She gasped. “Son, I swear to you it wasn’t like that. You must believe me. I only told him to ensure he knew. He would be angry with me if I kept such a thing from him. I did not know that Minto wanted her, and I can’t believe you would think that of me.”
“What am I supposed to think, Mother? If I recall correctly, you weren’t thrilled when I informed you of my choice of bride.”
More tears flowed down her cheeks. “I would never hurt you, son. Things had been over with Sidmouth since your father passed. I hoped he wouldn’t discourage your suit because of me. I pleaded with him. I see the love you have for her, and I didn’t want to be the cause for you to miss out on the happiness your father and I never had.”
Evan winced, hating he had been much too harsh with his mother. He couldn’t imagine being stuck in a marriage to someone he didn’t love. His body tensed thinking about what his life would be like if Marina had married someone else during their time apart. Even more reason why he must marry her as soon as possible.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I shouldn’t have accused you of any wrongdoing.”
She offered a meek smile. “So, you are to be married soon?”
“As soon as we can,” he said. “I will ask you to keep it private. Minto will be upset when he finds out, and there will be talk throughout theton.”
“I understand, son. I won’t say anything, but I do hope I get to bethere.”
He approached his mother and leaned down to place a kiss on her cheek. Tears started to fall down her face again.
“Of course, Mother. I would be quite upset if you weren’t in attendance.” Evan started toward the door. “I’m going to walk to my club, Mother. I’ll see you for dinner.”
She smiled at him, but it turned to a frown when she looked back at her needlepoint, letting her tears fall and not moving her needle. His mother would grieve the man she had feelings for. Evan might not have approved of her extramarital relationship, but he could understand the power of her feelings.
He set out toward his club, basking in the sun’s warmth for the entire walk. So much had changed in a single day, he could hardly believe it. Evan’s heart would soar and all his fears would dissolve once he and Marina said their vows and he whisked her away from town.
A nagging thought crept in, and he tried to push it aside. Marina never said she loved him. She agreed to marry him, finally granting him forgiveness, but she never spoke words of love. What if she didn’t love him? Surely she felt even half of what he felt for her, and that had to be enough, right?
Entering White’s, he noticed Jude sitting at a table by himself. “Mind if I join you for a drink?” Evan dropped into the plush chair across from him before he responded.
Jude set his paper down and held up two fingers to the attendant. In a matter of moments, they each had a brandy in their hands.
“I haven’t seen you since the ball.” Jude sipped his drink. “It’s horrible news about Juliana’s husband and Marina’s father.”
“I figured it wouldn’t be long before word got around.”
Jude shrugged. “You know how thetonloves a tragedy. Have you seen Marina? I intend to visit Juliana soon to pay my respects.”
“I have, and she is well. Actually, I have something to ask you.”
Jude eyed Evan curiously. “I’m listening.”
“Would you stand up for me at my wedding to Marina?”
“So the rumors Marina would marry Minto aren’t true then?”
Evan laughed. “Not at all. But I must ask you to please keep this to yourself for now. It’s a delicate matter, but I assure you I will marry Marina in the next couple of days.” Evan held up his glass in a toast.
Jude smiled and held up his drink to him before taking a gulp. “I would be honored to stand up with you, and I won’t say a word. Just tell me where and when to be there.”
“Thank you. I am going to purchase the special license tomorrow.”
“Great, I’ll go with you. It can’t hurt to have two peers present to see the archbishop,” Jude said shrugging. “Besides, this is probably as close as I’m ever going to get to a wedding. I must take my best man job seriously.” He laughed and knocked back the rest of this drink.
Evan smirked. “You never know. There might be someone out there who tempts you down the aisle.”
Jude shook his head. “Let’s just worry about getting your leg shackled.”
“Fair enough.” Evan held up two fingers to the attendant to signal a refill for their drinks.
“Do I get to plan a bachelor party? I have so many delightful ideas.”
