~Joanna
"I've decided to return to England," Adrian said, his voice low and heavy with emotion. "I've been offered a job, and place at Oxford, and I'm going to take it."
Mrs. Margaret's face fell, her hands trembling as she set her teacup down. "Oh, Adrian," she said, her voice quavering. "That's wonderful news, but I'm so sad you're leaving us."
Lanre's expression was also pained, but he tried to smile, reaching out to pat his cousin on the shoulder.
I stood up, my legs shaky and unsteady. "Excuse me," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to use the restroom. Mother, where is it?"
She looked up at me, her face filled with concern. "Oh, Joanna," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I'll have one of my staff show you the way."
I nodded, unable to speak, as a young maid ap
