Page 36 of A Rogue to Reform

“He is rather elusive and stoic young man, but your father likes him.”

Felicity blew out a breath. “Please do not use how Father feels about a person as a measurement tool.”

Her mother laughed. “I promise not to.”

As they rode toward home, she got up the courage to ask about Evan. “Am I to assume that since you invited Richard, you did not invite Evan?”

“Oh he was invited. Grant insisted.”

“And?”

“He has not replied.” Her mother studied her. “Your father would not approve of Evan. He has no ambitions, and with a reputation like his, I am not sure if he will ever change.”

“In truth, Mother, with each passing day, I am beginning to consider that I prefer not to marry at all.”

Her mother gave her a knowing look. “Unless it is Evan Macleod.”

At first, she started to deny it, but then she decided it was best to sit back and consider why everyone seemed to be aware of how she felt.

“By the way,” her mother started. “Whatever you did with the painting, retrieve it and get rid of the monstrosity in the parlor before Friday.”

Felicity had totally forgotten about that incident. “Hopefully the shopkeeper has not sold ours yet.”

She called out to the driver to take them to the antiquities shop where she’d sold the painting. The owner was glad to exchange it for the “right” one, as the one he’d acquired had yet to sell. He agreed to send someone to the house that very afternoon.

Feeling a bit guilty, Felicity returned to the carriage, the driver behind her with the painting. “He will send someone to fetch the other painting this afternoon.”

“Good.” Her mother gave her a warning look. “Ensure you are present to oversee the exchange. I am going to visit Lilian Macleod. She invited me for afternoon tea.”

“Oh goodness,” Felicity said, knowing the woman would probably bring up what happened with Evan. It would not do in the least if she did. “Must you go? There is still so much to get done before Friday.”

“All is in order,” her mother replied. “Besides, I enjoy Lilian’s company.”

It was a bit later that Felicity looked up from writing a letter in the sitting room after her butler cleared his throat.

“Someone is here for you, Miss,” Gerard announced.

“Finally.” Felicity went to the hallway where the ugly painting had been wrapped and was ready to be taken. She stopped when noting it was Evan who entered, her mouth forming an O.

“Felicity,” he said in way of greeting.

Unsure of what to do, she looked past him to the butler. “When the man arrives from the antiquities shop, ensure he takes that painting.” She pointed at the wall and then motioned for Evan to follow her to the sitting room.

He looked handsome as always, this time dressed casually wearing a white shirt left open at the throat and light tan trousers. His jacket was a light grey fabric, and he wore low boots.

“I came to apologize for yesterday.”

She motioned for him to sit. “Whatever for?”

“What you were witness to at the tea shop and later with my mother.” He gave her a look she could only describe as discomfited.

“Ha,” Felicity exclaimed. “It must have been mortifying for you. I agreed with every word your mother stated. The nerve of that woman approaching her in public like that. I hope you will speak to her about her actions.”

“What happened is the reason why I must turn down the invitation to your dinner party.” He gave her a pained look. “I hope you understand.”

She did. However, her heart did not seem to. It was as if someone reached into her chest and squeezed it.

“You’d considered coming?”