Page 35 of A Rogue to Reform

“Oh.” Evan looked to Felicity.

Angry herself that he was to go with that woman, she frowned at him. “She said it in public, where others could overhear.”

At her statement, Evan’s expression turned to stone. “I assure you, Mother. I have not made any plans whatsoever to go on holiday with her.”

“It best be true. She ruined what was a lovely day.”

“Continue your day; do not allow her to cloud over it. I will send a message and ensure she does not repeat this type of action. Or believes that we are to go anywhere together.”

Mrs. Macleod glared up at her son. “I do not care for your roguish reputation in the least. I would however hope that your…interactions are with someone more…discreet.”

At his mother’s words, Evan inhaled sharply. “Understood.”

“Come, Felicity, I require to sit and calm before we continue with our project. The appeal of it lost its luster at considering who my son will entertain in this house.”

“Mother, a word,” Evan said as they walked away. Felicity kept going, not wishing to be an interloper any longer. In truth, at Mrs. Macleod’s words, she too lost her excitement.

When Felicity entered the parlor, Grant gave her a bewildered look. “Sounds as if she is rather upset.”

“Of course she is. Both she and our mother tire of all the rumors of you and Evan’s roguish behavior. There comes a point when they will no longer tolerate it. I believe Mrs. Macleod has reached her limit.”

“Is that understood?” Mrs. Macleod’s voice carried to them. “It must stop. I should not have to pay for your actions. You must comport yourself like a gentleman from this point forward. I will not tolerate being embarrassed like today ever again.”

Whatever Evan replied was too soft for Felicity to overhear, but she figured he had been roundly chastised by his mother. It was hard not to peek out the doorway to see his expression.

Moments later, Mrs. Macleod entered and sat. She slid a look to Grant. “I will be speaking to your mother as well. All of this nonsense must stop.”

Grant’s eyes rounded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Now,” Mrs. Macleod said, looking about the room. “What do you think of this room?” She glanced to Grant. “Be a dear and retrieve our purchases from the carriage.”

Grant almost ran from the room.

Felicity giggled. “They both needed a good chastisement. I hope Mother sees to Grant.”

Mrs. Macleod shook her head. “It was a long time coming.”

*

The dressmaker finally put her tape measure down and nodded at Felicity. “That will do for now. I will be there day after tomorrow for final fittings.”

She stepped down from the small, elevated platform. Her mother smiled at the dressmaker and pulled out a bolt of dark blue fabric. The color was rich and deep. “I am thinking this would be a beautiful color for the end of Season ball. She would stand out among all the pastels.”

The dressmaker grinned. “I picked it out thinking of a brunette. I agree, it will most definitely stand out.”

“It is beautiful,” Felicity said, reaching out to touch the soft fabric.

“We must have the dress ready no later than Thursday morning,” her mother reminded the dressmaker while Felicity changed back into her afternoon gown.

They walked out of the shop and into the carriage.

“We have five gentlemen who I am sure will be suitors for you and three who I think will appreciate Hannah.” Her mother sighed and looked out at the passing scenery. “This is a time you should do your best to enjoy. Such a special time in your life.”

“Who are the five?” Felicity asked, genuinely curious.

“That I can remember so far Henry Campbell, Lachlan Sutherland, Scott Douglas and oh, I don’t remember… Oh yes, Richard Macleod has accepted.”

“Richard Macleod? How odd,” Felicity replied. “I didn’t think he ever socialized.”