Page 44 of A Rogue to Forget

“Absolutely not,” Henry snapped. “I will not have her come here to be humiliated.”

His mother remained silent, looking at him without expression.

“I did not say humiliate,” his sister replied. “I mean it will give us the opportunity to get to know her. Marriage is a big step.” She turned to her husband who ran around trying to control the other three children. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

“What?” He lifted a child and sniffed its bottom. “Oh yes, of course.”

As a nanny appeared to take the children away, his mother watched and then turned to him. “I think it is a good idea. Bring her to dinner tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes, the sooner the better. I wish to meet this woman who has turned your head.”

*

“Tonight?” Hannah staredat him, aghast. “Why?”

They sat in the parlor that was alight with sunlight and fresh air as she’d left the French doors open to the weather.

“My mother wishes to meet you.” Henry wondered how much to divulge. His sister had decided to remain, therefore, Hannah would be facing both Campbell women.

Hannah searched his face as if he held the answers to what she should do. “What did you tell them?”

“That I was in love with you and wish to marry you.”

As he spoke, her eyes grew wider and wider.

“You did what?” Her hands flew to her cheeks, and she blew out a breath. “Why would you tell them that?”

“Because it is the truth.”

She looked beautiful that day. When he’d arrived, she’d been in the parlor that had been redecorated with a small table and chairs. A newly hired maid was placing vases of fresh flowers on the table and sideboard.

“Henry we cannot possibly. Surely your mother and father are against it. Besides…” she reached for his face, cupped his jaw, and looked into his eyes. “You have not asked me, and I have not accepted.”

There was a tightening in his stomach. It was true, he’d taken for granted that she would marry him once he asked. It was presumptuous of him.

“Do you love me?”

The words hung in the air. Hannah let out a long sigh and met his gaze again. “You know I do.”

“If I know anything about you, it is that you are one of the bravest women I have ever known. You have faced what life has thrown at you with dignity and strength. Fight with me for our love, Hannah.”

She bowed her head.

Lowering to one knee before her, Henry took her hands. “Hannah Kerr, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“I find that I cannot say no.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I will. Yes. Oh Henry, what are we doing?”

He stood and brought her into his arms, holding her close as he tried to keep from allowing the most unmasculine of emotions free rein.

“We must tell our friends,” Hannah said after a few moments in which they sat quietly, both needing a moment to become used to the idea.

“We should.” He agreed, happiness bubbling inside him.

Hannah looked at him. “Are we compatible? What do we possibly have in common?”

As expected, an intelligent woman like Hannah would delve into reasoning.