If the Townie worked for you on your rides, knee pain aside, then doing the same rides with the Verve should be no issue or perhaps even an improvement for you, based upon what you claimed to have experienced on your test ride.

As everyone is different, everyone has a difference of opinion on what bike works for what. For example, someone already suggested you look at the Trek FX line, which is understandable given that you asked for possible recommendations to potentially replace the Townie with. Thing is, someone else will see that suggestion and tell you that you should consider a Trek 1.2 road bike, then someone else will say 'nah, go for the Madone'... it never ends

Also note that if you got a 'go fast' bike and start leaving your husband behind, then he's gonna want to get a new rig to keep up