Page 33 of A Rogue to Reform

“It is not about the money, although it is much needed. Repairs on the roof start soon and Mother is helping with replacements that are needed.”

His father chuckled. “I am sure she is thrilled at the idea.”

“Father,” Evan started, his throat suddenly dry. He wondered how long before the tea came. Thankfully, Catriona, hurried in, placed a tray between them, and hurried back out.

“It is a busy time as of late, barely any opportunity to take a break.” The smile on his father’s face told he did not mind it one bit.

“I came to apologize. I have been a horrible son to not have come sooner and taken responsibility for all my shortcomings. My entire inheritance is gone except for a small investment that has been paying just enough.” Evan blinked away the moisture in his eyes and he was grateful for the cup of tea his father handed him.

His father’s gaze was warm. “We are all young and foolish at least once in our lives.”

“Richard never was,” Evan mused.

“He had his moments,” his father replied with a chuckle. “I must admit to hoping you’d come around sooner than this. Pride is not a good counselor, son.”

Evan nodded. “I am in total agreement, Father.”

“What do you plan to do now?” His father studied him. “Do you plan to continue this life of leisure you have been pursuing?”

“No. Which is what I need to speak to you about.”

His father remained quiet, giving him time to put his words in order and swallow past the dryness of his throat.

“First of all, I want to let you know that I have not been able to come up with enough money as yet to sponsor the ship; however, along with Miles, Grant, and Henry, we are determined and working on it.”

“I see.” His father nodded. “I gave my friend my word that you would sponsor it. You have two months yet before he has to leave. There are plenty of people who will be willing to sponsor it, your brother and I included. However, I have faith you will do it.”

“I will…we will.”

“What else, son? I’m afraid I have much to do.”

“Is there a position here that I could fill?” Evan blurted. “I do not mind menial work to start. I know there is much I have to learn about how things work…here.” Despite preparing for what he’d say, his entire body became rigid, his shoulders and jaw tight. It would not be surprising if his father took this opportunity to teach him a lesson.

“Your position was never filled, Evan. Your office is like you left it twelve years ago when you walked away.”

“What?” Evan stood and went to the closed door that was on the left side of his father’s. Richard’s office was on the right. He opened the door, and true to what his father had said, his office was exactly as he’d left it.

“It will take a while for you to catch up with the processes. You can shadow me, but don’t expect me to be easy on you,” Richard said from behind him.

Evan was too overcome with emotion to do more than nod. Thankfully, his brother must have realized it because he walked to their father’s office, giving him a moment to compose himself.

“I have just received an invitation to a gathering at the Murrays’ house. Rather odd, do you not think?” Evan heard Richard say.

“Why would it be odd? They are family friends; you and your brother have known each other since childhood,” their father said.

Richard let out a breath. “This is obviously the kind of gathering for when a young woman seeks suitors.”

At the words, Evan walked over to his brother and took the invitation from his hand. It was worded in a way that made it obvious it was to be a dinner party for singles only. He wondered if he was invited.

This was the event that Grant had spoken about.

“You look about to burst,” Richard quipped. “I’m sure yours is being delivered as we speak.”

Chapter Nine

Felicity was shocked when Evan’s mother invited her shopping. At the same time, she jumped at the opportunity. It was a chance to get out of the house and all the preparations for the dinner party that she wished never to have asked for. The more she considered that she’d either be humiliated because no one would court her or mortified when someone she did not care for did, the more she regretted the idea.

“Richard was surprised to be invited to the dinner party on Friday,” Mrs. Macleod announced while they waited for the samples of drapery and upholstery fabric to be packaged, along with a pair of pillows.