To Arthur’s credit, he did not try to intimidate him. “If my sister accepted your offer, I would as well. I think it is wise for you to marry as soon as you can.”
“We felt the same,” Evan said. “I will take her to the country, or perhaps to the continent, for an extended honeymoon. It will be best if we stay out of society for a while.”
“I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I’m not sure what I need to do.” Arthur frowned and took another gulp of his drink, draining the contents.
The man was more mature and levelheaded than Evan was when he inherited, and he was far younger. He wasn’t afraid to admit where he needed help or accept it from others.
“Well,” Evan said, “seeing as how we’re about to be brothers and I want nothing more than to marry your sister, I would be happy to help. I had no siblings, so it’ll be nice to have a brother.”
Arthur held out his hand to Evan. “Welcome to the family then, brother.”
Finally, Evan believed things would fall into place. “You will need to contact your solicitor as soon as possible to have the marriage settlements drawn up,” he said. “I will also make mine aware so we can expedite the matter. Ensure your sister retains control of her dowry. I needn’t be paid to marry her. I will ensure she is well provided for.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I will procure the special license tomorrow, which will enable us to marry where and when we choose. Perhaps the day after tomorrow?”
Arthur laughed. “You weren’t kidding about hastening the wedding to wed my sister.”
“Not in the slightest.” A smirk played on his lips until Evan noted the other man’s expression changed. “Is something wrong?”
“We should discuss another matter involving our parents,” Arthur said solemnly.
Evan tilted his head to the side. “I’m confused. What are you referring to?”
“I’m not sure how to say this,” Arthur began, shifting in his seat. “My father was mumbling something about an affair with Lady Ockham before he left the house today. I wasn’t sure what that had todo with anything, but then he rushed out. And, well, you know the rest.”
Shock rippled through Evan. His mother had an affair with the previous Earl of Sidmouth? “Are you sure you didn’t mishear him?”
“I am certain it is what he said. I’m not sure it matters now, but I didn’t want to keep it from you.”
Evan shook his head in disbelief. He knew his parents didn’t have the most loving marriage, but he did not know his mother had taken up with another man, let alone the father of the woman he loved. As if any of them needed another potential scandal to deal with.
“I appreciate the information,” Evan said and downed the rest of his drink. “I should take my leave, though. I will begin the arrangements. Thank you for everything, my lord.”
“Arthur, please. Marina and Mother will never use such formalities with me, so there is no need for you to do so.”
“Agreed, Arthur. Then you must call me Evan. No doubt the women in our lives are going to keep us on our toes.”
Arthur laughed. “That is an understatement.”
“I shall speak to my mother and ensure there will be no issues as our families come together. Nothing is more important to me than Marina’s happiness.”
“I wish you luck in that endeavor.” Arthur smirked.
Both men stood, and Evan patted him on the back. “I’ll call on Marina tomorrow after I have procured the special license.”
Evan left and once he was in the street, he pushed aside the frustration he held for his mother. Soon he would be married to Marina, and there would be nothing that could tear them apart.
As a carriage trundled past him, he noticed the Minto family crest emblazoned on its side. Turning his gaze, he observed the carriage coming to a halt in front of Marina’s home. The sight filled him with an overwhelming desire to confront the man within, but he resisted. He knew engaging him would only fan the flames of his resolve tomarry Marina or do her harm now that Evan was aware the man may be capable of murder.
He kept watching the house from a distance to ensure that Minto wasn’t admitted, as Arthur had directed. If he didn’t leave in a few moments, Evan knew he would have no choice but to return and ensure Marina’s safety.
“You will tell the boy I will see him now.”
Evan heard Minto’s booming voice from his spot several townhouses down.
“This is unacceptable. Tell him I will be here in the morning and that he better see me,” Minto boomed again.
