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AlsoavailablefromDianaPalmerandHQNBooks

Dangerous

Heartless

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HerKindofHero

Nora

BigSkyWinter

ManoftheHour

Trilby

Lawman

Lacy

HardToHandle

HeartofWinter

Outsider

NightFever

BeforeSunrise

Noelle

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DiamondSpur

TheTexasRanger

LordoftheDesert

TheCowboyandtheLady

MostWanted

FitforaKing

PaperRose

RageofPassion

OnceinParis

AftertheMusic

RoomfulofRoses

ChampagneGirl

PassionFlower

DiamondGirl

FriendsandLovers
Cattleman’sChoice

LadyLove

TheRawhideMan

DIANAPALMER

Magnolia

ToRussandCaroleMcIntirewithlove

Magnolia

Contents

1900

THESTREETSOFATLANTAWEREMUDDYFROMtherecentrain,andthepoorcarriage
horsesseemedlackinginspiritastheystrainedtopulltheirburdensalongPeachtreeStreet.Claire
Langwatchedthem,wishingshehadthemoneytohirearidebacktoherhome,agoodfivemiles
away.Thestupidbuggyhadhitarockandbrokenanaxle,addingtothefinancialworriesthathad
plaguedherformonths.WillLanghadbeensoimpatientforthemotorcarparthe’dorderedfrom
DetroitthatClairehadtakenthebuggyuptoAtlantatogetthesmallpartforherunclefromthe
railwayagent.Thebuggywasoldandinbadshape,but,insteadofwatchingtheroad,she’dbeen
lookingforearlysignsofautumninthegorgeousmapleandpoplartrees.

She’dhavetogettoherfriendKenny’sclothingstorethebestwayshecould—andthenhopethat

hecouldsparethetimetodriveherdowntoColbyville,whereherunclelived.Shelookedatthe
cakedmudonherhigh-toppedshoesandthefilthyhemofherskirtsandgrimaced.Thedress,navy
bluewithalacywhitebodiceandcollar,wasbrand-new.Hercloakandparasolhadprotectedtherest
ofherfromtherain,andherhathadshieldedherbrownhairinitsbun,butnoamountofliftinghad
sparedherskirts.ShecouldimaginewhatGertiewouldsayaboutthat!Shewasalwaysuntidy,
anyway,putteringaroundinheruncle’sshed,helpinghimkeephisnewmotorcarrunning.Nobody
elseinColbyvillehadoneoftheexoticmoderninventions.Infact,onlyahandfulofpeopleanywhere
inthecountryownedmotorcars,andmostoftheirswereelectricorsteam.UncleWill’sdevicewas
fueledbygasoline,whichhepurchasedfromthelocaldrugstore.

Motorcarsweresorarethatwhenonewentpast,peoplewouldrunoutontotheirporchesto

watch.Theywereobjectsofbothfascinationandfear,becausetheloudnoisetheymadespooked
horses.Butmostpeoplelookedatthemotorcarasafadthatwouldquicklydieout.Clairedidn’t.She
sawitasthefutureformoftransportation,andshewasthrilledtobeheruncle’smechanic.

Shesmiledwistfully.Howfortunateherlifehadbeensinceshe’dcomeheretolivewithher

uncle.Herparentshaddiedofcholeratenyearspast,leavingtheironlychildwithoutarelativeinthe
worldexceptUncleWill.Hewasabachelor,too,withonlyhisAfricanhousekeeper,Gertie,anda
handyman,Gertie’shusband,Harry,tohelprunthebighousewherehelived.Sinceshe’dgrownup,
Clairehaddonehershareofcookingandhousework,buthergreatestjoywashelpingtoworkon
thatautomobile!ItwasaspankingnewOldsmobilewithacurveddash,andjustlookingatitgaveher
goosebumps.AttheendoflastyearUncleWillhadordereditinMichigan;ithadbeenshippedby
railtoColbyvilleassoonasitwasbuilt.Likemostmotorcars,itoccasionallychokedandcoughed
andsmokedandrattled,andfromtimetotimeitsthinrubbertireswentflatontherough,deeply
rutteddirtroadsthatcircledColbyville.

Thetownspeoplehadprayedfordeliverancefromwhattheysaidhadtobeaninventionofthe

devil,andhorsestooktothefieldsasifdrivenbyghosts.Thetowncouncilhadpaidavisittoher
unclethedayafterhismotorcararrived:UncleWillhadsmiledtolerantlyandpromisedtokeepthe
elegantlittlevehicleoutofthewayofthecarriagetrade.Helovedhistoy,whichhadallbut

bankruptedhim,andhespentallhissparetimeworkingonit.Clairesharedhisfascination.He’d
finallygiveninandstoppedchasingheroutofthegaragesothatbitbybit,she’dlearnedabout
boilersandgearsandbearingsandsparkplugsandpistons.Nowsheknewalmostasmuchashe.Her
handswereslenderanddexterousandshewasn’tafraidoftheoccasional“bite”shegotwhenshe
touchedthewrongpartofthesmallcombustionengine.Theonerealdrawbackwasthegrease.In
ordertoworkproperly,thebearingshadtobecontinuallybathedingrease,whichgotoneverything
—includingClaire.

SuddenlyacarriageappearedonthestreetandClairewatcheditdrawnear.Whenitwasinfront

ofher,itwentthroughapuddle—splatteringmudalloverherskirts.Sheletoutagroanandlooked
soforlornthatthedriverstopped.

Thecarriagedooropenedandimpatientdarkeyesglaredoutather.“ForGod’ssake!Getin

beforeyou’reevenmoresoakedthanyoualreadyare,yousillychild!”

Thevoice,deepandfamiliar,hadthepowertoturnherheartover.Notthatheknew.Clairewas

carefultokeepherfeelingsforheruncle’sbankerveryclosetoherheart.

“Thankyou,Mr.Hawthorn,”sherepliedpolitely,smiling.Shetriedtomakealadylikeentrance

intohisnicecleancarriageasshefoldedtheparasolandhikedupherskirtstothetopofhershoes.
Butshetrippedoverthewethemandlandedinaheapontheseat,flushingbecauseJohnHawthorn
madehersonervous.

Verydignifiedinhisdark-vestedcitysuit,hemovedovertogiveherplentyofroom,then

rappedonthetopofthecarriagewithhiscane,signalinghisdrivertogoahead.“HonesttoPete,
Claire!Youattractmudlikeoatsattractahorse!”Helookedmildlyexasperatedashesurveyedthe
damage.“Ihavetogettothebankbyopeningtime,butI’llhavemydrivertakeyoudownto
Colbyville,”hesaid,hisdarkeyesnarrowinginhislean,handsomeface.Hehadaninnate
fastidiousness,almostacoldness,withmostwomen,asifheknewhewasattractivetothemandto
maintainhisdistance.IthadbeenthefirstthingthatdrewClaire’sattentiontohim,achallengetoa
woman’sego.Buthewasn’tcoldwithher.Healternatelyteasedandindulgedher,thewayhewoulda
veryyounggirl.Ithadn’tbotheredhersomuchtwoyearsago.Nowitdid.

She’dfirstbecomeacquaintedwithhimwhenhetookajobatthebankownedbyEliCalverson.

He’dalreadyworkedhiswayuptobeingaloanofficertheyearbeforetheSpanish-AmericanWar
brokeout,andJohn,withaneducatedguessastowhereCuban-Americanrelationsweregoing,had
leftthebankin1897toservebrieflyinthearmy.BecausehisearlyeducationhadbeenattheCitadel,
amilitarycollegeinSouthCarolina,hewasabletogoinwithanofficer ’scommission.

WoundedinCubain’98anddischarged,Johnreturnedtothebank,andClairereallygotto

knowhim.They’dbeenacquaintedforsomeyearsbecauseofheruncle,whohadmadeseveralsmall
investmentsthroughJohnandhadsecuredloansonthestrengthofthemtobuyland.Asshegotto
knowhim,herattractiongrew,butsherealizedthatitwouldtakemorethanherpleasantface,pale
grayeyes,andslenderyoungbodytointerestamanlikeJohn.

Hewasn’tmerelyhandsome,hewasintelligent.AftergraduatingfromtheprestigiousCitadelhe

wentontogetamaster ’sdegreeinbusinessfromHarvard.HewasvicepresidentofthePeachtree
CityBanknow,andrumorhaditthatthebank’spresident,EliCalverson,sincehehadnochildren,
hadhandpickedJohnashissuccessor.CertainlyJohn’sriseinthebankhadbeenarapidone.

ButgossiphadrunrampantlatelyabouttheelusiveJohnHawthornandthebeautifulDiane,the

newyoungwifeofthebank’smiddle-agedpresident.Atthirty-one,Johnwasinhisprimeanda
physicalspecimenothermenenvied.EliCalversonwasinhisfiftiesandnotparticularlyattractive.

Mrs.DianeCalversonwaspetite,blonde,andblue-eyed,withacomplexionlikecream.Shewas

cultured,wellbred,andsaidtoberelatedtomostoftheroyalhousesinEurope.Inshort,shewasany
man’sdream.SheandJohnhadalotmorethanthebankandtheirconnectiontoCalversonin

common.Twoyearsbefore,theyhadbeenengaged.

“You’reagentleman,Mr.Hawthorn,”Clairesaid,withreservedpoliteness,althoughhereyes

twinkledathim.

Thecornerofhismouthturnedupward.Obviously,hewasamused.
Hereyeswenttothecanehecarriedstrictlyforornamentation.Hewasfitandathletic,atennis

player,andsheknewfromthefewdancesherunclehadescortedhertothatJohncoulddancebetter
thanmostmen.Hesmelledofsomeexoticcologne.ItdriftedintoClaire’snostrilsandmadeherheart
race.Ifonlyhe’dnoticeher.Ifonly…!

Shestraightenedoutherwetskirts,frownedatthemudcakedonthem.Herlaced-upshoeswere

fullofit,too;itwouldtakehourswithascrubbrushtogetthemcleanagain.Oh,dear—andGertie
hadonlyjuststoppedfussingaboutthegreaseonClaire’swhiteshirtwaist!

“Youlookveryuntidy,”Johnremarkedgently.
Sheflushed,butherchinlifted.“Ifyou’dwalkedthreeblocksintheraininlongskirts,Isuppose

you’dlookuntidy,too.”

Hechuckled.“Godforbid.Itwasgreaselasttime,wasn’tit?”
Sheclearedherthroat.“UncleandIwerechangingtheoilinhisOldsmobile.”
“I’vesaiditbefore,Claire…that’snotfitworkforawoman.”
“Whynot?”
Hesighed.“Youruncleshouldspeaktoyou,”hesaid.“You’retwentyyearsold.Youneedproper

groundinginetiquetteandsociallifesothatyoucanbehavelikeaproperlady.”

“LikeMrs.Calverson,perhaps?”
Hisfacewasimpassive.“Hermannerscertainlyleavenothingtobedesired.”
“Indeedtheydonot,”sheagreedreadily.“I’msureMr.Calversonisveryproudofhiswife.”She

studiedherhands.“Andprobablyveryjealousofher.”

Hisheadturned.“Idon’tlikeinsinuations,”hesaidinadangerouslysofttone.“Areyou

presumingtolectureme?”

Shearchedherbrows.“Why,sir,nothingwasfurtherfrommymind.Imean,ifyouwishto

becomethesubjectofvilegossipandriskyourpositionatthebank,whoamItointerfere?”

Hisscowlwasintimidating.Imagininghe’doncelookedathistroopsinjustthatway,she

wouldn’thaveblamedasingleoneofhissoldersfordeserting.Hisvoicewasstillsoft,andmore
chillingforit,whenheasked,“Whatgossip?”

“PerhapsIshouldn’thavespoken,”shesaid,givinghimanervoussmile.“Youcanletmeout

here,ifyouplease.Ihavenodesiretobestrangledonthewayhome.”

Hedidlookangry,butheneverseemedtolosehistemper,especiallynotwithClaire.“Ihaven’t

givenanyonereasontogossip,”hesaid.

“Youdon’tconsideracandlelightsupper,alonewithamarriedwoman,scandalous?”
Helookedsurprised.“Wewerehardlyalone.Itwasathersister ’shouse,andhersisterwas

present.”

“Hersisterwasupstairsasleep.Theservantsknewitandtoldeveryoneelse’sservants

everythingtheysaw,”shetoldhimflatly.“It’sallovertown,John.Andifherhusbandhasn’theardit
yet,it’sonlyamatteroftimeuntilhedoes.”

Hemadearoughsoundunderhisbreath.He’dbeencarelessinhisobsessivedesiretobealone

again—justonce—withDiane.HermarriagetoCalversonhadbeenanactofvengeance—whenhe’d
refusedtoaskhispeopleforalargeadvanceonhisinheritanceforanelegantweddingandan
expensivehoneymoon.He’djoinedthearmybythenandwascertainthathewouldseeaction.She’d
promisedtowait…but,withintwomonthsofhishavingbeeninCuba,Dianeapparentlyhadfound
Calversontoohandy,toorich,andtoooldnottodragtothealtar.

JohncamefromoldmoneyinSavannah,andhestoodtoinheritmillions.Butherefusedtoask

forapennyofit,preferringtomakehisownliving.Hewasdoingthatnow,thankstohissalaryand
somesmallinvestments.Calverson’ssupporthadgivenhimanedge,althoughheknewhisfamily
backgroundandhisHarvardbusinessdegreehadhelpedinfluencethemaninhisfavor.LosingDiane
hadchangedJohn,hadmadehimcold.Nowhermarriageoflessthantwoyearsseemedtobein
trouble.She’dbeseechedJohntocometohersister ’shouseforamealsothatshecouldaskhimfor
help.Howcouldhehaverefused,evenwiththeriskofscandal?Buttheurgencyofthesituation
seemedlesseneduponhisarrival,becausewhateverhermotiveshadbeenininvitinghim,she’dtold
himnothing.Leastofalldidsheaskforanysortofhelp.Shehadonlysaidthatsheregrettedher
marriageandthatshestillhadatendernessforhim.Butnowthey’dcausedthisterriblegossipthat
wouldthreatenhergoodname,aswellashis.

“Areyoulisteningtome?”Clairepersisted,dragginghimbacktothepresent.“Itisn’tjustyour

reputationyou’rerisking,it’sMr.Calverson’sandhers—andeventhebank’s.”

Hegaveherahardlook.“I’mnotriskinganyone’sreputation.ButIcan’tthinkhowthis

problem,ifitisaproblem,hasanythingtodowithyou,Claire,”heremarkedcoolly.

“That’strue,”shehadtoadmit.“Butyou’remyuncle’sfriendaswellashisbanker.Inaway,

you’remyfriend,too.Iwouldhatetoseeyourreputationcompromised.”

“Wouldyou,really?Why?”
Sheflushedandavertedherface.
Heleanedback,watchingherwithfaintaffectionandtouchedbyherconcern.“Doyouhavea

secretregardforme,Claire?Atendresse?”Heteasedhersoftly.“Howveryexciting!”

Theflushgrewmuchworse.ShewatchedfeverishlyasthefamiliarGothiclinesofthebank

camecloser.Hewouldgetoutofthecarriage—andshewouldbealonewithherembarrassment.
Why,oh,why,hadsheopenedhermouth?

Hesawhergrippingherpursewithbothhands.Whilehedislikedherintrusionintohisprivacy,

shewasjustasweetchildwhoseobservationsshouldn’tupsethim.Heindulgedhermorethanany
womanhe’deverknown.He’dhavethrownamanoutofhiscarriageforlessthanwhatshe’djust
saidtohim.Butshehadakindheartandshecaredabouthim.Itwasdifficulttobeangryaboutthat.
Shekindledprotectivefeelingsinhim,too.

Ifithadn’tbeenforDiane,hecouldwellhavecherishedthischild.Heleanedcloserasthe

carriagebegantoslowdown.“Well,Claire,”hepersistedinadeepdrawl,“areyoubesiegedwith
tenderfeelingsforme?”

“TheonlyfeelingIhaverightnowisaconsumingdesiretolayanironpipeacrossyourskull,”

shesaidunderherbreath.

“MissLang!”hesaidwithmockoutrage,andmadeitworsebychuckling.
Sheturnedandglaredathim,hergrayeyessparklingwithtemper.“Ridiculeme,then.Youmake

meashamedthatIwaseverworriedforyou,”shesaidflatly.“Ruinyourlife,sir.Iwillneverconcern
myselfwithitagain.”

Shebangedagainsttheceilingwiththehandleofherparasolandwasoutofthecarriagebefore

hecoulddoanythingmorethancallhername.

Shefumbledtheparasolopenandgotontothewoodensidewalk,whichwasarelieffromthe

mud,atleast.Infrontofthebank,whichwasabouttoopen,shespottedKennyBlake,afriendofhers
fromschooldays,andrantogreethim.

“Oh,Kenny!ThankgoodnessIfoundyou!Canyougivemearidehome?Ourbuggy’saxle

broke.”

“You’renothurt?”heasked.
Sheshookherhead.“Justalittleshaken,that’sall.”Shelaughed.“Fortunately,itwasverynear

theblacksmith’sshopandtheliverystable.Iwasabletogethelp,buttheyweresocrowdedthat
nobodycouldsparethetimetodrivemehome.”

“Youcouldhavehiredacoach.”
Sheshookherheadwitharuefulsmile.“Ihaven’tanymoney,”shesaidhonestly.“Unclespent

thelastlittlebitwehadonnewsparkplugsforthemotorcar,anduntilhispensioncomes,wehaveto
beverycareful.”

“Icanmakeyoualoan,”heoffered.Andhecouldhave,becauseKennyhadaverygoodjob

managingamen’sclothingshopintown.

“No,youcan’t.Justgivemearide.”
Hegrinned,andhisplainfacelitup.Hewasmediumheight,blond,blue-eyed,andveryshy.But

heandClairegotalongwell,andhewasn’tshywithher.Shebroughtoutallthebestinhim.

“WaituntilIfinishmybusinessinhere,andIcertainlyshall,”heassuredher.
Sheletgoofhisarm,feelingcoldeyesonherback.SheglancedaroundatJohnHawthorninhis

expensivesuitandbowlerhat,hissilver-headedcaneinonehandasheleanedelegantlyonitslength
andwaitedforMr.Calversontounlockthedoorfromtheinside.Calversontrustednooneexcept
himselfwiththatkey.Hewasverypossessiveaboutthingsheowned—somethingthatJohnwould
havedonewelltohaveremembered,Clairethought.

Atthestrokeofnine,Mr.Calversonopenedthehugeoakdoorsandstoodasidetolettheothers

enter.Hiseyeswereonhisgoldpocketwatch,whichwassuspendedfromathickgold-linkchain.He
noddedasheclosedthecaseandstuckitbackinthewatchpocketofhisvest.Helookedrather
comicaltoClaire,theshort,stoutlittlemanwithhisflowingblond-and-silvermustacheandhisbald
head.Shereallycouldn’timagineanywomanfindinghimattractive,muchlessabeautylikeDiane.
Butthen,onlyJohnthoughtshe’dmarriedoldmanCalversonforlove.EveryoneelseinAtlantaknew
thatDianehadexpensivetastes—andthatherfamily’sruinedfortuneshadlefther,attheageof
twenty-two,withnotangibleassetssaveherbeauty.Shehadtomarrywelltokeephersistersandher
motherinfancyclothesandinsurethattheelegantmansiononPoncedeLeónkeptrunningsmoothly.
ButMr.Calversonhadmoremoneythanshecouldeverspend.Sowhywassheriskingitallfora
flingwithheroldflameJohn?

“Thebankisn’tintrouble,isit?”sheaskedwhensheandKennywereinhisbuggyonthewayto

Claire’shome.

“What?Why,certainlynot,”hesaid,shocked.“Whydoyouask?”
Sheshrugged.“Noreason.Ijustwonderedifitwassolvent,that’sall.”
“Mr.Calversonhasmanageditquitewellsincehecamehereafewyearspast,”heremindedher.

“He’sprosperous…anyonecanseethat.”

Soheseemedtobe.Butitwasalittlestrangethatamanwhocamefromfarmingstockshould

amasssuchafortuneinsoshortatime.Ofcourse,hedidhaveaccesstoinvestmentadvice,andhe
foreclosedonlandandhousesandsuch.

“OurMr.Hawthornwasglaringatyou,”Kennyremarked.
“Hegavemearideandinsultedme.”
Hishandsjerkedonthereinsandthehorseprotestedloudly.“Ishallspeaktohim!”
“No,Kenny,dear.Notthatsortofinsult.Mr.Hawthornwouldn’tsoilhishandsbyputtingthem

onme.Imeantthatwehadasortofdisagreement,that’sall.”

“Aboutwhat?”
“I’mnotatlibertytodiscussit,”shesaidstiffly.
“Well,it’snothardtoguessaboutwhat,”heremarked.“Everyoneknowshe’spantingafterthe

bankpresident’swife.You’dthinkthemanwouldhavemorepride.”

“Peopleinloveseemtoloseitrathereasily,andshewasengagedtohimbeforeshemarriedMr.

Calverson.”

“Ifshe’sriskingherlittlenesttoseeJohnbehindherhusband’sback,maybethereissomeworry

aboutmoney,”heremarked.“Thatyoungwomandoesn’tmissastep.”

“IfJohnlovesher…”
“AscandalwouldruinhiminAtlanta.Nottomentionhergoodname.Herpeoplewerealways

mercenary,buttherewasneverabreathofscandalaboutthem.”

SherememberedJohncominghomewoundedtofindDianecomfortablymarried.Johnhad

beeninaterriblestateatthetime,stoicandunapproachableinhisrecovery.Clairehadgonewith
UncleWilltoseehiminthehospital,havingheardthegossipabouthisbadlybrokenengagement.At
eighteen,Clairehadfeltthefirststirringsofloveforthewoundedsoldierwhoborehispainwith
suchcourageandhadevenwonamedalforbravery.

“Itmustbeterribletolosesomeoneyoulovethatmuch,”sheremarked,andthoughtofherself,

becauseshe’dlovedJohnforalmosttwoyears…

“There’sacircuscomingtotownverysoon,”Kennysaid.“Wouldyoucaretogowithmetosee

itonSaturday?”

Shesmiled.“Ishouldlikethatverymuch,Kenny.”
“I’llaskyouruncleforhispermission,”hesaid,beaming.
Shedidn’ttellhimthatherunclewasmuchtoomodernforsuchthings,orthatshedidn’tfeel

thatsheneededpermissiontodowhatsheliked.Kennywasniceanduncomplicated,andhetookher
mindoffJohn.Anythingthatcouldaccomplishthatmadethedayworthwhile.

NCLE

ILLJUSTHAD

finishedfixingaleakyradiator.KennysaidhispieceandleftwhileClairewas

changingintoacleanskirtandblouseandshoes.Grimacing,shegavethedresstoGertie.

Gertiesighed.“MissClaire,youhaveagiftforsoilingclothes,”sheremarked,atwinkleinher

eyes.

“Idotrytostayclean,”shetoldtheolderwoman.“It’ssimplythatfateisaftermewithabroom.”
Gertiechuckled.“Itseemsso.I’lldowhatIcanwiththis.Oh,andIwon’tbehereonSunday.I’m

goingtomeetmyfatheratthestationandgowithhimtoafamilyreunion.”

“Howishe?”GordonMillsJacksonwasafamousAfricantrialattorneyinChicagoandvery

wellrespected.

“He’saswickedanddeviousasever,”Gertiesaid,laughing.“AndmybrotherandIarevery,

veryproudofhim.Hefaceddownalynchmobafewmonthsagoandrescuedafarmlaborerfroma
rope.Themanwasinnocent,andDaddydefendedhimsuccessfully.”

“He’llbeaSupremeCourtjudgeoneday,”Clairepredicted.
“Wehopeso.CanyoumanagebyyourselfonSundayorwouldyoulikemetoseeifIcanfind

someonetocookforyouthatday?”

“I’lldoitmyself.Youtaughtmehowtomakechickenanddumplings,afterall,andI’mnotso

squeamishthatIcan’tkillthechicken.”

Gertielookeddubious.“Supposeyouletyouruncledothatpartforyou.He’smuchfasterthan

youare.”

“Well,Ihavetoeaseuptodoingit,”shesaid,defendingherprocrastination.
“Hedoesn’t.You’llspendenoughtimedressingitfittocook.”
“You’reright,Isuppose.”
“I’llhavesomethingonthetableinacoupleofhoursforlunch.Noguests?”
Claireshookherhead.“Kennyhadtogettowork.ItwillonlybeUncleandme.”

AsClairewalkedtowardtheworkshop,shecalled,“I’mback.Needanyhelp?”
Heruncleleanedoutfromunderthefrontofthecar.“Hallelujah!You’rejustintime!Ihadtofix

aleakintheradiator.Handmeawrenchandthosehoses,andthenbringmethosenewsparkplugs!”

TTOOKABOUTTWOHOURS

togetthenewpartinplace,theplugsin,thegapsset,andthetimingjust

right.Herunclehadtotakeoneofthemoutandworrywithituntilitfitproperly,butjustbefore
lunchtimetheenginewasrunningprettily.

“Itworks!You’vegotitgoing!”sheexclaimed.
Hestoodup,hiswhitehairdarkenedwithgreasefromhisbighands,ahugesmileunderhis

thicksilvermustache.“Bygolly,Isurehave!Thankstoyou,girl!Itwasagreatdayformewhenyou
cametostay.IhadnoideawhatamechanicI’dmakeofyou.”

Shecurtsied,ignoringthegreasespotsonherformerlypristineblouseandherface.“Thank

you.”

“Don’tletyourheadgettoobig,though.Youdidn’treplacethelastscrewintheboilerwhenyou

putitback.”

Shegroaned.“IgotinterruptedbyGertie.”
“That’sright,”Gertiecalledfromtheporch.“Blameitonme.”
“Don’teavesdrop,”Clairecalledback.
“StoptalkingaboutmeandIwon’t.Lunchisready.”
Gertiewentbackintothehouse,andClaireshookherhead.“Uncanny,isn’tit—howshealways

knowswhenI’mblamingherforsome—”

Herunclebrokein.“Let’sgoforaspin.”
“It’spouringrain.Besides,Gertie’sgotfoodonthetable.”
Hesighedangrily.“Justmyluck,darnit!WhenI’vegotitrunningright!Whydon’ttheymake

topsformotorcars?”

FTERTHEYATE,THETWOOFTHEM

satintheparlorwhiletherainbeatdownoutside.

“WhydidKennybringyouhome?”heaskedsuddenly.“Where’sthebuggy?”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“ThehorsetookitoverarockIdidn’tseeandbustedtheaxle.Now,

now.Itwon’tcostsomuchtohaveitreplaced…”

Heruncle’shuskyshouldersslumped.“Oh,dear.Oh,dear,dear,”hemurmured.“AndI’vespent

thelastmoneywehadtobuythatnewmotorcarpart,haven’tI?”Helookedup.“Why,Claire!Ihavea
thought—wecansellthehorseandbuggynow,”heexclaimed.“Wehaveahorselesscarriagethat
runs!”

Shegrinned.“Sowedo.”
Heletoutasigh.“Gasolineisverycheapatthedruggist’s,soitwon’tbeexpensivetorunit.And

theextramoneywillpayoffthelastbigmortgageI’vehadtotakeoutonthehouse.”Hisface
assumedablissfulexpression.“Ourtroublesareover,mydear.They’requite—”Hestopped.His
faceseemedanoddgraycolorandheclutchedhisleftarm.Helaughedshortly.“Why,howveryodd
thisfeels.Myarmhasgonenumb,andIhaveaveryhardpaininmy—inmy—inmythroa…”

Helookedatherasifhewasseeingrightthroughherandsuddenlypitchedforward,rightonto

therug.

Clairerantohim,herhandstrembling,hereyeshugeandtragic.Sherealizedatoncethatthis

wassomethingmorethanafaint.Hewaslyingsostill,notbreathing,andhisskinhadgoneaghastly

graycolor.Butworstofall,hiseyeswereopenandthepupilswerefixedanddilated.Claire,whohad
watchedpetdogsandcatsandchickensdieovertheyears,knewtoowellwhatthatmeant…

INTHESPACEOFTWOHOURS,CLAIRE’SLIFEchangedforever.Heruncleneverregained
consciousness.Herfrantictelephonecallfromaneighbor ’shousetothedoctorbroughtthefamily
physicianwithinminutes.

“I’mverysorry,Claire,”Dr.Houstonsaidsoftly,withapaternalarmaroundhershoulder.“But

atleastitwasquick.Heneverknewathing.”

Clairestaredathimwithdulleyes.
“Gertie,bringasheet,please,andcoverhim,”heaskedthehousekeeper,whowasquietand

solemn.

Shenoddedandwentaway,returningquicklywithaspotlesswhitesheet.Fightingtears,sheput

itlovinglyoverWill.

Thatmadeitallfinalsomehow,andClairefelthereyeswellingwithtears.Shebrushedatthem

asshebegantosob.“Buthewassohealthy,”shewhispered.“Therewasneveranythingwrongwith
him.Heneverevenhadacold.”

“Sometimesithappenslikethis,”thedoctorsaid.“Child,doyouhavefamily?Isthereanyone

wecangettocomeandhelpyousortouttheestate?”

Shelookedathimblankly.“Weonlyhadeach—eachother,”shesaid,faltering.“Henever

married,andhewasmyfather ’sonlylivingsibling.Mymother ’speoplearealldead,aswell.”

HeglancedatGertie.“YouandHarrywillbehere,won’tyou?”
“Ofcourse,”Gertiesaid,comingforwardtoputherarmsaroundClaire.“We’lllookafterher.”
“Iknowyouwill.”
Hefilledoutthedeathcertificate,and,bythetimehefinished,thecoronercameandahorse-

drawnambulancetookthebodytothemortuary.ItwasonlythenthatClairerealizedherposition.The
doctorandthefuneralhomewouldhavetobepaid.Thesaleofthebuggyandhorsewouldbarely
coverit.Thehousewasmortgaged;thebankwouldsurelyforeclose.

Shesatdownheavilyontheloveseatandclenchedahandkerchiefinherhand.Herbelovedonly

relativewasgone;shewassoontobepenniless—andhomeless.Whatcouldshedo?Shetriedtocalm
herself;afterall,shehadtwoskills—sewingclothesandrepairingmotorcars.Shedesignedandmade
gownsforrichsocietymatronsinAtlanta.Thatshecoulddo,buttherewasn’tamotorcarinnearby
Atlanta,soworkingonthemwasnosolution.

Arenewedwaveofpaniclefthermomentarilyintears.ButtheysoonweredriedbyGertie,who

remindedherthatshehadfewequalswithaneedleandthreadandthefineSingertreadlesewing
machineinthebedroom.Clairemadeallherownclothes,designsofherowncreationthatmost
peoplethoughtwerestore-boughtbecausetheyweresorichlyandlavishlyembroideredandlaced.

“MissClaire,youcouldworkasaseamstressanytime,”Gertieassuredher.“Why,Mrs.Banning

downonPeachtreeStreetcan’tmakeclothesfastenoughtomeetthedemand.Ibetshe’dhireyouina
secondtoworkforher.SaidshethoughtyourprettybluesuitwasaParisfashion,shedid!Andshe
knowsyousewforMrs.EvelynPaine.”

ThatmadeClairefeelalittlebitbetter.But,still,theprospectofajobandanincomewasonly

that—aprospect.Shewasafraidofthefuture,andtryinghardnottoletitshow.

Barelyanhourlater,peoplewhoknewandlovedUncleWillbeganfillingthehouse.Claire’s

prideandself-controlweresorelytestedwithcondolenceaftercondolence.Womenbroughtplatters
offoodanddesserts,andjugsoficedtea,andurnsofcoffee.Everythingwastakencareofinthe
kitchen,withGertie’ssupervision.KennyBlakecameearlyandwouldhavestayed,butClaireknew
hisbusinessdependedonthepersonalservicehegavehiscustomers.Heneededtokeephisshop
openforlonghours,too.Shepromisedshewouldbeallrightandsenthimbacktowork.Theycame
alldayandintotheevening,untilatlastafamiliarbutunwelcomefaceshoweditselfatthedoor.

Claire’seyeswereredwithtearsassheletthebankpresident,Mr.EliCalverson,andhis

beautifullydressedandcoiffedblondewifeintothehouse.

“We’resosorry,mydear,”DianeCalversonsaidinherculturedvoice,extendingagraceful

handinaspotlesswhiteglove.“Whataterribletragedyforyou,andhowunexpected.Wecamethe
momentweheard.”

“Don’tworryaboutathing,younglady,”Mr.Calversonadded,pressingherhandsinhis.“We’ll

makesurethehouseissoldforthehighestpossibleprice,sothattherewillbealittlesomethingleft
overforyou.”

Clairewasn’teventhinkingproperlyasshestaredattheoldman,whohadthecoldesteyesshe’d

everseen.

“Andhedidhavethatinfernalmotorcar,aswell,”thebankercontinued.“Maybewecouldfind

somebuyerforit…”

“Iwon’tsellit,”shesaidatonce.“Thebuggyandthehorseareattheliverystableandtheycan

besold,butIwon’tpartwithUncle’shorselesscarriage.”

“It’searlydaysyet,mydear,”Mr.Calversonsaidsmugly.“You’llchangeyourmind.Diane,

haveachatwithMissLangwhileIspeaktoSandersoverthere.Ibelievehe’shadhiseyeonthis
propertyforquitesometime.”

“Nowjustonemoment—”Clairebegan,butthebankerhadalreadywalkedaway.
“Don’tworryyourheadaboutit,dear,”Dianesaidlanguidly.“Leavebusinesstothemen.We

womenwerenevermeantforsuchcomplicatedthingsasthat.”Shelookedaround.“Youpoorthing.
Whatadrearyplace.Andyouhaven’tevenadecentdresstowear,haveyou?”sheaskedgently.

Clairehadbeentooupsettochangetheolddressshe’dworntoworkwithUncleinthegarage.

Still,shebristledatthewoman’sremark.ShehaddressesupstairsthatwouldhavemadeMrs.
Calverson’sParisimportlooktackybycomparison.“Myunclehadjustdied,Mrs.Calverson.Clothes
werenotmuchonmymind,”Clairesaid.

Dianeshookherhead.“Nothingismoreimportanttomethantobecorrectlydressed,whatever

theoccasion.Really,Claire.Youshouldgoandchangebeforeotherpeoplecome.”

Clairegapedather.“Myunclediedonlyhoursago,”sherepeated,loudenoughforhervoiceto

carry.“Ihardlythinkmyclothesmatterjustnow.”

Dianeactuallyblushedasheadsturnedtowardher.Shemadeanawkwardlittlegestureand

laughednervously.“Why,Claire.Youmisunderstoodme.Inevermeanttodemeanyourensemble.
Andcertainlynotonsuchasadoccasion.”

“Ofcourseyoudidn’t,”Johnsaidquietly,joiningDianeatClaire’sside.Clairehadn’teven

noticedhisarrivalandherheartjoltedatthesightofhim,eventhroughhergrief.

HetookDiane’sarm,staringdownwithconcernatClaire.“I’mverysorryaboutyouruncle,

Claire,”hesaidgently.“I’msurethatDianeis,too.Shewasonlyconcernedforyou.”

Clairesearchedhislean,hardfaceandwisheddesperatelythathewoulddefendhersovaliantly.

Ifonlyshecouldlayherheadonhisshoulderandcryoutherpain.Buthiscomfortseemedreserved
forDiane.Onemorethingtoaddtoherburdenedspirit.

“Ihaven’tmisunderstoodonesingleword,Mr.Hawthorn,”shesaid.Hereyeswenttohishand

onDiane’sarm.“Noronesingleaction.”

Theybothlookeduncomfortable.HemovedquicklyawayfromDiane,butnotbeforeMr.

Calversonhadseenandnotedthebyplay.Hecamebacktojointhem,takinghiswife’sarmwitha
lookthatspokevolumes.

“Comeoverhere,mydear,andmeetanewclientofthebank.You’llexcuseus,Itrust?”heasked

Johncoldly,thenturnedandledhiswifeaway.

“You’dbetterbecareful,hadn’tyou?”Clairewhispered.“Heisn’tblind.”
John’seyesdarkenedwithdistaste.“Becareful.I’mnotthesametamebreedasyourpet

clothing-storemanager.”

Sheliftedherchin,angryathispointedreferencetoKenny,whowasadarlingbuthardlyaman

ofaction.“Doyouwanttosnapatme,too?Well,goahead,”sheinvited.“Diane’shadarippinggoat
mealreadyaboutmyclothes,andherhusbandisbusytryingtoselltheroofovermyheadsothat
yourbankdoesn’tloseapennyontheloansyoumadetoUncleWill.Don’tyouhaveanythinghurtful
tosaytome?Itwouldbeashametowastethisopportunity.Youshouldalwayskickpeoplewhen
they’redown!”

Themettleinherwordscontrastedpainfullywiththewobbleinhervoiceandthesheenoftears

inhergrayeyes.

“Excuseme.Idon’tfeelwell,”shesaidinahuskytone,andwentquicklyoutoftheroom,into

thehall.Sheleaned,restingherforeheadagainstthecoolwall,whilesicknessrushedoverher.Ithad
beensuchalong,terribleday.

Sheheardthedoorbehindheropen,thenshut.Thevoicesintheparlorrecededasfootsteps

sounded.Shefeltthepullofasteelyhandonherupperarm,turningher,andthenshewaspressed
againstscratchyfabric.Strong,warmarmsheldher.Underherear,asteady,comfortingheartbeat
soothedher.Shebreathedintheexoticcologneandgaveintotheneedforcomfort.Ithadbeenavery
longtimesinceherunclehadheldherlikethiswhenherparentshaddied.Inalltheyearsofherlife,
comforthadbeenrare.

“Mypoorbaby,”Johnsaidsoftlyathertemple.Hishandsmoothedoverhernape,calmingher.

“That’sright.Justcryuntilitstopshurtingsomuch.Comeclosetome.”Hisarmscontracted,riveting
hertohim.

She’dneverheardhisvoicesotender.Itwascomfortingandexcitingallatonce.Shepressed

closer,givingfreereintothetearsasshecriedawaythegriefandfearandlonelinessinthearmsof
themansheloved.Evenifitwasonlypitydrivinghim,howsweetitwastobeheldsocloselybyhim.

Ahandkerchiefwasheldtohereyes.Shetookitandwipedthemandblewhernose.Hemadeher

feelsmallandfragile,andshelikedthewayhistall,muscularbodyfeltagainsthers.

Shepulledslowlyawayfromhim,withoutraisingherhead.“Thankyou,”shesaid,witha

waterysniff.“MayIaskwhatprovokedyoutooffercomforttotheenemy?”

“Guilt,”hereplied,withafaintsmile.“AndI’mnottheenemy.Ishouldn’thavespokentoyouas

Idid.You’vehadenoughforoneday.”

Shelookedupathim.“Imostcertainlyhave,”shesaidangrily.
Johnsearchedherfierceeyesandwanface.“You’retired,”hesaid.“Letthedoctorgiveyou

somelaudanumtomakeyousleep.”

“Idon’tneedadvicefromyou.Idoubtanyoneclosetoyouhaseverdied,”shesaidmiserably.
Hiseyesflareddarklyasherememberedhisyoungerbrothers,thefranticsearchofthecold

watersforbodies,theanguishofhavingtotelltheirfatherthattheyweredead.“Thenyouwouldbe
wrong,”hesaidabruptly,dismissingthepainfulmemories.“Butlossispartandparceloflife.One
learnstobearit.”

Shewrungthehandkerchiefinherhands.“HewasallIhad,”shesaid,liftinghergazetohis.

“Andifithadn’tbeenforhim,Ishouldhaveendedupinanorphanage,astatehome.”Shedrewher
shouldersup.“Ididn’tevengettosaygoodbyetohim,itwasthatquick.”Thetearscameagain,hot
andstinging.

Hetiltedherchinup.“Deathisn’tanend.It’sabeginning.Don’ttortureyourself.Youhavea

futuretocontendwith.”

“Grieftakesalittletime,”sheremindedhim.
“Ofcourseitdoes.”Hepushedbackastrandofunrulyhairfromherforehead.Ashemovedit,

henoticedasmudgeofgrease.Takingthehandkerchieffromherhand,hewipedawaythesmear.
“Greasesmearsanddirtyskirts.Claire,youneedakeeper.”

“Don’tyoustartonme,”shemuttered,snatchingthehandkerchiefaway.
Hislipscurvedinasemblanceofasmile.Heshookhishead.“Youhaven’tgrownupatall.

Insteadofteachingyoutoworkonmotorcarengines,Willshouldhavebeenintroducingyouto
youngmenandparties.You’llendupanoldmaidcoveredingrease.”

“Betterthanendingupsomeman’sslave!”sheshotrightback.“Ihavenoambitiontomarry.”
Johncockedhiseyebrowinamusement.“Noteventomarryme?”hechidedoutrageously,

grinningatherscarletblush.

“No,”sherepliedtightly.“Idon’twanttomarryyou.You’remuchtooconceitedandI’mmuch

toogoodforyou,”sheadded,withatwingeofheroldimpishnature.

Hechuckledsoftly.“Thattonguecutslikeaknife,doesn’tit?”Hetookaslowbreathandtapped

hergentlyonthecheek.“You’llsurvive,Claire.Youwereneverashrinkingviolet.Butifyouneed
help,Ihopeyou’llcometome.Willwasmyfriend.Soareyou.Idon’tliketothinkofyoubeing
aloneandfriendless,especiallywhenthehouseissold.”

Shelookedvaguelypanicked,andJohnunderstoodwhyatonce.
“Iwon’townanything,really,willI?”sheaskedsuddenly.“UncleWillmentionedthathe’djust

takenoutanotherloan…”

“Sohedid.Thebankwillhavetoforecloseonthehouseandsellit.You’llgetanythingoverthe

amountnecessarytopayoffyouruncle’sdebts,butfranklyIdoubtthere’llbemuchleft.The
motorcarwillhavetogo,too.”

“Iwon’tsellit,”shesaidthroughherteeth.
“AndIsayyouwill.”
“Youhavenorighttotellmeanything.You’reneithermybankernormyfriend!”
Heonlysmiled.“I’myourfriend,Claire—whetheryouliketoadmititornot.Mr.Calverson

won’tactinyourinterest.”

“Andyouwill?Againstyouremployer?”
“Ofcourse,ifitbecomesnecessary,”hesaidsurprisingly.
Shedroppedhergazetohisexpensivetie.Hesoundedveryprotective.He’dalwaysbeen

protectiveofher.She’dneverquiteunderstoodwhy.“Iwon’tsellthemotorcar,allthesame.”

“Whatwillyoudowithit?”
“Driveit,ofcourse,”shesaid.Hereyeslitup.Sheliftedthemtohis.“John,Ishan’thavetosell

it!Icanhireitouttobusinessmen,withmyselfasthedriver!Iwillstartabusiness!”

Helookedasifshe’dhithiminthehead.“You’reawoman,”hepointedout.
“Yes.”
Hetookanexasperatedbreath.“Youcanhardlyexpectmetocondonesuchaharebrained

scheme.”

Shedrewherselfuptoherfullheight.Itdidn’tdoanygood.Hestilltoweredoverher.“I’lldoas

Iplease,”sheinformedhim.“Ihavetomakealivingformyself.Ihavenomeansofsupport.”

Hestudiedhercuriously.Severalthingswerebecomingcleartohim,foremostamongthemthat

hewasabouttolandhimselfinonehellofascandalbecauseofDiane.Herhusbandwasvery
suspicious—andifwhatClairehadtoldhimwasaccurate,hewasbeinggossipedabout.Hecouldn’t
affordtoletoneblemishattachitselftoDiane’sgoodname.

Hiseyesnarrowed.Clairewasn’tatallbadtolookat.Shewasspunky,andshehadadevilish

senseofhumor.Shehadakindheart,andevenpassablemanners,andmostofthetimeshedelighted
him.Hehadasoftspotforherthathe’dneverhadforanyotherwoman.Besidesallthat,she
worshipedhim.“Youcouldmarryme,”hesuggestedwickedly.“Thenyou’dhaveahusbandtolook
afteryourinterestsaswellasaroofoveryourhead.”

Shefeltthegroundgooutfromunderherfeet.Itwastheoddestsensation,asifsheweren’t

touchingtheflooratall.“Whyshouldyouwanttomarryme?”

“Itwouldsolvebothourproblems,wouldn’tit?”hedrawledmockingly.“Yougetthehusbandof

yourdreams,”hesaid,smilingatherblush,“andIgetarespitefromgossipthatcouldruinDiane’s
goodname.”

Diane’sgoodname,shenoticed,nothisown.Hewasstillputtingthewomanabovehisown

reputation.Andtheunkindremarkaboutherinfatuationforhimhurt.Shehatedhavinghimknow
howshefelt.

“Marryyou?”sherepliedhaughtily.“I’dsoonereatanarseniccasserolewithdeadlynightshade

sauce!”

Heonlysmiled.“Theofferstands.ButI’llletyoucometomewhenyou’vediscoveredthatit’s

thebestsolutiontoyourproblem.”

“I’lldrivethecarandmakemyliving!”shesaidbelligerently.Sheknewshewasn’tfacing

reality,andshealmostaddedthatshecouldsupportherselfequallywellifnotbetterbybecominga
seamstress.However,sinceheknewnothingofthatparticulartalent,shethoughtitbesttokeepitto
herselfforthetimebeing.

Heshrugged.“Drivethecar,byallmeans,”hesaid,turningtoleave,“but,justremember,no

self-respectingbusinessmanisgoingtopermithimselftobedriventhroughthestreetsofAtlantabya
woman.”Hegaveheraruefulsmile.“I’llbewaitingtohearfromyou,Claire.Whenyoursituationis
desperateenough,comeandseeme.”

“I’llneverdothat!”shesaidtohisretreatingback.
Itwasallbravado.Shedidn’tknowhowbadlyshemightendup,orwhatmeasuresshemightbe

forcedtotake.Buthowdarehemakehersuchanofferofmarriage—socoldandcalculatingthatshe
gotchillsdownherbackjustthinkingofit!Hecouldn’tbelieveshe’dacceptsuchaproposal—
withouteventhepretenseofwarmthoraffection!Hecouldbelieveitbecausehecaredsomuchfor
Diane.Shedidn’thavetohearhimsaythattoknowthetruthofit.Helovedthewomanmorethan
anything,sotosavehertheviciousgossipofsocietydames,hewouldsacrificehimselfonthealtar
ofmarriagetoanotherwoman.Itwasrathernobleandheroic,exceptthatClairewouldalsobe
makingasacrificetomarryamanwhodidn’tloveher.SheknewhowhefeltaboutDiane.That
wouldn’tchange.Shewouldbeafooltolinkherlifetohis.

Butwhatifshecouldmakehimloveher?askedatinyvoicedeepinsidehermind.Whatifby

livingwithher,sharingthingswithher,beingaroundherconstantly,hecouldlearntoloveher?
Theremightevenbeachild,shethoughtwithascarletblush,andsurelyhewouldfeelsomethingfor
themotherofhisson?

Sheputthethoughtawayasquicklyassheentertainedit.Hemightbeabletomakelovetoher,as

menwereknowntobecapableofitwithanywoman.ButhewouldbethinkingofDiane,wanting
Diane.Howcouldshebearhiskissesandhisembraceswhensheknewhewantedsomeoneelse,even
ifthesomeoneelsedidn’twanthimback?

Theanswerwas,ofcourse,thatshecouldn’t.Shehadtopickupthepiecesofhershatteredlife

andbecomeindependent.Therewouldsurelybeaway.Ifheruncle’sbelovedmotorcarwasn’tthe
answershewouldthinkofsomethingelse.ThenletMr.High-and-MightyHawthorncomecalling
withhisinfamousproposals!

ORTWOWEEKSAFTER

thefuneralClaireonlywentthroughthemotionsofliving.Kennycameonce

andofferedtodoanythingsheneededdone,includingtrimmingthehedges.Shedidn’ttakehimup
onhisoffer,becauseshedidn’twanttoraisehishopes.Hehadamildcrushonher,butshehadno
loveforhim,onlyfriendship.

Shemissedheruncleterribly.Moneywasalreadyaproblem.She’dhadtoletGertieandHarry

go,ablowtoallthreeofthem,andnotdonewithoutatearfulpartingandpromisestokeepintouch.
Theyeasilyfoundwork,becauselocallytheywereknownashardworkers.That,atleast,tooksome
oftheburdenfromherconscience.Thehousewassold;Mr.Calversonhadsentwordthathehada
buyerwhowantedtomoveinwithinthemonth.

Clairewouldreceivetwohundreddollarsasherpartofthesale,butthatwouldquicklybegone,

becausethefuneralexpenseshadtobepaidoutofit.

Shehadtriedtofindclienteleforhermotorcarenterprise,butasJohnHawthornhadpredicted,

businessmendidn’tflocktoherdoortobecomeclients.Infact,shewasbrushedoffunceremoniously.
Shedidbackthemotorcaroutofthedriveandrunitaroundtheblock,dressedinthelongwhite
drivingcoatandgogglesandcapherunclehadalwaysworn.Youngboysthrewrocksather,andshe
frightenedahorseintojumpingahedge.Afterwardsheparkedthemotorcarinthegarageandlocked
itaway.

Shehadbrieflyconsideredworkasaseamstressinalocalfabricandnotionsshop,butthe

womanGertiehadsuggestedasapotentialemployerhadjusttakenonanewseamstressandhadno
needofhelp.Theonlyalternativewastosellherdesignsdoor-to-doororfindashopownerwho
wouldletherdoalterations.Kennycametomind,butshehadnowishtosewmen’sfashions,much
lessdoalterationsonthem.

