Evan left Althea’s house in a fog, taking his hat and gloves from the butler and forgetting to put them on, despite the drizzle. He walked halfway to his London residence before he remembered and was soaked by the time he walked in his front door. He supposed he should be grateful he hadn’t ridden there, as he might have forgotten his horse.
Completely nonplussed, he sat in the rapidly darkening study, with only a fire for light, and contemplated where he’d gone wrong.
He had not taken into account the possibility of his suit being rejected. It had never entered his purview.
“Ha!” His bark of laughter startled him in the silent room.Of course it didn’t. I am not accustomed to having to work for a woman’s affections. No wonder I made a muddle of it.
But how? He’d told her he cared for her, he’d missed her. Godsakes, he’d even used the word bereft. He had thought through all the risks of his future, and they could determine how to handle that for her sake. But she hadn’t even let him get to that.
“Bah. I need a whisky and a friend. Mayhap Ford will have some ideas.”
Grabbing a different hat and an umbrella, he did not bother changing his damp clothes, given the continued wet weather, but he did take a cloak. A few minutes later, he pounded on the door of Ford’s home.
“Ford. ’Tis me, Bags. Come on, man. ’Tis dog’s soup out here.”
Ford opened the door in shirtsleeves, and Evan pushed past him.
“Right. Please, do come in. Allow me to take your outer garments, sir.”
Evan looked around, distractedly handing his cloak and hat to his friend. He’d had a sudden idea of an even better source for help.
“Is Beth here?”
“Why would you think Beth would be here?”
“For godsakes, Ford. I am not the morality constable. I would very much like to talk to both of you if she’s here.”
Ford gestured to the parlor. “Pour yourself a whisky, and I shall fetch her. And pour me one as well if you please.”
“Thanks, old chap. Will Beth want one?”
“Mayhap, but pour her a sherry. She’s better behaved with that.”
Evan managed a laugh at that, despite his preoccupation.
Once everyone was ensconced in chairs by the fire with drinks, Evan gave Ford the highlights of his marriage proposal and then sat back. “What now?”
His friend was looking at Beth who was attempting to stifle her giggles behind her sherry glass.
“May I ask what is funny?” Evan frowned at the petite woman.
“Really, Cheltie? You still do not see it?” She smirked.
“Obviously not, or I wouldn’t be here.” He drew himself up, affronted at her laughter but still needing her help. “Mayhap you could elaborate?”
“You solvedyourproblems. All right, andoneof hers.”
“But-but—” His brain caught up with his mouth, and he groaned.
“Ah, I see you are beginning to understand what your offer lacked. But just to be certain any subsequent proposals are more comprehensive, why don’t you tell me what you view as Althea’s fears?”
“She does not want rumors about an affair between us among the Ton.”
“Yes, yes. We know you did not like that.”
We? Evan let it go in the interest of knowledge. “She wants sole proprietorship over her business.”
“And did you address that concern?”
