“What’s that?” He pointed to the structure.
“I was told it’s a brewery, but it hasn’t been used in some time.”
“Do you mind if I take a look?”
Heath shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose not. Do you have an interest in breweries?”
“My father worked at a brewery when we first moved to London when I was a boy. I’m quite familiar with them.”
As they rode closer, Kane saw the building needed work. Several sections of the brick wall were crumbling. Large holes in the roof screamed for repairs, and several window panes were broken or completely missing. Lord knew when the place had last been up and running.
“Can we go inside?” Kane asked as they pulled the horses to a stop.
“If you’d like. The place might be locked.”
Kane dismounted. “Well, I guess we’ll find out.” He glanced up at Sir Heath who was still on his horse. “Would you rather we not? If I am being too impertinent, please accept my apologies. I sometimes forget myself.”
If Kane was especially excited about something, he tended to rush in headfirst without thinking. He would have to remember himself in his new position. Sir Heath seemed the opposite of him, more cautious. It wouldn’t do to make his employer uncomfortable.
“I don’t mind,” Sir Heath said as he gingerly got down from his horse. “Besides, I’d like to see the place.”
It didn’t escape Kane’s notice that his employer favored his right leg more now than he had earlier in the day. He didn’t say anything as the men walked up to the large set of doors. They exchanged a glance before Sir Heath nodded for Kane to proceed. He put his hand on the latch and pulled down. It was unlocked. The door creaked as Kane opened it. A stale smell filled the air, and that scurrying noise he heard could only mean mice had found a home in the abandoned structure.
Sir Heath followed him inside. “Lord, this place hasn’t seen the light of day in ages.” He swiped at the air with his hand.
“No, but it could be worse.”
Kane inspected the equipment. There wasn’t much rust and didn’t look in too much disrepair. “Have you thought about opening up the brewery?” He looked at Heath.
“No. Why would I? I don’t have the first idea of how to make beer, just how to drink it.”
“Perhaps not, but you have the basics right under your nose. The fields produce the barley, and the brewery is next to a river. You could use water power. It just needs some updating for you to get this place up and running.”
What had gotten into him? Kane had only met Sir Heath yesterday, yet here he was proposing that the man open a brewery. Hadn’t his employer already expressed that he was overwhelmed with his duties? So why was Kane suggesting such an idea?
“Who would I get to run the place?” Heath’s question brought him back to the conversation.
“I could write to my father. He may know someone willing to take on the job of bringing this place back to life. It would take a while, but I think it could be successful. I’m sure you could speak to your solicitor about finances first if you’re unsure.”
There he went again, overstepping his bounds.I really must watch my tongue.Kane wasn’t sure what had come over him in the last several minutes. First, he had only wanted to explore the brewery. Now he was trying to persuade Sir Heath, a man he barely knew, to consider his ridiculous scheme to open the place up. He was only a tutor, not a businessman. What right did he have to even suggest such a thing? Besides, this type of enterprise could take a year or more to get off the ground. Kane wouldn’t be around that long. Would he?
He glanced over at his companion. The baronet bit his lower lip as he contemplated Kane’s proposal. A pang of longing hit Kane at seeing the anxious gesture. He wanted to wipe the worry from Sir Heath’s face but kept his distance. Why did Kane feel this pull towards the man?
“Do you really think it could work?”
“Yes, I do. If you get the right man running this place, who has the knowledge and knowhow, I think it could be an excellent investment.”
His employer let out a little cry of excitement. “All right then, write to your father and see what he says. It can’t hurt to ask.”
Both men burst into laughter. Heath stepped forward, putting a hand on Kane’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Kane’s heart pounded in his chest when he realized how close they were.
“For giving me hope that I can do this, make something of my new life.”
“I’ll help you, however I can.” The words came out almost in a whisper. Their breaths mingled in the shared space.
If Kane leaned in, he could have a taste of those pouty lips. As if sensing something had changed, Heath nervously cleared his throat before dropping his arm and leaning on his cane as he put distance between them.