What? But where is he going? It must have been quite an opportunity to convince him to leave you.

Now, darling, I know this is a blow, but I'm sure he shan't leave you completely in the lurch. You know he thinks very highly of you. He must have been terribly nervous to say anything. Of course, waiting only makes you more justifiably upset, whereas if he'd told you sooner you'd have had more time to prepare. But he's young to learn such things.

How soon must he go? Is there no way to convince him to stay? Even for a little while longer? Perhaps Christmas? By then you should be able to engage a suitable replacement.

By all means, go to the club; it will help. And don't go storming back to the St James' house, either - talk it over with Ari. He always helps you level your head over things. I'll see you tonight and we can discuss it more calmly at length.

Were you able to talk to Barty, at least, before all this came out?