“It was for your own good,” Hawthorne said, clapping a hand on William’s shoulder before leading the way inside.
William followed his friend, weaving his way through the crowded hall until they found the others tucked back in a corner.
Lord Haddington raised his glass when he saw him. “Grenton,” he greeted.
William acknowledged him with a tip of his head before turning his attention towards Lord Hugh. “Good evening,” he said as he pulled out a chair.
After he was situated, a server approached the table and asked, “Would you care for something to drink, sir?”
“Brandy, and do keep them coming,” William replied.
The server left to do his bidding, and William looked up, baffled to see his companions eyeing him, concerned looks on their faces.
“May I ask why you are all staring at me?” William asked.
Unrepentant, Hawthorne shrugged. “You seem more despondent than normal.”
“I assure you that is not the case,” William replied.
“But you admit that you are despondent?” Hawthorne pressed.
William glanced skyward and shook his head. “Why did I ever agree to spend time with you?”
Hawthorne smiled. “Because we are the only friends you have.”
“Pity, that,” William replied. “I suppose I do find you somewhat tolerable.”
“Only somewhat?” Haddington asked.
“If you must know, I just came from a meeting with my solicitor,” William shared. “He has yet to secure a headmistress for the orphanage.”
“I fear it is a fool’s errand,” Hawthorne said.
“Why do you say that?”
Hawthorne gave him a knowing look. “You gave him an impossible set of demands,” he remarked. “No lady would lower herself to work as a headmistress at an orphanage.”
“It only takes one,” William said as he reached for the glass that had just been placed in front of him.
“Why a lady?” Hugh asked. “Why does it have to be a member of theton?”
William took a sip of his drink before responding. “It was my mother’s idea. She thought it would be beneficial for the girls.”
“Have you ever considered that she might be wrong?” Haddington asked.
William clenched his jaw. “I have not.”
“I just worry you are setting yourself up for failure,” Haddington continued. “A lady does not sully herself with work like that.”
“Let me worry about that,” William said.
Haddington turned towards Hugh. “What are your thoughts on that matter?”
Hugh shrugged. “I have none,” he replied. “I trust that Grenton knows what he is doing.”
“Thank you,” William said. “It would appear that Hugh is the only one of my friends that has a lick of sense.”
“Graylocke would agree with Hawthorne and I, but he is on his wedding tour,” Haddington stated.
