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candor was refreshing after months of the London scene.
    “You must take a botanist with you,” Sir Edward said.
    “I hadn’t planned to.”
    “But my dear fellow. Not only would one be able to help you locate the valley, he could identify the unknown flower and help you bring back a viable specimen. You must take a botanist.”
    James imagined having to slow his pace to allow some scientist to inspect every leaf and petal along the way. He shook his head. “I’m departing soon. I doubt I can find someone on such short notice. And besides, it isn’t necessary.”
    “Truly, I beg to differ. Will you be able to recognize a valley full of Orchis boryi when you see it? A purple flower, yes. But how tall? How many petals? What distinguishes it from half a dozen other purple flowers that grow in the area? Look.” Sir Edward returned to the map. “I can already tell you that the southern side of the river will be much more promising—here, where the mountains come sweeping in. That is where you will find your valley.”
    James met his host’s bright gaze. “Are you certain?”
    “Well, not as certain as I will be when I get there.”
    “Are you offering to accompany me?”
    “Are you inviting me to go?”
    James studied Sir Edward. Not a young man, but robust, the botanist appeared fit to take to the field—although traveling with another person, particularly one of a scientific bent, would mean more baggage, slower travel, more complications altogether. His plan had been to ride light with just a local guide.
    On the other hand, with the man’s expertise, he might actually find the valley. Not that James imagined himself master of Somergate as a result. Too many years had passed for the journals to still be intact. He wasn’t going to cling to a false expectation. Still, it was almost impossible not to reach for the slice of hope Sir Edward held out. If he were going all the way to Tunisia, he might as well do everything he could.
    “I need to depart within a fortnight. I doubt you could be ready in time.”
    “On the contrary! I am already preparing a foray to Italy. This trip will hardly take more by way of logistics. What do you think, Huntington? Will I do as your botanist?”
    James lifted his hand and let the map curl closed. It was not, after all, such a difficult decision to make. “I think you will—very well.”
    “Excellent!” Sir Edward clapped him on the shoulder. “We’d best get to work, then. Think of it—an undiscovered flower, an adventure into the wilds of North Africa. Simply splendid.”
    James grinned. His host’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the thought of having someone along to share the journey lifted his spirits. “How soon will you be able to leave?”
    “Two weeks should suffice. You must make arrangements to come stay here at Brookdale. We will coordinate our plans.” Sir Edward’s brows suddenly drew together. “Though there is one slight complication I failed to mention. A minor one, I assure you.”
    “Oh?”
    His host blew out a breath. “Well, it’s just that my family is expecting to accompany me. It wouldn’t do to leave them behind. They are all accustomed to travel—quite useful in the field.”
    “Your family? And just whom does that involve?”
    “My wife, of course. She takes care of most of the details of travel, you see. And my son Richard, and daughter Isabelle, couldn’t leave them behind, and Isabelle’s companion Mrs. Hodges, very reliable, and—”
    “Stop.” James held up his hand. “Your servants and dogs as well, no doubt. It won’t do, sir. I cannot be responsible for shepherding your family around North Africa—this is not some jaunt to Brighton.”
    Sir Edward drew himself up. “I believe you underestimate my family. They are accustomed to difficult travel. Why, only last year we went into the Pyrenees for five weeks. Quite off the beaten path. They have always accompanied me. If they are not allowed to come, I am forced to