Chapter 2 #3
On the other hand, he would be working with this group of professors and students all summer. And a large part of him wanted to prove he could build a life with more in it than work and research. “That sounds nice. I’d like to go.”
Henry jumped to his feet with a grin. “Great. We’ll leave after breakfast so we have plenty of time to see as many of the amusements as possible. I hear they’ve expanded their offerings even more this summer.”
Miles bid Henry and the others good night as they left.
He remained at the shore a little longer, completing his drawing of the insects and taking a few notes on their behavior as the hour grew later and the temperature cooled.
Eventually, his stomach rumbled enough to convince him it was time to return to the Loftons’ house.
The trip required a walk across the peninsula to the resort dock, where Miles boarded a steamer that would take him straight to South Bass Island.
From there, he only had a short walk to Grace and Alexander’s summer home.
It was a bit more complicated than going between the science department and his lodgings at Cornell, but the beautiful scenery made up for it.
Plus, it was a nice change to live in a more comfortable environment than the student housing and rented rooms he’d occupied since coming to America.
Perhaps it was time to consider something more permanent after he finished his time at the laboratory.
Entering the lamplit house after the trip back, Miles gave his hat to the waiting butler as he strode through the foyer.
It was a grand structure, built with all the excess most of the island’s homes boasted.
But Grace had made it feel warmer and more welcoming than many similar mansions he’d experienced.
As he passed Alexander’s study, his friend called for him to stop in.
Miles dropped into one of the chairs across an expensive, gleaming desk from Alexander. The other man leaned back in his own chair and raised an eyebrow. “Good evening, Miles. Discover anything exciting about the bugs today?”
The comment was accompanied by a familiar teasing smile, but Miles didn’t need it to know Alexander wasn’t expressing interest in the research.
Not that he was being unkind either. They’d grown close during their years at Cornell due to running together on the track team, but their other pursuits couldn’t have been more different.
Alexander had returned to Cleveland to grow his father’s business ventures, while Miles…
well, he studied bugs. It didn’t sound like much, but it was what he loved.
And he’d never imagined he’d be free to pursue his passion.
“Nothing exciting, unfortunately. And you? Did you secure ownership of Standard Oil yet?”
They both grinned at the running joke they’d shared for years.
Neither had any interest in the other’s field of work, but that didn’t hinder their friendship.
It was one of the few solid parts of Miles’s life since the day his safe, sheltered world had been destroyed.
Being accused of murder at the age of sixteen tended to rattle one’s sense of security.
As if he could sense the direction of Miles’s thoughts without the entire story, Alexander sobered.
“Miles, I know you only came here for the summer to do your research program at the laboratory. But why are you so resistant to also enjoying yourself? More than a few ladies went home from the ball the other night disappointed because of your dismissal.”
Miles rubbed the back of his neck, which had grown hot.
He hadn’t behaved well. He could admit that.
But why did those women have to bother with him in the first place?
He was simply a scientist wanting to focus on his research.
“I’m not resistant to enjoying the time I’m here.
In fact, I’m going to join the other researchers and students at the Cedar Point resort tomorrow.
I’m certain it will be enjoyable. It’s only romance I’m not interested in at the moment. ”
Even as he said the words, they rang untrue, as had been happening quite a bit since that ball.
A vision of Miss Bryce materialized in his mind, the memory of the way she’d fit in his arms while they danced distracting him momentarily.
When he finally remembered where he was and shook it away, Alexander was watching him with one of his knowing smirks.
“Tell yourself whatever you’d like, but I think you’re more interested than you say.
And you won’t convince Grace otherwise either.
So you’d better prepare yourself to be the most sought-after bachelor of the summer. ”
Miles allowed himself a groan, which made Alexander laugh. It might not be in his plans to settle down right then, but Miles would make an effort to humor his kind hostess. Grace was a wonderful wife to his friend. The least he could do was be a polite guest and not embarrass her.
And if he happened to be able to spend more time with Miss Bryce in the process, he had to admit he wouldn’t mind that one bit.