Page 25 of A Rogue to Reform

This time, however, he couldn’t help but take it. He knew his father had invested heavily in several shipments on behalf of the family. However, since not working with them, he’d never been given a portion in the past.

It made sense, as he would have squandered it.

That his father had noticed he’d matured and could be trusted enough to receive the funds? All that happened since waking made him question the idea of seducing a woman to come up with money for the spice ship.

Perhaps, it was best to call off the entire deal.

He could return to work, tell the captain that he and his friends could not afford to sponsor the ship, and allow someone else to do it.

“Why are you standing in the doorway like a statue?” Grant asked. When Evan turned, his friend was walking back toward the dining room. “I must have more of the black pudding,” he called out over his shoulder. “You?”

“I am full, but I will join you.”

Upon sitting, he poured another cup of tea and studied Grant. “You left abruptly last night. I thought you planned to seek out your benefactor.”

His friend’s lips curved. “I did find someone who is willing to pay handsomely for my…company. She invited me for drinks tonight.” Grant lifted a hefty serving of black pudding to his mouth. “Lady Gardenia Mackenzie has been itching to get her hands on me.”

The thought of lying with a woman three times his age was enough to put Evan off from another portion of anything on the table.

“How is it you can be intimate with a woman so much older than you?” Evan asked. “I have never known you to be with anyone older than your mother.”

Grant’s eyes slid to the side as he considered his response. “It is easy to allow someone you are attracted to gain access to your heart. I do not wish to ever fall in love. I cannot allow it.”

The statement made Evan study his friend. It was not the first time that Grant had alluded to not wishing to marry. However, this was the first time he made the statement that he did not wish to fall in love. In Evan’s opinion, love was rare and only a lucky few could ever find it.

He doubted that it appeared unless one was somehow blessed in a manner that was hard to understand. There was attraction, sure, even deep caring. Love, that was something he often considered to be something made up by romantics who were influenced by poetry and novels.

“It will be comical if you develop deep feelings for someone old enough to be your grandmother,” Evan said, and shuddered involuntarily.

Grant chuckled and shrugged. “Lady Gardenia has already insinuated that she wishes to gift me with something special. She has asked me what I wish for. I told her I’d think about it. What exactly is the amount we each should acquire?”

The woman in question was very wealthy. There were rumors that she hosted gatherings for those who preferred to be more sexually adventurous. However, since as yet none of his trio of friends had attended, Evan could not affirm the fact.

“I have a thought,” Evan said. “Is she hosting only you or a group tomorrow night?”

“Why?” Grant asked between bites.

It took Evan a moment to come up with the correct way to get his point across. “If the rumors about the type of gatherings Lady Gardenia hosts are true, perhaps she wishes you to be part of the…entertainment.”

Grant sat up straighter, his rounded eyes meeting Evan’s. “Damn. I had not considered that. She did not specify.”

Despite Evan finding humor in Grant’s situation, he considered that it was imperative it only be Grant spending time with the woman in order for his friend to come up with the money.

“I would think if it were to be a group, she would have informed you.”

His friend let out a breath. “I would think so as well.”

“You have not told me why you left early,” Evan asked again, wondering if it had something to do with Felicity.

“My sister became upset after dancing with you. Did you say anything to her that would be upsetting?”

Evan frowned while concentrating. “I do not believe we said one word.”

“That is what she said. I believe my sister is ready to marry and is upset at the lack of a suitor. She and Hannah spoke about it last night and plan to discuss with Mother about hosting a gathering. I will also speak to Mother about this. She should host a dinner party to ensure a proper suitor is found for my sister.”

Evan could not let the subject drop. “Is that what she stated? That she wishes to marry?”

“And have children,” Grant replied. “Then the lovely Hannah decided she felt the same way. It was quite the ride home.”