Page 57 of A Rogue to Reform

Her cheeks grew hot. She’d not be able to look Ana’s husband in the eye. Surely he’d overheard her. “Ana, did Evan take the carriage?”

“No, he left on horseback.”

“I see.” She let out a sigh. “I wonder if I should go visit Hannah or remain here and oversee things.”

“There is little to oversee. All of the furniture has been moved from the parlor and sitting room. I believe once those two rooms are completed, the dining room will be done.”

She let out a sigh. “I best go see Evan’s mother then. She will know what has to be done now. I promised to have tea with Mother today as well.”

In the back of her mind, Felicity could not stop thinking it strange for Evan to have left without waking her and letting her know where he went. Perhaps it was something she had to ensure to ask of him. It had only been a week since the wedding. Despite everything being hurried, she’d expected him to stay at home for at least a full seven days.

When Felicity arrived at her parents’ home, her mother smiled and hugged her. “I was not sure if I should expect to see you here today.”

They walked into the sitting room and tea was brought.

“I promised. Why would I not come?” Felicity asked.

Her mother smiled. “You were a bit lightheaded, and I thought you might wake with a headache. How are you?”

“Well. I slept rather soundly.”

Her father walked past the doorway and then returned. He walked in and kissed her cheek. “Has Evan spoken to you about our conversation yesterday? I told him about your request that I withhold your dowry, and although he tried to feign knowing, it was obvious you had not informed him.”

“What are you talking about?” Her mother’s wide eyes flew from her husband to Felicity. “Why would you ask that of your father?”

“I have my reasons.” Felicity began. “Sorcha Robertson…”

“If you do not trust Evan, then you should not have married him. I will not hear of this.” Her mother’s hand shook as she placed the teacup down. “Felicity…that is an insult of great proportions to your husband. I am not sure what to think.”

“He did not seem angry on the ride home…” she replied, suddenly feeling guilty.

“Probably because you’d been drinking.” Her mother blew out a calming breath. “It is time that you stop being so impulsive.” Her father attempted to back out of the room, but her mother stopped him in his tracks. “The dowry is part of a marriage agreement.”

“He stated not to want it at all. Insisted I was to either keep the money or give it to Felicity.”

“Of course he said that. Evan’s pride has been wounded,” came her mother’s sharp retort.

*

After a long day of spending time with her mother, who spoke at length about the proper ways a wife should act, and then a full afternoon with her mother-in-law, who helped her set up a sitting place for company in the dining room until all the work was done in the others, Felicity was exhausted.

Alone with a glass of brandy, she looked around the crowded dining room.

A message from Evan let her know he’d be working until late and she face eating dinner alone.

Just as she was about to order food be brought, Grant arrived. He walked into the house, looking around at the disarray. “I take it the workers are done for the day?” he asked.

“Yes, they are almost done with the parlor. Once the room is complete, the new drapes and rugs will be installed.”

Grant sat at the table, which had been shortened for the time being. “It will be a welcome sight to see all the changes.”

“Grant,” Felicity began. “Is there much that needs to be done to your side of the house?”

Her brother gave her a sly look. “A good friend of mine has made it her objective to redo those rooms.”

Felicity huffed. “You must not allow it. It will give whoever it is the idea that you plan to settle with her.”

“She would not expect that.”