Page 13 of Loving Graystoke's Heir

“No, no.” Tamsin sat forward and leaned her forearms on the edge of the table. She took a quick look at the photograph as if it might give her strength and continued to speak. “If he doesn’t want to come back, that’s fine,” she fought down the rise of panic in her chest, “but the company is his birthright, his passion. His uncle would change things.”

“If his uncle is so interested in having him dead, why did he not come to look for him?”

“It’s not… It’s not about that. At least not all of it. I just need to know what happened to him. I need to know.”

He tapped the photo with his fingers, his eyes staring down at the tabletop before he nudged the photo toward her. “If you need to know if he is alive, I can tell you that he is.”

Once he said the words, he sat back and folded his arms across his chest.

Tamsin looked at Magheli for some clue about the situation, but all he did was shrug.

“But I need to see him and tell him what’s going on.” She fought the urge to let her voice rise in tone and intensity. She needed to keep some measure of control. “He needs to know.”

“I wonder,” he looked back at her with a slight tilt of his head and gestured toward Magheli at the side of the table. “Did he tell you that I am not one to meddle in the affairs of others. If your friend does not wish to be found, is it not best to honor his wishes?”

The words felt like a physical hit.

Was that what it was?

Would Donal resent her for bringing GEI back into his life?

She shook her head, reaching down into her well of strength for support. “If he doesn’t want to go back, he doesn’t have to. I don’t even need to tell his uncle if I find him.”

Magheli leaned forward with his elbows braced on the table. “Miss Ellery, are you sure-“

“Rather than take the chance that Donal would want to know what has been happening while he’s been gone, I want to find him so he can make a decision for himself.”

“And if he decides that he would rather stay,” Mzamo’s voice had become little more than a whisper, “would you try to change his mind?”

Tamsin struggled with the answer to his question. She mulled over the question and finally offered him an answer.

“I want him to be happy. If being here makes him happy, then that is all I need to know. But I can’t go back without knowing what he wants.” She fell into silence for a moment before explaining. “Or if he’s alive. If he’s not, then I need to know that too, so I can mourn his loss.”

“You really do care for him.”

She nodded. “He’s my… he was my best friend.”

“More than that,” the older man gestured for someone just out of sight, a younger man with an easy gait and sharp eyes. He listened intently to the older man and disappeared into the back of the home as quietly as he came. “Friends, yes. That is easy enough to see, but there is more reason for your search than just the welfare of a friend. You’re looking for answers.”

Apparently, Mzamo’s eyes missed nothing.

Smiling, she tried to set aside the odd feeling that she was revealing more than she had intended. “Of course. Aren’t we all?”

“I hope you will find them.” His tone and his expression were genuine.

She felt a deep gratitude toward the older man. “I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere.”

He nodded. “And to help you on your journey, I can give you one answer now. Your friend, he is alive, but if you find him, you will find him… much changed.”

Tamsin was shaken to the core. “Wait, what are you saying?”

It seemed that Mzamo was done with the subject for the moment. He looked at Magheli. “Take her to the Bandile camp tomorrow. From there, it will be up to her and to her… friend.”

Even with the flood of elation coursing through her veins, she didn’t miss the change in Magheli’s posture, or the spark of recognition in his eyes.

A silent communication passed between the two men before Mzamo stood and braced his hands on the tabletop. “Remember,” his voice was flat even though his gaze was heavy with meaning, “my daughter has made her decision. Abide by that and you will continue to be welcome here.” He addressed them both a moment later. “We will eat soon, and then you will stay here if you wish. It will make your journey easier.”

Stunned at his generosity, Tamsin barely managed to offer her thanks in Mzamo’s own tongue. “Ngiyabonga, Mzamo.”

---