“Oh darling, I’m so sorry. I will never get the hang of this time difference.”
Prin lay on his pillows. “It’s all right, Nanny. How are you?”
“You must go back to sleep. Don’t worry about a silly old woman who can’t do math.”
Prin grinned. She was neither silly nor old. “It’s nice to hear your voice. How have you been?”
“Oh you know. The same as usual,” she said. “How about you?”
The careful way she was choosing her words meant there was a reason for her call.
“Tell me what is the matter.”
She chuckled. “You are very perceptive, Prin. You always have been.”
And she was maddeningly slow to get to the point. He hadn’t noticed this until he came to the United Kingdom. People’s abruptness had terrified him at first. Now he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Are you well, Nanny?”
“Yes. It’s nothing like that.”
Realisation dawned on him. There was only one other person that they shared in common.
“Is it to do with my uncle?” he asked.
His question was met by silence.
“Nanny?”
He heard her sigh all those miles away. “Yes, I’m afraid it is,” she said. “I did bump into your uncle the other day. Prin, he doesn’t look well.”
Prin wasn’t sure what to do with that information.
“Prin?”
“Yes, I’m here. I’m sorry to hear that, Nanny.”
His heart was racing. How unwell was she talking?
“Couldn’t you see your way for a visit?” she asked.
Prin squeezed his eyes shut. “I don’t think my uncle would be very pleased with that. He made his feelings clear last year, if you remember.”
“A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. I’m sure he’s missing you.”
“Did he say something to you?”
“Not in words as such. He’s a proud man. We both know that.”
As cryptic as ever. Yet there was an undertone to her voice that wasn’t lost on Prin. She had a will of steel when she wanted to. It appeared to be in full working order.
“I won’t be able to get away from work at the moment. I’m working on something very important,” Prin said. “After it is tied up, I promise I will take some leave. I have plenty.”
“That is wonderful news. Do you need me to wire you the money?”
“You know I don’t.”
“And how are things going there?”
