. “I understand your concerns and do know you are not an elitist. I hope that when you fall in love, she will be your social equal. It is much easier that way.”

“I will support you in this,” Miles assured him. Both Evan and Grant repeated that they’d help wherever they could.

Once again, Evan began playing the piano, the music soft and a bit melancholy.

“Should we visit this Jules Brown and ensure he will not be a problem for Hannah?” Grant asked.

Despite the fact Henry had considered the same thing, he shook his head. “It is probably best we let things as they are. It cannot be a good idea.”

Evan stopped playing. “You should be receiving invitations. Felicity and I are hosting a gathering, nothing elaborate. She is itching to introduce Hannah properly to those who will be more amenable to your marriage.”

*

Upon entering Hannah’shouse, Henry immediately sensed something was wrong. Hannah did not stand to greet him upon him entering the parlor. Instead, she looked up at him with a worried expression.

“Is something wrong?” Henry looked to Hannah and then to Marta, who lingered at the door.

When Hannah did not reply, Marta let out a long sigh. “Your mother sent a letter.”

It was then he noticed the crumpled paper clutched in Hannah’s hand. She took a shaky breath and held it up to him. “We will not marry, Henry. Your family will never accept me. I cannot possibly do that to you. Please leave.”

His heart thundered in his chest as he read the words. His mother’s attempt to dissuade Hannah by informing her that he’d be outcast by his family and society for marrying someone whose brother owned gambling dens.

“Who told her?” Hannah asked.

Henry sighed. “Probably my father. He can never keep secrets from her. I am sure it was a slip and not intentional.”

“For the best,” Hannah said, sounding tired. “That she knows everything. We should have told her. It was bound to come out sooner or later.”

He lowered to sit next to Hannah and took her hand. Marta walked away to give them privacy, although Henry was sure she remained within earshot.

“I will not be outcast from my family. My mother is shocked at the news and thinking the worst will happen. I ask that you give me a few days to smooth things over. Once I explain that Jules will never be part of your life…”

“Won’t he?” Hannah interrupted. “How do we know this? He is my half-brother, and not only that, but I do wish to know if he killed my father. There are too many issues, Henry. Please understand me. I cannot marry you and go into our marriage with so many unanswered questions and obstacles in the way.”

Unable to keep from it, Henry released her hand and stood. “Is that how little you care for me? That you allow exterior things to compromise what we have?”

Hannah took a fortifying breath. “It is because of how dear you are to me that I wish to keep you and your family away from everything that a marriage to me brings. Understand me.”

“I do understand. You should also see my view of things. It matters not to me if you bring an entire army of adversaries. I would fight every single one for you. For us.”

“I am not that strong.”