Ah well. It hardly mattered. He’d be leaving again tomorrow and would spend this evening with his sister, so he didn’t have time to get to know her better anyway.

Still. He had a feeling those dark eyes wouldn’t leave his memory any time soon.

DID’s office door opened again at last, and Lady Hambro led the way out. She was, praise God, smiling. And even clasping Dot’s hand in her own. “That’s no matter at all, Miss Elton,” she was saying as they stepped into the bustle of the hall. “Many of our secretaries don’t know the first thing about typing when they begin. But I’ll turn you into an expert in no time. As long as you show up in the morning and determine to give your best while you’re here, we’ll get on well.”

Poor Dot. Her smile wavered even as she nodded. “Thank you, my lady. I’ll . . . I’ll not disappoint you.”

“Good.” With a brisk motion, Lady Hambro patted Dot’s arm and then released her. “I’ll let you enjoy your day with your brother. Just come in tomorrow at eight-thirty. That room there.” The lady indicated one along the corridor. “Ignore the sign and let yourself in. I’ll be waiting, and we’ll begin your training.”

Dot nodded. “I’ll be there.” She clamped her lips shut, but Drake knew well what had nearly slipped out. I promise. The assurance she always felt she had to tack on whenever she was telling him she’d do something like this.

Worry nibbled away at his relief. What if she couldn’t do it? He knew she’d manage it tomorrow . . . but the next day, and the next, and the next? What if instead of getting easier, it got harder?

Lady Hambro vanished into the room she’d pointed out, and for a moment, Dot just stood there, adrift in the sea of Wavy Navy men streaming by. He could see her struggling for control—her chest heaved with a few breaths, first uneven and then too even as she counted them in and out. In and out. Then, finally, she lifted her chin and looked around for him.

Drake waited until she spotted him before stepping forward. He wanted to help, to rush in to protect or shield as he’d always done when they were children. But he couldn’t do that now. It wouldn’t help her, ultimately. She had to learn to get along on her own.

Blast, but he wished Nelson hadn’t gotten himself killed at the Marne. Wished he hadn’t joined up at all. He should have just stayed at home, married Dot like they’d planned. Then his sister would have had a reason to remain in the house, matters to attend there. And Drake wouldn’t have to worry about her each and every day while he was off in Spain.