Page 8 of A Rogue to Reform

“Get rid of him,” Felicity spat. “You told him I wanted that art.”

They turned and she glared at him before they had to return to their respective partners.

Evan turned to look and, sure enough, Felicity danced with Lewiston. He coughed to cover up a chuckle.

“Is something wrong?” Sorcha asked, her gaze on his face.

“Nothing. I am perfect.” He gave her what he knew was a devilish smile and she blushed.

When he turned, Felicity was there again. “Dance with me after this,” she whispered.

“No,” Evan said. “Stop talking to me.”

Thankfully, the song ended, and he guided Sorcha to a tall table where they could stand.

“I will get you something to drink.”

“No thank you,” Sorcha said quickly. “I prefer to speak with you.”

This was the time to ensure to follow along, but in a way to not seem overly eager. “Of course.”

“I require you to help me with something.” Felicity appeared and gave Sorcha a wide-eyed look. “Mister Macleod has kindly offered to help me with something. I will return him to you shortly.” She took him by the arm and practically dragged him toward the open doors that led to a balcony.

Felicity had just ruined a prime opportunity. Evan grit his back teeth. “Can you not get your brother, or Miles even, to rescue you? I am on the verge of…”

Felicity squeaked as if seeing a mouse, grabbed his face, and pulled him closer. Then to his astonishment, kissed him right on the lips.

The kiss was what he could only describe as hard, her mouth hitting his with so much force that their teeth clashed.

Hands splayed out to his sides, he was sure no one would ever consider the kiss to be an actual romantic interlude. When Felicity shoved him away and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a spectator would be even more convinced.

“Sorry. Eww,” Felicity exclaimed, looking to the door, and then she smiled. “I think it worked.”

“What worked? Get away from me before Grant cuts me through with a sword.”

She fanned her face. “Goodness, what a night. I needed to get rid of that awful Mister Lewiston. I cannot find Grant anywhere.”

“Well. Good. Then.”

He took a step backward and hurried back into the ballroom.

Sorcha was dancing with an earl, who it was rumored had been her lover. She laughed at something he said, her head falling back.

His opportunity was gone.

“Champagne?” Holding two flutes, Felicity gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry about that. Lewiston was following me. And I had to help you. You were looking much too eager.”

Evan let out a long breath. “I was not.” He took the flute, wondering if he was indeed saved from himself.

Chapter Three

“You seem different this morning.” Her lady’s maid, Ana, studied her in the mirror. “Your eyes are bright and there is a glow about you.”

Felicity leaned closer to look at herself. “I look the same. It could be I was so tired, I slept like the dead. Now I am well rested.”

Ana held up a morning gown. The yellow dress had a modest neckline with embroidered tiny roses around it and the cuffs of the sleeves.

Once dressed, she descended the stairs only to falter at seeing a huge, wrapped package being accepted by the butler.