Cassian shook his head in silent chastisement. Howembarrassingit was to be bearing witness to such a scene.
“Anything interesting?” Ethel asked.
“Hm?” It took Cassian a moment to register what she’d said. “Oh. Not really. Just some commotion out on the platform. It seems as though a man must have forgotten his and his employer’s train tickets.”
“Mmm, that’s a shame.”
Cassian shrugged. It was, and it wasn’t. Really, the man’s employer should have hired someone who could keep better track of things.
After a few more seconds of pleading, the frantic man’s face lit up. He immediately hurried into one of the other train cars. It seemed as though the fellow had managed to charm the conductor enough to be let on board.
“Mr. Livingston!” Cassian heard from the aisle. “Good to see you.”
Cassian forced a smile and looked over. It was Mr. Jacob Calbot, one of the men in Cassian’s business circles with whom Cassian conversed on occasion. Almost a friend, but not quite. Still, they had become somewhat familiar with each other over the past year or so. Mr. Calbot owned several coal mines and textilemanufacturing plants on the East Coast, and consequently, Cassian had run into him at a few social events.
“Mr. Calbot. Good to see you as well.”
“I wish I had known that you were in London. It might have been fun to meet up for a while,” Mr. Calbot said. “Were you in Europe on business or for pleasure?”
“Both.”
“Ah. I myself was only vacationing.”
Cassian shrugged. “It’s sensible to take some leisure time every now and then.”
“Agreed. One last jaunt across the Atlantic for a while.” Mr. Calbot leaned in close. “Ingrid is with child,” he whispered.
“Congratulations,” Cassian replied as warmly and as sincerely as he could muster.
Mr. Calbot’s smile widened. “Thank you. I’mbeyondexcited.”
“I can understand that.”
Mr. Calbot let out a happy hum-chuckle and lingered. Despite the pleasantness of their exchange, a few seconds of somewhat uncomfortable silence followed. Cassian was starting to wonder why the man was still there when Mr. Calbot’s eyes flickered over to Ethel and Cassian realized that he hadn’t yet introduced them.
“Apologies, Mr. Calbot. This is my fiancée, Ethel Barrington.”
Cassian reluctantly pushed himself to stand so that Ethel could follow suit. Once Ethel was on her feet, she extended her hand. Mr. Calbot swiftly took it and touched his lips to her middle knuckle.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Barrington,” Mr. Calbot said.
“Ethel, this is Mr. Jacob Calbot. He owns a couple of textile manufacturing plants in Philadelphia. And a few coal mines in...”
“Kentucky,” Mr. Calbot finished for him.
“Yes, Kentucky,” Cassian confirmed.
“How... resourceful,” Ethel said with a practiced smile. “It’s lovely to meet you as well, Mr. Calbot.”
Even though resourceful wasn’texactlythe best word for Ethel to have chosen, Cassian supposed that it communicated a nice enough sentiment. Hopefully Mr. Calbot wouldn’t try to extend the conversation somehow. At least not with Ethel present. Business matters were really of no concern to her.
Mr. Calbot rocked back on his heels. “Ah, well, I better head back to my seat.” Cassian nearly exhaled with relief. Thank God. “But you’re both more than welcome to come by and chat on the ride to Southampton. I’m sure I’ll be looking for a way to pass the time.”
Cassian might have to take the man up on the offer, especially if he needed a break from conversing with Ethel.
“Take care, Mr. Calbot,” Cassian said with a nod.
Once Mr. Calbot finally began shuffling toward his seat, Cassian collapsed back into his.