Sewingathomewasagoodpossibility,exceptthatthehousewouldsoonbegone.Thechickens

werehers,andtheeggstheylaid,butwherewouldshetakethemtoliveinordertokeepgettingher
eggmoneyfromherregularcustomers?

Johnhadpredictedthatshe’dhavetocometohimforhelp,andshewasalmosttothatpoint.

Onlyprideheldherback.Pridewasveryexpensive,though,andshewasrunningoutofmoneyfast.

HE’DONLYJUSTPUTUPHERCLOAK

andhatwhentherewasaknockonthefrontdoor.Shewenttoopen

itandfoundJohnonthedoorstep.

Herheartskipped,butangeroverrodeattraction.“Womenrunbrothelsandboardinghouses!”

sheraged,shakingherfingerathim.“Iftheycanrunonesortofbusiness,certainlytheycanrun
others!”

“Areyouplanningtoopenabrothel?”heasked,withfaintamusement.“Ishouldn’tadviseit—

notinColbyville.”Heleaneddown.“However,ifyoudo,Ipromisetobeyourfirstcustomer,”he
whispered.

Sheflushedtoherneckline.“YouknowverywellthatIhadnoideaofdoinganysuchthing!I

wasmerelymakingapoint,”sheadded,whilethethoughtofbeinginJohn’sarmsinbedmadeher
kneesweak.Hewasonlyjoking,ofcourse.“Whatdoyouwant?”

Hesmiledgently.“Iwantedtoseehowyouwere,”hereplied.Hesearchedhereyes.“I’vebeen

keepingupwithyouthroughyourneighbors.Youseemlessthanprosperousatthemoment.”

Shefoldedherhandsoverherwaist.“IcanfindajobwhenI’mready.”
“Thehousehastobevacatedbytheendofthemonth.Surelyyouwereinformedofthis?”
“Yes,”sheadmittedreluctantly.
He’dexpectedhertofoldupafterheruncle’sdeath.Infact,he’dhadeveryreasontobelievethat

she’dapproachhimforhelp.Shehadn’t.Infact,shehadn’tapproachedanyonewithherhandout.The
extentofherpridesurprisedhim,whenveryfewthingsdidanymore.Pastexperiencehadmadehim
fartoocynicalabouthumannature.HerememberedtheverymomentinCubawhenallhisillusions
vanishedforever.ThesightofhumanbeingsroundeduplikecattleintheSpanishgeneral’s
concentrationcampshadsickenedeverymaninhiscompany.Alargenumberofthoseprisonershad
diedbeforeAmericantroopsinvadedtheisland.

ButevenworsethanthesightofthosewretchedmenwasthehorroroftheUSSMainegoing

downinHavanaHarboronlytwomonthsbeforehisunitwasshippedtoCuba.Histwoyounger
brothershadbeenonboardthatship.Itwashewhohadinfluencedthemtojoin,hewithhisofficer ’s
commissionandhismedals.NowRobandAndrewweredead.Attheboys’funeral,hisfatherhad
cursedhimuntilliterallyrunningoutofbreath.He’dhadtohavepermissionfromhiscommanding
officertoreturntoSavannahfromTampa,wherehewastemporarilystationed,toattendit.Soonafter
that,hisunitwassentbacktoCubatofightwhenthewaragainstSpainwasdeclared.

Hecouldhearhismotherweeping,seethepityinglooksintheeyesofhisyoungremaining

brotherandsister.Hecouldfeelthecold,hatefuleyesofhisfatherandheartheviciousadmonition
thathewouldneveragainbewelcomeattheirSavannahhome.Evenlater,afterhewaswoundedand
shippedtoNewYorktomusteroutofthemilitary,itwastoanAtlantaareahospitalthatheeventually
wassent,byhisownrequest.Andhisfatherhadnotpermittedhismothertocomeandvisithim,even
tocorrespondwithhimduringhisconvalescence.Hestillhatedthemanforthatalone.Clairehad
comeoftentoseehimthen,herecalled,hisgazemovingtoherface.He’dlosteverythingheloved,
evenDiane,andClaire’sgentlepresencehadmeantsomuch.He’dnevereventoldherthat.

“Whydoyoulooklikethat?”Claireaskedunexpectedly.
Heblinked.“HowdoIlook?”
“Asifyouhadnothingofhopeleftinyou,”shesaid,withkeenperception.
Helaughedwithouthumor.“Didyouthinkmefanciful?”hetaunted.
“Ithought…well,ithardlymatters,doesit?Isupposelosingtheonethinginlifeyoulovewould

hardenanyman.I’msorryforthethingsIsaidaboutDiane,”shesaid,surprisinghim.“Iknowyou
can’thelpthewayyoufeelabouther.”

Hemovedasifshe’dstunghim.“Youseetoomuch.”
“Ialwayshave,”shesaid,withasadsmile.“Idon’thaveclosefriendsbecausepeopleliketo

keepsecrets.”

“Icanimaginethatit’shardtokeepthemaroundyou.”
Shesighed.“Sometimes.”Shelookedaroundthebarrenroom.“Doyouthinkthenewowners

mightneedsomeonetokeephouseforthem?”sheaskedabsently.

“No,theyhavetheirownservants.Whatsortofworkdoyouwanttodo?”
“AllIknowhowtodoiscookandclean,”shereplied.“Oh,andworkonmotorcars,ofcourse.

AndIsewalittle,”sheadded,withasecretsmile.

Heglancedather.“Everywomansewsalittle.Andworkingonautomobilesishardlyaviable

skillwhentherearesofewofthemaround.Infact,Iseemtorecallthatyourunclehadtheonly
gasoline-poweredoneintheseparts.”

“Onedaytherewillbemany.”

“Nodoubt.Butyourneedismoreimmediate.”
Sheletoutanangrysigh.“Whataworldwelivein,wherewomenhavetofighttobeallowed

anysortofworksavewashing,typing,sewing,orwaitingoncustomersinshops.”

Hesighedtohimself,rememberingDianesayinglanguidlythatshehadnointerestinbeing

anythingexceptalovingwife.WhyhadshemarriedCalverson?Nowsheknewwhatamistakeshe’d
madeanditwastoolate.Toolate!Ithurtmostofalltorememberthathe’dintroducedherto
Calverson,whenhewenttoworkatthebankforthefirsttime,freshoutofHarvard.

Heglancedaround.Mostofthefurniturewasalreadygone,soldtopaybills.“Doyouhave

anyplacetogo,Claire?”

Herspinestiffened.“I’llfindsomeplacebeforeIhavetoleavehere.”
Hesawthefearbehindthepride.Shewasn’tgoingtoadmitdefeat,regardlessofwhatitcosther.

Headmiredthatindependentspirit.

Hestuckhishandsinhispocketsandsighed.“Marryme,”hesaid,withsuddenseriousness.“It

willputanendtoallyourtroublesandmostofmine.”

Herheartjumpedwithpainedpleasure,butsherefusedtogivewaytoit.Sheglaredathim.“I

saidnobeforeandI’llsayitagain.Youonlywantmetobeablind,acamouflage,soyoucancarry
onwithyourmarriedwoman!”

Hisblackeyesnarrowed.“Youdon’tknowmeatall,doyou?Turnitaround,then.Wouldyou

marrymeandcheatonmewithsomeotherman?”

Shestiffened.“Itwouldneveroccurtometodoanythingsodishonest.”
“Norwoulditoccurtome.”Hestaredintoherpalegrayeyesandsawthatnothingshortofthe

truthwouldswayher.“Let’shaveitoutintheopen,then.Yes,IloveDiane,”hesaid,takinghishands
outofhispocketsandmovingastepcloser.“Somepartofmewillalwaysloveher.Butshe’smarried
andIcan’thaveherhonorably.Anythinglessthanthatwoulddestroyherreputationandmine.The
onlysensiblethingtodoismakeanewlifeformyself.YouandIaren’tstrangers.We’veknowneach
other,casuallyatleast,forseveralyears,andquitewellforthepasttwo.YouhavequalitiesIadmire.
Wemightnothavethemostpassionatemarriageofalltime,butIthinkwecandealverywell
together.Rightnow,bothofusareextrapeopleintheworld.”

Shehadn’texpectedhimtosaythat.Sheexpectedcoaxingandevenadisplayofpassiontomake

herfallinwithhisplans.Hishonestyleftherwithoutadefense.

Helookedatherslowly,deliberately,untilsheblushed.Oneeyebrowliftedslightly.“Youmight

enjoybeingmarried,Claire.”

“IfImarryyou,itwillbe—itwillbejustasfriends,”shestammered.“Iwon’t—Thatis,I

can’t…”

“Youcan’tsharemybed,”hesaidforher,andthesmilegrewlarger.“Allright.We’llleaveit

likethat.Forawhile,atleast.”

“Forever!”sheexclaimed,embarrassed.
“Why,Claire.Howredyoulook!”
“Youstopteasingme!”Sheshiftednervously.“Andyoumustpromise.”
Heputhishandoverhisheart.“Ipromise,mostsincerely,thatIwon’taskyoutodoanything

thatmakesyoufeelcompromised.Willthatsuffice?”

Sheunbentalittle.Afterall,hewasdoingheratremendousfavortoofferhertheprotectionof

hisnameandthesecurityofahome.

“Idon’twanttobeherstand-in,yousee,”shemumbled,underherbreath.
“Icanunderstandthat,”hetoldher.“Ihopethatyou’llalwaysbesohonestwithme.Inreturn,I’ll

promisenevertolietoyou.”Hisdarkeyeswereveryintent.“Ithinkwe’llgetalong.”

Shesighedwearily.“Itseemsanunlikelysortofbusiness.”

“Giventime,itmayproveablessingforusboth.Whatsortofringwouldyoulike?”headded,

withasmile.“AndsupposeweshockAtlantabygettingmarriedattheendofthemonth?”

Shealmostgasped.“Theendofthemonth?Itwillcauseascandal!”
“Probably,butaniceone.”
“Ihavenoonetogivemeaway.”Shenibbledherlowerlipandlookedupathim,notrealizing

thatshewascapitulating.“Youhavefamily,surely.Willtheywanttocome?”

“Myfamilylivesfaraway,”hesaidstiffly,notwantingtotellherwhyhecouldn’tinvitethemto

hiswedding.“Theywon’tbeabletocome.”

“Oh.Isee.”Shesighed.“Ishallhavetowalkdowntheaislealone.”
Hesmiled.“You’llbealovelybride,Claire.AndIpromise,itwillbeaverysmallwedding.

Onlythenecessarypeople.”

Shedidn’tgivethatanotherthought,forthemoment.Oddly,itneveroccurredtoherjustwho

thenecessarypeoplewouldbe…untilitwastoolate.

BECAUSECLAIREHADBEENSODEVOTEDTOHERuncle,andsoinvolvedinhelpinghim,
shehadn’ttriedtomakefriendsofthefewothersinglewomeninthecommunity.Shefeltthatlack
keenlyasshewashelpedtogetreadyfortheweddingceremonybyanexcitedGertie.Atleastshehad
someonewhowas“family”atthemostexcitingeventofheryounglife.

“Iwishyourunclecouldseeyounow,MissClaire.”Gertiesighed.“Youlookprettyasa

picture.”

“OfcourseIdo—theveilcoversmyface!”Claireteased,smiling.Shedidn’thaveatraditional

weddinggown.Sheworeanelaboratewhitesilk-and-lacedressthatshe’dmadeforadebutante’s
comingout.Thedebutantehaddecidedatthelastminutethatshedidn’twantit.ItwasClaire’ssize,so
she’dkeptitforherself.Shewasgladnowthatshehad.Withtheadditionofahugewhitehatwitha
concealingveil,andthesmallbouquetofautumnflowersthatGertiehadpickedforherandthreaded
withasilverribbonandwhitelace,Clairelookedthepictureofamodernbride.

“Thatwasn’twhatImeant,andyouknowit,”Gertiescolded.Shestraightenedafoldofthelong

flaringskirt.“There.Youlookperfect.Mr.Johnwillbeeversoproud.”

“Mr.John”hadn’tlookedasifhefeltveryproudofherwhenhe’dglimpsedherbrieflyatthe

frontdoor,Clairethoughtmiserably.Forthepastthreeweekshe’dbeenveryattentiveandcourteous,
takingherouttopoetryrecitalsandmusicalconcertseverynight.He’dbeenacharmingcompanion.
Hisaffectionforherwasasevidentasithadeverbeen…butthatwasall.Therewassimplynothing
more.Therehadbeennokisses,noefforttomaketheirrelationshipanythingmorethanfriendship.
Andtoday,whentheceremonywastotakeplace,hesuddenlylookedhaunted.Clairehadasudden
fearthathemighthavesecondthoughtsatthealtar—apictureofherselfbeingleftthereformingin
hermind.

“Why,yourhandsaretrembling!”Gertieexclaimed,takingbothoftheminherstowarmthem.

“Now,child,don’tgetoverwrought.Honestly,marriageisverynice.HarryandIhavebeentogether
forthirtyyears,andwe’vebeensohappy.You’llbehappy,too.”

Clairemetthegentle,laughingdarkeyesevenly.“Yes,butHarrylovesyou.”
Gertiegnawedonherfulllowerlip.“Sometimeslovecomeslater.”
“Ornotatall,”Claireadded,rememberingthatJohnhadinvitedhisemployer—andwife—tothe

wedding.JohnmightbeworriedthatthegossipaboutDianeandhimselfbroughtsomeofthese
peopletotheweddingoutofsheercuriosity.Surelythatwaswhatmadehimlooksoconcerned—not
regretforhavingaskedhertomarryhim!Shehadtothinkthathewasgladtobemarryingheror
she’dgomad.

Infact,JohnwastryingnottoseeDiane,sobeautifulinhergloriouswhite-and-black-patterned

dress,soelegant.Shewassmiling,butshelookedworn,andherhusbandwasn’tsmilingatall.John
hadworriedabouthersincethedayofClaire’suncle’sfuneral.Elihadbeenquitebriskwithher,and
hostiletowardhim,asifhe’dheardthegossipaboutthemandwasangry.Johnhadwantedtotalkto
Dianebadly,tofindoutifshewasbeingmistreatedbyherhusbandbecauseofthewildrumors.But
hehadn’tdaredapproachherforfearofmakingthewholesituationworse.Buttoday,she’ddetained

himatthebackofthechurchwhiletheyweremomentarilyalone.Therehadbeentearsinhereyes.

Shetuggedathissleeveandcoaxedhimintoanemptyroom.“Ineverdreamedyou’dactually

gothroughwithit.Oh,don’t!Don’t!”shepleaded,clingingtohisarms.“John,yousimplycan’tgo
throughwithit!Iwaswrong.Imadeaterriblemistake.Iadmititfreely.Imarriedonlytospiteyou.
ButwhatifmymarriageweresuddenlydissolvedandyouweretiedtoClaire?Youhavetostopthe
wedding!”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout,Diane?”heasked,holdinghertightbybothupperarms.“You’re

stillmyfriend…”

Thefireinhiseyesthrilledher.Sheleanedintohisbody,givinghimallherweight,andlifted

herface.“Itisn’tfriendshipIwant.Iloveyou!”

Hisbreathcaughtinhisthroat.“Yousaid…”
“Ilied!Iwastryingtomakethewholeterriblesituationeasierforyou,butnowImustspeak.I

must.John,youmustn’tgothroughwiththis.I’llpromiseanything,anything…ifyou’llwalkoutof
thechurch.Anything,mydarling,”shewhisperedboldly.

Hethoughthemightscream.Hereyespromisedheaven,herlips…Hebenttowardthem,pulled

byinvisiblestrings.Andthenhesuddenlyrealizedwhohewas—andwhoshewas—andwherethey
were.Hedrewaway,slowly,reluctantly.Perspirationbeadedabovehisupperlip.“It’stoolate,”hebit
off.

“No!”shesaid.“Youcouldwalkout!”
“How?”hedemandedthroughhisteeth,tormentedbytheanguishonherlovelyface.Sheloved

him.Shestilllovedhim!Andhewasabouttobemarried!“Diane,halfofAtlantaisoutthere.I
cannot!”

Shelookedathimthroughtears.“Iwasafool!OnlyrecentlyhaveIrealizedhowmuchIlove

you.Butthere’snoreasonforyoutoruinyourlife,aswell.John,youdon’tloveher.Youloveme!”

“Iknow.”Hegroaned,holdingherhandstight.Hisblackeyesadoredher.“Iloveyoumorethan

mylife!”

Shepressedclosertohim.“Mymarriagemaynotlastmuchlonger,”shewhisperedurgently.“I

cansaynomore,butImaybefreesoonerthanyourealize.John,youhavetostopthewedding.There
cannotbetwospousesbetweenus.There’ssomethingIsimplymusttellyouaboutEli—”Shecaught
sightofherhusbandcomingalongthehallandsprangawayfromJohn.Shewaslaughingbythetime
Calversonjoinedthem.Sherecoveredsoquickly,Johnthought—muchmorequicklythanhecould.

“Oh,John.Whatastory!”shesaid,dabbingathereyes.“YousimplymusttellEli!”
Herhusbandrelaxedwhenhesawthetearsoflaughteronherface.“Later,mydear,later,”he

said,noddingtowardJohn.“Thisfellowhassomemarryingtodo.”Withthat,hetookherarmand
drewheracrossthethreshold.

ShelookedoverhershoulderatJohn,hereyeswildanddesperateandpleading.
Johnwasdistraught.Dianehadn’tsaidawordtohiminweeks.Now,athiswedding,shewas

declaringherlove,begginghimtoforgothismarriage,promisingafutureforthem,insinuating…
what?Andhe,wholovedher,andnowknewforcertainshelovedhim,wasonthevergeofmarrying
anotherwoman.Insteadofonebarrierbetweenthem—herownmarriage—hewascreatingtwo.

WashemadtomarryClaire,whenhedidn’tloveher?HiseyessoughtDiane’sacrosstheroom

andhispainedexpressionbroughtasadbutreassuringsmiletoherlips.Heturnedaway,miserable.
Diane…hislove,hislife!Hewaslosingherforever,becauseofhisneedtostemfoulgossipabout
herandhispityforClaire.Whyhadn’therealizedintimehowdeeplyhewascommittinghimself
withthismarriage?Hehadn’tthoughttherewasachanceofDiane’smarriageending.Nowtherewas
thepossibility—now,whenitwasalmosttoolate!Therecouldbenoeasydivorce,noquick
annulmentofhismarriagetoClaireevenifDianeshouldsuddenlybecomefree,becausethatwould

createtwicethegossip.Ofcourse,theycouldgoaway…

Therewasstilltime,hetoldhimself.Hecouldstopthis,rightnow.HecouldgotoClaire,tell

herthathehadn’tbeenthinkingstraight,thatdespitehiscompassionforhersituation,hedidn’tlove
herandcouldn’tmarryher.Hecoulddothat!

Heevenmadetheattempt.Hejoinedherassheenteredthechurchsanctuary,hisfeelingsin

turmoil.

Shegavehimaclear,uncomplicatedlook,somethingakintoworshipinhersofteyesasshe

staredupathim,flushedwithdelight.

Hislipspartedtospeakthewordsthatwouldendthefarce.Butsomehow,lookingintothosesoft

grayeyesthroughthethinwhiteveil,hecouldn’tfindthewords.Hejuststoodthere,speechless.She
lookedsopure,sountouched,soinnocent.Somuchinlove,hethoughtbitterly.Andsuddenly,the
thoughtofhurtingherwasinsupportable.

“Is…somethingwrongwithmydress?”sheaskedworriedly.
“No,”herepliedcurtly.Heglancedbackatthefullchurchandmadearoughsound.“Waitfor

themusic,Claire,”hesaidstiffly,andturnedtogobackdowntheaisletothealtar,wheretheminister
waitedtomarrythem.Hewasdisgustedwithhimself.Pitywasnoexcuseformarriage.Hisheartwas
foreverDiane’s,nowmorethanever.

GoodLord,wouldheeverforgetwhatDianehadjustconfessedtohim?Wouldheeverforget

thetormentinthosebeautifuleyes?HowcouldhehavethoughttomarryClairewhenasimpleloan
ofmoneywouldhavedoneequallywell?Butsanityhadcomefartoolatetosavehim.Hecould
hardlywalkoutofthechurchnow,withhalfofAtlanta’smostprominentcitizenswatching.The
scandalwouldruinhim…andClaire.Hehadtogothroughwithit.

Claireheardthemusicstartandshewalkeddowntheaisle,allalone.Therewasnoonetogive

heraway;therewerenobridesmaids,noattendants.Itwasachurchwedding,butmorefunerealin
tonethanjoyous.Johnhadlookedangry,unhappy.SheglimpsedDianethroughherveilandsawthe
womanlookingstraightatJohnwithacurious,drawnexpression.Shestillwantedhim,itseemed.
Andasplitsecondlater,shesawJohn’sheadturnhelplesslytowardDiane,sawhistormentedgaze
restontheotherwoman.

Asshestoppedbyhissideandtheministerbeganspeaking,Claire’sheartraced.Johnwasin

lovewithDiane,and,judgingbythewayshewaslookingathim,itwasreciprocated.Dianeloved
him,too!Clairefelttrapped.Johnwasashelplessinhisemotionsasshewasinherown.

Shelovedhim,butitwasn’tgoingtobeenough,ever.He’dlivewithher,somedayhemight

evenmakelovetoherandtheymighthavechildren.Buthe’dbedreamingofDiane,lovingDiane,
wantingDiane,everyminuteofeveryday—justasshewantedhim.Itwasgoingtobeanempty
triumphandahollow,heartlessmarriage.Andshe’drealizedittoolate,overwhelmedasshehadbeen
withgriefforheruncleandhopelessloveforJohn.

TheministeraskedJohnifhetookClairetobehiswife;hereplied“Yes,”inaterse,forcedtone.
ThesamequestionwasputtoClaire.Shehesitated.Atthatinstant,shefeltJohn’shandgrasp

hers,hard.Shesaidthewordwithoutconsciousvolition,flushing.Heputtheringonherfinger,and
theministerconcludedtheservice,addingthatthegroomcouldkissthebride.

Hedid,togivehimcredit,lifttheveilfromherfaceandlookather,buthisexpressionwas

troubled.Hebentandbarelybrushedhiscool,firmlipsagainstherown,inakisssoverydifferent
fromtheoneshe’dhopedfor,dreamedof,wantedwitheverythreadofherbeing.

Hetookherarmandtheywalkeddowntheaisletothestandingcongratulationsandhappycries

oftheaudience.OnlyDianedidn’tcheerthemon.Johnglancedathermiserablefaceonceandfelthis
heartgocold.Helookedaway.Hewalkedoutthedoorwithoutasingleglancebackward.

HEYARRIVEDAT

OHN’S

apartmentlate,aftertheboisterousreception.Itmighthavebeenfun,except

thatDianelookedlikeagrievingwidow,andJohn’sforcedsmilesworeonClaire’snerves.Bythe
timeitwasover,Clairefeltasifshe’dbeenshakentopieces.

Theapartmentwasnice.ItwasonPeachtreeStreet,inaverypleasantneighborhood,withtrees

liningtheroadoutfrontandplentyofthemaroundtheyard.Clairewisheditwerelightenoughso
thatshecouldseemore.Tomorrow,she’dlookatthatshedJohnhadtoldherabout.Shecouldkeep
Uncle’smotorcarthere.

Shehesitatedinthedoorwayoftheupstairsfloorofthesprawling,late-Victorianhousewhere

Johnlived.Therewerefancysofasandchairsintheparlorandcurtainsatthewindows.Therewasa
largeashtray,withahalf-smokedcigarinit,andafireplaceinwhichafireburnedbriskly,because
someSeptembereveningswerecooleventhisfarsouth.

“Thiswillbeyourroom,”Johnannouncedinasubduedtone,twistingthecrystaldoorknobofa

doorthatledofftheparlor.

Shewalkedintoit.Itwassmall,butneat,withanironbedsteadpaintedwhiteandadamask

coverletonit.Therewasawashstandwithapitcherofwaterandalargebowlontopofit,alongwith
amirroreddresserandachifforobe.Allanyonecouldwant,shethoughthysterically,exceptfora
husband.

“Thankyoufornotinsistingthatwesharearoom,”shesaiddiscreetly,andwithoutlookingat

him.

“Itisn’tahardship,sincewedon’thaveanormalsortofmarriage.”Angry,guilty,heknocked

hishandagainstthedresser,welcomingthepain.“Imusthavebeenoutofmymind!”Helookedat
herfullythen,witheyessobitterandfullofagonythatshefelthisemotionsbiteintoherbody.

Herfingersclutchedthelacecurtain.“Ididn’ttrapyou,”sheremindedhimcurtly.“You

convincedmethatitwouldbeforbothoursakes.”

“Yes,Idid,”herepliedhonestly,gettinghisfeelingsundertenuouscontrol.“Itwasanactthatwe

canbothspendourlivesregretting!”

Shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Helookeddestroyed.
Heclosedhiseyesandopenedthemagain.Hefeltasifhe’dagedtwentyyears.“Well,it’sdone.

Wemustmakethebestofit.There’snoneedforustobemuchtogether.Youcankeeptheapartment
tidyandI’llgoouttoworkeachday.Ioftenworklateintotheevening,evenonSaturdays.Wehave
churchonSundays.OccasionallyIgotomyclubtoplaytennis.”

Apparentlyshewasn’ttoaccompanyhim.“Ishouldliketohavemyuncle’smotorcarmoved

here,”shesaidproudly.

Hesighedandmadeanoddgesturewithaleanhand.“Ifwemust.”Hehadnoheartfor

argument.Diane’slovelytear-filledeyeshauntedhim.

“Wemust,”sherepliedfirmly.“Furthermore,Iwantmywheel.”
Hiseyebrowslifted.“Yourideabicycle?”
“CertainlyIdo.Mostyoungladieshavewheelsthesedays.It’swonderfulexercise.Thereisa

bicycleclubinthecity.”

“It’sdangerous,”hesaid,concernedforherdaredevilschemes.Firstamotorcar,nowthis.“A

womanracerfelloffherwheelandwasinjured.AndIunderstandthatinatleastonecityithas
becomeillegaltorideawheelatnightunlessitisproperlylighted,sothatitwon’tfrightencarriage
horses.”

“Iknowallthat,”shereplied.“I’llcertainlyobeyalltherules.Inanycase,Idon’trideatnight.”
Hestuckhishandsinhispocketsandstudiedhercarefully.Hereallydidn’tknowheratall.She

washisfriend.Butshewasalsoastrangerwhowouldnowsharehislife,eventhoughitwasonlya
partialsharing.Hewasn’tsurehowhewasgoingtolikethis.

NeitherwasClaire,despiteherhungerforhislove.Shegrimaced.“Isthereindoorplumbing?”

sheasked.

“Ofcourse.Downthehall,”hereplied.“Andyouhaveaccesstothekitchen,butMrs.Dobbs

suppliesallmeals.Youmaycheckwithheraboutthescheduleandaskforanyparticulardishesthat
youlike.She’squiteaccommodating.”

“I’lldothat.”
Shetookoffherhat,replacingthebigpearl-tippedhairpinthroughthefabric.Withoutit,she

lookedfragile,andveryyoung.

Shewoundedhim,lookinglikethat.Noneofthiswasherfault.Hescowledashethoughthow

disappointingadayitmusthavebeenforher.Hehadn’tdoneanythingtomakeiteasier.Infact,he’d
beenopenlyhostilemostofthetime,becauseofwhatDianehadsaidtohim,becauseofthatstricken
lookonDiane’sface.Hecouldhardlybearthepain.

“I’msorry,”shesaidunexpectedly,liftingherwanfacetohiseyes.“Iknewthatyouwantedto

backoutoftheweddingtoday,anditwastoolate.Youdidn’tthinkthisfarahead,didyou?”

Therewasnouselyingtoher.Hecouldseethatatonce.Hischinliftedandhesighedheavily.

“WhatIthoughtnolongermatters.Wemustmakethebestofwhatwehave.”

Shewantedtolaughhysterically.Itwouldn’thelp.Hergazeslidoverhislean,handsomeface

withwistfulregret.Itwouldbeabarrensortoflife,withoutloveorthehopeofanythingmorethan
resentmentandtoleranceonhispart.Shemusthavebeenascrazyashetohaveagreedtosucha
sterilearrangement.

“Whydidyoumarrymewhenyoustillloveher?”sheheardherselfask.
Amuscleinhisjawtwitched.“Asyousaid,Claire,Ineverthoughtveryfarahead.Ifeltsorryfor

you;perhapsformyselfaswell.Andwhatdifferencedoourfeelingsreallymakenow?”Heshrugged
inresignation.“She’smarried,andsoamI.Neitherofusislowenoughtoforgetthosevows,made
beforeGod.”Helookedworn,weary,almostdefeatedashespoke.Heturnedaway.“Iplantohavean
earlynight.Itmightbenefityoutodothesame.”

“Yes,itmight.Goodnight.”
Hefeltsoguiltythathecouldn’tlookatherasheclosedthedoor.
Aloneinthedarklater,Clairegavewaytotears.She’dhadsuchgreatexpectationsabouther

marriage,onlytofindthatherhusbandwasfullofregretsandbitterness.IfonlyDianehadn’tcome
tothewedding!ButnowshewasboundtoJohninamarriagethathedidn’twant,anditwasfartoo
latetodoanythingaboutit.Justthethoughtofdivorcemadeherill.Itwasastigmathatnowoman
wouldwanttohavetolivewith.Butaloveless,sterilemarriagewouldbesomuchworse.There
wouldbenokisses,nosharedpleasure,noteventheconsolationofachild.Sheputherfisttoher
mouthtostemanotherburstoftears.Really,shehadtostopcrying.Brokendreamshappenedto
everyone.Butlatelyitseemedthatherentirelifehadbecomeonelongtrailofthem…

RIDAYCAME,AND

LAIRE’S

spiritshadliftedabit,becauseshe’dcleanedouttheshedbehindthe

apartmenthouseforthemotorcar.Mrs.Dobbs,thelandlady,hadagreedonlyaftermuchcoaxing.
Likemanypeople,shewasabitafraidofthemoderninventions,especiallythosethatmovedby
themselves.

ClairehadJohn’sdrivertakeherdowntoColbyvilletodropheroffatthehouseherunclehad

owned.Shedustedoffthemotorcarandclimbedaboard.Akindneighborhadhelpedhertieherwheel

ontothebackwithropes.Shedonnedhergogglesandwavedgoodbye.

Itwaslikebeingfreedfrombondage.ShezippedalongtheruttedstreetstowardAtlanta,

grinningasshesathighintheseatinherlongwhiteridingcoatandgoggles,andthecapthatwent
withheruncle’sregalia.Theclothingmightbetoobigforher,butshewasquitecapableofdriving
thecar.Horsesgrewnervousattheunfamiliarnoise,soshesloweddownwhenshespotteda
carriage.Shedidn’twanttospookanyone’shorse.Manypeoplewerekilledinrunawaybuggies,not
onlybecauseofautomobiles,butalsobecausetheyunknowinglypurchasedhorsesunsuitedtothe
taskofdrawingacarriagebehindit.Therewassomeskillinvolvedinpickingaproperhorsefor
suchduties.

ThewindinherfacemadeClairelaughwithsheerjoyforthefirsttimeduringthesingleweek

ofhermarriage.Johnpretendedthatshewasn’tthere,exceptatbreakfastandsupper,whenhewas
obligedtoacknowledgeherastheysharedatablewiththeelderlyMrs.Dobbs.Unawareofthetrue
natureoftheirmarriage,shewasforeverteasingthemandmakingbroadhintsaboutadditionstothe
family.

Thegood-naturedteasingdidn’tseemtobotherJohn.Shewonderedifheevenheardit,so

preoccupieddidheseem.ButitdisturbedClaire.Itwasstiflingtopretendallthetime.

Here,though,inthemotorcar,whizzingdowntheroughdirtroadatalmosttwentymilesper

hour,shedidn’thavetoworryaboutappearances.Shewassowellcoveredinthedrivinggearthat
shewouldn’thavebeenrecognizabletopeoplewhoknewher.Shefeltfree,powerful,invincible.The
roadwasclearofothervehicles,sosheletoutawhoopandcoaxedevenmorespeedfromthe
motorcar.

Ithadanattycurveddash,spokedwheels,andalongrodwithaknobthatcameupfromthebox

betweenthefronttires,whichwashowthedriversteeredit.Theenginewasmountedbetweentherear
tires,withthegearboxunderthesmallseat.Itnowzippedalongtheroughroadssmartly,althoughit
hadhadnoendofproblems,whichClaireandherunclehadneededtodealwithonadailybasis.For
onething,theboilertendedtooverheat,andinfact,Clairestillhadtostopeverymileandletitcool
down.Thetransmissionbandsnappedwithirritatingregularity.Oilthathadtobesplashedover
bearingstopreventtheiroverheatingconstantlyleakedpastthepistonringsandfouledthespark
plugs.Brakeproblemsabounded.Butdespiteallthoseminorheadaches,thelittleenginechugged
merrilyalongforshortspells,andClairefeltontopoftheworldwhenshedrove.

SheloveddrivinginAtlanta,pasttheelaboratetrapsandcarriages.Itwasacityofsuchhistory,

andsheherselfhadbeenpartoftwofairlyrecentcelebrationsin1898.ThefirsthadbeentheUnited
ConfederateVeteransreunioninJuly,towhichsomefivethousandvisitorshadflockedtoseethe
grandoldgentlemenparadedownPeachtreeStreetintheiruniforms.SherecalledoldGeneral
Gordonsittingastridehisgrandblackhorseintherainastheparadepassedbyhimonthethirty-
fourthanniversaryoftheBattleofAtlanta.Themoment,sopoignant,hadbroughttearstohereyes.
TheNorthernnewspapershadbeendisparagingabouttheevent,asifSouthernershadnorightto
showrespectforordinarymenwhohaddieddefendingtheirhomesinawarmanyfelthadbeen
causedbyrichplanterswhoweretoogreedytogiveuptheirslaves.

ButcontroversydimmedinDecemberofthesameyear,whenanotherrallywasheld.Calledthe

AtlantaPeaceJubilee,itwastocelebratethevictoryofAmericaintheSpanish-AmericanWar.
PresidentWilliamMcKinleywasthere,andClaireactuallygottoseehim.Johnhadbeeninthe
hospitalatthetime,andClairehadgonetotellhimallabouttheexcitementofseeingConfederateand
Unionwarveteranscelebratingsidebyside.

Infact,justthispastJuly,ClaireandUncleWillhadjoinedJohnattheAragonHotelatareunion

attendedbyveteransfrombothUnionandConfederateforces.There,shethought,wasatruly
touchingeventasoldenemiesreminiscedtogetherandtriedtoburythepast.

Inwhatseemedaveryshorttime,Clairewashome,maneuveringthelittlevehiclepastMrs.

Dobbs’stoweringwhiteVictorianhouse.Sheguideditcarefullyintotheshedanddisengagedthe
engine,wrinklinghernoseatthefumesfromthegasoline.Theburningoilwasequallyobnoxiousto
thenostrils.Shefannedattheair,keenlyawareofthestainsonheruncle’slongdrivingcoatandon
herface,aswell.

Sheclimbedoutandpattedtheopenseatlovingly.“There,now,Chester,”shecooed,usingher

ownpetnameforthemechanicalcreatureshelovedwithallherheart,“you’rehomeatlast.I’llbeout
tocleanyourplugslater.”Shegrimacedasshenotedtheknotsthatsecuredthewheelontheback.
“AndIguessI’llhavetobringaknife,tofreethat,”shemurmuredtoherself.Itwasunlikelythatshe
wasgoingtobeabletoenlistJohntountiethecomplicatedsailor ’sknotsthatUncleWill’sneighbor
hadusedtotieonthebicycle.Hehadsolittletimetospendwithher,evenintheevenings.Especially
intheevenings.

Sheclosedtheshedup,twistedthewoodenknobthatsecuredit,andwenttowardthebackofthe

house,strippingoffthecarcoatandgogglesonherway.Shewalkeddownthehall,intenton
reachingtheupstairsapartmentwithoutbeingseeninherdeplorablecondition,heroncepristineskirt
andblousesplotchedwithdustanddirtandoil,herfacegrimy,herhairdisheveledfromthegoggles
anddrivingcap.

Justasshegainedthehall,sheunexpectedlycameface-to-facewithherhusbandandtwomenin

businesssuits.

Johnlookedatherasifhedidn’trecognizeher—worse,asifhedidn’twanttorecognizeher!

Hisdarkeyesgrewdarkerandhetookavisiblebreath.

“Claire,comeandmeetEdgarHallandMichaelCorbin,twoofmycolleagues.Gentlemen,my

wife,Claire.”

“Howdoyoudo,”shesaid,withasmile,extendingagrimyhand—whichtheybothshook

withoutapparentdistaste.“You’llhavetoexcusethewayIlook;I’vejustbeendrivingmyuncle’s
motorcarupherefromColbyville.Ittookmostofthemorning.”

“Youdriveamotorcar,Mrs.Hawthorn?”oneofthemenaskedinsurprise.
“Yes,”sherepliedproudly.“Myuncletaughtme.”
HegaveJohnaspeakingglance.“How…er…interestingandunusual.”
“Isn’tit?”shereplied.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,I’lljustgoandgetcleanedup.”
“Youdothat,”Johnsaid,lookingasifheweredyingtosaymore.
Shemadeherescape,painfullyawareoftheshockedanddisturbedglancesshewasgetting.
“…notwisetoletyourwifebedrivingthatcontraptionaround,”oneofthemen,theolderone,

saidasshereachedthetopofthestaircase.“Whatwillpeoplesay?”

Shedidn’twaitforJohn’sreaction.Men!shethoughtangrily.Ifawomantookoffherapronand

didanythingintelligent,itshockedthemspeechless.Well,theyweredueforafewmoreshocks,ifshe
hadherway.Andthatincludedherreluctanthusband!

ButherbravadolastedonlyuntilJohncameintotheirapartment.Theverysharpanddeliberate

wayheclosedthedoorwasdisturbing.

“Iwon’thaveyoudrivingthatcontraptionaroundthecity,”hesaidshortly.
“Becauseitisn’tladylikeandyourfriendsdon’tapprove?”shetaunted,eyessparklingwithbad

temper.

“Becausethedamnedthingisdangerous,”hereturned.“Don’tdriveitaloneagain.”
“Don’tyoupuffupatmelikearoosterwithruffledfeathers,”sheshotback.“I’lldowhatI

please.I’mnotyourslave…oryourproperty.”

Thescowlgrewdarker.“You’remywife,formysins.I’mresponsibleforyou.Thatthingisa

deathtrap!”

“Nomoredangerousthanahorse,”sheinformedhim.“Andtheopinionofyourcolleagues

mattersnotonewhittome!”

“Nortome,”hesaidirritably.“Myconcernisforyou,notpublicopinion.”
Herheartjumped.“Truly?”
“Truly.AndIdon’twantyoutalkedabout,”headdedquietly,searchinghereyes.“Somemeasure

ofdecorumiscalledfor.Yoursocialstatusishighernowthanitwaswhenyoulivedwithyouruncle.
Youwillhavetoconform,justalittle.”

Shefeltsickinside.Theoldfreedom-lovingdaysofheryouthseemedtohavediedwithher

uncle.Nowshehadtoconformtofitinwithpolitesociety.Howintheworldwouldshemanagethat
dullsortoflife,afterthewonderfuldayswithMadcapWill?

Shecaughtholdofthebackofagracefulwingchairandheldontoitforsupport.“Isee,”she

replied,staringatJohnasthefullimpactoftheshiftinherlifehither—andthedifferenceinher
husband.Hewouldn’thavebeenoverbearinglikethiswithDiane.Ifshe’dwantedtoridenakeddown
thestreetsofAtlantainamotorcar,he’dprobablyhavesaidnothingaboutit.Butthen,helovedDiane.
AndwhilehewasconcernedforClaire,itwasforherreputation.Godforbidthatmoregossipshould
beaddedtofanthealreadyblazingfires.

Johnletoutalongsigh.Claire’ssuddenpallorenhancedhisguilt.“Certainsacrificeshavetobe

expectedinamarriagelikeours.”

“Mysacrifices,ofcourse,”shesaid,noddingcurtly.“You’llgoonasbefore,workingfifteen-

hourdaysandmooningoverDiane.”

Theattackcaughthimoff-guard.“Damnyou!”hesnapped.
Heseemedtoimplode,Clairethought.Hiseyesblazedather,hisstancethreatened.
Sheliftedherchinandmovedtowardhim,utterlyfearless.“Wouldyouliketohitme?Goahead.

I’mnotafraidofyou.Doyourworst.I’velostmyuncleandmyhomeandmyindependence.ButI
haven’tlostmyprideandmyself-respect,andnothingyoucandowilltakethoseaway.”

“Idon’thitwomen,”hesaidicily.“ButIwon’thaveyoudrivingaroundinthatmotorcaralone.

TryitagainandI’llcutthetiresoffthedamnedthing.”

“John!”sheburstout,shockedathearinghimcursenotoncebuttwiceinlessthanaminute.
Hesmiledcoldly.“DoyouthinkthatbecauseIworkinabankIdon’treactlikeanormalmanto

thingsthatangerme?Iworeauniformforseveralyears,Claire,betweengraduatingfromtheCitadel
andgoingtoHarvard.IwasworkinginAtlantawhenIreenlisted—longenoughtofightinCuba—but
atonetime,Ineverenvisionedalifeoutsidethemilitary.Ilearnedtoconformtocivilianlife,because
Ihadto.You’lllearntoconformtohighsociety,becauseyouhaveto.There’sbeenmorethanenough
gossipaboutusalready.”

Hehadn’tspokentoherlikethisbefore—andnowhewasmakinghimselfastrangertoher.She

clearedherthroat.

“IhadtogetChesterhere,didn’tI?”
“Chester?”heasked,scowling.
Shemadeanawkwardmotionwithherhand.“Mymotorcar.”
Hiseyestwinkled.Shewasanoddwoman,hemused,fullofspiceandvinegar,butshegavea

petnametoapieceofmachinery.

“Iwon’tdriveit.”Shefinallyagreed,althoughitwaslikegivingupapartofherself.Apparently

thecostofhersupportwasgoingtobethesuppressionofherpersonality.“Icanridemywheelwhen
Ineedexercise,Isuppose.”

“Youneedn’tsoundsotragic.Ionlywishyoutoactlikethewifeofthevicepresidentofoneof

themostprestigiousbanksintheSouth,”hesaid,“insteadofalittlegirlplayingwithdangerous
toys.”

Hergrayeyesglittered.“Amotorcarishardlyatoy.”
“Foryou,itis.Whydon’tyouspendsomeofthisabundantfreetimeyouseemtohavemaking

friendsorvisitingorbuyingyourselfsomenewclothes?”heaskedirritably.“You’relivinginthe
citynow,notfeedingyourchickensandwashingclotheslikeacountrywoman.”

Inotherwords,shehadtobehaveasifsheweregoodenoughtobemarriedtoabankofficer

withaHarvarddegree.Shefeltpuredislikeforhim.

“Ishalltrytogivegoodvalue,sir,”shesaidhaughtily,andcurtsied.
Helookedasifhemightliketogivewaytoastringofcurses,butbeforehecouldutterthem,

Clairebeatanorderlyretreattoherroomandslammedthedoorbehindher.

Aminutelater,sheopeneditagain,red-facedandfurious.“Justtosettherecordstraight,Iwas

drivingChesterupfromColbyvillewithmywheeltiedontosaveyouthefreightcharges.Andalso
fortherecordletmetellyouthatIhavenointentionofterrorizingAtlantaorshockingyourfriends
withChester.Ishallridethetrolley!”

Andsheslammedthedooragain.
Johnstaredatthecloseddoorwithmingledreactions,thestrongestofwhichwasamusement.

Clairewasspirited,allright.ItwasapityhisheartwasDiane’s,becauseinmanyways,Clairewashis
match.

Hedidn’treallymindherplayingaroundwiththecar,butonlywhenhewaswithher,toprotect

herfromherrecklessnature.Besides,shehadtolearntoconformtohislifestyle.Itwouldn’thurther
tobetamed,hethought,justalittle.Butallthesame,hehadtofighttheverystrongimpulsetofollow
herintoherbedroomandcontinuetheargument.Hefoundherstimulatinginatemper.Hewondered
ifthepassioninhercouldbephysicalaswellasverbal.Perhapsonedayhe’dbedriventofindout.

AFTERASLEEPLESSNIGHT,CLAIREFINALLYDECIDEDthatifherhusbandwantedherto
becomeasocialbutterfly,itmightbetoheradvantagetoaccommodatehim.

She’dneverbeenasocialclimber,butshedidhaveacquaintancesamongAtlanta’selite.The

foremostofthesewasMrs.EvelynPaine,thewifeoflocalrailroadmagnateBrucePaine.Shecalled
uponherearlyonemorning,cardsinhand.ButsinceEvelynwasin,therewasnoneedtopresenther
maidwiththerequisitetwocardsfromamarriedwoman,oneforEvelyn,andoneforherhusband.
Cardswereonlypresentedifthehostorhostesswasunavailable.Andmostcardscarriedan“at
home”legend,statingwhentheholderwouldreceiveguests.TodaywasEvelyn’s“athome”day.

ShewasreceivedinthesmallparlorandgivencoffeeanddelicatelittlecakeswhileMrs.Paine

sprawledonhersatin-covereddivaninanexpensiveandbeautifulsilk-and-lacewrapper.Sheand
ClairehadmetthroughClaire’suncleandfoundthattheyhadquitealotincommon.Underother
circumstances,theywouldprobablyhavebeenclosefriends;Clairehadn’tsoughtfriendshipbecause
ofEvelyn’shighersocialstatus.ButClaire’sskillwithaneedlehadcaughtEvelyn’seye,andClaire
hadmadeanynumberoforiginalgownsforher—andneverusedherrelationshipwithEvelyninany
waytoopendoorsforher.Now,however,shefeltobligedtoapproachanyonewhocouldhelpher
makethebestofhernewplaceinsocietyasthewifeofabankexecutive.Johnmightnotwantherasa
truewife,butshewasgoingtoshowhimthatshewasnoshrinkingNellie,justthesame.Shewasas
goodasanyofhishaughtyfriends,includingtheadoredDiane!

“Mydear,it’ssuchanunexpectedpleasuretoseeyou,”Evelyndrawled,smilinglazily.“Iwas

abouttocallonyouandseeifyoucoulddesignsomethingveryspecialformefortheChristmasball
atthegovernor ’smansion.YouseehowmuchtimeI’mgivingyoutocreateit;it’salmostthree
monthsaway.”

“IdaresayIcandosomethingveryspecialwithsomuchtime,”Clairepromised.
“ThenwhatcanIdoforyou?”
Claireclutchedherpurse.“Iwanttojoinsomesocieties,”shesaidatonce.“I’llworkhard,and

I’mnotafraidtoapproachstrangersforcontributions.I’llbakecakesandpies,manstallsatbazaars,
doanythingI’maskedwithinreason.”

Evelynraiseduponherelbow.“Mydear,yousoundpositivelyfrantic.MayIaskthereasonfor

thissuddenflurryofambition?”

“Iwantmyhusbandtobeproudofme,”shesaidsimply.
“Well,thatisalaudablegoal!”Evelynsatup,stretching.“Idoknowseveralpeopleon

committees,andtheyalwaysneedvolunteers.”Shesmiledmischievously.“Countonme.I’llmake
sureyougettheproperintroductions—andtotheverybestpeople.”

“Thankyou.”
Evelynwavedalanguidhand.“Noneedforthat.Wewomenhavetosticktogether.”

LAIREVERYQUICKLY

foundherselfindemand.Herdayswerefullfrommorninguntillateafternoon,

bakingforcakesales,sortingclothesandwhatnotsforthefallbazaars,andwrappingbandageswith
herchurchgrouptosendtothemilitaryinthePhilippinesandChinaforChristmas.Shekeptthe
apartmentspotlesslyclean,aswell,andevenfoundtimetohelpMrs.Dobbsbake.Shefeltobligedto
dothat,sinceshewashavingtoborrowherlandlady’swoodstovetomakehercontributionstoher
varioussocieties.

Mrs.DobbswasimpressedbythesortofwomenwhobegantocallonClairefortea.Thenames

readliketherosterofAtlantasociety.Thelandladybegantodressmoreformally—andeventohelp
Clairesetuptheteatray,usingherownbestsilver.

“Imustsay,Claire,”Mrs.Dobbstoldheroneafternoon,“I’mveryimpressedwiththecompany

you’vebeenkeeping.Imagine!Mrs.BrucePainerighthereinmyhouse!Why,herfamilyandher
husband’swerefoundingfamiliesofAtlanta,andtheykeepcompanywithpeopleliketheAstorsand
theVanderbilts!”

“I’veknownEvelynforseveralyears,”Claireconfided.“She’safineperson,butforobvious

reasons,Inevertriedtobecomeaclosefriend.”

“Well,that’sallchangedwithyourmarriage,sinceMr.Hawthorniswell-to-doandholdsthe

positionhedoesatthePeachtreeCityBank.”

Clairedidn’texactlyknowthatJohnwaswell-to-do,althoughheneverseemedtolackmoney.

Hedidn’tdiscussfinanceswithher.Shedidknowthathispositionatthebankwasanimportantone.
“Yes,Iknow.That’swhyI’vetriedsohardtofindmywayintotherightsocialcircles,sothatI
wouldn’tmakehimashamedofme.”

“Mydear,”Mrs.Dobbssaidgently,“noonewouldbeashamedofsuchahardworking,kind

youngwoman.”

