Page 62 of A Rogue to Forget

Once the toast was done, the staff took turns congratulating them and left as quickly as they came.

“Should I prepare a room for you and your new bride?” the housekeeper inquired.

Henry considered what was best for the situation.

“No, they are to honeymoon alone,” his mother replied with a well-practiced neutral expression. I will inform you when a room will be required.”

Once they were alone again, Hannah looked to his parents. “Thank you so very much for making me feel welcome. I know this is not what you would have wished. However, I must tell you that I love your son with all my being and will strive to make him happy, always.”

There was a beat of silence and his mother sighed. “It is done now, and I am glad to know how you feel. I do wish you every happiness.” She straightened. “There is much work to be done in the days ahead.”

“Mrs. Murray would like to be involved,” Hannah suggested. “It would please her greatly.”

“Good.”

*

After walking throughthe house Henry had purchased, they decided that, along with Hannah’s, it would be sold.

Although Hannah liked the townhouse, it was imperative to keep the family happy. Living in Ravenscraig would be affirmation that the marriage was accepted and approved by the Campbells and be another stepping stone to stopping some of the rumors and any social damage.

Although Henry understood that Hannah did not care about the elite class’s social rules, she did care about the effect on his family, and therefore, was agreeable to do as much as possible to keep his mother happy.

“I hope you like the house,” Henry said to her as they sat in the townhouse’s dining room sharing a meal with their friends.

Somehow between Marta and the new housekeeper, they’d managed to produce a four-course meal along with a delicious bread pudding for dessert.

“You must show me the house,” Felicity told Hannah. “If you are to leave shortly, perhaps I can help find someone to purchase it.”

“We have two houses to sell,” Hannah replied. “Hopefully they will sell easily.”

Grant cleared his throat. “I would be interested in purchasing this townhouse. It is accessible to many things, and it is time I move into a place of my own.”

There was an awkward silence, as no one wished to bring up the subject of money. Of course being Grant’s sister, Felicity had no such compulsion.

“How exactly will you pay for it, brother?” She gave him a pointed look. “If you can afford this house, then you must be hiding something from me.”

He, along with Evan and Miles, avoided looking at each other. Unfortunately, it only made the women more curious.

“What are you hiding?” Hannah asked, looking around the table.

Felicity’s eyes narrowed. “I will find out even if you do not dare tell me, Grant.”

“If you wish to purchase the house, be sure to let me know before I contact an agent,” Henry said, ignoring both Hannah and Felicity’s questioning looks.

“About your family home. You may wish to wait,” Evan told Hannah. “There have been many changes right away. I advise that you wait and see how you feel about selling it after a few weeks have passed.”

“What would I do with it until then?” Hannah asked. “I have no family, and although it could bring me rental income, I am not sure to wish to be involved with having to oversee it.”

As the conversation whirled around them, no one seeming to be eager to leave, Henry relaxed and considered that in the present moment, he was experiencing the most perfect day of his life.

Finally, it was decided both the townhouse and Hannah’s family home would be placed on the market.