A more formal way of writing 'I needed to wait for'

[ColgateSmile]

Hi

Can someone please suggest a more formal way of writing the below (written in italics):

"Unfortunately, the partners have been away from the practice on holiday and I needed to wait for their return before getting back to you..."

Many thanks

 

[teechar]

I think what you have is sufficiently formal.

 

[tedmc]

Unfortunately, the partners have been away on holiday[STRIKE] from the practice [/STRIKE][STRIKE]on holiday [/STRIKE]and I needed to wait for their return before getting back to you.

This would be better I think.