Claireflushed.Mrs.Dobbsalwaysmadeherfeelbetter.Itwasjustaswellthatthestarchywoman

hadbeenoutofthehousethedayJohnandhisbusinesscolleaguescamehometofindClaireinsucha
disreputablecondition.“You’rethekindone,Mrs.Dobbs—togivemesuchfreedominyourhouse.”

“It’sbeenmypleasure.Imusttellyou,I’veenjoyedthelittlesavoriesleftoverfromyour

efforts.Wheredidyoulearntocooksowell?”

“Frommyuncle’shousekeeper,”sherecalled.“Shewasawonderfulcook—ofthe‘pinchofthis

anddabofthat’variety.”

“Now,I’mjusttheopposite.Ican’tcookwithoutmymeasures.”Therewasaknockatthedoor.

“Ah,thatwillbeyourcallers,Claire.I’llletthemin.”

ClairegreetedEvelynandherfriends,JaneCorleyandEmmaHawks,andintroducedthemto

theflustered,beamingMrs.Dobbs.

Itmadethelandlady’sday.Shewentofftobringintheteatrayinanabsolutedeliriumof

pleasure.

Later,afterteaandcakes,Evelynbroughtoutasketchfromtheleatherwritingcaseshecarried.
“I’mnoartist,butthisiswhatIthoughtI’dlikeyoutomakemefortheball,Claire,”shesaid,

andhandedtheroughsketchtotheyoungerwoman.“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Why,it’slovely,”Clairesaid,noddingassheconsideredfabricandtrim.“Butthisline,just

here,won’tdo.Apeplumisgoingtomakeyoulookchubbyaroundthehips,whichyoucertainlyare
not,”sheaddedwithagrin.

Evelyn’seyeswidened.“Why,you’reright.Inevernoticed.”
Clairetookapencilfromthesmallporcelainbowlontheoccasionaltableanderasedtheline.

“Andifwejustaddoneflouncetotheskirt,here…”Shemadeanotherfewstrokeswiththepencil,
whileEvelynwatched,amazed.

“There,”shesaid,finished,andhandedthesketchback.“Whatdoyouthink?Inblack,ofcourse

—withsilvertrimandblackjetbeadsonthebodice,justhere?”

Evelynwaswordless.“Exquisite,”shesaidfinally.“Justexquisite.”
“I’veneverseenanythingsobeautiful,”EmmaHawkesexclaimed.“IbuyallmyclothesinParis,

butthisis—thisisextraordinary.Howverytalentedyouare,Claire!”

“Thankyou,”Clairereplieddemurely.
“Yes,Iwantthis,”Evelynsaidimmediately.“AndIdon’tcareaboutthecost.”
“Youwill.”Clairewinked.“It’sgoingtobequiteexpensive.”
“Anythingworthwearingtothegovernor ’sballshouldbe,”camethereply.
EmmanibbledonherlowerlipandglancedatClaire.“Isupposeitwilltakeallyourtimeto

makeEvelyn’sgown…?”

“Notatall.”
Emmabrightened.“Thencouldyoudooneformeaswell?”
“Andoneforme?”Janeadded.
“Notofthisdesign!”Evelyncried,aghast.
“Certainlynot,”Clairesaid.“Eachgownwillbeindividual,andsuitedtoitswearer.I’llworkon

thesketchesandyoucancomeFridaytoapprovethem.Howwillthatdo?”sheaskedJaneandEmma.

“Wonderful,”theysaidinunison,beaming.

LAIREHADVERYLITTLE

freetimeafterthat.Ifshewasn’tbakingorhelpingwithsomeworthycharity,

shewasburiedupstairsinherroomwiththesewingmachineandwhatseemedlikeacresoffabric,
sewingmadlytomeetherdeadlines.

OfJohn,shesawlittle.Thatsuitedherverywell,giventheirlastconversation.Shewasstill

bristlingfromhisdisapproval.Heseemedtoavoidherafterward,buthechancedtocomehomeearly
oneFriday,and,sinceClaire’sbedroomdoorwasopen,hewenttospeaktoher.

Thesightthatmethiseyeswasasurprise.“WhatinGod’snameareyoudoing?”heaskedcurtly.
She’dbeensewinganunderskirtforEvelyn’sgown,andthankGodshehadtherestofthe

projectsafelyhiddeninthecloset.Shedidn’twantJohntoknowthatshehadaseparateincomefrom
thehouseholdmoneyhegaveher.Herindependencewassacred,andshewasn’tsharingthenewswith
theenemy.

“I’mmakingmyselfadress,”shesaidcalmly.
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youaren’tlivingwithyourunclenow,Claire,”hesaid.“Youdon’thaveto

managewithhomemadeclothes.GodowntoRich’sandbuyyourselfsomeclothes.Ihaveanaccount
there.”

“Iliketosewmyownthings.”
Hisgazewentovertheplainbluedressshewaswearing,whichwasoneofherolderones.Itwas

faded,butverycomfortabletoworkin.“SoIsee,”herepliedmockingly.“Butthat’shardlythesortof
thingyouneedtowearintown.”

Herchestroseandfellangrily.She’dmakeherselfagownforthegovernor ’sball,too—and

thenhe’dseesomething!

“Whereintowndidyouhaveinmind?”sheaskedcoolly.“Youhaven’ttakemeoutofthehouse

sincewemarriedoveramonthago.”

Hescowled.“Hasitbeensolong?”
“Itseemslikemuchlonger,”shereturnedquietly.Shepushedbackaloosestrandofbrownhair.

“Ifyoudon’tmind,I’mquitebusy.I’msureyouhavesomeexaltedfunctiontoattend,oradinnerwith
colleagues.”

Heleanedagainstthedoorjambandstudiedher.Ithadn’tseemedlikeamonth.Clairehadbeen

conspicuouslymissingfromtheirapartment—andhislife—everytimehelookedforherlately.He’d
supposedthatshespenthertimeshopping,butsheseemedtohavenothingtoshowforit.Therewas
thefabricshewasworkingon,butitseemedanoddchoiceforadaydress…orforanykindofdress.
Itlookedmorelikeaslip.

Hiseyesdartedaroundherroomandfounditneatandclean,butwithveryfewobvioussignsof

occupation—saveforthebrushandhandmirroronherdresser,andthesmallporcelainpowderand
jewelryboxes.

“Ihardlyseeyou,”hesaidabsently.
“Ablessing,Ishouldthink,consideringtheopinionyouhaveofmeandmywardrobe,”she

murmuredasshecontinuedtoapplypressuretothetreadleunderherfeettomovetheneedlealong
theseam.

Hestuckhishandsdeepinhispockets,drawingthefabrictautagainstthepowerfulmusclesof

histhighs.“Well,oneortwopeoplehaveremarkeduponthefactthatwearen’tseenatsocial
functions.Isupposeweshouldbemoreoutgoing.”

“Why?”sheasked,liftingcleargrayeyestohis.“Doessomeonethinkyou’vemurderedmeand

buriedmybodyinthegarden?”

Hismouthtwitched.“Idon’tknow.PerhapsIshouldask.”
Shetookthefabricfromundertheneedleandcutthethreadwithhersmallpairofscissors,

holdingtheseamupforcriticalinspection.“I’mquitecontentwithmylifeasitis,”shesaid,not
lookingathim.Itmadeherheartskiptoseethelong,powerfullinesofhisbodyinthatunconsciously
elegantpose.Hewassohandsome.Ittookherbreathawaytolookathimatall,butshecouldn’tlet
himsee.She’dhadquiteenoughtauntsfromhimaboutherhelplessattractiontohim.

“Don’tyoumissprettyclothesandparties,Claire?”heasked.
“I’veneverhadeither,sowhyshouldIwantthem?”
Heconsideredthatforaminute.Itwastrue.She’dneverhadmuchinthewayofmaterialthings.

Nowshehadaccesstothemthroughhim.Sowhywasn’tshetakingadvantageofit?Dianewould
have.She’dgoneonashoppingspreeimmediatelyafterhermarriagetoEliCalversonthatstillhad
tongueswaggingtoday.

“Buyanewgown,”hesaidabruptly.“There’sapartyattheCalversons’nextSaturdayevening,

andwe’vebeeninvited.ApparentlyElithinksyou’vehadlongenoughtogrieveforyouruncleand
becomeaccustomedtomarriagewithme.Hewantstointroduceusbothtoanewinvestor.Avery
importantone.”

“Whyus?”
“BecauseI’mvicepresidentofthebank,Claire,andinvestorskeepussolvent.Thisgentlemanis

theheadofaninvestmentfirm,andhe’sverythickwithEli.Apparently,he’srichasCroesus.”

“Howniceforhim.ButIdon’twanttogototheCalversons’.”
Hetookanimpatientbreath.“I’vetoldyouthatIhavenoback-doordealingswithDiane!”
Shelookedathimsteadily.“SoIshouldgowithyouandspendtheeveningwatchingyoueat

yourheartoutoverthesightofher?No,thankyou.”

Hiseyesflashedangrily.“Itwouldbefarbetterthantospendtheeveninghere,watchingyoueat

yourheartoutoverme,”hecounteredicily.

Shethrewtheunderskirtdownonthefloorandgottoherfeet,hergrayeyeslikeleadbulletsas

shewentrightuptohim.

“Iamnoteatingmyheartoutoveryou!Ihardlyseeyou,inanycase.Ihavenosecrethankering

forsuchaconceited,overbearing—”

Suddenlyhereachedforherandpulledheragainsthim.Inhisleaningposition,shefound

herselfpressedintimatelytohislonglegs—inbetweenthem,infact—withhisarmswrappedtightly

aroundher.Thelookonherfaceamusedhim,takingtheheatoutofhisanger.

“Don’tstopthere,”heinvited,withasmile.“Dogoon.”
Shewantedto,butherheartwasbeatingtoorapidlytoallowspeech.Thewhalebonecorsetshe

waswearingconstrictedherbreathenough,withouttheaddedpressureofhisembrace.Shecould
barelybreatheatall.

Herhandspushedweaklyathischest.“Letgo,”shesaidfaintly.“Ican’t…breathe.”
“Relax,then.”
“It’sthecorset,”shewhispered,pushingashardasshecould.
Heloosenedhisarms.Shefelthishandstracingthebones,histhumbsbrushingupunderher

breastsinthemuslinchemisethatcontainedthemabovetheedgeofthecorset.Thelight,teasing
pressuremadeherstiffenwithunexpectedpleasure.

Hewaslookingintentlyather,watchingherreactionsashisleanhandsteasedherbody.
Histhumbsslippedhigherwitheachmovement.“Isthisbetter?”heasked,andhisvoicewas

suddenlydeeper,huskier.

Sherealizedshewasshaking.Herhandswereclutchingathishardarmsthroughhissuitcoat,

andshecouldn’tevenmanagespeech.Thefeelofhimsoclose,thetouchofhishands,madeher
kneesweak.Shelovedhimsomuchthateventhelightestcaresswasheaven.Shehadn’tthewillto
pullaway,despitetheshamehereasycapitulationcaused.Shewantedhistouchtoomuchtoprotest.

Hislipsbrushedherforehead.Hecouldsenseherstruggle.“I’myourhusband.It’sallrightto

giveintome,Claire,”hemurmureddeeply.“Godknows,I’vegivenyoulittleenoughsincewe
married.It’snohardshiptopleasureyou.Iwon’tdoanythingtofrightenorhurtyou.Relax,now.”

Herhandstrembledwheretheyclungtohisarms.Shewantedtodenythathewaspleasingher,to

tellhimtolethergo,butshecouldn’t.Shehadnopride.Shemoanedinanguish,drowninginthe
needtobetouchedbyhim,heldbyhim,wantedbyhim.

Heunderstood.HewasashelplessinhispassionforDianeasClairewasinherneedofhim.In

thatoneway,theywereverymuchalike.Ithurthiminanodd,newway,toseehersufferforhis
touch.Hefeltherneedandachedtofillit.

Hislipshoveredathereyelids,closingthemtenderly.Hishandsmovedtothetipsofherbreasts

andfoundthenippleshardandwarm.

Shejerkedback,buthedrewabreathandshookhishead,stillingherinstinctivewithdrawal.She

methiseyesforaninstantandfounddeepfiresburningthere.

Inthesilenceoftheroom,thetickingoftheclockonthemantelwasunusuallyloud.Outside,the

steadyclip-clopofahorseandthegrindingwheelsofacarriagebehinditcouldbeheard.Aboveall
that,Claire’sheartmadearockyrhythmthatwasaudibletothemanholdingher.

Herresponse,herreaction,madehimdizzy.Dianewassoexperiencedthathistouchonlymade

herpurrlikeakitten.Clairewasaltogetherdifferent.Hedidn’thavetoasktoknowthatshe’dnever
permittedanyothermantotouchherlikethis.She’dprobablyneverbeenkissed,either.The
knowledgeshookhim.

Hewatchedwhathecouldseeofherdowncastfacewhileheteasedherhardnipples,feelingher

bodytremblewitheachnewcaress.Shelikedwhathewasdoing,butshewastooshytoadmitit,orlet
himseeit.

Hishandssliduptothebuttonsatthehighcollarofherdressand,onebyone,begantounfasten

them.Shestoodbeforehim,perfectlystillandsilent,socaughtupintheexcitementofherfirst
caressesthat,heknew,shewasincapableofmovementorspeech.

Whenhehadthebodiceunfastenedtoherwaist,hiswarm,stronghandsslidinsidetheneckline

andspreadthefabricbeforetheyeaseddownoverthesoftmuslinofherchemise.Heheardher
breathingstopandthenstartagain,jerkily,feltherhandscontractevenmoreonhisarms.Smiling

indulgently,hemovedhishandsslowlyunderthemuslinanddown,downuntilhehadhersoft,pretty
littlebreastswarmandthrobbinginhispalms.Heheardhergaspandfelthisownbodygorigid,and
helaughedwithsurpriseathoweasilylittleClairehadarousedhim.

“Oh,you…mustn’t!”shewhisperedfrantically,pullingathiswrists.
“Claire,you’remywife,”hewhispered,ignoringherprotests.Hishandsbecameevenmore

warmandcaressingandhislipsbrushedagainstherforehead,hertemples,hernose.“Thisispartof
marriage,”hecontinuedsoftly,ashismouthmoveddowntopoise,teasingly,justaboveherlips.
“Thisishowamanexpressestenderness.”Hismoutheaseddownrightoverherown,lightly
brushinguntilhemadeherlipspart.“Yes,that’sit,sweetheart.Openyourmouth,”hecoaxedagainst
herlips,andthenhemovedcloseragain,andkissedherasalover.

Clairehadneverexperiencedsuchsensations.Shetrembledashismouthbecamepartofhers,

lostinthepleasurehishandswerearousingonhernakedbreasts,adriftinthesheersweetanguishof
hishard,insistentkiss.

Sheneverwantedittoend.Shewhimperedfromtheforceofthepleasureheinspiredinher.She

felthishandsonherupperarms,guidingthemuparoundhisneck.Shefelthisbodyshift,sothatshe
wascompletelybetweenhislong,powerfullegs.Hisfreehandsliddowntothebaseofherspineand
pushedherhipsintothesuddenhardthrustofhis.Herheadspun.Sheknewnothingofmen’sbodies,
buthisfeltdifferentallatonce,andherlegsstartedtotremble.Therewasaburstofheatinherlower
stomach,alongwithathrillofpleasurethatbroughtashockedgaspfromhermouth.

Heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwide,stunnedeyes.Holdinghergaze,hedeliberately

movedherhipsagainsthisandfelthershudderwithneed.

Asshestruggledtospeak,hisgazefelltoherbodice.Gently,oneleanhandcameuptopullthe

muslindown,baringthehardredpeaksofherfirmbreaststohiseyes.

Hisbreathcaught.“Oh,God,Claire!”hewhisperedroughly.Desireforheroverwhelmedhim.
Shehadnoideawhathadcausedhimtolooksoviolent.Hesoundedshocked,andthehands

grippingherwaistwerehurtingher.“What’swrong?”shewhisperedshakily,becausehelookedasif
hewerehurting.

“Don’tyouknow?”Helifteddarkeyesfilledwithheatandpaintomeethers.
Shehungthere,frightened,fascinated,withthesoundofherheartbeatloudinherears.She

wantedtoaskhimwhatshe’ddonewrong,butasherlipspartedtomakethewords,therewasa
suddenloudknockatthedooroftheirapartment.

Johnactuallyjerked,asifhe’dbeenhit.Hishandscontractedandsuddenlyletgo.Hemoved

awayfromClaireasifithurthimtowalk.Hismovementswerestiffandawkwardashewenttothe
apartmentdoorandopeneditjustacrack.

“Yes?”heaskedcurtly.
“Oh…Mr.Hawthorn…Ididn’thearyoucomein…”Mrs.Dobbswasflusteredbythebiteinhis

voice.“IwantedtotellyouthatI’vesetthetableintheformaldiningroomforyouandClairethis
evening,asI’mhavingsomewomenfriendsintoplaybridgeandwe’llbetakingourmealinthe
kitchen.”

Heseemedstuckforareply.Afteraminute,hesaid,“Wecouldveryeasilyhaveourmealup

here,sothatitwouldn’tinconvenienceyou.”

“Iwouldn’thearofit,”shesaidcheerfully.“Youbothcancomedownwheneveryou’reready.

I’vemadeacherrypieespeciallyforClaire.Iknowhowmuchshelikesit.”

Shewasgonewithawaveofherhand.
Johnclosedthedoorandleanedhisheadagainstit,fightingagainstthemostpowerfuldesire

he’dfeltsincehisyouth.Clairedidn’tunderstandwhatshe’ddonetohim,andhewascertainthathe
didn’twanttotellherjustyet.Hewasstillcopingwiththeshockofit.

Whenheturned,she’dredoneherbuttonsandwaspickinguptheunderskirtfromthefloor.He

staredatherasifhehadn’teverseenherbefore.Itstunnedhimthatshehadsuchaneffectonhim.
Perhapsitwasthesoft,helplessdevotionandlonginginthosegrayeyesthatkindledhisdesireto
suchafeverishpitch.Beinglovedwasaffecting,apparently.Butwhatdisturbedhimmostwasthathe
shouldfeelsuchapowerfulhungerforanyoneotherthanDiane.

Itmusthavebeenafluke,hetoldhimselfashemovedtowardthedoorway,backincontrolnow

andangryathersubmissionandhisresponsetoit.

Sheglancedtowardhisangryfaceandawayagain,stillhotinside.“Youneedn’tlookasifthe

wholethingwasmyfault.Ineverheldaguntoyoutomakeyoutouchme.AndIdon’tneedyourpity,
either,whilewe’reonthesubject.”Shewasseethingwithhumiliation.Hereyessparkedwithtemper.
“I’mnotdyingforyourkisses,andIwon’tbegforthem!”

Herecognizedthehurtunderthewords.Shewasmorevulnerablethananywomanhe’dever

known,butshewasfiercelyproudanddidn’tlikepeopletoseeherweaknesses.Heunderstoodthat
feeling.

“Itwasamomentoutoftime,”hesaidgently.Hefeltprotectiveofher.“Don’tagonizeoverwhat

happened.”

Nervous,shewrappedandunwrappedtheunderskirtinherhands.
“Aren’tyouhungry?”heaskedafterapause.“Ihardlyhadtimeforlunch.Mrs.Dobbsmadeyou

acherrypie.”

“Ilikeit.”
Hesmiledindulgently.“Iknow.”
Sheavertedhergazeandputtheskirtdown.“Isupposeitwouldn’thurttoeatsomething.”She

lookedinthemirrorandgrimacedatthewayhishandshaddisarrangedherhairintowildtangles,the
wayhislipshadmadehersswollen.Shegroanedinsweetmemory.

“Claire,we’remarried,”heemphasized,watchinghercarefullybundleherhair.“Peopleexpect

ustoactlikeitoccasionally.”

Sheloweredhergaze.“Youdon’twanttobemarriedtome.Yousaidso.”
“Ialsosaidthatwemightaswellmakethebestofit,”headded.“Afewkisseswon’tmakeyou

pregnant,”heteasedwickedly.

“John!”
Heenjoyedherscarletblush.Heenjoyedsomuchabouther.Hiseyesglitteredwithsudden

intentnessashewatchedhercompletehertoilette.He’dnevergivenmuchthoughttoherplaceinhis
life.He’dbeenfartoobusymourningDiane.Butnow,ashelookedatClaire,hefeltthefirststirrings
ofprideinpossession.Shebelongedtohim.Shewasinnocentandkindandmischievous,andshe
lovedhim.Therehadneverbeenaman,becauseshewantedonlyhim.Itwenttohisheadlikewine.
Dianehadflirted,withdrawnfromhim,inagameoflove.Clairehadnoknowledgeofsuchgames.
Shewascompletelyhonestandopenwithhim,devoidofcoquetry.Howverydifferentshewasfrom
thesleek,experiencedwomenwhohadwalkedthroughhislife.Foramoment,hewonderedhowit
mighthavebeenifheandDianehadnevermet,andhecouldhavecometoClaireheartwhole.
Perhapshewouldhavefalleninlovewithher.

Asitwas,hefeltasudden,fierceattractiontoClaire—andpossessiveandprotectiveofher.As

hestareddownatherflushed,dearface,hewonderedwhyhe’dnevernoticedthatlittledimpleinher
chin,orthewayhermouthcurvedsosweetly.Herfigurewasallamancouldaskfor,nicelyrounded
—evenifabitonthethinside.Shewasn’tbeautiful,butshehadbeautifulqualities.

Hefoughtastirringofdesireforherthatroselikeatideinhisblood.Howunexpected,tofeel

thatforhisownwife.Whatmighthappenifhegaveintoitfully?

TherewasDiane,though.HeturnedawayfromClaire,moreconfusedthanever.

CLAIRELEARNEDNEWTHINGSABOUTJOHNEVERYday.Hewasastudious,quietmanfor
themostpart.Helikedtoplaychessandhelovedrailroadsandtrains.Oftenwhenhewashome,she
foundhimstandingonthebalconywatchingthetrainsgoslowlydownthetrackstowardthefreight
yards.Shewonderedifhe’deverentertaineddreams,asmanyboysdid,ofbecominganengineer.But
hedidn’ttalktoherofhispastatall.

Hedidletthingsslipfromtimetotimethathemusthavelearnedduringhismilitarycareer.He

knewwhichmedalswerewhich,andhowtodistinguishoneuniformfromanother.Heknewquitea
lotaboutmilitaryhistory,readingagreatdeal,shenoted,aboutstrategyandtactics.Andheseemedto
relishperusalofhiscollectionofbiographiesaboutgreatmilitaryleaders.

Hewasfastidioustoafaultabouthispersonalappearance.Hishairwasalwayscleanand

combed,hisfingernailsimmaculateandtrimmed.Hisshoesweresopolishedthattheyreflected.The
creaseinhistrouserswasperfect.Heneverlookeddisheveledorrumpled—alldue,sheguessed,to
thatmilitarybackgroundthathewouldn’ttalkabout.

Therewassomuchthatshedidn’tknowabouthim.Shewonderediftherehadbeenwomen

besidesDianeinhispast,andreasonedthatthereprobablyhad.Helookedatherwithasortofsensual
wisdomfromtimetotimethatmadeherkneesgoweak.Hehadn’tlearnedthatinbanking.Andhe
wascarefultoopendoorsforher,helpherintocarriages,walktothestreetsideofheronthe
infrequentoccasionswhentheystrolledtogetheronnicefalldays.Hisfamilymusthavetaughthim
exquisitemanners.Healsohadastrongsenseofrightandwrong,andhewashonesttoafault.

Buthekepthisdistance.Therewerenomorepassionatekissesorevenfamiliartouches.They

wereasapartasifthey’dnevermarried.He’dwithdrawnfromheratatimewhentheywerejust
beginningtogrowcloser.

Partofherunderstoodhisattitude.HelovedDiane.Perhapsinsomequeerwayitmadehimfeel

thathehadbeenunfaithfultoDianewhenhehadkissedClaire,eventhoughClairewashiswife.Itwas
sosadthathe’dmarriedherinthefirstplace,feelingsodeeplyandstronglyaboutsomeoneelse.

TherealtragedywasthewayClairefeltabouthim.Shelovedhimwithallherheart.Therehad

neverbeenanyothermaninherthoughts,inherlife.Heknewthat.Itprobablyflatteredhim.Buton
theotherhand,itmusthavebeenunpleasant,aswell,tohavetheresponsibilityforsomeone’s
happiness,whenitwasawomanhedidn’t,couldn’t,love.

Anddespitehiscourtesy,theeverydaythingsthatanycherishedwomanwouldexpectfromher

husbandweren’tforthcoming.Heneverbroughtherflowersorlittle,inexpensivepresents.Henever
soughtherout,justtotalk.Henevertookhertotheoperaorthetheaterorevenoutforamealunless
itwasconnectedsomehowwiththebank’sbusiness.Henevercommentedonherclothingorpaidher
compliments.

OnlyoncedidshegetaglimpseoftherealmanthatJohnwasundertheintangiblemaskhe

wore,andthatwaswhenatall,lean,verydark-hairedmaninamilitarydressuniformcamebythe
apartmenthouseandaskedforhim.

Clairestaredatthemanasifheweren’tquitereal.“Well,myhusbandisatwork.At—atthe

PeachtreeCityBank,”shesaidfalteringly.

Theman,veryformal,withhiscaptuckedunderhisarm,smiledatherfaintly;hisgreeneyes

glitteredwithamusement.“Youarehiswife?Imustsay,itdelightsmethatyouaren’tfairandpetite,
madam.ThelasttimeIsawJohn,hewasmourninghisex-fiancéeandthreateningtoshoother
husband.”

Thatwasnews,andnotwelcomenews.Claire’sfacefell.
“Forgiveme,”hesaidquickly.“Permitmetointroducemyself.IamLt.Col.ChayceMarshal,

UnitedStatesArmy.”Hepresentedherwithhiscardandmadeheraformalbow.“Ihavebeenserving
inthePhilippines.Iwaswoundedandonlyhaverecentlyrecoveredenoughtogobacktodutyand
assumemynextpost,butIwantedtocallonJohnbeforeIleftthecity.Ihaveverylittletime.”

“MayIofferyouteaorcoffee?”sheaskedmorewistfullythansheknew.Itwasaverylonely

lifethatsheledoutsidethesmallcircleofwomenwithwhomsheworkedoncharitableevents.

Hesmiled.“Itwouldbeapleasure.Idon’tsupposethatyoucouldsendwordtoJohn?”
“Why,yes,Icould,”shesaid.“Mrs.Dobbshasatelephone.I’llaskhertocontactthebankand

tellhimthatyou’rehere.”

Hegrinnedwidely.“Thatwouldbewonderful.”
ShewenttofindMrs.Dobbs,toaskforapotofcoffee,whichhesaidhepreferred,andfor

slicedcakes.Itwasalmostmidday,soMrs.Dobbsalsoofferedameal,whichhedeclined.

Mrs.Dobbsrejoinedthemshortlywithatrayofcakeandcoffee.
“Mr.Hawthornwasdelightedtohearofyourarrival,”shetoldthearmyofficer,“andhe’sonhis

wayhomerightnow.”

“Thankyou,”hesaid.“Andforsuchalavishfeast,aswell.”
“Thisisjustsomepoundcakeandsomefreshlybakedbread,”Mrs.Dobbsmurmured,blushing.

“ButIhopeyoufinditedible.”

“Don’tbesilly,Mrs.Dobbs.”Clairechuckled.“Everythingyoucookisdelicious.”
“Howverykindofyou.”Theolderwomanbeamed.“Well,I’llbeinthekitchenifyouneedme.”
Sheleft,andClairepouredcoffeeforherselfandthecolonel.
“HowlonghaveyouandJohnbeenmarried?”heasked.
“Letmesee.It’sthesecondweekofNovember…Almosttwomonths,”shereplied.
“Isee.Well,doyouownthishouse,then?”
“No.Johnhasroomshereonthesecondfloor,”shesaidconversationally.Herfacewaslowered

asshepouredcoffeeintothethinchinacups,soshedidn’tseethesurpriseonhercompanion’sface.
“Hesaidthatahousewasunnecessary.”

“Thankyou,”hesaid,andpickeduphiscupwithoutaddingeithercreamorsugar.Hisgreen

eyeswerethoughtfulastheysearchedClaire’swanface.“Haveyouknownhimlong?”

“Severalyears,”shesaid,surprisinghimfurther.“Myunclediedrecently,butheandJohnwere

goodfriendsaswellasbankerandclient.Whenmyuncledied,Iwasleftdestitute.Johnproposedand
Iaccepted.”Shelookedupwithasmile.“Soyousee,itwasnotanaffairoftheheartwithus.Itwas…a
businessrelationship.”

Hehadtobitebackacomment.
“Forgiveme,”Clairesaid.“Itwasthewayyoulooked,asifyoucouldn’tunderstandwhyJohn

wouldmarrysomeoneasplainasme.”

Hewastakenabackbyherfrankness.“Icouldhardlythinkofyouasplain,”hesaidgallantly.He

studiedherwithunblinkingintensity.“Ican’timagineJohnmarryinganywomanoutofpityalone.”

“Nordidhe,”shereplied.“Therewasscandalousgossipabouthimandhisnow-marriedex-

fiancée.”

“Isee.”Hesmiled.“Itpleasesmethatyoutrustmeenoughonsuchshortacquaintancetobeso

honestwithme.”

“Honestyisafaultofmine,”sheconfessed.“Ineverfeeltheneedtodancearoundunpleasant

topics.EvenifIoffendpeople,theyknowexactlywheretheystandwithme.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Doyouknow,that’swhyJohnandIbecamefriendswhenwewerefirst

intheservicetogether.HespokehismindandsodidI.Wewerekindredspirits.Idon’tbelieveI’ve
everheardhimtellanovertlie.Idon’tthinkhecould.”

Shehadtoadmitthathe’dbeenjustashonestwithherabouthisfeelingsforDiane.Shesipped

coffeeforamoment.“WasJohnagoodsoldier?”

“Agoodofficer,”hecorrected.“Andyes,hewas.Fewmenaremoresuitedtothemilitarylife

thanJohn.Ithurthimtogiveitup,Ithink.Buthecouldn’tbearthememories.”

“Whatmemories?”sheaskedquickly.
Hesmiled.“No,youdon’t.Iwon’tshareJohn’ssecretswithyou.Hemustdothathimself.”
“ThenIcanassureyou,I’llliveoutmylifewithoutknowing.Hetellsmenothingabout

himself.”

“Youarenewlymarried,”hepointedout.“Waitafewyears.”
“Andyouthinkitwillbringhimtospeakabouthimself?”Shelaughedcoolly.“Hardly.

EverythingIknowIhavelearnedbyobservation.Helikesmilitaryhistory,”sherecounted,“also
biographiesandrailroads.”

“Yes.”Hesmiled.“Heknowsmostoftherailroadlinesinthispartofthecountryandtheir

routes,aswellassomeoftheengineerswhorunthetrains.Hehassomeexpertiseintheareaof
colonialGeorgiahistory,aswell,andaworkingknowledgeofskirmishesbetweentheGeorgia
militiaandtheCreekandCherokeeandSeminoleIndians.”

Shesmiled.“Howexciting.”
“Youmightaskhimtotellyouaboutthe‘redsticks’oneday,whenyouneedatopictohelppass

thetime.”

Sheleanedforwardintently.“Redsticks?”
“Renegadeswholefttheirtribesandformedaconfederationtotryanddefeatthewhiteswho

weretakingovertheirancestrallands.Forinstance,didyouknowthatBatonRougemeansredstick?”

Shecaughtherbreath.“Why,howveryinteresting!Andhelikesships,too.Hehasanintricate

modeloftheCuttySarkinsideabottle.”

“Yes,hebuiltit.”
Sheallbutgasped.“Thattinything?”
“Helovessailing,”hetoldher.“Theseahauntshim.Butheneverlikedthenavybecauseit

wouldinvolvespendingtoomuchtimeawayfromland.Johnwasakeenhorsemanandlovedtoride
beforethewar.Hewasacavalryofficer.”

“Idon’tthinkthatheridesnow,”sheremarked.
“HehadabadexperiencewithahorseinCuba,”ChayceMarshalsaidslowly.“Itbalkedatthe

linesandwasshotoutfromunderhim.HislegwaspinnedandtheSpanishArmygotalittletoo
close.”Heshrugged.“Severalofuswenttohisrescue,butheneverforgottheincident.Ithinkhe
hateshorsesnow.”

“Ididn’trealizetherewerehorsesinCuba.”
“Weshippedmountsoverfortheofficers,”hetoldher.“Sadly,manyofthemwereeateninthe

daysafterthewarwhenfoodwassoscarceandpeoplewerestarving.”

“IreadthedispatchesinthelocalpaperwhenthewarwasraginginCuba,”shetoldhim.“They

werefullofsadstories.AnditsoundsasifitwasmuchworseinthePhilippines.”

“Itstillis,”hesaidshortly,andforaninstant,thehorrorofthatcontinuingconflictwasinhis

eyes.Whathe’dseenwasnofittalkforwomen’sears.Cubahadbeenbad,butthePhilippineswashell

itself.“Ideeplyregretbeingdeniedachancetogobackthereandsupportmymen.Itwasawicked
thrustoffatethatIshouldhavebeenwounded.”

“Aren’tyougoingback?”shequeried.
Heshookhishead.“Ihaveanuncertaintemperandthecourageofmyconvictions,”hesaid

amusedly.“Imadeenemiesofallthewrongpeople—andnowI’mbeingassignedasinstructortoa
bunchofgreencadets.PrayGodIcaninstructthemwell,sothattheydon’tgointobattleanddieasso
manyoftheyoungcadetsundermycommanddid.”

“Yes.”Shesearchedhisface.“Itmusthavebeenaterribletime.”
“Itwas.Warisneverglorious,Mrs.Hawthorn.Itisonlyafacadeofglitteroveranugly,red

wound.”Hechuckled.“Forgiveme.Ibecomefanciful.”

“Oh,Icouldlistentoyouallday.Howveryknowledgeableyouare!”
Hestoppedfeedingherfactsandstudiedheranimatedface.Shewasprettywhenshewasexcited,

andshewasthebestfemalelistenerhe’deverencountered.“LuckyJohn,tohavesowillingan
audience,”hemurmured.

“Iexpecthe’salwayshadawillingaudiencewhenitcomestowomen,”shesaidbitterly.
Heclearedhisthroatandsippedsomemorecoffee,unwillingtoputhisheadintothatparticular

verbalnoose.

“I’veembarrassedyou,”shesaidatonce.“Forgiveme.Idotendtoramble.”
“Dearlady,I’vespentmostofmylifeinthemilitary,”hesaid,givingheradrollsmile.“Idon’t

thinkIcanbeembarrassedanymore.However—”hepaused,hiseyestwinkling“—pleasefeelfreeto
try.”

“Why,Colonel…areyouflirtingwithme?”sheaskeddemurely,andcolored.
ItwasunfortunatethatJohnshouldcomeinthedooratthatparticularmoment.Claire’sred

cheeksandthecolonel’steasingexpressiondidn’timprovehisdispositiononebit.Ithadbeenan
altogetherdifficultmorninganditseemedbentonworsening.

Buthekepthisirritationtohimselfandwentforward—witheveryappearanceofhappiness—to

meethisoldfriend.

“Chayce!”hesaid,holdingouthishand.
Thetwomenshookhandsandpattedeachotherontheshoulderswarmly.
“God,it’sbeensuchalongtime,”Johnsaid.
“Twoyears,”Chaycesaid.Hesighed.“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain.I’monmywaytoCharleston,

andIthoughtI’dlookinonyouasIpassedthroughAtlanta.”

“Charleston?”
Chaycesmiledcoldly.“I’mtoteachcadets,”hesaid.“Ironic,isn’tit—afteryearsonthefront

linesofbattle!ImadesomeenemiesinWashingtonbyspeakingmymind,yousee.”

“I’mnotsurprised.”Johnchuckled.“Youneverwereonetopullyourpunches.”
“ImademysupportofWilliamJenningsBryanalittletoowellknown,andIjoinedtheanti-

imperialistmovement.TheseniorofficersfeltthatIshouldhavekeptquiet.McKinleyhasjustwon
theelectionandIamdisgraced.”

“Yourpoliticalviewsshouldbeyourownbusiness,”Johnremarked.“IsaythateventhoughI

supportedMcKinley.”

“Yes,becauseofRooseveltgettingthevicepresidency.Servedbesidehim,didn’tyou?”John

noddedandChaycesaid,“Well,wecanagreetodisagree.”

“JustwhatIwasabouttosay!”JohnsatbackandtookthecoffeecupthatClairehadfilledfor

him.Hedidn’tmeethereyes.Hewastoounsettled.She’dneverflirtedwithhim,butsheseemedto
findnodifficultydoingitwithChayce,whowasaladies’manforreal.“Whatwillyouteach?”he
continued.

“Strategyandtactics,”Chaycereplied.“I’velearnedalotfromsomeofthecareersoldiersImet

whileIwasservinginArizona,andtheninthePhilippines.ManyofthemwereveteransoftheIndian
warsoutWest.”Hespokeintently.“You’dbeamazedathowcannythosePlainsIndianswereinbattle.
AndGeronimoledtheU.S.Armyamerrychaseuntilhisfinalsurrenderin’86.Iwasstationedin
Arizona,butIneverfoughtIndians.”Hesighed.“AlthoughIservedwithmenwhodid.”

“Irememberoneofthem—JaredDunn,wholivesinNewYorkCity.Ihadacardfromhimat

Christmaslastyear.”

“SodidI,”Chaycerecalledfondly.“Dunnwasacharacter.Ihopehe’sputhisgunawayforgood

now.”

“Hisservicerevolver,youmean?”Claireinterjected.
Chaycechuckled.“No,hissix-gun.Dunnwasagun-fighterandthenaTexasRanger.Ithinkyou

mightsaythatheledacolorfullifebeforehesettleddowntopracticelawinNewYorkCity.”

“Iwouldn’tcallhimsettled,”Johnsaid.“Hestillhasareputationforshootingstraightwhenit’s

calledfor,andhetakesalotofcasesoutsideofthecity.”

“NotajobI’dlike,”Chayceremarked.“Thelawisdryasdust.Imuchpreferthemilitarylife.

Don’tyoumissit?”hefiredatJohnsuddenly.

“ImissiteverydayIdrawbreath,”Johnrepliedcurtly.“ButIcan’tgoback,andyouknowwhy.”
“Timehealsallwounds,”Chaycesaidsolemnly.“Andyourrecordwasexemplary.Ispokewith

oneoldcolonelwhosaidhestillmournedyourdecisionnottoreenlistafteryouweremusteredout,
whenyoudecidedtogotoHarvard.”

“ColonelWayne?”
Chaycenodded.“Hewasanexceptionalcommander.HeknowsmorethanIeverwillhavetime

tolearnaboutfrontlineskirmishes.”Heshrugged.“ButhelikeshisMontanaranchandhasnointerest
inmovingEast.”

“HowareyougoingtotolerateCharlestonafterArizona?”Johnasked.
Chaycegrimaced.“AboutaswellasGeronimoandhisChiricahuaApachelikedbeing

maroonedinSt.Augustine,Iexpect.Desertdwellersdon’tcottontodamprot.”

“Charlestonhasitsgoodpoints.Ilivedthereforseveralyearsandlovedit,”Johnrecalled.
“Youlovedthesea,”Chayceremindedhim.“Irememberhearingyoutalkaboutallthesailing

youusedtodowithyourfatherandbrothersasaboy.ButIhateit.”

“You’llhaveplentyofyearstolearntoloveit.”
Chaycesighed.“Ihopenot.”
“Giveittime.You’llworkyourwaybackintofavoroneday.”
Chayceshrugged.“Sotheysay.”
Hestayedonlyalittlelongerandthendeclaredthathehadtobeonhisway,sothathedidn’t

misshistrain.

“It’sbeenswellseeingyouagain,”hetoldJohnastheyshookhandsoutonthesidewalkwherea

carriagehadbeensummonedandwaswaitingforChayce.“Takecareofyourwife.She’satreasure.”

“Thankyou,Colonel,”Clairereplied,withasmile.“Itwasapleasuretohavemetyou.Dostop

bythenexttimeyoucomethisway.”

“Perhapsbythenyou’llhaveaproperhouseandayardfulofchildren,”Chayceremarked,but

hewaslookingatJohn,notClaire,whenhesaidit.“PleasethankMrs.Dobbsforthedeliciouscake,
Claire,andkeepwell.Solong.”

Johnpulledhispocketwatchoutandglancedatit.“I’llshareyourcarriage.Ihavetogetbackto

thebank,”hesaid.HeglancedatClaire.“I’llbelate.Don’twaitsupper.”

HeclimbedinbesideChayce.Thedoorclosed.Thecarriagetookoffdownthestreet.Claire

stoodonthesidewalklookingafterit.She’dlearnedsomethingnewaboutherhusband,butitwould

dohernogoodatall.Ifhe’dcaredforher,she’dhavelearnedthosethingsfromhim,andnothadto
findthemoutfromhisoldfriendChayce.

Amazingly,thenextdayJohnactuallytookherriding.Helefthisofficejustafternoonandhired

acarriagewithadriver.

“Ithoughtitmightbeniceforyoutogetoutofthehouseforabit,”heexplainedwhenshe

appearedshockedbyhissuggestion.

“We—wenevergoanywheretogether,”shestammered.
“WhataboutthebanksocialSaturdaynight?”heasked.
Shesmiled.“Well,there’sthat.”
Hehandedherintothecarriageandclimbedinbesideher,hiseyesapprovingofherblacksuit

withitsnattywhitetrimandhermatchinghat.Shehadincredibledresssense—whenshewasn’t
workingonthatsillyautomobileorridingthatcursedwheel.Sheonlyrodeitaroundtheproperty,
butsheoftenfelloff,anditwasahighone.Hefeltguiltyaboutpuncturingoneofhertiresandthen
lyingabouthavingnotimetogetitpatchedforher.Shewouldn’tknowthathewasconcernedforher
welfare.Moreandmore,theideaofClairebeinghurtinanyway,physicallyoremotionally,was
disturbingtohim.

TheytalkedaboutAtlantaanditstempestuouspast,talkingaboutmorerecenteventslikethe

unusualhouseonPeachtreeStreet,the“housethatJackbuilt,”andthefamousTally-howagonofthe
DrivingClubthataretiredmilitarymanusedtocarryprettydebutantesandvisitingdignitariesracing
alongthestreets.Thecoachwaspulledbywhitehorsesandregalinitslivery,andasilvertrumpet
soundeditsapproach.

“Whatafabulouscitythisis,”Clairesaid.
“Andwhatafutureithas,”Johnreplied.“Wemakelong-termaswellasshort-termloansto

businesses,andwe’reshowinghugeprofits.”Well,onpaper,atleast,headdedtohimself,putting
asidesomenaggingworriesaboutthebank’sfinancesthathewasn’tgoingtosharewithClaire.

“Oh,John,look!”Shegrabbedhisarmunconsciously,wincingasshesawacarriagejustahead

ofthemcollidewithadogandknockittotheroadside.Itkeptgoing.“Theanimal!Howcouldthey
leaveit!John,dostop,”shepleaded.

“Ofcoursewe’llstop,”hesaid,equallyincensed.Hebangedonthetopofthecoachwithhis

cane,tossedhishataside,andunbuttonedhisjacketanddiscardeditbeforehefollowedClaireoutof
thecarriage.Herolleduphissleevesontheway.

Theanimalwasyelpinginpain.Johnkneltbesideitandhishandsgentlyfeltforbreaksinits

ribsandlegswhileittriedfeeblytosnapathim.

“It’shisleg,”Johnsaidafteraminute.“I’llneedasplintandsomegauze.”
“It’sinpain.”
“Yes,Iknow.Butthere’sverylittleIcandoaboutthat,”hesaidapologetically.
“Beauregard!”asobbing,elderlyvoicecalled.Atinylittleoldwomanwithwhitehaircame

downthepathfromanimposingbrickhome.Sheleanedheavilyonacane.“Oh,dear.Oh,dear,”she
said,wipingawaytears.ShelookedatJohnhelplessly.“Willhedie?”sheaskedresignedly.

“Certainlynot,”Johnsaidgently.“Hehasabrokenlegandhe’sinsomepain.Haveyougauze

andsomethingIcanuseforasplint?”

“Oh,areyouadoctor?”theoldwomanasked.
“No,butI’vepatchedupenoughwoundedmeninmytime.Iknowwhattodo.I’llcarryhim.”
“You’llgetdirty,youngman,”theoldladysaidworriedly.
Hechuckled.“Yes,Iprobablywill.”
Hebentandpickedupthepooranimal,verycarefulnottojostlehimanymorethannecessary.

Theanimalwasstillwhimpering,buthewasnolongertryingtobite.

Claire’seyesadoredherhusband.She’dalwaysthoughthimakindman,butseeingthistender

sideofhimmadeherheartache.Allthewaytothehouse,shereassuredtheworriedownerofthe
dog,recallingherownpetswhohadsurvivedworsemishaps.Bythetimetheyreachedtheelegant
house,theoldwomanhadstoppedcrying.

“Ican’tthankyoubothenoughforstopping,”theoldwomansaidastheywalkedupthesteps.

“Beauregardwasgiventomebymylatehusband.He’sallIhave.Isawthatcarriagehithimanddrive
on.Iknowwhosecarriageitis,too.Itbelongstothatcommercialbanker,thatWolfordman.”

“Ourcompetition.”Johnchuckled.“Yes,Iknowhim.”
“Hewouldnotloanastarvingbeggaranickel,”theladysaid.SheglancedcuriouslyatJohn.

“Andtowhichbankdoyoubelong,youngman?”

“IamvicepresidentofthePeachtreeCityBank,”hereplied.
“Ah.”Shesmiled.
Johndidn’tunderstandthatsmile,buthequicklybecametoooccupiedwiththepoordogto

analyzeit.Theyputtheanimalontheporch,andwhenthematerialsherequiredwerefetched,heset
theanimal’sbrokenlegsecurely.

“Helivesinthehouse,”theelderlyladysaid.“I’llkeephimwarmandfedandwatered—andI

won’tlethimmovearoundanymorethannecessary.Icanneverthankyouenough.”

“Thismaysoundwicked,”Johnsaid,“butifyoucangivehimalittlewhiskey,itmighthelpthe

pain.”

Shegrinned.“Ihaveseveralbottlesofmyhusband’sbest.Ishalltakeyouradvice.”Shepetted

thedoggently.Hewaslyingstill,shiveringalittle,butnotwhimpering.

“Here,”Johnsaid,pickingtheanimaluponcemore.“Showmewhereyouwanthim.”
Sheledthewayinside,withClaireandJohnrightbehindher.Ontheway,ahugepaintingover

thefireplacecaughtClaire’seyeandsheflushedassherecognizedthesubject.Shedidn’tsayaword
asshewatchedJohnplacetheanimalgentlyontherugatthehearth,whereafirewasgoing.

“Oldbonesgetcold.He’llbehappyhere.”Theoldladyextendedahand,whichJohnkissedwith

gentlesophistication,smilingattheelderlywoman’squickflush.

“Ihopehedoeswell.”
“Thankyouforyourhelp,youngman.Itwon’tbeforgotten.”
“Itwastheleastanyonecouldhavedone.”
“Yes,butnooneelsedidit.”Sheshowedthembothtothefrontdoorandwatchedthemdownthe

drivewithasmile.

“Doyouknowwhothatwas?”Clairewhisperedfranticallytohimbeforetheyreachedthe

carriage.

“OfcourseIdo,”hesaid.“ButIdidn’twhenwestopped.She’squiteacharacter.Andstoriesare

stilltoldaboutherhusband.HewasaCivilWargeneral.”

“Yes,Iknow,I’vereadabouthim.”Shealsoknewthattheelderlyladywastherichestwidowin

town.

Hechuckled.“Ihadnoideawhosehousethatwas,orwhosedog.PooroldWolford.Ifheonly

knewwhosedogheabandonedtoitspain…”

“Shesmiled.”
Henodded.“Akindbutvengefulwoman.Hisbankwillsuffer,I’mafraid.”
“Andsoitshould,”Clairesaidhotly.“Imagine!Hittingthepooranimalandjustdrivingon!”
Hestoppedatthecarriage,pausinglongenoughtothankthedriverforwaitingsopatiently.
“Noproblematall,sir,”themansaidstoically.“Iseenwhathappened.Ittakesaheartlessmanto

leaveananimalinsuchpain.”

“Yes,itdoes,”Johnagreed.HeputClaireintothecarriageandclimbedinbesideher.Thefront

ofhisshirtwassoiledandwet.Heunbuttoneditalittletomovethewetpartaside.

Claire’seyesweredrawntohisbroad,hair-roughenedchest,andshecouldn’thelpbutstare.

She’dneverseenamanwithouthisshirt.

Hecockedaneyebrowandchuckled.“Lifeisalllessons,isn’tit,Claire?”Hecaughtherhand

anddrewhercloserinthecozyconfinesofthecarriage.Hisfingersguidedhersagainstthemuscular
wallofhischestintothethickmatofblackhair.

Herfingersjerkedatfirst,butheflattenedherpalmthereandmoveditsensuouslyonhiswarm

flesh.Hisbreathingchangedsuddenly.

Shelookedupintohisdarkeyesandfoundthemsmoldering.
“You…likeit?”sheaskeduncertainly.
“Ilikeit.”Hetooktheotherhandandputitwiththefirst,buttheglovesirritatedhim.Hestripped

themoffandtossedthemontoherlapbeforeheplacedherbarehandsagainsthim.Hischest
expandedwiththefeelofherfleshagainsthis.

