One afternoon, Mr. Hayes asked to speak with Heath. The manager doffed his cap.
“I had a letter this morning, sir, and I thought you might be interested in the contents.”
They sat across from each other at Heath’s desk. “Please continue.”
“It seems word has gotten around about your new brewery. Even though we are not fully operational, I have had an offer from a supplier with whom I am familiar, Billy Watts. He’s interested in distributing your beer.”
Heath leaned forward in his seat. “But we haven’t started production. How do we know it’s even going to be good?”
Hayes chuckled. “Begging your pardon, sir, but when my friend heard who I had recruited to work here, he didn’t hesitate. Billy knows the quality of work my men put in. Of course, he wants to meet with you and talk about details.”
“When does he want to meet?”
“He asked if you were available to go to London. Billy would show you around the warehouse, go over costs, profits, all that stuff you men of business care about.” Hayes smiled.
London. The last time he’d been there was when he had been at the hospital. It might be nice to take a small trip away from the estate.
“Can you send Mr. Watts a reply that I can be there by the end of the week?”
“I’ll have it sent today.”
Things were coming together. Later that evening at dinner, Heath told Kane about the discussion.
“I think it’s an excellent idea. It is high praise if this Mr. Watts will sell just on the word of Hayes running the brewery.”
“I have you to thank for that,” Heath said between bites of fish. “If you hadn’t written to your father, Hayes wouldn’t have come.” He wiped his mouth. “Speaking of your father. I know your family is from London, so I thought you’d like to join me, and you could visit them.” Plus, he wanted to take the time to speak about a future together.
The more Heath thought about, the more certain he was that he loved Kane and didn’t want to lose him. Now might be the best time to have a thorough discussion about their relationship.
“I would love to come. And yes, my family lives in the city, so it would be nice to see them.”
Then it was settled. The following day, Heath went to Dover to purchase train tickets to leave in two days.
As he exited the station, he ran into Miss Wilcott.
“Good afternoon, Miss Wilcott.” He tipped his hat.
“Good afternoon to you, Sir Heath. Fancy meeting you here.”
“I was just purchasing tickets for an upcoming trip.”
“Any place exciting?”
“Just London for business.”
“Perhaps you can tell us about it over dinner. Are you free on Thursday?”
Heath gave an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, but that is the day I’m leaving.” With being so busy, he’d seen little of the young lady, which had gotten him away from her clutches, at least for the time being.
He wondered if she knew about Duvall being arrested. Best to leave things be for now.
“Then perhaps another time.”
“Perhaps. Have a nice day, Miss Wilcott.” Heath bowed, then made his way to the stable to retrieve his horse.
* * *
Two days later, Heath and Kane were on the platform waiting to board the train to London. As Heath stepped up to enter the train, something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. It was Miss Wilcott, and she was speaking to a young man. Heath didn’t recognize the fellow, and frankly, he didn’t look like the type of man she would associate with. The man’s coat was dirty with a hole in the elbow, and his pants needed a good washing. But Miss Wilcott didn’t seem to mind as they stood close to each other. Heath shrugged it off and joined Kane.