Page 56 of A Rogue to Reform

His father-in-law shrugged. “How are you finding things at Macleod Textiles?”

“Very busy.” Evan went on to tell him about the business and how it was growing by leaps and bounds. Soon they would have to purchase another warehouse and hire more workers.

“I am glad to hear it,” Mr. Murray said. “That you are excited at how well the business is doing sets my mind at ease. It is obvious you are proud of your family’s work.”

Evan nodded. “Proud and remorseful that I waited so long to apologize and admit to my father that I had failed.”

A faraway looked crossed Mr. Murray’s face and Evan considered that Grant had the same bridge to cross. He started to speak, but his father-in-law spoke first.

“We should go inside. They will wonder what we are about.”

Evan enjoyed spending time here, while at the same time, he was anxious to get Felicity alone. Why had she asked her father to keep the dowry from him? Despite the fact he had no plans for the money, it must have given his father-in-law a bad impression of him. Did Felicity not trust him?

He managed to make it through the evening, and it finally time came for them to take their leave so that the other guests could as well.

His beautiful bride beamed at him when he whispered in her ear that it was time to head home. Her gaze moved over him, and immediately he knew where her thoughts went.

To his utter dismay, he’d hoped to avoid bedsport for this night. She was insatiable and demanding in bed. It was during his attempts to satisfy her that he realized he was twelve years older and had never bedded someone so young.

If his friends knew of this, they would make fun for the rest of his life.

As soon as the carriage rolled from the house, Felicity climbed on Evan’s lap. “Kiss me. I am tipsy and miss my husband’s lips.”

“Will your husband mind that I kiss you?” Evan asked, accepting her inexperienced but very enticing kiss. To his dismay, he became aroused, his member hardening despite himself.

He allowed the kiss to linger and slid his hands down her back. The layers of clothing usually bothersome now saved him from his wife’s eager hands.

Felicity slid to sit beside him and began to unbutton his breeches.

“What are you doing?” Evan asked, pushing her hands away. “We do not live that far.

Feeling like a prude, he took her hands and kissed them. “There is something we have to discuss.”

“Oh?” Felicity gave him a questioning look. “Are you to teach me something new?” By the way she slurred her last word, it was obvious tonight was not the time to speak to her about the dowry. Instead, he nodded.

“Yes. I want you to lay back.” He pushed her back against the carriage side. “Now place your legs over my shoulders.”

She giggled. “What will you do?” Following his instruction, she lifted her legs, and he lowered his head under her skirts.

Moments later, Felicity was calling out his name as he licked between her legs while holding her plump bottom in his hands. By the time she cried out with her release, they’d arrived at their home.

The driver avoided looking at them while holding the carriage door open, and by his flushed appearance, Evan gathered he’d overheard every one of Felicity’s exclamations. He had no doubt his wife’s companion would be ravished that night.

He helped Felicity undress after sending Ana off to her husband. Thankfully, she was fast asleep by the time he lay beside her.

Evan studied her sleeping visage and considered the conversation they’d have the next day. She’d toasted to being honest and yet had held back a secret. If the minx was up to something, he would have to ensure she learned the lesson of no longer being able to act on every whim.

*

When Felicity woke, it was the first time Evan was not in bed next to her. She pulled the cord to get Ana, who appeared almost instantly with a tray of toast and tea.

“The downstairs is in such disarray,” Ana complained. “The workers showed up very early to begin removing the wallpaper.”

“Oh, I’d forgotten about that.” Felicity slipped on a creamy yellow robe and went to sit in front of the mirror. “I must dress immediately. I have to go see Hannah. Is Evan downstairs?”

“He left very early this morning,” Ana replied while pouring the tea.

Felicity frowned. Evan had not told her he planned to do anything that day. Then again, the night before had been a blur of activity and she’d drunk too much and barely remembered much. Other than the wonderful tryst in the carriage, she could not recall even going to bed.