Page 10 of A Rogue to Reform

Just then Hannah’s mother entered with a tray of biscuits; the aroma of spices filled the air. “Look what I just made.”

She placed the tray on the table between Felicity and Hannah, her face glowing with excitement at her creation.

They nibbled on the delicious bites while Felicity tried to find out what she could about her friend’s need of attire.

Despite the hardships, Felicity admired the Kerr women’s tenacity. Neither Hannah nor her mother allowed the circumstances to affect their cheerful nature.

*

A bell rang over the door the next day when Felicity and Hannah entered the antiquities shop where they would sell the atrocious painting.

Despite the rather unremarkable exterior, the interior was surprisingly welcoming. Every piece for sale was pristine and the displays alluring.

An older man appeared, his keen gaze landing on each of them. “May I be of assistance?”

Hannah, who’d accompanied her mother there when they’d sold many items, took the lead. “Good afternoon, Mr. Hollenbeck. My friend wishes to sell a one-of-a-kind painting. So many have commented on it that I assure you it will attract many a client to bid for it.”

Mr. Hollenbeck turned his attention to Felicity, who met his gaze.

“I am in need of the wall space for a newly acquired piece,” Felicity explained.

The man frowned. “Can you describe it?”

“It is a floral depiction against a study in color,” Felicity said with a sigh, and then purposely hesitated. With a well-practiced frown, she met the man’s eyes. “I am considering if indeed I should part with it. I do believe Duke Rosenthal showed a keen interest. I could contact him directly, couldn’t I?” she asked Hannah, who nodded.

The man’s expression softened, and his lips curved. “There is no need for you to go to all that trouble. I can have it picked up and ensure that the duke, as well as others, has the opportunity to see it.”

“That would be lovely,” Hannah said to Felicity. “Mr. Hollenbeck will ensure the painting finds the perfect owner.”

The man offered them an amount, sight unseen, and they left with a bit more money than Felicity expected, but probably not as much Mr. Lewiston had paid for it.

*

“Let us enjoy a dessert,” Felicity said, and they ducked into an ice cream parlor. They ate while discussing what to do with their newly acquired funds.

“A most delightful way to spend the day,” Hannah exclaimed as they walked out of the parlor.

Felicity hesitated, noticing that Evan stood across the street, looking dashing as he held the door of a jewelry shop open for a woman who hurried out and toward another shop.

Upon seeing them, he crossed the road.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” he said, meeting first Hannah’s gaze and then Felicity’s. She frowned up at him. Not because it was unpleasant to see him, but because her stomach did funny things at his presence and she did not like it one bit.

“Did you purchase a bauble for a friend?” Felicity asked, looking past him to the jewelry store.

He smiled. “I did not find anything to my liking, I’m afraid.”

When he fell instep alongside, Felicity decided to ask him about her brother. “I am convinced it is time for Grant to return home. You should help me convince him of it. It is past time he and Father make up.”

“I am not sure I’m the best person to have that conversation with your brother. As you are aware, I too do not have a close relationship with my father at this time.”

Felicity wanted to shake him. “That is because you are both stubborn as goats.”

“I wasn’t aware you have ever been in the presence of a goat.” When his lips curved to show a flash of white, she let out a breath.

“There is no need for you to walk with us. We are almost to Hannah’s home and I only live a block further.”

“I could not possibly allow you to walk the rest of the way unescorted.”