Page 17 of A Rogue to Forget

Hannah began to shake as they watched the constable and another one who’d materialized drag Beans off. “I suppose we will have to go to the constable’s offices to see what they find out.”

“Perhaps you should get someone to go with you,” Marta said. “I do not think a young lass should go there without escort.”

“You’re correct,” Hannah said. “Everyone is attending the party. I am not sure who to ask.”

“What about Mister Murray?”

“They are going to the party as well.” They began walking home. “You and Silas could go with me. I will hire a carriage.”

Just then Silas caught up. The young man was barely out of breath, and he beamed with pride. “The constable said you need to stop by the station, Aunt Marta.”

“When?” Marta asked. “I have chores.”

“Once we put the purchases away, we will all go,” Hannah said. “We must find out what he knows and then hopefully I will get closer to finding the truth about my parents and what secrets they held.”

By the time they arrived at the constable’s office, there wasn’t anything new to learn. It turned out Beans refused to talk. He was held only for a couple hours, which in Hannah’s opinion, didn’t last long enough.

“What can we do now?” Marta asked as they arrived back at the house.

Hannah felt as if she’d been kicked in the stomach. “We will wait. If he is being paid to find out information, then he will not stop. Ensure you take Silas with you when going to the market.”

Upon entering her bedroom, the room was cool, but she didn’t mind. Hannah fell back on the bed and closed her eyes. Everyone was at the Campbells’ tonight. She imagined the bright ballroom, music filling the air and people dancing. There were probably many single women there, as the event was at Henry’s home.

Was he enjoying being the center of attention, or bothered? Hannah smiled. In most likelihood, he was annoyed. Then again, if a certain young lass caught his attention, he was having a good time.

Her chest constricted at the thought. Why did she have to fall in love with someone out of reach?

The question was ridiculous. Henry Campbell was so very kind to her. There was something about him that made her feel different. When he was near, the air was lighter, and everything seemed to fall into place. And his touch, although she was sure it was meant as only friendly, made her feel as if she could face down the world.

Blowing out a breath, she went to the window and caught a glimpse of two constables speaking. They seemed relaxed, one smoking, the other pointing in the direction of her house as they spoke. It was reassuring that they were indeed patrolling nearby.

Still, there had to be something more that could be done. Someone wanted her father’s ledgers and the money. But who?

Perhaps it was time to visit her mother and find out the extent of what she knew. Her aunt had yet to reply to the letter, which did not bode well.

No matter. She would ask Felicity to accompany her to the convent as soon as possible. Whether or not her mother wished to speak to her didn’t matter. Hannah would give her no choice in the matter.

*

With Evan forcompany, Hannah and Felicity left for the convent early that morning. The carriage rolled over an uneven road heading toward the village where Hannah’s mother had gone. The convent was housed in a rather odd building. It was as if it was built haphazardly, rooms added on as needed.

As the carriage continued toward the front of the building, several nuns, bent over in gardens, straightened and looked on with curiosity as they rode past.

Barely able to breathe past the constriction in her chest, Hannah managed to climb out of the carriage, her hands shaking. After the heartless way her mother had left, with scarcely any kind of explanation other than following her true calling, Hannah had absolutely no desire to see her.

“Perhaps we should wait a bit,” Felicity said, placing a hand on Hannah’s shoulder. “You look pale.”

She met her friend’s gaze. “I must speak to her. I fear my reaction upon seeing her. I did not wish to ever speak to her again. But I must.”

Felicity nodded in understanding. “I will not leave your side. I promise.” Her dear friend clutched her hand. “Let us see what she has to say.”

“I will wait here,” Evan stated, although it was redundant as men would not be allowed inside.

The mother superior was less than pleased at their presence. “When Sister Margaret arrived, she left all behind. You must understand, I cannot allow a visit.”

“Sister Margaret? How refreshing to be able to escape and start anew,” Hannah replied in a bitter tone. The last word caught in her throat, she closed her eyes and stopped speaking.

Thankfully, Felicity would not allow them to fail. “She left my friend, her daughter, behind, not only without chaperone or protection, but right after her father was murdered. Now, whoever murdered her father is now threatening Hannah. Sister Margaret will either speak to us, or I will ensure the authorities visit next.” Felicity’s tone was sharp, her words without inflection except when stating the word “sister.”