I was in my studio with Francesca working on her watercolour of Penny – who was already fidgeting – with the intention she should try it in enamel later, when Pearl came up to tell me Michael had arrived in response to my note. The girls seemed as excited to see him as Pearl was, though she tried to conceal it.
After kissing him on both cheeks and answering his questions about my health somewhat vaguely, I had a pressing question for him. ‘Have you already seen your Papa today?’
‘I haven’t. I’d planned to go on there after calling on you this morning.’
‘I should like to come with you. I’m rather anxious to know what progress is being made searching for–’ I glanced at the girls. ‘Our people.’
‘May we come, too?’ Penny asked excitedly.
Just then, Paolo’s cries could be heard echoing fro
