The men sat across from each other, studying one another.
“I hope your journey was enjoyable,” Sir Heath said.
“It was, thank you. It’s a pleasant change from London.”
“I hope you enjoy your time here. I, myself, haven’t been here long.”
Kane scrunched his brow. “You haven’t lived here long?”
The baronet swallowed before answering. “I recently inherited the title. I am originally from Derby.”
“Well, it takes time to get adjusted to new surroundings. If I may ask, when am I to meet my pupil?”
“Pardon?”
Kane cleared his throat. “The advertisement mentioned that I would instruct a young man in basic reading, mathematics, and other areas of study.”
Sir Heath rose from his chair, seemingly agitated. Had he said something wrong? Kane stood, suddenly feeling like he was missing a piece of a puzzle.
“My apologies, sir, but did I say something wrong? The ad did ask for a tutor.”
“No, you are correct.”
The other man’s back was towards Kane, but he saw Heath raise his head and let out a long sigh before turning to face him.
“I am the pupil.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Bloody hell. I’m the one who needs the instruction.”
Kane was speechless. It wasn’t at all what he’d expected.
Sir Heath took a step towards him. “I’m sure you have many questions, but allow me to try to answer them now. I grew up the son of a farmer in Derby. I joined the Navy and was wounded, which has left me with this damned limp and this baronetcy. I had little schooling and find myself struggling with anything beyond the basics of reading. In addition, I can hardly wrap my head around the figures in the ledgers, and I am ignorant in most areas, which became blindingly obvious after I attended my first dinner party three weeks ago.”
His employer took large gulps of air, as if saying the last statement had taken his very breath away. A sheen of sweat formed on the man’s brow. Good heavens. The poor fellow looked paler than he had a few moments ago. Without thinking, Kane went over and put an arm around Sir Heath and led him to a chair.
“I think you need a drink, sir.”
“Thank you.”
Heath rested his head in his hand while Kane poured him a large glass of brandy.
“Take a few sips. It will help.”
Kane watched the man’s Adam’s apple move up and down with each gulp of the brandy. It was mesmerizing. He followed the column of Heath’s neck until it ended in his chiseled jaw, with teeth that were still clenched. The gentleman needed to relax, lest he give himself apoplexy.
“Feeling better?” Kane asked.
“Yes. My apologies. It’s just bloody embarrassing to have to admit that I am all but an imbecile.”
“You’re not an imbecile. You merely lack the proper instruction, which I am here to rectify. For what it’s worth, I think it shows a strength of character to even ask for help.”
Their eyes meet for the briefest moment. A subtle stirring began in Kane’s groin. But just as quickly, they broke the eye contact.
“So you will accept the position?”
“Of course,” Kane said. “That’s what you hired me for. First, I need to see at what level you are reading, then we can go from there. As far as mathematics, we will start at the beginning. Do you have any knowledge of history or geography?”