Page 6 of A Rogue to Forget

They sat in silence for a beat while Hannah tried to gather her thoughts. “I do not know what Father got himself into, but I suspect that Mother has an idea and that is why she left.”

“Why not tell you before leaving?” Felicity asked, annoyance tinging her tone. “I still am in utter disbelief that she abandoned you at such a horrible time.”

“I am not sure I can ever forgive her,” Hannah replied. “How could she do that to me, her only child?”

Hannah held her face up to the sky, the sun warming her skin was like a kiss. She opened her eyes and looked at Felicity. “Henry was here. Informed me his family is hosting a party next Saturday.”

Her friend’s brows lowered. “Why would he tell you that? You cannot be out socially.”

“It was obvious after telling me, he realized his blunder. It was rather endearing that he insisted that if I were not in mourning, I was personally invited.”

Felicity laughed. “He has certainly taken the role of your protector to heart. Evan commented on how he often mentions the need for you to have proper precautions in place. Being as what happened to your father and the fact you live alone.”

“I am sure whatever happened that caused my father to be killed has nothing to do with me,” Hannah insisted, although a shiver of apprehension traveled up her spine. “Surely they must be aware, I have absolutely no money or anything of value.”

“The thought occurred to me as well. If whoever murdered your father did it because he failed to repay a loan, then it should be obvious he did not have access to any money whatsoever.”

Hannah sighed. “I wish I knew what happened. It may be that I will never find out.”

“I would like some tea,” Felicity said, standing. “I am absolutely parched.”

They went into the house through a side door that opened directly into the kitchen so that Hannah could warm water to make a pot of tea. She knew Felicity probably had errands to run and other things that were more important than spending time with her, but her friend would not leave no matter what she said.

“I brought you a few gifts,” Felicity said when they went into the parlor. On a table were a few wrapped bundles, and thrown across the back of a chair, dresses and other items.

“What did you do?” Hannah asked. “Felicity, you must stop spending money on me. I can do with what I have.”

“Nonsense,” Felicity replied, waving off her protests. “I bought a pair of dresses and other necessary garments because once you are out of mourning, we will be going out for tea. Also I plan to host a gathering and initiate a book club. You will be helping me with it.”

While Hannah opened the packages to find a silky nightgown, a pair of chemises, and some stockings, Felicity sat perched with teacup in hand looking on with the expression of a gleeful child. Her eyes twinkled and she wore a wide grin when Hannah held up the items.

She didn’t have the heart to not accept them when seeing her friend beam with pride at her choices in colors and just the right touches of adornments that were exactly what Hannah would have chosen.

“I am so blessed to have you as a friend.”

“You are my sister,” Felicity corrected her. “And sisters take care of each other.”

“Thank you. I love everything.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon together. When Felicity finally left, it was almost time for supper. It was only then that Hannah realized Marta had yet to return.

She hurried into the kitchen and found it empty. Then she went through the back door and along the side of the house to peer down the street. There was no sign of Marta.

Hannah returned inside, not sure what to do. Had something happened to the woman?

By the time the sun went down, she was frantic. Just as she was about to head to the nearest house to request that they send their coachman to ask about her housekeeper, the key in the front door stopped her.

Hannah hurried to the door to a rather frazzled Marta. The housekeeper rushed inside with a young man in tow. She slammed the door and locked it quickly.

“Miss Kerr, you are not safe. There are very dangerous-looking men asking about you.”