“Yes,that’showIwantedyourhandsonme,”hesaid,bendinghishead.Hekissedher,hismouth

halfopen,teasing,demanding.

“John?”Hervoicewasabaresqueak.
“Claire!”
Hecaughthertohim,turningheracrosshislap.Thekissbecamedeep,invasive,andhemoved

herhandsonhisbodyuntilsheunderstoodwhathewanted.Hisheartbeatshookbothofthem.
Secondslater,hedrewbackslightlyandguidedherlipsdowntohischest,archingback,shiveringas
hefeltthemonhisbareskin.

Thesuddenjoltofthecarriagemadethemdrawapart.Theylookedateachotherasthecarriage

begantoslow,thenrealizedalmostsimultaneouslythattheywerenearlyhome.

Clairejerkedawayfromhim,flusteredandwide-eyed.
“It’sallright,”hesaid,withmorecomposurethanheactuallyhad.
Sheretrievedherhatfromthefloorwhilehepulledhissleevesdown,buttonedhiswetshirt,and

puthisjacketandhatbackon.

Theirappearanceleftmuchtobedesired.Helikedherdisheveled.Hisbodywasachingfrom

frustrateddesire,buthefeltbothaffectionandamusementashelookedatClaire’sguiltyexpression.

“Noonewilllectureusaboutthewaywelook.We’remarried,”hesaid,teasing.
“Yes.”Shepulledherglovesbackonwithfumblinghands.
Hetouchedhercheekgently.“Youareadelighttokiss,Mrs.Hawthorn,”hesaidsoftly.“You

lookadorable.”

Sheflushedandsmiled,confusedasshe’dneverbeen.
Hechuckled.“Andnowwereallyhadbettergoinside.”
Hepaidthedriverandhelpedherout,hiseyesunusuallytender.Heevenheldherarmasthey

wentintothehouse,pausingonlylongenoughtospeaktoMrs.Dobbsbeforegoingupstairs.

Butoncetheywereintheirapartment,Johnsuddenlygrewremote.Herealizedhe’dforgotten

Dianealtogetherfortheafternoon,andwonderedhowhecouldhavedonesuchathing.Hesmiled
vacantlyatClaireandwenttohisownroomwiththeexcusethathehadtocleanup.

Whenheemerged,hewasthemanhe’dalwaysbeen—courteousandfriendly,butdetached.

Clairewonderedifshe’ddreamedthewholeepisodeinthecarriage.Itwasasadendtoawonderful
day.

OVERTHENEXTFEWDAYS,CLAIRENOTICEDAdefiniteshiftinherrelationshipwithher
taciturnhusband.Afterhisfriend’svisitandtheirsharedadventureinthecarriage,Johnseemedmuch
moreapproachable—almostwatchful.Theyhadmostmealstogethernow.Butthegrowing
camaraderievanishedwhensheaskediftheyweregoingtothegovernor ’sballatChristmas.He
suddenlyclammedupasifshe’daskedhimforstatesecrets.

Shecouldn’tknowthatitwaspainfulforhimtoconsiderthatannualevent,becausehisparents

werealwaysinvited.Hehadn’tseenthemsincehisabruptdeparturefromhometwoyearsbefore,and
hewasreluctanttoresurrectoldwoundsinapublicplace.Buthispresencewouldbeexpectedasan
officerofthelargestbankinthecity—andtheone,incidentally,favoredbythegovernorhimself.

BecauseClaireknewnothingofherhusband’sbackground,shehadnoideahowitaffectedhim

tobeanoutcastinhisfamily—oreventhathewasanoutcast.Herfearswerethathemightbe
ashamedofhersomehow,andthatwaswhyhedidn’twanttogototheball.Shewasn’treallyinhis
socialclass,andhe’dneverseenherproperlydressedforaneveningout.Perhapsafterseeingher
grimyfromworkingontheautomobile,andeveninhercomfortabledayclothes,hemightthinkshe
lackedproperdresssense.

Well,shehadeverycertaintyofshowinghimhowcarefullyshecoulddressandgroomherself,

becauseshealreadyhadthedesignandtheclothforherowngown.Shewouldmakesomethingthat
wouldraiseeyebrows,somethingevenmorespectacularthanthegownsshewassewingforEvelyn
andtheothersocietywomen.She’dshowherhusband,byhookorcrook,thatshecouldcompetewith
hislovelyDiane!

Hehadn’tmentionedtheotherwomanrecently.Sheknewthatheoccasionallysawher,because

sheoftenaccompaniedherhusbandtothebank.ButhenevermentionedeitherDianeoranydealings
hehadwithher.Ashe’dpromisedattheirwedding,hewasn’tgoingtocheatonClaire.

Thesadthingwasthathedidn’tloveher,Clairereflected.She’dmarriedhopingforamiracle,

buthermarriagehadonlyledtomoreheartache.Andnowthatsheknewhowitfelttobekissedby
herelusivehusband,thingswereeversomuchworseforher.Hehadonlykindnessandteasing
affectiontogiveher,whileshehungeredforhimandlovedhimmorefullythanbefore.Life,she
thoughtwistfully,couldbesodifficult.

ATURDAYARRIVED,AND

LAIRE

steeledherselfforaneveningwiththeCalversonsandtheinvestment-

firmownerwhomMr.Calversonwascourting.

Clairehadn’thadtimetomakeherselfadressfortheoccasionbecauseshewassoinvolved

sewingEvelyn’s,Jane’s,andEmma’sdressesforthegovernor ’sball,soshe’dtakenJohn’sinvitation
toheartandboughtoneforherselfatRich’sonWhitehallStreet.Thestore’selegantblack-and-gold
interiorhaddelightedClaire’ssenseoffashionandcolor,andtheplate-glasswindowsthatadornedit
werefilledwithexcitingdisplays.

Enchantedbyhersurroundings,shefoundtheverydressshewaslookingfor,adeepemerald

greenwithjetbeadsandalacyoverlayonthelow-cutbodice.Thestrapswerevelvetandsatin,the
trimaroundthebottomofthegowninthesamejetbeadsasthebodice.Thedresshadbeenquite
expensive,butitturnedhergrayeyesgreenandenhancedhercomplexion.Shestaredatherselfinher
longovalmirrorwithfascination.Shedidn’tlooksobadwhenshedressedup.Shehadhermother ’s
marcasite-and-onyxnecklaceandearrings,too,whichmatchedhergownbeautifully.Johnwasgoing
tobesurprised,shethought.

Andhewas.Hestaredatherintheirparlorwithnarrowdarkeyesthattookineverylineofher

slenderbodyinthewell-fitteddress.

“Wheredidyougetthat?”heaskedabruptly.
“Rich’s.Doyoulikeit?”
Likeit!Thesilhouetteofthegownenhancedherperfecthourglassfigure,andtheneckline

droopedtoshowthesoftcurvesofherwhitebreasts.Herarmswerebare,ashe’dneverseenthem,
andtheywereroundandwhiteandsoftabovethewhiteglovessheworewithhergown.Shehadn’t
usedliprouge,butherprettylipswereredjustthesame,andhercheekswerepinkwithexcitement.In
herhair,sheworeanegret,aheronplumeonajet-jeweledcomb.Shewasbreathtakingandvery
stylish,forawomanwho’dbeenraisedinthecountry,outsidesociety.

“Youlookverynice,”hesaidformally.
Shecouldhavesaidthesameabouthim.Darkclothessuitedhim.Hewasdevastatinginwhitetie,

butshewastooshytotellhimthat.

“Thankyou,”shesaidpolitely,grippinghersmallpurse.
“Shallwego?”
Heopenedthedoorandescortedherdowntothewaitingcarriage.Shewasverynervousand

keptpickingatherpurseforsomethingtokeepherhandsbusy.Shewasn’toverlyfondofEli
Calverson,andshehadgravemisgivingsaboutJohn’sreactiontoDiane.Claireknewthatshemight
lookpassableinanicegown,butshewasnomatchfortheelegantandbeautifulDiane.Onlylove
wouldhavegivenhertheedge,andshedidn’thaveJohn’s.

“Howmanypeoplewillbethere?”sheaskedafteralongsilence,brokenonlybythesoundof

thehorses’hoovesonthecobblestonestreet.

“JusttheCalversons,Mr.Whitfieldandhiswifeandson,andus.”
“Oh.”
“It’sasmall,intimategathering,notaparty,”hereturnedgently,flickinglintfromhissleeve.He

glancedatherapprovingly.“Oh,andoneotherthing,Claire,”headded,leaningtowardherwitha
wickedsmile.“Pleaserefrainfrommakingremarksaboutthemotorcar.”

Sheglaredathim.“Why?”
“BecauseCalversonthinksthey’reinventionsofthedevil,that’swhy.Bankershavetobowto

conventiontogetbusiness.Speakingofwhich,”hesaidsuddenly,“doyourememberthedogwhose
legImended?”

“Yes.”
“Well,theladywhoownshimwithdreweverypennyshehadinoldWolford’sbankand

depositeditinours.”HechuckledatClaire’sdelightedexpression.“Thatwillshowhimtotakealittle
morecarewithhisdriving.”

“Indeeditwill.Howdelightfulforyourbank!”
“Calversonthoughtso,aswell.Although,”headded,“Iwouldhavestoppedjustasquicklyhad

shebeenapoorwoman.”

“Iknewthatalready,John,”Clairesaid.Hersofteyeslingeredonhisface,andhehadtoforcibly

tearhisownawayfromthatadoration.HefoundhimselfthinkinglessoftenofDianelately,although
hisheartwasstillsorefromherloss.Clairewasacharmingcompanion.Attimes,hewonderedwhat

itwouldbeliketohavearealmarriagewithher.Hethoughtmoreaboutitwhenhedidn’tseeDiane.
Hehadbeenlookingforwardtotonight’sdinner,inanycase,becausehisheartfedonthemeresight
ofher.ButClaire’sappearancemadehimfeelasenseofprideinhisyoungwife.Shewouldturn
headstonight.

TDIDN’TTAKELONG

togettothehugeCalversonmansion.Ithadgingerbreadwoodworkandturret

rooms,anditlookedlikeacastle.AsClairemountedthefrontstepsonJohn’sarm,shethoughtthatit
wouldneversuither;itwasfartooflashy.ButDianeneededashowcase,andcertainlythiswasit.
Crystalchandeliersblazedthrougheverylongwindow,pastexquisitewhitecurtains.Eventhe
staircaseinsidewashand-carvedmahogany.

Dianecametomeetthem,barelymanagingacurtgreetingforClairebeforeshewenttoJohn

withherheartinhereyesandlookedupathimwithahandonhissleeve.

“I’msogladyoucouldcome,’shesaidinhersoft,huskyvoice.“Bothofyou,”sheadded

reluctantly,glancingatClaire.“Mr.Whitfield’sbusinessissoimportanttousrightnow.Ihopeyou’ll
bothdoyourbesttomakehimfeelathomeinAtlanta,andwiththebank.”

“Certainlywewill,mydear,”Johnsaid.HistoneofvoicewasdifferentwhenhespoketoDiane.

Hiseyesashelookedatherweresuddenlyhungryandhotandfullofpain.Hetensed,becausehe
hadn’texpectedthefeelingtoriseinhimsopowerfully.

Dianesawitandherowneyessparkled.Shesmiledcoquettishly.“Why,John.Youmustn’tlook

atmethatway,”shewhisperedquickly,glancingtowardtheparlordoorandtotallyunconcernedwith
Claire’sreactiontothebyplay.“Wemustbecareful.Elialreadysuspects—”

Beforeshecouldsayanotherword,EliCalversoncameoutintothehalltogreettheirguests,

motioningimpatientlyforahoveringmaidtotaketheircoats.Dianetookhisarmandsmiledupat
himlovingly.

Heflushed—andhisgoodhumorseemedtoreturn.HepattedDiane’ssmallhandandsmiledat

herbeforeheturnedtogreetJohn.“Thereyouare,myboy.Gladyoucouldcome.Andhowniceto
seeyouagain,too,Claire.You’rebothlookingwell,”hesaidpleasantly,shakingJohn’shandbefore
heturnedtokissClaire’s.Hiseyesnarrowedunpleasantlyashelookedather.“Idohopeyoudon’t
plananytripsinthatmotorcarinthenearfuture,Claire.ItcouldplayhavocwithMr.Whitfield’s
sensibilities.Andwewouldn’twanttodoanythingtoupsethim,wouldwe?Itwouldn’thelpJohn’s
positionatall.”

Itwasaveiledthreat.Shewishedshecouldtellthisfattoadwhatshethoughtofhim.Shedidn’t

dare.HerfeatherswerealreadyruffledfromDiane’stragic-queenperformance.Shesmiledinstead.
“Ihaven’tmuchtimeformotorcarsthesedays,Mr.Calverson,”shesaid,withquietdignity.

“Gladtohearit,”hereturned,andsmiledmorebroadly.“Comeinandmeetourguests.”
HepropelledthempastDianeandintotheparlorwhereatall,silver-hairedmanwaswaiting.He

lookedboredandhalfoutofhumor.Hiswife,aninsignificantlittleblondewomandressedinpink,
satquietlyonthevelvet-coveredcouch,lookinghaunted.Atall,verygood-lookingyoungmanabout
Claire’sageloungedwithonehandonthemantel.Helookedtowardthenewcomersandtheboredom
abruptlylefthisface.HesmiledatClaire.

Shewastakenabackwhenhecameforwardastheintroductionsweremadeandpossessed

himselfofClaire’shand.

“NoonetoldmethatMr.Hawthornhadsuchalovelydaughter,”hesaid,oblivioustothesudden

shockedsilencearoundhim.“I’mTedWhitfield,andIcertainlyhopetoseemoreofyouwhilewe’re
inAtlanta,”headded,kissingherhand.

AviselikehandonherarmpulledherbacktoJohn’sside.Heglaredattheyoungerman,

assailedbyasurgeofjealousythatshockedhim.“I’mJohnHawthorn.AndthisisClaire.Mywife,”
headdeddeliberately.

Tedwasn’ttheleastperturbed.Heonlygrinned.Helookedrakish,withhisblondhairandblue

eyesandhandsomeface.“Isshe,now?Well,well.”

“Ted,mindyourmanners,”Mr.Whitfieldsaidabruptly.
“Sure,Daddy,”hedrawled.
“Johnisourvicepresident,”Elicontinued,alittleshakenbyTed’sunexpectedbehavior.“A

worthyadditiontothebank.He’saHarvardgraduate,youknow.”

“I’maPrincetonman,myself,”Tedsaid.
“Whichclass?”Johnasked,withamockingsmile.
Tedlookeduncomfortable.“Well,Ihaven’tactuallygraduatedyet.”
“Oh?”
Amazing,Clairethought,listening,howeasilyJohncouldimbuethatwordwithshadesof

contemptandhauteur.Herhusbandwasstillverymuchanunknownquantity.Heintimidatedthe
youngermanwithouteventrying.

“ButTedisatthetopofhisclass,aren’tyou,mydarling?”Mrs.Whitfieldpurredather

handsomeson,glaringatJohn.“He’sveryintelligent,”sheaddedforgoodmeasure,herfaceflushed
withirritation.

“Obviously,”Johndrawled.
“Wouldyoulikeadrinkbeforedinner?”Eliaskedabruptly,staringpointedlyatJohn.
“Idon’tthinkso,”Johnreplied,glancingwithraisedbrowatthebrandysnifterinTed’shand.

Thelookandtheimplicationwereenoughtomakeeveryonemoreuncomfortable,especiallyDiane.

ClairewassurprisedatthewayJohnbehavedtowardTed.Theboywasyoungandharmless,but

Johnseemedtofindhimoffensive.Diane,ontheotherhand,waskindnessitselftotheyoungman,
puttingherselfouttomakehimfeelathome.Clairewonderedifshewasdoingitonpurpose,to
chastiseJohnforhisrudenesstoTedonClaire’sbehalf.

ThedinnerwasanordealforClaire.NoahWhitfieldseemedverystraitlaced,andhis

conversationwaslimitedtofinancialtalkthatwentrightoverClaire’shead.Dianehungonevery
word,althoughClairewascertainthatthewomandidn’tunderstandanythingaboutmoneyexceptthe
spendingofit.PerhapsherfascinationwithMr.Whitfieldhadmoretodowithhiswealththanhis
conversation,Clairethoughtwickedly.

Afterthemeal,theladiesretiredtothelivingroomforconversationwhilethemenclosedthe

slidingdoorsintotheparlorsothattheycouldenjoybrandyandcigars.

“Thatwasalovelymeal,Diane,”Mrs.Whitfieldsaid.“Youmusthaveyourcookshareher

broccolisouprecipewithmine.”

“I’llcertainlyaskher,Jennifer,”Dianerepliedgraciously.“My,whatalovelygownyou’re

wearing.IsitaParislabel?”

“Ofcourse,”theolderwomanreplied,withasmile.“EtienneDupree.Youmustknowofhim.”
“Indeed.”
“AndyourgowncertainlyhasthehallmarkofParis,”Jenniferadded.
“Howperceptiveofyoutonotice!It’sCharmonne.”
TheywereshuttingClaireout,anddoingamagnificentjobofit.Shewasmadetofeelthelittle

countrygirlsuppingwithherbetters.

Shestoodup.
“Oh,excuseme,Claire.Ididn’tmeantoexcludeyoufromourconversation,”Dianepurred.
Clairegaveheralevel,unblinkinglookthatmadehercolor.“Oneofmymother ’scousinswasa

Baptistminister,”shesaidquietly.“Irememberhertellingmethathewalkedeverywheretopreach,
andthatsometimeshisshoeswereincrediblymuddy.OneSunday,whilehewaspreaching,ayoung
manintheaudiencekeptlookingathisdirtyshoeswithasortofcontempt.Mycousinstoppedinthe
middleofhissermontoremindtheyoungmanthatGodwassurelymoreinterestedinthecondition
ofhissoulthaninthestateofhisshoes.”Shesmiledasthemessagewenthometotheothertwo.
“Sometimesitbehoovesustorememberthatheavenhasnosociallevels,andthatbeggarsandqueens
willwalkthesamestreetsonthatsideoflife.”

Mrs.Whitfieldwentred.“Well,ofcoursetheywill.Icertainlynevermeantanyoffense!”
“NorI,”Dianesaiduncomfortably.
Claire’seyesdidn’twaver.“Ihavenoenvyofyourpositionandwealth,”shesaid.“AndIcovet

nothingofyours,”sheaddedpointedly—andwithasmile,despiteheranger.

Dianegotupfromherchair,flushed.“It’sratherwarminhere,isn’tit?I’llhavethemaiddamp

downthefire.”

Clairewastoopolitetosmirk,butshefeltlikeit.Thevenomousserpent,playinguptoJohnasif

hebelongedtoher!Atfirstshe’dthoughtthatDianetrulylovedJohnandwasdevastatedatlosing
him.Shenolongerbelievedit.DianeplayedwithJohnlikeacruelcatwithamouse.Sheflirtedand
teased,buttherewasnosubstancetoit.Johnwashandsomeandamanofposition,butDianeprobably
didnotbelievehimtobehersocialequal,sohewouldneverhavebeenatruecandidatefor
matrimony.ShewascertainnowthatDianehadonlybeenteasinghimwiththeirearlierengagement.

JohndeservedsomeonebetterthanDianeasanobjectforhisaffections.Clairemightnothave

Diane’sbeautyorherclass,butshelovedhim.Oneday,thatmightbeenough.

Inthemeantime,shewasgoingtowalkastraightandnarrowpath,carefulnottopushherway

intoJohn’sprivacyormakehimashamedofher.Butthatdidn’tmeanshewasgoingtoletpeoplelike
DianeandMrs.Whitfieldpushheraroundjustbecauseshedidn’thavewhattheyconsideredaproper
background.

Theconversationwasstiltedandrathersparseuntilitwastimetorejointhemen.Johnnoticedit

atonceandglaredatClaire.Ofcourse,hewouldn’tthinkitwasanyone’sfaultbutherownifthere
wereproblems,shethoughtwithresignation.

Tedtookherarmandledhertothesofa,stallingwhatJohnhadbeenabouttoaskher.Hesat

downbesideherandengagedherinconversationabouthermotorcar,whichheseemedtofind
fascinating.

“Iunderstandthatyoucanactuallyworkonthebeast,”Tedsaid,hiseyeslightingup.“Ihavea

friendatPrincetonwho’spouncedonMaxPlanck’snewquantumtheory—vaporousstuff,quite
incomprehensibletoanybutphysicsmajors—buthehasaninterestinmotorcars.Hebuiltanelectric
one,whichherunsaroundthetown.It’ssomethinglikethatquadricyclethatHenryFordwastryingto
marketinDetroit.”

“HenryFordisacrackpot,”Mrs.Whitfieldsaidirritably,stillsmartingfromClaire’searlier

rebuke.“Thesesillymachinesareonlyafad.They’lldieoutinayearorso.”

“Ibelievethatmaynotbethecase,”Clairerebuttedpolitely.“They’regoingtobequite

importantinthefuture.Theycanlastlongerthanhorses,andthey’reimpervioustoweatherand
illness.”

“Yousee?”Tedsaid.“Why,FordhasafactoryinDetroit.AndMr.Olds—”
“IhaveanOldsmobile.”Claireinterruptedhimdemurely.“Ithasacurveddashandit’squite

delightfultodrive.”

“Youmusttakemeforaspin,Claire,”Tedsaidenthusiastically.“Ishouldlovetorideinyour

motorcar!”

Ted’smotherwasoutraged.SowasJohn.Mr.Calversonlookedasifhe’dliketotossClaireout

onherhead.

“SoshouldI,”Mr.Whitfieldsaidsurprisingly.“IagreewithClaire.Motorcarsarethewayofthe

future.Icanevenforeseemachinerythatwillreplaceplowhorsesinthefields.Yes,mechanizationis
suretocome.Wisemenwillseekinvestmentsthatpertaintothistrend,andmakefortunesatit.”

Mr.Calversondidahundred-and-eighty-degreeabout-face.“JustwhatI’vebeensayingall

along,”heagreed,grinning.“I’msureClairewouldlovetotakeyoubothmotoring,wouldn’tyou,
Claire?”

“Nexttimewe’reintown,we’llmakeapointofit,”Mr.Whitfieldsaid,smilingatClaire.“I’m

afraidwehavetobeonourwaybacktoCharlestoninthemorning.It’salongjourney,evenbytrain.
It’sbeenquiteanexperiencetomeetyou,youngwoman.Unique.”HelookedatCalversonevenly.“If
thisisthesortofexecutiveyouemploy,thenI’llbeproudtodepositmyfundsinyourbankwhenwe
moveourofficetoAtlanta,Calverson.Yourpeoplehaveamazingforesight.Eventheirwives,”he
added.

Clairehadtofightbackasmugglanceatherhusband.Sheonlysmiled,andignoredtheicy

looksshewasgettingfromMrs.WhitfieldandDiane.

“W

ELL

,”J

OHNSAIDONTHE

wayhome,chuckling,“you’refullofsurprises,aren’tyou?”

“Ilikemotorcars,andI’mingoodcompany.”
“SuchasthemadcapTed?”
Sheglancedathimoverthehighcollarofhercloak.“TedislikemyuncleWill.Helooks

ahead.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.Heloungedagainstthedoorwithhisarmsfolded,staringather.“Whatdid

yousayinthelivingroomtogetMrs.WhitfieldandDianesoruffled?”

“Iremindedthemthatitdoesn’tmatterhowmuchmoneyyouhavewhenyougettoheaven,”she

saidshortly.

“Thatwashardlypolitic,inyourhostess’shome.”
“Wasitpoliticforhertobealloveryoulikehoney?”sheshotback,red-facedwithbadtemper.

“Orcooingupatyouwithherhusbandinthenextroom?”

Hiseyebrowslifted.“YouwereplayinguptoTedWhitfield.”
“Iwasnot,”shesaid,withdignity.“Hewasplayinguptome.Ihavebettertastethantocuckold

myhusband,”sheaddedinapointedreferencetoDiane.

“Stoprightthere,”hesaidinadangerouslysofttone.
“Ifshe’dwantedyou,she’dhavemarriedyoubeforeEliCalversoncamealong,”shecontinued,

unabashed.“Butyouweren’tgoodenoughforher.Nowthatshe’sgotthegoldengander,shecan
affordtomakecalfeyesatyoubehindhisback.You’retoohonorabletotakeheruponit,afterall.”

Heavertedhisface.“Dianeisnoneofyouraffair.”
“Iknowthat,”shesaid.“Iwon’tinterfere,solongasyourememberyou’reamarriedman.”
“Ihardlyneedreminding,”hesaidshortly.Heleanedbackagainsttheseat.“Thebank’s

Thanksgivingsocialisaweekfromtonight,”headdedcoolly.“IbelievetheWhitfieldsarecoming
downagainespeciallyforit.”

“Hownice.”Shetuckedherhandkerchiefinherpurse.“Idon’tsupposeitwouldbekindto

remindyouthatyouandMr.CalversonweregettingnowhereuntilTedmentionedmymotorcar.”

Heglaredather.“No.Itwouldn’t.”
Shesmiled.Hewasmiffedbecauseshe’dmalignedhissweetheart.Well,shewasn’tgoingto

backdownaninch—andthesoonerheknewit,thebetter.

EIGNOREDHERFOR

thenextweek.Shethoughtitwasoutofpiqueatthethingsshe’dsaidaboutDiane.

Actuallyitwashisownconfusionthatkepthimaway.HisjealousyofTedWhitfieldhadshockedand
puzzledhim.Herefusedtoconsiderwhyhe’dbeenjealousofhiswife,whenhewassupposedlyin
lovewithDiane.

Thenightofthebankparty,ClairehadtogodownstairstofindJohn,becausehehadn’twaitedin

theirsittingroomforher.Shewasswathedinherblackvelvetcloakwithjetembroideryaroundthe
collar.Thecloakconcealedadressshe’ddesignedforherself—andhadbeenabletofinishinthe
weeksinceDiane’sdinnerparty.Shewascertainthatitwasgoingtoshockherhusband,anditwould
servehimright.ShemightnothaveDiane’sbeauty,butshehadabetterfigure,andthisdresswasjust
thethingtoshowitoff.Doneinwhitesatinandblackorganza,ithadatantalizingnecklinethatrose
inswathsofblackandwhitesatintomakewidestrapsacrossherwhiteshoulders.Inherhairshe
woreawhiteegretonablackvelvet-coveredcomb.Aroundhernecksheworeastrandofpearlsthat
hadbeenhergrandmother ’s.Shelookedelegantandsexy,allatonce,andtheclosefitofthegown
emphasizedherslenderyoungfigure.ButJohnhadn’tseenit.Andhewouldn’t,untiltheywereatthe
party.

Hehandedherintothecarriagewithanirritatedlook.“Itisn’taball,”hemurmured.
“Good,becausethisisn’taballgown,”sherepliedcoolly.“Idoknowwhattoweartosocial

events,despitemyunfortunatebackground.”

“Ihaven’tsaidadamnedwordaboutyourbackground!”
Hewassoirritablelatelythatitwasdangerouseventospeaktohim.Claireclammedup.

ALVERSONMETTHEM

atthedoorofthebankandhandedthemalongtoDiane,whoraisedan

eyebrowatthevelvetcloakandthendismissedClaireasofnoimportancewhatsoever.

“Howlovelyyoulook,”JohntoldDiane,approvingofthescarletgownshewore.Itwasalmost

tootight,andmadehervoluptuousfigurelookfranklyvulgar.Thecolorwaswrong,too,althoughit
wasthenewestsensationforfallandwintergarmentsforwomen.Amazing,Clairethought,how
somewomenweresoeagertobeintheforefrontoffashionthattheyboughtclothesforthefashion
andthelabelalone.Sherecognizedthedesign,becauseEvelynhadaskedhertoimproviseonitfora
morningdress.ShewonderedifDianehadanyideajusthowmuchshedidknowaboutfashion.It
wouldprobablyshockherifshesawanyofthethingsClairehadmadeforAtlantamatronsfarhigher
onthesocialscalethanDianecouldeveraspiretobe.Truefashionwastheartofknowingwhat
lookedgoodonawoman—andwearingitdespitecurrenttrends.

Maidshadbeenbroughtovertothebanktohelpwithcoatsandcloaks.Clairepermittedoneof

theyoungwomentotakehercloakandwasdelightedwhensheheardthewoman’sfaintgaspasthe
cloakfellaway.

“Oh,ma’am.That’stheprettiestdressIeversaw,”theyoungwomansaidfervently.
“Thankyou,”Clairesaid,andturnedtoseewide-eyedshockonDiane’sfaceasshesawthe

contrastbetweenthepurityofClaire’sgownandtheboisterousnatureofherown.

Johnfrownedfaintlyashestudiedhiswife.Thegowndidn’tappeartobeoneshecould

purchaselocally.Infact,itlookedlikeaParisoriginal,buthowwouldClairefindsuchagarment?

Sheliftedherchinproudlyandwalkedtowardhim,butmidwaythere,shewasinterceptedby

threeofthefirm’syoungbachelors,andTedWhitfield.

“Aren’tyouaprettypicture.”Tedsighed,makingherabow.“Milady,youarewithoutdoubtthe

loveliestladypresent.”

Diane,whoheardtheremark,bridledvisibly.John,watching,couldhardlybelievehiseyes.His

bridehadsuddenlybecomethemostsought-afterwomanatthebanksocial,andhedidn’tknowhow
tohandlethefeelingsthateruptedinsidehim.Nothinginhislifehadpreparedhimforthejealousy
thatroaredthroughhim—norfortheragingdesirethatthesightofClaireinthatexquisitegownset
ablazewithinhim.

CLAIREHADNEVERFELTQUITESOPRETTY,ORsomuchindemand.Shewasdrawnfrom
onecircletoanother,whilethewomenravedaboutherprettydress.Everyonewantedtoknowwhere
shegotit.Shecouldn’ttellthemthatshe’dmadeitherself.Shedidn’twantJohntoknowabouther
secretcareer.

Shementionedthenameofaboutiquewhoseownerfrequentlydisplayedhergowns.
“Yes,dear.Butwhatlabelisonthedress?”onematroninsisted,peeringatithungrily.
“Magnolia,”Clairesaid,improvising.
“Magnolia.Why,howveryappropriateforanAtlantadesigner!”thewomansaid.
“Yes,”Clairesaidabsently.“Isn’tit?”
TheonewomanpresentwhohadnocuriositywhatsoeveraboutthegarmentwasDiane.
ShemovedclosetoJohnwhenElimomentarilylefttheroomwithMr.Whitfield.
“Isn’thergownjustalittlerevealingforabanksocial?”sheaskedJohnirritably.“And,really!

It’shardlythecolorforamarriedwoman,allthatvirginalwhite!”

Johnhadtobitehistonguetokeepfromconfessingthatthecolorwas,infact,quiteappropriate

forhisuntouchedbride.HesippedhispunchandlookedaroundattheroomwithitsspotlessPersian
rugsandelegantcurtainsandcrystalchandeliers.Hethoughtprivatelythathiswife’selegantgownfit
thesetting.

“Itisn’tevenfashionable,”shemuttered.
Johnglanceddownather,surprisedbythevenominhertone.He’dheardDianebecattybefore,

ofcourse,butnotaboutClaire.Hewassurprisedtofindthathedidn’tlikeit.Shewasglaringat
Claire,whowastalkingwithTedWhitfieldandtwootheryoungmen.

“Idon’tbelieveClairecaresmuchfordictatedfashion,”hereplied.
“Well,itshows,”shesaidshortly.Sheshiftedherprettyshouldersandturned,smilingupathim

sweetly.“Butwhatdoesitmatter?Youlookdevastating,John—reallydevastating.Iwishwecouldbe
alone.”

Hisheartjumped.Hermouthwassoftandsweet,andhewanteditterribly.Abstinencehadmade

himilljustlately,andhewashungryforawomaninhisarms.Oddhowvividlyherememberedthe
silkysoftnessofClaire’smouthunderhis.

‘You’dlikethat,wouldn’tyou,sweetman?”sheteasedsoftly,movingcloser.
Hesnappedbacktothepresentwithavengeanceandstiffened.“Diane…”
Sheletherbodybrushhissuggestively.“Rememberhowitwas,thenightwebecameengaged?”

shewhispered.“Iletyoutakeoffmyclothes—andifyoursillyfatherhadn’tcometovisit
unexpectedly,I’dhaveletyoumakelovetomecompletely.”

Hescowled.Thememoryhadaffectedhimdeeplyinthepast.Nowitwasmoreanannoyanceto

beremindedofit.“Thisisn’tthetimeortheplace.We’remarried,Diane—andnottoeachother.”

“Oh,youandyoursenseofhonor,”shechided,movingawayfromhim.“It’sthatmilitary

upbringing,ofcourse.YoushouldhavegonetoHarvardinthebeginning.”

“IhadabetterplaceatHarvardbecauseofmybackgroundattheCitadel,”hesaidabruptly.

“Themilitaryisnecessary,Isuppose,butthisissomuchnicer,John,”shesaid,sighingasshe

lookedaround.“Lookatallthiswealth.Moneyandpowerarethetrulyimportantthings.Anyonecan
beasoldier.”

Thatwasn’tthecaseatall,buthedidn’tsayso.Dianehadnevermadeanysecretofhercontempt

foruniforms.Hescowledashethoughthowlittletheyreallyhadincommon—outsidehisfeverish
passionforherbody—andthathadsubsided.Shewascattyandshrewd,andshelikedtoplaymen
againsteachother.She’dswornthatshelovedhim,butanonlookerwouldswearthatshelovedher
husband.Sheplayedonthewinningside,always.WhenJohnhadrefusedtogocrawlinghometohis
fathertoregainhisinheritance,ithadn’ttakenheramonthtofindEliCalversonandmarryhim.He
rememberedstoppingforthedogthathadbeenhitbyWolford’scarriage,andhowClairehad
supportedhisefforts,howshe’dcomfortedtheoldladywhileJohnworked.Shehadsuchatender
heart,andyetshewasasfieryashewas.

“Whatareyouthinking?”Dianeaskedsoftly.
Helookeddownather.“Thatmenarefools,”hesaidcarelessly.
Shehithisarmlightly.“Silly.You’renobody’sfool.”
“Iwonder.”HelookedpastheratClaire,whowassmilingwithpurepleasureasthoseyoung

menmadeafussoverher.Itlookedbad,becauseitshouldhavebeenhernewhusbanddoingthat.Oh,
yes.Itshouldbehe,notthatdamnedcad,TedWhitfield,wholookedasifhe’dhavelikedtoeatClaire
withaspoon!

“Excuseme,”hesaidabruptly,andwenttowardhiswifewithanexpressionsofiercethatDiane

actuallygasped.

Clairesawthatexpressionashecametowardher.Shewassurprisedthathe’ddesertedDianefor

her.Butshehadn’tlikedhispointedavoidanceofherforDiane.

“Lostforconversation?”sheaskedpointedly.“OrdidMrs.Calverson…upsetyou?”
HeignoredthesarcasticremarkandglaredatTed.“Thereareanumberofyoungsingleladies

heretonight,”hesaidpolitely,andsuggestively,ashecaughtClaire’sglovedhandinhis.“I’dliketo
spendsometimewithmywife.”

“Howodd,”Tedsaiddeliberately.“I’dhavesaidthatyou’dliketospendtimewithMrs.

Calverson.Ofcourse,I’manoutsiderhere,sowhatwouldIknow?”HebowedtoClairequickly,
havingcorrectlyjudgedthesuddenmurderousfuryinJohnHawthorn’sdarkeyes.“I’llseeyouagain
beforeweleave,Claire,”headded.

John’shandclaspingClaire’sbecamebruisingashewatchedtheothermanwalkaway.“ByGod,

he’llchallengemeoncetoooften,”hesaidshortly.

Despitethepleasurethecontactgaveher,shejerkedherhandoutofhisgrasp.“Hetookpityon

mebecauseIobviouslyhadnoescort,”shesaidfuriously.“Ithasn’tescapedanyone’snoticethat
you’vebeenalloverDianesincewearrived,leavingmetothemercyofstrangers.”

Hesuckedinaquickbreath,stunnedbyherquietfury.
“Idon’twantyourcompany,andyou’vemadeitpatentlyobviousthatyoudon’twantmine,”she

continued.“Gobacktoyourfancypeahen,andgoodlucktoyouifMr.CalversonstopscourtingMr.
Whitfieldlongenoughtoseethespectacleyoutwoaremakingofyourselves.IfI’mtospendmytime
alone,thenletitextendtosocialevenings,aswell!”

Sheturnedandwalkedawayfromhim,rightbacktothetwoyoungmenshe’dbeenspeakingto

whenJohninterruptedthem.

Tosaythathewasshockedwasanunderstatement.Hegapedather,totallynonplussed.Hehadn’t

thoughtthatheandDianehadbeenconspicuous.Infact,tonighthe’dfeltlessdrawntoDianethanat
anytimeinthepast.Helookedaroundandencounteredseveralpairsoffeminineeyeswithblatant
disapprovalinthem.Hefeltvaguelyashamedthathe’dembarrassedClairesopublicly.Shedidn’t

deservesuchtreatmentfromherownhusband.Buttonight,itreallyhadbeenDianemakingthe
advances,nothimself.Claire,sadly,wouldn’tknowthat.

Diane,alsohavingnoticedthelookssheandJohnweregetting,cutherlosses,wentlookingfor

herhusband,andstayedbyhisside.

Claireindulgedherselfatthepunchbowl,especiallywhenTedWhitfieldeasedthecontentsofa

flaskofstraightbourbonwhiskeyintoitto“improvethetaste.”Itimprovedthetastesomuchthathe
helpedhimselftoasecondflaskinhisotherhippocketandbecameembarrassinglyattentiveto
Claire.

Thesmallbandhadtunedupandwasplayingnow,sothatthecoupleswhowantedtocould

dance.ClairewaspulledontothefloorwithTed,whowouldhavedancedverywellindeedifhe’d
beensober.Butthewayhewaltzedwasdangerousasheweavedto-and-fro,andClairefinallystopped
inthemiddleofthecrowdedfloorandeasedhimintoachair.

“Sorry,Claire,”hesaidmiserably.“Toomuchtodrink.”
“Youshouldn’tdothat,”shesaid.“It’sunhealthy.”
Heshookhishead.“Youdon’tunderstand.It’stheonlywayIcanstomachwhatmyoldman’s

doing.Helookssohonest,doesn’the,Claire?Honestandintelligent…He’sacrook,Claire—and
he’sraisedmetobejustlikehim.ButsinceI’vemetyou,Idon’twanttobeone.”Hecaughtherhand
andheldittightly.“Claire,couldyoucareforme?”

“Ted…I’m—I’mmarried,”shesaid,flustered.
“Hedoesn’tloveyou,”hesaidirritably.“Ablindmancouldseehe’sbesottedwiththat

Calversonwoman.She’strouble,youknow.Bigtrouble.She’snotatallwhatsheappearstobe;she’ll
doanythingformoney.IknowwhatI’mtalkingabout—”

“Youmuststop,Ted,”shesaid,gentlydisengagingherselffromhisgrasp.“Letmegonow.”
“Yes,”cameasoft,dangerousvoicefrombehindher.“Lethergo.”
Tedlookedupandencounteredglitteringblackeyes.Heglaredback.“Toreyourselfawayfrom

thebeautifulDiane,didyou?”hedemandedicily.“Youdon’twantClaire,butyoucan’tstandtosee
anothermanappreciateher,isthatit?”

“Ted,pleasedon’t,”shepleaded,becausehisvoicewascarrying.
“Lethimtalk,”Johnsaidcoldly.“Whenhe’sfinished,I’llhelphimoutthefrontdoor,headfirst.”
Sheturned,puttingafirmhandonhischest.“No,youwillnot,”shesaidshortly,keepingher

voicelow.“Youwon’triskthemergerforMr.CalversonbecauseofTed.He’sonlyhadtoomuchto
drink.”

“That’snoexcuse.”
“Thinkyou’resomebigmanbecauseyouhaveaHarvarddegree,don’tyou?”Tedargued.
“OneofthemisfromHarvard,”Johnsaidquietly.“TheotherisfromtheCitadel.”
Eventhroughanalcoholichaze,Tedknewwhattheothermanwasinsinuating.Nomangot

throughtheCitadelandcameoutofitacreampuff.Forthefirsttime,henoticedtheotherman’serect
posture,thesteelinhiseyes,thehardnessofhisface.Andheknewatoncethathewasn’twillingto
tanglewithyearsofdisciplineandconditioningthathadproducedthemanbeforehim.

“I’minnoconditiontofight,”Tedsaid,steppingback.“Claire,youwon’tlethimhitme,will

you?”heaskedinapiteousvoice.

“Hewon’thityou.Willyou,John?”
Hedrewinanangrybreath,glaringfromthesmug,drunkengrinonTed’sfacetohiswife’sset

features.

“There’syourfather,Ted,”Clairesaid,andleaningaroundJohn,whohadn’tbudged,she

motionedtoMr.Whitfield.“Ted’shadalittletoomuchstimulant,”shewhisperedconfidentially.“I
thinkyoumightwanttogethimhome.”

Mr.Whitfieldnodded.HesmiledatClaire.“You’reakindyoungwoman.I’msorryyou’re

married.You’dhavebeenthemakingofTed.Comeon,boy,”hesaidwearily,andbenttohelphisson
withanarmaroundthewaist.“Let’sgetyouhome.”

“Aw,Dad.Iwashavingagoodtime.”
Clairewatchedthemgoout.Sheturnedaway,butJohncaughtherarmroughly.
“SinceitseemstodisturbyoutoseemewithDiane,supposeyoustaywithmefortherestofthe

evening.”

Shelookedupintohishardface.“Why?AmIbeingpunished?”
Hedroppedherarmabruptly.“Suityourself,madam,”hesaid,hisvoicecontemptuous.
Sheglancedtothedoor.Mr.Whitfieldhadjustreturned,minushisson.Henoddedtowardher

andwentbacktospeakwithMr.Calverson.

“Sorrytohavespoiledyourfun,”shesaidtoJohn.“I’msureyou’dhaveenjoyedpunchingTed,

butitwouldn’thavehelpedthebank’simage,wouldit?”

Sheturnedaroundandallbutfellintothearmsofanotheryoungman.Thisonewasn’t

inebriatedandhedidn’tknowthatJohnwasherhusband.

“Isthismanbotheringyou,Claire?”hedemanded,glaringatJohn.“Becauseifheis,I’llbe

delightedtodefendyou!”

“Pleasedo,”Johninvited,furiousatClaireandstillfumingbecausehehadn’thadthe

opportunitytoknockTedtohisknees.Thiswastootempting.Thismanwasuptohisweight,andhe
wasn’tdrunk.“Shallwestepoutside?”headded,withoutgivingthemanachancetolearnhisidentity.

“John!”shesaid,protesting.
Itwastoolate.Themenwentquicklytothedoor.Clairefollowedandwasjustintimetowatch

theyoungermanthrowapunchthatwasneatlyblocked.Johnhithimsohardthatwhenhewentdown,
hesomersaultedandendedupsittingontheground.

“Comeon,”Johninvited,handslooseathissides,hisdarkeyesblazing.“Youwantedtofight.

I’llbegladtoobligeyou.”

Theyoungermanhesitated,andClairedidn’tblamehim.Johnlookedlikeastranger,hislegs

apartforbalance,hisheadhigh,hisfacehardashewaitedfortheothermantogetupandcharge
him.

“He’smyhusband!”Clairesaidsharplyastheyoungermangottohisfeet.
“Yourhusband?”heexclaimed.
“That’sright,”Johntoldhim.“Andyou’llbedamnedluckyifyoucanwalkwhenI’mthrough

withyou.”

Hemovedtowardtheotherman,whobackedawaywithhishandsout.“Now,sir.There’sno

needforthat.I’mverysorrytohaveinterfered.I’llapologizerightnow.”Hetouchedhissorejaw.
“Pleaseexcuseme!”

Heturnedandheadedinthedirectionofthehiredcarriages.
Claire’sheadwasspinning,asmuchfromtheunfamiliaralcoholshe’dconsumedinthepunch

asfromJohn’sbehavior.Shecouldn’tbelievethatherreluctanthusbandhadbeenwillingtofight
overher.Shestaredathimspeechlessly.

“Wouldyoucaretostartsomemoretrouble,orareyouthroughfortheevening?”heasked,

withbitingsarcasm.“I’vehadquiteenough.Getyourwrap.I’mtakingyouhome.”

Andhedid,despiteherarguments.HeshepherdedherpasttheCalversonsandoutthefrontdoor,

notstoppinguntilhe’descortedherintotheirapartment.

“Gotobed,”hesaidshortly.“You’vecausedenoughtroubleforonenight.”
“I’vecausedit?”sheasked,fuming.“Youcouldhavetoldhimthatyouweremyhusbandand

avertedthefightinthefirstplace!”

“What,andspoilmyfun?”hereturned.Heopenedthedoor.
Shestaredathim.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Backtotheparty,ofcourse,”herepliedmockingly.“Iwashavingagoodtimeuntilyouthrew

yourselfatTed.”

“Ididnot!”
Theexpressiononhisfacewasangryandmocking.“Heseemedtothinkhehadgroundsfor

accostingmeonyourbehalf,asyourotherwatchdogdid.Nomansportswithmywifeinfrontof
me!”

Sheputherhandsonherhipsandglaredathim.“Butit’sallrightforyoutosportwithMr.

Calverson’swifeinfrontofme,isthatright?”

Shedidn’tevenseehimmove,butthenextminutehehadherrivetedtohimwithonearmwhile

theotherjerkeddowntheswathoffabricthathelduphergown,takingthesilkchemiseunderit,as
well.Shegazedathim,helpless,withonesmall,firmbreastcompletelybaredtohiscold,angrygaze.

“Doesthissuityoubetter,myvirginbride?”Hepulledhercloser.“Areyouhungryformy

attentions?Thenbyallmeans,letmegivethemtoyou.”

Hebentevenashespokeandopenedhismouthrightonherbarebreast.
Thesensationwentbeyondanythingshe’deverfeltbefore,eventhetouchofhishandsonher

bodyweeksago.Shearchedandshivered,andthenwentlimpfromtheforceofthepleasureashe
begantosuckleherinaheatedfury.

Shefelthisotherhandatworkonthebodice,felthimbarehertohishungrymouth.Theroom

whirledaroundherwhilehislipsdevouredherpale,softflesh,makingherburnwithafevershe
didn’tunderstand.

Whenhefinallywasabletodraghismouthfromherbreasts,shehungthereoverhisarmwith

hereyesclosed,hermouthparted,herbodyyieldingandtrembling.

“Dear—dearGod,”hewhisperedbrokenly.
Shebarelyheardhim.Hehesitated,butonlyforasecond.Shefelthimmove,felthimswingher

violentlyupintohisarms,liftandcarryherintohisownbedroomandclosethedoor.Hestoodthere,
inthedarkness,leaningagainstthecloseddoor,uncertain,shudderingwithdesiresofiercethathe
couldn’tcontainit.

“John,”shewhisperedthroughtightlips,clinging.“John,youmustn’t…takemetobed,”she

pleadedunsteadily.“I’mnotDiane!I’mnot!Don’ttakeadvantageofsomething…Ican’thelp!”

Butthewordswereatvariancewiththeaudiblyrapidbeatofherheart,thelongingandcuriosity

soevidentinhereyes.

“ShallIstop,Claire?”Hebreathedharshlyasheputhergentlyonherfeet,bendingagaintoher

softbreasts.Whilehesuckledher,herippedoffthewhiteglovesthathadcoveredhishands,and
secondslater,shefelttheirwarmthonherskin.

Thesensationtookthelastofherwillpower.Shewantedhimsodesperately,lovedhimsomuch,

thatbeingnearhimwasallofheaventoher.Shewentlimpinhisarms,herheadfallingbackashe
exploredhersoftbarenesswithhismouthandhands.Whenhepickedherupagainandcarriedherto
bed,shedidn’tevenhaveaprotesttomake.

Sheyieldedcompletelyunderthewonderofhisardor.Heundressedherwithaskillthatshewas

toodazedtorecognize.Shelayonthecoolwhitedamaskcoverletlikeacreamysacrifice,opentohis
eyesinwhatlittlelightfilteredinthroughthewispycurtains,whileheworkeddeftlyatremovinghis
ownclothes.

Whenhefinallycametoher,warmandstrongandveryalienagainsthersoftskin,shehad

recoveredjustenoughtoallowthereturnofherearlierapprehension.Shewasstiffinhisarms,
nervousandwithdrawingwhenhetouchedherintimatelyforthefirsttime.

“Shh,”hewhispered,calmingher,andhisfingersmovedagain,thistimefindingasecretthat

shedidn’twanttogivehim.

Heheardhershockedgaspevenashefeltherbodycoilandlift.“There?”hewhisperedhuskily,

andtouchedhermorefirmly.

Shesobbed.Thepleasurewasindescribable.Shegrabbedathisshouldersanddughernailsin,

writhingashemadeherfeelthemostsinfullydelicioussensations.

Heheardhergasprhythmically.Hemoved,insertinghiskneebetweenherlegs,coaxingherto

openthem,topermithimevengreaterfreedomwithherbody.Shewasbeyondfightinghimnow,her
legsfallingopen,herhipsliftinginaquick,searchingrhythm.

“Oh…please!”shecriedonherlastjerkybreathbeforetheheavensopenedandsheexplodedup

intothem.

Therewasanoddsensationoftearing,aflashofpainwiththepleasure.Somewhereintheback

ofhermind,sherealizedthathehadmovedoverher,thathisbodywasbetweenhersplayedlegs.She
feltapartofhimthatsheonlydimlyrecognizedasitpenetratedslowlyinside…insideherbody!

