“Good Lord, Bennett,” Cary mocked as he opened the door and admitted Christopher into the familiar parlor. “Late again? For your next birthday, I"m buying you a pocket watch.” This time he offered a glass of hot, spiced wine, perfect for a chilly evening.
“Sorry, Cary. I"ve been busy lately,” Christopher replied, cradling the warm beverage in his icy hands as he took his customary seat on the sofa. He had lost his gloves somewhere and was freezing. “Father and I are making several improvements to the machines at the cotton mill. We don’t dare risk another injury to one of our workers. Thank the Lord Mr. Smythe recovered quickly.”
Cary nodded.
“Where"s Colin tonight?” Christopher asked. While he liked Cary well enough in a group, he was not as close a friend as Colin, whom Christopher ha
