Page 56 of A Rogue to Forget

“Look and see,” Henry replied cryptically.

She turned to face him. “I will not take another step unless you explain…” Everything went upside down as she was lifted and thrown over his shoulder.

“Put me down,” Hannah hissed. “Someone will see.”

Moments later, he plopped her none-to-gently onto the carriage seat and dropped next to her out of breath.

Hannah looked around in the dimness. There was no one else in the carriage, which immediately moved at a rather alarming speed.

“Are you cold?” Henry said, lifting a light blanket and attempting to put it over her shoulders. “I know you hadn’t the opportunity to get a wrap.”

Strange that in that moment, all Hannah could think was that Henry had lost his mind and she had to save him. She took a breath and turned to him.

“Henry, look at me.”

When he did, it seemed that he was fully coherent. Then again, she had little experience with this sort of thing. Thinking back to when her mother had announced her departure, she’d seemed as if dazed. Henry did not look dazed.

“Have you been drinking?” Hannah asked then yelped and grabbed the edge of the seat when the carriage took a rather sharp turn.

“I have not. We are not going too far. A pair of hours.”

“Where are we going?”

“You will see when we get there.”

She hit his shoulder. “No I do not want to wait until I get there. It is the middle of the night. If we go somewhere for a pair of hours, by the time we return, it could be dawn.”

“We are not returning right away.” Henry sat back, crossed his arms, and closed his eyes. “Do not bother knocking on the roof. The driver has been instructed not to stop no matter what.”

Hannah gawked at him, although it mattered little since he’d closed his eyes. “Why are you doing this?” When no reply came, she nudged him. “Henry? Answer me.”

“It is best for you to rest and not worry. Everything will be clear in a bit.”

For the next hour, she did her best to remain awake. But it was late, and she was emotionally drained. Finally, she gave up and leaned against the wall.

The sound of voices woke Hannah and she realized she was huddled against Henry, both of them covered in blankets.

She didn’t dare open her eyes and face whoever spoke.

“We will be inside in a moment,” Henry said to the person, who chuckled.

Whatever was happening was most peculiar. As annoyed as she was, it was with much reluctance that she pushed away from the warmth of Henry’s body.

He gave her a sheepish smile. “We are here.”

Obviously, he would not answer her questions, so Hannah did the best she could to smooth her hair and then allowed him to help her from the carriage.

The moon gave enough light for her to see that they’d arrived at a small chapel. They hurried inside to find it alight with candles and a priest stood at the front. The driver and a monk walked in and stood near the front as well.

Hannah turned to Henry. “What are we doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Henry replied. He took her hands. “Hannah, I love you with all my heart and am willing to give up all for you. Today, I relinquished my inheritance. I informed my parents that I was to marry you. I moved from their home and sent a messenger to come and inform my dear friend Father Bruce that I was to bring a woman and wished to get married this very night. Will you marry me?”

Something about his demeanor spoke volumes. Henry expected her to say no. Despite all he did, he knew her enough to know she was strong-willed and would not be bullied into making a hasty decision.

“Oh Henry,” Hannah let out a long sigh. She looked to the other men in the chapel, who pretended not to listen. “This is the most unusual thing. It seems that nothing about my life is normal as of late.”

It was not fair to him to not reply. It was evident he prepared for the worst.