Page 61 of A Rogue to Forget

While she went upstairs, Henry waited in the parlor.

Marta brought him tea and gave him a pointed look. “Although I am glad that you married my lass, Mister Campbell, I hope you realize it was by most unconventional means.”

“I do, Marta. I promise to make her happy.”

“I must also inform you that I plan to remain by her side to ensure it.”

Henry nodded. “I would expect no less.”

“Are you to move in then?” Marta seemed to realize she overstepped. “I do not mean to be disrespectful, just that I wish to ensure all is prepared.”

“No.” Henry met her gaze. “We will all move to a house I recently purchased. You, the new housekeeper, and Silas, can begin packing. I am sure my wife will give instructions about what she wishes to take.”

Hannah appeared moments later, and his breath caught. She’d changed into a soft cream-colored dress that accentuated her coloring and lovely long neck. Her hair had been brushed up and with a ribbon that matched the dress weaved into it.

A simple pearl necklace decorated her throat and she’d donned rose-colored gloves.

“I am ready,” she said, meeting his gaze. Upon noting his admiration, her cheeks pinkened.

“You are breathtaking,” Henry said, taking her hand. “I cannot believe you are my wife.”

“I could say the same about you,” she replied. “The most handsome man in Scotland is now my husband.”

*

It was apparentthat his parents were not surprised at their announcement. His mother gave her husband an accusatory look, telling how well they knew one another.

“Well it is done now.” His mother first looked at him, her expression stoic, but remarkably, it softened upon looking to Hannah. “Welcome to the family, dear.”

Hannah’s soft gasp made his chest tighten. When a tear slid down her face, he could not take it and grasped her hand.

“Th-thank you,” she replied, her voice almost a whisper.

As expected, there was a gleam in his father’s eyes when he stood and pulled a cord for a servant to come. Upon the butler’s appearance, he smiled broadly.

“Horace, bring bottles of the best champagne and ask the staff to come. We have something grand to celebrate.”

While they waited, his mother inquired about where they would live.

“I certainly expected that upon marrying, you would bring your bride to live here,” Mrs. Campbell protested when Henry told him about the house he’d purchased.

“That house is practical, but not a place where the future Campbells should live. Goodness, Henry, if you do not wish to live here, at the very least move into the Ravenscraig house.”

Hannah turned to him. “Where is that house?”

The second family home had remained empty since his grandparents had died. Although a beautiful structure where they stayed on occasion, he’d thought his father had sold it.

“It stands empty, with only a minimal staff. I use it when someone from the Highlands or England comes for business. A hosting place, as it were,” his father explained. “Some people I prefer not to stay here.”

“The house is in Bishopbriggs.” Lady Campbell answered Hannah’s question. It is almost as large as this house, but in a way, statelier. The only reason we did not move into it was because I fell in love with this estate.”

Hannah looked to Henry. “I would like to see it.”

Although he’d not considered the house, upon thinking about it, it was a good place to raise a family and begin life with Hannah. Upon remaining as the sole heir, his father now insisted he return to the fold, and having to entertain, the Ravenscraig house was better suited for it.

The staff appeared and his father led the toast, announcing the marriage. The news would run through the town and upon people learning of the marriage, they would also hear of the celebration and how his parents seemed pleased. The toast was the first of what would be different ways that he and his parents would begin the process of Hannah’s entrance into society.

By the look of happiness on Hannah’s face, she was unaware of what was set in motion, and for it he was glad. His mother gave him a knowing look and he smiled in return and mouthed, “thank you.”