Her thoughts danced with desire, hoping she and Evan might anticipate their vows. She wasn’t sure she wished to wait. The mere notion ignited a scorching blush that painted her cheeks crimson. The memory of his gentle caresses and passionate kisses reverberated through her body, setting her aflame.
She forced herself to focus on the conversation with her mother.
“I wouldn’t mind if he did,” she admitted. “But he might not. It’s been a long day.”
“You are quite right,” her mother said, nodding.
“The dinner trays should be up soon.” Arthur’s voice came from the other side of the room as he strode in and plopped into a chair next to Marina’s. “The solicitor has been notified about Father andinstructed to draw up your marriage contracts, sister.”
She patted her brother’s arm. “Thank you.”
“You have yourself a good man there,” Arthur said. “I think he’ll be a great addition to our little family.”
“I quite agree.” She was already certain she was making the right choice, but the heartfelt words of her family about her betrothed filled her with an even greater anticipation of finally speaking their vows.
Their mother poured Arthur a cup of tea, added the cream and sugar the way he preferred, and handed it to him.
“What will you do about university, Arthur?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. Can I still attend? Don’t I have many responsibilities here?”
“Of course you may attend, and you should. A gentleman’s education is important. We can tend to things here. You also have stewards looking after things who can send you reports. It’s not ideal, but we can manage,” Lady Sidmouth said.
Arthur beamed. “I wish to attend university, Mother.”
Marina jumped into the conversation. “Evan and I will be just an estate over. I am certain we can help, too.”
Brooks cleared his throat in the doorway. “Would you like the trays all brought here?”
“That would be perfect, Brooks,” their mother said. “Thank you.” She shifted her attention to her children. “I don’t think I’m ready to be alone with my thoughts for the evening just yet.”
Both of them nodded in agreement. Somber silence hung between them.
To distract them from the gravity of the day, Arthur transitioned the conversation to more stories from his time at school. As he animatedly spoke about his academic achievements, it was a welcome distraction from the grief of the day. Marina couldn’t help but notice the sparkle in Arthur’s eyes as he recounted his desire to pursue further education.
Marina’s stomach growled, reminding her she had hardly eaten all day. She would finish every bite of food on her plate and not feel the least sorry for it.
Brooks returned to direct the staff in setting up their dinner trays. Once they were settled with their meal, Marina ignored the chatter between her mother and her brother. She enjoyed her dinner while her mind wandered to thoughts of Evan, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
She eagerly awaited the moment she would become his wife. The arduous journey they had taken to reach this point flashed through her mind. She recalled the day outside the hunting cabin, where anger consumed her, and she swore she would hate him forever. She could finally admit to herself that she had long ago already given him a piece of her heart. There was no other man who could bring her true happiness. They were destined for each other. If only the bacon-brained man hadn’t taken so long figuring it out.
She mentally scolded herself, her brows furrowing with frustration. She had forgiven him and wouldn’t hold the past against him. The past was the past, and the only thing important now was for them to build their future together. As she reflected on her own actions, she felt a pang of guilt, the bitterness of her past words still lingering on her tongue.
“Don’t you agree, dearest?” her mother asked.
Marina’s attention snapped back to her family. “What did you ask?”
Both her mother and brother laughed at her. “Woolgathering, sister?”
“Leave her alone, Arthur. She’s in love. I only hope that you’ll marry for the same thing.”
Arthur groaned. “Mother, you will not start pushing me to wed, will you? I may be the earl now, but I’m only eight-and-ten.”
She waved him off. “Of course not, son. You must attend universityand experience life so that you can find your match. Marriage can come later.”
His eyes widened, and he stared in disbelief at his mother. “You mean you will not push me to get an heir as soon as possible to save the title and whatever other reason that mamas of thetoncome up with?”
“I intend to keep you safe and well for many, many years, and hopefully for long after I am gone. If something should happen to you, I shan’t be worried about anything as shallow as a title. Your happiness is far more important.” She reached forward and clasped her son’s hand.
