‘But of course,’ Sir Henry replied. Then, as the others tended to Rose, Sir Henry drew Jack to one side. ‘Forgive me for bringing this up again at such a delicate time, Jack. But, in light of your sister’s sad passing, have you by chance had any further thoughts as to my proposal?’

Jack was stunned by the insensitivity of his host’s request. Why would Sir Henry raise the matter again this evening, and at such a sorrowful time? Jack knew the answer, of course. He was now aware how desperate the impoverished Sir Henry was to secure a trading mission.

For his own part, having found out that Jess was dead, Jack had little left to bind him to England – and England no longer seemed bound to him. This past couple of weeks his homeland had at times felt more foreign to him than Japan.

Then he was struck by another thought too: How exactly am I going to survive in this country anyway? The money in his purse would soon run out. He needed a livelihood … and a new purpose. The only means he knew of making a living was as a pilot aboard a trading ship. So returning to Japan was the obvious solution … and perhaps a way he could escape his grief. More to the point, with the four deadly ninjas on their trail, it would be prudent to leave England behind. He already knew that Akiko and Yori would be glad to return home. So, with all things considered, the decision had been pretty much made for him.

Jack gave a deep sigh. ‘I accept your proposal,’ he announced.

‘Excellent!’ Sir Henry grinned and clapped him on the back. ‘You won’t regret it, Jack. And all that sea air will do you the world of good, help you get over your loss. Now if you will excuse me, I must return to my other guests downstairs.’ With that Sir Henry departed.

Akiko looked curiously at Jack. ‘Why is he so cheerful?’

Jack stared out of the bedroom window at the moonlit sky, its silvery light casting a sheen across the lawns. Shining bright in the heavens was Polaris, the great North Star that was the celestial reference point for navigation. ‘I’ve agreed to pilot his trading mission to the Japans,’ he told her.

Akiko’s eyes sparkled almost as bright as the North Star. ‘That’s wonderful! But …’ The sparkle faded and a sadness entered her voice. ‘You’ve fought so hard to get home, Jack. Are you sure you don’t want to stay?’

He rested his head against the cool lattice panes. ‘Now that Jess is forever lost to me, I have no reason to be here. I appreciate all you and Yori have done to help me find her. Your friendship and your loyalty have meant a great deal to me. But it’s time I took you both home …’