Page 10 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Four

Henry wasn’t sure what to think about the day’s happenings. He entered his family home after leaving Hannah’s. Grant had volunteered to spend the night there and Hannah was safe after they convinced her to stay at Evan and Felicity’s for the time being.

For once, he decided to step back. There were things of his own he had to concentrate on. The amount of money required for his portion of the business deal that he’d made with his friends had to be raised. They were to sponsor a ship that was to travel to the islands and return with spices and other items that would make them very rich.

There was the matter of the ship sponsorship. His utmost concentration at the moment should be the acquisition of the capital required. He’d nowhere near the amount needed and had to figure out a way to acquire it.

At first he’d considered marriage to one of the debutants, whose families would pay a handsome dowry. But the more he considered it, the more he did not like the idea. True, his parents were anxious for him to marry. As the only son, he felt responsible to the family. Also because of his being the only son, upon his father’s death, he would become wealthy and therefore was considered a great match.

However, he’d yet to regain his father’s trust after the disastrous time of him losing considerable sums at the gambling dens in the city. His father had paid at first, but only to keep him alive. Then after a stern warning, had stopped helping Henry.

Not only that, but he’d also closed his accounts and no longer provided more than a small monthly stipend and a place for him to live.

Lately, he’d acquired a bit of money from a small investment. Slowly, he’d begun to regain his father’s trust and now worked alongside him and in exchange for the monthly stipend.

Henry did not begrudge his father. In his place, he too would have stopped throwing money at a son who had no regard for it.

“There you are, son,” his father greeted upon his entrance. “Where have you been that you have that expression of worry?”

“More puzzled than worried,” Henry said and went to the sideboard and poured brandy into a glass. “I was at the Kerrs’ home…”

“Again?”

He ignored the question. “Grant, Evan and I found a box with a great deal of money. It is possible the box was the reason John Kerr was murdered.” Henry took a sip, the warm liquid trailing a path down his throat. “Do you not think it is rather odd that someone would hold a large sum of money and never spend it? And go so far as to risk their life for it?”

His father, a man who loved mysteries, lowered to a chair and frowned. “Was it an old box?”

Henry described the box in great detail. “I have never seen something like it before. Quite intricately carved.”

“That may be the answer.” His father leaned forward in the chair, intrigued. “You must find out who made the box. Look on the bottom and see if there is an inscription.”

Catriona Campbell stood at the doorway, dressed in a beautiful burgundy gown. She looked every bit the lady of the house. Her blue gaze snapped to Henry and narrowed.

“Son, we had guests for dinner. I had informed you of it and you failed to come home. I am most embarrassed and disappointed.”

Another of his mother’s attempts at matchmaking schemes, he had no doubt. “I apologize, Mother, I was detained.”

“There is no excuse for insulting some of the closest family friends.” She swept into the room. “I took the liberty of assuring Una Stewart you would take her for a carriage ride tomorrow afternoon.”

Henry suppressed the urge to groan. Not only was Una Stewart one of the most pampered and overindulged women he’d ever had the displeasure of meeting, but she was overly clingy. He’d been around her on many occasions since their mothers were friends, and always did his best to avoid being alone with her.

“I would prefer not to spend time alone with Una. She and I do not get along well.”

“Nonsense,” his mother replied. “She is a lovely lass, and in my opinion, a good match for you.”

“I would think the lad knows who he prefers to spend time with,” his father attempted to intervene. “You should not push him to a specific woman, Catriona.”

His mother’s right eyebrow lifted and both he and his father held their breaths.

“First of all, if I do not push this issue, we will die before our son ever marries.” She gave her husband a scathing look. “Secondly, I must do everything in this matter since you, dear husband, have not made even the smallest effort to help.”

When she turned to Henry, he swallowed. “You will escort Una tomorrow afternoon and ensure she has an enjoyable time.”

“Additionally.” She pinned him, her eyes narrowed. “You must stop this nonsense of considering yourself a champion for Hannah Kerr. I do understand you wish to be chivalrous, but you may be misleading her and giving the lass false hope. She is not an acceptable match for you, as you are well aware.”

Henry exhaled. “Mother, although I have no plans to court Hannah, or anyone else for that matter, I have never considered you to be an elitist.”

“I am not judging her social status as much as the fact her father had questionable connections. There are rumors all over town about why he was murdered. A man is not murdered unless there is a good reason.”