“Not much, just the areas of the world I visited while in the Navy.”
“Then we will give you a firm grasp of the world, politics, anything you might need to become a country gentleman.”
Kane enjoyed a challenge, and that’s just what Heath Foster would be. But he would have to put aside whatever brief feeling he’d had when their eyes met. He had come to Kent County to get away from trouble, not to get into it.
“Would you like a tour of the house and grounds?” Heath seemed happier, as if Kane’s agreement to teach him had lessened some hidden burden.
“I would like that.”
Heath grabbed his cane before they made their way to the door. “One more thing. I told the staff that I hired you as my estate manager. I was too ashamed to tell them the truth. You will play along, won’t you?”
Those large eyes bored straight into Kane’s heart. At that moment, he would have promised anything. “Of course. I understand.”
Heath let out a breath, then opened the door. He led Kane through numerous rooms on the ground floor, then showed him the way to his bedchamber, where he was left to unpack his things. The room was tidy, with a writing desk, dresser, and even a private washroom. It would do nicely.
As Kane put his clothes away, his mind kept drifting back to his new employer’s deep, soulful eyes and the way his hair had a slight wave to it. Kane shook his head. It wouldn’t do to think of his pupil— employer—in that way.
* * *
The following morning Kane was up bright and early, setting up a writing table and books in the study. He had eaten breakfast earlier and was ready to get started with the day. Not soon after, Sir Heath entered the room.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Good morning, sir. Ready to get started?”
“I suppose so.”
“I made up a lesson plan for the day. Nothing too strenuous, more of a way to let me see what I am working with.”
The baronet flinched. “It sounds like you are talking about an old nag or something.”
“Not in the least, sir. I merely need to test your knowledge, and we will pick up your studies where you left off.”
The hours passed while Kane put Heath through his paces: having him read passages from a few texts of varying difficulty and having him do columns of mathematics. The man wasn’t as bad as he’d led Kane to believe. A good portion of the problem was a lack of confidence, which quickly led to his pupil becoming frustrated. Kane noticed Sir Heath fidgeting with his collar half the time and the other half running a hand through his hair until it was a jumble of curls. Unfortunately, it only increased Heath’s allure, and Kane found it hard not to stare.
“Well, sir, it is not as bad as you think. You have an adequate grasp of the material but lack the confidence which additional years of reading would have given you. As far as your numbers, I think you would learn best by directly applying the skills you need. We will review the ledgers, receipts of sale, grains costs, anything that is related to your new position. After that, we can move on to legal contracts and other aspects of the business world.”
“That sounds like a lot.”
“It may seem daunting, but we will break it up with geography, some minor lessons in art appreciation, and other studies that will help you socially.”
Kane was confident he could help the baronet transition to his new elevated position in life. After all, it was never too late to learn. Plus, it would be a pleasant change to teach someone who actually wanted to learn instead of a bunch of brats who’d rather be anywhere than in a classroom.
Yes, Dover was already filled with surprises, not the least of which was Sir Heath. There was something endearing in the way the gentleman held himself. He was polite, but without the entitled authority of one born to the gentry. Kane noticed Sir Heath’s discomfort when they spoke about his new responsibilities. The poor man was a bundle of nerves, and all Kane wanted to do was tell him everything would be fine. It was in Kane’s nature to nurture, which was one of the reason’s he’d become a teacher. For now, the best way to help was to give the man a good education. That’s what Kane had been hired to do, and he would see it through.
Shortly before noon, Sir Heath threw his pencil aside. “I don’t know about you, but I could use some fresh air. Do you ride?”
“I haven’t ridden in ages, but I enjoy it.”
“There are some tenants I need to see. You could accompany me. Besides, you’re my estate manager.” Heath chuckled.
It was the first time Kane saw genuine amusement play across his employer’s face. Kane’s stomach did a funny little flip when Sir Heath smiled. This would not do. He had to stop ogling the man so much. It was inappropriate on several levels, the foremost being that Kane risked his position if Sir Heath realized his appetites leaned toward the same sex.
Before long, the two men were galloping across the green lawn. It was exhilarating. The wind whipped across Kane’s face, nearly blowing his hat off his head. The sting of the air was invigorating. His heart pounded in time with the horses’ hooves.
They came to the first farm, and Heath introduced Kane to the tenant as the new estate manager. Kane stood back, allowing Heath to lead the conversation. As he watched, Kane saw the baronet was knowledgeable about the crops and the difficulties faced with tilling the land. That would no doubt earn him the respect of the farmers. Heath’s demeanor had also changed. He was relaxed and smiled more easily.
They visited two more farms before turning the horses towards home for the afternoon. On the way back, Kane noticed a building standing near the river that ran through the estate.