32. Chapter Thirty-two

Ten tiny toes and two little fists stuck out from beneath the counterpane. Chubby-cheeked and sleeping peacefully, little Will was an awe-inspiring work of art. The greatest of all creations.

"Well done, brother," Harrington whispered.

Evan's big sister had never looked lovelier. Her long red hair hung over one shoulder, and her green eyes blazed with pride as she adjusted the baby's blanket.

Evan placed his arm around her shoulder. "Perfection, Georgie, old girl."

Katrina and Anna entered the room and tiptoed to the cradle. Thereupon, the six of them peered down at the wee one.

"I suppose we should all stop gawking like fools and let him sleep," Georgiana said.

Leave it to Georgiana to break the magic spell.

"Gentlemen, may we speak in the hall?" Harrington whispered.

Anna steepled her fingers. "May we watch him sleep for just a few more minutes? Please."

Georgiana's affection-filled eyes studied her son. "Yes, for a few more minutes." She brushed her index finger over his cheek. "Truth be told, I never get tired of watching him."

The man who had finally brought his sister to her knees was a tiny tot indeed. Evan softly chuckled as he followed the brothers into the hallway.

With no pretense, Harrington announced, "Evan wishes to court Katrina, and she is agreeable to this." He sighed. "Enthusiastically agreeable."

Egad. Evan had not expected Harrington to break the news so soon. He might as well get this over with. Hopefully, his demise was not too painful. "I desire to marry her." Closing one eye, he braced for a punch to his breadbasket.

Instead, the duke circled his hand over his head as if twirling a lasso. "I consent."

"What?" Evan and Harrington chorused.

"But 'tis Eaton," Harrington declared, his tone incredulous.

What an infuriating best mate. Evan had been certain Harrington had come to accept his relationship with Katrina. Hell no. The man had sabotaged the pronouncement and planned to change the duke's mind.

The duke shrugged. "What can I say? Our families make beautiful babies together."

"Will is a handsome little chap," Harrington said. "But I did not expect you to agree so readily. Therefore I prepared a list of reasons you should approve. I was initially skeptical, but I believe Eaton is sincere. Besides, 'tis what our sister wants."

Thankfully, Harrington remained a loyal mate. Evan would ask for this list of reasons another time. For now, he'd simply enjoy the moment.

"Sincere as hell. I think she is the best girl in all of England. In all the world."

"Spoiled as the dickens. But kind beneath her superficial exterior," Astleyshire said.

Evan winced. At one time, he'd considered her superficial and spoiled. Not anymore. Nay, she was pure passion and bold daring.

"I think you will find her much changed," Harrington said. "She wants to teach art. Not only that, but she also wants to champion equal rights for others, just as you and your duchess have."

"Splendid." The Duke of Astleyshire, Evan's one-time enemy, clapped. "'Tis wonderful to hear." Thereupon he shivered. "Besides, my wife would never forgive me if I said no. I have no wish to deal with her wrath on this matter. You know she adores you, Eaton, as do Evangeline, Madaline, and my grandmother-in-law. They insist that when you find the right woman, you will make a devoted husband. Nay, I have no wish to anger every woman of my acquaintance."

"I know I am not titled, but I will give her the best of everything, starting with a school where we can instruct art students." Evan grasped Astleyshire's hand and sealed the deal with a shake. "I shall take care of her every need."

"Be sure you do, or I shall separate your bollocks from your body," Astleyshire said.

Evan's bollocks were safe. He was devoted to Katrina.

"But you need a chaperone until you are wed. No sneaking off with her." Harrington made a chopping motion with the side of his palm. "Unless you want me to slice off your bollocks."

Well, shite. That was a lot to ask. His poor bollocks.

But he could do it. Mayhap…

Hell, who was Evan kidding? He'd end up tupping her in every available corner if they did not have a quick engagement.

However, Grandmother Louisa would insist on a proper engagement and a wedding that defied ton expectations, which would take a long time—an exceedingly torturous length of time. If only he could convince everyone of the need for a short engagement. He sighed out his frustration.

The three women exited the nursery.

"Why the serious faces?" Georgiana scowled at her husband. "I hope everyone is getting along."

"Of course we are, darling," the duke said. "Let us join our families in the drawing room for the big announcement."

"What announcement?" Georgiana asked.

No better time than the present. Evan fell to his knee before Katrina and took her hand in his. "Lady Katrina Harrington, will you be my wife?"

Katrina squealed. "Yes! Yes! Oh, yes! May we have the wedding here in the next fortnight while our family is still gathered together?"

His dear, sweet, perfect fiancée. "We shall apply for the banns tomorrow."

Hell, mayhap they should apply for them before nightfall.

"May my Aunt Justine and Elizabeth come too?" Kat asked. "And perchance my cousin Hugh can come from London? Shall we invite the queen and Cousin George?"

"Of course. We shall also get word to Wellspring." Evan grinned. "I would like him to be a part of our wedding party, and he will most definitely need a valet to attend to him."

"Now that that's settled, I am starving." The duke smacked his lips. "Cook has prepared a fabulous feast."

Even the promise of Mrs. Clayton's cooking did not persuade Evan to leap to his feet. He was too busy staring into those beautiful blue eyes and planning his future with his wife-to-be.