Chapter 15

Gilbert didn’t have time to write a letter in advance to his family, so he packed his belongings and bid farewell to Clarke and Mrs Rose before beginning the trip home. 

“Come see me if you need a place to stay in the future,” Mrs Rose said as she hugged him tightly.

“You must write back about all the foreign women,” Clarke said. “And don’t let yourself be overworked by that crazy boss!”

“I won’t,” Gilbert said with a laugh. “I’ll be much too busy sightseeing.”

“Lucky bugger,” Clarke said with a grin. 

Gilbert boarded the train to Bourton with his suitcase, watching the scenery out the window as he wondered how different Paris would be to live in. When he arrived home, it was already evening. He knocked on the front door, which Charlotte answered.

“Gilbert!” she said with delight.

He returned her affectionate hug and t