Page 68 of A Rogue to Forget

“I am sorry to see you again under these circumstances. I must ask that you leave. I cannot have my wedding celebration ruined.”

Henry looked to Grant. “Perhaps you should go as well.”

Grant grunted, turned, and went back inside. As he passed, a woman patted his shoulder and Henry wondered if it was Tom’s mother. He had to press his lips together to keep from smiling. It could be his friend was about to lose the money he counted on for the ship sponsorship.

Grant remained for only a short while and then left with Miles, who’d escorted his sister. The young woman was beautiful and gaining much attention from suitors. It was comical to watch Miles’ expression each time a male came near her.

That night, he and Hannah opted to remain at his parents’ home, along with Felicity and Evan, whom his mother had insisted stay as well.

The bedroom suite they’d been given was large enough that both his valet and Hannah’s new companion, Emma, could be there at the same time to help them prepare for bed.

As his coat, vest, and boots were removed, Henry watched across the room to where Hannah’s hair was being brushed out.

“Leave it down tonight,” he said. Hannah met his gaze in the mirror, her cheeks turning pink, and nodded.

Once the valet left, Hannah was assisted out of her gown. Moments later, she slid a nightgown over her arms, the fabric falling to the ground.

The young woman excused herself and left.

“You were magnificent tonight,” Henry said, approaching Hannah with a glass of brandy. “Lady Wilshire’s words.”

Her eyes rounded. “Truly?”

“Yes. That is what she whispered to me. You made a very good impression on every single guest. No one will be able to gossip tomorrow, which I’m sure is quite off-putting.”

Her soft chuckle was heartwarming. “You are wrong, dear husband. Grant Murray and Tom Roberts’s brawl will be buzzing on everyone’s lips. The reason for their argument and why Grant hit the man.” Nearing the bed, she turned to him. “Who was that man? What happened? Tell me.”

“Very well.” Henry waited until they climbed in bed and Hannah settled in the crook of his arm, her head on his shoulder.

Despite the fact Hannah knew about the ship sponsorship, he wasn’t sure if she knew the details of how each of them were to come up with the money. It was not his place to say anything about his friend’s plans. He considered that once married, the urge to share everything was strong. Yet, he would have to learn the boundaries of it.

“It seems Grant traveled with a woman called Lady Roberts. The man with whom he argued with was Tom Roberts, the woman’s son, who is not at all pleased.”

Hannah traced lazy circles on his chest. “I can understand. Grant must be much younger.”

“I am sure that plays into it. Also, Lady Roberts is very wealthy, which means she paid for everything.”

“Whatever Grant is seeking, he will not find by continuing courting older women.” Hannah pressed a kiss to his jaw. “Why does he?”

“Grant is not ready to settle. I believe he enjoys the company of older women and not worrying about the possibility of being tied down and forced to marry.”

As they fell asleep, Henry looked forward to speaking to Grant to see what exactly occurred.

*

The lobby ofthe Grant Hotel was busy when Henry and Evan walked in. Luckily, Miles had arrived early and procured a table in the far corner where they could have a bit of privacy. As he passed, several men nodded in greeting; two approached separately to congratulate him on the marriage.

By the hearty congratulatory expressions, Hannah’s approval was universal, and it pleased him.

“There you are,” Grant said as they neared and sat. “I was wondering when the rest of you would come and join Miles in telling me how to run my life.”

It was apparent that Grant was not in a good mood, so neither he nor Evan commented. Instead, Evan ordered drinks for all four when the server approached.

“I must congratulate you on your wife’s successful entry into Glasgow society,” Miles said, holding up his glass when theirs was delivered. “You proved me wrong.”

They toasted. “I am glad to prove you wrong in this instance, although there is yet the matter of her half-brother. His purchase of her family home may cause curiosity.”

“It is not known that they are related,” Miles replied.