Page 43 of A Rogue to Forget

Henry stood. “Father. You have met her. What do you truly think about her as a person? Forget everything else.”

“I like her,” his father replied without hesitation. “I think she is a good match for you. Quite independent and despite being alone has the bearings of a very respectable young woman.”

“Can you tell Mother that? Will you please help me in this? Together we can convince her.”

Once again, his father looked down at the paperwork in front of him. “I am not sure it will work. I myself am not convinced that a marriage to her would be beneficial to you. There are many other factors to consider, Henry. You know very well the lass would never be fully accepted by our peers. Why would you subject her to the scrutiny of our social circles?”

“I must insist.” Henry could not think of what else to say. Whether his parents agreed to it or not, he would marry Hannah. That they were not included in social gatherings would not affect him one way or the other. Hannah would not miss what she’d never been part of.

“I am going to speak to Mother now.” Henry met his father’s gaze. “With or without your support.”

Together they went to the solarium where his mother sat reading. She looked up, scanning their faces. “Whatever it is, it must be serious.”

“Henry has an announcement to make,” his father said, lowering to sit next to his wife. “Do not fret, dear, it is not so bad.”

“What is it, dear?” his mother asked.

“I have decided to marry,” Henry replied. “I am to ask Hannah Kerr to be my wife.”

When his mother closed her eyes, Henry knew it was to keep from blurting something she’d regret. She opened them and looked up to him. “I will never agree to such foolishness. Honestly, Henry, how can you even consider it?”

“I love her.”

“What you are is infatuated. You’ve convinced yourself to be her champion and now think she cannot possibly live without you.” His mother put the book aside and gripped her hands together. “I will not allow it.”

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Henry lowered to a chair across from his parents. “She is a wonderful woman who will bring me and this family happiness. If you would only give yourself the opportunity to get to know her, you will agree. Father has met her.”

Lady Campbell turned to her husband. “What have you said to Henry about this?”

“I-I agree that the lass is a good match for him personality wise. However, I have warned Henry that she will never fit into our social circles and would be an outcast. He should not subject her to it.”

“You make it sound as if our friends are horrible,” his mother remarked. “They are not.”

“I did not imply it. However, they are not the most accepting of people.”

Henry cleared his throat. “Based on your own reactions, I would say neither of you are accepting of anyone without some sort of pedigree.”

With a sharp look, his mother huffed. “I know you well, Henry, and you will do whatever you have made your mind up to do. Whether it harms this family matters little to you.”

“Where is everyone?” His sister appeared, helped by her husband. Upon seeing them, she tugged her arm away. “This looks like a serious conversation. What happened?” There was an eagerness in her expression. Alana loved dramatics. Although she preferred it to be about her, when not, she would take it in any sort of way.

It could not be worse timing.

“Your brother has decided to marry a woman who is cloaked in scandal.”

Henry’s mouth fell open. “Mother, really? What scandal?”

“Her father was murdered. He was probably involved in some sort of illicit activity.”

“Oh, you mean John Kerr, the owner of the tea shop?” Alana exclaimed. “Horrible thing that you had to find the body.” She gave Henry what could pass for sympathy if not for the slight smile.

“Aren’t you supposed to be home, having a child or something?” Henry murmured under his breath.

“I heard that,” his sister replied. “Hopefully soon by the way it’s kicking in there. I needed to get fresh air. So tired of resting and spending time inside.”

He didn’t point out that by coming there, she was still indoors.

“We should have her for dinner,” Alana said with a wide smile. “It will give you the opportunity to observe her, Mother. It could be she will feel so inadequate, she will not marry Henry.”