Page 13 of A Rogue to Reform

Lewiston stepped in front of it. “What is the meaning of this?”

“That one,” Felicity said, pointing to an oil painting of a floral bouquet that her mother loved.

The man looked at it and shrugged. He grabbed it, grunted at its weight, and managed to walk out with it just moments before her father walked in.

“What is with all the…” He stopped talking at seeing Lewiston. “Harvey, I was not aware you were here. I am glad you came. There is something we should discuss regarding the project you brought up the other day.”

The men walked off, Lewiston seeming delighted to have her father’s attention.

“What project could they possibly have together?” Felicity asked, walking to the doorway.

The butler walked in and stared at the blank space. “Are you sure that was the painting they came for?”

Why Gerard took a sudden interest in what hung on the wall was beyond her. “Yes. It will be replaced with that one.” She pointed to the wrapped one. Despite a questioning look, the butler was silent, for which she was grateful. The soft buzzing in her ears seemed to grow louder and she walked backward until she collapsed onto a settee.

*

“What am I going to do now?” Felicity asked when left alone again. “Do you think we can exchange it?”

Hannah shrugged. It was obvious she tried not to laugh. “Was the painting the man took instead valuable?”

“I have no idea. Come, let us go out into the garden. I need fresh air to consider what to do.”

They remained for a bit and then Hannah announced she had to return home.

Upon entering the room, both froze.

“As soon as I found out that Felicity admired the piece, I acquired it for her. It is my hope that your daughter would accept this token of my esteem for her,” Lewiston was explaining.

There were deep creases between her father’s brows as he stared at the monstrosity that had been hung in place of the other one. “Felicity liked this?” Thankfully, he did not ask about the oil painting that had been removed.

Lewiston looked to Felicity. “I must admit that the reason for my visit was to ask that you do me the honor of attending the event at Sorcha Robertson’s house this Friday.”

“I-I,” Felicity stuttered. “I am so sorry, but I’ve already accepted an invitation.”

“From whom?” Her father asked, his eyes narrowing.

“Please do not say Evan.” Her mother entered and lowered to a settee. Upon seeing the portrait on the wall, she practically leaped to her feet. “Felicity? Where is…” she began.

“I am so sorry,” Felicity interrupted, avoiding her mother’s gaze and looking from her father to Lewiston. “Evan Macleod asked me just earlier this afternoon and I said yes.”

Her mother sighed loudly, and her father grunted.

Without looking at anyone, Felicity gathered her skirts. “Goodness, I totally forgot something. If you will excuse me. Good day, Mister Lewiston.”

Thankfully, no one tried to stop her as she raced from the parlor, down the corridor, and up the stairs to her bedroom.

Panting heavily, she pushed her bedroom window open and leaned out, attempting to catch her breath.

Outside the window, Lewiston came into view. He hurried to his carriage and climbed inside.

Now she had to figure out how to explain the missing portrait to her mother, and somehow, she would exchange it with the dealer.

Lastly, she would have to inform Evan he was escorting her to an event at the house of the woman he was hoping to lure into whatever scheme he and her brother hatched up.

Returning to Glasgow was becoming a complicated affair.

Chapter Four