The instant Kane stepped down from the carriage, a flood of memories hit him, just like it did every time he came back. The house was the third on the left. It looked the same. The bricks might be a little darker from grime, but otherwise the two-story structure stood tall and proud.
He walked to the back of the house. Sure enough, the door was unlocked, signaling someone was awake. The delicious aroma of fresh rolls baking hit his nostrils, making Kane’s stomach growl. It must have been louder than he thought, because his mother whipped around. She looked startled at first, but once she saw who it was, Maud Badgely’s face lit up at seeing her son.
“Kane, my dear,” she hugged him. “What brings you here?”
“I was in the area and thought I would visit.”
“I’m glad. Your father will be so happy to see you. John, come down here.”
“In a minute.” The heavy tread of his father’s feet echoed as he came down the steps. “What’s the hurry?” The older man stopped when he saw Kane. “I’ll be damned. Hello, son.” He embraced Kane warmly. “This is a pleasant surprise.”
“I was hoping I wouldn’t wake you.”
“You know us. We’ve always been early risers.” Mrs. Badgely set a cup of tea in front of both men, then a plate of rolls.
Kane didn’t stand on ceremony and took two, devouring the doughy confections. No one made cross buns like his mother. He moaned in satisfaction. “Lord, Mother, you are the best cook.”
“It doesn’t look like you’ve been suffering much, but thank you all the same.”
“Why are you in London? I thought your new post was in Dover?” Mr. Badgely sipped his tea.
“The gentleman who employees me, Sir Heath Foster, had business in London, so I came along.”
Kane explained Heath was an older pupil and told them about his background growing up on a farm and the inheritance. Then he updated his father on the brewery and Allan Hayes being so wonderful with getting everything off the ground.
“Hayes is a good man. He’s a loyal, hard worker. He won’t steer you wrong.” His father winked. “Well, I must be off, or I’ll be late. Will you be here tonight when I get home?”
“Yes. I might stay for a few days.”
“I’ll see you for supper.”
Mr. Badgely gave his wife a peck on the cheek before leaving mother and son together.
“Now, tell me all about Dover.” His mother took the seat across from him.
They spoke about various topics. Mrs. Badgely brought him up to speed on his siblings and other gossip he might find interesting. Kane helped his mother clean up from breakfast, then said he was going to look in on some old friends. She gave her son a cheery smile, then went about her work. It was just like when he was growing up and she would yell to them not to get in trouble and be back for supper.
It had been comforting to know there was someone who loved him waiting at home. His mother had always listened to her children’s tales of adventure from the day or issues that they might be having. Kane forgot how much he’d missed that until now. It made him think of Heath. Kane imagined coming home at night to find Heath waiting for him. They could talk about their day, have dinner with friends, then go to bed, safe in each other’s arms...as equals. Not as employer and employee.
Kane strolled the streets, not going anywhere in particular. Somehow, he came to his old school. He’d had his first teaching position here.
“Kane Badgely.”
He turned at the familiar voice. It was his childhood friend, Clint Baker.
“Clint,” Kane extended his hand in greeting. “It’s been a long time.”
“Too long. Are you here to see your parents?”
“As a matter of fact, I am. I had some time, so I thought I might stay for a day or two. How are you?”
“I’m well. I supervise the steel mill. How is the teaching business?”
“Good.” Kane shuffled his feet. “I’m doing some private teaching in Dover right now, but the family came to London for a few days, so I have time to see my parents.”
“That’s wonderful. If you want to see any of the old chaps, come to The Goose Head. There’s always a crowd there.”
Kane smiled. “I might do that.”