Page 60 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Sixteen

When Hannah shivered, Henry wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You’re nervous.” It wasn’t a question because he too wondered about the reactions that would greet them upon arriving in Glasgow.

His parents, he didn’t really need to guess. While his mother would be most put out and demand his father do something, Lord Campbell would be secretly pleased that Henry took his advice.

At the thought of his social equals, it surprised him to not care what they’d think of Hannah or her circumstances. If ever any kind of rude remarks were made, he would see that the person was sorted out. Not in a violent way, but with a personal visit asking that they repeat what was said to his face.

“What are you thinking?”

“That our friends will be pleased when we give them the news.”

Hannah nodded. “Felicity and her mother will be upset that they did not get to plan and attend our wedding ceremony.”

“We can always have a celebration,” Henry suggested. “I was also considering that we must decide where to live. When I made up my mind yesterday, I bought a townhouse near the center of the city, and not too far from Evan and Felicity. I had my things taken there. Now that I have a clearer mind, I wonder if you would prefer to remain in your house.”

A slight furrow appeared between her brows. “This is a new start for us, Henry. My house has wonderful memories of growing up there. There are also the memories of finding out Father was killed and Mother deciding to leave. I wish to move and sell the house.”

“You haven’t seen the house I purchased.” Henry chuckled. “I must admit, I haven’t walked through the entirety of it either.”

The last days had been, in his estimation, the most excitement he’d ever had. He’d finally seen that for years he’d been idling, not living up to his full potential. Even after recovering from all the gambling debts and heaviness of it. It wasn’t so much that he lived in the family home, but more that he allowed his parents, especially his mother, to run his life. Mostly because he felt guilty for what he’d put them through.

After all the years of uncertainty, Hannah had brought out the best in him. The will and need to better himself. That was what true love did to a man. Something that he could never describe to another person, but that he wished for those he held dear.

“What about your mother?” Hannah’s voice trembled. “She will never forgive me for this.”

Henry quickly pressed a kiss to her temple. “Mother will begin the work of ensuring society accepts you. To everyone, you will appear to be doted upon. I ask that you go along with it if you can. It will help a great deal toward a relationship between you and her.”

“And in private?” Hannah asked. “How will she act toward me? I ask so that I can be prepared.”

“Mother, although strong-willed, and sometimes arrogant, will never mistreat you. Once you get to know her, you will realize that for all her exterior display of rigidity, she is not unkind.”

“I do wish to get to know her better. Once we have children, I do not want them to feel any kind of insecurity when it comes to their grandmother.”

Henry chuckled. “Mother will turn to pudding upon holding our first child.”

The carriage slowed. Outside, people scurried to do whatever they planned that day. A group of men were gathered outside the Grant Hotel, and he studied them, recognizing a few. They were no doubt meeting to discuss the upcoming elections.

“I have never asked,” Hannah said. “How do you spend most of your days? Do you go there?” She looked through the window.

“I meet with Miles and Evan there often. We used to meet at Evan’s house, but since he married, we do not wish to intrude. We discuss our upcoming business dealings, social issues, and of course politics.”

She smiled at him. “Felicity told me about the sponsorship of the ship. She thinks you each planned to come up with money by ways of a woman. And that you are wagering against one another.”

Her soft giggle made him smile.

Hannah met his gaze. “I have no money to help you with, therefore, are you going to lose your opportunity, Mister Campbell?”

“I have the money,” Henry countered. “And yes, falling in love with you caused me to lose the wager. I am officially out of the game.”

“I suppose Evan is still in competition since Felicity’s dowry was substantial.”

“You do not think that is why he married her, do you?”

Hannah shook her head. “Of course not. It is obvious he is madly in love.”

“As am I with you.”

They arrived at Hannah’s house and Henry accompanied her inside. She planned to bathe and change before they went to visit his parents.