Page 29 of A Rogue to Reform

“Don’t be silly, Felicity,” her mother said, and then looked at Grant. “What about Richard Macleod?”

“No, absolutely not,” Felicity exclaimed. “He is Evan’s brother.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Grant asked.

There really was no answer that made sense.

His name stayed on the list.

Eventually, it was fun to watch Grant and her mother write down names as she found reasons for them to discard the person. In the end, they were left with a list of ten names, including Richard Macleod.

“This must be for Hannah as well,” Felicity insisted. “She must marry and soon.”

“What’s the hurry?” Grant asked.

With the financial status of Hannah’s family, it would be very hard to find a man who would marry her. However, there were plenty of men who cared little about the fact Hannah had no dowry.

“I am sure she will find someone to marry. She is a quite a beauty,” her mother said. “Of course she will be included, and hopefully in a more intimate setting, find a suitor.”

Despite the fact she had no plans to find a suitor herself, Felicity was excited at the prospect of entertaining at her house.

“You will be here, will you not, Grant?” She gave her brother a knowing look. “It will look badly if you are not.”

“It is time for you and your father to speak and set things right. Whatever happened between you two needs to be put to rest.” Their mother gave him a stern look. “I do not know why you insist on remaining away and spending your days as if with no family to call your own.”

“It was Father who asked me to leave. I can’t very well march back home and announce that I am living here.”

“That is because of your roguish ways,” Felicity said. “If you decide to become a proper gentleman and perhaps return to work with Father, then perhaps he will ask that you return home.”

Grant blew out a breath. “I am perfectly well living with Evan.”

“Two rogues who will end up old and smelly.” Felicity stood and went to the doorway. “I will bring you soup and soft biscuits that you can chew.”

Her mother let out a bark of laughter and shook her head. “Pay heed, Grant. Felicity may jest, but it could happen.”

Grant looked to the ceiling. “Mother, if you do not require me for anything else, I have matters to see to.”

“I will require you to see about ensuring the men on our list are indeed in good standing and not overwrought by debt or such.”

“Yes, Mother,” Grant replied, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

*

As was hers and Hannah’s practice to volunteer weekly at a women’s infirmary for the poor, Felicity entered the maternity wing and was immediately put to work by a nurse. “Quick, fetch bandages and bring them to me,” the woman called out, pointing at a cabinet.

Behind a screen, a woman grunted in pain, her extended belly telling she was in the throes of labor.

“You should go back out behind the screen,” the same nurse said. “You should not witness this.”

Felicity ignored the woman and went closer. Taking the woman’s hand, she smiled down at her. “How exciting that soon you will meet your wee one.”

Despite the obvious distress, the woman managed a tight smile. “I can barely wait. Will ye please see about my husband? He is the one pacing outside the door, fraught with worry…” The woman stopped and groaned.

“Push when you’re ready,” the nurse instructed.

The woman did as she was told. Her entire body tightened with the exertion. When she stopped pushing, she looked back up at Felicity. “Tell him all is going well.”

Felicity looked at the nurse, who nodded, and then turned her attention back to the woman. “One more push and the little one will be born.”