Page 14 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Five

Hannah’s temples throbbed. The more they discovered, the more she could not believe any of the present circumstances had anything to do with her family. After asking for a few moments alone, she collapsed onto a settee in the sitting room. The room was dark as the curtains had not been pulled back that day, and it suited her perfectly.

If only she could go back in time and wake up to find she was still at home, her father alive, and all that had transpired not more than a nightmare.

However, the renewed pain behind her eyes reminded her it was all very real.

Why had her father been murdered? Killing him did not bring the murderer closer to finding the money. Had they asked him to search the house, or did he take the money and they wanted it back?

Nothing made any sense.

If only her mother had remained. Then again, it could be she didn’t know anything. Or… what if she’d left because she was afraid whoever killed her father would come after her next? If that was so, she’d not cared that in leaving, Hannah was now in danger.

The entire situation left her feeling as if she never truly knew her parents. Never in the past would she have guessed that her father would be murdered over money or that her mother would have no qualms about abandoning her.

“Hannah?” Henry walked in. Each time she looked upon him, her spirits instantly lifted. Although it was unhealthy to continue the friendship, at the moment, she needed him.

One day he would walk out the door and never return. She would have to forget him. Once he married, it would be unacceptable for them to continue to be friends. As it was, they pushed the boundaries of social rules by becoming so close.

Despite what they should or should not be doing, she clung to his friendship because at the moment, he and Felicity were the only people she knew who would save her from falling into a deep pit of despair.

“Please tell me all this will all be over soon,” Hannah said, looking up at him. “Say that all will be well and I have nothing to worry about.”

His smile did not reach his eyes. “It will be over, hopefully soon.” He sat next to her and took her hand, holding it with both of his. Strange how comfortable his closeness and touch had become. Neither of them had any qualms with touching one another. Was it because they were true friends, or because she was deeply in love with him and his spirit sensed it?

He rested on the back of the settee. “We’ve decided the best thing to do is to wait and see if they approach someone in the household again. If we approach the Blackwells and it isn’t them who are involved, it could bring further troubles.”

“I agree,” Hannah said and let out a sigh. “I plan to return home tomorrow. Marta and I will be fine. There will be a constable patrolling and Marta’s nephew, Silas, is staying in the house with us.”

A frown marred his handsome face. “Nephew? Who is he?”

“Silas, a young man from Marta’s village. Seems capable enough.” Hannah sighed. “You and your father must have much to do. I beg you not to waste any more time on this.”

They sat in silence for a long spell.

“I do have to prepare for the party.”

Henry’s tone made her chuckle.

“I am sure you will have a delightful time. Felicity is looking forward to it.”

“Will you come?” he asked, turning to her. “You do not have to dance, you can just be company for Felicity.”

“No,” Hannah replied, her chest constricting. “I am still in mourning. Besides, I am sure your mother would be put out that you invite a single woman to what, I am sure, is an occasion to help find your future wife.”

“My coming out ball,” Henry said and held up a hand, with his pinky out. “Oh dear, what should I wear?”

Hannah laughed despite the tangible pain that racked through her heart. “I am sure you will look perfect. Every eye will be on you.”

This time he chuckled. “When I marry, it will be the woman of my choice, not someone handpicked by my mother because of what she and Father consider a good match.”

“I have no doubt you will find the perfect woman.” Hannah pulled her hand free of his when she heard footsteps.

Felicity hurried into the room, her eyes bright. “What are you two discussing?”

“Henry’s coming out ball,” Hannah replied with a smile.

“Oh yes,” Felicity said, lowering to a chair opposite them. “It is the talk of the town. The butterfly event at the Campbell estate.”