Page 70 of A Rogue to Forget

Chapter Nineteen

“Grant.” His sister waved to him across the new coffee shop that had opened in the same location where the previous owner had been killed. It seemed morbid to him, but then again it was a prime location.

Along with her companion, Felicity sat at a table near a window, and he lowered across from her.

“Why don’t you go to the market, Ana?” Felicity said. “I will stay here with my brother until you return. Take your time.”

When a woman at another table slid a look in his direction and then began talking to the other three with her, he ignored it. Long ago, he’d stopped caring about society’s rules and what people should or should not do.

His sister looked around and lowered her voice. “You have not come home. I wished to speak to you about the other night.” She then whispered, “Where have you been?”

“I’ve been staying at Miles’s house.”

“Miles?” Felicity replied, looking uncertain. “His family is hosting you?”

He shook his head. “Not that you should concern yourself, but no. I have been his guest at the townhouse in town.”

“You should repair things with Father. Then you can purchase a home of your own. Are you seriously considering purchasing Henry’s townhouse?”

A woman approached and poured tea. “Is there anything you would like to eat?” she asked pleasantly, her voice just above a whisper.

Grant wanted to lean in and hear her speak more. If he were to marry, it would be someone who worked for a living. Someone who did not expect anything from family or had to sleep with someone in order to have things. A woman more valuable than him.

“Two scones please,” Felicity replied, as he’d remained silent.

The woman looked at him; there was kindness in her eyes as she smiled and nodded.

What had he been thinking? He did not deserve a woman like that.

“I do what I have to do. It is doubtful that Father would have me back. He barely tolerates my presence when I visit. And now, I cannot purchase the townhouse at the moment.”

Felicity had something to tell him; otherwise she’d have not sought to speak to him alone. One thing about his sister, she rarely held back and spoke her mind on matters. He both admired and disliked that about her. Especially when he was the target.

“The other night,” Felicity began in a low voice, “you and that man Roberts caused a spectacle. Is his mother who you traveled with?”

“It is.” Grant bit down, not wishing to show annoyance in public. “Why?”

“Henry and Evan know him. They went to school with him. Our father handles the Roberts’ accounts.”

“Are you sure?” He leaned forward. “How do you know this?”

“I visited home yesterday. Father mentioned it, hoping it wouldn’t affect things.”

Grant sat back and let out a breath. “I will do what I can to make amends.”

“I would expect nothing less.” His sister gave him a warning look. “Father should not have to pay for your…pursuits.”

*

Upon returning tothe townhouse, he found Miles pacing in the front room. The lord wore high boots and seemed to be seething.

“What happened?” Grant said, going directly to the sideboard to pour two drinks.

His friend met his gaze. “I was invited to a dinner. One that I did not wish to attend. Mother accepted the invitation for me.”

“What is so horrible about it?”

“The woman, Louisa Kent, whom I have been pursuing, was there. With a man.” Miles’s jaw clenched. “To make matters worse, the hostess assumed I was there to court her daughter.”