“John!”shecriedout.
Buthedidn’tstop.Hismovementgrewlonger,deeper.Hepusheddownagainsther,overher,his

handsunderherback,underherhips,pulling,pulling,pulling…

Hewastearingherinside.Shefeltthesensationgrow,ofbeingfilledup,overfilled.She

whisperedsomething,franticallypushingathishair-roughened,sweatychest.Hemadeasound.His
handwentbetweentheirbodiesandtouchedher,wherehe’dtouchedherbefore.Thepleasurecame
back,sharpernow,intense,painfullyintense.Andsuddenlyshecouldn’tbefilledenough,notdeeply
enoughtosatisfytheemptinessthatbecameherwholebeing.

Shepushedupintohim,herhipsarchedandpleadingashisrhythmgrewviolent,reckless.One

oftheslatshitthefloor,andeventhesharpsoundwasn’tenoughtobreakherconcentration.Sheheld
on,gasping,sobbing,reachingtowardthathot,sweet,blindingpleasurethatwassomehowjust
beyond,justabove,just…

Shewentovertheedgeoftheworldwithhim.Shefellintoheatandthrobbingsoftness,into

achingcompletionthatmadeherwholebodyfeelasifithadtensedbeyondrelaxation.

Asshetrembledintoexhaustion,shefelthisbodygorigid,heardtheroughsoundthatwas

draggedfromhisthroatashebegantoshake.Hishotfaceburrowedintoherdampthroat,andhis
handsonherhipsmadebruisesasheshiveredandshiveredagainsther.

Thewindowswereclosed,butsheheardthebayingofadogbeyondthecurtains,farawayinthe

night.Sheheardthesoundoftheclockonthemantel.Sheheardtheraggedsoundofhisbreathing
andthehard,rhythmicbeatofhisheart.

Hemoved.Shefeltthesweatonhislong,powerfullegsmoistenherownasheshiftedrestlessly,

withoutwithdrawingfromher.Hegroanedsoftly,andhismouthslidupherthroattohercheek,and,
finally,intothecushionofherpartedlips.

Hishandsslidalongherbody,savoringitsperfection,teasinghersoftbreasts,easingdownto

caresstheinsideofherwhitelegs.

Shefelthimswell.Thesensationwasexquisite.Littleskirlsofrenewedpleasuretraveledalong

hernerves,arousingheralloveragain.Shemovedunderhim,sensuouslynow,herhandssliding
alonghisbackanddownoverhisfirmbuttocks.

“Yes,”shewhisperedrecklesslyagainsthismouth.“Yes,again…again!”
Hegroanedloudlyashismouthopenedonherlipsandhisbodybegantherhythmicmovements

thatwerenowfamiliarandpleasurable.Sheslidcloser,clung,movedashemoved.Shelaugheddeep
inherthroatasshefelttheriseofheat,thebeginningofthelong,sharpspiralofecstasy.

Heheardthesoundshemadeanditdrovehimtomadness.Heforgoteverythingbutthesilkiness

ofherbeneathhisdemandingbody.Itseemedsuchashorttimelaterwhenshecriedoutandscarred
himwithhernails…

HEDIDN’THEARHIMLEAVEHER

.Thesunlightonthepillow,slashingacrosshereyes,wasthefirst

indicationshehadofmorning.Hereyelidsopenedandshestaredblanklyattheceilinguntilit
occurredtoherthatthiswasn’therroom.

Withblindingsuddenness,theeventsoftheeveningbeforecamefloodingintohermind.
Shocked,embarrassed,shesatup,huggingthesheettohernakedness.Johnwasn’tthere.There

wasnosignofhim,nosoundofhim,intheirapartments.Herclotheshadbeenpickedupfromthe
floorwherehe’dthrownthem.Theyweredrapedacrosstherosewoodchairnexttothebed,withher
undergarmentsdiscreetlyplacedbeneaththeeveninggownshe’dworn.Hershoeswerethere,too,
toespointedawayfromthechair.

SheglancedtowardtheotherpillowandsawtheimprintofJohn’sdarkheadthere.Buttherewas

nonote,nocommunication.He’dsimplydressedandlefther,apparentlyunconcerned—asifsuch
nightswerecommonplace.

Cautiouslysheeasedoutofbedlikeathiefabouttobecaught.Asshepushedbackthe

bedclothes,adarkstainlayvividagainsttheonce-spotlesswhiteofthesheet.Sheflushed,knowing
thatthelaundresswouldremarkonit.Ifithadonlybeenonherownbed,shecouldhavemadesome
excuseabouthermonthly.ButthiswasJohn’sbed!

Shegrabbedupherthingsandrushedbarefootacrossthesittingroomandintoherownroom,

quicklyclosingthedoorbehindher.Shesawherselfinthefull-lengthmirror.Shelookedflushedand
guilty,andthereweremarksonherwhiteskin.

Curious,sheputherthingsonthebedandmovedclosertothemirror.Yes,therewasabruiseon

onebreast,andseveralonherupperthighswherehishandshadgrippedhersotightlywhenshe’d
satisfiedhimthesecondtime.Shehalfturned,andsawmorefaintbruisesonherbuttocks.Hereyes
werenolongerthoseofaninnocent.Theyhaddarkcirclesfromherinitiationintopassion.Herlips
wereswollen,red.Hernippleshadgonetightanddarkasshelookedatherself,asifthey
rememberedtheheatofJohn’sinsistentmouthashe’dsuckledher.

“Oh!”shecriedout,embarrassedatthememory.
Shepouredwaterintothebasinandgotoutaflannelandsoapandbathedalittle.Shefeltless

besmirchedafterward,dressedandperfumed,butlatershemusthaveatubbathtowashawaythe
feelingoftarnish.JohnhadadmittedthathelovedDiane.Howcouldshehavepermittedhimtomake
lovetoher?Wasshenobetterthanawomanofthestreets?

Shewassoashamedthatshecouldn’tfacehimthatevening.ShepleadedaheadachetoMrs.

Dobbs,forgoingsupper.Shewentintoherroomandlockedthedoor.

Itwasawastedeffort.Johndidn’tcomehomeforsupper.Infact,itwasaftermidnightwhenshe

heardhimunlockthedoortotheirapartment.Andhisfootstepsdidn’tevenhesitateashewent
directlyintohisroomandclosedthedoorfirmlybehindhim.

INFACT,JOHNWASJUSTASILLATEASEASCLAIREwas.Hisdesireforhispretty,innocent
wifehadfinallyovercomehisself-control.Likeadrunkenfool,he’dgoneatClairewithallthe
finesseofaruttingstag,likesomesensualanimal.Hehadn’teventakenspecialcareabouther
virginity.Hisneedofherhadbeensogreatthatherinnocencehadbeenthelastthingonhismind.
Andthesecondtime,herownsensualityhaddraggedhimunder.ImagineClairewrappinghersoft
bodyaroundhimlikearobe,herecalledwithfaintsurprise—actuallyentreatingthehard,deepthrust
ofhisbody…

Hegroanedoutloud.Hersweetresponsehadhumbledhim.He’dmadelovetoheroutofanger

andconfusionandjealousyandfrustration.Butnomanalivecouldhaveaskedforasweeter
fulfillmentthanClairehadgivenhimsogenerously.Herememberedthefainttasteofwhiskeyonher
mouth,probablyfromthepunch.Butitwaslovethathadmadeheryieldsosweetlytohim,not
alcohol.Shelovedhim,andshehadproveditagainandagainthroughthelong,sensuousnight,
curlingintohisbodywithabsolutetrust,whisperingencouragement,praise,softendearments.He
couldstilltasteheronhismouth,thatrose-scentedskinsowhiteandsoftandresponsive…

Hehadtoforcehisattentionbacktothebusinessathand,andstiflethedisturbingthoughts.His

militaryupbringinghadhelpedhimlearntodothat,evenwiththemostdisturbingmemoriesofhis
life.Hehadnoideawhathewasgoingtodo.Butheknewonething:hisfeelingsforDianeweren’t
nearlyasstrongashe’dthoughttheywere.Otherwise,hecouldn’thavebeensoardentwithClaire.

LAIREHADTHOUGHT

longandhardaboutthelieshe’dtoldthewomanwhoaskedthenameofher

dressdesigner.Itwouldn’tdotobecaughtinsuchafalsehood.Shedecidedthatherbestcourseof
actionwastosewsomeeveninggownsunderthe“Magnolia”label,andtowardthatend,shevisited
theownerofthesmallboutiquethatsometimesdisplayedagownforher.Theownerwasdelightedto
haveoriginaldesignsofsuchqualityasthedressClaireshowedher.Secrecywasassured,because
Clairetoldherthatshedidn’twantherhusbandtoknowthatshewasworking.And,astheolder
womanagreed,anonymitywouldgiveanairofmysterytohercreativenameandherdesigns,as
well.

Shewasofftoarunningstart,withalltheworkshe’dalreadybeencommissionedtodoforthe

governor ’sChristmasball.Sheworkeddiligentlytomeetdeadlines,allthewhilemakingsurethat
shewouldhaveaspecialgownofherownfortheoccasion.

Foraweek,sheandJohnavoidedeachotherwithvaryingdegreesofclumsinessand

embarrassment,especiallyonherpart.Shecouldn’tevenlookhimintheeye,andheseemedto
understandhershynessandindulgeitwithoutanger.ButwhenThanksgivingrolledaround,theyhad
toeatatthetabletogetherandsuppresstheirfeelingssothatMrs.Dobbswouldn’tthinkanythingwas
wrongwiththeirrelationship.Todoanythingtocausemoregossipwasunthinkable.

“YoureallyshouldtakeClaireoutmore,John,”Mrs.Dobbssaidpleasantly.“Honestly,she

seemstospendallhertimeupstairs,sewingandsewing.”

Johnglancedathiswife.“Sewingwhat?”
Shealmostdroppedherfork.Shehadn’trealizedthatthetreadlemachinemadeenoughnoise

thatMrs.Dobbscouldhearitallthewaydownstairs.

“I’vebeentryingtoremakesomeofmythings,”sheconfidedafteraminute.
Johnfelthimselfbristle.“I’mnotapoorman,”hesaidcurtly.“There’snoneedtoalterold

clothes.Buynewones.I’vetoldyoubeforetouseyouraccountatRich’s.”

Herfingerstightenedonthefork.“Verywell,John.”
Mrs.Dobbswenttobringinthecakeshe’dsliced.Whileshewasaway,Johnleanedbackinhis

chairandstaredlevellyatClaireuntilsheflushed.“I’vebeenmeaningtospeaktoyou,”hebegan
softly,andherheartbeaterraticallyassherecalledtheirlong,sweetnighttogether.“ButIcouldn’t
findtherightwords.”

“Oh?”sheasked.
Hesighed.Shewasn’thelpinghimatall.Heglancedathisplate,changinghismind.Itwastoo

soontospeakofwhathadhappened,sohementionedsomethingelseentirely.“I’vebeenaskedto
organizeacharitydinnernextSaturdaytobenefitthelocalPresbyterianorphanage.Youknowthatit
wasdevastatedbyfire,andthechildrenhavetobekepttogether,allages,inonecommonroom.
Thereisanurgentneedforrebuilding.”Hepauseddeliberatelybeforeheadded,calculatingly,“I
thoughtofaskingDianetodoitforme…”

Tohisutterdelight,hereyescameupflashinggrayfire.“Iamperfectlycapableoforganizinga

dinner!”

Evenangerwasbetterthanherpainfulshyness.Hesmiledgently.Shewassoprettyinatemper.

“Ofcourseyouare.ButIneedmoniedpeopletoattendthisone,tomakepledgestofundrenovations
forthehome.”

“Itoldyou,Icanorganizeit.”
Hewassmiling.Hemustthinkofherashelplessanduseless.Itwasanotherthorninherheart.
“Iwon’tletyoudown,John,”shesaidproudly.“Atleastgivemethebenefitofthedoubt.”
“DoyouthinkyoucansolicitthepresenceofsomanymembersofAtlantasociety,peoplewhom

youdon’tknow?”headdedsoftly,tryingwithallhismightnottooffendher.

Shesmiledwistfully.“Youdon’tthinkmuchofme,doyou,John?”sheaskedquietly.“Your

opinionofmewasofgreatimportanceonce,”sheadded,withadesperategraspatherpride.“How
fortunatethatInolongercarewhatyouthink.”

Hisexpressionwassostrangeandunfamiliarthatshecouldn’tquiteexplainit.Sheputdownher

napkinandgottoherfeet,forcinghimtohis.“I’llorganizeyourdinnerifyou’llletmehavethe
details.”

“I’lllistthemonpaperforyou,”hesaid,strugglingtokeephisinnerturmoilhidden,“along

withthenamesofthepeopleI’dlikeyoutoinvite.Ifyouhaveanydifficulties…”

“Iwon’t,thankyoujustthesame.Ifyou’llexcuseme,Idon’twantdessert.Pleasemakemy

apologiestoMrs.Dobbs.”Sheturnedandwentquicklyupthestaircase,thesadholidaybehindher.

Johnwatchedheruntilshewasoutofsight,feelingalternatelymiserableandangry.Soshe

didn’tcare,didshe?Ithadn’tseemedthatwayinhisbed,whenshewasholdinghimsotighthehad
marksalloverhisshouldersthenextday!Butifthatwasthewayshewantedtoplayit,lethersaveher
pride.Hecouldforgetthathisbodyacheddayandnightforthecomfortofherown.Idlyhewondered
whatDianewouldhavethoughtofhislapse.

ButhewassurprisedtorealizethatDiane’sopinionofhimmatteredlessthanClaire’s.Claire

waspretty,hethought.Prettyandlovingandgenerousandspirited.Sheshouldhaveahusbandwho
spoiledher,adoredher,treatedherlikeaprincess.SomeonelikeTedwouldhavelovedtakingcareof
her…

Ted!Hewasfuriousasherealizedhowmuchattentiontheothermanhadpaidher,andhowit

hadangeredhim.Convenientmarriageornot,shewasstillhiswife;Tedhadnorighttobefamiliar
withher.Therehadbetternotbeanyfurthertroubleinthatdirection,hedecidedfirmly.Nomanwas
goingtotouchhisClaire.Whenherealizedwhathewasthinking,helaughedaloud,surprised.Only
Mrs.Dobbs’sreturnkepthimfromtalkingtohimself.

E’DWANTEDHISCHARITYDINNER

arrangedinonlyaweek,andClairehadfounditeasytocomply,

despitethefactthatshe’dhadtohireamessengerboytohanddelivertheinvitations.Mostsocial
engagementsrequirednoticeofthreeweeks,andJohnsurelyknewthat.Butsheexplainedinher
invitationthattherewassomeurgency—sincetherehadbeenafireattheorphanagerecentlyandthe
childrenweresuffering.She’dhiredagoodlocalrestaurantfortheevening,wherethemealwouldbe
catered,andshe’dinvitedallthesocietywomenwhomsheknewfromhercharitableworks.Sheeven
knewsomewhoweren’tonJohn’slist,andshe’dinvitedthem,too.

Theeveningofthedinnerarrived,andsheworeanotherofhernewcreations,ablack-and-white

gownthatwasdramaticenoughtobringagaspofenvyfromMrs.DobbsevenasitcausedJohnto
stare.

“Idon’trememberseeingthatdress,”heremarked.
“Andyouhaven’t,”sherepliedcoolly.“It’sanoriginal,byalocaldesigner.”
“Howbeautiful,”Mrs.Dobbssaid,withasigh.“Oh,mydear…ifonlyIwereyoungenoughand

prettyenoughtocarryitoff.Youshallbetheenvyofeverywomanpresent.”

Clairesmiledwarmly.“Thankyou,Mrs.Dobbs.”
Shedrewherlongblackvelvetcloakwithitswhitesatinliningcloseraroundher.“Weshouldbe

going,sothatwewon’tbelate,”shetoldherhusband.

Hetookherarmandescortedherouttothewaitingcarriage,signalingtothedriverwhenthey

weresecurelyinside.

Heturned,staringatherthroughthelantern-litinterior.“Youdolookcharming,”hesaid,his

eyesgoingtoherupswepthair.Aroundhernecksheworehergrandmother ’spearlsandnoother
jewelry,excepthersmallweddingbandunderthelongwhiteglovesthataccessorizedhergown.
“Whoisthisdesigner?”headdedcuriously.

“ThelabelisMagnolia,”shereplied.
“Howappropriate.She’sverygood,”hemurmured,eyesnarrowed.“It’salmosttooformalfor

suchasetting.”

Sheliftedherchin.“IrecallthatyousaidthesamethingaboutthedressIworetothebank’s

socialevening,”shesaid,withoutthinking,andthenwentscarletassherecalledwhathadhappened
whenJohntookherhome.

Heremembered,too.Hisdarkeyeslancedoverherfacequietly.“Irememberlessofthedress

thanwhatwasunderit,Claire.”

Sheclenchedhereveningbagtightlyandavertedherface.
“Youshouldn’tneedremindingthatwe’relegallymarried,”hecontinued.“It’sperfectly

permissibleforyoutospendthenightinmyarms.”

Sheclearedherthroat.“Itwasamistake.”
“Wasit?”Heshiftedasthecarriageturned.“Hasitbeenlongenoughforyoutoknow?”
Shedidn’tunderstandhimforamoment.Whenshedid,shestiffened.“Ofcourseit’snotbeen

longenoughtoknowiftherewouldbea—achild.ButIhardlythink…Idon’texpect…thatis…”

“Letushopeforthebest,”hesaidafteraminute,thinkingprivatelythathewouldlikeachild,a

littleboyoralittlegirlwithsoftgrayeyeslikeClaire’s.Hesmiled.

Shedidn’tseethesmileandmisunderstoodthecomment.“Asyousay,letushopeforthebest,”

sheagreed,almostchokingonthewords.Shelovedhim.Buthewastellingherquitecoldlythathe
wantednochildrenwithher,andalsothathehadnointentionofriskingitasecondtime.Presumably,
hewashopingthatDianewouldsomedaybefreeandhewouldhavehischildrenwithher.Itwasa
soberingthought.

“Hereweare,”hesaidastheyarrivedattherestaurant.Hehelpedheroutofthecarriage,

instructedthedriver,andescortedherinside.

Dianeandherhusbandwereearly,alreadywaitingfortheirhostandhostess.Dianeturnedjust

asJohnhelpedClaireoutofhercloak,andtheblondewoman’seyesflashedangrily.Clairewas
wearinganoutrageouslybeautifulgown.

“Why,how…extravagantlyformal,Claire.”Dianelaughed.“Areweattendingaballorasimple

dinner?”

Clairerefusedtobeintimidated.Shelookedpointedlyattheplainblacksilkoftheother

woman’sgown.“Simplewouldseemtodescribeit,Isuppose,”shesaid,andsmileddeliberately.

Dianeglaredather,butbeforeshecouldreply,John’shandtightenedonClaire’sarm.Hewas

abouttospeak,todefendhiswifeagainstthecattyremark.Clairepreventeditwithhercomment.

“Iunderstand,”shewhisperedtoherhusbandasDianeandMr.Calversonwereinterruptedby

twoarrivingcouples.“She’sallowedtoinsultme,butIcan’tretaliate,isthatso?”

Hefrowned.“Claire…”
ShepulledangrilyawayfromhimandwenttogreetEvelyn,whohadjustarrivedwithher

husband.Johnsighed.Shedidn’tunderstandatall.

IfJohnwassurprisedtoseehowwarmlyClaire’sgreetingwasreceivedbyoneofthepremier

socialitesofthecity,hehiditwell.HejoinedClaireandwasintroducedtoEvelynandherhusband.
Thisintroductionwasfollowedbyanumberofothers,andasthecompanywasseated,Johnbeganto
realizethathisyoungwifeactuallyknewthesewomen.

Dianeseemedequallytakenaback—notonlybyClaire’sknowledgeofthewomen,butbytheir

friendlinesstowardher.DespiteallDiane’sefforts,EvelynhadnevergracedthehallsofDiane’s
home.Neitherhadatleastthreeoftheotherwomen,evenricherthanEvelynandapparentlyonthe
bestoftermswithClaire.

“YouseemtoknowourlittleClaire,Mrs.Paine,”Dianeremarkedhalfwaythroughthemeal.
“Knowher?Icertainlydo,”Evelynsaid,withfainthauteur,andClaireheldherbreath,waitingto

beunmaskedasadesigner.ButEvelynexchangedasecretivesmilewithherandsherelaxed.“Claire
hasbeeninvaluabletous,youknow,”shetoldDiane.“She’satirelessvolunteer,bakingthingsfor
ourbazaars,donatinghandiwork,makinglace…Why,she’spriceless.Noneofuswouldreaphalfthe
benefitsfromourcharitieswithoutClaire’sparticipation.I’msureherhusbandisquiteproudofthe
timeshedevotestoourcauses,eventhoughtheydorobheroftimewithhim.Wefeltthatwecouldn’t
refuseherinvitationtothisdinnertobenefittheorphanage,notafterallshe’sdoneforus.”

Johnwasshocked.Hestartedtoadmitthathe’dhadnoideashewasinvolvedinsuchprojects,

butherealizedthatthiswouldbeamistake—withCalversonstaringathimandalreadyjealousofthe
earliergossipaboutJohnandDiane.

“Yes,”hesaid,recoveringhispoise.“I’mquiteproudofClaire.She’sgoodwithherhands,isn’t

she?”

“Indeed,”Evelynreplied.
“Areyougoingtothegovernor ’sball,Mrs.Paine?”Dianebrokein,addressingEvelyn.
“Certainly.I’mhavingagowndesignedespeciallyforitbyMagnolia.Really,mydear.You

shouldavailyourselfofherservices.Shedoesconcoctthemostdelightfulgowns.”

Dianesattallerinherchair,offendedandnotdaringtoadmitorshowit.“Imustmakeher

acquaintance.DoessheliveinAtlanta,then?”

Clairestiffenedoncemoreuntiltheolderwomanspoke.“Sheliveshereabouts,”Evelynsaid

vaguely.“Andyou,Mr.Hawthorn—areyouandClairegoingtothegovernor ’sball?”

“I’mafraidnot,”Johnrepliedblandly,shockingClaire,who’dworkedfeverishlytogether

specialgownreadyintime.“We’reexpectingvisitorsfromoutoftownonthatweekend,andthey’re
thesortofpeoplewhodon’tapproveofdancing.Veryreligious,yousee,”headded,andlookedso
convincingthatClairealmostbelievedhim.Buthe’dsaidnothingaboutguests.Andshe’dsowanted
togototheball.Shewasdisappointed,butshetriednottoshowit.

“Therewillbeotheryears,”shesaidabsently.
“Whatapity,”Dianesaid,glancingatJohnwithdisappointmentinhersofteyes.
Johndidn’treacttoherlookatall.Hewasdeepinhisownthoughts.Hecouldn’tadmitthathe

didn’tdaregoforfearofconfrontinghisownfamily.Hewantednothingtodowithhisfather.The
thoughtofrunningintotheoldmanattheballmadehimangryanduneasy.

AndClaireknewnothingaboutthefeud.Shewouldhavelovedtoknowallabouthertaciturn

husband,buthesharednothingabouthispastlifewithher.

“Willyourparentsattendtheball,John?”Dianeaskedinnocently,settingthecatamongthe

pigeonswithasmugsmileinClaire’sdirection.

Clairedidn’tknowmuchaboutJohn’sparents,asDianehadguessed.Shesatstiffly,tryingto

adjusttothisnewinformation,whileDianetoyeddelicatelywithhercrystalglass.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaidabruptly,andgaveheraglarethatactuallymadehereyebrowsfly

upward.

Theserversbegantobringinthefirstcourse,savinghimfromanymorecomplicatedreplythan

that.ButDianehadsuccessfullyruinedtheeveningforClaire,whofeltlikeanutterfool.

Johnknewit,andwassorry.Hestaredatherallthroughthedeliciousmeal,butshetalkedto

Evelynandrefusedeventolookathim.

Bytheendofthetediousevening,Johnhadpledgesformorethanenoughmoneytomakeallthe

necessaryrepairstotheorphanageandpayfornewtoysforChristmas.

“Yourwifeisquiteanorganizer,Imustsay,John,”Mr.Calversonsaidwhenalltheguestshad

goneandhewasstandingoutsidetherestaurantwithClaireandDianeandJohn.“Mydear,you’ve
donethebankproudtonight.Ishallhavetofindotherprojectsforyou.Ihadnoideayouwereon
suchafriendlybasiswithsomanysociallyprominentmatrons!”

“Yes,sheisadarkhorse,isn’tshe?”Dianeasked,withpurebile.“Shouldn’twego,Eli?It’svery

coldouthere.”

“Certainly,mydear.Goodnight,John,Claire.”
Hetippedhishat,putDianeinthecarriage,andtheydroveaway.
ClairegotintotheirowncarriagewithoutJohn’sassistanceandsatasfarawayfromhimas

possible,refusingtorespondwhenhecommentedonthenight,theparty,andtheweather.

Shewasonherwayupstairsbeforehecameintothehouse,buthewasonlytwostepsbehind

whenshereachedtheirapartment.

“Claire!”hecalledshortlywhenshestartedintoherbedroom.
Shestopped,turningelegantly.“Yes?”sheasked,hervoiceascoldasherheart.
“ThereareseveralquestionsI’dliketoask—”hebegan.
“AndseveralI’dliketoask,aswell,”sheshotback.“ButIrealizethatI’munlikelytoobtain

answers,sinceyouobviouslyfeelthatIhavenoimportanceinyourlifewhatsoever.Youmadethat
abundantlycleartonight.Dianeknowsallaboutyourbackground,Igather,”sheaddedcoldly.

“Wewereengaged,”hesaidheavily.

“Yes,andwearemarried,”shereplied,grayeyessparkingwithfury.Shetossedherpurseand

hercloakontothearmofachairbesidethedoorandturnedtoconfronthim.“YetIknowmoreabout
Mrs.DobbsdownstairsthanIknowaboutyou!”

Hetookacigarfromhispocketandclippedofftheendwithacutter.“Whatdoyouwantto

knowaboutme,Claire?”heaskedsuddenly—andwithasoftnessinhisdarkeyesthatconfoundedher.
Shedidn’tknowhowitpleasedhimthatshewascuriousabouthim.Inrecentdays,he’dalmost
convincedhimselfthatshe’dfallencompletelyoutoflovewithhim.

“Areyougoingtosmokethatinhere?”shedemanded.“Becauseifyouare,Ishallsleepinmy

automobileintheshed!”

Hecockedaneyebrowandchuckledathervehemence.“Ihadn’tplannedtosmokeitinside.I

usuallyhaveitontheverandabeforeIretire.Outside,mydear…wherethesmoketroublesnoone.”

“NooneexceptGod,”shesaidcoolly.
Heignoredthat.“Whatdoyouwanttoknowaboutme?”
Itwasanopeningthatshealmosttookadvantageof.Hewasofferingtotellher,presumably,

anythingshewantedtoknow.Butasrelaxedasheappearedtobe,shesensedatensioninhim.She
didn’twanttoprovokeascenesuchashadhappenedononeotherevening,tohavehimthrowupto
herthatshe’dtemptedhim.

“Whatuseisit?”sheasked,andsoundedunutterablywearyofthewholething.Shestartedto

turnwhenhisvoicestoppedher.

“MyparentsliveinSavannah,”hesaid,volunteeringsomethingthatshewouldneverhaveasked

him.“MyfatherandIhavebeenestrangedforanumberofyears.Inevergohome,nordotheycome
here.Hehasforbiddenmymother,mybrother,andmysistertospeaktome.”

Shemovedtothevelvet-coveredchairandheldontoitscarvedrosewoodframeforsupport.

Herheartbeatmadly.“Why?”

Heshovedahandintohispocketwitharoughsigh.“IwasinthefightinginCuba.Ijoinedthe

serviceafterIgraduatedfromtheCitadelin’89becauseIwastiredofbooksandeducation,andI
lovedtheverythoughtofsoldieringandwar.”Helaughedcoldly.“Youseehowromanticismwarps
themind?Ithoughtthemilitarygloriousandexcitingandadventurous.”HisgazefelltothePersian
rugonthefloorandtraceditsswirlsandlines.“Butmyfatherconvincedmethatthemilitarywasno
life,soImusteredouttogotoHarvard.Then,asyouknow,Icameherein’96andbegantoworkfor
Eli.Butin’97therewererumorsofanimpendingwarwithSpain,soIreenlisted.Thetalkoffighting
invigoratedme.Iwenthometomyfamilyonleave,ravingaboutthemistreatmentofCubannationals
atthehandsoftheSpanish,whichIhadheardfromanewspapermanpassingthroughtown.Myyoung
twinbrothers,RobertandAndrew,wereincensedbytheplightoftheCubanpeopleandimpressedby
mytalesofmilitarylife.Theywentrightoutandjoinedthenavy.”Hepausedbriefly.“Theywereon
theUSSMainewhenitblewupinHavanaHarborinFebruaryof’98,twomonthsbeforetheUnited
StatesdeclaredwaronSpainandsentarmedforcestofightinCuba.”

Shehardlydaredbreathe.“Isee.”
Helookedup.“Myfatherblamedmefortheirdeaths.NoexplanationIcouldmakewouldsatisfy

him.Afterwarwasdeclared,IwasinthethickofthefightingoutsideHavana.”Heshruggedpowerful
shouldersandfingeredtheunlitcigarwiththehandthatwasn’tinhispocket.“Iwaswounded.They
contactedmyfatherandhesentatelegramback.Itreadthathehadnosoninthearmy.”Helaughed
coldly.“Soyousee,Ireallyhadnothingtocomebackto.”

“YouwereengagedtoDianebeforeyouwenttowar.”
“Ihadbeen,”hecorrected.“IwaskeepingcompanywithherwhenIenlisted.IproposedwhileI

wasonleave,theThanksgivingbeforemyunitshippedoutforCuba,whilemybrotherswereraw
recruitslookingforwardtotheirhitchonaship,”hesaid.“Shewantedmetoaskmyfatherfor…

something.”Herefusedtomentionhisfamily’swealthorhisinheritance,sinceitwaslostanyway.
“Myfatherrefused,whichcreatedthefirstriftbetweenus,andshemarriedCalversonwhenIshipped
outtogotowar.”

“WhileyouwereinCuba,”shesaid,infuriated.
Hesighed.“Shewasaloneandinfinancialtrouble,”hesaid,absentlydefendingherevennow.

“I’mcertainthatCalversonpersuadedherthatImightnotcomebackatall.HewashereandIwasn’t,
andherfamilywasindesperateneed.”

Clairewasthinkingthatifherfamilyhadbeenindesperateneed,she’dhaveworkedherselfto

deathtryingtosavethem,butshewouldn’thaveforsakenafiancéinawartodoit.Shedidn’tsaythat.
Shewassurethathewouldn’thearcriticismofDiane.

“Itwasasadhomecomingforyou,”wasallshesaid.
Hespokebrieflyaboutthecold,lonelydockontheeasterntipofLongIslandwherehis

regimenthadbeensentfromCuba.ComingfromthetropicstotheicycoldofLongIslandhadbeen
responsibleformakingmanyofthemensick.IthadtakenapetitionsignedbyTeddyRooseveltand
theregimentalofficerstogettheU.S.governmenteventorotatethetroopsoutofCuba,wherethey
wereliterallystarvingtodeath.AndinsteadofsendingthembacktoFloridatomusterout,theywere
senttoNewYorkState.JohnhadarrivedinAmerica,woundedanddisillusioned,withonlythe
companionshipoffellowsoldierstomakeitlessstark.

Theexperiencehadhardenedhim.HismemoriesofCubawouldalwaysbebittersweetashe

recalledfallencomradesandyellowfeverandtheCubanresistance.HealsorememberedTeddy
Roosevelt’sdeep,boomingvoicepraisinghisRoughRidersfortheirsacrificesandtheirvalor,and
wishingthathe’dbeenpartofthatvolunteerforce,underTeddy’scommand.Herespectedtheman.
Obviously,sodidthosefire-eatingrecruitsofhis,manyofwhomhadbeenlawmenintheWest,some
evenoutlaws.ATexasoutlawhad,infact,beengivenapardonthankstoTeddy’sinterventionafterthe
manservedsovaliantlyinCuba.

TheexperienceofmeetingRoosevelthadcoloredhismemories.Rooseveltbecamegovernorof

NewYorkState,andlaterranontheticketwithRepublicanincumbentpresidentialcandidateWilliam
McKinley,ashisvicepresident.McKinleywononNovember6,1900.

“Itwasquiet,atleast,”hesaid.Hesearchedhereyes.“DidIevertellyouwhatadifferenceyou

madebycomingtoseemeinthehospital?”

Shebeamedshyly.“DidI,really?”
“Youkeptmealive,Ithink.Youwerealwayssmiling,alwayshappy.Itwasoneofthebesttimes

ofmylife.”Amazing,hethoughtashespoke,thathehadn’trealizedatthetimehowimportantClaire
wastohim.

Clairefeltherheartswell.“Ihopedyoudidn’tmindthatIcamewithUncleWill.Ienjoyeddoing

whatlittleIcouldforyou.IsupposeMr.Calversonhadnoqualmsaboutgivingyourjobbacktoyou
whenyoureturned.Peoplethoughtitalittlestrange,youknow,becauseyou’doncebeenengagedto
hiswifeandhe’dtakenherfromyou.”

“Yes.”He’dwonderedaboutthathimselffromtimetotime.“ButIsupposeitdidn’thurtthatI

hadadegreeinbusinessandthatIwasawizardwithnumbers.Infact,Ialsoworkedinabankup
NorthwhileIwasinschoolatHarvard.”

Shewatchedhimtraceapathalongtheunlitcigar,asifhewereremembering.
“YouneverspokeaboutCuba,evenonthoselongeveningswhenyouandmyuncleWillplayed

chessinourparlor.”

Hisgazeliftedtohers.“Itrytoforget.Mostofthememoriesarenotpleasantones.”
“UncleWillsaidthatyouweregivenamedalforwhatyoudidinCuba.”
“IhadaSilverStar,”hesaid,withouttellingwhathe’dwonitfor.“AndaPurpleHeartforthat

woundinthelung.”

Sherememberedseeingaroughscaronhischest,justbelowthenipple.Sheavertedherface,to

hideherownmemories.

“Iknowthatyourparentsdiedofcholerawhenyouwereten,”hesaid.
Shelookedathim,surprised.“UncleWilltoldyou?”
Henodded.“Didyoufinishschool?”
“Yes.IwantedtogoontocollegeatAgnesScottandreadhistory,buttherewasnomoney.”
“BecauseWillspentitallonhispassionformachines,”hesaid,guessing.
Sheflushed.“Ididn’twantitsobadlyafterall,Isuppose,”shesaid,hedging.“Anditwasfun

learningaboutmyuncle’smotorcar.”

Hiseyeswerealloverher,likehands,tracingandappraising.Theynarrowed,smoldered.He

wantedher.Justlikethat.Shewashiswife.Hehadahunchthatshewouldn’tdenyhim.Allhewould
havetodowaskissher.Onekiss,andhecouldhaveher;itwasinhereyes.She,likehim,
rememberedtheecstasythey’dshared.

Shebitherlowerliphard,tryingtorestoresanitytoamindcrazytohavehim.Sheliftedher

face.“Imustgotobed,”shesaidfirmly.

Hisdarkeyesglittered.“Whose?”heaskedquietly.
Theflushgotworse.“Myown,unlessyoudon’tmindincreasingtheriskofachild,”shesaid

deliberately.

Hisjawtightened.“Itwouldbeworthanyrisk,”hesaidhuskily.“Iwantyou.”
Suchplainspeakingembarrassedher.Sheloweredherhead.“IamnotDiane,”shesaidthrough

herteeth.

Thesoundofhernameonhiswife’slipswentthroughhimlikeaknife.Hisintakeofbreathwas

audible.Asifhecouldeverhaveconfusedthetwoofthem!Didsherealizewhataninsultshe’djust
offeredhim?Hisfistclenchedinhispocket,andthefingersholdingtheexpensivecigarallbut
crushedit.

“Perhapsitwouldbebetternottotaketherisk,”hesaidstiffly.“Goodnight,Claire.”
“Goodnight,John.”
Shewentslowlyintoherroomandclosedthedoor.Onceinside,herheartracedwildly.Ifonly

hehadsaidDamntherisk!ButherewasproofthathishungerforClairewasonlyphysical.Allshe
hadtodowasmentionDiane,andallhisardordiedaquickdeath.Itwassomethingshemust
remember,shetoldherselffirmly,andsherefusedtothinkofwhatmighthavehappened.

THENEXTDAY,CLAIREWASSURPRISEDBYAVISITfromEvelynPaine,whohadaspecial
request.

“Iknowit’sshortnotice,andyou’reworkingsohardtomakegownsforJaneandEmmaand

me.ButIhaveafriendvisitingfromSavannahwithherdaughter,andshe’ddearlyadorehavingyou
sewaspecialgownforherdaughter ’scoming-outparty.”

“I’dbedelighted.Butwhydidyoucomeinpersoninsteadofjustsendinganote?”Claireasked

curiously.

Evelynlookedaround.“IsMrs.Dobbsathome?”
“Why,no.She’sgoneshopping.”
“Thankgoodness.Claire,thisisratherasensitiveissue,andIhavenowishtobroadcastit.Ihad

tocomemyself.”Sheleanedforward,elegantinaburgundysuitwithawhiteruffledblouseanda
broad-brimmedhattomatchthesuit.“Thematronvisitingmeisyourhusband’smother.Herown
husbandhasforbiddenhertocontacthim,andshegaveherword.Butshedidnotpromisethatshe
wouldn’tcontacthiswife.”

Clairealmostgasped.“Idon’tknowwhattosay!”
“Sayyes.Sheisstayingatmyhome.SheandEmily,herdaughter.They’rewonderfulpeople.

Theywantverymuchtomeetyou.Comehomewithmenow.”

Clairehesitated.Johnwouldbelividifhefoundout.Andhowwouldsheexplainherabsence?
Shelookedupandsighed.SheandJohnwerealreadysofarapartthatonemorethingwouldn’t

reallymakemuchdifference.“I’llcome,”shetoldEvelyn.

HEWASN’TSUREWHAT

sheexpectedtosee.Johnwastallanddarkandelegant,soshehadapictureof

hiskinfolkinmindthatwasnothinglikethepeopleshemet.Hismotherwassmallandfairand
fragile-looking.HissisterEmilywastallandelegant,andalsofairbutwithdarkeyes.Theystaredat
Claireforsolongthatshefeltuncomfortable.

“YouareJohn’swife?”MaudeHawthornaskedhesitantly.
“I’mafraidso,”Clairesaid.“Isupposeyouwereexpectingsomeonebeautiful…”
“Nonsense,”Maudesaid,andsmiledasshecameforwardtotakeClaire’shands.Herblueeyes

wereaswarmasherfingers.“IfI’msurprised,it’satmyson’sgoodtaste.Evelynhasshownmea
sampleofyourtalentatneedlework,mydear.Itwasmorethanjustanexcusetobringyouhere.We
reallywouldlikeyoutosewEmily’scoming-outgown.”

“Indeedso,”Emilysaid,comingforwardwithanenthusiasticsmileofherown.“I’veneverseen

suchintricateembroideryandbeadwork.You’resotalented!”Shechuckled,herdarkeyestwinkling.
“Imaginemybigbrotherbeingsowiseinhischoiceofbrides!”

“Itwasn’twisdom,I’mafraid…itwaspity,”Clairesaid,withmorebitternessthansherealized.

“MyunclehaddiedandIhadnomeansofsupport.BecauseofhisfriendshipwithUncleWill,John
wasconcernedformywelfare.”

Maude,whoknewhersonverywell,hadneverknownhimtodoanythingdrasticoutofpity

alone.FromwhatEvelynhadtoldher,thisyoungwomanhadcharacterandintegrity—andshewasn’t
mercenary.NotlikethatotherwomanwhosescandalousbehaviorwithJohnHawthornhadreached
hismother ’searsevenfarawayinSavannah.

“YouknowsomethingaboutusfromJohn,Iimagine?”Maudesaidhopefully.
Clairehesitated,waitingforinspiration.
Evelynmistookhersilenceandsmiled.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,I’llseeaboutgettingussometea

andcakes.”Sheclosedtheslidingdoorsofthelivingroombehindher.

ClaireturnedherattentionbacktoMaudeHawthorn.“Iknowalmostnothingaboutyou,”she

saidpainfully.“Johndoesn’tspeakofhisfamilytome.Atleast,notmuch.”

Maudelookedcrushed.“I…see.”
“Oh,please.Don’tlooklikethat,”Claireentreated.“JohnandIspendverylittletimetogether,”

sheaddedhonestly.“Ourmarriageisoneofappearances,yousee.”Shesatdownheavilyonthe
velvet-coveredcouch.“Thetruthisthathemarriedmetosparehimself,thebank,andMrs.Calverson
anymorepoisonousgossip.Hehadbeensomewhatindiscreet,andtongueswerewagging.Marrying
megavemearoofovermyheadandprotectionforhim.”

Maudesatdownbesideher.Somuchforherhopesthatthiswasamarriageoflove!“Thenhe

stillcan’tstayawayfromher,”shesaidheavily.“Ihadhoped,somuch,thathewasfinallyfinished
withthatill-starredattraction.”

“Sohadweall,”Emilyadded,takingtherosewoodchairacrossfromthesofa.
Maudespreadherhandsinsilentappeal.“Asyoumayalreadyhavenoticed,Mrs.Calversonis

notafavoritesubjectatourhome.ItwasshewhocausedthefirstriftbetweenJohnandhisfather,
demandingthatJohnbegivenhisinheritanceatonce.Therewasnowaymyhusbandcouldcomply,
andJohnknewit.Theninetieswere,asyouknow,extremelyunfavorableyearsforthebanking
industry.Weareonlyjustnowfindingourfeet.”

Clairewasentranced.“Areyou…yourfamily…bankers?”sheasked,witheagercuriosity.
Maudesmiled.“Yes.MyfatherwaspresidentofthelargestbankinSavannah,andmyhusbandis

nowchairmanofitsboardofdirectors.Healsositsontheboardofthreeotherprominentbanks,one
hereinAtlanta.MysonJasonownsahugeshippingbusinessinSavannahandafleetoffishingboats.
Heistheonlysonwehaveleftathomenow.Weareveryclosetohim,althoughwemissJohnso
much.”

Clearlydecidingtochangethemelancholysubject,Emilysaid,“Ihavemycomingoutatthe

springcharityballinSavannah.Youwouldhaveplentyoftimetosewagownforme.”

“Wouldyou?”Maudepleaded.“We’veseenEvelyn’sgowns.You’reverytalented.”
“WhatifJohnfindsout?”Claireasked.“He’llthinkI’vegonebehindhisback,andIhave.”
Maude’sblueeyeswerepiercing.“Youlovehim,don’tyou?”
“Withallmyheart,”Clairesaidmiserably,“forallthegoodit’sdoneme.He’dwalkovermy

dyingbodytogettothebeautifulMrs.Calverson.Ihavenoillusionswhatsoeverabouthisfeelings
forme;hehasnone.”

Maude’sindrawnbreathwasaudible.
“I’veshockedyou,”Clairesaid.“I’msorry.”
Maude’sfacegrewstrained.“YousayJohnsaidlittleaboutourfamily.Didhetellyouabout

RobertandAndrew?”

Clairefrowned.“RobertandAndrew?”shemurmured.“Oh.Hisbrothers.”
“Yes,mydear,”Maudesaid,andherfacebegantoshowitsage.Shefoldedherhandsinherlap.

“RobertandAndrewwereouryoungestsons.TheyjoinedthenavyshortlyafterJohncamehomein
hisuniform,sodignifiedandenthusiasticaboutsavingtheCubanpeoplefromSpanishdomination.”

Shetracedthefingersofonehandoverthebackoftheother.“TheywereaboardtheUSSMainewhen
itwentdown.Bothwerekilled.”

“Johntoldmewhathappened.Itmustbeapainfulmemoryforhim.Hecouldhardlybearto

speakofittome.”

“Itisequallypainfultous.ButmyhusbandblamedJohn.Hecursedhimanddisinheritedhim,

andvowednevertospeaktohimagain.Sadly,heforcedthatsamesilenceonEmilyandJasonand
me.Ihaveobeyedhiminallthingsinthepast.Butheisveryillwithhisheart,andIknowthathe
regretsthissituation.HeistooproudtoapproachJohn.”ShelookedupatClaire.“Ihadhopedthat
youmightfindawaytocoaxJohnintocominghometovisit.”

Claire’sthinshouldersliftedandfell.“YoumustseenowthatIcouldcoaxmyhusbandtodo

nothing,”shesaid,withabittersweetsmile.“JohnandIarestrangers,inalmosteveryway.”

“Ihadhopedtofindatotallydifferentsituation.”
“I’msorry,”Clairesaidhelplessly.“Isyourhusbandverybad?”
“Hisheartisweak,”Maudesaid.“AlthoughIthinkitishisalienationfromJohnthathasmadeit

so.Weoftensaythingsintheheatofangerthatwelaterregret.Hewasgrief-strickenforhissons,
andherefusedtobelievethattheirpassingwasanactofGod.Hehadtoblamesomeone.Johnwasthe
easiesttoblame.Itwasn’tJohn’sfault,Claire,”sheaddedsadly.“They’dplannedtojointheservice
sincetheywereboys.ItwasunfortunatethatitshouldhappenquitesosoonafterJohn’svisit,andthat
theyshouldserveonadoomedship.”

Claire’seyeswidened.“Why,thatiswhyJohnrefusedtodiscussattendingthegovernor ’sballat

Christmas!”sheexclaimedinvoluntarily.“Itwasbecauseheexpectedhisfathertobethere.”

“Hewillnot,”Maudesaid.“Becausehecan’ttravelthisfar.NeitherEmilynorIwillcome

withouthim.”

“Yes,butIcan’ttellJohnthatwithouthisrealizinghowIknow.”
“Isee.”Maudesmiledwistfully.“Ithinkyouwouldhavelikedtheball.”
“IknowIwouldhave,”Clairereplied.“Butwenevergeteverythingwewant,dowe?Now,what

aboutthisgownforEmily?”

HEYSPOKEENTHUSIASTICALLY

ofEmily’scoming-outgown,andClairesketchedsomepossibilities.

Shesettledononewithakeyholenecklineandshortpuffysleeveswithanempirewaist.

“It’sveryunconventional,”Emilysaid,withagrin.“Ishallloveit!”
“Unconventionalispartofmyname,”Claireinformedher.“Youshouldhearthecomments

fromthelocalmenwhenIdrivemyuncle’smotorcar!Infact,Ihadtoleaveitparkedbecausetwoof
John’sfriendsmadesuchafuss.”

“Youhaveamotorcar?”Maudeasked.“Claire,Imustseeit!Canwegoforadrive?”
“Iwishitwerepossible,”Clairesaidwholeheartedly.“Butifyoucomehomewithme…”She

frowned.“Ontheotherhand,howwouldMrs.Dobbsknowwhoyouare?AndJohnwon’tbeathome.
Yes,ofcourseyoucan!”

MaudeandEmilywerebothexcitedattheprospectofarideinClaire’sautomobile.Maude

confidedthatshewouldlovetohaveoneofherown—andwouldpersuadeherhusbandtobuyher
one.

“Thenyouwilltrulyhaveanexcusetovisit,Claire,”Maudetoldtheyoungerwoman.“Tohelp

melearnhowtoworkonit.”

“FirstIwillhavetojointhelocalwomen’ssuffragemovementtokeepthemenoutofmyhair,”

Clairesaidjokingly.

“Ofcourseyouwill,”Maudesaideasily.“IbelongtotheSavannahchapter,andsodoesEmily.

Wearenotcontenttositbyandletmenmakealltherulesforus.”

Clairewasintriguedbyherhusband’sfamily.Whatapitythatshecouldn’ttellhimso.

HEMANAGEDTOGET

themotorcaroutoftheshedwithoutrousingtheentireneighborhood.Mrs.

Dobbswasathome,butClairemadesurethatnointroductionsweremade.Shekeptherguests
outside,nearEvelyn’scarriage,whichwaitedforthemhalfablockaway.Itwasatightsqueezetoget
herselfandMaudeandEmilyallintothelittletwo-seater,buttheymanagedit.Clairecrankedthe
machineandtheywentdowntheroadandbackagainwithsquealsofdelight.Fortunatelytheydidn’t
meetahorse—andoldMr.Fleming,wholivedonthecorner,wasn’toutsidetoyellthreatsofpolice
action.

Itwasn’tuntilshe’dparkedthecaragainandsurveyedthefaintlygreasyclothingofherguests

thatsherealizedsheshouldhaveprovideddusters.

“It’samessybusinessjustnow,”Clairesaid,apologizing.
“Yes,well,ourclothingisdarkandourfaceswillwash,”Maudeassuredher,withtwinkling

eyes.“Claire,whatamarvelousinvention!Imustsay,it’sinvigorating.”

“Ithinkso,too,”Emilyseconded.
MaudelookedbackattheroominghousewhereJohnandClairelived.“IwishIcouldhaveseen

John,”shesaidasshemadeherwaytothewaitingcarriage.

“Iwishyoucouldhave,too,”Clairesaid,embracingherandthenEmily.“Butatleastwe’ve

met.”

“Andwe’llkeepintouch,throughEvelyn,”Maudesaiddoggedly.
“Meanwhile,I’llworkveryhardonyourdress,Emily,”Claireadded,withasmile.
“Comeandseeus,ifyouevercan,”Maudesaidgently.“Youwouldalwaysbewelcome,even

withoutJohn.”

