Fotherby reluctantly accepted the offer, and stayed that evening with the Portlands. The following morning he rose to find his own clothes washed and pressed, for which he was greatly pleased as his friend was as different to him in build as he could imagine. He walked quickly down the stairs but stopped as he was met by Chilvers who ushered him into the dining room where the two brothers sat across the table from one another.

“Thank you, Chilvers,” Portland began as he smiled at his friend. “I did not want you disappearing as you did last time.”

“Lieutenant Fotherby,” the young man across the table began. “I do not believe we have ever properly met, but I do believe I owe you both thanks and an apology. Perhaps more than one.”

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