“I am sure I do not know what I shall do with Miles when you are gone. He was so looking forward to having you with him.”

“Molly⁠—”

“And, indeed, it has come as a great disappointment to both of us to hear you talk of leaving. Won’t you think better of it?”

“Molly, you overwhelm me.⁠ ⁠… How can I remain here indefinitely?”

“If only you would! You don’t know how happy it would make us. I declare Miles will worry himself quite ill if you persist in being so unkind.”

“Oh, Molly, you rogue!”

She could not repress a smile, but checked it almost at once. “I mean it, Jack.”

“What! That Miles is worrying himself ill over me? Fie!”