Page 42 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Twelve

Henry was prepared to set things straight. There were two very important matters that had to be dealt with, and upon speaking to his father, hopefully both would be solved.

His footsteps echoed on the pristine floor that led to his father’s study. He’d just walked out a business acquaintance with whom his father just concluded working with. The venture had made both men quite a handsome return.

This was the opportune moment to approach his father, as the patriarch would be in a jovial mood.

“Henry,” his father said upon him entering. “Make sure to meet with the bankers in the morning to deposit the funds.”

“I will.” Henry poured brandy into two glasses and handed one to his father. “To profit and good business.”

They held the glasses up and then drank.

“I must revisit something with you,” Henry said, meeting his father’s gaze. “The matter of a loan in order for me to invest in a ship that departs in a pair of months. I have been able to come up with a portion, but it is doubtful without your help I will have the money in time.”

“Tell me about this ship and who is investing.” His father sat back to wait.

“The ship is called, The Abigail. It is captained by a well-respected man, Thomas MacFarland, who is recommended by Evan’s father, Robert Macleod. He is who first brought it to our attention as a way to make money and recover from our…financial…destitution.”

“Interesting.” His father frowned. “Why is Robert Macleod not investing himself?”

“He has passed on the opportunity to help Evan.”

“I see. Very well. I will consider loaning you the capital. If I do, you will repay with interest.”

There was lightening in his chest to know that he could possibly have his portion of the money. He wasn’t disappointed in the fact he’d not acquire the capital from seducing a woman. The wager had been fun in that moment, but now it mattered very little to him. His father trusted him and that was worth more to him than a bet.

“I also wish to repay you for all the gambling debts, even if it means keeping very little for myself.”

His father’s eyebrows rose. “Is that so?”

“It means more to me that you trust me than whatever profit comes from the ship.”

When his father looked to the ledger in front of him, Henry cleared his throat. His father knew him well and looked up.

“Whatever it is, I cannot go against your mother’s wishes. I agree with her that you must marry and soon.”

“I am going to propose marriage to Hannah Kerr.”

At the statement, if it was possible, his father’s eyebrows shot up higher. “What?”

“I am in love with her and cannot abide the idea of marriage to anyone but her. Hannah is who I will marry.”

His father stood and refilled his glass. He took a large gulp and swallowed. “I do not think this will make your mother happy. I agree that the lass is fetching and quite brave.”

Henry continued. “I am aware there are many impediments. Believe me, Father, I understand. However, I cannot help what I feel.”

“No.” His father gave him a stern look. “I cannot approve of it, son. Her brother owns gambling dens and is a criminal. For all we know, he murdered her father. Then there’s the matter of her mother going mad. The lass brings too much detriment to our family.”

“In all fairness, no one is aware they are siblings. That her father was murdered is not her fault. Her mother, well, that is troublesome.”

While his father paced, Henry lowered to a chair. It would take time, but he had to convince his father. It would take having his support in order to convince his mother to agree to the marriage.

Although a grown man who did not require his parents’ permission to marry, going against their wishes would mean a harder life for Hannah. Not only that, but he did not wish to cause either of his parents social harm.

Society and their standing was of utmost importance to his parents, and therefore, Henry needed them to agree to the marriage. His mother would be the best person to set in motion how to best present Hannah to society.

“Your mother will never agree to it,” his father finally said. “You must understand. It is her circumstance that is worrisome.”