Chapter Twenty-Two #2
It was dark outside when they arrived in front of the Sidmouth townhouse. He kissed her brow and gently nudged her awake. Arthur had led the others to the mews so they could ensure their horses were taken care of after the long day.
Evan helped Marina down from the carriage and directed the driver to grab the footman and return the carriage to Minto’s mews. Jude gave the men his address before they departed, with instructions on where to report for their new positions.
Brooks opened the door before they reached the hearth. “Thank goodness you are all right. Everyone will be glad to see you, my lady. They are in the drawing room.”
She took Evan’s hand. When they reached the drawing room, they found they had beaten the other gentlemen there. Marina’s mother noted their appearance and rushed to her daughter. “Marina, thank heavens.”
She hugged her daughter. As soon as she released Marina, she pulled Evan into a tight hug. “Thank you for bringing her back.”
“No thanks needed, my lady.”
“Well, he had help, Mother,” Arthur said.
The rest of the gentlemen appeared. Graham went straight to his wife, and Evan glanced around the room, noting who was present. Juliana was there, sitting next to Tabitha. Evan’s mouth dropped open when he saw his mother sitting in a chair next to them. “Mother, what are you doing here?”
“I came to apologize and clear the air with Lady Sidmouth,” she explained, “and was distraught to learn of the situation with your betrothed. She graciously allowed me to wait with them to ensure you all returned safely.”
Evan could only imagine the awkwardness that his future mother-in-law felt when his mother arrived on her doorstep. He locked eyes with Marina and they both glanced at her mother.
“It’s quite all right. Lady Ockham and I have discussed matters,” Lady Sidmouth said, no hint of bitterness or disdain in her tone.
Evan couldn’t believe his ears but was relieved nonetheless.
He assumed they would be subjected to many awkward holidays and exchanges for years to come, and here these two remarkable ladies sorted it out all on their own.
Hotheaded gentlemen would have required nothing short of a duel to resolve similar affairs.
Lady Ockham clapped her hands to gain everyone’s attention and addressed the room. “I have asked Cook to prepare a light dinner on the sideboard if you wish to join me in the dining room. You all must be famished after the events of the day.”
The gentlemen ensured each of the ladies had an arm to escort them to the dining room. Evan pulled Marina back and took his mother’s arm. “Mother, I wish to introduce you to Marina.”
His mother took Marina’s hands in hers. “I am so happy you are marrying my son, and I hope we will be good friends.”
“I hope so as well, my lady,” Marina said.
With his mother and Marina each on his arms, they joined everyone else in the dining room.
The ladies made their selections from the sideboard and Evan sat his mother in a chair by Lady Sidmouth before seating Marina where there was an open chair for him right beside her.
The room roared with conversation. A footman brought around a bottle of wine and filled their glasses.
Lady Sidmouth clinked her knife against her glass, and everyone shifted their attention to her.
“I appreciate everyone who aided in my daughter’s safe return, as well as those who kept me company while we waited.
This has been a trying, devastating couple of days for all of us, and I am humbled by the love and friendship in this room.
I consider you all family from this day forward.
” She wiped a tear from her cheek. The rest of the ladies, including Marina, also wiped away a few tears.
Evan choked back his own emotion. His future mother-in-law was right.
Not only was he lucky in his love for Marina, but he had friends who supported him and fought alongside him with no questions asked.
Such friendship, especially among the ton, was rare.
For a man who was an only child, he enjoyed having such a large, extended group he could call family.
The talk at the table shifted to Evan and Marina’s wedding, which would take place in the morning. Everyone would return, plus Hannah and Hudson, to be present for their vows and a small, intimate wedding breakfast.
Once everyone returned to the drawing room after dinner, Evan pulled Arthur aside.
“I know what I’m about to ask you is not typically done, but I am hoping you will take pity on me after the day we have had.
Please allow me to stay tonight and not be separated from Marina.
I was terrified of losing her today, and I can’t bear to be apart from her, even for tonight.
” He paused and offered a hopeful smile. “Please.”
Arthur contemplated what he asked. “You stood before the barrel of a gun, willing to take a bullet and give your life for my sister. I will not demand that you part from her this evening.”
“Thank you, Arthur.”
He patted Evan on the back. “What are brothers for?”