Page 27 of A Rogue to Forget

Before he could react, she kissed him full on the mouth, her arms entangled around his neck.

Henry kept his arms to his sides, but then had to take her by the shoulders to move her away.

“Oh dear,” someone said, and he turned to find a pair of older women walking past.

“You should not have done that,” Henry told Una, who gave him a dreamy look. “They will go inside and tell people about it.”

It did not take long to figure out that it had been Una’s plan all along, as when they made their way back toward the ballroom, an older woman appeared. “There you are Miss Una. I have been looking for you.”

“I am in good company, as you can see, Millie. Do not fret.” Una pulled him toward the ballroom.

Henry could barely keep from saying something untoward. Instead, he gritted his teeth and searched for his mother. Upon spotting her, they neared, and it was obvious she’d already heard about the kiss.

“We must speak directly upon arriving at home.” His mother’s gaze met his then Una’s. “Are you well, dear girl?”

Una nodded, her cheeks pinkening. “I am unharmed, as you can see. It was but an innocent interval.”

After making a feeble excuse, Henry hurried away to where his friends stood. By their expressions, they’d also heard.

“Oh what now?” he asked upon nearing. “It was nothing more than something planned by her and my mother. I have no doubt.”

“Her dowry will be enough that you will have the capital necessary for your portion of the sponsorship,” Miles said dryly.

Henry fought the urge to punch him in the face. Especially when Evan’s lips curved into a knowing look.

Evan grimaced. “You, my friend, may be caught in a web that will not be easy to escape.”

*

“You are avoidinggoing home?” Miles said, giving Henry a curious look. “It is not often you suggest coming to my home.”

They were in a townhouse that Miles currently lived in. Despite his parents’ huge estate, the bachelor preferred to keep a more private home in the city. Miles would spend days at his family home, however it was more often that he resided in the city.

“The last place I wish to be is at my family home today. As you know, now that Evan is married, we cannot go there after social events. He and Felicity go directly to bed after and I don’t wish to upset the household.” Henry plopped down on a sofa and crossed his arms.

“You must get a piano and perhaps more liquor.”

Miles poured them each a glass of brandy. “I will ensure to bring my home up to your standards.”

“The kiss,” Miles said. “Your mother and the young woman will seize the fact you were seen and insist on a marriage proposal.”

Henry straightened. “Have you ever spent time with Una Stewart?”

“I have not had the pleasure.”

“She is clingy, self-centered, and immature. I can only abide to be in her presence for short periods. And the family…they are the type who will do anything to be on the pages of all the gossips rags.”

Crossing his legs at the ankles, Miles leaned back. “Sounds pretty much like every other family in our social class. If not for gossip and scandals, life would have little meaning.”

Despite his sour mood, Henry chuckled. “You are correct, friend.”

They remained quiet for a few moments. Miles finally stood. “You know where the spare bedroom is. Stay as many days as you please. I must retire. Tomorrow the search for my portion of the sponsorship begins anew. I met an interesting woman tonight. I have a good feeling.”

“Good on you,” Henry said, standing. “Thank you for the hospitality.”

It was late the next morning by the time Henry left Miles’s home. The cook had outdone herself and who was he to turn down the delicious full breakfast offerings?

Instead of heading to his home, where he was sure his mother awaited with some sort of ultimatum, he went to Hannah’s.