Page 47 of A Rogue to Reform

It was almost evening when everyone finally dispersed. The only one left was Evan, who asked Felicity’s parents for permission to speak to her for a few moments.

While Ana sat discreetly near the fireplace, Evan and Felicity were in chairs on the opposite sides of the room.

“I am sorry for the way this came about. I was planning for a more formal proposal, something romantic,” Evan explained.

“Tell me about it.”

He shifted and smiled. “A carriage ride, flowers, and brandy.”

“It sounds delightful. We can still do it. We must speak of setting a date. Your parents will be invited to dinner tomorrow night. I think it is best we’ve made the decision by then. Mother wants it to be soon, to take advantage of the perfect spring weather.”

“Whatever you decide.” Evan looked over toward Ana and then leaned forward and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, but enough to make Felicity breathless, her entire being overcome with happiness.

Chapter Twelve

“You’re getting married?” his father asked with a tone of surprise the following day at the offices. “The Murrays have invited us for dinner to discuss the nuptials.”

Planning to inform his father that morning, Evan was shocked that he had already been informed and invited to dinner.

It was only the afternoon prior that the entire episode at the Murrays’ had occurred. Perhaps Felicity’s mother moved quickly to avoid too many rumors flying before the engagement was formally announced.

“I am,” Evan said. “I’d hoped to be the one to inform you and Mother.”

His father smiled. “Mrs. Murray sent a messenger over yesterday evening. It seems she wasted no time.” He paused. “Which leads me to believe there must be a very strong reason for the urgency in this matter. Is the lass with child?”

“No. God no,” Evan exclaimed. “I planned to ask for Felicity’s hand in marriage. I wasn’t aware someone had spied on us…kissing in her garden, and well, you know how gossips are.”

“Indeed I do,” his father replied. “What intrigues me is that you did not stop your brother from attending the dinner party. Mind you, he is not interested romantically in Felicity, but if he were, it would have been awkward.”

It was always best to be honest. “I did not feel deserving of her. Still don’t, if I am to be honest. However, after realizing that I could not withstand her marrying another, I went to ask for her hand.”

Robert Macleod studied Evan for a long moment. “You have always been headstrong and impulsive. By you taking a step back before deciding what to do along with the changes I’ve seen in you lately, I can state with assurance that you are more than worthy of the beautiful lass.”

His father’s words meant more than his own weight in gold. It was hard to swallow past the lump that formed in his throat, but he managed.

“I cannot express how much those words mean to me. This raises another subject I must discuss with you. I will not be able to come up with my portion for the sponsorship. I am sure that Henry, Miles, and Grant will pay their parts. Will you be able to find a sponsor for the remaining portion?”

“How do you propose to support Felicity?”

“With what I earn here. As I have stated, the monthly stipend I receive from my tobacco investment is enough to maintain the small staff. I will pay for the other necessities from my salary. I do receive one, don’t I?”

His father chuckled. “Aye, you do. As a matter of fact, you are owed for this month. I think you will find that it will afford you a comfortable living.”

Relieved, Evan closed the distance between him and his father and hugged him. It was the first time he’d touched him in so many years that he could not keep a tear from trickling down his cheek. “I am so very sorry for all I did to disappoint you, Father.”

His father cleared his throat, obviously as affected. “You have returned to me, and that is all that matters. Let us leave the past behind.”

Holding Evan’s face, Robert Macleod pressed a kiss to Evan’s forehead. “Now get to work and earn your pay. We cannot waste time having tea.” He motioned to the door. “I will see you at dinner tonight.”

*

“It is the perfect day for a carriage ride,” Felicity exclaimed, sitting beside Evan later that day. He’d had to hurry after work to ensure not to pick her up too late.

When he’d met her at the door of her house, she’d given him a shy smile, lifting her face for him to kiss her cheek.

“We do not have much time, dinner is in a pair of hours.” She’d placed her hand in the crook of his arm and he’d led her to the open carriage.

Now, as the light breeze blew across their faces, Evan wondered why he’d never done something like this before. The driver went slowly, taking them through a wooded park where people often went for leisurely rides.