Page 44 of A Rogue to Reform

“Do you think they…you know,” Hannah began, “and that is why she is so upset?”

“Probably,” Felicity said. “It is so unfair that men can do such things, have intimacy with different people. But we have to remain chaste and be without a clue upon our marriage night.”

Hannah nodded. “I agree. It is not fair at all.”

“My goodness,” Felicity said. “You are surprising me today.” The driver held the door open for them and they climbed into the carriage. “Where to, Miss?”

“Macleod Textiles, just drive by and then home.”

“What do you plan to do?” Hannah asked. “Speak to him?”

“Goodness no. I want to see if Sorcha is bold enough to go there.”

When they rode by, it was satisfying to see that the woman’s carriage was nowhere to be seen.

*

By one o’clock, Felicity was dressed and ready to receive her callers. In a lilac gown with delicate yellow daisies embroidered at the sleeves and bodice, she stood by the French doors.

“Do you require anything else?” Ana asked.

“Is this not the most awkward way to meet a potential husband?” Felicity asked.

Ana smiled. “It is the way society does things. I think it is rather sweet. To meet and converse, share tea.”

“Ha,” Felicity chuckled. “You are such a romantic. I do appreciate that about you.”

Gerard stood at the doorway. “Mister Macleod here to see you.”

Felicity frowned. She didn’t have a clue how to deal with Richard. Had he said something the night before and she’d forgotten?

“Yes, of course, show him in.”

When Evan appeared, she let out sharp breath and looked at Ana, who smiled widely.

“Your invitation was for last night,” Felicity said, annoyed that something in her stomach fluttered.

Evan neared. “I came to speak to your father.”

“My father?”

“What is it, young man?” Her father appeared through the doorway, seeming disturbed at being taken away from his work.

“Alone,” Evan said, and followed her father out of the room.

“Whatever is that about?” Felicity asked Ana, who shrugged.

Her mother rushed in. “What did you do now?”

“Nothing,” Felicity replied. “Why do you always assume I did something?”

Just then Hannah walked in. “I heard.”

“What is happening?”

To Hannah’s consternation, everyone stared at her, waiting to hear what she’d heard.

“It seems Lady Ross told Lachland not to call on you. Her maid was walking the dogs and spied you and Evan having a rather passionate moment in the garden here the other day. Calum asked Miles if you were always so free with your attentions toward men.”