Page 21 of A Rogue to Reform

Hannah let out a sigh. “When are you going to admit to being smitten with him? It is obvious he is with you.”

“Nonsense,” Felicity said, plopping the tiara on her head. “This is turning out to be the most overwhelming evening.”

When they returned to the large ballroom, Grant neared and stood at her right. “You should be mingling more.”

“I find myself in the mood for a good book and a cup of tea rather than being here.” She gave him a pointed look. “You were supposed to remain with me, and yet this is the first time you appear. I’ve had to fight off that infuriating Mister Lewiston.”

Her brother scanned the room for a long moment. “Would either of you like something to drink?”

Both she and Hannah shook their heads. Two men approached and asked them to dance, and they accepted. Admittedly, the music was lovely and the room not too overcrowded as some events tended to be, so it was a comfortable setting.

As she followed the steps to the dance, she caught sight of Evan also, dancing with the hostess. His gaze never left his partner’s, which made Sorcha beam.

Seeming to sense her regard, Evan’s gaze moved from his partner to meet Felicity’s, and there was a hint of a smile at the corner of his lips. Felicity looked away, pretending not to have noticed.

She accepted another dance request and allowed the gentleman to escort her to the dance floor. Once they began the familiar twirls, her mind immediately returned to Evan.

Why had he kissed her in such a way? It was clear he was enamored with Sorcha Robertson. Although Felicity tried to convince herself that the reason he was wooing the woman was due to some kind of scheme, it was obvious, by the way he looked at her, Evan was in love.

Her breath caught and she stumbled. Thankfully, her partner was quick and caught her before she fell to the ground.

“Are you unwell?” he asked into her ear.

It seemed no one had noticed and she shook her head, concentrating to ensure to keep with the music. The tune, although lively, was no longer appealing as she realized how sad she was at the idea that perhaps Evan would marry Sorcha.

The fact who he married had nothing to do with her was of no consequence. Felicity was sure it would not end well.

Thankfully, the song ended, and she was escorted back to Grant. Her brother gave her a quizzical look. “Why do you look as if someone kicked your dog?”

“I do not have a dog.” Felicity managed a bright smile. “As I said, I am not in the mood to be here.”

Grant studied her. “Did you do something different? Your hair…”

“Let’s dance.” Felicity grabbed his arm and tugged him forward as a new song began. This time, it was a waltz. The last thing she wanted was to dance a waltz with her brother, but it seemed too late to retract.

Her brother was distracted, looking across the room at an older woman. Probably one of his benefactors. “Not now,” he murmured giving her a distracted look. “I must speak to someone before the evening ends.

“Will you dance with my sister?” Grant asked Evan, who headed past them.

“Of course,” Evan replied, his gaze clashing with hers. He took her hand and placed it onto the crook of his arm. Tingles of awareness traveled through her and her breathing hitched. However would she be able to dance with him? As it was, it was proving hard to breathe normally.

Leading her forward then placing one hand just behind her shoulder and extending the other, they began circling to the music.

The song flowed over them, seeming to enclose them in a world of their own.

When Felicity looked up into his eyes, her breath caught at the intensity with which he looked at her. His gaze darkened to the point his eyes became stormy.

Around and around they went. It was as if she floated above the ground, her feet barely touching the pristine marble floors. Her slippers soundlessly glided as he led them into larger circles and the other dancers melded into a mosaic of movement and color.

Not a word was spoken between them because there was no need. Whatever it was that happened between them could not be put into words. Or described, for that matter. It was as if their most inner beings communicated and agreed to become one.

Felicity gasped and managed to look away, but only for a moment before she had to meet Evan’s gaze once again.

This time, his expression softened, his gaze lightening. He released the hold on her back, and she whirled away and then lowered to a curtsey while he bowed as the song ended.

The magic between them was instantly broken, like an abrupt waking from a deep slumber, when Sorcha waited for Evan on the side of the dance floor.

“I feel a need for fresh air,” she exclaimed, fanning her face. “Would you be gracious enough to accompany me?” The woman did not grant Felicity even a glance as they walked away.