Page 14 of The Heart of Bennet Hollow

“Do you think there’s a way to separate the local land from the sale of the mine?” Leaning back in his chair, William loosened his tie.

Eyebrows lifting in surprise, Callum pushed his breakfast plate away. “Did I just hear you right?”

“You disagree?”

Callum’s mouth quirked up in a smile. “Not in the least. I’m just pleased that you think the same.”

“I’ve given this land dispute a great deal of thought.

It just doesn’t sit right with me to go about it any other way.

” There was other land to be had and his coffers were full.

He wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if he knowingly took land from tenants who desperately needed it.

And it was time to acknowledge that to his closest friend and the lawyer who might be able to fix this mess.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about it as well and I believe I should return to Vermont,” Callum added.

“Once I pull together my findings, I need to run them past several colleagues to see if there are any missing loopholes and to seek their advice on next steps. There are also some law books back home that will be of help. For now, I’ve visited the county clerk and will keep digging as far as possible into land laws for the state of Virginia.

My goal is to find a way to separate the Bennets’ farm from the mine deed.

Of course, the others as well. I’m gathering this is what you’re suggesting. ”

“Yes.” It had been the right thing all along.

“It’s complicated. The properties don’t fall under the Homestead Act since they weren’t government land, which would have served the tenants well. Same with Mr. Bennet. So now I’m focusing on tax laws. But I need to verify some facts for the state specifically. There may be a loophole yet.”

“At what point in this process did you want my opinion?”

Callum chuckled. “I already knew your opinion. That you’d do the right thing. You’re too moral not to.”

William lifted the coffeepot and filled his cup. “Then tell me what you’re thinking.”

“More importantly, here’s what I believe Jorgensen is thinking: that of all the investors who’ve descended on this place, you’re the only one who isn’t going to swipe land right out from beneath the innocent bystanders.

You have a conscience—he can see that—which is why you haven’t made an offer yet.

And why he’s allowed you the time needed to decide what that will be.

I think Jorgensen cares enough about this town and its people to stall on this land matter if you give him the right reason to. ”

“You honestly think he can see all that?”

“I do. You have a soul. And a growing soft spot for this community, if I’m not mistaken. You won’t be able to live with yourself if you approach this business deal as callously as the others will. Or as detached as your aunt would expect. As for me, in order to help, I’ll need to leave soon.”

“You’d be willing to leave this young woman behind who’s captured your attention?”

Eyes down, Callum fingered the edge of his cup. “If it could help her situation in the long run? Yes. Would you be agreed to that?”

“That’s very noble of you.” William didn’t want to see the Bennets evicted either.

He never wanted to make a profit at the cost of another person’s livelihood.

But his own growing sentiments for a different young woman were harder to express.

Instead, he’d keep them under lock and key as usual.

William let his focus land on the mail that rested on the edge of the table, which the porter had just retrieved earlier that morning.

“Good news or bad?” Callum asked.

William moved the top correspondence marked from Pennsylvania, which he’d already slit open and read. “It’s a response from the Chess Creek mine. The engineers and miners I’ve summoned are ready to travel.” William examined the letter again, confirming that they’d be here by week’s end.

“The timing couldn’t be better. Now you’ll be ready to explore the mine’s secrets with the help of the experts. Decide if this company is worth its weight in gold.”

“Or coal.” William noted Callum’s own stack of mail. “What word from Vermont?”

Callum fingered the letters. “A few messages from clients along with a rather detailed list of woes and worries from my sister.”

William couldn’t read through the sheet of paper but saw enough black ink to promise that the delicate Miss Brydolf had plenty to say.

Callum offered over the letter. “She’s intrigued by a number of things that I wrote to her about these hills. She’s also reminding me of my duties back home. And your own.”

William expected nothing less from Callum’s sister, who had an air of correctness about her.

One who upheld her opinion over those of others, William included.

She often gravitated toward him or found cause to take his arm.

Despite their years of running in the same social circles, he had no interest in pursuing his best friend’s sister.

Year after year, he tried to make that obvious, but Miss Brydolf was not easily dissuaded.

“I think she sounds jealous,” Callum added.

“What would she have to be jealous of?” William dropped his gaze to penmanship that had taken nearly ten years at a prestigious finishing school to perfect.

The very same finishing school that William’s own sister now attended.

But unlike sixteen-year-old Anna, Miss Brydolf was cunning and shrewd in a way that kept William wary.

When Callum hesitated, William’s unease grew. “What did you say to her?”

“I might have written about the dance last week.” Callum took his fine time with serving himself more ham.

“I trust you said that the cider was flavorful and the music fine but nothing more.”

Callum cleared his throat. “I relayed how pleasant the company was around here.”

William rolled his eyes. “You shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t even engage.”

“You did socialize though. Spoke in several complete sentences to one young woman in particular.”

“You couldn’t hear me.”

“Yes, but I could see. And William Drake actually seemed intrigued by a pretty lady for the first time that I can ever recall.”

“What do you mean by that?”

With a chuckle, Callum leaned forward. “That for once in your life, you didn’t look at a woman with hooded indignation. Instead, you seemed... unnerved.”

“Is that how you described it to your sister?”

Callum chuckled. “I thought it noteworthy. You know how she pines after you. I figured it was high time for her to catch on to the fact that she’s wasting her time.”

“I politely agree and thank you for the support. But now I’ll never hear the end of it. And it’s hardly worth the trouble since neither of us will be in New River for long.” There were no ties worth making. At least not of the heart.

He could do right by the Bennets but that didn’t mean he needed to become attached.

William set the letter aside, along with Miss Brydolf’s wishes for them to return in due haste and her annoyance at how they could possibly find a town in the middle of nowhere so entertaining .

William cut into a thick slice of ham. That was enough talk about female forces. “A fine meal,” he muttered.

“Excellent. And this place sure builds up the appetite.” Callum added cream to his coffee.

“That it does.”

“And I hear the pantry aboard is well stocked with enough delicacies to last weeks at a time.”

“Correct.” The head cook even travelled with him on business trips, lodging in the berth right next to the porter’s at the servants’ end of the car. “And what are you getting at?”

“I’m just saying that with a washroom and an icebox along with a galley outfitted with dinnerware for a five-course meal, you could entertain should you wish.”

“I see.” William considered Callum again and wondered if they should extend such an invitation to the Bennet daughter whom Callum was so taken with.

It would give the man an opportunity to converse with her once more before leaving.

Caution reared its head. Would that only bolster the growing infatuation that was more dangerous for his friend than anything else?

William sidelined the unspoken offer, feeling guilty as he did.

He rose. “I’ll be right back.” Leaving the dining room with its polished tables, cushioned sofas, and glass observation dome, William retreated down the narrow hallway.

He passed the door to his private room with its double bed and hickory wardrobe, and then the second stateroom with enough bunks for four guests, including Callum.

At the end of the car, light from the train’s second observation dome drew him forward as he entered his study. His favorite room.

Here beneath the glass dome, he stood surrounded by sky, books, and windows. A peaceful place to sit whenever rolling hills and foaming oceans passed by. Vistas that spoke to his soul more than any cityscape ever could.

His study offered views from three angles, including the end of the car where the rear balcony lent space for fresh air on a summer’s night.

Today, William paced the length of the room, stopping just shy of his bookcase.

Maybe he could give Callum a book for Jayne Bennet to borrow.

Even as the thought awoke, William caught sight of someone just beyond the windows.

A young woman crossed the tracks, holding tight to a small package.

Her hair was unbound, trailing down to the middle of her back.

No bonnet or hat in sight. Just brown locks beneath sunlight.

William stilled.