Chapter 13
His mother’s diary confirmed Michael’s resolve not to spend any more time in that house. He packed his bag and went in search of his father, only to learn from Patience that William Claude and Stedman were gone for the day. “Do you think they’ll return tonight?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know, sir.”
Michael knew it would be pointless to wait. It wasn’t as if he and William Claude would have a heartfelt farewell. “Tell him goodbye for me. I’m leaving now.”
“And where will you be headed, sir?” Patience asked
Good question. But then an idea came to him. “If my father asks, tell him I’m going to Matsue, Japan. And that I’m bringing Cousin Lafcadio’s unpublished papers with me. I’ll return them to the library when I’m through studying them.” His expression turned wry. “Tell him I have
