“Perhaps,” Sol said with a shrug. “Lady Drucilla is clearly a lovely woman, and if my brother is successful in courting her, I’ll happily welcome her into our family.”
“First, her brother must allow it. Something I’m working quite hard to make happen.” Frederick’s voice boomed from over Aaron’s shoulder.
Sol winced at the sight of his brother back in the hall, glaring at his friend once more. Hopefully he hadn’t heard too much.
Or really anything. Especially about Hannah.
“I see you’re still here, Mr. Ellenberg. I suppose Sol is responsible—he’s always been easily distracted.” The dryness in his brother’s tone could curl paper. “A problem we’ve been working to address his entire life. I worry, you understand, given how frivolously he’s been spending his time since he’s made your acquaintance.”
Sol’s face heated—how long had he lingered with Aaron, when he ought to have been working, Shabbos or not?
Focus, he had to focus. He had promised to deliver Frederick a real win. And he would—soon.
“I was just leaving,” Aaron said, brushing past him. “It was good sitting with you today, Sol. I look forward to next time.” Martin popped into the entry to open the door before Aaron swished out into the now fleetly falling snow.
Sol stared after him, forcing his mind away from the one person he needed to forget.
