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“If you remember correctly, my father paid me back earnings. I would not have had to sink too low.” Evan laughed and Grant joined in, chuckling, as Felicity narrowed her eyes at Evan.

“All I am stating is that Miles Johnstone will not hesitate to take the money. He wishes to win the wager, in the smallest amount of time.” Felicity turned to her husband. “What does the winner get, by the way?”

“Five percent of all our profits,” Grant replied ruefully.

Evan coughed, his eyes wide. “I do not believe to have been present for that part of the discussion.”

“You were actually the one who came up with it after an inordinate amount of whiskey,” Grant informed him. “I am not sure anyone remembers but me.”

“If it is about money and a wager, every single one of you remembers,” Felicity said in a light tone. “I have a feeling, however, that not one of you will win this wager.”

Grant held up a hand. “I have already won. The money I have is from one of my… er…benefactresses.”

“You should give it back,” Felicity chastised. “Honestly, Grant. I will give you the money. Evan has not touched my dowry; I have most of it. It should be almost enough. I am sure the others can come up with the rest.”

He leaned forward. “You’ve had this money all this time and not touched it? You surprise me, sister. I would have expected you to sponsor two orphanages and purchase a building for the poor. Become the champion of hovels for orphans and the mentally insane, perhaps.”

Felicity bit off the tip of a carrot, her gaze on him. “I have done some things to help others, which is why a portion of my dowry has been spent. Not that I have to give you an account. But—” she continued—“My orphanage or home for the underprivileged would be pristine, not a hovel.”

“I spoke to Father today,” Grant blurted, not quite sure why he decided this was a good time to bring it up, but he had to admit to being excited at the prospect of normalcy returning to their relationship. “He agreed to oversee my accounts once the ship returns.”

“What?” At this, Felicity leaned forward, her inquisitive gaze taking him in. “Have you truly spoken with him? Are things settled between you two?”

“It will take time. However, I do feel as if we made progress today.” Grant’s chest felt lighter as he cut into the meat on his plate and popped another piece into his mouth.

“What did you say? What did he say? How did this come about?” Felicity waved her hand in his face as if he could not hear her. “Tell me everything.”

Evan placed a hand on Felicity’s lower arm. “Let the man eat, Love.”

“He can eat later,” his sister said, pushing Evan’s hand away. “Speak, brother.”

As the conversation with their father had not been long, repeating it to Felicity only took a moment. “Is that all?” Felicity asked, seeming disappointed. “Will we be going to our parents’ for dinner soon then?”

“I am sure once Mother hears about it, she will plan something.”

“I will go there first thing in the morning.” It was evident his sister would insist on a family gathering. Her concentration turned to her plate, which she looked at but obviously didn’t see. He was sure that instead, she was planning the menu of the meal they’d share as a family once again.

“There is something else I must inform you of,” Grant said. “I have a friend. Mother has taken her on to work there at the house.”

Upon his statement, both Felicity and Evan looked at him with identical frowns on their faces while they waited for him to expound. “A friend?” Felicity asked, still frowning.

“A friend?” Evan cocked an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “A woman? Your friend?”

“Yes, she is a friend. She worked for Lucinda. I met her when she was sent with a missive. She is very sensible. Quite bonnie and amusing.”

“You, Grant Murray, are interested in a woman who is sensible and amusing?” Felicity gaped at him. “Who are you?”

“I take it this woman is a maid?” Evan, who like him was raised in a wealthy household, was immediately drawn to point out the difference in stations between himself and Wren. “What can you possibly have in common? And this lass, she is aware of the nature of your relationship with Lucinda?”

At the mention of Lucinda’s name, Felicity made a face akin to someone who smells a rotten fish. “I prefer not to think about that.” She folded her hands, fingers intertwined. “Grant, you must leave the lass be. Do not take advantage of your station to play with her. Nothing good can come of it.”

“I do not plan to toy with her. Instead, I am discerning how I truly feel about her, and if it is a passing fancy, I will not pursue her further.”

“Ha!” Felicity’s exclamation was sharp. “Men are such cretins. Exactly how do you plan to ‘ascertain’ how you feel? By spending time with her, giving her hope, and then—if you decide you’re not as interested as you thought—walking away? If you wish to court her, where would you take her so that she will not feel out of place?”

“I do not have to explain things to you. I am sure we can spend time together without it being a spectacle for any of our…er…people.”

“Your people?” Evan shook his head. “I need brandy. I do not think any of us are eating any longer. Why don’t we move to the drawing room?”

“Go ahead,” Felicity said. “I am going to see about our babe. I wish to play with him before he goes to sleep.” As she swept past, she stopped to smile gently at Grant. “I do not mean to sound harsh, but the fact the lass is our mother’s servant makes it a very delicate situation. It’s an impossible one. If you want my advice, you simply must leave her be and fix your attention on someone more suitable.”

*

By the timehe went to bed, Grant was utterly perplexed. His sister and Evan were right. Where could he take Wren? If they went on an open carriage ride, she would look like a maid accompanying a gentleman for an errand. If they went to the market, or on a walk near where she lived, harmful rumors would abound. And all situations would paint her in a bad light. People would assume she’d been compromised. She’d lose her position, her livelihood.

What would the cost be for him? Nothing. Unable to sleep, he went to the window and peered out into the night. How exactly was he to do this? He’d definitely not thought it through.

Despite the warnings, which came as no surprise, he knew there had to be a way. Henry had married below his station, yet his marriage with Hannah was thriving. Still, Hannah’s family were not from the servant class and Hannah and her parents had been friends with Grant and Felicity’s family for years. Suddenly, an idea struck. His lips curved and he inhaled the night air.

There was a way, and he would see to it immediately.