Page 20 of A Rogue to Reform

“Oh no,” Hannah exclaimed. “I will speak to him and ensure he is aware it is most unacceptable to have treated you in such a manner.”

Hannah’s cheeks had pinked with exasperation. “Why did he throw you into the bushes?”

Rather than reply, Felicity took her hand and guided her toward the large ballroom. “We have more important matters to see to.”

“Such as?” Hannah looked out, no doubt searching for Evan.

“My tiara. It must still be in the bushes.”

When her friend turned to her, she let out a long breath. “I agree to help you look for it, but you must inform me immediately of what exactly occurred.”

When the Macleods came into view, Felicity turned away, took two steps, and bumped into a man. When she looked up, it was obvious he was not happy by the crinkle of his brow.

“I apologize, sir. So very sorry.”

His lips curved and he nodded. “I do not mind; it gives me an opportunity to introduce myself.” The man was tall with a slender build. Well-dressed, his hair was longer than fashionable, but it suited him. By his strong burr, he was from the Highlands. And she had to admit, he was attractive.

“I am Calum Ross,” he said, taking her hand. “Returned just recently from Inverness.”

“I am Felicity Murray.” She motioned to Hannah. “This is my dearest friend, Hannah Kerr.”

While Calum greeted Hannah, Felicity caught sight of Evan, who in turn studied them with narrowed eyes.

“Mister Ross, have we met before?” Felicity asked.

He shook his head. “No, this is my first time here in Glasgow.”

“Very nice to meet you. If you will please excuse us, Hannah and I have a pressing matter.” Felicity smiled and tugged Hannah, who seemed to have lost her ability to speak. Her friend’s attention was taken by someone on the dance floor.

They hurried around the side of the room until reaching the open doors to the garden. Stopping to catch their breaths, Hannah turned to peer back inside.

“Whatever are you looking at?” Felicity asked, looking in the same direction. “Is something wrong?”

“Henry Campbell is dancing with a young woman who looks enthralled.”

“What?” Felicity looked over and, sure enough, the handsome Campbell guided one of the debutantes, who was definitely very beautiful and had garnered much attention. With his last name, he was the target of many prominent families for a good match. “I find it interesting that the four scoundrels are suddenly interested in women. They are up to something.”

Once descending the gardens, Felicity went to the place where she’d been thrown into and bent at the waist to peer into the darkness. “We should have brought a lantern or something of the sort.”

“A torch perhaps,” Hannah replied dryly. “That would not have brought attention in the least.” She moved a branch and peered down. “I see something.”

“Ladies.”

The voice made Felicity grind her teeth. “What do you want, Evan? Please go and leave us be.”

“I came to help.”

Too angry to keep her voice down, she whirled to face him. “It is your fault my tiara is in the bushes.”

“Oh!” A couple who was walking by stopped and gawked. The woman, a well-known gossip, studied their faces. “Can we do something to help?” she asked, looking between the three, attempting to figure out who had been Evan’s victim.

“No, thank you,” Hannah replied. “I see it. Mister Macleod thought to have seen an insect land on the tiara and was overzealous in his quest to hit it.”

The woman waited, still trying to figure out who had been wearing the tiara. When no one moved, the man urged her forward and they continued on their walk.

“You should keep your voice down,” Evan told her then reached into the bushes and retrieved the sparkling item.

When she took it, he nodded and walked away, but not in the direction of the house.