Page 55 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Fifteen

As much as Hannah appreciated Felicity’s attempt to distract her by taking her to dinner at the Murrays’ home, she really wanted to go home and be alone.

The lively conversation around the room was almost grating. Admittedly, it was nice to see Grant was in attendance although there was little interaction with his father.

“All those social events sound exhausting,” Mrs. Murray exclaimed. “I cannot say I envy the life of the very rich.”

Grant turned to Hannah. “Henry told me you and he are to marry. I am very happy for you.”

There was a stony silence. It seemed everyone except for Grant was aware the engagement had been called off.

“I have decided not to accept his proposal after all.” Hannah let out a breath and attempted at a smile. “It was a beautiful dream, but there are too many obstacles.”

“Ah,” Grant remarked. “Like my sister, I always considered you to be a bit of a rebel. I suppose you must have not felt strongly enough if you are not fighting for him.”

How dare a rogue like Grant accuse her of not loving Henry enough?

“I love Henry. Which is why I am willing to sacrifice myself to not affect him or his family negatively. You have been gone. Are not aware of my half-brother.”

Grant waved away her words and Hannah fought not to throw her glass at his head.

“Social standings, scandals, blah, blah, blah. Those people love a scandal; they live for marriages like yours so they have something to say to each other over tea. Then when the next social scandal comes along, they move on and all but forget you.”

Felicity gave her brother a sharp look. “What are your plans now that you’ve returned from this time abroad with wealthy people?”

At her pointed comment, Grant nodded. “I do not know. I have finished a novel and will be meeting with a publisher in Edinburgh.”

“A book?” Mr. Murray took in his son. “Do you not have better things to do. Like perhaps a proper occupation?”

The Murrays began debating what Grant should do while he smiled as if keeping a secret. Hannah decided he’d come up with his portion of the sponsorship capital and would soon be wealthy enough to do whatever he wished.

Hannah was grateful when she returned to her quiet and admittedly lonely house. The new maid greeted her and brought tea to her bedroom. Since Henry left, she’d not had a moment alone. It felt as if her world ended and she was now living a different reality.

She was too stunned for tears; there was no need for them. Crying meant that she still had emotions, but instead, there was an emptiness so vast every bit of her being was parched.

Movement outside the window caught her attention and she turned to the doorway. Had she left Betty outside? The poor thing would be terrified as she usually only stayed out as long as someone watched over her.

Hurrying down the stairs, Hannah went to the parlor and out the French doors. “Betty,” she whispered. “Come here, girl.”

There was nothing, no sound except for the wind.

“You have made this much easier.” A figure appeared from the side of the house. “I planned to get a ladder and climb up to your window.”

Hannah clasped a hand over her mouth to keep from shrieking. “Henry. What are you doing here? It is almost midnight.”

“I have a plan. Whether you are willing or not, I will go through with it.”

Dressed from head to toe in black, he looked every bit a villain. He wore a scarf that covered half his mouth and a cape that fell from his shoulders to his ankles.

“I thought my dog was outside. She’s probably with Silas.” Hannah gave her unexpected visitor what she hoped was a stern look. “There is nothing you can say that will change my mind.”

He walked closer and she took a tentative step back. “I did not come to talk to you.”

Hannah bit the inside of her cheek. Certainly she was dreaming. Henry went to the open French doors, threw something inside, and then hurried to where she stood still trying to make sense of what happened.

“Come along.” He took her upper arm and guided her to the gates that led to the street. The gate was already open.

“What did you do?” Hannah peered out to the waiting carriage. “Who is in there?”