“I’llrememberthat.Haveasafejourneyhome.”
“Youtakecare,Claire.”
MaudesignaledtothedrivertotakethembacktoEvelyn’shouse,andClairewentslowlyinside

afterthecarriagewasoutofsight.Shewassmudgedwithgreaseanddirtagain,anditwasablessing
thatJohnwouldbeworkinglate.

SheneverquestionedifhewasseeingDianesomewhereintheselongeveningswhenhedidn’t

comehome.Shewasn’tsureshecouldbeartheanswer.

ItwasinevitablethatMrs.DobbswouldmentionClaire’sguestsovertheeveningmeal.
“Ihadhopedthatyoumightbringtheminside,Claire,”Mrs.Dobbssaid,withfaintreprimand.“I

hadacakenicelyslicedandteareadytopour.”

“Theywerealreadylateforanengagement,”Clairesaidonalaugh.“I’msorry,buttherewasno

time.Evelynhadtoldthemaboutmymotorcarandtheyjusthadtoseeitforthemselves.”

“EvelynPaine?”Johnasked,frowning.
“Why,yes.She’sfrequentlyaguesthere,”Mrs.Dobbssaidsmugly.“Shecomeswithsomeof

herfriendstovisitClaire.”

Johneyedhiswifewithopencuriosity.“Sothatwashowyoubecamesowellacquaintedwiththe

creamofAtlantasociety.Youhavethemoverfortea.”

“Andtheyhavemeoverfortea,aswell,”Clairereplied,stungbyhisfaintsarcasm.
“Quiteoften,”Mrs.Dobbsseconded.“They’recharmingcompany.”
Johnputdownhisfork.“Whatapitythatyouneverthoughttomentionthesevisitstome,”he

saidcalculatingly.

Hereyebrowsrose.“Whenwouldyouhavebeenavailableformetotell?”sheasked.Mindfulof

Mrs.Dobbs’scuriousglance,sheamended,“Imean,youworksuchlongandlatehours,John.Andat
nightyou’remuchtootiredtospeakofyourday.”

“Iexpectthosesocialeveningswearyouout,don’tthey,Mr.Hawthorn?”Mrs.Dobbsasked

pointedly.“Mysister-in-lawaccompaniedherhusbandtothatgatheringattheCalversons’thenight
beforelast.Ibelieveyouweretherealone.Shethoughtitratheroddthatanewlymarriedmanwould
attendanyeveningaffairwithouthisbride.”

ShegotupwithanapologeticglanceatClaireandsweptofftothekitchen.
Clairefelthertemperbegintorise.ShestaredatJohnwithcoldeyes,notinghissuddentension.
“Obviouslyyoudidn’tfeelinclinedtotakemewithyou,”shesaidbluntly.
“Itwasabusinessmeeting.”
“Mrs.Calversonwasn’tthere?”shepersisted.
Hethrewhisnapkindown.“Yes,shewasthere!”
“AndMrs.Dobbs’ssister-in-lawwasthere,also.”
Hegottohisfeet.Hefeltguilty—andbecauseofit,hesoughtrefugeinbadtemper.“The

Whitfieldswerealsoinattendance,andjudgingbypastevents,Ithoughtitdiplomatictokeepyouand
TedWhitfieldseparated,”hesaid,withsomeheat.

“AreyouaccusingmeagainofencouragingTed?”
“Didn’tyou?”heasked,hissmileasmockingashistone.“Idorecallalmostcomingtoblows

withhimoveryouthelasttimeyouweretogether.Thatcouldn’thavehappenedifyouhadn’t
encouragedhisadvances.Andthoseofotherbankofficers.”

Shestoodup,too,veryslowly.“Andnaturally,yourfeelingsfortheelegantMrs.Calversonare

nothingmorethanthoseofabankerforhisbusinesspartner ’swife?”

Hiseyesdarkened.Besidehispowerfulthigh,oneleanhandclenched.“Becareful,Claire,”he

cautionedsoftly.

“Why?”shedemanded.“Youobviouslybelievethatyouhaveeveryrighttospendyourtime

oglingMrs.CalversonandmakingsurethatIdon’tdoanythingtospoilyourfun.ButImustn’tbe
seennearTed,isthatright?”

“Idon’togleMrs.Calverson!”
“Thatisn’twhatitlookslike!”shesnapped.“Ourmarriagewilldoverylittletostopthegossip

ifyoucontinuetofeeditinsuchamanner.”

Mrs.Dobbscamebackbeforehecouldreply,lookingworriedandnervous.
“Shallwecontinuethisdiscussionupstairs?”Johnaskedcurtly.
“No,weshallnot,”Clairereplied,shockinghim.“Ihavenowishwhatsoevertospeakwithyou

aboutsuchadistastefulsubject.Myopinionisofnoconsequencetoyou,anyway—sinceyoudon’t
carewhatIthinkofyourphilandering.”

Hewasoutraged.“Ihaveneverphilandered!”
“Ha!”
Heturnedandlefttheroom,pausingjustlongenoughtoretrievehiscoat,hat,andcanefromthe

rackinthehallbeforehewentslammingoutthefrontdoor.

Mrs.Dobbshesitated.“Thefirstdaysofanymarriagecanbeverydifficult,”shesaid

encouragingly.

“Thismarriagehasbeennothingshortofdifficultsinceitsbeginning,”Clairerepliedshortly.“I

shouldneverhavemarriedhim.It’smyownfaultforthinkingIcouldchangethewayhefeels.He
can’treallyhelpfindingMrs.Calversonattractive.AndIhaveneitherthebeautynorthecharmto
competewithhers.”

Mrs.Dobbscameforwardandtookherhands.“Claire,youhavesomanywonderfulqualities,”

shesaidearnestly.“Pleasedon’tletthatwomanbreakupyourmarriage.”

“HowcanIfightherinfluence?”Claireaskedwearily.“Ihadnoideathathewasgoingtosocials

withoutme.”

Mrs.Dobbslookedguilty.“Ishouldn’thavesaidanything.Itjustrankledtohavehimkeepquiet

aboutit.Youhadarighttoknow.”

“Yes,Idid,”Clairerepliedfirmly.“Thankyoufortellingme.Ishouldhavehatedtoheargossip

aboutit.”

“Gossip,”Mrs.Dobbssaid,shakingherhead.“Howterribleitcanbe.”
“AsIhavelearned.Goodnight,Mrs.Dobbs.Thankyouforstickingupforme.”
“Youwon’tdoanythingrash,Claire?”sheaskedworriedly.
“I’vealreadydonesomethingrash,”camethereply.“Imarriedhim.”

HENEXTDAY

LAIRE

hadamessagefromherfriendKennyBlake;hewantedtoseeher.Shetooka

carriageintothecityandwenttofindoutwhathewanted.

ShewassurprisedtofindKennywithatall,elegantwhite-hairedmanwhowaslookingatoneof

Claire’sgowns.

“IborrowedthisfromtheboutiquetoshowMr.Stillwell,”Kennytoldher,withagrin.
Stillwellnoddedpolitely.“Mrs.Hawthorn,I’mdelightedtomakeyouracquaintance.This,”he

said,gesturingtowardthegown,awhite-and-blacksilkonewithjetbeaddetails,“isthemost
beautifulcreationI’veseeninmanyalongyear.Iwouldliketodisplayitinmystore.”

“Hisstore,”Kennyinformedher,“isMacy’sdepartmentstoreinNewYorkCity.”
Shegasped.“Youcan’tbeserious!”
“IassureyouthatIam,”herepliedsolemnly.“AndIthinkyou’llfindthatyouraskingpriceis

fartoolowforsuchanoriginal.”Henamedapricethatleftherspeechless.

“Sitdown,”Kennysaidquickly,providingherwithachair.“Itoldyoushewasn’tgoingto

believeit,”headdedtoMr.Stillwell.

Theoldermanchuckled.“SoIsee.Butyouareverytalented,Mrs.Hawthorn,andIbelievewe

candoagreatdealofbusiness.Yourdesignscanbesewnbyalocalconcernforus,andwewill
marketthem.Iassureyouofthehighestquality,yourownpersonallabel,andstrictlyacouturetrade.
Allyouwouldinvestisthetimetosketchyourideasandsewamodelforus.”

“Ican’tbelieveit!Ijustcan’t!”Clairesaid,tearsofpurejoystreamingdownhercheeks.“I

neverdreamedofsuchathing!”

“Idid,”Kennysaidsmugly.
Shewasbesideherself.“Iwillbefinanciallyindependent,”shesaidalmosttoherself.
“Wealthy,”Mr.Stillwellcorrected.“Verywealthy,ifthesedesignsdoaswellasIexpectthem

to.”

“There’sjustonething,”sheinterjected.“Myhusbandmustnotknow.”
“Ihavenoreasontotellhim,”Stillwellassuredher.
“AndI’mquietasaclam,”Kennyadded.“Noonewillknow.You’llbeknownsimplyas

Magnolia.”

“Quite.”
“Inthatcase,Mr.Stillwell,I’myourgirl.”
Hegrinnedfromeartoear.

LAIREWASBURSTING

totellsomeone,anyone,abouthergoodfortune,butshedidn’tdare.Ifshetold

Mrs.DobbsorEvelyn,astrustworthyastheynormallywere,theywouldn’tbeabletokeepasecretof
suchmagnitude.SoClairehadtokeephertidingstoherself.

“Oh,Kenny!I’llneverbeabletothankyouenough!”shesaidenthusiasticallyafterMr.Stillwell

hadexchangedaddresseswithherandwasonhiswaytoanothermeeting.

“Itwasmypleasure,”Kennysaid.Hesmiledruefully.“I’vemissedyousinceyourmarriage,

Claire.Icalledonceortwice,butyourhusbandtoldmethatyouweren’tavailabletospeaktome.”

Thatcameasasurprise.“Whenwasthis?”sheasked.
“Onemorningjustafteryourmarriage—andthenagaintwoweeksago.”
Shegrimaced.“Hedidn’ttellme.”
Heshrugged.“Ahusbandisentitledtobejealousofanewwife,Isuppose,”hesaidcharitably.

“ButIwouldhavelikedtocongratulateyou,atleast.”Heeyedher.“Didn’tyouknowaboutthe
weddinggiftIsent,either?”

“Whatweddinggift?”
“Asetofthimbles,”hesaid.“Porcelainones.Iknowhowmuchyouenjoyyourneedlework.”
“No,Ididn’tgetthem,”shesaid,smolderinginside.
“Ofcoursenot.Hesentthemback,”hetoldher,shakinghishead.“He’saverypossessiveman,

yourhusband.”

“Apparently,”sheagreed.HecouldseeDianeCalversonwheneverheliked,butshewasn’t

allowedtohaveaweddingpresentfromanoldfriend!Itwasoutrageous.

“Wouldyoulikeasodabeforeyougohome?”Kennyasked.
“Yes,Iwould,”shesaid,smiling.
Hegrinned.Theywenttoasodaparloraboutablockaway,wheresheindulgedinasticky,

delicioushotfudgesundae.ItwaslikeoldtimestositandtalkwithKenny,whohadbeenafrequent
visitortoheruncle’shome.Eventhoughtheywerenomorethanfriends,she’dmissedhimsinceher
marriage.ShecouldtalktoKenny—somethingshewasrarelyabletodowithherhusband.

“I’mdelightedthatyou’regoingtodothisdesigningjob,”Kennysaid.“Ihopeitwon’tgetyou

intoanytroubleathome.”

“AslongasJohndoesn’tknow,itwon’t,”shesaidhonestly.“Andyou’vepromisedmethatyou

won’ttellhim.”

“IndeedIhave,”heassuredher.
Shesighed.“It’slikeadream,”shesaid,smilingathim.“It’ssomethingI’vealwayswantedtodo

—andhereitis,fallingrightintomylap.Icanhardlywaittogetstarted.Ihaveallsortsofideas!”

“Youcansendthemtomebymessenger.Orbringthembywhenyou’reintown.I’llgetthemto

Mr.Stillwell,”hesaid.“Thatway,therewon’tbeanythingtoconnectyoutohim.”

“You’reagoodfriend,Kenny.I’mluckytohaveyou.”
“Thatworksbothways.”Hesmiledbackandtouchedherhandlightly.
ItwasunfortunatethatDianeCalversonhappenedtobepassingthewindowatthatmomentand

witnessedtheinnocenttouch.

THATEVENING,CLAIREWASSHOCKEDTODISCOVER—atthelastminute—thatJohnhad
invitedtheCalversonsfordinner.Mrs.Dobbshadpreparedascrumptiousmealforthem,butamaid
employedbyJohnfortheeveninghadservedit,becauseMrs.Dobbswasgoingouttothetheaterwith
friends.

EliCalversonseemedworriedandalittlepreoccupied,whileDianewasmakinganobvious

efforttobeespeciallynicetoJohn.

Overafter-dinnercoffee,ClairenoticedthatJohnwasstaringatherwiththecoldest,angriest

darkeyesshe’deverseen.Diane,ontheotherhand,wassweetnessitself.

“Whatalovelyapartmenthouse,”shesaidtoClaire,lookingaround.“Ofcourse,it’snotquite

thesameashavingaplaceofyourown,butIsupposeit’sthenextbestthing.”

Clairestudiedtheotherwoman,hesitatingsolongtomakeareplythattheartificialsmileon

Diane’sfacebegantowaver.

“Underothercircumstances,Ishouldhaveenjoyedhavingahomeofmyown,”shereplied

finally,withasmileascoolashertone.

“Othercircumstances?”Dianeechoed.
“Why,yes,”Clairetoldher,awarethatthemenweretooinvolvedintalkingbusinessto

overhear.“IfIhadahusbandwholovedme.”

ThebitteremphasisonthelastwordmadeDiane’seyeswiden,butbeforeshecouldreply,Claire

turnedawaytodirectthemaidclearingthetable.

“Thatwasalovelymeal,Claire,”Mr.Calversonsaidgraciously.
“Thankyou,butitwasMrs.Dobbswhopreparedit.”
“Oh.Iassumed…”hebegan,unsettled.
Claire’shandsfoldedtogetheratherwaist.“Iwouldneverpresumetoinvadeanotherwoman’s

kitchen,evenifI’dknownthatwewereexpectingguestsfordinner,”shesaid,droppingabombshell
rightinherhusband’slap.

“John!”EliCalversonexclaimed.“Youinvitedustoamealandyourwifewasn’ttold?”
“Mywifelikesherlittlejokes,”Johnsaid,eyesslicingintoClaire.
“Oh.Oh!”Elichuckled.“Yes,Isee.Well,wemustbeonourway,mydear,”hetoldDiane.
“I’llhavethemaidfetchourcoats,”Dianevolunteered.“Wheredidshego,John?”
“Throughhere.”HeescortedDianeintothekitchen.
Butthemaidwasn’tthere.Clairehadglimpsedhergoingoutthebackdoorwithabucketof

ashestoemptyfromthewoodstove.

“Excuseme.I’lltakethesedishesoffthetableforher,”ClairetoldMr.Calverson.
Shegatheredtheplates,stackedthem,andcarriedthemdownthehalltothekitchen—arriving

justintimetoseeDianeinJohn’sarms,withherlipspullingawayfromhis.

Clairestoodstock-still.Dianewasflushedandlaughingnervously.Ashemovedback,Johnhad

anintenseexpressiononhisfacethatdefieddescription.

“Idon’thavetoaskyoutoleave,doI,Mrs.Calverson?”Claireaskedpleasantly.“I’msureyou

realizethatallIhavetodoisgobackintotheparlorandtellyourhusbandwhatyou’vebeendoing
withmyhusbandinmyhome.”

Dianenibbledherlowerlip.“Now,Claire…”
“Getout!”Clairesaid,withsmolderingfuryandflashinggrayeyes.“Rightthisminute!”
“Claire—”Johnbegan,movingtowardher.
Shejerkedawayfromhim,rattlingthedishesinherhands.Herbreastsheavedwiththeeffortof

herbreathing.Shewasmilk-white,butangryenoughtoovercomehernumbness.

“Youscoundrel,”shesaidharshly.“Youutterscoundrel!”
Helookedshocked.Dianebrushedpasthimwithamutteredapologyandranintothehall.The

maidwasthereandsheorderedhertobringtheircoats.

“Yes,ma’am,”themaidreplied,andrantodoasshewasbidden.
TherewasafaintmurmurofvoicesasDianewentbackintotheparlor,butClairescarcely

heard.Shewasglaringatherhusbandasifshe’dliketohithimwiththeplates,shakingwithtemper
andreaction.

“Kindlymakeanefforttocontrolyourselfuntilourguestsaregone,”Johnsaid,withicy

formality.

“Yourguests,notmine,”shereturned.Hervoiceshook;herfaceburned.“Ifyoueverbringthat

slutintomyhomeagain,I’lltellyourfancybankpresidentthetruthaboutthetwoofyou,andtothe
devilwithgossip!”

“Claire!”hesaidsharply.
Shetookacalmingbreath,puttheplatesdown,andsweptpasthimoutthedoorandbacktothe

parlor.

“Thankyouforalovelyevening,Claire,”Dianesaid,withaforcedsmile.ShelookedatJohn

throughherlashes.“Goodnight,John.”

“Goodnight.Thankyoubothforcoming,”hereplied,smilingeasilyasheandClaireescorted

themtothedoor.

“Nicetoseeyouagain,Claire,”Elisaid,withadistantsmile,apparentlyunawareofany

undercurrents.“Nowdon’ttroubleyourselfaboutthismergerwithWhitfield.Justbecauseafew
peoplearedisgruntled,there’snoneedtoworry.”

Johnwasscramblingtogethisthoughtsorganized.HewasreelingfromDiane’sbehaviorand

Claire’sreactiontoit.“I’veheardsomegossip,andthismorningoneofourinvestorsactuallyasked
meifweweresolvent,”Johntoldhisboss,andfounditoddthatCalverson’scheeksseemedabit
flushed.

Calversonpattedhimonthearm.“Howridiculous.”Hechuckled.“WhyshouldWhitfieldwant

tomergewithusiftherewasanyshadowonthebank’sreputation?AndIdon’thavetoremindyou,
dearboy,ofournewassets—thankstoyourcalculatedactofkindnesstowardthegeneral’swidow!”

Johnfrowned.“Itwasn’tacalculatedact,”hesaid.
“Badchoiceofwords,”theoldermansaid.“Come,Diane.Wemustbeaway.Goodnight,dear

friends.”

Johnsaidtheappropriatethings,buthewasworried.He’dheardmorethanonecommentabout

thebank’sassets.Hemadeamentalnotetohaveaconversationwiththebank’sheadbookkeeper,
withoutCalverson’sknowledge.

Claireseethed.HerattentionwasfarfromCalversonandremarksaboutthebank.
ShestoodquietlybywhileJohnsaidallthesociallycorrectthings.DianeandEligotintotheir

waitingcarriageandwentoffdownthecoldlamplitstreet.

Clairewentbackinside,shiveringwiththecoldandherfeelingsofbetrayal.Shecouldn’t

managetolookatJohn.SeeingDianeinhisarmshadshatteredherlasthopeofanysortoflifewith

him.Shewouldn’tbesetasideforhismistress.Shehadtoomuchpride.

“I’llpackmythingsthiseveningandleaveinthemorning,”shesaid.
“Thehellyouwill.”
Shewhirledtofacehim,justasthemaidpokedherheadintotheparlor.
“I’vefinished,Mr.Hawthorn,”shesaid,withwarylooksfromhusbandtowife.“MayIgonow?”
“Certainlyyoumay—andthankyouforyourhelp.”
“Thankyouforthework,sir.ThemoneywillcomeinrighthandywithToddoutofhisjob,”she

replied,withasmile.“Goodnight,sir,madam.”

“Thankyou,”Claireadded,almostchokingonthewords.
Themaidletherselfout.Shelivedtwodoorsdown,anditwasasafeneighborhood.Allthe

same,Johnwenttothefrontporchandwatchedheruntilshehadenteredherownsmallapartment
behindthemainhouseofherlandlord.

Asheclosedthedooragainandlockedit,Clairestartedupthestairs.“I’msureyou’ll

understandthatIhavenothingtosaytoyou,”shesaidoverhershoulder.“I’mleavingyou.”

“We’renewlymarried,”hesaidshortly.“Iwon’tletyouwalkoutonme.”
Sheturned,herslenderhandrestingonthebanister.“Howdoyouproposetostopme?Ifyou

chainmetothefloor,I’msureMrs.Dobbswillaskwhy.Shortofthat,youwon’tbeabletokeepme
here.Iwillnotbeusedasacoverforyourshamefulaffairwiththatwomananymore.Theideaofit!
Kissingherlikethatinmyownhouse!Imusthavebeenoutofmymindtomarryyouinthefirst
place!”

Hetookadeepbreath.“Itwasn’tasbadasitlooked,”hereplied.“AndI’mnothavinganaffair

withher.Igiveyoumyword.”

Shesearchedhisleanface.Thethingshismotherhadtoldhercamebacktoher—andshesaw

thepainandgriefthatmusthaveshapedhimintothistaciturnman.He’dlovedDiane.Hestillloved
her.Couldshereallyblamehim?Dianemightnotbeherideaoftheperfectwoman,butpeoplewere
rarelylovedfortheirflaws.Dianemusthavequalitiesthatheadmired,evenifClairecouldn’tsee
them.

Hershouldersroseandfell.“Yourconductisnoneofmybusinessanymore,”shesaid,with

quietdefeatinhertone.“Dowhatyouplease,John.”

“Wheredoyouplantogo?”heaskedcurtly.“ToyourfriendKenny?”
Hereyebrowsarched.“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Youaccusemeofhavinganaffair,butIcanassureyouthatIhaven’tbeenseenholdinghands

inpublic.Inasodaparlor,ofallthedamnedplaces!Inbroaddaylight!”

Dimly,shewonderedhowhe’dknownthat—ifhe’dactuallyseenherwithKenny.“Itwastotally

innocent!”shesnapped.“Andwhilewe’reonthesubject,whereistheweddingpresenthesenttome?
AndwhywasInevertoldthathecalledtocongratulateus?”

Hischinlifted.“Idon’tshare.You’remywife.Aslongasyouaremywife,youwon’taccept

presentsfromothermen…andthatincludessundaes!”

“Howdidyouknow?”
“BecauseDianesawyouandtoldme,”hereplied.
“Howveryconvenient!”Shesnappedherskirtswithanangryhand.“SoIcan’thaveasundae

withamaninapublicplace,butyoucankissanotherwomaninmykitchen,isthatright?”

“Shekissedme,ifyoumustknow!”
“Andyoucouldn’tdefendyourself,”shedrawledsarcastically.
Hecameawayfromthedoorandupthestaircasesoquicklythatshedidn’thavetimetogetout

ofhisway.Hecaughtheraroundthewaistwithonearm,whilehisfreehandtangledinherhigh
coiffure.

“Perhapsifyoukissedmemoreoften,Iwouldn’thavetogotootherwomenforit.”
Shefoughthimlikeatigress,furiouswithherselfforbeingjealous,furiouswithhimforhis

behavior.He’dkissedthathorriblewoman,andshehatedhim!

But,oh,hismouthwassowarmandpassionate,hisarmssostrongandcomfortingaroundher

slenderbody.Shefeltherlipspartinginvoluntarilyastheslow,deepkisswentonandonandon.

Hemurmuredsomethingagainstherlipsandbenttoliftherintohisarms.Hewasbreathing

roughlyashemountedtherestofthestairsandcarriedherintotheirapartment,kickingthedoor
closedbehindthem.

Hedidn’tputherdown.Hecarriedherintohisbedroom,ashehadoncebefore.Thistimehe

didn’tbotherwithputtingoutthelightsorevenclosingthebedroomdoor.Hefellontothebedwith
Claireunderhislean,tensebody;hishandswentunderherlongskirt,againstthesoft,warmskinof
herthighs.

“John,”shesaidinachoked,halfheartedprotest.
“Shh,”hewhisperedintohermouth.Hewastrembling,asshewas.Hishandsmovedurgently

betweenthem,removingbarriers,gently,coaxingly.

Shefelthimgointoherwithasenseofshock.Theyweren’tevenundressed.Butasshetriedto

protest,histonguewentdeepintohermouth,echoingthatotherfierce,slow,deepmovementofhis
bodythatbroughtnopainatall.Tidesroseandfellinsideherbody,insidehermind.Sheheardtheir
minglederraticbreathing,heardtheslideofclothagainstcloth,skinagainstskin.Hishandswere
bruisingwhereheheldherashisbodybegantomovefiercely.Shehadn’tdreamedthatsuchpleasure
couldexist.Itshouldhavehurt,becausehewassodemanding.Butitdidn’thurt.Thepleasurecame
uponherinwaveafterwaveofsensuousheat.Shetastedhim,breathedhim,ashisbodybuffetedhers
intheuttersilenceofthecoldroom.Sheheardhimbegintogroanevenashiscontrolslippedandhe
gaveintothedamningurgencyofhisbody.Shemovedtoaccommodatehim,liftedintohim,arched
underhim.Hecriedoutandsodidsheasthepleasureexplodedinasinful,shamefultideofecstasy
sogreatthatshethoughtherbodywouldneverbeabletobearit…

Shefeltthetremblingofherownbodyechoedinhis.Herarmsweretightlyaroundhim;her

legshadcurledaroundhis.Theylayintimatelyjoined,fullyclothed,withhisheartbeatingmadly
againstherboundbreasts.

Hermouthwassodrythatshecouldhardlymanagespeech.“Wasit…becauseyouwantedher?”

shewhispered.

Hisintakeofbreathbrushedhischestoverhersensitizedbreasts.“No,itwasbecauseIwanted

you.”Hepulledawayfromherandlookeddownintoherwide,silveryeyes.Slowlyhishandwentto
thebuttonsofherlacyblackdressandhebegantounfastenthem.Hewasstilljoinedtoher,andthe
movementswerestimulating,erotic.

“I’mgoingtostripyou,”hewhisperedhuskily.“Rightdowntoyoursilkyskin.AndthenI’m

goingtotakemyownclothesoff,andenjoyyouallnightlong.Whenmorningcomes,therewon’tbe
aninchofyouthatIdon’tknow,thatIhaven’ttouchedorkissedornibbledwithmyteeth.”Asifto
emphasizethewords,hismouthwentdownhardoverhersoftbreasts,rightthroughthefabric,and
shefelthisteethbitesoftlyintoahardnipple.Shegasped.

Hemoved,laughingdeeplywhensheshivered;hereyeswidenedashelookedintothem.“Yes,

you’restillreadyforme,Claire.”Hemovedagain,catchinghisbreathasthemovementbroughthim
totallybacktolife.“AndI’mmorethanreadyforyou!”

LAIRELAYAWAKE

inthedarkness,sickatherownshamelessresponsetothewaysJohnhadtouched

her,theplaceshismouthhadinvaded.

Shelayunderasinglewhitesheet,completelynude,thankfulthatthelightwasfinallyoutsothat

shedidn’thavetosee,again,thecoldtriumphinherhusband’sface.He’dusedher,shethought
furiously.He’dusedherlikeawomanofthenight—andshe’dnotonlylethim,she’dwrappedherself
aroundhimlikeasnakeandwhimperedwithpleasure.She’dwhisperedthingstohimthatshe
couldn’tbeartoremember.

Gingerlyshemovedthesheetandstartedtositup.Asteelyhandcaughtherarmandjerkedher

downontoawarm,still-arousedmalebody.

“No,youdon’t.”Hebreathedroughly.“I’mnotfinished.”
“John,please.Ican’t!”
“Areyousoreinside?”hewhisperedagainsthermouth.
Sheflushed.“No,but—oh!”
Hisfingershadfoundher,touchedher,elicitingagainthatmindlessdelightthatstiffenedher

softnessagainsthishair-roughenednudity.

“YouarethesweetesttasteofheavenIhaveeverhad,”hewhisperedashistouchgrewbolder.

“Thesweetesthoneyonearth.Icoulddietryingtogetenoughofyou.IwantyoumorethanIwantto
breathe,littleone.”Hedrewhermouthdowntohisand,whilehekissedher,hemovedherslowly,
exquisitelyimpalingher.“Yes,”hewhisperedtenderly.“Yes,takemeinsideyouandcaressme,hold
me,makememadwithpleasure.Forgetthethingsoldwomenhavetoldyouaboutthisandbea
womanwithme.”

“Idon’t…understand,”shewhimperedashemovedher.
“Yes,youdo.Situpandtakeme,Claire.”
Hethrewoffthecoversandhalfliftedheruntilshewasabovehim,overhim.Hishands

supportedherhips,andhislifteduptomeethers,teachinghertherhythm.Herbreastsrosesharply
withtheviciouspleasurehekindledinher.

“Yes,”hesaidardently.“Yes,Claire.Now,darling.Now,darling.Yes,moveonme.Moveonmy

body.Claire.Move,move—”Hegaspedasherslow,sinuousmotionsmadehimshiver.Helaughed,
deepinhisthroat,andthengroaned.Hishandscontracted,demandingashebroughthertohimand
liftedherawayinarhythmthatbroughttheecstasyflyingback.

Herfingerswereonhis,holdingthemtoherthighs;herbodyseemednolongertobeunderher

control.Shelaughed,too,fiercely,asthepleasurebitdeepintoherbody.Shelookeddownathimin
themoonlitroom,herbreathraspingasshesawhimhelpless,powerless,totallyatthemercyofher
bodyandhisneedofit.

Shemovedagain,deliberatelythistime,teasing,hereyesglitteringwiththefeverofwhatshe

wasdoingtohim.Hecriedoutasshequickenedthedartingmotionsofherhips;sheheldhishands,
pullingthemintocloserintimacyasthespiralbegan.

Thespringswereloud.Theslatsmoved.Shedidn’tcare.
“Darling,takeme.”Hegroaned.“Takeme!”
“Yes.”Sheshuddered,pushing.“Yes,allofyou.All…of…you!”
Shefelttheexplosionstotheverytipsofhertoes.Sheweptharshly,groaning,asherbody

riveteditselftohisandconvulsed.Underher,hearcheduphigh,araggedsobtearingoutofhis
throat.Shesawhisfacecontorteventhroughherownheateddelirium,andshethought,Heismine!

Sheweptbecauseitwassobriefandsobeautiful,andsoquicklygone.Shelayagainstthedamp

vibrationofhischestandweptbitterly.

“Whycan’titlast?”shebitoff.“Oh,why?”
Hishandsmoothedherlong,tangledhair;heheldherhipstohis,wheretheywerestilljoined.“I

don’tknow,”hewhisperedunsteadily.Hismouthsearchedforhersandkisseditlanguorously,

tenderly.“I’veneverletawomanmountme,”hebreathedintohermouth.“Ilovethewayitfeels.”

Sheburiedherfaceinhisthroat.“Don’t!”shewhispered,embarrassed.
Hishandssweptdownherbackandupagainslowly.“Canyoustillfeelme?”hewhispered,

pressingdownonherhips.Heshivered.“Icanfeelyou…allaroundme,likeasoft,warmsheath.”

“Itisshameful…tospeakofit,”shewhispered.
“Youaremywife,”herepliedgently.“NothingIdotoyouisshameful.NowayItouchyouor

kissyoushouldbeembarrassing.Iampartofyou,andyouarepartofme.Weareonepersonwhen
welovelikethis,Claire.Oneflesh,oneheart,onesoul.”Hetookanunsteadybreathandheldher
closer.“DearGod,Ineverknewsuchpleasureasyougavemetonight!Icanbarelygetmybreath—
andstillIwanttoburymyselfinyouandhave,again,thatfierce,madcompletion.”

Sheclungtohim,shockedandyetsympathetic.“Iam…alittlesore,”sheconfessed.
“Thatishardlysurprising,”hesaid.“Forgiveme.Iwasfartoodemanding.”
“No.I…wantedit.”
Hishandsmoothedherhotcheek.“Amadnessweshared.”Hedrewinaslowbreath.“Goto

sleepnow,littleone.”

Sheopenedhereyesandstaredacrosshischest.“Like…this?”
“Yes.Likethis.Joinedasintimatelyasmanandwomancanjoin.”Hisarmswrappedaroundher.

“Ican’tbeartopullawayfromyou.Unlessithurtstoomuch…?”heaskedquickly.

“Itdoesn’thurt,”shewhisperedback,asprofoundlymovedashesounded.Sherelaxedagainst

him,feelingagainthewonderoftheintimacytheyweresharing.Herbreastssankagainstthewarm
hardnessofhischestandshelaughedsecretly,becauseeventhatfaintmovementarousedher.

Heseemedtounderstand,becausehelaughed,too.“Yes,”hewhisperedaboveherhead,“wefind

alltoomuchpleasureineachother ’snakedness.Butwemustsleepnow.”

“Isupposeso.”
Sheforcedherbodytorelaxagainandclosedhereyes.Amazinglyshefellasleep.

HEFELTCOOLAIRONHERBODY

.Itwasuncomfortableandshewassore.Lightstreamedinthe

curtainedwindows,touchingherswolleneyelids.

Sheopenedhereyesandfoundapairofdark,intenteyesstaringdownather.Sheblinkedand

cameawake.Shewaslyingnudeonthesheets.Johnhadliftedthecoveraway;hewaslookingather
nudityasifhe’dneverseenawomanwithoutherclothing.

Itshouldhaveembarrassedher,butitdidn’t.Notatall.
Hernippleswenthardunderthatintentstareandsheshivered.
“Yourbodyisexquisite,”hesaidquietly.“Evenafterthelongnight,Icanlookatyouand

becomearousedalloveragain.”

Shedidflush,then,atthedesirethatdarkenedhisleanface.Shewasashamedofwhatshe’d

givenawayinthedarkness,anddesperatenottolethimseehowenslavedshewas,physicallyaswell
asemotionally.“Ihopeyouenjoyedyourself,”shesaidicily.“DidyouhavefunpretendingthatIwas
Diane?”

Theinsulthithimrightbetweentheeyes.“Isthatwhatyouthought?”Helaughedcoldly.“Oris

thatwhatyou’dliketobelieve?”Hedidn’tunderstandhowthepassionateloveroflastnighthad
becomethismockingstranger.

“Ofcourse.Youwerekissingherinthekitchen—andassoonassheleft,youcarriedmeinhere.

I’msureitwasn’toverpoweringlovethatmotivatedyou,”shesaid,withmangledpride.“Yousaid
yourselfthatyouonlymarriedmetospareDiane’sreputation.Whypretendthatlastnightwas

anythingotherthanmisplacedlust?”

Histemperflashedfire.Heglaredatherwithhishandinhispocket.“Lustisanappropriate

description.Wewentateachotherlikeanimalsinheat.Although,”hedrawled,“Ihavetoadmitthat
I’veneverhadsuchanight,notevenwithasportingwoman.You’rehot,Claire.Hotandripeand
evenmoresensuousthanDiane,”headded,withdeliberatecruelty,becauseherwordshadhurthim.

Shesatup,holdingthecovertoherbreasts.“Youcansaythatwithcertainty?”
“OfcourseIcan.I’veseenDianewithoutherclothes.Youaren’tthatnaive,surely?”
Thecolordrainedoutofherface.“You’ve…madelove?”
“Wewereengaged,”hereplied,withglitteringeyes,avoidingadirectanswer.
Herheartwasbeatingfuriously.Shecouldn’tseethefaintapprehensioninhisdarkeyesforher

ownpain.Itdidn’toccurtoherthatherharshwordshadwoundedhim,orthathisrealizationthathe
caredforherhadlefthimdefenselessandthathewastryingtoretainhisprideontheheelsofher
insultingaccusations.AsifhecouldpretendthatshewasDiane!

“Ihavetogotowork.Iassumethatyou’llinventanappropriateexcusetostaywithmeafterlast

night?”Hetauntedhersoftly.“Youcanhavemeasoftenasyouwantme,Claire.I’llmakelovetoyou
everynight,ifthatmakesyouhappy.Andeventually,Imayevenbeabletostoppretendingthatyou’re
Diane,inthedark,”headded,hatinghimselfashesaidit.

Therecouldn’thavebeenagreaterinsult.Shestaredathimwithiceinherheart.Shewasnumb.

Withoutfeeling.Withouthope.

Hewatchedher,waiting,hopingthatthewallmightcomedownandthatshe’dadmitshestill

caredforhim,thatshe’dlovedhimthenightbefore.Butshedidn’t.

“Thatwasadespicablethingtosay,”shesaidfinally.
“Nomoredespicablethanyouraccusationtome.AsifIcoulduseyoutoalleviatewhatIfeelfor

Diane.Thetwoemotionsareasdifferentasnightandday.”

“Youdiduseme,”shesaidhuskily.
“Andyoulovedit.Youwrappedyourlegsaroundmeandthrewyourheadbackandscreamed

withpleasurewhenIdrovedeepintoyou!”

Shewentscarlet.
Heleanedforward,onehandproppedoverherheadonthebrassrailingofthebed.“Ididn’t

forceyoulastnight.Youwantedme.Youstillwantme,evennow.Look,Claire.”Hejerkedthecover
awayandtracedahardnipplebeforeshesquirmedherwaybeneaththesheet.

Hestooderect,hisnarrowedeyeswatchingtheexpressionsplayacrossherface.“Youwent

runningtoyourchildhoodfriendtheminutemybackwasturned,”hesaidcoldly.“Well,runtohim
now,mydear,andseeifhecanmakeyouclawhisbackinthedarkness.”

“Ididnot—”
Heunfastenedthecollarofhisshirtanddrewitawayfromhisshouldertoshowherthedeepred

scratchesshehadmade.

Shegaspedasherefastenedit.
“Therearemore,”heinformedher.“Severalare…lowerdown.Youwerequitedemanding,at

thelast.”

Sheputherfaceinherhandsandshiveredwithembarrassment.
“Oh,goodGod!Stoplookinglikeyou’vebeendamned!”hebitoff.“Womenscratchinthe

throesofpassion.Sometimestheyevenbite.It’snothingtobeashamedof.Passionisviolent.
Lovemakingcanbringpainaswellaspleasure,especiallywhentwopeoplefeelthatkindofdesire
foreachother.”

“Howcouldyou?”shemoaned.
“HowcouldIwhat?Makelovetoyouormakeyoufacehowyouactedwithme?”heasked.He

tiltedherfaceuptohis.“Sexisfun.Ienjoyedyouandyouenjoyedme.We’remarried.There’sno
reasonwecan’tenjoyeachotherforaslongaswe’retogether.”

“Youdon’twanttobemarriedtome.”
Hechuckled.“TherearetimeswhenIlovebeingmarriedtoyou.Lastnightwasoneofthem.”
Sheglaredathim.
Heliftedaneyebrow.“Whenyouhaveyourbath,youmighttakealookatyourhips,”hesaid.“I

imagineyou’llfindbruises,ifnotafewscratchesthatmatchthoseonmyback.Youweren’ttheonly
onewhocompletelylostcontrol.”

Sheswallowed,alittlelessashamed.Heseemedtofinditeasytotalkabout.Ofcourse,hewas

experienced.

“Itwillallworkout,”hesaidasheturnedtowardthedoor.“I’llstayawayfromDianeandyou’ll

stayawayfromyourfriendKenny,andeverynightI’llgiveyouecstasy.Eventually,maybeI’lleven
giveyouababy.Thatshouldbeenoughforbothofus.”

Lust,shethought.Mindlessdesire.TwobodiesinabedwhilehethoughtofDiane,wantedDiane,

livedforDiane.Andababy…whatsortoflifewouldithavewithsuchparentsastheywouldbecome?

“Nothingtosay?”heaskedmockingly.
“Nothingatall.”
Hiseyeswentoverherbareshouldersabovethesheet.“ThenI’llseeyoutonight,Mrs.

Hawthorn,”hesaidhuskily.“AndevenifIcan’tmakelovetoyou,I’llstripyououtofyourgownand
feastmyeyesonyouuntilI’mmadwithdesire.”

“Thedevilyouwill!”shesnapped.
Hecockedaneyebrowandchuckledatherhighcolor.“Oh,you’llletme,”hesaidconfidently.
Hesmiledsmuglyandwentout,closingthebedroomdoorbehindhim.
“JustyouwaitandseewhatI’llletyoudo,”shemuttered.Shegotoutofbedwithafuriousthud

andstartedtopickuphergownwhenshesawherbodyintheovalfull-lengthmirror.

Herbreastswerefaintlyredfromthehungerofhismouth.Thereweremoremarksonherbelly

andherwhitethighs.Shecoloredasshesawthebruiseshe’dalludedtoonherslenderhips.

Shelooked…sensual.Sheliftedherhandsandputthemunderherbreasts,supportingthem.
Thedooropened;helookedather,allhersecretsrevealedashersmokyeyesmethis.
Hisjawclenched.“IfIthoughtyoucouldtakeme,I’dhaveyourightthereinfrontofthemirror,

andwecouldbothwatch.”

Sheflushed.Herwide,sensuouseyessearchedhisashelookedather.
“God,Claire!”Hebreathedroughly.“God!”
Hemovedforwardandpulledheragainsthim,bendingtofindhermouthinafrenzyofdesire.
“Ican’t,”shewhimpered.“Iwantto,sobadly—”
“Here!”Hecaughtherhandsandpulledthemtohisbody,movedthem,taughtthemwhilehe

kissedher.Butafewsecondswereenoughtomakethehungerunbearable.Heputherawayfromhim
withonehelplessshudderandswalloweddownhisneed.

“No,”hesaidunsteadily.“Wecan’t.”Hewasbarelyabletospeak.Hereyeswerewide,curious,

almostfrightened.Heheldherbytheshouldersfiercely,thinkinghemightscreamfromfrustrated
desire.Bitbybit,heletgoofher,and,withoutasingleglance,hewentoutthedoor.

He’dneverknownsuchdesire.Hedidn’tknowifhecouldlivewithitonadailybasis,without

ravishinghiswifenightly.

AndwhatofDiane,wholovedhim,whomheloved?Hefeltunfaithful,dirty,ashamed—ofhis

behaviorwithDiane,notwithClaire.

Hefeltthelowestofthelow,sickwithhimselfandfuriousatClaireforbeingindifferenttohim

exceptinbed.Shecouldhaverepulsedhimifshenolongercaredforhisopinionofher.Whyhadn’t

she?

Theanswerwasthemostpainfulrealizationofall.Itwasbecauseshewantedhim,ofcourse.She

couldn’tdenyhimanything,becauseshewasasmuchaslavetoherdesireashewastohisown.That
didn’tmeanthatshelovedhim.Neveronce,duringthelong,exquisitenight,hadshewhispered
wordsoflove.Hehadn’trealizedhowdesperatelyhewantedtohearthem,fromher.Hispure,
innocentwifehadsufferedforsolong,lovedhimunselfishly,andallshe’dhadforherpainswashis
indifference.Herememberedwhenshe’dofferedherlovewithbothhandsandhe’drebuffedher
becauseofDiane.Hecouldn’trecallnowhowhe’dfeltaboutDianeinthefirstplace,becausehis
hungerandneedanddeepaffectionforClairehadcompletelyovershadowedit.

Itwasapity,hethought,thatheneverdrankspirits.Rightnow,hecouldhaveusedsomethingto

numbhismind.

Hesatathisdeskatthebank,wearyoftheemotionalturmoilthatseemedtobethehallmarkof

hislifeoflate.AbsentlyhethoughtaboutwhatCalversonhadsaidlastnightaboutthebank,andhe
gotupandstartedtowardtheofficeoftheheadbookkeeper.

Butonhisway,aloudvoicearrestedhismovement.
“Iheardtherewasmoneymissingfromthebank,”anoldmanwassayingtoEliCalverson.“My

friendhasahundredthousanddollarshere.Hetriedtodrawitoutandhewastoldtherewere
insufficientfunds!”

Eliwasflusteredandnervous.Hewasactuallywringinghishands.“Sir,welendmoneyaswell

astakeitin,”heexplained.“Attimes,wehavetodependonourdepositstomakeupthedifference.
Wehavejustaddedahugesumtoourassets—”

“You’relying!”theoldmansaidaccusingly,hiscaneliftedasheflaredatthebankpresident.

“Youcan’tcoveryourdeposits.Thisbankisn’tsolvent.Iwantmymoney!Iwantitall!Rightnow!”

Otherpeopleinthebankwerelookingattheelderlyman,whomJohnrecognizedasoneoftheir

majordepositors.Hemovedtowardtheman,justasmoreloudmurmurswereheardandthecrowd
begantolineupattheclerks’windows.

“Iwantmymoney,too,”awomansaidfirmly.
“SodoI,”ayoungermansaid.“Iwon’triskmylifesavingshere!”
“Wait!”Johnsaid,holdinguphishands.“Youcan’tstartarunonthebank.Ifyouwithdrawyour

funds,therewillbeanimbalanceandnobody’smoneywillbesafe.”

“Didyouhearhim?Hesaidithimself—there’snotenoughmoneytocoverourdeposits!Give

usourmoney!”theyoungermanraged.

“Clearthelobby!”Calversonsaidharshly.“Guard,geteveryoneoutofthebankrightnow!”
Theguard,hiredbythebanktokeepwatchoverthelobbyforpotentialtroublemakers,pushed

hiscoatasidetoshowhisbadgeandthepistoltuckedinhisbelt.

“Gohomenow,ladiesandgentlemen.Thebankisclosed,”theguardsaid,motioningtowardthe

door.“Let’sgo.Let’sgo,please.Movealongnow.”

Theywentalongcomplacentlyatfirst.Thenjustastheyreachedthedoor,theoldmanwiththe

caneturnedontheguardandstruckhimacrossthehead.Theguardwentdown.

“Lockthedoor,quick!”Elicalledfrantically.“GoodGod!Whatdowedonow?They’llbreak

thedoordown!John,gooutthereandassurethemthatthebankissolvent!”

JohnpausedbyCalverson,hisvoicelowsothatitdidn’tcarry.“IwantyourwordthatI’llbe

tellingthetruth.”

Calverson’seyesfell.ThatblackgazeofHawthorn’swasintimidating.Themanhadbeena

soldier,usedtogivingorders,andhewasfrightening.“Ofcourse…ofcourse,it’ssolvent.I’dnever
lieaboutthat,”hesaid,withaplacatingsmile.HetouchedJohn’sshoulderhesitantly.“Goon,now,
myboy,andcalmthemdown.Reassurethem.”

Johnwasuneasy,buthehadlittlechoice.Firsthe’dstoptherunonthebank.Then,athisfirst

opportunity,hewasgoingtogetsomeanswers.Hedidn’tunderstandCalverson’seagernesstomerge
thebankwithWhitfield’senterprise.Butitwouldmeanahugeinjectionofcapitalalmostatonce,if
themergerwentthrough,andforthefirsttimeJohnhadtoaskhimselfifCalversonneededthathuge
injectionofcapital.Theonlypossiblereasonforthatwouldbe…ifmoneyreallywasmissingfrom
thebank!Hewenttothefrontdoorwithafeelingofapprehension.Anditwasn’tbecauseofanyfear
ofthecrowdhowlingoutsideonthesidewalk.

JOHNWOULDHAVEBEENEVENMOREUNEASYifhe’dknownthatClairewasalreadyacting
onherplanstoleavehim.Hisharshwordsthatmorninghadrubbedherprideraw,leftherwith
nothingtolookforwardtobuttheirphysicalhungerforeachotherandtheirindulgenceofit.

John’smotherandsisterhadissuedheraninvitationtovisitthem,andshewasgoingtotake

themuponit.InthebackofhermindsheknewthatitwouldbetheverylastplaceJohnwouldthinkto
lookforher,becausehedidn’tknowtheywereacquainted.

IndefianceofJohn’sdictumthatshenotdriveUncleWill’slittlecar,shetookittotown,

planningtogotothetraindepotandbuyatickettoSavannah.ButfirstshehadtotalktoKennyand
givehimherdesignsforthebuyerfromMacy’s.Thesketcheswouldmeanalittlemoreprivate
income,andshewouldneeditnow.ThenshewantedtogotothebanktoseeJohnonelasttime.

Shedidn’tknowwhatshecouldsaytohim.He’dmadehisfeelingssoplainthatshehadlittle

doubtofhiscontempt.Allhecouldofferwaslust,anditwasn’tenough.

ShedroveuptoKenny’sstoreandhecameout,grinning,tomeether.
“Ilikeyourmodeoftransportation!Youstillcangetittorun,can’tyou?”
“OfcourseIcan,”sheagreed,smilingassheremovedhergoggles,awareofstaresfrom

passersby.

“Docomein,”heinvited,helpingherdownfromthelittlecar.“Haveyousomethingwithyou

forMr.Stillwell?”

“InfactIdo,”shesaid,drawingthebigportfoliofromtheothersideoftheseat.“Ithoughtyou

mightliketosendtheseontohim.Icanhavetheothersdoneinthreeweeks.Well,justafter
Christmas,anyway.”

“I’llmakesureheknows.”
Shefollowedhimin,noddingatacustomerasheledhertohisofficeinthebackoftheshop.
“ThisisMrs.Kenner,mysecretary,”hesaid,introducingamiddle-agedwomanwithakind

smile.“Mrs.Kenner,thisisMrs.Hawthorn.Sheandherlateunclehavebeenfriendsofmineforquite
someyears.She’sthedesignerItoldyouabout:Magnolia.”

“Oh,mygoodness!”Mrs.Kennerexclaimed.“HowgladIamtomeetyouatlast.I’vesoadmired

yourgownsintheshopwindowdownthestreet.Howverytalentedyouare!”

“Thankyou,”Clairesaidmodestly,withasmile.
“Sitdown,Claire,andlet’sgooveryourwork.Sorry,Mrs.Kenner,butthey’revery

confidential.ThesearethedesignsforMacy’s.Socouldyou…?”

“I’llgoandmakeanicepotofcoffeeforus.Howwouldthatbe?”Mrs.Kennerasked,witha

conspiratorialsmileassherosefromherdesk.

