“I feel the same. I’m thankful every day that I answered that advertisement to come here.”
“So am I.”
They stayed together, their arms wrapped around one another for a few more minutes before righting their clothes. Kane ran his fingers through Heath’s hair, trying to tame the locks which had gone astray during their interlude.
“Are you hungry?” Heath’s question took Kane off guard.
“What?”
“Did you have dinner? I can have Jenkins bring you a tray if you like.”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
While he waited for the food, Kane reviewed the contract once more, this time with Heath far enough away to not be a temptation.
“I think all looks good with the deal.”
“Do you think I should agree?” Heath brought him a glass of sherry.
“Yes, I do.”
Just then, Jenkins came in with the dinner tray. After the butler left, Kane settled in to eat his meal. Heath sat opposite him, sipping a drink. Now might be a good time to ask Heath about Duvall. But how could be bring the subject up without seeming too suspicious?
While Kane hated keeping things from Heath, he also didn’t want to burden the man further. Heath was compassionate and would want to do all in his power to find the missing girls, but he had so much on his plate between the estate, the brewery, and his studies that Kane preferred not to mention it. But he still wanted to see what Heath might know about the Frenchman.
“You have an engagement tomorrow afternoon, correct?”
Heath shifted in his chair. “Another blasted picnic at the Wilcotts.” His annoyance wasn’t hard to miss.
“Why don’t you just decline?”
“Because unfortunately my mother raised me with manners. I don’t want to be rude, but that means I also must put up with Miss Wilcott’s incessant company.”
“Perhaps you should try to steer her affections in another direction.”
Heath raised his brows. “Do you have an option? I’m all ears.”
“How about Monsieur Duvall?”
“Duvall?”
“Why not? He’s French. Don’t all the women love a Frenchman? He must be important enough in his company for his employer to trust him to represent them here in England. What does he trade in again?”
“I know he imports French silks, lace, other fabrics, and perfumes.”
“Is it all from Paris?”
“I’m not sure. I suppose it’s from wherever his company makes the purchases. He mentioned India a time or two.”
“Does he ever ship merchandise from here back to France?”
Heath shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. He’s mentioned nothing in particular. Why do you ask?”
Kane had to tread carefully. “I was just curious. If you want to present him as an alternative suitor to Miss Wilcott, you must give her ample reason why he would be better suited for her than you.”
“You have a point.”
Kane finished his meal. Unfortunately, he had gotten little information, but perhaps if he found out where Duvall kept the merchandise that came from France, there might be a way to search the premises to see if the girls were there.