He wouldn’t belong here. He had been dismissed, or would be soon. Irrational fear clutched him and held him so hard he had to walk outside. He stumbled through the rose garden, looking for the refuge of the small maze. The boxwoods had not grown tall enough yet to hide the paths. He’d always supposed he’d still be here when they grew taller. He’d forgotten his cane, and when he sat on the stone bench heavily, he immediately wondered how he would haul himself back up again. Something to worry about in two minutes. Now he must face his more distant future. Not a part of the family, not working for the estate. He swallowed hard and tried to recall the time he’d wanted to leave. Two years ago, he’d departed of his own will. That time, his uncle had flatly declared he could not easily spare Robbie, yet Robbie had gone. He’d tried to explain his ambition. Lenore and Gemma had cried, Phillip had grown grim, and, despite his guilt, Robbie had chosen to go to London.
