“That’s definitely unusual. What does he want to do?”
“He’s in hotel management. He wants to buy a property and turn it into a hotel or bed and breakfast. He’s been working like crazy and saving up for years, so he can make a down payment after he graduates.”
“Well, your brother-in-law does hotels, right? He could help.”
“He could, but Peter won’t take that kind of help. He’d feel like he hadn’t earned it.”
“So he doesn’t want any investors at all? It’s pretty hard to run a business like that without accepting any financial help.”
“I know. He knows that too. I think he’d accept investors if it was really a business arrangement. He just doesn’t want help from his family or people he feels might be obligated to help him out. Don’t ask me to explain it, but he’s really serious about it. He only wants to succeed on his own merits.” Kelly sighed, thinking wistfully of Eden Manor and how perfect it had been for Peter. “We actually found a house that would make the best bed and breakfast, up in North Georgia. But he doesn’t think he can afford it, and he won’t let his parents or my brothers-in-law help him out with it.”
“Oh.” Etta looked thoughtful. “Maybe he can find another investor, one he wouldn’t feel was obligated.”
“Maybe. I hope so. He’s worked so hard, and I know he could make a success of it.” Kelly suddenly realized how much she’d been talking to this stranger. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to ramble on about him.”
“That’s okay,” Etta said with a knowing look. “I think it’s a pretty common thing to do about a new husband.”
Kelly was trying to think of something to say in response, when a very handsome man came striding into the room without warning. He was tall and fit with dark hair and lovely chocolate brown eyes. Although she’d never met him, Kelly recognized him immediately.
Harrison Damon. As if their conversation earlier had summoned him.
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” he asked, his eyes on Etta. “They’ve put the beer away, so I think it’s okay for you to come out.”
Kelly jerked in surprised and turned to look at the other woman.
Etta gave her a look of guilty amusement. “I’m sorry. I was very bad.”
Kelly looked from Etta to Harrison, who had sat down beside her and reached for her hand. They were obviously married. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I should have. I know. But it’s sometimes strange to go around announcing to the world that you’re married to a Damon.”
Harrison was smiling, although he looked slightly confused. “Were you pretending not to be trapped in this unfortunate marriage with me?”
“Yes. And she was talking about how great a guy you are and everything.”
He turned his eyes to Kelly and reached out a hand with a cultured civility that made her feel very special. “I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself before. I’m Harrison Damon. We haven’t met, have we?”
“No, we haven’t,” she said, shaking his hand. “But you really helped out Deanna with that contract. She still talks about it.”
Before she’d married Mitchell, Deanna had called in a favor with Benjamin Damon, and Harrison had come to Savannah to help negotiate the marriage contract. Back then, the Beauforts hadn’t been able to afford a few hours of a lawyer’s time.
A lot had changed since then. Occasionally, Kelly still missed the old days of her and sisters working together to make it in the world.
Harrison smiled, as if enlightened. “That was great fun. I can’t remember another contract I had such a good time negotiating.” He glanced back at the door into the ballroom. “Marriage has definitely improved her husband. I was just talking to him. I also met your husband. He helped me out with the beer. I was very impressed with him.”
Kelly somehow knew that Harrison didn’t give that kind of praise lightly, and she bloomed at the compliment, as much as if it had been given to her. “He really is great.”
“And did he tell you that he was going into the hotel business?” Etta asked.
“Is he?”
“Yes,” Etta said, before Kelly could reply. “He’s got a property in mind. He’s just looking for an investor.”
“Really.” Harrison’s eyes moved between his wife and Kelly’s face. Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card. “Tell him to call me.”
Kelly stared down at the card, flustered and excited both. “Thank you. I will. That’s so nice. I don’t know that he’d want it to be a Damon place, but—”