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Cohen passed the letter over, and Richard read through the three pages. Twice. And then a third time. The words didn’t change around. It wasn’t a joke. Professor Ainsley really was asking if Richard would take a job with him.
That meant ... he could go on the expedition.
“Does ... does this mean …?”
“That you’d be able to go with him? Yes.” Cohen beamed. “Isn’t it marvellous? You’re being given a lifetime opportunity on a plate. You’d be a fool to pass it up.”
“You think I should go for it?”
“Of course! Why would you turn it down?”
Richard sighed and handed the letter back.
“It may increase my chances of going to Africa, but what about you? I don’t want to leave you behind.”
Cohen burst out laughing.
“Oh, stop it! You don’t need me to come with you!”
“We’ve been travelling together for four years. You’re the one who got my love of science going. And I’ve always looked to you for everything.” Richard swallowed. “I don’t know if I could go on this expedition and leave you here in England, especially as you want to come as well.”
“You don’t need to worry about me.” Cohen leaned over and clapped his hand on Richard’s shoulder. “It’s not going to be the end of the world. Sure, I’ll be sad that I won’t be able to come along, but the important thing is my student, who I am incredibly proud of, is being given an opportunity to go. And I want you to take that chance. It would mean the world to me to know that you’re going.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. Then I can go around and say that my favourite student is on the expedition to Africa.” Cohen patted his chest. “That will go down really well; I know it.”
Richard smiled.
“You’re not going to use it to flirt with women, are you?”
“Why not? I think it’s something to brag about.” Cohen sat back and crossed his legs at the ankle. “I think you should go for it. Professor Ainsley’s asked for you himself, so that is an honour. Don’t squander it.”
Richard didn’t plan to. If his tutor were happy with it, then he would do it. He put the letter back in the envelope and shoved it into his pocket.
“I’ll write to him as soon as we get back. But only if you’re certain.”
“Don’t keep asking. You know my answer.” Cohen waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe you could tell Miss Isabel about it. She would be delighted for you. God only knows how much good news she needs right now.”
“You mean with her father passing away?”
“You haven’t heard?”
Richard frowned.
“Heard what?”
“The new Viscount Dunley is planning to move in, and he’s forcing Miss Isabel and her mother out. They’ve got another week, at least, before they have to be gone.”
Richard stared at him.
“I ... I didn’t hear about this. Why didn’t Isabel say anything to me?”
“She was probably too upset to talk about it. I’m sure she’s been in shock all week.” Cohen shook his head sombrely. “I can’t imagine how it feels to be thrown out of your own house.”
“Couldn’t they stay there as well? Why do they have to move?”
“Because the new Lord Dunley wants the house. He doesn’t want his aunt and cousin there as well.”
