Page 40 of A Rogue to Forget

“No.” Henry’s tone was strong. “Never. It was just what can be brought on by caresses.”

Taking a fortifying breath, Hannah pushed back, praying her shaky knees held her upright. “It should not have happened.”

“But it did. We will marry.” Henry stated and pressed a kiss to her parted lips. “Soon because I cannot be patient and must be with you fully.”

She understood of course what he meant. However, she was not about to allow anything as foolish to happen again.

The aftermath of their intimate moment made her breathless and yet, she fought to keep her voice stable. “We will not. You know very well what it would mean for your family. Your parents will never allow it.” She held up a hand when he started to speak. “No matter what you say to me in this moment, upon reflection, you know I am right. I must forget you. You must forget about me.”

“Do you not love me?” Henry took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. “I love you, Hannah.”

The words were like a sweet nectar sliding down one’s throat ever so slowly. “I do love you, Henry. I admit it. Have loved you for longer than I cared to admit, even to myself. However, how we feel does not change the reality of our circumstance. I would bring scandal. None of it my fault, but at the same time, a very strong reason for not marrying me.”

“I will not stop fighting until you are my wife.” He gave her a pointed look. “Tell me you will marry me once all is cleared up.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. The man she loved so dearly stood before her, meaning every word that he said. However, both knew it could never be. She would only bring shame and troubles into his family.

“Promise not to return,” Hannah said, brushing the tear away. “Please.”

Henry looked away for a moment. “How can I convince you to wait for me?”

“I will not allow you to do this to your family. For you to disappoint your parents in such a manner that you marry a woman who brings with her a questionable murder, a brother who is a criminal, and a mother who abandoned her to live alone as a single woman.”

“This conversation is not over.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Wait for me.”

In a stupor, Hannah walked to where the basket lay on the ground and lowered to pick up the blooms. Then she collapsed onto the ground, sitting still while holding a flower.

Something had to be done. Perhaps she could leave for the rest of the Season. Go visit her aunt and find out if all was well. There still had not been a response to her letter.

If she remained away for a time, then Henry would hopefully move on. Not being there would be helpful as well. She would not hear any news about him or chance running into him.

“Marta,” Hannah called out as she entered the house. “Help me pack.”

*

“I cannot believeyou were thinking of leaving,” Felicity said, lifting a cup of tea to her lips. “Honestly, Hannah. You must remain here; there is so much to see to. Besides, I need you.”

Hannah almost laughed. “You do not need me. You have Evan, Grant, and your mother.”

“Yes, well, Grant is gone, as you know, in hopes of fleecing some rich old woman of money.” Felicity shook her head. “If I am to be honest, whoever doesn’t see through his ruse deserves it. Why would a young man wish to be with someone old enough to be their grandmother? It makes me shudder.”

“I don’t understand this quest of theirs for funding. None of them, especially Lord Johnstone, have need of it.”

“It is a bet. Once men set about this sort of thing, there is no talking them out of it. More of a competition to see who manages to get the funds.”

It was a moment before Hannah spoke. “And Henry, where is he getting the money?”

Felicity’s right shoulder lifted and lowered. “Probably from his father. I do believe they have been working quite close together.” Her friend’s eyes narrowed. “You have yet to explain your sudden urge to flee.”

“How is it between a man and a woman…when making love?” Hannah asked, avoiding the topic.

Although she was sure her friend would not divulge the intimate details, it was easy to understand that her friend enjoyed bedsport. In a matter of seconds, Felicity’s face softened and there was a slight pinking to her cheeks. “When with the right man, I surmise, it will be most enjoyable. It is as if the entire world disappears until there is only him.” Felicity sighed.

“That did not answer my question,” Hannah said, sitting up straighter. “I mean physically. What goes where?”

“Oh.” Felicity frowned. “I am not sure I should tell you such detail.”

“We promised whoever married first would tell the other. Remember?” Hannah replied. “I am interested because, well…I may never marry and would like to know.”