“Thatwouldbefine,”Kennysaid.“We’llonlyneedfiveminutes.”
“Verywell,sir.”
Kennylookedattheelegantdrawingsonebyone,shakinghisheadattheirinnovationandstyle.

“Claire,youreallyaretalented.”

Shesmiled.“Thankyou,butdoyouthinkthey’lldo?”

“They’revery,verygood.Thankyouforlettingmeseethem.I’llmakesurethey’reonthenext

traintoNewYork,carefullypackaged.”

“Iappreciateallyourhelp,Kenny—morethanyouknow.Imayneedtobeindependentvery

soon,”shesaidmiserably.

Hewinced.“Claire,can’tyoutellmewhat’swrong?IsthereanywayIcanhelp?”
Sheshookherhead.“Iwishyoucould.Butit’smyownproblem.Ihavetosolveit.You’rea

dear,Kenny.”Shegotup.“Iwon’twaitforthecoffee.Imustfly.I’mleavingtownforalittlewhile.
I’llcontactyouassoonasI’msurewhereI’llbe.Iwon’ttellyouwhereI’mgoing.Thatwayifyou’re
asked,youwon’thavetolie.”

“You’reworryingme,”hesaid.
“I’msorry.ButIdidneedtogiveyouthosesketches.Idon’tknowexactlywhenI’llbeback.”
Hecameforwardandtookherhands.“Can’tyoutellmewhereyou’regoing?I’dneverlet

anyoneknow.”

Hewassuchasweetman.Sheshookherhead.“Iknowthat.ButI’mafraidIcan’t,Kenny,dear.”
“Ifyoueverneedme,I’llberighthere,”hesaidfirmly.Heglancedoverherheadandfrowned

atwhathenoticed.“That’sodd.There’snotusuallysuchacrowdinfrontofthebankatthishour.”

Sheturnedandfollowedhisstare,thencaughtherbreath.Thatwasherhusband’sbank.Andit

wasn’tacrowdoutsidethedoorssomuchasitwasamob.

ShecouldseeJohnjustinfrontofthedoor.Therewereloudcriesfromthemobandasurge

forward.Somethingwasthrown.

Suddenly,flameseruptedinavacantbuildingacrossthestreetandjumpedtoawagonparkedat

theedgeofthewoodensidewalk—andfromthereacrosstothehaberdasheryshopbehindthebank.
Themulesthatwerehitchedtothewagonpanicked,broketheirtraces,andturnedthewagonoverin
themiddleofthestreetintheirruntosafety.Theburningwagoneffectivelyblockedtheonlyroad
thatledpastthebankandclothingstoreoffPeachtreeStreet.

“Oh,dear,”Kennysaid.“Ifthefirebrigadeisn’tcalled,there’llbeadisaster.”
“Yes,butthefireisblockingtheroad,see?Thehorseswon’tgothroughthatwallofflame,”she

exclaimed,watchingasamaninabuggyusedallhisstrengthtocontrolhishorse.“Andthetelephone
wirehasjustburnedthrough!Therewillbenowayforthemtocallallthewayacrosstowntothefire
stationforhelp.”

“Someonewillhavetogoforhelp,”Kennyreplied.
“Iwill,”Clairesaid,withdetermination.“Icandriverightthroughtheflames—fastenoughso

thattherubberofthetiresdoesn’tmelt—andgorighttothefirestationdownPeachtreeStreet.”

“It’stoodangerous!”hesaid,protesting.
Sheglancedbacktowardthebankwherethecrowdwassurgingforwardrighttowardher

husband.“Imust!Johncouldbekilled—ifnotbythemob,bythefire!”

WhileKennywasstillprotesting,shecrankedthelittlecar,jumpedinunderthewheel,and

rattledthegears,gettingittogoinherhurry.Thenshepulledawayfromthesidewalkandaimeditat
thewallofflame.

Somewheresheheardaloud,shockedexclamation,butsheputherfootdownandkeptrighton

going,rightintotheheat,theflames.Sheshotthroughontheotherside,sweatingandhalfafraidthat
she’dcaughtthetiresonfire.Butasidefromafaintsmellofsmoke,therewasnothingtoalarmher.

“Goodboy,Chester!”sheexclaimed.
Shedroveasquicklyasshecoulddownthestreet,butitseemedtotakeforevertogettothefire

station.Finally,shereachedit.Sheranupthestepswithherdustercatchingontheheelofhershoein
herhaste,recoveredherbalance,anddartedintothefirestation.

“There’safireandariotatthePeachtreeCityBank!”sheexclaimedtothefirstmaninuniform

shesaw.“Oh,please!Comequickly!”

“Afire,ma’am?Wheredidyousay?”
Shetoldhim.Hethankedherandstartedtoracetowardthebackofthestation.
“I’llalsoinformthepoliceaboutthemob,ma’am,”hecalledoverhisshoulder.
Shenoddedandwentbackouttohercar.Shecrankeditandturneditbackinthedirectionofthe

bank,herheartpoundingasshehopedagainsthopethathelpwouldarriveintimetosaveher
husband.Despitetheirdisagreementsandhislackoffeelingforher,shelovedhimtoomuchtoturn
herbackonhimwhenhewasinneed.

Asshereachedthesidestreetwherethebankwaslocated,shesawthattheflameswerestill

shootingupfromthetopofthebuilding.Butthewagonhadburnedup,andthestreetwaspassable
now.Shegaveathoughttotheownerofthelostmerchandiseasshepassedthroughthesmoldering
ashesandstoppedbeyondthebankbuilding.

Thecrowdwasbeingpushedbackbyuniformedpolicemen,whohadapparentlybeen

summonedbysomeoneelseinherabsence.

Shemovedforward,dustyandgrimy,hergogglesinherhand,asshepushedthroughthecrowd

farenoughtoseeherhusband.

Herheartjumpedwhenshespottedhim.Hisfacewasbruisedandhisimmaculatejacketwas

torn.Onesleevewasunbuttoned,thecufflinktornfromitbyanangryhand.Helookedintimidating
justthesame,andnoonewastryingtolayafingeronhimnow.Agroaningmanwassittinguponthe
sidewalk,holdinghisbleedingfaceinhishands.

“Goodenoughforyou!”awomansaidloudly.“That’swhatyougetfortryingtohitamanwho

canfightback,youlowcoward!”

“They’velostallmymoney!”themanreplied.
“Noonehaslostanything!”Johnshouted.“Thebankisonlygoingtomergewithaninvestment

firm.Thiswillimmediatelydoubletheassetsofthebank,andincreaseinterestandpaydividends!No
onewillloseapenny!”Hewasn’ttellingthewholetruth;hecouldn’tguaranteethatthemergerwould
actuallygothrough—especiallyifWhitfieldsuspectedtherewasashortfallinfunds.Butitmightstop
ariottosayso.

Therewerestillmurmurs,butnotsoangrynow.
“Gohome,”Johnsaidshortly.“Thisisnowayforcivilizedpeopletobehave.Yourmoneyis

safe.Youhavemywordonit.”

Thecrowdbegantodisperse.
“Mr.Hawthornwouldn’tlie,”onemansaidasheandhiswifepassedClaire.“Hisword’sgood

enoughforme.”

“Me,too,”saidanother.
Claire,soproudthatshecouldhaveburst,movedforward,towardherhusband.Butbeforeshe

couldworkherwaythroughthecrowd,DianeCalversoncameuponthesidewalkandrantoJohn
withherhandkerchiefout.

“Oh,mydear!”sheexclaimed.“Areyouallright?”
Shetouchedhisfacewithquick,worriedhands,andClairewatchedhimsmilegentlyather.If

she’dhadanylast-minutedoubtsabouttheirfeelingsforeachother,thatsettledthem.Herheartfellin
herchest.Thosetwopeoplelovedeachother.Thekissshe’dwitnessedinthekitchenoftheir
apartmenthousehadonlyreinforcedhercertaintyoftheirfeelingsforeachother.Theycouldn’thelp
feelingastheydid.AndnomatterhowhungrilyJohnmightreachforherinthedarkness,thiswasthe
womanheloved.

Shewentbacktohercar.Shecrankedit,gotinunderthewheel,andturnedittowardhome.
Asitwentnoisilyaway,itcaughtJohn’sattention.Hestaredafterit,shocked.Hehadn’tnoticed

Claire.Whatwasshedoingdrivinginthatthing?

SeveralfiremenhadarrivedontheirenginewhileJohnwassettlingthingswiththatirate

customer;theywerealreadypumpingwaterontotheblazeacrossthestreet.

OnefiremanpassedJohn.“Bravewoman,yourwife,Mr.Hawthorn,”hesaid,withagrin.“The

chiefsaidshecameroaringuptothefirestationinthatcontraptiontosummonhelp.Droveright
throughtheflames,too.Youmustbeveryproudofher.Whatalady!”

Hewentontodohisjob,leavingJohnquietandworried—withDianehangingonhisarm.
“DidyouseeClaireasyoucameup?”heaskedher.
Sheshrugged.“Darling,IneverseeClaireunlessIhaveto,”shereplied.“Honestly,suchaplain

anddrabwoman—”

HejerkedawayfromDiane,butbeforehecouldspeakElicameupbesidethem,rubbinghis

dampforeheadwithhishandkerchief.“Thatwasdamnedclose.Thankyou,John.Ican’timaginewhat
gotintothosecrazypeople!”

Johnknewsomethingwaswrong.Elilookedguiltyandhewouldn’tmeetJohn’seyes.And

Diane’ssuddenaffection,thewayshelookedathim,asifshewereturningallherallegiancefromEli
toJohn…hewishedheknewhowtoexplaintheseevents.

“It’sallrightnow.Thepolicehavedispersedthecrowdanditlooksasthoughthefireisallbut

out,”Elisaid,withaquicksmile.“Gohomeandcleanup,John,andthencomeback.I’llreassureour
employeesthattheyaren’tgoingtobelynched.”

“Don’tevenjokeaboutsuchthings,”Dianesaidharshly.“John,shallIgowithyou?”
“Tohishome?”Eliaskedangrily.“Diane!”
Sheglaredatherhusband.“Ifheneedsme,Ishallgowithhim.”
Elididn’tsayaword.White-faced,heturnedandwentbackintothebank.
“Nevermindhim,”Dianesaid.“Heisafool,andsoonhewillbeinsuchtroublethatnoonecan

helphim.MydarlingJohn,”shesaidsweetly.“Youloveme,notClaire.Youalwayshave.AndIlove
you.”Sheglancedaround,makingsurethattherewasnoonecloseenoughtohearher.Shemoved
closer.“Iwantyou,John.Iwillgiveyouanythingyouask.Anythingatall.Eliwasamistake;Iknow
thatnow.Iwillleavehimverysoon.”

Johnmovedawayfromher.“Ihaven’ttimetodiscussthisrightnow,”hesaidstiffly.
Hehailedapassingcarriageandgotin,leavingDianespeechlessonthesidewalk.

LAIREWASINTHEPARLOR

withMrs.Dobbs,havingcleanedupsinceherbrushwiththefire.She

lookeddefeated.HisClaire,defeated;itwaspainfultoseeherso.

Johnglancedatherashepausedinthedoorway.
“Why,Mr.Hawthorn!Areyouallright?”Mrs.Dobbsaskedworriedly.“Clairewasjusttelling

mewhathappened.”

“I’mfine,”hereplied.“Icamehometochangeclothes.”Hehesitated,becausehedidn’tknow

howtoapproachher.“Claire,Ishouldliketospeakwithyou.”

Shedidn’tknowhowtorefuse.Shehadtogowithhim,ormakeMrs.Dobbsevenmore

suspicious.Shegotupandprecededhimupthestaircase.

Heclosedthedoor.“Thefiremansaidyoudrovethroughtheflamestogethelp.”
Sheliftedherchin.“Chesterisafinelittleautomobile.Ihadnodoubtthathe’dmakeitthrough.

Itwasonlyasmallfireatthetime.”

“Itwasagreatrisk—andrequiredgreatcourage,justthesame.”Hemovedforward.“Areyou

allright?”

Thetenderconcerninhisdeepvoicemadeherweak.Shecouldn’tpermitthat.Sheforceda

smile.“Rightasrain,”shesaidprimly.“Itrustthatyouweren’tbadlyhurt?”

“Afewcuts.Nothingworthmentioning.”Hescowled,searchingfortherightwords.“Youdidn’t

cometoseeaboutme…afteryoubroughtthefiremen.”

“Mrs.Calversonwasministeringtoyou,”shesaidcalmly.“Ihesitatedtointrude.”
“You’remywife,”hesaidshortly.“Youhadeveryrighttointrude.”
Thenerveofhim!shethoughtfuriously.“Youhaveaconvenientmemoryaboutthat!Whenever

Mrs.Calversoncomesnear,youseemtoforgetyouhaveawife!”

“Claire…”Hetookalongbreath.“Irealizethatmyrecentbehaviorhasbeenlessthan

admirable.I’vebeenconfused,yousee.Ourmarriagehashadits—shallwesay…interesting
momentsjustrecently.”

Shestaredathim,thoughembarrassed.“Youmeanwehaveslepttogether.Ibelieveyou

remarkedthatitwascompensationfornothavingDiane.”

“Isaidnosuchdamnedthing!”hesnapped.“Iwouldneveruseonewomantoforgetanother.”
Shestraightened.“Youintimatedthatthemarriagebedwasouronlycommonground.”
Hewincedinwardlyatthecalm,coldaccusation.Howcouldhedefendhimself—whenhe’dsaid

somanyharshthingstogiveherthatidea?He’dmadesomanymistakes,andhecouldn’tseemto
rectifyevenoneofthem!

“Isaidalotofthings,”hereplied.“Weknowsolittleabouteachother,Claire.Wemarriedfor

allthewrongreasons,andwe’ve—I’ve,”heamended,“donenothingtotryandsmoothitoutbetween
us.Perhapswhenthislatestdisasterisdealtwith,wecanbegintofindnewwaysoflivingtogether.”

“Suchas?”sheaskedbelligerently.
“Wecouldgooutmoreoften,”hesaid.“Totheoperaorthetheater,ifyoulike.Wecouldhave

allourmealstogether.”Hestudiedherdrawn,wanface.“Wecouldbehusbandandwifeinevery
sense,Claire.”

Herchestroseandfellroughlyasshefoughttobreathenormally.Howshelongedforwhathe

wassuggesting.Shelovedhimso.Lifewasuncertainatbest.Hecouldhavebeenkilledthismorning.
Theterrorofitmadeherfacegopale.Butdespiteherloveandherfears,hewasn’thers.Shemight
havesavedhim,butitwasforDiane.Howoftenhadhesaidso?

“Youkissedher,”shesaid.
Heexhaledimpatiently.“Iexplainedtoyouthatshedidthekissing!”
“Yes,youexplainedit.Ididn’tbelieveyouthenandIdon’tbelieveyounow.Youtoldmethat

youlovedher,andthatshelovedyou,onthedayweweremarried,”shesaid,withpainfulbitterness.
“Hasthatchanged,John?”

Hehesitated,tryingtofindtherightwordstoundothedamage.HewashungryforClaire,and

Dianehadactuallybecomeanuisance.Hewantednothingmoreintheworldrightnowthantoclasp
Clairetighttohimandholdher,comforther,reassureher.Butwhenhesteppedforward,she
immediatelysteppedback.Hemustgoslowlywithher,wooher,pamperher.She’dhadsolittlefrom
him.Hedaren’trushher.

Hesmiledgently.“Manythingshavechanged,Claire,”hesaidquietly.“Wemusttalkaboutthem.

Butfornow,Ihavetogetcleanedupandgobacktothebanktohelpsortoutthemess.Thefirenever
reachedus,butitcameveryclose.Wecantalktonight.”

“Talk,”sheechoedsoftly,thinkingthattheirsituationhadgonefarbeyondconversation.“Yes.

Well,I’llleaveyoutotidyyourself.”Shestartedtoturnaway.

“Claire,whatwereyoudoingintown,intheautomobile?”heaskedabruptly,justhaving

rememberedthatshehadapparentlydrivennearthebankatthetimeoftheriotandfire.

Sheturned.“IhadcometotowntovisitKennyBlake,”shesaid,withpuremalice,remembering

Diane’ssoftfingersonhisface.

Hiseyesglittered.“I’vetoldyoutohavenothingtodowithhim!”
“YouinvitedDianetomyhome—andlethermakethecattiestsortofremarkstoandaboutme,”

sherepliedbelligerently.“Duringourentiremarriage,you’vetreatedherlikeyoursweetheartand
melikeaninterloper.Well,atleastI’vehadthedecencytovisitKennyintown.AndIwasnotalone
withhim,”sheadded,stretchingthetruthjustalittle.“Iwasinhisshop.”

“Forwhatpurpose?”
Shecouldn’tadmitthatshewasusingKennyasanintermediaryfortheMacy’sbuyer.Shelifted

herchin.“Thinkwhatyoulike,John.”

Hecouldhaveragedather.Hewouldhave,butheknewthathewasstandingonshakyground.

Shewascorrecttosaythathe’ddonenothingtodiscourageDiane,andhehadtoldClairethathe
lovedtheotherwoman.Suddenlyhefeltguilty,andlowandashamed.Thiswomanlovedhim.What
hadheeverofferedherexceptpainandhumiliation?

Sheturnedbacktowardherdoorway.“Whateveryouthinkofme,I’mgladthatyou’reallright,

John,”sheaddeddispiritedly,thinkingthatshemightnotseehimagainforaverylongtimeand
tryingvaliantlynottoshowherfeelingsforhim.

Hertonewasdefeated,lost.Heknewthatshewasn’thavinganaffairwithKenny,buthewas

jealousofthemanjustthesame.Hewantedtotakeherinhisarmsandcomforther.Hewantedtotalk
toher,todiscusstheirmarriage.Hecalledtoher,butshewentoutthedoorwithoutevenlooking
back,thencloseditwithunusualfirmness.

Hecursedunderhisbreath.Whatcouldhehavesaid,anyway?She’dseenDianewithhim.He

rememberedhavingsmiledatDiane,aswell.She’donlythinkitwasmoreofthesame,moreofwhat
she’dseeninthekitchenwhenDianehadkissedhim.Hedidn’thavethewordstoexplainhow
drasticallyhisfeelingshadchangedforhisreluctantwife.Perhapsbytonight,hethought.Hejust
neededalittletimetothinkitallthrough,todecidehowtosayit.Itwashisownfault.Ifhehadn’t
beensodisparagingabouttheexquisitenightthey’dshared,ifhehadn’tlethisfearsrulehisharsh
tongue,howdifferentitallmighthavebeen.Herresponsehadbeenglorious.Manymenwentalltheir
liveswithwomenwhoseverycoldnessshatteredtheirdreamsoflove.Clairehadbeenmagnificent.
Andwhathadhesaidtoher?He’dmanagedtoimplythatsexwasallhewantedfromher,thathefelt
nothingmorethanlust.Hegroanedathisownstupidity.Leaveittoaman,hethoughtbitterly,notto
knowwhathefeltuntilitwastoolate.

Hechangedhisclothes,calledaquietgoodbyetoClairethroughthedoor,andwentbackto

work.IfMrs.Dobbsthoughttheirbehaviorunusualforacouplewho’djustriskedbeingkilledbya
moborburnedupinafire,shekeptherthoughtstoherself.Evenablindwomancouldtellthatthere
wereproblemswiththismarriage.Sheonlyhopedthey’dbeabletosolvethem.

CLAIREHADHERBAGSPACKEDANDREADYTOgoinnotimeatall.Shewouldneverforget
thatithadbeenDianewho’drushedtoJohn’ssidewhenhe’dbeenhurtatthefire,Dianewhose
comforthe’dcraved.Well,hecouldhavehispreciousDiane.Shewasthroughfightingforaman
whowantedsomeoneelse.Shewasgoingtoleave,justasshe’dthreatenedto.Hewasallright,andif
helovedDianesomuch,therewasnothingelseshecoulddoexceptleavehimtoit.He’dsaidthey
wouldtalk.Talk,ha!Andaboutwhat?Aboutadivorce?Shedidn’tdoubtthathewouldaskherfor
onenow.

ForjustamomentshethoughtofdrivingChestertoSavannah,butthatwouldbefartoogreata

folly.DrivingacoupleofblocksinAtlantawasonething;drivingacrossthestatewassomething
else.ThelittlecarbarelymadeitbetweenColbyvilleandAtlantawithoutmishap.Onthelong,rutted,
dangerousroadtoSavannah,shecouldthrowaband,havefourflattires,breakanaxle,orhave
enginefailure.Andwithoutparts,orenoughspacetocarrytheamountofgasshewouldneedtomake
thetrip,itwouldbefoolhardy.Shecouldn’tevenbecertainthatshecouldfindgasatdrugstores
alongtheroute.Theroadswerefarmoresuitedtowagontravelthanautomobile.Shewouldhaveto
takethetrainandhopeforthebest.

ShewenttoseeChesteronelasttime,hopingagainsthopethatJohnwouldn’tdoawaywithitin

herabsence.Thingsseemedsohopeless.

Shepattedthelittlecar ’sdoorgently.“Youwereverybravethismorning,Chester.I’mproudof

you.AndI’llbebackforyou,olddear,”shetoldit.“Someday.”

HECARRIAGEDRIVER

tookherbagsoutforher.Beforeshegotintothecarriageshe’dhiredtotake

hertothetraindepotdowntown,shestoppedlongenoughtotellMrs.Dobbsgoodbye.

“Oh,dear.Oh,dear,”Mrs.Dobbssaidworriedly.“Andafterthismorning,too…Butwhatever

shallItellMr.Hawthornwhenhecomeshomeandfindsyougone?”

“I’velefthimanote,”Clairesaid,pretendingtobecasualaboutthewholeaffair.“Everything

willbeallright,Mrs.Dobbs.WehadaslightmisunderstandingandIneedtogetawayforawhile.I’m
onlygoingtovisitmycousinforafewdays.I’llbebacksoon.”

“Forafewdays?”Shebrightened.“Oh,thankgoodnessitwasnothingseriousbetweenyouand

yourhusband!”

“Yes,”Clairelied,feelingguilty.“Now,yougoonaboutyourbusiness.I’llbebackbeforeyou

knowit.”

Shesweptoutthedoor.PerhapssheshouldhaveleftJohnanote.Truly,shehadn’tthoughtabout

it.Shecouldn’tthinkofanythingtotellhimthatshehadn’talreadysaid.He’dknowwhyshe’dleft.
Therewasnoneedtoelaborate.

OHN

AWTHORNCAMEHOME

thatafternoontoanemptyapartment.TherewasnosignofClaire,and

herbestcloakwasmissingfromherchifforobe.Heleanedagainstthedoorjambandstaredblanklyat
theroomshe’doccupied.He’dhalfexpectedthis,butitstillcameasashock.He’dwaitedfartoolong
toactlikeahusband,andwhenhehad,he’dliedabouthismotives.Thenthismorninghehadn’tbeen
abletofindtherightwordstoexplainthathe’dmuchratherhavehadClaire’shandsthanDiane’s
doctoringhiscuts.He’dbeenconfused,especiallyafterthepassionatenighthe’dsharedwithhiswife.
Andherconfessionthatshe’dvisitedKennyBlakehadsparkedaspurtofjealousythathaddiverted
him.

Mrs.Dobbsstuckherheadaroundthedoor.
“Thereyouare!”shegushed.“Iknowitmustbelonelyforyouwhileyourwife’sawayvisiting

hercousin,soI’veinvitedmysistersovertodinewithus.Ithoughtyoumightlikesomecompany
thisevening.”

Sothatwaswhatshe’dtoldMrs.Dobbs,thatshewasgoingtovisitacousin.Didshehavea

cousin?She’dneverspokenofone.

“Shewasgoingbytrain,Ibelieve,”hesaid,fishing.
“Wasshe?Shedidn’tsay,butI’mcertainshewouldhavetakenthetrainifit’sanydistance.Her

littleautomobileisstillintheshed.I’llhavetheeveningmealreadyattheusualtime.Ifyouwant
anythingspecialfordessert,Mr.Hawthorn,youonlyhavetosayso.”

“Thankyou,Mrs.Dobbs,”herepliedcourteously.“ButI’mnotterriblyhungry.Ihavetogoto

thedepot.”Hedidn’taddthathewasgoingtheretotrytotracehiswife.Hehopedhecouldfindher.

NQUIRIESATTHEDEPOT

provedfruitless.Thedepotticketagenthadbeentakensickquitesuddenlyand

hadbeentransportedtoSt.Joseph’sInfirmary.Thereliefagenthadnoideawhichyoungwomanthis
earnest,dark-eyedmanwasseekingsourgently.Johnwenttothebankthenextmorningwithaheavy
heart,noclosertoananswerthanhehadbeenthewholesleeplessnight.WherewasClaire?

Onanimpulse,hehadthecarriagedrivepastKenny’sshop,justtocheckthatthemanwasstillin

town.Sureenough,thelittleweaselwasclearlyvisiblethroughthewindow.Johnleanedbackinhis
seat,vaguelyashamedofhissuspicions.Clairewasn’tthesortofwomantorunoffwithanotherman
unlessshetoldJohnaboutitfirst.Shewastoohonest.Heonlywishedthatshe’dstayedandtalkedto
himbeforeshesetoffforGodaloneknewwhere.Shehadnorelatives,andnoclosefriends.He
sighedheavily.IthurthimtothinkofClairealoneintheworld,withoutevenalittlecashtotideher
over,unlessshe’dtakenthehousekeepingmoneywithher.Ifshehad,she’dbeabletoaffordadecent
placetostay.

Thethoughtworriedhim,sowhenhegottotheapartment,hewentimmediatelytothesmallpot

onthebookshelfwhereshekeptthehousekeepingmoney.Itwasarelieftofinditempty—asemptyas
theapartment.He’dnevermindedbeingalonebeforehismarriage.Now,hefoundhemindeditvery
much.Where,hewonderedmiserably,hadClairegone?

LAIREARRIVEDIN

AVANNAH

wearyanddispirited.Shecheckedintoahoteldowntownandaporter

carriedherluggageforher.Asaprecaution,sheusedhermaidennamewhenshesignedtheregister.

“MissLang,”theclerkechoed,andgaveherasuspiciouslook.Youngladiesofqualityrarely

traveledintheSouthwithoutanescortofsomesort,generallyanolderauntorcousin.Hiseyes
narrowed.“Willyoubestayinglong?”

“Hopefullynotvery.Ihaverelativeshere,”shesaid,andsmiledathim.“I’vecomefromAtlanta

toseethem.”

“Isee.Andtheyare…?”
Shelookedhimsteadilyintheeye.“You’reveryinquisitiveforahotelclerk,”shesaidevenly.

“Wouldyoumakethesamedemandsofamaleguest?”

Hischeeksburned.Hecoughedandclearedhisthroat.“Doexcuseme.Itis,ofcourse,your

business.”

Sheliftedherchinandsmiledhaughtily.“Icanseethatthesuffragettemovementneedsmore

stimulusinthiscommunity.”

Hiseyeswidened.Nowheknewwhoshewas—shewasoneofthoseworshipersofSusanB.

AnthonyandMargaretSanger,oneofthose“modern”womenwhothoughtandbehavedwiththe
freedomofmen.Hefoundthemalldistasteful,butitwouldn’tdotoantagonizeoneofthem.God
forbidthattheyshouldinvadethishoteltoprotestanybadtreatmentofoneoftheirown.

Hegaveheraconciliatorysmile.“I’veputyouinRoom202.It’saveryniceroom,overlooking

thebay.There’sa—”hehesitated,searchingfortheword“—aladies’roomjustdownthehallfrom
you.”

“Isthereatelephone?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Certainly.Youmayusethetelephoneintheoffice,atyourleisure.Youhaveonlyto

ask.”

“Thankyou,”shesaidpolitely,andfollowedtheporterwithherluggageupthestaircase.
Whenshewasalone,shedrewthecurtainsandlookedoutatthebay.Savannahwasabeautiful

city.Sheopenedthewindowandbreathedinthefreshseaair.TherewereotherplacesontheGeorgia
coast,fartheroutsidethecity,wheremillsspewedsmokeintotheairandtherewasanunpleasantodor
fromthem.Here,theairwassaltyandbriskandclean.

ShegaveathoughttoJohnandhowitmusthavefeltforhimtocomehometoanempty

apartment.Sheknewthathe’dworry,eventhoughhedidn’tloveher,andshewassorry.Butshe
couldn’tgoback.Thereweretoomanyproblems;sheneededbreathingspace.Perhapshe,too,would
havetimetomakethedecisionsheneededtomake.IfhestilllovedDiane,heshouldgiveupClaire.
Bothofthemwouldbebetteroffapart,regardlessofthegossipitcaused.Shehadherworknow,and
shecouldsupportherselfnicelywithouthishelp.

Sheclosedthecurtainandwalkedbacktothesinglechairbythebed,runningherhandoverthe

carvedwalnutback.Shemustdecidewhattodo.Thehotelwaspleasantenough,butshewasnervous
aboutstayinghereonherown.

ShehopedthatMaudewouldwanthertostayattheHawthornhome,butherunexpectedarrival

mightcauseproblemswithMaude’shusband.Itwasbesttohaveaplacetostay,justincase.Butshe
mustcallMaudeHawthornandtellherthatshewasintown.Sheallowedherselftothinkofnothing
morethanthat,andwentdownstairstodoit.

Theclerkescortedhertothetelephoneswitchboard,wherethehoteloperatorsat.Clairedidn’t

knowthenumber,buttheoperatordid.SheputClairerightthroughtotheHawthornhome,andgave
Claireacurious,interestedglanceasshewaitedfortheconnection.

“Here,Ihaveitforyou,”shesaidafteraminute.
Clairepickedupthereceiverofthetelephonenearby.
“Hello,isthisMrs.MaudeHawthorn?”Claireasked.“ThisisClaire…”
“Claire!”Maudeexclaimed.“Mydear,whereareyou?IsJohnwithyou?Isheallright?”
“He’sfine,”Clairesaid.“I’vecometoseeyou.I’mstayingattheMarinerHotelon—”
“Ahotel?Oh,Claire!Howcouldyou?I’llhaveourmangetthecarriagehitchedupandI’llbe

righttheretopickyouup.Don’targue,dear.Ireallycan’tallowyoutostayatahotel!Ishouldbeno
morethanthirtyminutes.I’msogladyou’vecome.”

Theconnectionwascut.Clairesmiledself-consciously.Well,itseemedthatthenervousdesk

clerkwouldberelievedthatshewasn’ttobeaguestinthishotelafterall.Shethankedtheoperator,
noddedatthepuzzledclerk,andwentbackuptoherroom.

Theporterbroughtherbagsbackdownagainandshepaidthesmallamountdueontheroom.
Itwas,infact,lessthanthirtyminutesbeforeMaudesweptintothehotellikesomegrandedame

inherlong,elegantblacksuitandfeatheredbighat.“Mydear!”sheexclaimed,andcameforwardto
hugClairewarmly.“Harrison,”shecalledtoherliverieddriver,“dogetClaire’sbagsandputthemin
thecarriage,please.”

“Yes,ma’am,”thedriversaid,tippinghishat.
“Harrisonispartofthefamily,”Maudeconfided.“He’sbeenwithusforever.”Sheglaredatthe

clerk,whowasstaring.Hequicklyoccupiedhimselfwithhisbooks.“Come,dear.Letusgo.”

“Iannoyedhim,”ClairetoldMaudewhentheywereoutside.“Hewasverynosy,soImade

mentionofthewomen’smovementandhebecamequitefriendly.”

Maudechuckled.“It’squiteactivehere.Onedaywe’llhavethevote,Claire—andthenwe’ll

showthesemenhowtobuildapropergovernment!”

“Yes,wewill,”Claireagreed.“IhavethoughtaboutjoiningourAtlantachapter,butIhesitated

becauseIdidn’twanttodoanythingtoendangerJohn’sposition.”

“Mydear,howthoughtfulofyou.Andhowsilly.”Shegrinnedastheygotintothecarriagewith

Harrison’shelpandthedoorclosed.“Johnislessconventionalthanyouthink.I’msurehewouldbe
shockedthatyouhesitatedtodoanythingforfearofembarrassinghim.Takeitfromme,child.John
can’tbeembarrassed.Iknow.He’smyson.”

“Isupposeyou’reright.”
“Whyareyouhere,Claire?”
Clairegrimaced.“Ifeltlikeachangeofscenery,”shemurmuredevasively.
“Andyoudon’twanttotalkaboutit.Allright.Iwon’tpressureyou.Butyouknowyou’revery

welcomeinmyhome,Claire—foraslongasyouwouldliketostay.”

“Howkindyouare,”Clairesaid,withgenuinefeeling.“IwouldliketogettoknowJohn’s

family.Thankyouforgivingmetheopportunity.”

“Andweshouldliketogettoknowhiswife.Ithasbeenaverylongtwoyearsforme,Claire…

withnocontactatallbetweenoursonandus.IthinkClaytonfeelsjustthesame,butistooproudand
stubborntoadmitit.Yourvisitmayprovemoreproductivethaneitherofusdream.Ipraythatitwill.”

“Willitcausetroubleforyou,though,withyourhusband?”Claireaskedworriedly.“Yousaid

thathewasinbadhealth…”

“HewillbehappytowelcomeJohn’swife,”Maudesaidbracingly.“BelievemewhenItellyou

thathewoulddoanythingtomendtheriftbetweenhimselfandJohn.Hewillseeyourpresenceasa
stepinthatdirection,andwelcomeyouwithopenarms.Youwaitandsee!”

Heartened,Claireletthelastofherworriesgo.

INUTESLATER

LAIRE

waswalkingupthestepsofanelegantcolonial-styleSavannahhousebeside

Maude.ItsatonthecornerofoneofthemanysquaresthatmadeupthequaintcityontheAtlantic,and
likemostofthehousesinthissection,ithadawalledgardenstretchingaroundtheback.Becausethe
Christmasseasonwasinfullswing,therewasagaywreathonthefrontdoordoneinfamiliar
Victorianpalepinkandblueribbons,andthereweregarlandsofhollyandfirlimbsonthegate.

Shenoticedthebrasslion-headdoorknockerasHarrisonopenedthedoortoadmitthetwo

ladies,thenbroughthersuitcasesinbehindthem.AyoungmaidhovereduntilMaudewavedheraway

withasmile.

“Makeyourselfrightathome,”Maudesaid.Shestuckherheadaroundthelivingroomdoor.

“Emily,you’llneverguesswho’shere!”shecalled.

Emilycameoutintothehall,herfacelightingupwhenshesawClaire.Emilyhuggedher,then

allthreewomenwentintotheparlor,wheretheypliedherwithteaandteacakes.

“Justimagine!She’dcheckedintoahotel.Ahotel!”Maudemuttered.“Ishanghaiedherand

broughtherhere.”

“Asyoushouldhave,”Emilysaidfirmly.“Claire,it’ssogoodtoseeyouagain!”
“It’sgoodtoseethetwoofyou,too.”
“DoesJohnknowthatyou’rehere?”Maudeaskedaftertheirfirstcupofteawaspoured.
“No,”Clairehadtoadmit.
Thiswasnews,indeed.Maudeleanedforward.“Somethinghappened,didn’tit?”
Claire’slipscompressed.“Ireallycan’tspeakofit.”Shedecidedthatitwouldbebestnotto

mentiontherunonthebank.Thatwouldonlyservetoupseteveryone.“Sufficeittosaythathehasput
ourmarriageingreatjeopardy,andIhadtogetaway,tothinkthingsout.”

“Youcan’tmeantodivorcehim?”Emilyaskedplaintively.
“Certainlynot,”Clairereplied.“Iwon’tstainhisreputationwithasecondscandalinasmany

months.Itmaybethatwemustliveapart,butIwon’teverbesmirchhisnameorthatofhisfamily.”

“You’reverykind,Claire,”Maudetoldher.
“Besides,hemaycometohissensesoneday,”Claireadded,withawansmile.“Hemighteven

missme.”

“Absenceaffectstheheart,theysay,”Emilyagreed,smilingencouragement.
“ThenIstillhavehope.Emily,Ipackedthefabricforyourgownandbroughtitwithme.I

thought,asIwascoming,wemightaswellhaveafitting.”

Emilywasenthusiastic.“Whatawonderfulsurprise!”
“You’resureIwon’tbeinthewayhere?”Claireaskedhesitantly.
Maudetookherhandswarmly.“Mydear,you’remostwelcome.Believeme,Iwouldn’thesitate

toshooyourightoutthedoorifyouweren’t.Infact,you’dneverhaveleftthehotelifIhadn’twanted
youhere.”

Clairefeltreliefwashoverher.“Thankyou.IhopethatonedayIcanreturnyourhospitality.”
“SodoI,”Maudesaid,andthelookinherblueeyeswasfarawayasshethoughtofhereldest

son.

WorkingonEmily’sdresswouldkeepClairebusy.Shewasonlythankfulthatshe’dalready

finished—andhaddelivered—thegownsforthegovernor ’sballshe’dbeenmakingforEvelynPaine
andtheothers.Thatwasoneworryshenolongerhad.

TWASN’TUNTIL

aftertheeveningmealthatClairemetherhost.Col.ClaytonHawthornwasatall,thin,

grayheaded,andverydignifiedman.Clairewastakentoseehiminhisbedroomfacingthesea.The
oldmanlookedpaleandlack-lusterthereonthespotlesswhitesheets.Thebaywindowwasopena
fewinchessothatthecoolseabreezecouldblowinonthispleasantDecemberday.

Heworeamustacheandgoatee,andhisdarkeyesstudiedClairecarefully.
“Maude,youdidn’tmentionthatwehadaguest.”Hescoldedhiswifegently.
“No,Ididn’twanttowakeyou,Clayton,”shereplied,withasmile.“ThisisClaireHawthorn,”

sheannounced.

Theoldmanscowled.Hedidn’tspeak.Heonlystared.

Clairewentrightuptotheoldman’sbedside,staringdownintohisdrawn,paleface.“Iam

marriedtoyoursonJohn.”

Hisdarkeyesnarrowed.“Whyareyouhere?”heaskedbluntly.
Claire’schinjutted.“Becausehedoesn’tappreciatehisgoodfortuneinhavinghadthesenseto

marryme!”sherepliedpertly.

Theoldman’seyesbegantotwinkle.Hechuckledweakly.“Isthatso?”
“Ihopethatmyabsencewillshowhimtheerrorofhisways,”shecontinued.“AlthoughIhave

anotherpurposeincominghere.I’mmakingyourdaughter ’sgownforthespringball.”

“Yousew?”heasked.
“She’sadesigner,mydear,”Maudesaid.“The‘Magnolia’ofwhomtherecentsocietypage

spokesoeloquently.”

“What?”Claireasked,pleasantlysurprisedatthenews.
“OursocietypagedescribedthegownyoumadeforMrs.EvelynPainetoweartothe

governor ’sball,Claire,”sheexplained.“Andravedaboutitsuniquedesign.Therewasquiteagood
drawingofEvelynwearingit,andanaddedcommentthatthedesignerwouldsoonbedoingworkfor
Macy’sinNewYork.Isthattrue?”

“Well,yes,”Claireadmitted,smilingattheenthusiasticcommentsthatfollowed.“Abuyerhas

commissionedmetodesigneveninggownsforaspecialcollectionathisstoreinNewYorkCity.I
wasveryexcitedthathethoughtsomuchofmywork.”Shegrinned.“Itreallyisquiteanhonor.”

“Indeeditis!”Maudesaid.“DoesJohnknow?”
Herfacefell.“Ididn’thavetheopportunityto—totellhim.”Rememberingwhatshe’dlearned

aboutJohn’sfather,sheregrettedsayingeventhisaboutherhusband.Theoldmanhadn’tspokento
hissonintwoyears.Hewasfrailandobviouslyill,andhereClairewasmakingthingsworse.She
decidedthenandtherenottomentionthebankriotatall,oranythingaboutDiane.

ShewenttositontheedgeofthechairbyClaytonHawthorn’sbed.“Johnhelpedmewhenno

oneelsewould,aftermyuncle’sdeath.Ourmarriagehasn’tmadehimhappy,buthe’sagoodman.
He’salwaysinvolvedincharitiesthatbenefittheunderprivileged,andhelendsmoneysometimes
whenheprobablyshouldn’t.Hehasakindheart.”

Claytonstaredintentlyathisson’syoungwifeandsawthehopelessnessinhergrayeyes.He

reachedoutandpattedherhandgently.“Hemusthavesomesense.Hemarriedyou,afterall.”He
smiledsadly.“I’manoldman,Claire.I’velivedtoregretsomeofthethingsIsaidtomysonwhen
mytwinboyswereburied.Griefdoesstrangethingstothemind.Itcertainlywasn’tJohn’sfault,any
ofit.Iwasstillupsetoverhisinfatuationwiththatgold-diggingwoman,andhisdeterminationto
makeacareeroftheservice.Atleasthechangedhismindaboutthat.”

“He’saverygoodbanker,”sheassuredhim.
“Hewasaverygoodarmyofficer,too,”Maudeinterjected,withalongsigh.“Ithinkhe’dhave

beenhappytostayintheserviceandgowherehewassent.Westillgetmailforhimfrommenhe
servedwithinCuba.”

ClaytonHawthornhadthegracetoadmitthatthiswasso.Hegrimaced.“Iwantedhimtofollow

inmyfootsteps,tohaveonesonwhowaswillingtokeepthefamilytraditionofbanking.Ishouldn’t
havebeensounyielding.Johnhastolivehisownlife,thewayheseesfit.”

“Itwouldpleasehimifyouweretotellhimso,”Claireremarkedgently.
Clayton’seyeshadawistfullook.“It’snotsoeasytoadmitfault,”heconfessed.“Perhaps,one

day,Icanmeethimhalfway.Buthedoesn’tevencorrespondwithus.”

“Becauseyouforbadehimto,”Maudesaidhaughtily.“Andrefusedtoletmewritetohim,as

well.”

“Iwaswrong,”theoldmanhadthegracetoadmit.Heglancedplaintivelyathiswife.“You

neverusedtoheedwhatItoldyoutodo.”

Maudesmiled.“Youwereill.Ididn’thavethehearttogoagainstyou,eventhoughIdisagreed.”
“I’mfeelingalittlebetternow,”hesaid,drawinginalongbreath.“Thisseaairisgoodforme.

WritetoJohnifyouwish.”Heavertedhiseyes.“YoumighteveninvitehimdownforChristmas
dinner.”

“Oh,Daddy!You’rewonderful!”Emilysaidenthusiastically,andbenttohugherfatherwarmly.
“Jasonwillthinkso,too,”Maudeassuredhim.“HemissesJohn.They’resomuchalike.”
“Don’tforget,Jasonisashipbuilder,”EmilytoldClaire.“He’sveryenterprising.”
“You’llmeethimonedaysoon,”Maudevolunteered.“Hedoesn’tliveathome,buthevisitsus

frequently.We’reallveryclose.I’msurehe’llwanttomeethisnewsister-in-law.”

“DoeshelooklikeJohn?”sheasked.
Claytonchuckled.“No.Helookslikeme.”
“He’sastallasJohn,buthe’shuskier,”Emilysaid.“Andhishairisblond,althoughhehasdark

eyeslikeDaddyandJohn.”

“Hehasthesametemper,ofcourse,”Maudesaiddemurely.
Claytonglaredather.
“Andthesamescowl,”sheaddeddeliberately.
Herhusbandmadeanirritatedsound.ButwhenMaudereachedoutandslidherhandintohis,his

fingerscurledarounditwarmly.TheylookedateachotherinawaythatClairehadhopedsheand
Johnwould,oneday.Sadly,thatdayseemedasifitwouldnevercome.

ASONWASVERYDIFFERENT

fromhisbrother.Johnwasquietandstoic,butJasonwasoutgoingand

entertaining.HeseemedtoknoweveryfishstoryfromMainetoFlorida,andhetoldthemalltoa
delightedandenthusiasticaudienceintheparlor.Ifhissmilewasanyindication,helikedClaireon
sight.Shelikedhim,too.Inlooks,hedidresemblehisolderbrother,evenwiththeirdifferencesin
coloring.

“Whydidn’tJohncomewithyou,Claire?”Jasonasked.“It’sabouttimewehealedsomewounds

here,”headded.

“Johndoesn’tknowwheresheis,”Maudesaidsoftly.“There’sbeen…amisunderstanding.”
“Abouthisex-fiancée?”Jasonaskedtersely.
Claire’seyeswidened.“Howdidyou…?”
“Imetherwhentheywereengaged,”hereplied,andsaidnomore.“Youdidn’ttellhimwhere

youweregoing?”

Sheshrugged.“Itseemedratherpointlessatthetime.”
“Whathappened?”
Shetoldhim,butleftagreatdealout.
Jasonshookhishead.“Mybrotherhasn’tsomuchassentacardhomeintwoyears.”
“Norhavewecorrespondedwithhim,”Maudesaidsharply.“Claytonwassoverysickatfirst

thatIdidn’tdaregoagainsthim.He’sbetternow,insomeways,buthewon’tgetoutofbed.Hejust
liesthere,asifhe’swaitingtodie.Why,hewon’tevenreadabook,andheusedtoenjoytheclassics
somuch.”

“PerhapsClaire’spresencewillrejuvenatehim,”Jasonremarked.
“Hedidperkupwhentheywereintroduced,”Maudehadtoadmit.
“Itwasthefirstrealinteresthe’sshowninanythingformonths,”Emilyadded.“Itwasnicetosee

Papasmileagain.”

“There’sasewingmachineinmysittingroom,”MaudetoldClaire.“You’rewelcometouseit

anytime.Ihopeyou’llstayforawhile.Christmasisonlyalittleovertwoweeksaway.”

“Iknow.IwaslookingforwardtospendingitwithJohn.Itwouldhavebeenourfirstone

together,”shesaidsadly.Itbrokeherhearttothinkofalltheplansshe’dmade,ofherdreams.Now
she’dbehere,andJohnwouldbe…where?AttheCalversons’,probably,shethoughtbitterly.Where
else?

“Youcanspenditwithus,”Maudesaid.“We’llhaveguestsin,andperhapsitwillevenpersuade

Claytontoshowsomeinterestinlifeagain.Justtakeonedayatatime,Claire—andtrustinGodto
helpthingsworkoutasthey’remeantto.”

“I’lldothat,”shepromised.

STHEDAYSPASSED

LAIRE

foundherselffittingverynicelyintotheHawthorncircle.Shemissed

John,ofcourse,andshestillfeltguiltyaboutworryinghim,nowofalltimes—whenhehadsuch
problemsatthebank.Butthatcouldn’tbehelped.

Tokeepherselfoccupied,shebegantotakelittlesnacksintoClayton,thencoaxedhimtoeat

them.Hisappetiteimprovedandsodidhiscolor.Andshediscoveredwhyhedidn’treadhisbeloved
booksanymore.

“Ican’tsee,”heconfessed,embarrassed.“There’sasortoffilmovermyeyes.Icanseepeople

wellenough,butIcan’tread.”

“SupposeIreadtoyou?”shesuggested.
Hiswholefacebrightened.“Youcouldfindthetime?”
“OfcourseIcould.”Shesmiled.“Justtellmewhatyou’dliketohear.”
Hedid.TherewerenovelslikeHermanMelville’sBillyBuddandnonfictionclassicslikethe

historiesofFlaviusJosephus,Tacitus,andHerodotus.Clairesatandreadtohimeveryafternoon
whiletheseabreezebroughtitssaltyflavorintotheroom.She’dquestionedthewisdomofallthat
freshairatonetime,butitdidseemtobehelpinghim.Heimproveddaily.

“Haveyoualwaysbeenabanker?”Claireaskedhimoneafternoonaftershe’dfinishedreading

himachapterofHerodotusabouttheEgyptians.

“Notalways,”hereplied.“Inmyyoungerdays,Iwasasailor.Ilovedthesea.Stilldo.Jason

inheritedtheseafeverfromme—andeventhoughheownsthefishingfleet,hestillgoesoutwiththe
boatssometimes.”Hesighedwistfully.“IwishIcouldgooutwithhim.Imissadeckundermyfeet.I
hadayachtuntilIbecametooilltosailher,”headded.“ImissherasmuchasI’dmissMaudeif,God
forbid,Ieverlosther.”

“Can’tyougooutwithJason?”
Heponderedthat.“Idon’tknow.I’veimprovedsinceyou’vebeenhere,”hesaid,glancingather

amusedly.“Perhapsinafewmoremonths,whenspringcomes,Imighttryit.”

“DoesJohnlikethesea?”sheasked,withhereyesdemurelydowncast.
Hesighed.“Youdon’tknowhimatall,doyou,girl?”
Herslenderbodymovedrestivelyinthechair.“Notreally,”sheconfessed.“Wedon’tspeakof

personalthings.”

“Whataloss.MaudeandIhavealwaysbeengoodfriends,sincewewerechildren.We’veknown

eachotherallourlives.”Hedrewthecoverstighteraroundhim.“Johnlikedthesea,yes—butnot
enoughtojointhenavy,”hecontinued.“Hesailedwithmewhenhewasyounger.Hecanhandlea
boataswellasJason.ButImadeitimpossibleforhimtocomehome.Youknowabouttheboys?”

“Yes,”Clairesaidsadly.“I’msosorry.”

“I’msorry,too—sorryespeciallythatIblamedJohnforsomethingthatwasnothisfault.The

boyswerekeentogotowar,andallmyrantingandravingwouldn’tchangetheirminds.Ihadtolet
themgo.ItwasmyownguiltthatItookoutonJohn.”

