Ramsay gazed out at the harbor, where a trading ship was catching the tide to glide out into the open water. “I know what you mean. I’ve traveled widely, but I’m always happiest when near water.”
“You wanted to study ancient times and places, and you’ve been able to do that for years.” Broc tossed out a morsel of fritter. A seagull snapped it up before it hit the water. “Have you had your fill of travel, or do you feel trapped back here?”
“Now who’s being curious?” Ramsay wiped grease from his fingers. “I came back with some reluctance, but I always knew I must return. I’m now learning to appreciate the many ancient ruins of Thorsay. They should keep me interested for the rest of my life.”
He thought of mentioning Fiona Brae, but would save that for later. “How do you feel about becoming a farmer again?”
Broc grimaced. “Therein lies a tale.”
Something in his friend’s voice made Ramsay say, “If you want to talk, I’m still a pretty decent listener.”
Broc sighed. “You always were, and I’ve got much to think about. I’ve never had a passion for farming, except maybe horse breeding, but with my father dead, coming back to Thorfield was the right thing to do. I was glad to be able to help my family, particularly my mother since she had so much to carry after my father died.”
When Broc stopped speaking, Ramsay said, “I sense a ‘but’ coming.”
Broc threw another scrap of food toward the harbor. This time two seagulls swooped in and fought over the scrap while a third one carried off the prize. “Right as always. When you had breakfast with us, remember that my mother said Thorfield has taken in people who’ve lost their homes because of the plague and the devil storm?”
Ramsay nodded. “Your mother has a very generous heart. Thorfield has enough barns and outbuildings to provide shelter for a fair number of people.”
“Yes, and it’s worked out well. People help each other out, and some work on the farm. With conditions improving, some have been able to move out.”
“But?” Ramsay prompted.
“Remember Daniel Brown? Had a farm in the north-central part of Mainland.”
Ramsay thought back. “Yes. A good fellow as I recall.”
Broc nodded. “He lost his wife and his son to the plague, and eventually he lost his farm. He and his two little girls ended up at Thorfield. He’s been a tremendous help. And as he and my mother worked together . . .” Broc stopped.
“Are they thinking of marriage?” Ramsay asked quietly. When Broc nodded, Ramsay continued, “Are you opposed to your mother remarrying?”
Broc tossed out another tidbit. “Not really. Daniel’s a good and honest man. He and my mother laugh together. I like hearing her laugh again. But it’s difficult to see him in my father’s place. I no longer feel I’m needed.”
Ramsay said wryly, “It’s dire to make a sacrifice and then find it’s no longer necessary.”
Broc laughed. “That’s it exactly! I didn’t want to become a farmer, but it was my duty and I’ve always been good at duty. But it’s not very rewarding to be doing work I don’t want to do when there’s someone else around who actually enjoys farming.”
An idea began taking form in Ramsay’s mind. “Would you like to take on a mission to London for me?”
“Yes,” Broc said immediately.
Amused, Ramsay asked, “Without even knowing what it is?”
“It’s bound to be more interesting than milking cows and tending sheep. What do you want me to do?”
“Several things. First, I want you to call on Captain Gabriel Hawkins Vance, once a sailor and now heir to a barony. I did a favor for him once, and I’m hoping he knows or can find a bank that would loan me a large amount of money on not much more than the strength of my word.”
Broc gave a soft whistle. “Care to explain more about that?”
Ramsay found that he wanted to talk about his situation as much as Broc had wanted to talk about his. Succinctly he described his grandfather’s loan and the reason for it, ending with his meeting earlier with Roald. “It was good of him to extend the loan for a year, but I’m not sure how much I trust him to keep his word. What do you think?”
Broc considered before answering. “Handshake agreements between gentlemen are all very well, but I’m not sure how much of a gentleman he is. If he finds a good reason to call the loan in before the year is over, he’ll probably do it.”
“My feeling exactly,” Ramsay said, glad to have his doubts confirmed. “I’d much rather borrow from a traditional bank with more time to repay. I’m sure I can come up with the money eventually, but not in the next few weeks.”
“Do you think this Vance person can find a bank that will lend to you?” Broc said a little doubtfully.
“He might be able to do it. He’s very well connected.”
