Page 58 of A Rogue to Reform

“Is she married?”

“No.”

“Someone’s grandmother?”

Grant laughed. “No. She is someone who does not wish to remarry since her very rich husband died.”

“Your roguish ways must come to an end soon. You should marry, brother, start a family.” She studied her handsome brother. With midnight black hair that was fashionably styled and bright green eyes like hers, he was always dressed impeccably. It was obvious that his benefactors ensured he was never without the latest fashions and plenty of pocket money, but at what price?

“My roguish ways, as you put it, dear sister, afford me a very comfortable and leisurely life. As a matter of fact, I will be leaving on a month-long expedition to Africa next week.”

They were quiet while dinner was served. Cornish hens in a lemony broth paired with fresh steamed peas and thinly sliced carrots.

“Have you spoken to Evan? I am not sure what to expect of his working hours. I would have thought him home by now.”

Grant shrugged. “He rarely came home for dinner. The work is never-ending; it is hard for him to pull himself away at the end of the day. I find it amusing that after fighting it for so long he is now obsessed with work. I sincerely think Evan is enjoying working with his father and Richard tremendously.”

“I am happy for it then,” Felicity said. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Why were you, Miles, Henry, and Evan trying to come up with money?”

At the question, Grant frowned. “I will tell you only if you promise not to say a word to anyone.” He went on to explain about the plan for the four of them to sponsor a ship that would in turn make them very rich.

“It is a worthy investment then?”

Grant nodded. “Yes, but unfortunately, Evan is no longer part of it. He told me just before the wedding that his father will probably take his portion as he will not be able to come up with the money.”

Her stomach dipped. Evan did not plan to use her dowry. What Sorcha had said was a lie. One last attempt by the woman to ruin things for Evan.

The food was too delicious to waste, so she ate again. Then she gasped. “I wonder what Hannah is doing tomorrow.”

“What are you going on about?” Grant watched her with narrowed eyes.

“Nothing really. I think I need her to go shopping with me. I have yet to purchase Evan a wedding gift.” She gave her brother a bright smile. “Why does everyone think I’m always up to something?”

Grant chuckled. “You will never change.”

Chapter Fifteen

Evan arrived home to a house that looked as if it had been attacked and ransacked. Thankfully, Norman, who held up a lantern, helped him traverse to the dining room, where Felicity sat by the fireplace, curled in a chair with a book on her lap.

“You are finally home,” she said, then looked to Norman. “See that Mister Macleod is brought something to eat.”

“Your meal has been kept warm, sir,” Norman said as he dismissed himself.

Evan neared and kissed Felicity, her warm palm on his jaw soothing. “I missed you terribly, husband. It will be hard to spend the days without you for company.”

“There seems to be plenty to keep you busy. You will not even notice I am gone.” He lowered to sit next to her. “Tell me about your day.”

“Let us to go the dining table so you can eat. We can talk while you have dinner. I am sure you are famished.”

Evan nodded. “In truth, I am very hungry.” They went to the table, where he sat on the end and she on his right. There was an eager expression about her that gave him pause. He hoped she did not plan to go to bed right away. He was not only hungry, but quite tired.

“What do you wish to discuss?” he asked as he began eating.

Her face became troubled. “I owe you an apology and beg your forgiveness for asking Father to withhold my dowry. It was very rude and insulting of me. I saw Sorcha at the seamstress, and she told me you were marrying me only for my dowry. To use it to pay for something. I was stupid enough to believe her. I am a ninny and deserve for you to be angry…no, furious with me. I will not be surprised if you refuse to speak to me for a few days and avoid me by working late. But I assure you, nothing would wound me more than your absence.”