Catherine was not at home when a knock echoed from the door, and Rennold got to his feet in question. He was beginning to get used to the quiet of the country and less used to regularly receiving friends and acquaintances.
The face that greeted him was one he had not seen in years but recognized instantly.
"Norman Kimberley!" Rennold exclaimed. "A face I certainly did not expect but am delighted to see. You have grown even more since I last saw you. What brings you out here?"
"I am staying in Birmingham for a few days and heard you and Lady Catherine had moved to the country. I could not believe it!"
Rennold had not seen Norman Kimberly for a few years, but he forgot how young the man was, and though a few years does short work on a man of his age, youth still changes rapidly. He was looking more like his father—dark hair, small nose, brilliant blue eyes—and the thought of Norman's father tugged at Rennold's heartstrings. Lord Zachary Kimberly had been a close friend of his for half of Rennold's life, gifted in intelligence and more loyal than most Rennold had come across in both his youth and old age. He had been Rennold's best friend when he died; he and his wife had drowned by the docks in an accident that he had known was not true. Rennold did not want to dig deep into the story, not wanting to ruin his memories of his old friend, but he knew that Zachary and his wife began to be targeted by a black market operation, leaving Norman as an orphan at the age of 16. Rennold offered to take the boy into his care, but Zachary's will addressed other names he had never heard of to become Norman's godparents. Norman did not agree with the decision either, and Rennold had a hunch the boy would not stay with the strangers for long. Norman visited the man before he left the city, thanking him for standing by his father when people accused him of vile things.
"It's been too long," said Norman as he sat in a chair across from Rennold, who offered him a glass of liquor as he poured one for himself. "It's delightful to see you in such high spirits this evening. Was not sure how you had taken to the new environment."
"It's been a delight. But I have not ventured far beyond my estate aside from the trips to the city. Pray tell, what adventures have befallen you since last we crossed paths?"
"Lord Rennold, it's a pleasure to be in your company once again. I must say, I have been engrossed in the most exhilarating escapades. Just last week, I embarked on a hunting expedition in the Yorkshire countryside."
"How invigorating! I can almost envision the lush fields and sounds of hounds in pursuit. Did you manage to claim any remarkable trophies?"
"Indeed, I did, Roger. I took down a magnificent stag with a grand set of antlers. Its majestic presence will now grace the wall of my study, forever a testament to the thrill of the chase."
"Splendid! I can almost sense the air of triumph that surrounded you. I miss those days when I could keep up the energy for a chase. Getting too old to go on such extravaganzas. Tell me, what other diversions have occupied your time amidst the grandeur of the countryside?"
"Ah, the countryside! A veritable haven of respite, Roger. In addition to hunting, I found solace in engaging with the fine arts. I attended a mesmerizing performance at the Covent Garden Theater just a fortnight ago. The opera, 'La Traviata,' enraptured my senses and transported me to a world of unbridled passion and drama."
"It has been too long since I have attended the opera. A realm where emotions intertwine with artistry. I can only imagine the spellbinding melodies and the sheer brilliance of the performers. Tell me, did you find yourself lost in the melodies or perhaps captivated by a certain prima donna?"
"Indeed, Roger, the melodies stirred my soul and lingered long after the final curtain call. And as for the prima donna, her voice soared with such ethereal beauty that it seemed to defy mortal limitations. She possessed a rare talent, captivating the hearts of all who beheld her. Verily, it was an experience I shall cherish forever. And I have also found great joy in lively debates at the Athenaeum Club, where erudite minds converge to discuss matters of importance. The exchange of ideas and intellectual camaraderie provide a respite from the mundanity of everyday life."
"The Athenaeum Club! A bastion of knowledge and intellectual discourse. I used to attend such debates from time to time. The wealth of stimulating conversations that await you there, Norman. Such gatherings offer a haven for inquisitive minds seeking enlightenment and camaraderie. I am proud that you have decided to immerse yourself in such erudite company. Still so young, you have such a life ahead of you!"
A strange expression grew across Norman's face.
"Indeed, Roger, I consider myself blessed. I have created memorable moments, and made bonding friendships…but is that all that is needed to fill a life? Is it enough? Creating more and more memories, getting entwined in other lives, shouldn't I be happy?"
Rennold leaned forward with a creased expression. "You're troubling yourself with questions that don't have answers. My dear boy, I did not think you would be bothered by these thoughts. Usually, youth distracts us from those depressing thoughts, caught up in a race of energy that takes time to die down. But you ask: what do I need to be happy? Is happiness the purpose then?"
"No. At first, I thought so, but that is too simple an answer to such a big question. Yes, I was happy when I was on a hunt, or admiring excellent opera performances; I have made friends and acquaintances by the dozen, I have many in my life that care about me…but… something is missing. It's not enough. Oh, how tired you must be of listening to my wailing! I apologize, Lord Rennold, I did not mean to carry with me such a depressing mood!"
"Do not apologize, my boy. We won't get answers to these questions if we don't think about them in the first place."
"I've thought about ignorance as a sort of fulfilling happiness. Were you happy when you were a boy?"
"For a time. Before my mother passed."
"I was never happy as a boy, nothing would satisfy me, despite how spoiled I was. I did not appreciate what I had. I hate how severe a lesson I was taught. You lost one parent. I lost both, and it wasn't until I turned eighteen that I finally got my inheritance. I was expected to live with my vile aunt and my demented cousin."
Norman rubbed his tired eyes and a silence lingered in the room for a moment.
"I've been painting a lot," Rennold said suddenly. "I didn't think I'd keep going with it, I've gone through quite a few dry spells, but especially since I moved, the ideas keep coming. If you want to be happy, you have to know yourself. This idea seems simple, but most people live their entire lives without truly understanding themselves. Only then can you see what you need, what you want, what will make you happy—if, of course, you want happiness when you reach that point in your life."
"Choosing against happiness sounds masochistic."
"Sometimes there are other things in life that matter more."
"Have you had other company yet?" Norman asked, changing the subject. "I bet Lady Catherine would love to entertain. The delicate figurines, the fine carpets, and the curtains, it's a glorious home you should be proud of! Lady Catherine has such a good eye. There was one time she came to visit my aunt when I was in town, the old woman permitting me to house me for a few nights. Lady Catherine took one look at the dining room and could barely stand the sight of it! Nothing organized or arranged, nothing matching or set in complementary angles. It seemed to send a revulsion through her and she could not resist stepping in to change it. I don't know how much she spent on my aunt, but I imagine it was a significant sum. I'm not sure if she did it because she wanted to help my aunt or if she just wanted to change her surroundings into something she approved of."
"She has brought up the subject a few times," said Rennold, "but I keep putting it off, saying I'm still settling in. If I am being honest with you, my young friend, I was hoping some of those social urges would leave her after we moved out here."
"And maybe they will, with time. But I'm sure Lady Catherine would love to show her companions all the time and effort she had put into this place."
Rennold thought about the idea throughout the rest of the evening. They chatted on a little longer until Norman insisted he had to move along. He squeezed Rennold's hand as he stood in the doorway.
"I'll be in the city for a fortnight. In case you do end up giving into Lady Catherine's will and decide to take some more company."
Rennold nodded and said goodbye to the young man, watching him ride out of sight.