“And you are… not.”
“I cannot stand idly by while another friend willingly throws himself into the parson’s mousetrap,” Alcott said, stepping closer. “Think of your future, Evander.”
“I am thinking of it.”
Alcott exhaled. “Then why rush? Why now?”
Evander hesitated, then answered with quiet certainty. “Because my mother wishes to see me settled before she… before it is too late. And because I love Olivia.”
Alcott raised both brows. “You love her?”
Saying it aloud surprised even him with its clarity. “I do.”
His friend studied him for a long moment, then nodded. “Then I’ll come with you. I’ll stand beside you at the altar.”
Nothing surprised him more. “You will?”
Alcott glanced at the townhouse behind them. “I take it your family is unaware?”
“You would be correct,” he said. “I would have told my mother, but her lady’s maid said she had a difficult night and was not to be disturbed.”
Alcott gestured to the open coach door. “Best we leave now, before I regain my senses.”
With a quiet chuckle, Evander stepped into the coach, settling on one side as Alcott joined him across the way.
“I still don’t like this,” Alcott muttered. “I thought we would stand together and refuse to be shackled to wives.”
Evander smiled. “I’ve changed my mind. If I must be shackled, I’d rather it be to Olivia.”
Alcott gave him a long look. “I knew you had a soft spot for her. I didn’t realize she returned your affections.”
He winced. “She agreed to marry me for her reputation’s sake, not out of love.”
“She doesn’t love you?” Alcott asked, brows drawn.
“Not yet,” Evander admitted, “but I have a plan.”
Alcott folded his arms. “Does this plan involve bribery or hypnotism?”
Evander smirked. “Neither. Just persistence. I’ll show her, day by day, that I am the man for her. Eventually, she’ll see it, too.”
Alcott gave a low whistle. “That is risky.”
“Perhaps. But necessary.”
After a pause, Alcott added, “Whatever happens, I’m here. You have my support.”
Evander looked at him, surprised by the sincerity. “That means more than I can say.”
They fell into a companionable silence until Alcott asked, “Are you taking her on a wedding tour?”
“In time,” Evander said. “But for now, I want to remain close. I’m not certain how much longer my mother has.”
The humor faded from Alcott’s expression. “I’m sorry, truly.”
Before Evander could reply, the coach slowed, then came to a full stop before the chapel. Without waiting for the footman, he pushed open the door and leapt down, taking the steps two at a time, propelled by a mix of nerves and anticipation.
But when he entered the chapel, he found it empty.
