Page 38 of A Rogue to Reform

“You have?” Felicity took his hand and pulled him to sit at a settee made for two. “Tell me about it?”

There was commotion in the hallway; Gerard peered in and shook his head. “They took the wrong item again.”

“What do you mean?” Felicity rushed to the doorway. “I thought you were to oversee it.” She glared at the ugly painting resting against the wall.

Gerard blew out a breath. “I was indisposed when he arrived. Ana saw to it and must have thought the wrapped one was a new purchase and gave the man the one on the wall there.

“Oh no.” Felicity turned to Evan. “I require your help. We must stop him before he arrives at the shop.”

Evan lifted the portrait and they rushed out to his carriage. “To the antiquities shop,” he instructed the driver. “Hurry.”

Thankfully, they caught up with the man rather quickly, as he’d stopped to purchase street food.

“Aye, what are you doing?” He hurried toward them when Evan yanked the portrait from the back of the cart and then lifted the wrapped one.

“You took the wrong one,” Felicity called out from the carriage. “I do apologize for surprising you.”

The man stood with his meal in hand, staring at them. “It’s all right, I suppose.” He grinned when Evan gave him a coin.

“For your troubles.”

When Evan returned to the carriage, he shook his head. “Will life ever be boring with you?”

“Perhaps not, but now we must return to my house immediately. I cannot be seen alone with you.”

He sat next to her and pulled her to his side. “Very well.” Pressing a kiss to her temple, he let out a breath. “Waiting will be quite hard.”

“You must deal with that Sorcha creature. Ensure she is aware that you will not be seeing her again.”

“I will take care of it first thing.”

When they arrived back at Felicity’s house, there was another carriage in front. They slowed across the street and watched as Hannah and her mother walked to the front door.

“Oh dear,” Felicity exclaimed. “I have to hurry.”

With a fast kiss to his surprised lips, she threw the carriage door open and hurried out.

She raced across the street to the walkway of her own front door. Both Hannah and her mother looked at her and then across to where Evan’s carriage remained.

“Decided to go for a short walk. Lost track of time.”

“Is that so?” Hannah’s mother asked, and looked across the street.

Evan crossed the street carrying the portrait she’d gone to reclaim. “Thank you for allowing me to try this at my house,” he said in an attempt to seem as if he’d just arrived.

Both Hannah and her mother gave Felicity incredulous looks. Mrs. Kerr’s was the disapproving kind.

“You are so welcome,” Felicity said, keeping up the pretense. “Let us all go inside.”

Once inside, he hung up the painting with care as they looked on, instructing him to slide it up and down until it was straight.

“Will you remain for tea?” Hannah asked Evan, who shook his head.

“I cannot, there is something I must see about.” He gave Felicity a reassuring look. “Enjoy your afternoon, ladies.”

Mrs. Kerr watched him until the door closed, lips pressed together. Thankfully, she did not comment.

They adjourned to the sitting room, and moments later, her mother entered, followed by a maid who carried flowers and other items that she’d purchased.