Page 55 of A Rogue to Reform

“Oh.” She shrugged. “It is really none of their business. I do not know why people are so nosy about things like that when people like Sorcha Robertson flaunt their lovers in plain—”

“Shhh!” Her mother let out a slow breath. “Please, Felicity, do try to behave.”

Dinner was announced and they went to the dining room. There were stunning flower arrangements on the sideboards and short ones down the center of the beautifully set table.

Felicity found herself seated next to Lord Ross and across from Mrs. Middleton. The woman’s expression was utter glee, either at acquiring fodder for gossip, or that she was about to eat. Felicity wasn’t sure, as the rather rotund woman was obviously enamored with both.

“How do you find married life, dear?” she said once everyone began to eat.

“It has only been three days, Mrs. Middleton; I am not quite settled into it.” Felicity sipped her wine.

The meddlesome woman slid a look across the table to Lady Ross, who spoke to Mister Campbell. “I suppose it is so soon. Everything occurred rather quickly…”

“May I say,” Lord Ross spoke over the din of conversation, meeting Felicity’s gaze, “I was not aware you and Evan had married until my wife informed me of the reason for this dinner party. I am happy for you.” The pleasant man gave her an approving nod. “Well on you.”

Missus Campbell smiled at Evan when he whispered something into her ear. Evan met Felicity’s gaze with what she could only gather was some sort of warning.

She leaned into her mother. “What is Evan about to do?”

“A toast?” Her mother stared across the table at Evan, who clinked his fork on the side of the glass.

He stood, and she could not tear her gaze away. Her husband was so very handsome, and she could not stop picturing him naked no matter how hard she tried not to. There had to be something wrong with her. How was it that she had become some sort of…what was the word? Wanton was too mild…

Her mother elbowed her and she once again paid attention to what Evan was saying.

“…speculation can run rampant in our circles, but I assure you, Felicity and I married quickly because neither of us wished for a long engagement. We wanted to be together as husband and wife as soon as possible, if I am to be painfully honest.”

“Evan!” Mrs. Macleod called out. “That is a most inappropriate statement.”

“It’s true,” Felicity said. “It is best to be blunt. Why cannot two people marry hastily if they wish?”

Everyone was stunned silent until Lord Ross held up his glass. “I thoroughly agree. Rules are for the weak of heart. Well on you, Evan.”

Mr. Middleton and Henry’s father lifted their glasses and joined Lord Ross in their agreement.

“It seems to be men against the women in this opinion,” Mr. Macleod said, chuckling.

“I have to agree with Evan and Felicity,” Henry’s mother stated. “Long engagements are laborious.”

The conversation floated over them as Felicity smiled at Evan. She was so very proud of him.

*

When dinner adjourned, the women went to the parlor and the men to the study. Evan detested the smell of cigars, but accepted one when his father held one out to him.

Noting Felicity’s father walked toward the garden, he followed him. The older man seemed to relish the fresh air.

He turned when hearing Evan walk outside. “I am not much of a social person. Although my work calls for being friendly with the men in there, I prefer one-on-one conversations.”

“I came to avoid the cigar smoke,” Evan admitted, looking at the one he held. “Have never liked the smell of it.”

Mr. Murray nodded. “Ah.”

They stood near one another, each in their own thoughts. Evan mused at how starry the sky was as he looked up.

“I must say.” Mr. Murray interrupted his musing. “I do not know what to think of Felicity’s request that I withhold her dowry. I meant to speak to you about it. Is there a reason for her not to trust you with the money?”

Evan pretended to know, although his mind flew in many directions attempting to figure it out. “As you are more than aware, your daughter is always up to something. She may wish me to do something specific with it.”