Raw sensual hunger sparkled in Kane’s eyes. Without thinking, as if on instinct, Heath leaned in and their lips met for a moment. They embraced. Heath pulled strength from the knowledge that he had Kane to lean on.
“Thank you.” He rubbed a hand up and down Kane’s back.
“I will give you whatever support you need.”
For how long? Heath wanted to ask. Since their interlude last night, he’d been thinking more and more about what the future would hold. Kane was a teacher. What would happen when he completed his duties here? He’d have to move onto his next post. The thought made Heath cringe.
Instead of going to the brewery, they stayed inside, waiting for the storm that never came. English weather could be funny that way. Heath was reading a book on the English Reformation when Jenkins delivered a letter. After scanning the contents, he addressed the butler.
“Can you have my horse readied?”
“Yes, sir.” The butler bowed, then went to carry out the order.
“What is it?” Kane asked from his chair across from him.
“It appears my predecessor had made a large investment in a ship that sailed for the Orient. The ship has returned and they have made inventory, so the owner wants to go over the profits with the investors. I guess I shall have to explain that I have inherited the title.”
“The money will come in handy.”
“Yes, especially for the brewery.”
Heath waited to see if Kane would offer to come along, but he did not. More than likely, Kane thought it was best for Heath to do this on his own. It shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, Heath had attended enough business meetings to be comfortable with the situation.
“I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
Kane smiled. “That’s fine. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Heath gave him one more quick kiss before leaving.
When he arrived at the ship owner’s offices, three other investors were also waiting. They settled in to hear the account of the voyage. The trip had been an overwhelming success. Each man would make a pretty sum. By the time they completed everything, it was evening. As a celebratory gesture, the ship’s owner invited them all for dinner, which was accepted.
The evening passed pleasantly while they dined at a local restaurant. The informality pleased Heath. There were no pretensions. Each man sitting with him had earned his wealth, a welcome release from some of the entitled landowners whose company he’d had to endure at parties. Heath found himself more at ease and enjoyed the meal immensely.
On his way to the stables, Heath ran into Monsieur Duvall. They were on friendly terms since Heath had spoken with him several times over the last weeks at various engagements.
“Good evening, Monsieur Duvall.”
“Ah, good evening, Sir Heath. What brings you down here so late at night?”
“I finished some business and I’m on my way home.”
“I hope it was good business.”
Heath smiled. “It was, thank you. And what about you? Business as well?”
“I have a shipment arriving later tonight. I hope.”
“So late?” It was an unusual time to have a ship come to port.
“It was delayed and I’m hoping it will come in tonight. I have suppliers in London waiting for the merchandise.”
“I hope all goes well. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Heath continued to the stables. By the time he returned home, it was past ten. He went into the study, hoping to find Kane, but he was not there. After a peek in the other rooms, Heath assumed Kane had gone to bed.
As Heath left the billiards room, he nearly ran into Mrs. Baum.