Page 37 of The Heart of Bennet Hollow

Wood crackled and popped in the study hearth. After ensuring that all the other men were preoccupied, William pulled the telegram from his vest pocket. “This arrived two days ago. A Merry Christmas from Mr. Jorgensen.”

Callum opened the paper.

“The final offer has come in on the New River Coal Company.” William spoke calmly yet felt anything but. “I don’t know all the details but apparently it’s the highest yet. The buyer intends to take all the other farms as well.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“Get a hurry on. I’ve sped up the pace of my own proceedings. I have an electrician coming the day after tomorrow. I have a lot to sort out.”

“An electrician? The day after Christmas?”

“Running out of time. I need an electrician to help me decide if I can truly lead New River into a viable future.” William quietly described his second trip down into the mine before he’d left New River the following day.

He was yet to know when he might make his third.

Did he still need to? “I better understand the other levels now and have made progress on viable solutions to improve the mine.”

One of Callum’s university friends crossed the room. “Are you thinking of adding electricity to a coal mine ? Unheard of!”

“Not quite.” William set aside his glass of port, still not tasting any. “I have power running to the offices of my Chess Creek mine as of last year.”

“But beneath the ground is an entirely different story.”

“True. And still, the Pacific Coast Company at Black Diamond and Coal Creek are near to completion with installing electricity in their tunnels.”

“Whatever for?” The young man polished off his cup in a single swig.

“To transport cars underground. It’s the way of the future. Electricity has more purpose than lighting homes such as our own. Or offices. It can reach the masses. Even beyond the cities.”

The man scoffed. “Not likely. How do you know all of this?”

With all the businesses he owned? “It’s my job to know these things.” William noticed more men claiming chairs around them, so he veiled the details. “I’ve hired a geologist who’s familiar with the region to supply some maps. All with the owner’s approval of course.”

Callum gave him a look that indicated he knew just the man—Bennet.

“And what will you do with these maps?” one of the university men countered.

Driven by a purpose he couldn’t describe, William claimed his own seat. “If I can grasp what the possibility will be to run electricity through the mine, I’ll know its viability for the future.” He folded the telegram into his vest pocket.

“You say that easily,” Callum said.

William gave him a look. From what they both knew of their time in New River, the decision to return to a place that had tested and changed them was far from easy.

“I represent some clients in electricity. For factories,” Callum added. “Would you like me to seek their advice?”

“Please. I can send you a summary of the proposal, along with a list of concerns.” The more opinions he gathered, the better.

“Consider it done. But do you think you’ll have enough time?”

“That’s my hope. The current owner plans to retire by summer so I’ll return to New River soon,” he explained.

Then? Hopefully... place his own bid.

He wouldn’t do it before. No matter how tempting it became to rush this process.

The reason he sat upon a fortune was because of savvy business dealings.

He couldn’t let matters of the heart cloud his thinking. No matter how much he missed Lizbeth.

Caroline entered in a huff. “Why have none of you come along to play cards?”

“Miss Brydolf.” William pointed to the main hall in hopes of distracting her. “You’ll find a package under the tree with your name on it. Wrapped in crimson paper. I hope you find the contents agreeable.”

She smiled. “How kind of you.”

William moved nearer to an open window, a needed shock to his senses.

Leaning against the wall, he folded his arms. As for these business dealings, he needed to buy a little more time and proceed with as much grace and dignity as he could muster.

Not to win Lizbeth—he didn’t hold any hope for that.

He no longer imagined a future with her, but he meant to deal honorably in any matter that concerned her.

He would not be the cause for her discomfort ever again.

With a pang in his chest, William watched as Anna sat beside the Christmas tree and found a package with her name on it.

Callum stepped nearer. “Caroline is pleased with whatever you gave her.”

“Satin gloves. I didn’t select them, but they were the best that Bloomingdale’s had to offer.” He’d had them shipped in special.

Callum chuckled and William was grateful for this friend who knew him and his efforts at socializing better than anyone in the world.

“And you? What do you place under the tree for a young lady?”

“Paper and stamps.”

“For Anna?”

“For Jayne.” So intent was Callum’s gaze that William couldn’t look away. “That’s what was in the package you delivered for me. Though I doubt it made it under the tree.”

Smart man. “And have you received any word?”

“Not a single letter. I’ve inquired about the mail every day. And so far, there’s been nothing.”

“Have you thought of writing yourself?”

“I’ve written several times but still no response.”

From her end of the room, Caroline laughed as she opened another present.

She, the main force who desired a future between Callum and Anna and even between herself and William.

Somehow, someway, a merging of the households of Drake and Brydolf.

William turned his attention back to his friend. “Perhaps there’s more to it.”

“Perhaps.” Callum ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I’ve thought of returning to New River countless times.”

“Have you?” William tried to keep his tone inquisitive but in truth, he shared the longing. He was yet to tell his friend of his failed attempt at impressing Lizbeth with a suggestion of marriage. He’d keep that to himself. “And what would you say?”

“That’s what I’m still working out. It’s hard to hope, when... when...” Callum shook his head. “Do you think there’s still a chance?”

“It all depends.”

“On?”

“On what you’re willing to do.” William cast a look past his friend’s shoulder and lowered his voice.

“Listen. I have my own pursuits that I need to tend to, and I believe you know what those are. As for you...” Moistening his lips, William regretted what he needed to imply about Callum’s own sister, but it had to be said.

Even if he wouldn’t have such happiness, it was still possible for Callum and Jayne.

“You need to see the world as it truly is. Own your actions. Own the consequences.”

Callum’s eyes searched for understanding.

“Try writing Jayne one more time and when you do...” William lifted his gaze to Caroline. “Make sure that no one, and I mean no one, has a chance to tamper with the mail.”

Understanding dawned on Callum’s face as he glanced his sister’s way.

“You have a genuine chance at happiness, my friend. Make sure nothing stands in the way of that.”