Page 48 of A Rogue to Reform

While Ana stitched, doing her best to remain unintrusive, Felicity smiled widely, looking around at the passing scenery. “I have not been through here in years. When I was very young, my mother would bring Grant and me here while our governess taught us about the foliage and trees. I did not find it as enjoyable as today. Today, I find the surroundings enchanting.”

“It is beautiful,” Evan agreed, and pressed a kiss to her temple. “However, I must admit to finding you much more enchanting. I have never been here.”

“Never?” Felicity’s eyes widened. “I thought all men brought women they courted here.”

At the words, he considered for a long moment that he’d never felt strongly about anyone. Not anything like he felt for Felicity.

“That must be it,” he finally said, meeting her gaze. “I have never courted a woman before.”

Both women stared at him as if a third eye had magically formed on his forehead. Ana gave up pretense of not listening, and Felicity waited for what he’d say.

“I am not stating that I’ve not spent time with a few. What I am stating is that I have not courted anyone for any kind of long-term relationship.” He felt the need to explain further. “And just to be clear, I have a reputation of being a rogue and I deserve it, but I never truly cared for another like I do for you. I have never been in love.”

Ana cleared her throat and returned to her stitching while Felicity watched him for a moment. “I truly do not understand how that can be. However, I do believe you.”

A carriage approached and their driver pulled to the left side of the path to allow them past. To his annoyance, it was Sorcha and another woman out for a ride. The woman’s eyes narrowed as they rode past, and he hoped Felicity didn’t notice.

His hopes were dashed when he looked at his fiancée. Her brows were lowered, and arms crossed over her chest. “Leave it up to her to ruin the afternoon.”

“Do not allow her to.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. “Do you remember the names of the trees we ride past?”

It was endearing as Felicity did her best to impress him, concentrating on the passing foliage and naming each one with what he assumed was precision. Soon both he and Ana joined in the game of naming things first, at times dissolving into laughter when all three made up names.

They returned to a brightly lit house. Grant was already there. Although his friend had accepted his apologies, he remained a bit reserved and studied his sister intently when she was with him.

Evan didn’t blame him. His friend made sure his sister was indeed happy and that Evan would give her a good life.

Felicity went upstairs to change, and Evan joined both Grant and Mr. Murray in the library.

“I spoke to my father today,” Evan started as Grant poured whiskey. “He assures me that with my salary, I will be able to provide comfortably for Felicity. She will not want for anything.”

Mr. Murray nodded with approval. “I am glad to hear it.”

Grant drank from his glass. “I would expect nothing less. My sister will be well provided for, I’m sure.”

Dinner was a flurry of good food, toasts, and both mothers bursting into tears several times while the men exchanged amused looks. Throughout, Felicity beamed, and Evan hoped to keep that amount of happiness on her face.

As the evening flowed, Grant could scarcely believe the turn life had taken and how unbelievably full his heart felt. That night, he would journal everything so that when he was old, he could recount the evening with Felicity.

Finally, they set the wedding date for the first Saturday in April, just a pair of weeks to prepare everything.

Evan considered that he’d not thought about the fact he would have to tell his friends that he could not provide his portion. At the last minute, he’d not been able to ask his father for the money. It was best to allow another investor to make the profit rather than borrow from his salary and attempt to live on less.

He would not tell them yet. Instead, he would wait and allow them to continue to find a way to fund their portions. There was a chance, albeit small, that he could still come up with the capital. Perhaps speak to his accountant and find out if he could get a larger share of the tobacco profits.

There was still nine weeks until the ship would sail. They had the rest of March and the entirety of April and May.

*

That night, he arrived home tired, a bit lightheaded, but happy. Norman shook his hand, congratulating him as the two women of his staff stood by with wide grins.

Despite looking forward to his bed, he asked that champagne be poured, and he lifted his glass as Norman toasted to his upcoming marriage.

“Miss Murray and I will be married on the first Saturday in April. Of course I expect all of you to be in attendance.”

“Will she come to live here?” Rosalie asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation of having a lady oversee the home.

“Yes, she will. As will her companion, Ana, whom I know you have all met,” Evan replied.