Keith muttered. “Perhaps we should all depart. I assured my sister I would be present at her wedding and that is in eight days.”

“Then I shall return to Cornwall for a time.” Portland forced himself to smile as he looked at his two friends. “I must admit to having found a gentleman who wanted the house two weeks since, but I have been unable to part with it. Would you see to it, Fotherby? If Keith is to leave at once, then I shall stay until you have a mind to leave, but I cannot bear to be the one to relinquish the key.”

“I have four days until my exam, I shall leave on the fifth. But I shall be happy to convey the business for you.”

The following day Keith departed in order to reach his sister’s wedding in Scotland, wishing the other...

Please subscribe to keep reading.