Page 60 of A Rogue to Reform

Evan couldn’t help but laugh. “I fear I may need a couple days to recover.”

*

The next day, Evan hurried into work. He was running late, as he’d enjoyed holding Felicity that morning and had lingered in bed.

Richard gave him a knowing look. “Haven’t had much sleep lately, have you?”

“The burden of marrying a young lass,” Evan replied with a sheepish grin. “What is the priority of the day?”

He made a point to leave early that day so that he could meet with the others to discuss their venture. Evan wondered at their reaction when he informed them his portion would be paid for by his father, and therefore, his father would be the one to profit from it.

In a way, he hated to miss the golden opportunity, but he planned to save as much as possible so that he could sponsor a different ship in the future. It could be a few years, but in the end, he figured it would happen.

The lobby at Walker’s hotel was not as busy as usual since they chose a late afternoon time to meet, when most men were still at work.

Grant had asked and acquired a private room, where he and Miles were already seated, each with a whiskey in hand.

“I hear your house is in disarray?” Miles said, his ever-present heavy-lidded look in place.

After his drink was brought, Evan replied. “Yes, Mother and Felicity had begun a project to update things before the wedding. Now it looks as if a storm hit the interior.”

He let out a long breath, enjoying the fact he was to spend time with his close friends. “How are you, Miles? Any new conquests? I will have to live the single life through you all now.”

The lord’s left shoulder rose and fell in a lazy shrug. “Nothing new really. I have had a few enjoyable occasions with Eloisa Mackinlay. She is most appreciative of my companionship and has a wonderful way of expressing it.”

“Is that so?” Henry entered the room, a drink already in hand. He lowered to a chair and crossed his legs at the ankles, a picture of leisure. “I take your appreciative lover and raise you two quite enthusiastic sisters.”

“Sisters?” Grant asked, his eyes pinning Henry. “I do not believe it.”

“Twins in fact,” Henry said, “one blonde, the other brunette.”

Evan drank from his brandy, holding back laughter, as it was obvious Henry lied by the way he baited Grant.

“I must say,” Miles said, getting Evan’s attention, “you look happy. Settled.”

“I feel as if I have a reason to get up in the morning. I am sure you understand, as I know you keep very busy with your estate and such.” Evan gave his friend a curious look. “Is your father doing well? I heard he went on a long trip.”

His friend adopted a concerned expression. “Yes, he is touring our lands in the West Indies. He has not said anything to me, but I sense his health is failing and he wished to return home one last time.”

“I am sorry to hear it.”

Henry finished describing what was surely an exaggeration of making love with the fictitious twins and both turned their attention to Evan.

“Not only do I miss our gatherings, but I wanted to ask about the progress towards each of you coming up with your portion of the capital required. Father asked and I told him I’d bring him up to date,” Evan informed them.

The men exchanged looks, each waiting to see who would speak first. Finally, Miles repeated what he’d told Evan.

Henry spoke next. “I have several plans in motion. I do not foresee a problem coming up with my portion.” His devilish smile left no question as to how he planned to acquire the capital.

Opposite to Henry, Grant was evasive. “I will have my portion, there is no question.”

The time came for Evan to tell them how he’d not have his portion. In his mind, he’d gone over several times how he’d impart the news. Taking a drink, he was about to speak when the server walked in to ask if they required refills.

“Yes,” Miles said. “I would like to purchase a bottle of your best whiskey to celebrate my friend’s marriage.”

Everyone nodded and the man hurried out and returned with a bottle of very expensive liquor, which he proceeded to pour.

They toasted, and Evan hated to impart the bad news. He let the warmth of the whiskey linger down his chest.