Page 12 of A Rogue to Forget

“Excuse me?”

“There must be a woman who is taking all your attention. You have missed the last several social functions, and from what I hear, you have been busy with some mysterious cause that is causing much speculation.”

Considered a popular eligible bachelor in the city, perhaps second only to Miles in desirability by mothers of elite society, he expected there to be constant rumors and gossip. Expecting it, however, did not mean it wasn’t irritating.

“I have a project that I am working with three friends on. It requires a great deal of our time…unfortunately.”

“If rumors are to be believed, which of course, I give them little credence…” she began then let out a huff. “Anyway, they are saying you are involved in the tea shop owner’s murder.”

“Thank goodness you do not give them credence, else you would find yourself in the company of a murderer this afternoon.”

Una’s companion gasped, her mouth opening and closing as Henry and Una looked to her, waiting to see if she could breathe. The woman swallowed. “Sir, you should not say such disturbing things.”

“I apologize,” Henry said, smiling at the woman, whose cheeks reddened at his attention.

Not seeming to care for attention taken from her, Una crossed her arms. “Tell me about the party? Is there a theme?”

The woman already knew. Her mother would have ensured to let her know the theme, which if he remembered correctly was garden or butterflies, or perhaps it was spring. “I do not recall the theme,” he answered honestly. “As you may be aware, themes do not affect men as much as it does the lovelier sex.”

Una preened at the implied compliment. “Oh I remember now. It is butterflies.”

It was hard not to roll his eyes. “I am sure you will represent it perfectly.”

By the time he was able to disengage from Una and ride back toward his house, Henry was much too restless to go home. “To the Macleod estate,” he called out to the driver.

Upon arriving at Evan and Felicity’s house, he was ushered in by the butler, who gave him a warm welcome. “Mister Campbell, everyone is in the dining room enjoying tea.”

Since he’d not eaten since the morning, Henry was quite hungry. He rushed to the room, not waiting to be announced. Sometimes he forgot that Evan and Grant did not live there alone and, therefore, he had to be more mindful of social protocols.

“I am so glad to see you,” Felicity said by way of greeting. It was then he noted there was no food on the table.

Instead, atop the surface, monetary notes were spread, the wooden box was open, and several pieces of parchment lay beside the items.

“What are you doing?” he asked, peering at the items.

“We are trying to solve a mystery,” a booming voice replied. It was then he noticed his father was seated with a glass of what he presumed was brandy, holding a magnifying glass, inspecting a drawer from the box.

He looked to Hannah, who seemed worried, her hands gripped on her lap, rounded eyes up at him. “Your father has given us some very important information. It seems my father may have come in contact with a well-known criminal family.”

At the news, he lowered to a chair, looking over his shoulder toward the kitchen. “How did you come up with that?” He met his father’s bright eyes.

“The emblem on the bottom of each drawer and the box itself signified the Blackwells, a well-known crime family that embezzled money from many businesses about twenty years ago. The leader then disappeared with all the money they’d taken; neither they nor the money were ever recovered.”

He met Hannah’s gaze. It was evident all the talk about her father’s dealings had her overwhelmed. “Would you mind a moment? I’d like a word.”

She practically jumped to her feet. “Of course.” They went to the kitchen, and she gave him a curious look. “Why are you coming in here?”

“I am famished,” he replied, peering around for Rosalie, Evan’s cook, who always ensured he was well fed.

“The servants have gone to the market,” Hannah said with a soft smile. “There are scones and some sausages.” She went to a covered dish and began to transfer items to a plate for him.

“You shouldn’t be present during that conversation,” he said, attempting to meet her gaze, which she kept lowered. “It must be horrible to hear such things.”

“What is horrible…” Hannah began, “is realizing I didn’t know either of my parents at all. My father could have been involved in horrible things, and my mother, she left without a backward glance, not seeming to care that I would be left alone. She may have even been fully aware about my father’s past for all I know.”

“Have you considered writing her?”

“I already did. I doubt she will reply.” Hannah let out a breath and attempted a soft smile. “Felicity tried to talk me out of being present during the conversation, but I insisted. I have to know.”