4
“Oh, I love Hardy,” cried Eddy, jumping off his chair and crossing to Richard with uncontained enthusiasm. He took the books and sifted through them, a broad grin splitting his face. “And Trollope! Richard, I never suspected you had such an interest in our literature.”
“Eddy, what are you doing here?” Richard retrieved the books, stacked them on the coffee table, and stood with hands on hips, frowning at his new friend.
“I wanted to apologise, Richard.”
“Apologise? About what?”
“My grandfather. Mama was so terribly upset after you’d gone. She felt that perhaps my grandfather’s rather curt manner would cause you to question the profitability of our burgeoning friendship. So,” he thrust out his right hand, “I hope you accept my apology.”
Richard, confused, took Eddy’s hand and shook
