Page 40 of Hearts of Briarwall

Silenced by his friend’s raised voice and intense glare, Spencer could only wait him out like a rabbit, unmoving, his shame battling with his persistent sense of rightness. He was not wrong. His aim might need some readjustment, but this vision of his would succeed. It was nothing, though, without money.

And any sense of true friendship he’d gained in life was nothing without Andrew Wooding. Even when that friend bristled like a wolf.

“Andrew,” he offered as steadily as he dared, “forgive me.”

Andrew blinked, then released a breath, his shoulders sinking. He ran a hand over his face, and Spencer leaned back against the door with relief.

“There is nothing to forgive.” Andrew sighed. “The idea is a solid one. Watching you, I was filled with both pride and resentment. But I can’t—” He halted. “I’m sorry.”

Spencer nodded. “I have a great deal of respect for you, friend. Too much to let this come between us. You were like a brother to me, did you know? I still feel that way, I suppose.”

Andrew groaned and rolled his eyes. “Of course you’d say that after I’ve refused to invest in your future.”

“What are brothers for if not to refuse their siblings money?”

Andrew’s smile flickered, then it was gone.

Spencer sobered. “I cannot ask you to shirk your principles. They’ve come at too high a cost.”

Clenching his jaw, Andrew nodded. “I thank you.”

As the men gathered their coats and hats, Andrew ordered the carriage brought around. “I wish it were different,” he said. “Truly. At any rate, please consider extending your stay with us. I don’t wish you to think you’re unwelcome over this. Besides, from the looks of things, you’ve some interest to cultivate and connections to strengthen.”

Spencer stepped out of the club into the rain. How strong would those connections be when word spread that Andrew Wooding was unwilling to invest in his longtime friend’s venture? Still, he nodded. “I’ll think on it.”

The carriage pulled up, and the men boosted themselves inside.

“Sir Lawrence and Mrs. Piedmont have a standing dinner invitation with us for the last Friday of every month, by the way. They’ll be dining at Briarwall tomorrow.”

“You wouldn’t mind if I took the opportunity to discuss ... business? Only if it’s brought up, of course.”

Andrew paused in thought, watching the village roll by in the gray afternoon. “I suppose you could use my study if need be.” He faced Spencer. “But who knows? Lydia might have us diving for mermaid treasure under the full moon. Wouldn’t want to miss that, would you?”

Spencer frowned. “To miss it would be utterly rude.”

Andrew nodded. After a few moments of silence, he added, “Can you imagine Sir Lawrence bobbing in Briarwall Pond shouting, ‘I think I’ve found something’?”

Both men chuckled for some time.

Dinner was a simple affair, owing to Lydia spending her afternoon volunteering with the Ladies Guild of Helpers to Women and Orphans and the later hour of her return. She’d worried about disappointing Andrew and Spencer, but after the events of the previous evening, the men didn’t seem to mind. In fact, Andrew seemed grateful for the subdued mood.

“And then,” Lydia said, filling the particularly sullen atmosphere as best she could, “Mrs. Chatham came with four baskets of boys’ clothes that her sons had outgrown. It was a miracle, and you can’t convince me otherwise.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Spencer said.

She smiled.

“Indeed.” Andrew finished his soaked orange cake and wiped his face with his napkin. “If I may, I’d like to retire early.”

Lydia stiffened. “Are you not feeling well?” She hoped it wasn’t something he ate.

“Only tired, and I’ve some letters to write before I turn in.”

Lydia relaxed somewhat. “All right, then.”

He and Spencer exchanged looks of understanding. The men had been unusually quiet, and Lydia wondered if there was more to Andrew’s retiring than exhaustion.

Andrew stood, nodding his good evening, and left the dining room. He’d left Lydia alone with a gentleman in the house, which she couldn’t recall ever happening before. Not that she hadn’t ever been alone with a boy—man. She’d been alone with Spencer numerous times now. Just not in the house. For the evening. Due to Andrew.

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