Page 19 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Six

“The evening was a success,” his mother announced at breakfast that morning, her face alight with happiness.

Henry’s heart softened; it was always nice to see her happy. “Yes it was, Mother. You outdid yourself. Everyone commented on the beautiful décor.”

“There are butterflies everywhere,” his mother commented with a smile. “I hope they make their way to the garden.”

The night before, living butterflies had been released just outside the doorways. Unfortunately, lured by the light, many had instantly flown into the ballroom. Many had fluttered about the room, landing wherever they wished, unfortunate ones straight into candle flames.

It had been a bit comical, as some of the ladies did not care for them sitting in their hair adornments. Everything had settled when the musicians played a lively waltz, luring the guests back to the dancing.

“Where is Father?” Henry asked.

“He is unwell this morning. Imbibed a bit too much last night,” his mother replied with an annoyed expression.

*

The gentleman’s clubwas emptier than usual when he arrived. Henry assumed it was because most of the usual patrons had been at his house the night before.

Upon spotting Lord Miles Johnstone, Henry went to sit in a chair next to the brooding man.

A server immediately materialized, and although Henry was not in the mood to imbibe, he ordered whiskey.

“What has you in a dour mood this morning, friend?” he asked Miles, who nodded by way of greeting.

“My plans have been thwarted and I am not pleased,” Miles replied. “I’ve wasted weeks only to be turned away.”

Henry let out a bark of laughter. “You, Lord Johnstone, the most eligible bachelor in Glasgow has not gotten his way? We have wondered where you had been as you’ve been scarcely seen about town.”

“Paris,” Miles replied, the word dripping with annoyance. “I’ve been in Paris.”

“I hear the food is good,” Henry replied, accepting the glass of amber liquid. “What happened?”

“She wanted marriage.”

“Ah.”

“So without a proposal, no money.”

Miles shrugged. It was obvious he was not heartbroken. It was more his pride, as he’d expected his company and attention alone should have lured the woman to hand over a huge amount of money. To Miles, the entire thing was more of a game, a competition. If his friends could come up with the sum needed for the investment through seduction and prowess, he wished to do the same and perhaps even better in some way.

The only reason Henry found the entire thing amusing was because Miles did not need the money. He was wealthy and had more than enough to fund his portion without help.

“So we are both in the same situation,” Henry said. “I have yet to find the woman who will help me. Last night at the ball, there was one who had promise. But for some reason, I cannot do it. I cannot make myself seduce someone right now.”

“There is only one reason for that,” Miles said with a pointed look. “You are in love with someone else. Perhaps someone who cannot give you the money.”

At the words, Henry started to adamantly deny it, but the rebuttal stuck in his throat. Was he in love? Or just infatuated?

Hannah Kerr was indeed in his thoughts constantly and there was nothing he enjoyed more than being in her company. However, the fact he liked to be with her did not make it love.

“I am not in love.”

Miles did not reply. The man had a way of looking at a person and seeming to see past all pretenses. Most of the time, Henry found it amusing. This day, however, he did not.

“What? Why are you looking at me that way?”

“Is it that what started out as feeling responsible for Miss Kerr has turned into something deeper? You do not know it yet perhaps, how deep your feelings go.” Miles had the nerve to smile.