Jonathan also wanted to make sure that the Grants, having been such generous hosts, were given fair warning of their departure and sufficient thanks for all their kindness. Thirdly, and most importantly, he must tell Nick and think of a way to see him again.
Having found paper and pen, he left a hastily scribbled a letter, placing it on the hall table to be sent to his aunt, then he sought out Mr. Grant as he was leaving the breakfast room. He explained his and Freddy’s impending departure, citing the incoming weather as the reason, especially as his aunt would like the whole family to be together for the New Year’s celebration.
Mr. Grant nodded his head in understanding and said all that was gracious. However, it was clear he lumped in Freddy with that large, shifting, and slightly anonymous group of young people invited to keep his grown-up children entertained, which amused Jonathan. But at the same time, he seemed genuinely sorry to see Freddy’s cousin go. Jonathan was touched, especially by the heartfelt and genuine invitation that he was welcome to come and stay again at any time.
It was more than rewarding that he had arrived as a spare guest but would leave as a good friend, Jonathan thought, as Mr. Grant left him in the hallway after shaking his hand thoroughly.
Later that day, Jonathan was walking with his host and a few other gentlemen of the party, helping to check that farm stock, stores, and equipment were safely undercover in case of severe cold.
There was no sign of Nick or his brother or his father, and Jonathan guessed out loud that they were involved in similar tasks on their own property which Mr. Grant confirmed.
“Indeed,” he said with a smile, “it’s all hands on deck in this weather, to misuse a seafaring metaphor for our country matters. He’s a good lad,” he said fondly, referring to Nick. “Even though he’s not the eldest son, he works his heart out on that farm. One day he’ll make someone a fine, level-headed capable farm manager for all his pretty ways and gallantry on the dance floor.”
Jonathan merely smiled in response and said all that was polite. But as they continued their inspection, Mr. Grant’s words gave him the germ of an idea.
Chapter 13
He tried not to be restless that evening in the drawing-room while awaiting Nick’s arrival. The local families (at least those who weren’t town dwellers) were all a little delayed on their estates. Jonathan tried to keep smiling and talking to whoever was in front of him and not repeatedly look behind him in the direction of the door to see if Nick was coming through it.
Unfortunately, he missed Nick’s entrance since he was summoned to join in the commencement of the dancing when one of Mr. Grant’s daughters took her turn at the pianoforte. As soon as was polite, he made his way to the side of the room where he had spotted Nick carrying a tray of refreshments. His perfectly understandable thirst after the dance was the ideal excuse to approach him.
He snagged a glass, smiling at Nick, who suddenly wouldn’t look at him directly. “I hear you’re leaving tomorrow,” Nick said quietly, and Jonathan could hear the hurt in his voice. Jonathan frowned, cursing himself that he had not been the one to break the news.
“It was Freddy’s decision,” he said, a trifle tersely. The pianist was beginning another dance tune and he was determined not to leave Nick with such a misunderstanding of events. “Do you have a moment?” he asked abruptly.
With that, Nick put down the tray and they made their way through the double doors to the smaller, temporarily empty withdrawing room.
“I’m so sorry about this,” Jonathan said running a hand through his hair, betraying his exasperation. “Freddy is keen to leave, and he only told me this morning after breakfast. I wanted to let you know myself but…”
“That’s all right,” Nick said somewhat stiffly.
“No, it’s not bloody all right,” Jonathan said. “I have absolutely no desire to leave when we have just found each other.”
“Really?” Nick uttered, his expression softening a little.
“Really, truly and absolutely,” Jonathan affirmed. “With Freddy being rather out of sorts romantically—” he saw Nick smile in spite of himself at the fun and games of Miss Corinna, “—the weather closing in and my aunt wanting us at home, I was caught unawares. I couldn’t tell anyone the truth about the reason why I so much want to stay.”
Nick did not reply but simply walked into Jonathan’s arms.
Jonathan sighed gladly at the contact of his warm body and the physical affirmation that his feelings were shared. “That’s much better,” he said.
While Nick was so close, he added, almost in his ear. “All day I have been puzzling over a way we could see each other again and I have a suggestion for you.”
“You do?” Nick said, turning to look at him with a hopeful gleam in his eye. Jonathan laughed, his mood suddenly light. At Nick’s proximity, he was tempted to kiss his lover, but with the rest of the party only being behind unlocked doors through which anyone could enter at any time, he did not dare.
“I do indeed,” he reiterated, content to cup Nick’s face, who tilted his head and kissed Jonathan’s open palm.
His heart suddenly beat faster.
“I was thinking, “he continued a trifle unsteadily, “that later, in January, once this gathering is over and if you are not needed by your father on the farm, you might visit me?”
The astonished and thankful look on Nick’s face was answer enough. “I think Pa could have no objection to that,’ he said slowly.
Jonathan added, “Mr. Grant mentioned that you might become a farm manager one day and as I
