Page 67 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Eighteen

Upon entering the grand ballroom at the marriage celebration, every guest immediately searched for the woman who’d captured one of the most eligible men in Glasgow. Henry looked on as one by one each person sighted Hannah and were unable to find fault.

Standing next to his mother, Hannah was resplendent. She wore a creation in shades of green that emphasized her flawless olive skin. Upon her head, she wore a tiara nestled in the burnished brown waves that had been swept up into an elegant style. From her ears hung emerald earrings that had been gifted to her by his mother. Around her neck, a diamond and emerald necklace that had been her mother’s. The simple design effectively complemented her long graceful neck.

She wore elbow-length gloves in the palest green that matched one of the shades of her gown.

Once guests approached and were introduced, they’d find the new member of the Campbell clan to have flawless manners and was quite adept at maintaining a conversation.

Noting the expressions of each person upon moving away from his wife, Henry could barely contain the pride that filled him.

Lord and Lady Wilshire arrived, and he excused himself from the men he spoke to. Of anyone in their social circle, this woman had the power to ensure great social standing. If she disapproved, however, it would be hard for whoever she deem inappropriate to ever gain the good graces of society.

The couple waited to be introduced, Lady Wilshire’s shrewd gaze instantly taking Hannah in.

“Lord and Lady Wilshire, my daughter-in-law, Hannah Kerr Campbell,” his mother said as she’d not noticed him approach.

Upon Hannah’s head bow and light curtsey, Lord Wilshire smiled. “Henry has impeccable taste. Very pretty.” He patted Hannah’s shoulder and turned to his wife.

Lady Wilshire’s soft smile hid whatever she truly thought. “I am hopeful you are both happy,” she remarked, looking from Hannah to him.

“Very much indeed,” Henry said. “Every marriage should be a love match in my opinion.”

“Is that so?” Lady Wilshire replied, her gaze sliding to Hannah. “Do you agree, young lady?”

Hannah looked to Henry, her gaze soft. “I wish it was that every person find who they love. However, even arranged marriages can prove successful. Love helps in the beginning; however, it is trust and friendship that makes a marriage successful over time.”

“Well said,” Lady Wilshire replied. “I hear you moved to Ravenscraig. Do you plan to entertain soon? I wish to see the house.”

“We do,” Hannah replied. “However, you do not have to wait for a social event to visit for tea. I am not experienced enough to presume to know how to decorate and value any opinion you would have, Lady Wilshire. Please do come for tea.”

The woman seemed taken aback. So much so she was speechless for a long moment. The entire time, Hannah continue to be at ease, a slight curve to her lips when she looked to him.

“I am flattered,” Lady Wilshire replied.

“We shall come and visit together,” his mother interjected. “I may have some ideas.”

Hannah clapped her hands and smiled. “I am so very glad.”

As Lady Wilshire walked past him to greet other guests, she whispered to him, “Magnificent.”

As the night progressed, people danced to the music played by a well-known string quartet. Champagne flowed and trays with appetizers continually passed by servants wearing black suits.

Upon hearing loud, angry voices, Henry hurried to stop whatever happened. Just outside the doors that led to vast gardens, Grant stood nose-to-nose with a man he didn’t recognize.

“Stay away from my mother,” the man said, fists clenched. “I know the kind of man you are. A lowly scoundrel out to divest women of their fortunes.”

Grant swung, his fist hitting the man’s jaw. Although this was not the time for a scandal, Henry did not blame Grant for it. Nonetheless, he had to put a stop to it. He could not allow anything to spoil the night. He motioned Evan forward and they went to where the men squared off.

Already the guests began to whisper and watch, which of course would be the theme of the next day’s gossip.

“I must ask you to leave, sir,” Henry said to the man who rubbed his jaw and glared at Grant. “I do not believe that you were invited.”

“My mother was,” the man replied. “Lady Roberts.”

The man was short with small eyes and wild red hair. He looked to be in his thirties. “Tom Roberts?” Henry asked.

Tom nodded. “Yes, we went to school together.”