“Well, at least tonight’s lecture is sold out,” said George, not wanting to dwell on the ever-present Mrs. Harrington.
“‘Sold’ would be the wrong word,” said Lee. “They refused to sign the contract unless we agreed to let students in gratis—not a word I’m comfortable with.”
“What about Baltimore and Philadelphia?” asked George, as the taxi swung off the main road and drove onto a campus George had always wanted to visit, but had never imagined he would be invited to lecture at.
“Sorry, old buddy,” said Lee between puffs, “but I had to cancel both, otherwise we might have lost what little dough we’ve made so far.”
“That bad?” said George.
“Worse. I’m afraid we’re gonna have to cut the tour short. In fact I’ve booked you onto the Saxonia, which sails outta New York on Monday.”
“But that means—”
“This’ll be your last lecture, George, so be sure to make it a good one.”
“So how much profit have we made?” asked George quietly.
“I can’t give you an exact figure at the moment,” said Lee as the taxi drew up outside the private residence of the President of Harvard. “There are one or two out-of-pocket expenses I still have to calculate.”
George thought about the letter that had arrived at The Holt the day before he sailed. Once Hinks learned that the tour had failed to make the anticipated profit, would George’s invitation to deliver the Society’s annual memorial lecture be withdrawn? Perhaps the best solution would be for George to decline the invitation, and save the Society unnecessary embarrassment.
“You’ve been avoiding the subject all evening,” said Ruth as she led Young through to the drawing room.
“But it was such a magnificent meal,” said Geoffrey, sitting down on the sofa. “And you’re such a wonderful hostess.”
“And you’re such an old flatterer, Geoffrey,” said Ruth as she passed him a cup of coffee. She sat down in the chair opposite him. “So, were you hoping to try to persuade me that George should reconsider leading the next expedition to the Himalaya? Because I’m not altogether convinced that’s what he really wants.”
“Are we telling each other the truth?” asked Geoffrey.
“Yes, of course,” said Ruth, looking a little surprised.
“When George wrote to me just before he sailed, he made it clear that, to quote him, he still wanted one more crack at his wildest dream.”
“But—” began Ruth.
“He also said that he wouldn’t consider leaving you again unless he had your complete support.”
“But he’s already told me that he wouldn’t go back again under any circumstances.”
“He also begged me not to let you know how he really felt. By telling you, I’ve betrayed his confidence.”
“Did he give you one good reason why he would want to put himself through all that again?” asked Ruth.
“Apart from the obvious one? If he were to succeed, just think about the extra income that would generate.”
“You know as well as I do, Geoffrey, that he didn’t do it for money.”
“It was you who reminded me that he’s anxious about his current financial predicament.”
Ruth didn’t speak for some time. “If I were to agree to lie to George about how I really feel,” she eventually said “—and it would be a lie, Geoffrey—you must promise me that this will be the last time.”
“It would have to be,” said Geoffrey. “If George were to take the job as director of the WEA, the board won’t want him to be disappearing for six months at a time. And frankly, my dear, he’ll be too old by the time the RGS considers mounting another expedition.”
“I just wish there was someone I could turn to for advice.”
“Why don’t you seek a second opinion from the one person who will understand exactly what you’re going through?”
“Who do you have in mind?” asked Ruth.