It was his intention to buy or rent a larger building for the school and to hire an additional teacher, perhaps two. How much larger the new building should be would be determined by how many students they had currently and how much more room the teachers felt they needed.
The visit turned out to take much longer than Walter had anticipated. That was in large part because one of the teachers, in his enthusiasm at having Lord Bartlett visit, had arranged for his best students to play one or two of their best pieces for him.
It did not help matters that the students were just as eager to play as their teacher. Walter only convinced them to stop with the help of the other music teacher, by promising he would come again for the sole purpose of listening to them all play for him.
Finally, he was able to get the information he needed. By the time he had left, it was already surprisingly late in the afternoon. Deciding not to attempt to get any more work done that day, he went instead to Jackson’s boxing academy, recalling Henry mentioning he was usually to be found there at this time of day.
As he had hoped, Henry was indeed there, taking swings at one of the boxing bags. Having learned his lesson the last time he had visited, he did not even attempt to call out Henry’s name to get his attention, nor did he get too close.
Instead, seeing a small towel used to wipe off sweat, he picked it up and threw it at his friend, while calling out his name, “Henry!”
Henry jumped slightly when the towel landed on his shoulders. “Ah, so you have decided to drop by today. Are you here for a particular reason? Is there anything you feel the need to punch?”
“No, I have a couple of hours to pass before Mother expects me home for dinner, and I thought you might appreciate some company.”
Henry glanced between Walter and the punching bag before replying, “Well, if you will let me take a few more swings at this bag, I am all yours. What did you have in mind?”
“Perhaps we can go over to Huxley’s for a drink or two.”
“Alright, then, you know I am always up for something of that sort. Just give me a few more minutes.”
“I don’t mind waiting,” Walter replied and looked around the room.
Though he had been there a few times, he had never really taken the time to take a good look. So, while Henry was busy, he walked around the room and examined the different pictures that adorned the walls.
By the time he had been once around the room, Henry was ready to leave, and they went directly to Huxley’s and found a table. As soon as Walter had ordered them some drinks, Henry started the conversation.
“So, about that problem you had with that woman, how is that going?” he asked. “Have you decided to go for her after all? You certainly don’t seem to be as troubled as you were the last time we met.”
Walter rolled his eyes. “No, Henry, I told you I would never go after a married woman like that, and I haven’t changed my mind,” he replied.
“Humph. Your loss.”
“Actually … as it turns out, she is not married at all. She is not even engaged.”
Henry was obviously confused for a moment, but then he seemed to brush his puzzlement off. “So, you are going to court her, then? Do you still want her? Give me more details!”
Walter shook his head. Sometimes he wondered why he talked to Henry. Though undeniably easy to talk to, there was no doubt he was far from the best person to give advice. However, in this case, he did want to ask his opinion on Rowley…
“Alright. I will tell you all I know about the matter,” Walter said and leaned closer to Henry.
Henry, sensing there might be something of intrigue in what he was about to be told, leaned closer as well and said conspiratorially, “I am all ears.”
“So, I told you I heard the girl I loved was engaged and soon to be married, and that was why I left for France. Well, I learned she was not engaged at all, and that I left for nothing. I also learned I still love her...”
“And what are you going to do about it? Did you tell her the reason why you left?”
“I did tell her, but it didn’t help my case very much. Just now, she is far too angry at me to even consider me in that way. My mother told me what some of the rumors were after my sudden departure … but, nevertheless, I intend to find out if there is any hope for me.”
“That sounds like a good plan! And do you have any competition? I mean, you were gone for a couple of years. Has she met anyone who might stand in your way?”
“No,” Walter replied almost instantly, but then he reconsidered. “Well, her childhood friend is probably not going to want to let me get close to her again, but that is understandable.”
“Ooh, childhood friends can have sharp tongues! You should consider placating this friend of hers by getting her some flowers or something.”
Walter was mildly confused; his mind having wandered for a moment. “How would giving Miss Montgomery flowers placate her friend?” he asked.
Henry laughed at the misunderstanding. “No, no, no! I meant you should give the flowers to her friend!”
Walter rolled his eyes as he shook his head. “I don’t think Mr. Rowley would appreciate flowers the way you are implying.”
“Mr. Rowley, eh? So, this childhood friend of hers is a man?” Henry asked in what Walter felt was a strange tone of voice.
“Yes…”
“Hmm … and you say it was a rumor which caused you to leave … you wouldn’t know where the rumor started, by any chance, would you?”
He sighed. “No, unfortunately, I do not…”
“And you are certain it was not started by this Rowley fellow?”
“What?” Walter exclaimed and turned his full attention on his friend. “You think he could be the one who started the rumor? But he is her friend!”
“Is he married, or is there some other reason why he shouldn’t be a suspect?” Henry quickly countered.
“Well, no … but—”
“But what?”
He was not able to answer for a while. His mind took him back to the glare Rowley had directed at him after he had danced with Georgiana. Something had felt off about it, and Henry’s reasoning seemed a perfect fit.
“Ah, so there is a possibility he is jealous!” Henry sounded pleased he had successfully deduced it.
“Well, now you say it, at the ball we attended the other evening, there was a certain glare he directed at me that seemed particularly hostile…” Walter admitted.
“Ha! Well, I can almost guarantee you he was the culprit, then, starting the rumor so he could have her for himself.”