“You don’t get to have a say in my life,” Hugh interrupted. “I am doing just fine without your help.”
William shifted in his seat to face Hawthorne. “Leave Hugh alone. He will marry when he is good and ready.”
“If at all,” Hugh mumbled.
Haddington pushed his empty glass away from him and rose. “The next round is on me, gentlemen. That is, if you have the patience to await my return.” He turned his attention towards Hawthorne. “I’ve just seen an acquaintance of mine, and I promised him some time back that I’d introduce you to him. Come, help me keep my word.”
Hawthorne rose with a sigh. “If you insist. But you owe me for helping your honor remain unsullied.”
After they stepped away from the table, Hugh shot William a grateful look. “Thank you for what you said.”
“You would have done the same for me.”
Hugh sighed. “My brother is entirely too opinionated for his own good.”
“He means well, you must know that.”
“Do I?” Hugh asked. “He nags me relentlessly about my gambling, and I tire of hearing it. Surely, something else must occupy his time.”
William glanced over his shoulder at Haddington and Hawthorne, their heads close together. “Do you ever wonder what they talk about?”
“No. Why should I?”
“They just seem so solemn when they speak privately.”
“I wouldn’t give them any heed,” Hugh said. “Nathaniel’s probably trying to find new ways to pester me.”
“Do you know why he goes into the rookeries?”
“No. Have you asked him?”
“I do, but he just dismisses me out of hand.”
Hugh shrugged. “I can’t answer for my brother, but I am sure he has a good reason for it, whatever it is,” he said. “If I were you, I would be more concerned that Haddington dresses like a dandy. It makes the rest of us look bad.”
“He didn’t always dress like that,” William reflected. “That has been more of a recent development.”
“Lucky us,” Hugh joked.
William watched as Hawthorne and Haddington returned to their table.
“Does anyone intend to go to Lady Worton’s masquerade ball?” Haddington asked. “It is to be the event of the Season.”
“I don’t,” William replied as he reached for a glass.
“Do you have better things to do, Grenton?” Hawthorne asked.
“As a matter of fact, I do,” William said.
Hawthorne sat down and encouraged, “Enlighten us.”
“I have an estate that I need to see to.”
“As do we,” Hawthorne said. “Furthermore, you have hired a headmistress for the orphanage, so that won’t take up as much of your time.”
Haddington gave him a curious glance. “When did you hire a headmistress?”
“Just a couple days ago,” he replied. “I am not quite sure if she is a good fit, and I might have to dismiss her.”
