“I only hope you will forgive me and agree to be my wife. Will you please marry me, Marina?”
He held the ring up to her and winked.
She watched him for a few moments before a smirk played across her lips. “Yes, I will marry you.”
He jumped up and swooped her into his arms, brushing his lips against hers.
“Can we marry right away? I know you are in mourning, but I can’t wait,” he said.
“I don’t want to wait,” she agreed, “and I am sure Mama can figure something out.”
Evan set her back on her feet and pulled her close. “We will still need to leave town. There will be scandal once you jilt Minto. Plus, he will be upset and who knows what the blackguard will do.”
“Of course. I shall discuss things with Mama later. She needs to rest now after the shock of the day. You will also need to speak with Arthur.” She laughed. “I can’t believe my younger brother now has a say over my future.”
“Do you think your brother will have any reason to object?” Evan asked.
“Object to what?” Arthur’s voice rang out from the doorway.
Chapter Sixteen
Evan
Evan’s body tensed.Normally, he should have no reason to feel nervous in the presence of a young man just out of school, who hadn’t even attended university yet. But in his case, this young man stood between him and his future with the love of his life. He stepped back from Marina as a show of respect for her brother. “I would like to speak with you, my lord.”
“Would you like to speak with me in my father’s study?” Arthur looked at his sister. “Of course you may join us. I know better than to exclude you.”
“I think Evan can handle things on his own.” She winked at her betrothed.
Evan’s eyes widened. “Does having my ring on your finger afford me the luxury of compliments? If so, I should have started there.”
She smirked at him. “I believe you only have yourself to blame for that, my lord.”
“I am wounded. I should learn to dodge your barbs.”
Marina shrugged but smiled over her shoulder before she shifted her attention to Arthur. “I shall check on Mama.” She patted her brother’s arm before departing.
Arthur motioned for Evan to follow him. Once they were in the study, they each took their seats. Arthur looked around the desk and noticed the decanter. “I think we’ve earned a drink after the events ofthe day. What say you?”
Evan nodded. “I quite agree. We haven’t been introduced to each other, my lord. I’m Viscount Ockham. Evan.”
He thought he saw a questioning look in the man’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared. Her brother extended his hand. “Arthur, the new Earl of Sidmouth.”
“I’m really sorry for the loss of your father,” Evan said. He sat back in the leather chair while Arthur poured them each a glass of brandy. He handed Evan one of the glasses.
“Thank you. He used to be a much more reasonable man before he got caught up with Minto,” Arthur said, a frown forming on his face as he stared at the painting above the fireplace.
“Are you all right?” Evan asked.
Releasing a deep exhale, he shifted his focus to Evan. “I never expected to be the earl so soon. This still feels like my father’s study to me.”
“It has been a shocking day.” Evan could relate more than the young man knew.
“Indeed.” Arthur took a swig of his drink. “But you wished to speak with me about something. I assume this is regarding my sister.”
Evan couldn’t stop his grin. “Your assumption is correct, my lord. I wish to marry her.” Evan paused and took a fortifying breath. “I know this isn’t the best timing and the family will be in mourning, but I must marry Marina right away.”
Evan released his breath. Surely, the man wouldn’t stop his sister from marrying.