Page 23 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Seven

Hannah doublechecked to ensure all the doors and windows were locked despite the fact Marta had insisted they were. Silas slept on the first floor in a small room beside her father’s study that they’d emptied. The fact the young man was in the house along with Marta, who’d moved into Hannah’s old bedroom, made her feel safer.

Both Marta and Silas had gone to bed and the house was quiet. Hannah could not fathom sleeping. Instead, she paced in the parlor, attempting to gather her whirling thoughts into some sort of cohesion.

She’d asked to return home after leaving the convent. More than anything because every inch of the house needed to be searched.

Hannah wanted to make sure there weren’t any other secrets hidden.

Her mother had given her very little information, refusing to name who she’d stolen the money from. It was obvious, to Hannah at least, that her mother was not in her right mind.”

When Mother Superior returned to inform them they had to leave, Hannah had pulled the woman aside and explained how she felt about her mother’s mental state.

In that moment, it was obvious the nun expected as much. She promised to keep her apprised if anything happened.

A soft rapping at the glass made her freeze and Hannah considered calling for Silas. Because there were several lanterns in the room, it made it hard to see out. But she noted the outline of a man and wondered if it was one of the constables.

Narrowing her eyes, she went closer, prepared to call to Silas if it was someone who meant harm.

“Henry?” She opened the French doors to allow him in. “What are you doing here so late? It is dangerous to be out.”

He walked in and removed his hat but left the caped overcoat on. “I must speak to you.”

They stood still for a long moment, the silence enveloping them whirling around, a silent mist of questions and expectations.

At once all the burdens of the day overcame her and Hannah fell against his chest, the cold outer garment sending shivers through her. “I am glad you are here.”

His hat hit the floor with a soft thud.

When she looked up, he kissed her. The softness of the kiss brought tears to her eyes. She clung to him, needing to be close, and prayed he did not pull away.

A wave of relief fell over her when he wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, his mouth pressing against hers in a manner she never expected. Then his tongue pressed against the seam of her lips, and she parted them to allow it past.

Every sensation pulsed through her body when he tipped her face up so that he could continue exploring her mouth with his.

Although a novice and not having been so thoroughly kissed before, Hannah responded. Raking her fingers through Henry’s hair and pressing her body against him did not sate the need that suddenly burned.

When tingles of heat traveled through her body to the most intimate of places, Hannah pushed away abruptly.

“Ah. I-I think we should not,” Hannah stuttered, her eyes glued to his. “Why are you here?”

His chest lifted and lowered as Henry fought to catch his breath. Hannah wondered if he’d felt something similar. Surely not. After all, she had no doubt he’d kissed other women and was a great deal more experienced than she.

Instead of answering, he bent to pick up his hat and placed it on a table, then he removed his coat and carefully folded it over a chair.

There was a softness in his eyes when he looked at her. “I needed to see you after hearing where you went. Are you well?”

“Yes. I am a bit overwhelmed.”

“Please sit.” He motioned to the settee. “I found out something today.”

“Would you like some tea?” Hannah replied, thinking it was best to leave the parlor and go to a less secluded room. Then again, they were alone in a practically empty house.

“If you wish,” he replied, following her out of the room. Just as they walked out, Silas appeared in the doorway.

“Is everything in order, Miss Hannah?” His sleepy gaze moved to Henry.

Hannah nodded. “All is well. Go back to sleep.”