Page 24 of A Rogue to Forget

Once in the kitchen, Hannah put the tea kettle on to heat. “I will hear about this from Marta tomorrow.”

“I would not come so late, but this is important.”

“Miss?” Marta appeared. “What happened?”

Henry motioned to the housekeeper. “Please sit, you have to hear this as well.”

The women exchanged looks and Marta sat. “Bad news?”

“No,” Henry replied. “I found the man Beans. He informed me that he was paid by a man called Jules Brown. Do either of you know this man?”

Both shook their heads, gazes glued to Henry.

“Father and I believe this man Jules is the son of Horace Brown. I found out that Horace used to own the building that your father owned, the one that burned.”

“Goodness, what is happening?” Hannah said. “I do not understand.”

“I spoke to one of the men who investigated the fire before coming here,” Henry continued. “Rumors ran during the time of the fire that Horace had burned the building. However, it could not be proven. The investigator told me they could not figure out why, but they were certain Horace had a grudge against your father.”

Henry met Hannah’s gaze. “Horace Brown died recently from illness.”

“My God,” Marta said crossing herself. “This is like a bad dream.”

“I may know why,” Hannah replied. “It is making more sense.”

Marta hurried to the teakettle and poured the hot liquid into three cups. Then, looking to the doorway, poured a forth. Silas walked in and sat down.

Hannah let out a long breath. “I found out today that Mother was with child upon meeting my father. The father of her child demanded to know what she’d done with the boy. She told him the boy was dead. According to Mother, she took the box of money and came here to Glasgow to hide.”

“What of the babe?” Marta asked.

“All she said was that she told the man he was dead. However, she did not say he’d actually died. She was not in her right mind. It was obvious this entire sequence of events unsettled her greatly.”

“Jules may be that boy, must want the money,” Silas finally spoke. “Do you think he is your half-brother?”

Hannah shook her head. “I do not know. It could be that somehow Horace found him and told him everything before dying.”

“I will find this Jules, and when I do, you and I can go speak to him.” Henry stood. “I apologize again for the late hour. I felt that you should know this information as soon as possible.”

“Thank you,” Hannah replied. “I will walk you to the door.” She returned to the kitchen where Marta and Silas continued to sit. “What do you think, Marta?” Hannah asked. “Did you ever hear of Jules Brown before?”

The housekeeper shook her head. “Once I did hear your parents in a heated conversation. Your father insisted she tell him about a boy. It did not make sense at the moment, but now, I wonder if they spoke about the babe.”

“They kept many secrets,” Hannah said quietly. “Too many secrets.”

*

“While starting onmy plans to redecorate the house, it will give me the opportunity to search for any other items that may help us discover what is happening,” Hannah explained to Felicity and her mother, who’d stopped by the following afternoon.

All the furniture from the dining room had been dragged into the hallway and sitting room so that the walls and carpet could be redone.

Amidst the flurry of activity, she’d forgotten that the ladies were to stop by to discuss the ongoing issue of the money box.

“After much discussion with Evan, we think it is best to disclose the box and its contents to the constable. That way it is reported and confirmed as your property. Anyone wishing to snatch it is then a thief,” Felicity said.

“My husband agrees,” Felicity’s mother added.

Marta brought tea and they were silent as Hannah poured.