Before Jonathan could protest, Hal grabbed the water bucket and stepped out into the morning chill.He walked through the tangled, overgrown walled garden, following the well-worn footpath to the well.
The trees were just beginning to bud with their vibrant spring green, and the rain overnight had brought out their color to a startling degree.Bluebells poked up from the forest floor, slim tendrils that would become a carpet of indigo in a few weeks.Sparrows twittered back and forth as the sun rose high enough to sparkle on the dewdrops clinging to the long, waving grasses of the fields edging the beech wood.
The long winter was ending, and Hal could feel his land coming back to life all around him, its face washed shiny and clean by last night’s spring storm.
Breathing deeply, he tasted the freshness of the breeze.It carried the rich, loamy funk of freshly turned earth, the crisp chill of Westcote Brook rushing in the distance.
This was what Jon, a born and bred Londoner, couldn’t understand.There was no life for Hal in a city.This place might be a millstone round his neck, but it was also the lifeblood in his veins.He could never leave it.
He made his way back to the kitchen where he found his dearest friend poking through the bare pantry cupboards with a fascinated expression.
“I was jesting before, at least somewhat, but Hal.You are living like a squatter in an abandoned building,” he said, looking at Hal with his brows raised.“What on earth is going through your head?”
Hal set his jaw.“I’m living as well as many Englishmen, and better than most, I’d wager.I’m not Walter, I have no need of servants to cook and serve me elaborate, twenty-course meals, most of which ends up as slops for the pigs.I have a bed, a roof over my head, and enough money to take all my meals at Five Mile House.I would say I’m fortunate.”
“Hmm.I’d say you’re punishing yourself for your brother’s poor judgment and ludicrous excesses, but what do I know.I’m only your oldest friend, who also happens to be the most intelligent person of your acquaintance.”
That was the trouble with old friends, Hal reflected.They knew too much and understood too well.
With a grin designed to distract Jonathan from noticing how deeply he’d struck with that observation about Hal punishing himself, Hal shook his head.“Not true.Sophia is the most intelligent person of my acquaintance.In all areas except for her taste in men.”
Jonathan sat at the kitchen table, his eyes gleaming at the mention of his lovely wife, with whom he was entirely—and rightly—besotted.Sophia was a highly educated, highly opinionated, highly enjoyable woman who had run rings round Hal’s very intelligent friend from the moment they met.Naturally, Jonathan worshipped the ground she trod upon, and Hal was not far behind in his level of admiration.
“I shall tell Sophia you said that there was a limit to her superiority of mind.See if she sendsyoua hamper at Christmas this year.”
“How are she and the children?”
“Very well, thank you for asking.Your goddaughter is a holy terror, she sends her love and also asked me to convey to you a frog she caught on an outing to Hampstead Heath, but I liberated it along the Bath Road.You’re welcome.And nice try at steering the conversation away from yourself.”
Hal’s groan was pierced by the whistle of steam from the boiling kettle.Quickly assembling the tea things, he said, “Fine, have at it.What have you come all this way for?Was it merely to mock my life choices, or was there something more?”
“First of all, don’t flatter yourself, you’re not my only client.You're not even my only peer.I was in the neighborhood inspecting a property for sale on behalf of the Earl of Snowley.I decided to drop by to see how you’re doing.”
Jonathan accepted the cup of tea Hal handed him, his eyes going soft.“Sophia and I have been worried about you.”
Hal slumped into the other chair, his gaze dropping to the scarred wood of the tabletop.Having grown up amongst people who took no notice of him, Hal had very little defense against genuine caring.
“You don’t need to worry,” he told his friend.“I’ve got everything under control.”
“As your solicitor—as your friend—I must disagree.You have paid off the debts you inherited, very honorably, yes, but you have left yourself with not a single income-producing property except Kissington Manor.And from what I can tell, you are not seeing a penny from the tenants here.”
“Not true,” Hal argued, grimacing at the bitterness of his over-brewed tea.“My tenants pay their rents and farm their land—I am simply choosing to use that money to repair and modernize their farms.Ultimately, we will all benefit.”
“Hmm.If you don’t work yourself into the ground before the farms start to turn enough of a profit.”
Hal narrowed his eyes.“Oh, you’re one to talk about working too hard.I’ve never known anyone who worked harder than you.”
“We’re not talking about me,” Jon reminded him loftily.“And besides, I’ve learned over the years to work a little less and enjoy life a little more.I’ve learned the joys of having a family—and the difficulties of supporting that family.But I don’t do it alone.I have Sophia, and she has me.We worry for you, Hal, because you have no one to share your burdens.”
For a wild moment, Lady Gemma Lively’s lovely countenance flashed through Hal’s mind.Shaking it away, he said, “I’m not alone.I have friends here.Bess Pickford, for one.All the people here…”
“Bess Pickford is a good woman and I know she is like a sister to you.But she and the other people here depend on you for their livelihood,” Jon said bluntly.“I am sure they care for you and honor your good intentions and appreciate your help, but you do not burden them with your own troubles—nor should you.”
Frustrated, Hal ran a hand through his hair.“What would you have me do?”
“You could consider coming to London, taking part in the social season.You might find a nice heiress to wed…”
“No,” Hal said firmly, sitting up straight in his chair and fixing his friend with a glare.“I will never turn fortune hunter.”
