"You have the advantage of me, sir," Tamara said. "I am, indeed, Tamara Swift. Perhaps you'll be so kind as to introduce yourself."
The old man paled and cast a glance downward. "My apologies, Miss. I'm not usually so rude. It's only that I came a long way to see you - you and your brother - and when I was told he was not at home I feared you were also not in residence. It is a great relief to see you.
"My name is Nichols, Miss. Dr. John Nichols, of Blackbriar, Herefordshire."
Tamara extended her hand and allowed him to take it. Dr. Nichols respectfully inclined his head.
"Pleased to meet you, Doctor. Though I gather by your manner and the abruptness of your appearance here that the circumstances of your visit are hardly pleasant."
The elderly man gazed at her a moment, as though he wanted desperately to reveal to her the pain in his heart but was ashamed to do so. Then he clasped his hands in front of him.
