Page 40 of A Rogue to Reform

His friend smiled widely. “I will have it soon.”

“Looks as if we all have a plan, and only one of us has the money required,” Henry stated. He looked at Miles. “Of course, you had it before we started. Hopefully, for our sake, to keep things on a level playing field, you will acquire the capital by other means.”

Miles laughed. “I will not use my own money. I have a plan in place. Once I am free, I assure you to begin the process. By the way, Grant, who all is going to your sister’s event tomorrow night?”

At the question, Evan sat straighter, his attention on Grant.

His friend shrugged. “Frankly, I cannot wait for the evening to come and go. Despite a few acceptable candidates…” he looked around the room, “present company included, I am certain my sister will pick someone on her own that may or not attend.”

“I suspect the same,” Evan said. “But it will be interesting to see who tries to force his way into her heart.” He eyed the others in the room. “Let me warn each of you that I do intend to court Felicity Murray.”

“What?” Grant sat up and gawked. “You?”

Evan prepared to be charged and thrown to the ground. “Yes, after speaking with your sister yesterday afternoon, we decided that we have grown fond of each other.”

As expected, Grant stood and neared. His friend towered over him as Evan remained seated. “You are aware I care for you as a brother. However, I know all you have done as of late. I do not approve of you courting my sister. You are sleeping with Sorcha Robertson…for one.”

“I ended all ties with her upon leaving Felicity’s company.”

“And what of…” Grant seemed to struggle to keep from hitting him. Finally, he blew out a harsh breath. “No.”

Miles and Henry exchanged looks, both entranced by the scene before them.

“What do you mean no?” Evan said. “You and I are friends. I would not oppose you marrying—”

“Your brother?” Grant interrupted. “You do not have a sister, so you cannot possibly understand.”

“I care for Felicity and will do my best to be a good husband to her.”

When Grant took a breath, Henry jumped to his feet. “Do not say something you will regret. We all know each other well enough. You must admit never to have heard Evan state wishing to be husband to anyone. I for one believe him to be in love.”

“Love,” Miles added, “is unpredictable, unexpected, and without prejudice for who the other person is.” His handsome face was stern. “I believe you, Evan—that you are indeed in love with Miss Felicity. At the same time, I understand you, Grant.” He waved around the room. “I would worry if any of you professed to be in love with my sister.”

At the statement, every eye locked onto Miles.

It was Henry who found his voice. “Have I met your sister?”

Miles shook his head. “She has not debuted as of yet. Her name is Penelope, and she is beautiful, delicate, and absolutely off limits.”

It was a long moment that everyone eyed Miles, no doubt attempting to picture his face in a more feminine way. None found it appealing by the way they decided not to pursue the line of questioning.

“So it seems that brothers are protective sorts,” Evan said, pushing to his feet and facing Grant. “Very well, so you do not approve. Yet you will not have a problem with my boring brother, or any of the sops on the list you and your mother made?”

“It is that I wish my sister to be happy and to have a faithful husband. I understand why you are working now and making strides toward setting yourself up to be a good match. I appreciate it. My answer remains no.” Grant sneered at him and went to the sidebar to refill his glass.

Despite his efforts, Evan could not blame his friend. Even with a family of means, Evan would never be wealthy unless the ship investment was made and it paid off. There were always unexpected things that could happen at sea. The investment was not without its risks. Like a sodden cloak, a weight came over him. Who did he think he was to deserve Felicity? Despite having recently made strides toward a better way of living, he was still without proper means to offer a wife. That she considered him worthy was a miracle. As it stood, he would only be a detriment to her life.

Grant started to say something, but Evan stopped him. “Perhaps you are right. That I should not have pursued your sister. If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen. I have an early morning.” He went up the stairs, knowing his friends were exchanging questioning looks at his lack of attempting to convince Grant more.

*

The house was bright, candlelit with candelabras on every possible surface. A string quartet had set up in the parlor, the music wafting throughout the house. In the sitting room, her mother and Mrs. Kerr kept company with a pair of older women who were there to help keep an eye on the younger women and gentlemen who would be arriving soon.

Felicity walked down the hallway to where the dining room had been set. She glanced about the room with its long table down the center that was resplendent with beautiful flowers, the china and silverware glistening.

“Everything is perfect, stop fretting,” Hannah said, coming to stand beside her. By her friend’s flushed cheeks, she too needed to expend nervous energy.

“Should we go to the garden for a bit of fresh air before the first guests arrive?”