Diana said something to Graham, and he nodded. They both stood and Diana embraced Marina. “Are you going to be all right?”
Marina nodded. “Yes. It’s still quite a shock. But I am quite worried about Juliana.”
“I am as well. Will you be all right if we take our leave and check on her?” Diana asked.
“I intend to stay with Marina for a while. She will be looked after,” Evan said, stepping closer to Marina and placing his hand on the small of her back.
Marina nodded and gave her friend another quick hug. “Please send me a note with an update on how Juliana is. I will see her as soon as I can.”
“Of course, dearest,” Diana said before she and Graham took their leave.
Arthur reached for the bell pull. A few moments later, Brooks entered the drawing room.
“Brooks, please confirm with us before allowing anyone entry. We are not home to the Earl of Minto today, should he come calling. He can return tomorrow after breakfast if he wishes to speak to me.”
Brooks nodded, and Arthur spoke again. “Also, order a bath for my mother. I believe we shall all wish to take trays in our chambers tonight.”
“Very well, my lord.” Brooks turned on his heel and departed.
“Sister, you will not be forced to marry Minto. I don’t care what arrangement Father made.”
Marina released a large breath of air. “Thank you, Arthur. I fear Minto is going to be rather forceful with you.”
“It does not signify. My mind won’t be swayed.” Arthur helped his mother to stand. “Come, Mother. We will get you upstairs.”
Evan stepped forward. “Might I have a word alone with your sister?”
“Does my sister wish to have a word alone with you?” Arthur looked at Marina, awaiting her response.
“I would, brother.”
Arthur nodded. “Very well. I shall see our mother upstairs and will leave you be.”
They departed, and Marina noted her brother closed the door to the drawing room when he left.
Evan embraced her. “Are you all right? You can tell me.”
He pulled back so that he could see her face.
“I will be fine. The shock will wear off, and we will adjust.” She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath before looking back at Evan’s. “Juliana just lost her husband. They haven’t even been married for a year. She’s going to be devastated.”
He tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “Leave it to you to be more worried about your friend.” Leaning toward her, he kissed her forehead. “We must discuss our change in plans for the evening.”
“Of course. Now that I no longer find myself forced to marry Minto, I won’t hold you to our plan, Evan. It was kind of you to offer, and I appreciate it very much.” She offered him a small smile.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You don’t have to marry me. I know you only made the offer in order to save me. I won’t force you to follow through with this marriage when you don’t love me.”
With a heavy heart, she turned from him, shielding her emotions from his view. She had wanted nothing more than to marry him, but she couldn’t do so now, given the circumstances. He deserved to choose his bride, and she deserved to be chosen.
“Marina, don’t you see?” He moved to face her. “I didn’t offer to marry you to save you. I mean, of course I wanted to save you from that fate, but that wasn’t why. I intended to ask you to marry me before I was called to the country. Upon reflection, I regretted what happened between us in the field a year ago. I should have asked youthen.”
She frowned and said, “I don’t want to marry you because you have regrets, Evan.”
“Let me say it plainly,” Evan said, a slight smile playing on his lips, “since you are missing the point. I love you, Lady Marina Osborne. If I am honest with myself, I have loved you since the first time you planted your hands on your hips and put me in my place. If I hadn’t been so full of pride and an utter idiot, we’d already be married.”
He dropped to one knee.