Page 30 of A Rogue to Reform

As she rounded the divider, the woman let out a long moan. Moments later, a rowdy cry filled the room. Every woman there turned toward the sound.

The cries of a newborn had such an effect that soon everyone’s face brightened at the sound of new life.

“Mister McKinney?” Felicity looked out from the entryway. There were several men who paced, worried expressions on their faces, but only one hurried toward her. “How is she? My wife? The child?”

Felicity could have kicked herself for not asking what the gender was. “The child is born. All is well. I will return with more information in a moment.” She darted back inside, leaving the man with a happy and dazed expression.

Later that day, when she walked past the couple, now together, the husband’s arms around his wife, both looking at the newborn with faces alight with love, Felicity faltered.

She’d not considered the closeness that came after a couple had a child. Creating a life together.

“Should we go?” Hannah approached, removing her apron. “I am going to accept your invitation for tea.”

When her friend followed her line of sight and looked at the couple, she gave Felicity a knowing look. “Feeling the urgings, are you?”

“Urgings?”

Hannah nodded. “Mother says that there comes a time when a woman feels strong stirrings toward motherhood.”

“I do not feel anything of the like,” Felicity insisted, and turned to her friend. “Let’s find a tea shop and rest for a bit.”

Once settled at the small tea shop they preferred, Felicity leaned forward. “It has been a horrible time since the party at Sorcha Robertson’s house.”

“What do you mean?” Hannah asked.

“Well, the kiss. I told you about that. Followed by being tossed into the bushes. Most upsetting thing to ever happen.”

It was obvious by Hannah’s pretend cough that she fought not to laugh. “Evan is a cad.”

“Something worse happened.”

At this, Hannah’s eyes widened. “What could possibly be worse than being kissed breathless and then tossed into bushes?”

“I romanticized the entire episode and went to his house.”

“No.”

“Yes. I went to his house. I think he was about to kiss me again. Then Sorcha appeared. She was all puffy and angry.”

“She is a sea witch.” Hannah blew out a breath. “Then again, perhaps it is good that there was an interruption. What if he did kiss you again? Are you in love with him?”

“Yes. Perhaps. No. Impossible.”

The bell over the door rang, and both looked to see Miles Johnstone enter. The lord was ravishing in a rich burgundy day jacket and riding boots. He didn’t see them and walked straight to the counter.

“He would be a wonderful match for you,” Hannah said as she studied the lord’s profile. “I bet he is a romantic.”

Felicity frowned in the direction of Miles. “I do not have the pedigree. I bet he will marry someone from London or local high society.”

Seeming to sense their regard, Miles turned to them after completing his purchase. He neared the table and nodded in greeting. “Ladies.”

“Lord Johnstone,” Felicity began. “I would think your household would send someone for such trivial purchases.”

His lips curved into a smile, showcasing straight white teeth. “I am on my way to visit my parents. Thought to stop and purchase Mother’s favorite tea.”

“Very kind of you, my lord,” Hannah said with a slight blush. It was obvious she was not unaffected by his handsome presence.

For a moment, the lord studied her friend; it was as if he’d not noticed her before. “I do not like to show up anywhere empty handed. Besides, Mother and I will share it.”