Page 47 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Thirteen

“Ihave to wear a suitable color. I am barely out of mourning,” Hannah said while sitting in Felicity’s room.

Henry had gone home, and she would go by carriage later. They’d decided that Felicity was to accompany her, for which she was eternally grateful.

Now in her friend’s bedchamber, they went through Felicity’s wardrobe trying to decide what was best to wear.

“What about this?” Felicity held out a beautiful gray ensemble. The gown was soft and downy with tiny pink rosebuds embroidered around the neckline and hem of the sleeves.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Wear it. You can have it,” Felicity said with a smile. “I find that whenever I try it on, I never choose to wear it.”

While Ana, Felicity’s personal maid, combed Hannah’s hair, she met Felicity’s gaze in the mirror. “I am not sure what to expect. Tell me about Missus Campbell.”

Her friend bit her bottom lip in thought. “She is attractive. Favors the color blue. From the few times I have been in the same socials with her, she seems to be well-liked. Has a close-knit group of women whom she spends time with doing various charity events and such.”

“Have you ever had a conversation with her?” Hannah wanted to know everything about the woman.

“Nothing more than pleasantries,” Felicity replied. “I wish Mother were here. She knows her a bit better than I do. I believe Mother has been to their house several times.”

“What about the dance? How was she acting?”

“She was in her element. The music, décor, and food were extravagant. It was obvious she’d spent a great deal of time planning every detail. According to my mother, it is what she loves to do.”

“I see,” Hannah said. “She and your mother have that in common.”

It seemed too soon before it was time to go. As they descended the stairs, Evan gave her an approving look. “You will win them over. I have no doubt.”

Hannah blinked away grateful tears. “I certainly hope you are right.”

Once assisted into the carriage, they set off for the Campbell estate, which was not far from where Felicity lived. At the most, it would take half an hour for them to arrive.

She’d ridden past the Campbell estate many times, always admiring the decorative gates with the family crest. Now as the carriage went through them, Hannah felt as if she was about to be sick.

Felicity took her hand. “You’re pale.”

“I am not sure I can go through with this. They will never accept me. I am sure of it.”

Nothing else was said. Probably because there wasn’t anything that Felicity could say that would help her feel any better.

The house was alight, every window bright and welcoming. If not for the huge boulder in her stomach, Hannah would have thought they were glad for her visit.

There was another carriage and they waited for whoever it was to be seen to. When their carriage rolled forward, Hannah gasped audibly. She bowed her head. “Lord help me.”

“I am sure it is not as bad as that,” Felicity said, but there was a slight tremble to her voice.

Henry came to greet them, holding her hand as she descended. “How are you?” he asked, a slight curve to his lips.

Hannah could not speak; she managed a smile in reply.

Looking to the other carriage, Henry shook his head. “My sister Alana is here. She is heavy with child and should be home in bed.”

“Oh.” It was the only word Hannah could conjure in that moment.

Felicity came to his side. “We may as well go inside.”

They went up the steps, each of them on Henry’s arm. Upon arriving at the entry, they were greeted by a butler who took their wraps.