Page 39 of A Rogue to Reform

The entire time, Felicity held her breath, hoping Mrs. Kerr would not mention that Evan had been there.

Chapter Ten

Evan paced in front of Sorcha’s house. He’d promised Felicity not to cross a woman’s threshold, which made the current situation awkward.

The butler had gone to fetch Sorcha, returned with a message for Evan to come inside, and he’d then sent back a reply that he could not.

It was but a short moment later that an irate Sorcha walked out and motioned to a side garden where they could have a bit more privacy.

“Why are you refusing to come inside, darling? Is something wrong?”

Was the woman so self-absorbed that she’d not considered how upset his mother had been at her outburst at the tea shop?

“It is best that I be frank. You crossed the line when speaking to my mother yesterday. How dare you speak with such liberty after only a tryst between us?”

“A tryst?” Sorcha was incredulous. “Is that all it was to you? We plan to travel—”

“I never accepted. I was clear in stating that I had matters to see to about here.”

“And I offered to help with what you had to do so you could come. You did not say that you were not coming with me. All I did was inform your mother that we were to travel.”

Evan knew he had to end things in a way that would not bring her ire; however, he doubted it would be easy. “Sorcha, I cannot continue to see you. It was but one night. An enjoyable one, but at this time, it is best for me to step away.”

“I see.” An icy demeanor fell over her, and when she lifted her gaze, it was with menacing calculation. “Is this about that Murray twit? You must realize she will never satisfy you. You will be crossing my doorstep again after but a few weeks.”

“This is about your lack of respect toward my mother. I will never tolerate anyone distressing her in public the way you did. It is inexcusable, and I will not allow it.”

Sorcha let out a most unladylike snort. “I find it childish for you to be so offended over something as trivial as me mentioning a trip.”

“My mother was overly distressed at your announcement. What do you think those nearby thought about an unmarried man and woman traveling together?”

“The only one who overheard was Felicity Murray. She probably influenced your mother—”

“Enough!” Evan stood to his full height. “Goodbye, Sorcha. Do not speak to me again.”

“Evan,” Sorcha called out. “You will be sorry for this.”

As he got into the carriage and headed toward the shop, he wondered if indeed he would be sorrier than he already was for becoming entangled with her.

*

“What is everyone’s progress?” Henry asked the following evening at Evan’s house. As agreed, they’d come together to discuss the sponsorship.

Miles stretched his long legs and crossed them at the ankles. “I have an idea of how to acquire my portion. I have been distracted with a family issue, but will be able to concentrate on the project after this week.” He lifted the glass of brandy to his lips.

“It is harder than I expected,” Henry said. “Although I have won several games, it is slow going to gather the amount needed. I’ve decided against marrying a young debutante. They are all so innocent and so anxious.” He blew out a breath. “Although, if I cannot come up with my portion, I may change my mind again. We will see.”

“What about you?” Grant asked Evan. “Now that you have returned to the work force, you have less time for other pursuits.”

Evan drank down the contents of his glass and then told everyone what Sorcha had done and how upset his mother had been.

“As you can guess, that means I have to restart my plan. I do have about a quarter of it. I have decided against acquiring the rest from a woman and must see if there is a way to get an advance on my salary for the rest. Once the ship returns, I can repay it without a problem.”

“What if it sinks?” Grant asked with a smirk. “Or pirates attack?”

“Then I will work for years without salary,” Evan said. “It will not bother me. I owe my father as much.”

“What about you, Grant?” Evan asked.