Chapter 13The next few days passed rapidly in preparation for their departure. Frank suggested that John Walker should remain in Berkshire to enjoy some weeks of respite with his family after all the recent strain and extra nursing duties. After a little persuasion, the valet agreed, adding as an aside that he wouldn’t trust anyone other than Joshua with his master’s welfare.
When they were finally on their way, passing Marlborough, Chippenham, and then Bath, it seemed to Joshua like a reverse of their trip to Berkshire, with Frank seeming more uplifted the closer they came to their destination.
But he wasn’t back to full strength, and after an evening meal at the inn, he was yawning. “No, no,” he said as Joshua made to rise from the table. “Finish your food and wine. I can valet for mys
