Rising, Hawthorne said, “Join us tonight at White’s for a drink.”
“I’m busy.”
“Doing what, precisely?” Hawthorne asked. “We both know you will be at home with a drink in your hand. You might as well drink with your friends.”
William knew his friend spoke the truth, so he nodded. “I will go, but only if you promise not to annoy me.”
“It is never on purpose.”
“It feels like it is.” William unfolded the sleeves of his white linen shirt. “How is Dinah?”
Hawthorne smiled at the mention of his wife. “She is well,” he replied. “She is shopping with her sister, Evie.”
“I have only been introduced to Miss Ashmore, but she strikes me as a person that balks at tradition.”
“That is a good description.”
“I am surprised that a woman of her beauty isn’t married yet, especially since she never seems to lack for dance partners.”
“Do you have your cap set for her?”
William shook his head. “I have my cap set for no one,” he said. “I don’t see myself ever marrying.”
“That is a shame.”
“Marriage isn’t for everyone. Some people are just destined to be alone.”
“You are not one of them.”
William reached for his jacket and shrugged it on. “I have never met a woman who has piqued my interest.” As he said his words, an image of Miss Lloyd came to his mind, but he quickly banished it, wondering why he had that thought in the first place.
“Perhaps you are not looking hard enough.”
“I’m not looking at all.”
“That is the problem,” Hawthorne said. “Anything worth doing in this life takes hard work.”
William stepped back from the bench. “I am happy that you married Dinah, but not everyone is as lucky as you are.”
“They can be.”
“No,” William replied. “Most marriages are fraught with turmoil and unhappiness.”
Hawthorne gave him a look that could only be construed as pity. “That doesn’t mean you can’t beat the odds.”
“I don’t gamble.” William glanced at the door. “It is time that I depart. I have work that I need to do.”
“I will walk you out.”
As they walked towards the door, William asked, “How do you intend to occupy your day?”
“I have a few things I need to see to.”
“Which are?”
Hawthorne’s face remained impassive. “It would be best if you didn’t know.” He glanced over at him. “How is your new headmistress?”
William knew Hawthorne was intentionally changing the subject, but he let out a groan anyway. “She hired a butler.”
