Page 42 of A Rogue to Reform

Grant’s brow furrowed and he glanced around the room. “I do not know. He spoke about attending.”

“Did you say something to him?”

“We spoke about his intentions and I informed him that I do not approve.”

When Felicity gasped, several people looked in her direction. She narrowed her eyes and leaned close so only her brother could hear. “How could you? This was to be the first of many occasions he would use to prove his intention to be a different man. You ruined it.”

She pushed past.

“Felicity.” Grant caught up. “You must understand,” he whispered. “I care for him, but he will have to prove himself.”

Whirling to face him, Felicity smiled to ensure no one suspected how angry she really was. “How will he accomplish that if someone interferes each time?”

“Felicity, Grant?” Their mother walked up with an annoyed expression. “Everyone is to be seated.” She motioned to the dining room.

Throughout dinner, while attempting to keep her end of the conversation with both Calum and Richard, Felicity kept looking to the empty chair that had been designated for Evan. It was not next to her because she did not wish to attract too much attention yet, but next to Hannah and with Grant on his other side.

Seeming to notice the empty chair, her mother motioned a servant, who removed it. No one seemed to take notice except Grant, who looked in her direction. Felicity narrowed her eyes at him.

After dinner, everyone went to the parlor where they could listen to the music or walk outside in the garden.

“Would you care to go for a walk?” Calum held out his arm and Felicity took it. They meandered outside until reaching a bench.

Both sat and smiled at each other awkwardly. Unable to garner interest in anyone, Felicity decided to treat each guest as if they were candidates for Hannah. “I do not believe we have coincided much during the Season,” Felicity said.

“I have seen you several times; however, there hasn’t been an opportunity to speak to you more than a passing word.”

After a moment, she considered that he’d been at Sorcha Robertson’s affair. “Ah yes, I do remember seeing you at a gathering just a week or so ago.”

“I take it this event is your parents’ idea,” Calum stated.

“What makes you say that?” Felicity answered with a smile at his seeming to notice she was not particularly interested in anyone present.

“A hunch.”

Felicity looked up. “You are quite astute, Mr. Ross. I should mingle, it is my event after all.”

When they walked to where Miles stood speaking to Richard, Calum greeted the men with casual familiarity.

After a few moments, she left the trio to whatever they spoke about and searched out Hannah.

Her shy friend had a slight flush on her cheeks as she listened to a conversation between Grant and Miles. When she noticed Felicity, she excused herself and hurried over.

“Come with me. I need to get away for a moment.” She grabbed Felicity’s hand, and they hurried past the parlor and into the now empty dining room. Hannah let out a long breath. “I feel as if I am going to faint. Just allow me a moment.”

“I understand,” Felicity told her, motioning to a chair. “Take your time.”

“This is harder than I expected. Mother keeps sending people to speak to me, as if I am some sort of dimwit.”

Felicity became annoyed. Of anyone, Mrs. Kerr should know that her daughter was shy and would feel awkward at forced conversation.

“We can remain together. That way I can help when you feel a bit overwhelmed.”

“Is something wrong?” Henry appeared at the doorway. “I was sent to find you.”

“Mother?”

Henry nodded, his gaze moving to a still sitting Hannah.