“Thank you, Mr. Hayes,” Heath shook his hand. “I look forward to working with you.”
“The pleasure is mine, sir.” Then he looked at Kane. “I will tell your father you are looking well.”
Kane smiled. “Thank you.”
After Hayes left, an awkward silence fell between the men. With Hayes present, their personal issues had fallen to the wayside. Now Heath wasn’t sure what to say.
Kane cleared his throat. “I suppose we should get on with your studies. I found some reading material in the library I want you to review.”
And with that, they were back to the student and teacher relationship. Heath nodded, and they settled in for the morning. Every chance he could, Heath stole glances at Kane. If his head was tilted down, Kane’s golden hair fell across his face. All Heath wanted to do was brush it aside, feeling the soft tresses as they escaped through his fingers. When Kane got up, Heath would watch the motion of his legs and how Kane’s trousers would go taut, accentuating the outline of his buttocks with each stride. Heath’s erect cock made it uncomfortable to sit. He tried to change position without Kane noticing, afraid the man would guess the reason for his restless state.
Perhaps he should attempt to pursue things with Kane. After all, the man had declared his attraction to Heath, so there wasn’t a problem there. No, the problem was Heath. There were too many conflicting emotions running through his head.
“How are the figures coming along?”
Kane’s voice broke through Heath’s mental ramblings. He shook his head. “Sorry, I was woolgathering.”
“It’s understandable,” Kane answered.
Heath’s neck felt flush. Had Kane somehow guessed where his thoughts had been?
“It’s a lot to think about with the brewery.”
Heath let out a breath of relief. “Yes. It is a lot to consider.”
“I think we can call it a morning.”
“Good, I’m starving.”
They ate lunch while talking about the brewery and other business with the estate. Frankly, Heath didn’t know what he would have done all this time without Kane’s help. His insight and knowledge proved invaluable, and Heath was grateful.
“I think I may go for a ride this afternoon,” Heath declared at the end of lunch.
“It’s a perfect day for it.”
Should he ask Kane to join him?
“I think I will relax here at the house, if you don’t mind.”
Heath shook his head. “Not at all.” Good, he didn’t have to worry about Kane coming with him. For once, Heath wanted to be alone.
The summer afternoon sun was high in the sky, but a cool wind kept it from being unbearable. Heath kept to the countryside, not wanting to run into anyone on the main road. Cows grazed in the fields, their calves not far behind. Farmers were out tilling the soil or herding animals this way or that. Heath offered a friendly wave as he passed. Sometimes he wished he could have that simple life again. But now he didn’t have to worry like he had to in the past.
On his family’s farm, there had always been the fear that the crop would be bad and they wouldn’t have enough to survive. Illness could hit the livestock, fire, drought, or any number of disasters could have befallen them. Now he never had to worry if he would have food or a roof over his head. The solicitor in London had informed Heath that his relative had made several sound investments, which gave the estate a steady income besides the money from the tenants.
It felt like a lifetime ago since he and his friend, Griffin Bamford, had gone to the solicitor’s office. Thankfully, Bamford had known what questions to ask. Being a former ship’s purser, he had been familiar with the money side of things.
That brought Heath’s thoughts around to his friends from the hospital. How were they getting on? He had promised Bamford that he would write. Now that he could compose a proper letter, perhaps it was time to do so.
Time passed, but Heath didn’t realize how long he’d been out until he noticed how far the sun had changed its position in the sky. He should get back.
When he returned, Jenkins was waiting for him. “Mr. and Mrs. Dawkins are in the drawing room with Mr. Badgely, sir.”
“Thank you.”
Heath combed his fingers through his hair and straightened his jacket before entering. “Good afternoon.”
Alice rose to greet him. “We were passing by and thought we would call. Mr. Badgely said you were out riding.”