One way or another, he would prove whether Duvall was the culprit.
CHAPTER11
Heath had meant every word when he’d said Kane made him happy. It was true. All his life, Heath had sensed he was different. When he had realized his attraction to men, he’d thought himself an abomination and sunk further into misery. With his leg injury and need for a cane, he labeled himself less than a man, unable to support his family. But now, everything was falling into place. He had a title with money that supported his family and now he had Kane, who made him feel cherished for who he truly was. It was a thrilling sensation. But how could they make it work?
All Heath kept thinking about was that Kane would leave once his services were no longer needed. What then? Heath wasn’t ready to say goodbye. They hadn’t even scratched the surface of sensual wonders Heath wanted to explore with Kane. There had to be a way for Kane to stay. If he even wanted to.
Kane was worldly, and Heath assumed he’d had other lovers. Perhaps this dalliance was just a way for Kane to pass the time until he left. No, that wasn’t true. Hadn’t Kane admitted he felt the same as Heath, like he could be himself? It was confusing and exhilarating all at the same time.
By the time Heath got into bed, his mind was exhausted, and sleep found him quickly.
* * *
The following afternoon, Heath sat at a table under a tent set up in the Wilcotts’ back yard. There were several tables scattered under the tent, shaded from the sun’s hot summer rays. The warm air did little to cool Heath’s nerves. No matter what he did, crowds still made him anxious. Even with a cool beverage in his hand, his skin felt warm. He had chosen a table on the periphery so as not to feel hemmed in by the other guests.
He and Miss Wilcott sat with two other acquaintances, Mr. Theobold and Miss Darnell. The conversation had turned to travel since Mr. Theobold was set to sail to Spain for business later in the month.
“I would love to travel,” Miss Wilcott lamented.
“Perhaps you will have a husband who is wealthy enough to allow you the luxury,” Miss Darnell said with a sly grin.
If they were insinuating Heath, they could leave him out of it. He really had to cut Miss Wilcott off before she got her hopes any higher. Although they were already sky high. The minute he had set foot on the back lawn, the lady had dashed directly over to him and had not let him out of her sights.
“You have travelled, have you not, Sir Heath? With the military?” Miss Wilcott inquired.
“Yes, I have been to America, India, and, of course, New Zealand.”
“How wonderful,” Miss Wilcott said.
“Which was your favorite?” Miss Darnell asked.
“I would have to say India. The people were polite, and the food was delicious. Much spicier than our English cuisine. And I had a lot of fun traveling on an elephant.”
“How marvelous,” Mr. Theobold exclaimed. “Perhaps I’ll have to see if my firm wants to invest in India, try to get there myself someday.”
“Just be ready for the heat, and the rainy season can be daunting.”
“We’re English, sir. We’re used to the rain.”
They all laughed at the jab at their English weather.
“Where would you like to travel, Miss Wilcott?” Heath supposed he should be polite.
“Paris, of course. I’ve been there a few times, but I never tire of the wonderful fashion, the food, the shops.” She signed. “It’s the only place for a true lady.”
Miss Wilcott’s comment made Heath think of the missing maid, Jessica. She was a young girl. Didn’t girls get fancies into their heads about the big cities? Had she gone to Paris? All it would take is one boat ride across the channel. It was something to ask Mrs. Baum when he returned home.
Heath let his mind wander until he heard Miss Darnell mention Monsieur Duvall had showed her some exquisite French silk the other day. That’s right. Kane had said to try to get Miss Wilcott’s attention on Duvall.
“I’m sure Monsieur Duvall knows Paris like the back of his hand,” he said to Miss Wilcott.
“No doubt,” Miss Darnell agreed. “Many a time he has described to me the gorgeous dresses the Parisian women wear, the delicate silk slippers they wear, or the fashionable hats.” The young lady sighed.
It seemed there might be a competition for Duvall’s affection.
Heath smiled. “A continental man like Monsieur Duvall would be a feather in any lady’s cap.”
“But sometimes it’s the simple country gentleman who catches the eye.” Miss Wilcott gave Heath a coy smile.