Chapter 39

She gave my arm a slight shake. “He’s on his way to Africa. Warrick! Where are you going?”

I strode toward the door. “Is he sailing from Southampton? If I hurry, I’m sure I can catch up with him before he leaves.”

“Please don’t, Warrick.” She caught me before I could put a hand to the doorknob. “Haste was of the essence, and he won’t stop for anything. For anyone.”

If I hadn’t been in the presence of a lady, I’d have sworn. “That mysterious job of his in the government?” I asked, trying to lighten the heaviness that settled around my heart. I had been so counting on seeing him again.

His mother smiled wistfully and looped her arm through mine. “Do come in, dear boy, and have a spot of tea with me.” She urged me into the house. “You know he refuses to talk to anyone about that. Well, anyone other than Roddy.”