“I’m sorry for that too,” Henry said, his voice surprisingly steady. Practically speaking, he could see perfect wisdom in Paulina’s insight. And given what the rest of them didn’t know about the nature and current status of his relationship with Amala, he couldn’t deny that getting her away was probably best in many respects. But, oh, how he was going to miss her! He was grateful for the numbness that dulled his emotions and willed it to remain in place for as long as he was in the company of others. He couldn’t believe it! She’d been gone for days and he hadn’t even known. He wondered how it might have been if he had been given a chance to tell her good-bye, and he immediately knew it was far better that he’d not known. He likely would have caused a scene and only made things more difficult for both of them. It was surely better this way. But, oh, how he missed her!

Olivia and Kat arrived in their usual feminine flurry, creating a distraction from Henry’s dismal thoughts, but also making Amala’s absence all the more keenly felt. Henry managed to maintain an unaffected facade through lunch and into the afternoon, although he was asked more than once if he was all right.

“You just seem somewhat . . . distracted,” Kat commented.

“I’m fine,” he insisted, offering her a convincing smile. “I’ve just been very busy, that’s all. I confess I’ve been keeping late hours and likely need to catch up on my sleep.” The statement was certainly true, and Henry was glad when they seemed to accept it as sufficient explanation.

“It surely doesn’t seem right without Amala here,” Oliver commented, and Henry felt as if Oliver had read his mind.

“No, it certainly doesn’t,” Viola said.

“I miss her terribly,” Kat added. “I don’t remember what it’s like to not have her nearby almost constantly.”

The ensuing silence implied that Henry should also comment, so he simply said, “It’s just not the same without her.”

“Of course, we’re repeating the same sentiments several times a day,” Viola said. “I assume that with time we’ll become more accustomed to her absence. I only wish I had any idea how many months Paulina intended to keep her away from us.”

“Or years,” Kat said with chagrin, and Henry’s stomach tightened.

“We’ll all feel better when a letter arrives,” Oliver said in a tone that seemed meant to assuage the concerns of the women. “She promised to write often; I’m certain she’ll have something posted at the first possible opportunity.”