Page 26 of A Rogue to Reform

“The aroma drew me to enter without knocking,” Henry announced, and made a beeline for the table. His eyes scanning over the offerings, he immediately lifted a plate. He began to pick and choose from the offerings.

Rosalie, who coddled Henry immediately, entered. “Allow me to warm whatever you wish to eat. I will bring hot tea as well.”

While plopping food onto the plate, Henry looked to Grant. “What were you stating about Hannah?”

Grant blew out a breath. “I was commenting to Evan that both my sister and her friend have decided it is time to marry and have children.”

At the last word, Henry began coughing, his face turning an alarming shade of red. Rosalie pounded his back, while Evan worried his friend was about to pass out from lack of air.

Finally, he managed to cough up the piece of bread and he scowled silently.

Evan let out a breath. “It must be a feminine inclination to think about children. The only time I consider it is when having a private interlude. I am careful with any assignations. I do not wish to father a child with someone I do not care for.”

“I best get on with my task. I promised Felicity to speak to mother today.” Grant stood and looked at Henry. “Anything to report? How many hopeful debutantes did you meet last night?”

“Too many to count. None that interested me.” Henry blew out a breath. “It comes to mind that if I decide to marry, it would not be for months and I would be unable to collect a dowry in time for the sponsorship. Therefore, I may have to consider other means.”

“You can always seduce someone’s grandmother. That is what Grant is doing,” Evan quipped, and could not keep from laughing at Grant’s expression of annoyance.

Grant gave him a droll look. “It is only until I get the money.”

“That may be a better recourse than attempting to get funding from a wily woman like Sorcha Robertson.” Henry smiled at Rosalie, as she’d returned with hot tea and poured it into his cup.

What Henry said was true. It could be he was wasting his time. “I will give it another few days and then reevaluate my options. Perhaps we may have to consider that the entire plan is doomed.”

Grant shrugged. “Interesting that you give up so soon. It is not like you, Evan.”

“Does anyone know what Miles is up to?” Henry asked between bites.

Evan shook his head. “He explained to me that he can come up with his portion without participating in our plan. Ever the sportsman, he plans to come up with the needed money without delving into his own reserves.”

Everyone grunted as they considered it. Grant spoke next. “I do think he will not have to try hard for it. People give more freely to those they know do not actually require it.”

Leaving his friends in the dining room, Evan went upstairs to his bedchamber. He felt a need to bathe, but settled for washing up at the basin.

Once dressed in fresh clothes, he went to the window and considered what to do. Peering out, he noted it was a remarkably sunny day. The sunlight shone on the cobblestones below and sides of buildings.

Carts and carriages ambled by as people began their day. In truth, it felt awkward to not have a purpose day after day. He looked to the table where he’d placed the money his father had given him.

Actually, he did have a lot to do that day. First, he’d hire men to replace the entire roof then he’d consult his mother on whatever other items the house required. He wasn’t about to order rugs and drapes, as he’d no idea where to start.

Then there was another matter to see to. He would visit Felicity and ensure all was well between them.

Any gentleman would call on a woman after a kiss like the one they’d shared.

At the thought, Sorcha came to mind. It was utterly disrespectful of him to be considering calling on someone else after spending the night.

“Ugh,” he exclaimed. “What have I gotten myself into?”

“Sir?” Norman stood in the doorway. “Is something wrong?”

He whirled. “No. No. Just talking to myself. What is it, Norman?”

“You have a visitor. Miss Murray is here.”

“Felicity?”

“Yes, sir.”