Page 76 of Romancing the Artist

Marrying her.

“Yes, Edward. The answer was always yes.”

Papa spoke first, and loudly. “Well done, son.”

Edward’s grin appeared, and his eyes promised a more appreciative response would come. But not in front of their parents or his sisters. Or his cousin. Who surprised her by adding his congratulations.

The only one who remained less than enthused was Mr. Everly. He said the right words, but without any warmth. He appeared confused at first. They went into dinner, and Caroline didn’t protest when Edward insisted on changing the order at the table to keep her by his side. He likely would have held her hand throughout had she not needed it to enjoy her dinner.

Nothing had ever tasted so delicious. Would everything be like this, now that Edward had declared himself? All her senses were more awake and alive. And she suddenly realized what he had spoken to her parents about that afternoon.

She turned to look at her father and then her mother, before saying out loud, “You both knew he would ask this evening, didn’t you?”

Mama and Papa, on opposite sides of the table, exchanged their knowing smiles. “Of course we did,” Mama said with an elegant shrug. “He had to ask for our blessing first, didn’t he?”

“Good of him to follow that tradition,” Mr. Everly said at the head of the table, tone somewhat of a grumble. Caroline smiled at him, determined not to let him intimidate her. He noticed and tried to smile. “You will be a charming addition to our family, Miss Clapham.”

“Indeed.” Edward’s voice and expression were full of an infectious joy Caroline couldn’t help but feel, too, the moment she glanced his way. “After our wedding trip. Which will be a lengthy one, since we intend to see all the best works of art in Europe.”

Mr. Everly’s knife clattered to his plate and the room went quiet. “What did you say?” he asked, more shocked than angry.

Caroline’s eyebrows rose with some surprise. Whatever plans Edward had made, he hadn’t included his father in them. Considering how long he’d lived trying to win the man’s approval, it was extremely brave of him. “Thank you, Edward,” she said, her voice ringing through the stillness. “I cannot tell you what such a gift means to me.”

Conversation resumed, with Edward’s sisters telling them they must visit Spain to meet the rest of the family. Caroline’s parents teased her that all the language lessons she had detested as a child were about to be put to good use. And Caroline basked in Edward’s love and attention, bestowing her own on him. Before the evening drew to its close, when they sat together after dinner, she asked if Mr. Barnes would marry them after the banns were read. His wife burst into tears as he said yes.

As Edward handed her into the carriage that night, his heart in his eyes, she looked over his shoulder to where his father stood in the doorway. Waiting.

“Never mind him, sprit,” Edward whispered, giving her hand a squeeze. “I promise, all is well. Get your rest, as best you can. Sir Thomas will be here tomorrow, and you will want all your wits about you.”

Sleep didn’t seem possible. Yet all the excitement, the wonder and joy, had done enough to balance the worry and anxiety. Caroline managed to slip into a most contented rest, with dreams of Edward beside her wherever she wandered.

* * *

Edward followed his father into the office, noting Claude’s presence with some annoyance. He brushed that aside. Nothing Claude did or said could possibly upset Edward. Not now. “What is it you have to say to me, Father?” he asked.

“That display before your mother and sisters,” Mr. Everly said, glaring at his son. “Before our guests. It was disrespectful to all of us to announce your intentions that way. You put me in a difficult position.”

He stiffened. “I fail to see that perspective, sir. I announced my intentions to marry and travel with the woman I love. I wouldn’t call either of those things disrespectful.”

“I am your father, and I knew nothing about it.” His father went to his desk and stood behind it. “How did that make me look? My position as head of this family is not to be ignored.”

“And what of my position?” Edward asked. “I am your son and heir. I have passed my majority. I have done everything you have ever asked of me, Father. All I ever wanted in return was to see more of the world than you would have me see. We cannot all be content to live and die in the same spot, without ever seeing what else the world has to offer.”

“You speak as though you’ve been locked in a dungeon,” his father said with a scoff. “You went to Rome, did you not? We cannot afford to indulge your whims—”

“That isn’t what you said to Lord Neil,” Claude said from his place in the shadowed corner. “Or what you have given me to believe.”

Mr. Everly’s gaze snapped to his nephew. “Our finances are adequate,” he snapped. “Because they have not been used up frivolously. I saved this family from ruin. I kept our name upheld in honor and respect.”

“Have you?” Claude asked, and Edward had to remind himself to ignore the man. What business did he have to witness this argument between father and son? An argument long in the making, with Edward always putting his family’s needs and his father’s desires above his own.

“I have done better at the feat than your father, Nephew,” Mr. Everly said between clenched teeth. “Else you wouldn’t be here.”

Claude came forward, into the dim light of evening and fire. “My father was a decorated officer of the British Royal Navy. What harm did he ever do to your precious family honor?”

The feel of the room shifted. Edward became aware of a tension between the other two men that he hadn’t sensed before. Something went on here that he knew nothing about.

“What harm will I do to it by seeing something of the world?” Edward added, eyeing Claude with suspicion.