Page 14 of A Rogue to Reform

“You did what?” Grant’s loud laughter carried from the dining room to the study, where Evan did his best to concentrate on the ledgers. The small monthly stipend from his investments had arrived, and he tried to figure out how best to use the funds while somehow leaving enough for a new suit.

Deciding the old clothes would have to do, he pushed the book away and stood.

Just then a female voice sounded, her laughter entwining with Grant’s. Had a woman spent the night? He’d not heard anything. Then again, he’d drunk quite a bit before going to bed and had slept soundly.

Intrigued at the idea of Grant hosting a woman for the night, which had never happened before, he went to investigate.

At the dining table square in the middle was a platter of sausages and bacon, and next to it a basket of what looked to be freshly baked scones. The aroma was intoxicating.

“Join us,” Grant said, motioning to the food. “It is very delicious.”

Felicity lifted a cup to her lips, her gaze traveling up his body. “You seem out of sorts.”

“What is this?” he asked, motioning to the mountain of food. “Did you invite a platoon of soldiers for a meal?”

“It seems my sister is up to another of her games and made up a story to our mother that she was feeding street urchins. All this was done in order to get permission to leave the house and come here with an urgent matter.” Grant began cutting into a rather plump sausage and Evan hurried to take a seat.

“Who cooked all of this?” Evan asked while piling food onto his plate.

Felicity finished chewing. “Mother, Cook, and I did.”

“Why did you need to get out of the house?” Grant asked just as a woman came to the doorway. “Miss Felicity, we should head back.”

It was Ana, Felicity’s companion. Ana managed a soft smile at Grant. “Mister Grant, you are very much missed.”

Grant stood, went to the woman, and kissed her cheek. “Thank you. I miss you all as well.”

“I will only be a moment longer,” Felicity said, reluctantly pushing her plate away. She then turned to Evan. “You must accompany me to the fete this Friday at Sorcha Robertson’s house. Once we arrive, I will spend the evening with Hannah.”

“Why does he have to escort you?” Grant gave Evan a pointed look. “Is there something I should know?” Grant was not as tall as him, but the man often trained with boxers, so Evan had no wish to get into a hand-to-hand battle with him.

He didn’t dare meet his friend’s glare. “Would you care to explain why I must escort you and not your brother, or your parents for that matter?”

“Because.” She let out a long sigh. “I am trying to avoid accepting Harvey Lewiston’s invitation. If I said to be attending with my brother or parents, or even Hannah for that matter, he would have insisted to accompany me. I know you do not have an invitation, and you wish to get to know that woman.” She hesitated and looked to Grant. “I will find out what the lot of you is up to, by the way.”

Grant studied him and then Felicity. “Why is Mother cross with you? You stated she was glad that you were doing this to redeem yourself.”

“Ah yes.” Felicity’s cheeks turned bright pink. Evan had to admit she was quite a beauty, and despite her penchant for getting into strange situations, very enticing.

“I accidentally sold one of her favorite paintings. I meant to give them the monstrosity Mister Lewiston gifted me. Unfortunately, he was there when they came to pick it up.”

Her gaze pinned him, and Evan’s body instantly reacted. It was as if she touched him.

“It is your fault. All of it. Therefore, you will repay me by escorting me.” She reached for the plate, lifted a piece of sausage, and bit it in half. Both he and Grant winced.

“It suits me perfectly, a way to get closer to the widow.” When Grant gave him a pointed look, he added, “I wish to court her. She is quite alluring.”

“You are indeed a rogue,” Felicity said with a glare.

She then glanced at her brother. “I require your help in exchanging the portraits as well. This is partly your fault since you insist on keeping Evan as your friend.”

With that, she whisked from the room, leaving a trail of a light citrus scent.

“She is the most annoying little minx,” Grant said, refilling his plate. “This is too much food. I do feel guilty eating it.”

Evan frowned in the direction where Felicity had gone. “I must admit, it is good luck that I will be going to the soiree tomorrow night. I must find a way to convince Sorcha Robertson to not only be my lover, but also finance the venture.”

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