Caroline listed several places where he may want to call. Kane promised to visit each place over the next day or two, depending on his schedule. The friends departed and Kane went in search of Heath, who was playing croquet with Miss Wilcott and the Dawkins’.
As soon as Heath saw Kane, he excused himself for a moment, using the croquet mallet as a cane.
“Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.” Heath’s voice was a mix of frustration and panic.
“I thought you wanted some privacy with Miss Wilcott.”
“About as much as I would with a pit of vipers.”
Kane raised an eyebrow. “Indeed, that good?”
“We’ve been here long enough, and my leg is throbbing. I need to sit.”
“Then I will take your place. Go sit.” They kept their voices lowered so no one could hear Heath’s exasperated tone, but also so people wouldn’t notice the ease with which they spoke to one another. Not at all how a baronet and his manager should speak to each other.
Kane explained the situation to Miss Wilcott. She wanted to keep Heath company, but Kane persuaded her that Heath wanted her to enjoy herself and finish the game. It would give the poor fellow time to relax.
“Are you sure Sir Heath is well?” Miss Wilcott asked.
“He is fine. Sir Heath will watch as we continue the game. He expressly wished that you enjoy yourself. After all, it is your party.” Kane knew flattery would get him everywhere with the woman and it appeared to have worked.
She smiled sweetly at Kane. “Then we shall carry on for Sir Heath.”
The young lady retrieved her ball to take her turn.
“That was well done,” said Jasper Dawkins, who had come up next to him.
It was the first time Kane had met the man.
“We haven’t formally met. I’m Jasper Dawkins. Heath has told us all about you. This is my wife, Alice.”
She stepped forward; her cheeks flushed from the sun. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Badgely. Heath says you convinced him to re-open the brewery.”
Kane rubbed his neck. “I merely made a suggestion. Sometimes my mouth gets away from me. I hope he’s not upset.”
Alice giggled. “On the contrary, Heath seems excited about the idea from the way he spoke about it the other day. He said he’s learning all sorts of things from you. I’ve never seen him look so relaxed and content.”
There was something in Alice Dawkins’ expression that made Kane think she knew more than she let on. But from the looks of it, she approved of anything that made Heath happy.
“I want to give Sir Heath a well-rounded education.”
Alice laughed as she slipped her arm through his. “Mr. Badgely, I’m sure Heath is grateful for all you are doing for him, as are we.”
“I hear I have you to thank for getting me the position with Sir Heath,” Kane said to Jasper.
“I’m glad that I could help,” Jasper answered. “Heath has a good head on his shoulders. He just needs the proper tools to succeed.”
Kane couldn’t have put it any better. Obviously, Heath had been correct in putting his faith in the Dawkins.
As the game carried on, Kane got better acquainted with the couple and found them to be delightful, especially Alice Dawkins. She had a quick wit and an infectious laugh.
Finally, the game ended. Kane rejoined Heath, along with the Dawkins. The men bid farewell to the couple and Miss Wilcott before leaving. Once they returned home, Heath went to the parlor and kicked off his boots, rubbing the same spot on his calf as he had the other day, once he settled onto the sofa.
“Curse this leg. It feels like it’s twice its normal size and had its own heartbeat.”
Kane sat beside him. “At least it got you out of having to be around Miss Wilcott for a while today.”
“That is true.” Heath plopped his head on a pillow.