Page 22 of A Rogue to Reform

Felicity’s eyes glazed over, and she blinked, doing her best to dispel the stupid tears that threatened to spill. More than anything, she was angry that she’d read so much into a simple dance.

Upon nearing Grant and Hannah, she could barely stand remaining there. “We should go.”

She continued forward past people who gave her curious looks. Perhaps her expression was too telling of someone who’d been upset by something. It mattered little to her what people thought. All Felicity knew was that it was best to leave and avoid Evan Macleod at all costs.

Surely it would not be long before whatever she was feeling went away.

In the carriage, both Grant and Hannah did not ask her anything. She caught them exchanging questioning looks.

Finally, her brother, who had a curious nature, tapped her arm. “Did Evan say something to upset you?”

Startled at his question, Felicity realized that her actions after the dance would bring such conclusions. “No, he did not speak to me at all.”

“Then why do you look as if heartbroken?”

At the question, Felicity managed a bark of laughter. “Why would I be heartbroken? I am not interested in any gentleman at this time.”

When Grant looked to Hannah, Felicity could feel her best friend’s study of her. If anyone suspected that she’d allowed her feelings free rein when it came to Evan Macleod, it was Hannah.

“What I think,” Hannah began, “is that Felicity has not been courted properly. Although she has many friends, there has not been anyone calling on her other than Mister Lewiston.”

“Ah,” Grant replied, seeming satisfied. “Perhaps our parents need to see to a gathering to ensure it is made obvious that it is time for you to settle.”

“Settle?” Felicity met her brother’s gaze. “Is that what we do, brother? Do we settle for someone merely because it is time to marry?”

Grant let out a breath. “You would be the one to make the choice, of course. Our parents have always made it clear they do not wish to play matchmakers. Thankfully, social status isn’t a factor for our family. Father is well-regarded and you will never lack for social invitations.”

It was true and probably the reason that, at almost twenty, she remained unmarried. She’d enjoyed traveling and studying, loving the freedom of not being encumbered by marriage and children. Now, however, it was obviously all to change. Not only were her emotions changing, but just the thought of a child made her entire being tremble with want.

“You are right. It is time for me to settle.”

“Perhaps we should come up with a better word,” Hannah quipped. “How about ‘marry’?”

Grant turned his attention to her friend. “What about you, Hannah?

“I do wish to marry, have for a while. However, the unfortunate episode that happened to my family brought my aspirations to a halt.”

Her heart broke for Hannah, who’d been courted by a lord. The scoundrel had withdrawn his proposal immediately after finding out about the Kerrs’ ruin. It turned out the man was virtually penniless and had hoped to garner a better life through Hannah’s dowry.

“Perhaps you and I can be celebrated together,” Felicity exclaimed. “We must speak to our mothers about it.”

“I am glad to see the frown replaced with excitement,” Grant said. Although he meant well, the reminder of why she’d been upset felt like a punch to the chest.

Evan Macleod would never be hers. It was silly to have had such thoughts. She would meet someone else, be courted, and marry.

All thoughts of Evan had to be locked away, the key tossed.

Chapter Six

The evening had become colder. It was early spring, and therefore, the warmth of the day quickly dissipated once the sun set.

“I find it interesting that you and I have never had the opportunity to get to know each other,” Sorcha remarked, her gaze slowly climbing from his chest to hesitate on his lips, and then finally rising to meet his gaze.

“A crime,” Evan replied, and took her hand to lift to his lips. The movements felt mechanical, without substance, and he had to concentrate to keep from comparing the woman before him to the one he’d held just minutes earlier on the dance floor.

Interesting that both women had green eyes. Sorcha’s were gold-speckled and dark, while Felicity’s were a delightful bright green. While Sorcha’s lips were well-formed, they held no comparison to Felicity’s plump pink ones that curved up at the edges. Her expressions always made people smile, as she was playful and easy to like. Easy to become infatuated with.

“You look at me as if you are guarding a very pleasant secret,” Sorcha said, instantly taking Evan from his revelry.