Page 32 of A Rogue to Reform

Evan waited until the door closed and then another several beats before he grunted out loud. “What have I done? What is wrong with me?”

“Sir?” Norman asked, looking about the room. “Is someone here?”

“No, no one.” Evan lowered to a chair. “What is it, Norman?”

“The roof repair is to begin tomorrow morning.”

“Very good. Can you have my horse brought around? I have errands to see about.”

His first stop was to his family home. His mother was ecstatic at the idea of shopping for anything needed for the house.

“You must come along to help. It would be lovely to get your perspective.”

He gave his mother a droll look. “What if you ask Felicity Murray to go with you? She’s told Grant she hopes to marry soon. She would probably welcome the experience.”

“That is a grand idea,” his mother exclaimed, giving him a curious look. “Is she special to you?”

His stomach tumbled at the question and he did his best to ignore it. “We have known each other since childhood; of course she matters to me.” Deciding it was best to leave before he spilled all his emotions, Evan stood. “I best go. I have an appointment I cannot be late for.” Evan hurried to the door to avoid any more questions from his mother.

*

Macleod Imports stood proudly on the corner of Ingram and George Street. The two-story structure had been built by his grandfather, the founder of the thriving business. Over time, his father had opted to remain in the same building, although it had been expanded quite a bit.

The front area was vast, shelves along one entire side of the space filled to capacity with different types of textiles, linens, cookery, wool, and other items from which shops could purchase for their own inventory.

In the center of the area were crates, some open, others recently prepared and about to be sent out for delivery.

The city had grown, and with it, consumerism. New grocers, confectioners, bakers, tobacconists, perfumers, wigmakers, hairdressers, haberdashers, drapers, hatters, glovers, breeches-makers, and stay-makers seemed to be constantly opening. It all meant that suppliers like his father fought to keep up with the demand.

Evan took in the large space, realizing his father had been right to hold on to their business through the hard years after his grandfather’s death. How he and Richard managed everything made him proud and sad at the same time. He’d not been there to help, to do his part, all because of pride.

At hearing voices and applause, he walked to a secondary and smaller area. Here there were several desks piled with invoices. No one sat at the desks; instead, everyone stood and was facing the front of the room where his brother and father stood.

“Congratulations, Anthony, you’ve earned this promotion,” his father said to a man who stood next to him, and once again, everyone clapped.

After the newly promoted man went back to the group, face beaming as several clapped him on the back, his father made a few announcements about hours and expectations. The entire time Richard stood near with an expression of pride as he concentrated on what their father said.

When his father saw Evan standing at the back of the room, he hesitated just enough that Richard noticed his presence. The workers were dispersing at that moment, so no one else seemed to take notice. Several who walked past Evan toward the front room gave him a curious look but did not say anything.

He wondered what was said about him to the workers, about why he was not part of the company.

“I wasn’t aware you woke this early,” Richard said, walking past and on to the front area where a team of men seemed to be awaiting directions.

His brother handed out papers, directing which items would be delivered that day and where. After, he turned to a pair of women, who peppered him with question after question. The entire time, Richard remained calm, and despite Evan noting that some of the questions were redundant, he answered each one and then gave them directions as to what had to be done first.

Deciding to seek out his father, Evan went to where the workers had gathered, and like Richard, his father spoke to a group of men, giving them a list of priorities for the day.

Just then a pair of men rushed in stating they had to unload items and the back entry was blocked.

His father motioned to Anthony. “I trust you can take care of the issue.”

When he turned to Evan, his father grinned. “Twice in one week. I am surprised to see you.” Robert Macleod walked toward his office, motioning for Evan to follow.

Once inside, he invited Evan to sit. “Tea?”

“Yes, thank you.” Evan watched as his father went to the door and gestured to one of the women who’d been talking to Richard. “Tea for two please, Catriona.”

His father turned his attention back to Evan. “If this is about the money, you do not have to report to me what you are doing with it. I trust you to do what is necessary. If you require more, let me know.”