learnt almost as soon as he stepped into the room. Sir Arthur, a rotund and pleasant gentleman, got up at once and came to greet him enthusiastically, proclaiming to the entire group of gentlemen, “Now that our foreign adventurer is here, we may deem our party complete.”
Nigel nodded respectfully. “I was honoured to receive the invitation.”
He followed Sir Arthur to a seat by the fire, startled to find that he knew more than just Major Moorhouse in attendance. The major was engaged in conversation with a man Nigel had met very recently – Lord Reginald Waddington. The major looked up to acknowledge his presence with a smile, but Lord Waddington either didn’t know he was there, or refused to admit he had seen him.
Nigel’s attention was soon too necessary in the conversations at hand to allow him to further care about Lord Waddington’s presence. He had learnt over the years that powerful connections were important, but he had not realised how blessed he had been in that arena until Sir Arthur began pointing out the men from whom he’d heard Nigel’s name.
“And there was the service you did to old Chapman with the rearguard,” Sir Arthur was saying, speaking loudly enough that everyone else in the room could have heard if they wished to. “I was just talking to that lad outside the House of Lords the other day, and he says he delegated a useless unit to you in an attempt to pawn off a hopeless task, but you turned them all into soldiers before he could blink.”
“He exaggerates,” Nigel said quietly.
“I doubt it, for the man told me that if ever I needed a steady head for business, I was to come to you and ask your opinion. He told me that you showed very remarkable skill, that you’d saved some important lives over there, and that you deserved a hero’s welcome upon your return. Cornwall is proud to have you.”
Nigel’s jaw worked as he tried to maintain his calm. “All lives are important, sir,” he said quietly. “Not only the ones who have earned a place in the House of Lords.”
“Of course, of course – just what a hero would say,” Sir Arthur went on effusively. “Your actions have saved many powerful people, and I think that you could go far with that influence. What was it you were just saying to me, Major Moorhouse, about our dear captain here?”
Andrew threw a smile in Nigel’s direction that showed he understood how uncomfortable all this was for his friend. “I believe I told you the man deserved more than just a medal and recognition – he ought to receive a knighthood for the things he has done for his country. He would never tell you the half of it, humble lad that he is. But he’s more deserving than anyone for that honour.”
Nigel saw Reginald’s jaw work in annoyance. The older man dropped his eyes to his sherry glass and refused to look up in Nigel’s direction, even though the rest of the room was gazing at him. Andrew came over and took hold of Nigel’s arm. “Please,” he said to Sir Arthur. “You must excuse my friend. He is not one to take recognition.”
“He ought to get used to it,” Sir Arthur said cheerfully.
Andrew made another passing comment in jest and then pulled Nigel away from the party, stealing a few moments in silence with him. “I’m glad you came,” he said. “When I heard that you were sequestering yourself in Cornwall I had serious doubts about your future. How are you to make good connections in a backwater place like this? But then I heard of your proximity to Sir Arthur and I knew that I had found the solution to my conundrum.”
Nigel smiled. “I am not trying to make connections,” he said. “I only wanted to be near my father.” And Margaret, his heart teased.
Andrew rolled his eyes. “There you go again, making every attempt you can to downplay your own worth. Let me tell you, Nigel, I am a businessman and do not make bad investments. I have invested time and attention in you, and that is because I know a thing or two about returns. You must open up your mind a little to what you have to offer in society.”
“I do not like the attention,” Nigel said quietly. “I appreciate how kind you are to connect me with your friends, but I feel ridiculous receiving honours that should surely be due to