“Godhasplansforusthatdon’talwayscoincidewithourown,”shesaidfirmly.“Hehadneedof

yourboys,andHetookthem.Youhavetorealizethatwehavenopoweroverlifeanddeath.And
deathisathingthatallofuswillexperience,acertainty.Onecannotblameotherhumanbeingsfora
divinecall.”

“Iknowthatnow,”hesaidsheepishly.“Butatthetime,IwasratheroutofsortswithGod.I’ve

cometorealizethatHiswillisstrongerthanmine.IhopeI’vemademypeacewithHim.NowIwant
tomakeitwithmysonbeforeit’stoolate.”Helookedatherintently.“Isittoolate,Claire?Doeshe
speakofme?”

Sheswallowed.“Hedoesn’tspeakofanyofyou,exceptthatonce,whenhetoldmewhyyou

didn’tspeaktoeachother.I’msorry.Butthen,”sheaddedhelpfully,“wedon’tspeakofpersonal
thingsasarule,asImentioned.”

“Yes,yes.Iremember.”Heclosedhiseyesandthenopenedthemagain.“Lifeissohard,Claire.

Harderthaneverforusolderones,oncewestopwalkinginstepwiththeyoungerfolk.Iremember
whenconventionwaseverything,whenmentreatedwomenlikefairiesandidolizedthem.Now
womenhavesomanycauses,somanycomplaints.Amanhardlyknowshowtotreatthem.”He
grimaced.“Andallthesemodernthings,telephonesandelectricityandmotorcars.Wherewillitall
end?”

“Progresscannotbestopped,”shecommented.“Andmotorcarsareveryexciting.Ihaveone,

youknow.Itwasmyuncle’s.Idriveit—andIcanevenrepairit!”

Hesatupinbed.Hiseyesalmostpopped.“Youcanrepairit?Heavens,aren’tyouafraidofit?”
“Notatall,”sheassuredhim.
“Ineverheardsuchathing.Andyouawoman.”Hewinced.“ThereIgoagain.Yousee?Iwill

neverreconcilemyselftothechanges,tothemodernlife.IfoughtintheCivilWar,Claire.I’veseen
menblowntobits.I’veseenchildrenstarvetodeath.ButI’vealsoseentheclosenessoffamiliesand
thejoyofcommunitylifewithoutanynewfangledimprovements.Iliveinahorse-and-buggyworld
thatiseversoquicklygivingwaytomotorsandmachines.”Heshookhishead.“Ihavenodesireto
liveinaworldthathasleftmesofarbehind.Evenmyattitudesareoutdated.”

Shereachedoverandpattedhishand.“Youroutdatedattitudessuitmeverywell.Youjustgo

rightonhavingthem,andletthesemodernpeoplerushaboutastheylike.Therewillalwaysbea
portionofsocietythatclingstotheoldwaysandconsidersthemsacred.”

“You’reatonic,”hesaidafteraminute.“Yougivesilverliningstoallmydarkclouds.”
Shechuckled.“I’mveryglad.Now,asareward,willyoutellmesomemoreaboutmy

husband?”

Hesmiled.“IndeedIwill.Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
“Whatwashelikeasasmallboy?”
“Thatmaytakedaysanddays,”hesaid.
Shesettledbackintoherchair.“Thenyou’dbetterstartrightnow,”shesaidmerrily.

HELEARNEDALOT

aboutJohnfromhisfather,abouthisquicktemperandhiskindness.Shelearned

thathe’dgivenallhispocketmoneyoncetoasmallboywhoselunchhadbeentakenawaybybullies.
Johnapparentlydidalotforthepoorwithouttellinganyone,andheneverrefusedacryforhelp,
evenwhenitputhimindanger.Shelearnedthathecouldswim,buthatedit,andthathe’dbeen

championtennisplayerofhislocalgroup.He’dbeenakeenhorsemanuntilCuba,andhecouldsail
evenifhedidn’tlovethesea.Shelearnedthingsthatshemightneverneedtoknowagain.Because
Johndidn’tknowwheretofindher—andshedidn’twanttogohometofindhimwithDiane.

Allthewhile,though,shemissedJohnandwonderedhowhewas.Shealsowonderedabouther

sketchesforMacy’sthatKennyhadsenttoNewYork.ShetelegraphedKennyandhadareplybackin
notime.Hesaidthateverythingwasallright,thedesignswereinNewYork,andhewouldhave
paymentforhersoon.HewouldsendthemoneybyWesternUnion.Thatrelievedhermindalot.
She’dhavemoneytosupportherself—andwhateverhappened,shewouldn’thavetodependonJohn
forherliving.

Meanwhile,she’dputasideasimplecrepegown,whichshe’dbroughtincasetherewereany

socialevenings,becauseitnolongerseemedtofitherinthewaist.Maudehadseizeditandcarriedit
intoSavannah,whereitwasdisplayedinalocalclothingstore.She’dcomehomebeamingoneday,
withthenewsthatthedesignhadattractedsuchincredibleattentionthattherehadbeenwomenactually
fightingoverit.Theownerwantedmore.

“Ifyouwantwork,Claire,hereitis.”Maudechuckled.
“Imayverywellneedit,ifmyMacy’sdesignsdon’tsell,”Claireconfided.Shefrowned.“It’sso

oddthatthecrepedresswon’tfit.ImusthavegainedmoreweightthanIrealized.IeatwhenI’m
nervousandupset,yousee.”

“Youdon’tlookoverweighttome,mydear,”shesaidkindly,andsmiled.
Claire’shandsrestedonherflatstomach.Shehadanaggingsuspicionabouttheweightgainthat

shewasn’tabouttosharewithanyone.She’dlostherappetiteandfeltsickamorningortwo,aswell,
butshealsokeptthattoherself.Shewouldn’tthinkaboutit,shedecided,untilshehadto.

JOHNFELTHISLIFEHADGONESADLYAWRY.HEmissedClaire.Heworriedabouther.And
heworried,too,aboutthebank.

RumorsthatsomethingwaswrongatthebankpersistedafterClaire’sabruptdeparture.Eli

Calversonhadshownupthatnextmorningaftertheriotonlylongenoughtounlockthefrontdoor,
thenhe’dleftlikeashot,mumblingsomethingaboutfeelingunwell.Helookedunwell,allright—
paleanddrawnandworried.ThatonlyintensifiedJohn’sfeelingofapprehension.

AsJohnhadalreadydecidedtohaveatalkwithDawes,thefirm’schiefbookkeeper,hewent

straightintoseehim.Thelittlemanwasverynervous,andJohn’smerepresenceseemedto
intimidatehim.

“Iassureyou,Mr.Hawthorn,thatMr.Calversonkeepsaverycarefuleyeonmybooks,andhe

hasn’tsaidawordtome,”Dawessaid.Heclearedhisthroat,redinthefaceandallbutblabbering.“I
suggestthatyoutakeupanyproblemsyoumayhavewithMr.Calversonandnotme.”

“I’lldothat,Mr.Dawes,”Johnsaidevenly.“Butyourealize,Ihope,thatifauditorshavetobe

calledin,yournamewillbethefirstoneundersuspicionifanyfaultsarefound.Anditwon’tbeMr.
Calversonwhowillfaceajudgeandjury.”

Dawes’seyegrewhugebehindhisspectacles.“Ofalltheoutrageousthingstosay!”heblustered,

almostupsettinghisinkstand.“Howdareyouspeaktomeinsuchamanner!”

John’seyebrowsliftedeloquently.“Ihaveeveryintentionofpursuingthis,Mr.Dawes,”he

repliedcalmly.“IfIwereyou,”headded,hisdarkeyesnarrowing,“I’dthinkverycarefullyabout
cooperatingwiththeauthorities.”

“What…authorities?”
“ThePinkertons,Mr.Dawes.”
Thelittlemanfollowedhimallthewayoutintothelobbyofthebank,stutteringandpleadingin

franticwhispers.Johnturnedashereachedhisownoffice.

“Ifyouhaveanythingtosay,”Johntoldhim,“thisisyourlastchance.”
Dawesgnawedhislowerlipuntilhetastedblood.Forabanker,Hawthornhadavery

intimidatingdemeanor.Hemeantwhathesaid.AndwithCalversongone,therewasnoonelefttoface
theblameexceptthebookkeeper.

“Calverson…madesome…withdrawalsandthenfalsifiedentriestoexplainthem,”Dawessaidin

awhisper.“Hethreatenedto…thatis,hethreatenedme…ifIdidn’tcooperate.It’ssomethingtodo
withthereasonhewantedtomergethebankwithWhitfield’sinvestmentfirmsoquickly.Idon’tknow
why.Hedidn’ttrustmeenoughtosay.”

Johnhadseenmenblackmailedwhilehewasintheservice.Daweslookedlikeapersonwith

darksecrets.ThethreatofexposurehadforcedbettermenthanDawesintoalifeofcrime.

“I’lldowhatIcanforyou,whenthetimecomes.Ifyoucooperate,”Johnaddedmeaningfully.
Dawesletoutthebreathhe’dbeenholding.“I’lldowhateveryousay,Mr.Hawthorn.”
Johnnodded.“Gobacktowork,fornow.”
“Yes,sir.”

Dawesambledbackthewayhe’dcome;Johnstoodwithhishandsinhispockets,scowling.He

hadn’tseenthepresidentofthebankagainthismorning—notevenaglimpseofhim—after
Calversonhadunlockedthedoorspromptlyatnine.

HisfirststopwasCalverson’soffice,wherehissecretary,Henderson,wassortingmail.
“HasElicomein?”
Hendersonlookedupandblinked.“No,sir.Hewentbackhomerightafterheunlockedthe

doors.Youremember…?Ibelievehewasunwell.”

“Yes,hesaidso.IthinkI’llgoovertohishomeandcheckonhim,”Johnsaid,soasnotto

arousesuspicion.“I’llbethereifI’mneededurgently.”

“Yes,sir.”
Hegothishatandovercoatandcane,wentoutintothenippyair,andhailedacarriage.Allthe

waytoEliCalverson’spalatialhome,hewasthinkingaboutWhitfieldandthismerger.Elihadn’t
beenhonestwithhimaboutalotofthings.Somethingwasgoingon,andhemeanttofindoutwhat.

HeonlywishedheknewwhereClairewas.Noonehadheardfromherorseenhersincesheleft

onthetrain.He’devenbeentoseeEvelynPaine,butEvelynwasasworriedashewas—andequallyin
thedarkastoClaire’sdestination.

WhenhegottotheCalversonhome,hewasstillbroodingaboutClaire.Hetappedonthefront

doorandwaitedforthemaidtoadmithim.

“IwanttoseeEliCalverson,”Johntoldher.
“Mr.Calversonisn’t…available,sir.ShallIaskMrs.Calversontocomedown?”
Hewassurprised.“Yes,please.”
HewaiteduntilDianeappearedfromaroominthebackofthehouse.Hereyeswerered,butshe

forcedawidesmileatthesightofhim.“John!Howwonderfultoseeyou!”Sheheldoutherhandsfor
himtotakeandpulledhimwithher.“Docomeintotheparlor.”

Sheledhimoutofthehallandclosedtheslidingdoorsbehindthem.
“I’msogladyou’vecome,”shesaidworriedly.“I’msoupset.Idon’treallyknowwhatIshould

do.”Shetuggedahandkerchieffromherpocketanddabbedathereyes.“Oh,John.It’ssucha
frightfulmess.”

He’dneverseenherquitesogenuinelyupset.“What’swrong?”
“Eli’s…veryill,”shesaid.“I’vejusthadthedoctor.He’sin…whatisitcalled?Oh,yes.

Quarantine.”ShedabbedathereyesandnoseandpeeredupatJohnoverthelacyhandkerchiefwith
faintcalculation.“He’seversosick.I’mquitesurethathewon’tbeabletocomebacktoworkatall
thisweek…”Hervoicetrailedoff.

“Diane,doyouknowaboutanyunusualactivityatthebank?”heasked.
“Why,no,John,”shesaid,withwideeyes.“Idoknowabouttheriot,ofcourse,becauseIwas

there.Eliwasveryupset.”Shemadeagesture.“That’swhatcausedhimtobesick,alltheworryabout
thoseinvestorsmakingsuchsillyaccusations.Asifanyonewouldembezzlemoneyatourbank!The
veryidea!Youdon’tthinkEliwouldstealfromthebank,doyou,John?”

AndJohnthought,Youlittleschemer.Somethingwasafoot—andDianewasuptoherpretty

neckinit.Shecouldn’tknowaboutthebookkeeper ’saccusations,thankGod.He’dmakesureshe
didn’tfindout.WhateverEliwasupto,hewasn’tgoingtogetawaywithit.Johnwasn’tabouttobe
leftholdingthebag.

Dianemovedclosetohim,smilingsweetly.“HowI’vemissedyou,John,”shesaid.“Ishould

neverhavemarriedhim,youknow.”

Howsugarysweetshesounded.Butshelookednervous.Shelookedfrightened,aswell.
“Won’tyoustayforalittlewhile?”shesaid,wringingherhandkerchief.“I’msolonelyand

upset—andwehaven’thadachancetotalkalonetogetherinsuchalongtime.Idosobadlyneedto

talktoyou,John.”

Once,hernearnesswouldhavedrivenhimmadwithdesire.Nowitonlyirritatedhim.
Diane’swanfaceliftedtohis.“Clairehasleftyou,hasn’tshe,John?It’sallovertown.Nowyou

candivorceherandhaveme.Youcanmakepeacewithyourpeopleandgetyourinheritance.Wecan
liveverywell…”

“Whataboutyoursickhusband?”
Shehesitated.Shelookedfrightenedandhereyesdidn’tquitemeethis.“Ican’tthinkabouthim

now.Youdostillwantme,don’tyou,John?Darling,yourememberhowgooditwasbetweenus
whenwewereengaged.”Shebrushedherbodyagainsthislightly,almostfrantically.“Wemustmeet
again.Atmysister ’sperhaps,andverysoon.Wemustbeverydiscreet,ofcourse,butwemustmake
plansveryquickly,mydarling.BeforeEli…uh,thatis,beforeEli…recoverscompletely,”sheadded
quickly.

Johnthoughthowhewouldhavehatedtobemarriedtosuchawoman,whohadnoqualmsabout

runningawayfromasickhusband—ifEliwasreallysick,whichhedoubtedverymuch.Dianewas
readytocutandrun,justasEliwas,butsheseemedtopreferadifferentdirectionaltogether.Perhaps
shehadnostomachfordodgingthelaw.

Shewasmakingcrazyplans,andhewantednopartofthem.Hewassorryforher,becauseEli

Calversonwouldinevitablybeprovedguiltyofembezzlementandservetimeinprison.Shewould
loseeverything.ButrightnowthemostimportantmatterwastofindouthowmuchElihadtakenand
recoverthebank’smoney.Itmadehimsicktothinkofallthepeoplewhohadtrustedthebankwith
theirlifesavings—andwhonowstoodtolose.

Elimusthavebeensquirrelingmoneyawayforalongtime.Whitfieldprobablywasn’tinon

this,butdidheknowwhatElihadplanned?Thatwasaworryingthought,especiallyiftherewasan
overdraftthatEliwascountingonWhitfieldtocover.

“IreallyneedtospeaktoEli,”hesaid.“Couldn’tIdoitthroughthedoor?”
Sheflushedandmoppedatherbrow.“Thatwouldbe…unwise.No,John.Thedoctorsaidnoone

couldseehim,or—ortalktohim.You—youmustgoaway.”

“Verywell,then,”hetoldDiane,removingherclinginghands.“I’llcomeagain,whenEliis

stronger.”

Shesmilednervously.“Yes,well…thatmightbebest.”Shebitherlowerlip.“Yes,itmight,”she

said,seemingtospeaktoherself.“Fornow,atleast.”Sheglancedupathim.“I’llsendwordtoyou
whenwecanmeet.I’lltrytomakeitverysoon.Youwillcometome,John?”

“Certainly.”Hestrungheralong,thinkingthatitwouldbejustaswelltokeeptabsonheruntil

Elireappeared.Buthehadnointerestinpursuingtheiroldrelationship.HethoughtonlyofClaire
now.LookingatDiane,hewonderedhowonearthhe’dmanagedtofallunderherspell.Shewas
lovely,butClairewassuperiortoherineveryway.Especiallyinthewaysofkindnessandlove.
Diane’sonlyconcernwassolvency,withwhomevershecouldattainit.Whyhadn’therealizedthatin
thepast?Orwasitonlythathe’dlosther—andherveryelusivenessmadeherdesirable?

Hedismissedthethought.HismindwasonCalversonnow,andhowtostophimfromgetting

away.IfonlyhecouldgetupthosestairsundetectedandseeforhimselfifEliwasathome.Buthe
didn’tdareriskit.Hemightspookthemanintorunningtoosoon.

HeleftDianeandwentdirectlytothepolicestation.Hetoldaninspectoreverythingheknew,

beggedhimtousetheutmostdiscretion,andencouragedhimtoalertthePinkertondetectiveagency.

“Byastrokeofgoodfortune,severalofthemaredueintownthisweekendforaconvention,”

theofficertoldhim.“You’llhaveagoodgrouptohelpsortthisout.Mr.Hawthorn,you’recertainof
whatyou’vetoldme?”

John’sexpressionwasgrim.“Utterlycertain.ButIdon’tthinkthebookkeeperwillspeakfreely

untilthemoneyisfoundandanarrestmade.He’safrightenedfellow.”

“We’llkeepthatinmind,sir.Thankyouforcomingtoseeme.We’llbeintouch.AsIhopeyou

will,shouldyoureceivefurtherinformationthatmightbeofhelptous.”

“Certainly,Iwill,”Johnpromised.
Hewalkedoutsidethepolicestationwithaworriedscowl.Hecouldn’tbeabsolutelycertainthat

anyfundshadbeenembezzled.Onlythebookkeeper ’sforcedconfessionwasevidenceofit—
coupled,ofcourse,withEli’sstrangebehavior.Thebookswouldhavetobeauditedbythebank
examinerstofindanyrealevidenceoffraud.Thatwouldtaketime.Meanwhile,EliCalversonwould
certainlytrytogetaway.Andifthathappened,guesswhowouldbelefttotaketheblame!

HENEXTWEEKWASANIGHTMARE

ofcomfortingfrightenedstockholders,watchingthebookkeeper,

andkeepingacloseeyeonDianetoseewhathecouldlearnfromher.Hegavetheexcuseofchecking
onEli’shealthtostopbyherhousedaily,justforafewminutesatatime.Dianeateitup,thinkingshe
hadhimdazzled.Buteachtime,JohnlistenedandwatchedcarefullyforanysignofEli.Hefound
none.

InbetweenhemissedClaireandworriedabouther.Shecouldbeanywhere.Whatifsomething

happenedtoher?He’dneverevenknow.Itinfuriatedhimthatshe’dleft,justashislifewasfalling
apart.ShebelievedthathelovedDiane,buthedidn’t.HeonlywantedClaireback,withallhisheart.

Attheendoftheweek,thingsseemedtobegettingbetter.ThePinkertonsarrivedintownaday

early,andoneofthemturnedouttobeaveryoldfriendofJohn’snamedMattDavis.Themanwas
Sioux,veryevidentlyso,andeasternerswhohadneverseenarealliveIndianfoundhimalternately
fascinatingandintimidating.ItamusedJohn,whoknewMatt’sbackground.

HetookMattouttodinnertheveryeveninghearrivedandlaidthecaseoutforhim.
“Leavethistome,”Matttoldhim.“I’llhaveitoutofyourbookkeeperinfiveminutes.”
John’seyebrowsrose.“Youdon’tstillcarrythatbowieknife?”
Mattgrinned.“Idon’tneedto.I’vepickedupalotofnewmethodsoverthepasttenyears.You’d

besurprisedathoweasilyIgetinformationthesedayswithminimumforce.”

“I’dbesurprisedattheminimum-forcebit,certainly,”Johnreplied,tongueincheek.
Mattsippedhissherry.“You’rewearingaweddingring,”heremarked.
“That’sright.I’vebeenmarriedalittleovertwomonths—andmywifehasalreadyleftme,”he

stateddryly.

“Isthatajoke?”
“Notreally.”Hesighed.“Claireactuallyismissing.Ihurtherbadlywithmyattentiontomyex-

fiancée.Iwasatfault.Ihurther,andsheran.Ican’treallyblameher.NowIcan’tevendiscoverwhere
sheis.”Helookedup.“WhenyougetthroughwithDawes,youmighttakeonmycaseandhelpme
trackdownmywife.”

Mattpursedhislips.“Doesshehavefriendsinthecity?”
“Legion,”Johnreplied.Hisdarkeyeswentevendarker.“IncludingaclothiernamedKenny

Blake…withwhomsheseemstospendalotoftimelately.”

Mattputdownhisglass.“Interesting,”hesaidneutrally.
“Don’tgettheideathatIhaven’tputafootwrong,”Johnhadtoadd.“I’venottreatedherwell.

Shehadeveryreasontoleaveme.”

“Butyouwantherback?”
Johnwassurprised—notonlybythequestionbutbyhisabruptanswer.“Withallmyheart.”
“Allright.Butfirstthingsfirst.Icamehereonbusiness,andI’vegottogivealectureduringthe

conference.ButI’llseeyourbookkeeperandwe’lltakeitfromthere.Don’tworry.I’monthecase.”

“Somodest.”
“Gladyounoticed,”Mattsaid,withoutapause.

ATTDIDWHATHECONSIDERED

themostnecessarythingfirst.

HewenttoKennyBlake’smen’semporiumtobuyavest.Clairehadpoortaste,hedecided,if

shecouldpreferthislittledandytoJohn.

“SomethingIcandoforyou,sir?”Blakeasked,approachingthemanwarilybecausehewastall

andleanandhadanuntamedlook,despitehisexpensiveclothing.

MattwantedtointimidateBlake,sohelookeddownathimwithoutsmiling,thenhesitatedfor

justaheartbeatbeforeheanswered.“I’mwiththePinkertondetectiveagency.Ibelieveyouknowa
womannamedClaireHawthorn?”

Kenny’sfacewentwhite.Heswallowedthelumpinhisthroat.“Yes.”
“She’smissing.I’msearchingforcluesastoherwhereaboutsbeforewepursuethefoulplay

aspectofthecase.”HelookedasifhethoughtKennyhadmurderedher.

“She’sfine,”Kennyblurtedoutatonce.“She’sinSavannah.”
Mattscowled.“Savannah?”
“Yes,withtheHawthornfamily.I’mnotsupposedtotellherhusband.Shedoesn’twanthimto

know.”

“Areyouhavinganaffairwithher?”Mattaskedbluntly.
“No!Howdareyou!”
“You’vebeenseenwithherlately.”
“Yes,onbusiness!”Kennyblustered.“She’sjustcontractedwithMacy’sdepartmentstoreinNew

YorkCitytodesignalineofexclusiveeveninggownsforthem.Herhusbanddoesn’tknowthatshe
hasaseparateincome,doingbusinessasthedesigner‘Magnolia.’She’salreadyquitefamous
locally.”

Mattstaredathim.
“Iswearit’sjustbusiness!Look!”Herushedintohisoffice,leavingthemantofollow.Kenny’s

secretarylookedup,startled,andthencouldn’tlookaway.MattDaviswasastrikingman,evenifhis
nosewasalittlelarge.HewasanIndian.She’dneverseenone,exceptonabuffalonickel.He
fascinatedher.

Mattrecognizedherexpressionandgaveheracoldstare.Sheswallowed,touchedherhair

expressively,andwentquicklybacktowork.Mattwascarefultohidehisgrin.

Kennycameback.“Yes,hereitis.Therewasonesketchthatdidn’tgetinthepackage.Isavedit

forher.”

HeshowedittoMatt,whohadmorethanapassingknowledgeofexclusiveclothing.Henodded

ashestudiedthefine,neatlinesoftheuniquegown.“She’sverygood.”

“Isn’tshe?”Kennybeamed.“I’veknownherforyears,eversinceshecametolivewithher

uncle.She’sasweet,gentlegirl.Muchtoogoodforherhusband—andhimrunningaroundwiththat
marriedwoman.”

Matt’seyebrowslifted.“Whatmarriedwoman?”
“ThatMrs.Calverson.Herhusband’spresidentofthebank.SheandJohnwereengagedonce.

Somepeoplethinkhe’sstillcarryingonwithher.Mr.Calverson’sveryillnow,though,theysay—
confinedtobedandquarantined.Idaresayshe’llstayclosetohomeforawhile.PityClairewent
away.”

“Yes.”Matthandedthesketchbackwithalean,immaculatedarkhand.“Thankyouforyour

cooperation.”

“Don’ttellherhusbandwheresheis,ifyou’veanounceofdecency,”Kennypleaded,with

genuineconcern.“Sheonlyneedsalittletimetodecidewhattodo.Perhapsitwillmakehim
appreciatehermore.Sheloveshimsomuch.It’sallbutbrokenherspirittohavehimignoreherand
paycourttothatwickedMrs.Calverson.”

Matthadlearnedmorethanhereallywantedto.HeunderstoodmoreaboutJohn’stroubled

marriagethanhe’dbeentold,too.“Iwon’ttellhimwheresheisunlessIhaveto.”

“Thatwilldonicely.Thankyou.WhenIgivemywordtokeepaconfidence,Idon’tliketobreak

it.”

Matt’sopinionofthemanwentupanotch.“NeitherdoI.”
“Now,canIhelpyouwithanythingelse?”
Mattsmiled.“Asamatteroffact,youcan.Ifancyanewvest.”
Kennygrinned.“Ihavesomegoodsilkones,justinfromNewYorkCity.Letmeshowthemto

you.”

HENEXTMORNING,VERYEARLY

,MattwenttoseeMr.Dawesatthebank.Ittookhimlessthantwo

minutestogeteverysinglethingheneededoutofthelittlemanandpropelhimforciblytothenearest
precincttospillhisgutstoapolicestenographer.

DawesimmediatelygaveupEliCalversontosavehimself.Twopoliceofficersweresentaround

totheCalversonresidencewithorderstoarresttheman,nomatterhowsickhewas.Buttotheir
surprise,whentheyforcedtheirwayinwithasearchwarrantandwentuptohisquarantined
bedroom,itwasempty.

“Why,thedoctorsaidhewastooilltomove!”Dianegaspedtheatricallywhentheysawthe

neatlymadebedandtheemptyroom.“Wherevercouldhehavegone?”sheaddedingenuously.

“Perhapshediedandwasremovedwithoutyourrealizingit,”anolderpolicemansaid

sarcastically.

Sheglaredathim.“Iamnotshieldingmyhusband!Heaskedmenottoriskmyselfbycomingin

here.Andhegavemethisincaseanythingreallyterriblehappenedtohim.HesaidIwastoshowitto
thepolice.”Shetookasealedenvelopefromherpocketandhandedittotheman,lookingupathim
withguilelessblueeyesandasweetsmile.“Ican’timaginewhatitsays.”

I’llbetyoucan’t,theveteranofficerthought,butheonlynodded.Hetoretheenvelopeopenand

scannedthehandwrittenlines.Hislipsmadeathinline.

Heturned,motioningtotheotherofficer.TheybadeMrs.Calversonagooddayandwent

quicklyoutthedoor.

Theletter,inCalverson’sownhand,accusedJohnofembezzlingthousandsofdollarsfromthe

bank.Hiswife,Diane,hadhadnothingtodowiththetheftanddidn’tknowhisplans,sosheshouldn’t
bequestioned.HewouldmakehimselfavailabletothepolicetheminuteJohnwassafelyincustody.
Thebookkeeper,hewrote,wouldverifyhisstory.Johnwastryingtostealhiswife,Eliwrote
plaintivelyandbecause,hecharged,“Hawthornknewhewouldneedhugesumsofmoneytokeepher
—moneythathedidn’thave—hestolethat,too.”DaweswouldnevertestifyagainstJohn,healleged,
becauseJohnhadthreatenedthelittleman,wholedasecretlifethatincludedevilsexualpractices.
Andnow,he,Calverson,wasgoingtogointoseclusionatafriend’shouseintownuntilJohnwas
apprehended.Headdedinapostscriptthathefearedforhislife.

Theletter,withasignatureandhandwritingthatwasconfirmedbyEliCalverson’sown

secretary,wasevidenceenoughforthepolicetoarrestJohn.

OHNWASDEMORALIZED

andfurioustobeledoutofthebankinhandcuffs.Hevehementlydeniedany

knowledgeoftheembezzledmoney,butCalverson’sstorysoundedverylogical.Andtoclinchit,
Calversonhadsentthesameletterviahislawyertothenewspaperstobeopenedandpublishedinthe
caseofJohnHawthorn’sarrest.Thenextmorning,thefrontpagesofeveryAtlantapapercarriedthe
storythattheyoungvicepresidentofthePeachtreeCityBankwasunderarrestforembezzlingthe
bank’smoney.

Johnsatinhisjailcellinabrownfuryofimpotence.He’dlosthiswifeandhewastheprime

suspectinabanktheft.Ifhislifehadseemedhopelessbefore,itwascertainlyhopelessnow.

EliCalverson,ashe’dpromised,hadimmediatelyreappearedonthedoorstepofhishome,

apparentlycompletelyrecoveredfromhis“illness”theminuteheknewJohnwassafelyinjail.He
invitedreporterstohishomesothathecouldgivethemhissadtaleofintimidationbyhisvicious,
embezzlingvicepresident,whilehisbeautifulwifecharmedthemalevisitors.Everyonebelieved
him,withtheexceptionofonehawkeyedreporterwhowantedtoknow,quiteloudly,wherethe
bookkeeperDaweswas.

“Oh,he’sinhiding,too,”Calversonsaidquickly.“ButIknowwhereheis,andhe’llcome

forwardattheappropriatetimetotestify.I’vetoldthepoliceso.”

“Wasn’tthereacaseofsuspectedembezzlementfiledagainstyousomeyearsago?”thereporter

saidpersistently.

“Ireallyfeeltooweaktocontinue,”Elisaid,pretendingtoswoon.“I’vebeenill.Thankyouall

forcoming.I’msureyou’lldotheproperthingwiththisstory.Investorsmustbeprotectedfromsuch
charlatans.Tothinkhewasmyownprotégé,andmyfriend!”

Thereportersateitup,glaringatthemanwho’daskedsuchharshquestionsthathehadpoor,

dearMrs.Calversonintears.Whentheyleft,Calversongavehiswifeahardlook.

“Youdidverywell,mydear,”hesaid,withcoldmenace.“ContinuetodoasItellyou,andwe’ll

pullthisoff.”

Dianewasunusuallypale.“Idonotwanttorun—”
Hecaughtherarmroughly.“Butyouwill,”hesaidfirmly,twistingituntilshecriedout.“This

wasasmuchyourfaultasmine,withyourincessantdemandsforprettytrinketsandclothes.Now
you’llpaythepiperwithme!Doyouunderstand?”

Shechoked.“Yes,Eli.Ofcourse.I’lldowhateveryousay!”
Hescoffed,buthelethergo.She’ddoasshewastoldorfacetheconsequences.Hisonlyreal

concernnowwasescape.HehadtodoitwhileattentionwasfocusedonJohnHawthorn.Hisrevenge
onthemanwho’dattemptedtocuckoldhimwassweet,indeed—andmadeevenmoresobythe
thoughtofthemoneyhe’dsquirreledaway.AllhehadtodowasgettoCharlestonandtakeashipto
theWestIndies.There,hecouldlivelikeaking.He’duseDianeasablinduntilthen.Butafterward…
well,arichmancouldgetanywomanhewanted.Diane’scoldnesshadweariedhim.Hewasreadyto
ditchherandlookforawomanwithbeautyandakindheart.ShecouldgobacktoHawthorn,withhis
blessing.Andthefoolwaswelcometoher!

OHN,SITTINGALONE

inhiscoldcell,wonderedifClaireeverthoughtofhim.Sheprobablybelieved

hestilllovedDiane.Thatwasajoke.DianewassurelyinleaguewithEli.Whatapity,hethought
bitterly,thathe’dbeentooblindedbyhisobsessionwithhertoseeclearlywhyEliCalversonhad

hiredhiminthefirstplace.Theoldmanhadsurelybeenplanningthisforyears,takinglittlebitsof
moneyoutofthebankandlettingDawescoverupforhim.Ifhewasn’tlynched,theabsenceof
Dawes,andCalverson’scontinuedattacksinthepress,wouldsurelyconvicthim.Hisfuturewas
sorelyindoubt—andhehadn’tafriendintheworldtocometohisrescue.Notevenhiswifewas
likelytocometohisaid,if,wherevershewas,sheknewofhisillfortune.

TWASINEVITABLE

thattheSavannahpapersshouldpickupthestoryaboutayoungbankexecutive

arrestedforembezzlementinAtlanta.Butitwasn’tthestoryinthenewspaperthatalertedClairetoher
husband’spredicament.ItwasatelegramfromKennyBlake.

“Yourhusbandarrestedforbankfraudandingravedanger,”thetelegramread.“Comeatonce.

Kenny.”

“Oh,heavens!”Claireexclaimed,fallingbackinherchairasifshe’dbeenstruck.
MaudeandEmilyrushedtoherside.Maudereadthetelegramwithnothoughtforcourtesy.“It

mustbeinthenewspapers,too,”sheadded,andrushedtothefrontdoor.Shecamebackwiththe
paperinhertremblinghands.“Yes,it’sinhere,too.Oh,Claire!Theysayhe’sstolenthousandsof
dollarsandthatthere’stalkoflynching!”

“Butthisisridiculous.JohnisthemosthonestmanIknow.Hewouldneverstealfrom

investors.”

Maudelookedattheyoungerwomanwithloveandgratitude.“Iknowthat.I’msogladthatyou

knowit,too.Butwhatshallwedo,Claire?IfItellClayton,theshockmayfinishhim.”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Clairereplied.“Ithinkitwillprovidethechallengeheneedstobringhimto

hisfeetagain.”

“It’saterriblegamble,”theolderwomansaidworriedly.
“Yes.Butthinkoftherewardifitsucceeds.”
Andthetragedyifitfails,Maudewasthinking.Butshekeptherworriestoherself.Shestudied

Claireforalongmoment.

“Verywell.Butlet’sbreakittohimgently.”
Andtheydid,asgentlyasitwaspossibletotellsomeonethathiseldestsonhadbeenarrestedfor

theft.Theyshowedhimthenewspaper,theheadlinesofwhichhecouldbarelymakeout.

“Ofallthedamnedoutrages,”heexploded,andthenbeggedthewomen’spardonforhis

language.Heshookthepaperathiswife.“IfIcatchthescalawagwhodidthis—andblamedmyson
forit—I’llcanehimbloody!”

“John’sinjail,”Maudesaidgently.“Whatdoyouwantustodo?”
“I’lldowhatneedsdoing,”hemuttered,easinghimselfoffthebed.“Byheaven,I’llseeabout

thesechargesmyself.Maude,sendforacarriagetotakemeintotown.Iwanttostopandgetour
attorneytogowithmeonthenexttraintoAtlanta.”

“Areyousureyou’refittotravelsofar,Clayton?”sheasked,hesitating.
“DoIlookit?”
Shesmiled.“Isupposeyoudo,mydear.Verywell.I’lldowhatyousay.”
Claireinsistedongoingalong,andMaudewouldn’tstaybehindwithherhusbandonalong

journey.Shewent,aswell,leavingEmily—althoughshehadwantedtogowiththem—inthecareof
Jason.

Thefamilyattorney,HarlandDennison,athinmanwithafirmdemeanor,wasn’taversetothe

trip.TheyallgotticketsforAtlantaandsetoutwiththebarestminimumofclothingandtoiletries.

Ratherthancheckintoahotelfirst,theywentstraighttotheAtlantajailnearestthebank.There

wasasmallcrowdoutsidewithplacardsdenouncingJohn.Claytongavethemangryglaresashe
pushedhiswaythrough,aheadofMaudeandClaire,thenledthewayintotheprecinct.

“Sendthatthiefouthere,ChiefStanton,andwe’lllynchhimforyou!”anangrymancalled.
AsClaytonandMaudewentintothepolicestation,Claireturnedandmovedbacktothetopstep.

Sheglaredstraightatthemanwho’dyelledthethreat.

“Myhusbandwouldnotstealanickelifhewerestarving,”shesaidfirmly.“Andanyonewho

reallyknewhimwouldbeawareofthat!Ifhewastheguiltyparty,whydidn’therun?”

Thereweremurmurs.Thathadn’toccurredtoanyone,apparently.
“Wouldamanwhostolesomuchmoneystayhere?”shecontinued.“Wouldaninnocentman

stayintownandwaitforalynchmob?AndifMr.Calverson,whoaccusedmyhusband,issoinnocent
himself,whyishestillhidinginhishouse?Thenewspapersayshewon’tevengotoworkathisown
bank.Hemakeshisfoulaccusationsfromhiding!Wouldabravemandothat?Andwherewashe
duringtherunonthebank,whenmyhusbandwasforcedtogooutanddefendthereputationofit?
WasMr.Calversonriskinghisownneck?Hewasnot!Onlymyhusbandhadthecouragetofacethe
mob.Issuchcouragethehallmarkofathief?”

Thereweremoremurmurs.
Claireliftedherchinandglareddownatthemillingcrowd.“Myhusbandhasbeenfalsely

accused.Andifyouwillbepatientforjustafewdays,Iwillproveittoyou.”

Therewasalongpauseandsomeloudmurmuring.Finallythemaninfrontspokefortherest.“I

guesswewon’tloseanymoremoneyifwewait,”hesaidsullenly.

“Guesshewouldhaverun,ifhe’ddoneit,”anotheradded.“Andheneverranfromthatmob.”
“Inthiscountryamanissupposedtobeconsideredinnocentuntilheisprovenguilty,”Claire

continued.“Myhusbandwillbeexonerated,andeverypennyofyourmoneywillberecovered.I
promiseyouso!”

Therewasanotherpauseandloudmurmurs.Afteraminuteonemansteppedforward.“We’ll

see,then,”themobleaderconceded.Helethisplacardfallandmotionedtotheothermen,leading
themawayfromthejail.

Whenshegotinside,itwastofindJohnbeingbroughtoutfromthebackofthebuilding.He

stoppedwhenhesawhisparentsandClaire.Hewassoshockedhecouldn’tspeak.

“Thereyouare,myboy,”Claytonsaidheartily,asifthey’dpartedinharmonyonlytheday

before.Hemovedforward,extendingahand.“I’vebroughtDennison.He’sgoingtogetyououtof
thisplace.We’llpostbail.Thenwe’llsetaboutprovingyouinnocent,whateverittakes.”

John’seyesnarrowedashedraggedthemawayfromthejoyoussightofClaireandlookedatthe

fatherhehadn’tseenintwoyears.ClaytonHawthornwasthinner,andhelookedfrail,buthiseyes
wereasdeterminedandfieryasever.“You’recertainthatIaminnocent?”heasked,withamocking
smile.

“Don’tbeabsurd,”hisfathersaidstiffly.“You’remyson—evenifIhavebeenanoldfoolofa

father.Iknowyou’reinnocent.”

Johnmettheextendedhandandshookitwithwarmthandrespect.“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain,

sir,”hesaidformally,althoughtherewassincerefeelinginhisdeeptone.

Claytonsmiledfaintly.“Yes.It’sgoodtoseeyou,too.”
“Suchformality!Men!”Maudegrumbled,pushingpastherhusbandtohughersonfiercely.“Oh,

mydear!Whatamessyou’velandedyourselfinthistime!”shesaidheavily.“Butwe’llgetyouout
somehow,evenifwehavetobribeajudgeorthreatenhimatgunpoint.”

“Mother!”Johnchuckled,huggingherclose.
“Idoknowajudge,”sheaddedthoughtfullyassheextricatedherself.“Weweresweetheartsin

grammarschool.ButhesitsonthebenchinFlorida,sohewouldhardlybeanyhelptous.”

“Thetruthwillbehelpenough,”Claytonsaid.“Andyoucanstopflauntingyouroldboyfriends

atme,youhussy!”

Maudegiggled,andJohnlookedpasthisparentstoClaire.Hisheartjumpedatthemeresightof

her,andherealizedhowmuchhe’dmissedherinhislife.He’dneverhadsuchasensationofjoyin
hislifebefore,butevenashisdarkeyesglitteredwithemotion,sheliftedherchinandstaredathim
withfrankresentment.Hescowledashesawherbelligerentexpression.Shehadn’tforgottenathing,
apparently.Heknewthenthatherresentmentswouldhavetobeovercome,anditwouldtaketime.
Thatwasallright.Hehadplentyoftime—ifhewasn’tlynchedintheinterim,hethoughtdarkly.

“Whatareyoudoingwithmyparents?”hedemanded.
“She’sbeenstayingwithus,”Claytonoffered.
“Idecidedthatitwouldbethelastplaceyou’dlookforme,”shetoldhim.
“Soitwas.”Heappearedangrynow.“I’dnoideawheretofindyou!”
“YouwereoccupiedwithMrs.CalversonjustbeforeIleft,asyourecall,”shesaidinanear

whisper.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dmissme.”

Maudesteppedbetweenthem.“Thisisn’ttheplace,”shesaidgently.
“You’reright,”Johnagreedreluctantly,stillangryatClaire’sjibe.“Butthankyouallfor

coming,justthesame.”

“Familiesmuststicktogetherintimesofstrife,”Maudetoldhim.
“I’vepaidthebail,”oldDennisonsaid,rejoiningthem.“You’refree,forthemoment,”headded

toJohn.“Let’sgo.”

Johnwentoutthedoorwiththemanddowntothewaitingcarriage.Itwasatightsqueeze,but

theymanagedtofit.Thecarriagetookthemtothebiggesthotelintown.

“DoyoustillhavethesuiteatMrs.Dobbs’shouse?”ClaireaskedJohn.“AndisChesterall

right?”

“Yes.Mrs.Dobbsrefusedtothrowmeout—eveninthefaceofsourpublicopinion.Quitea

woman,Mrs.Dobbs.”

“We’llgetroomshere,”ClaytonsaidasthecarriagestoppedattheAragonHotel.“Claire,go

homewithJohnandgethimcleanedup.Thenyoucanmeetushereatthehotelfortheeveningmeal.”

“Idon’t…”shebegan,embarrassed.
“Yes,thatwouldbebest,”Johnsaidbeforeshecouldtalkherwayoutofgoinghomewithhim.

“Wehavealottosaytoeachother.”

“Dowe?”sheaskedcoldly.
TheelderHawthornswavedatthemasthecarriagepulledoffdownthestreettowardMrs.

Dobbs’shouse.

JohnleanedbackandstaredatClaire.Shelookedfine-drawnandremote,elegantinherdarksuit

andperfectlycoiffed.Hesighedashethoughthowgooditwastohaveherhomeagain,even
reluctantly.He’dwastedsomuchoftheirtimetogether.Now,whenthechipsweredown,shestoodby
him.Diane,heknewnow,wouldhavealreadyrunforthehills.

“I’mindebtedtoyouforcomingback,”hetoldher,“andmostespeciallyforbringingmy

parentswithyou.We’vebeenalienatedforsometime.”

“Iremember.”
“Didmyfathertalktoyouaboutit?”heaskedpersistently.
Sheturnedinherseattolookathim.“Yes,hetoldmeeverything,justasyouhad.Yourfather

willtellyouhimselfthathedeeplyregretsblamingyouforsomethingthatwas,afterall,anactof
God.HehasreconciledhimselfwithGodandnowwishestodothesamewithyou.Hehasbeenvery
ill.Butjustlately,heseemstohaverallied.”

Hesmiled.“Becauseofyou,nodoubt,”hesaid,andwithoutsarcasm.“Youhaveakindheart,

Claire.Itwouldtakeastatuenottowarmtoyou.”

“You’reverykind,”shesaidformally,andlookedoutthewindowatthelightedhouses.
“IhadaskedoneofthePinkertonstofindyouforme,”heremarked.
“Why?”sheasked,withhonestsurprise.
Hefrowned.“BecauseIwasworriedaboutyou.Ihadnoideawhereyouwere,evenifyouwere

allright.”Heshrugged,glancingaway.“AndImissedyou,”headdedstiffly.

“Ifyou’daskedKenny,Iimaginehe’dhavetoldyou,eventhoughIaskedhimnotto.”
Hiseyesglitteredwithsuppressedanger.“YouthinkIwouldgotothatprissylittlebounderto

askthewhereaboutsofmywife?”heaskedtersely.

“Hemaybeprissy,buthe’smyfriend,”shereturned.“He’sbeenabetterfriendtomethanyou

everwere!”

“Indeed?”
Hesoundedarrogantagain,andjealous.Thatwasalaugh.Shesighed,studyinghim.“There’sno

needtopretendthatyouhaveanyfeelingforme,”shetoldhim.“Icamebackoutofloyalty,nothing
more.Icouldhardlydesertyouinyourtimeofneed.Ihadnoidea,noideawhatsoever,thatyou
wouldbeaccusedofembezzlingmoneyfromyourownbank.Whatanabsurdidea!Ihadtocome
homeandhelpdefendyou.Itismydutyasyourwife.”

Hefeltthewordsasifthey’dbeenablowaimedathisheart.Nowhehadherrealreasonfor

comingback,anditstung.He’dhopedthatshemighthavecomebackbecauseshestilllovedhim.“I
see,”hesaiddully.

Shemusthaveconvincedhim.Good.Shecouldn’tbearhimtoknowhowdeeplyshelovedhim,

whenhewasstillpiningforDiane.“Yourparentsverykindlygavemeaplacetostay—andmademe
welcomewhileIdecidedwhatIwasgoingtodo.Youneedn’tworryaboutme.Icanmakemyown
wayintheworldnow.”

“WithhelpfromyourfriendKenny?”heaskedicily.
Shesearchedhishardface.“Actually,yes…inaway,”shesaid.Sheliftedherchin.“Myfriend

KennyintroducedmetoamanfromNewYorkwhohasaninterestintheeveninggownsIdesign.I
willhaveanincomeofmyown.Somywelfarereallyisnolongeryourconcern,”shesaidamiably.
“YoucanworryaboutDianeinstead.”

Hestaredatherwithoutcomprehension.AsifanymysterymanfromNewYorkwouldbuydress

designsfromanunknownGeorgiawoman!Andwhateveninggowns?He’dneverseenherworkon
anythinglikethatathersewingmachine,althoughhedidknowthatshecouldsew.Mostwomen
could,evenifready-wearclothingmadeitlargelyunnecessaryforwomenofClaire’sclass.Buthe
didn’tbelieveherelaboratelie.Shewasobviouslymakingituptosaveherprideandconvincehimto
lethergo.“Dianeismarried,”heremindedher.

“Probablynotformuchlonger,ifherhusbandisindeedtheculpritwhostolethemoney.Can

youreallyseeDianefollowingMr.Calversontotheendsoftheearth,guiltyornot?Sheisn’tthesort
toliveontherun,regardlessoftheamountofmoneyhe’sembezzled.Herfamilynamemeanstoo
muchtoher.”

Hewasamazedthatsheknewthat.He’donlyjustlearneditthehardway.
“Eliaccusedmeofembezzlingthemoney—andDawesofbeingmyaccomplice.”
“Mr.Daweswillcertainlyclearyou—”
“Mr.Daweshasconvenientlyvanished.”Heinterruptedhergruffly.“Hewasoutonbondand

apparentlylefttown.Noonehasanyideawhereheis,althoughCalversonhaspromisedtoproduce
himintimetotestifyagainstme.”

“YousaidthePinkertonshavebeencalledin?”
“Indeedtheyhave,atmyinsistence,”hesaid.“Andoneoftheirmenwhoservedinthewarwith

mejusthappenedtobeintownfortheirconvention.He’sthebestinvestigatorIknow.HetookDawes
tothepoliceandwasworkingtofindevidenceagainstCalversonwhenIwasarrested.Lastnighthe
cametoseemeinjail.”

“Heisn’tfromAtlanta?”
“No,he’sfromChicago.He’llworkwiththelocaldetectives.HisnameisMattDavis.”He

smiled.“You’lllikehim.He’squiteunusual.”

“Unusualhow?”
“Waitandsee.”
Mrs.Dobbsopenedthefrontdoorwhenthecarriagepulledupatthehouseandcameouttomeet

them.

“I’msogladthatyou’rebothback,”shesaidwarmly.“Iknowyou’reinnocent,Mr.Hawthorn,

andI’vetoldeveryoneso.AreyouacquaintedwithamannamedDavis?”sheaddedworriedly.
“Becausehe’sinsidewaitingforyou.”Sheleanedforward.“HelookslikethatpictureontheIndian-
headnickel!Ithinkhe’sanIndian!”

“Heis.He’sSioux.”
“Sioux?”Claireexclaimed.
“Yes.Comeandmeethim.”
“Hewon’t…?Thatis,he—hedoesn’t…?”
“Mrs.Dobbs,universalbrotherhood…?Forgiveandforget…”Johnprompted,teasingher.

“We’reallfriendsnow.”

Sheflushed.“Ofcourse!”Shegatheredupherskirts.“Ihopeheknowsweare.”
Atall,verydarkmaninanexpensivesuitwaitedfortheminthehall.
“Goodtoseeyououtagain,John,”hesaid.
Johnshooktheextendedhand.“Goodtobeout,Matt.”
HeglancedatClairewithstudiedindifference,andshenoticedthathehadverylong,straight

blackhair,tiedinaneatponytail.“ThemissingMrs.Hawthorn,Ipresume.”

“Yes.Howdoyoudo,Mr.Davis?”
“Verywell,thankyou.”Hestudiedherforaminutelongeranddecidedthatheneednevertell

Johnthathe’ddiscoveredherwhereabouts.Shewasback.Thatwasallthatmattered.Heturnedto
John.“Iheardfromthepolicethatyourfatherhadarrangedforyoutobefreedonbail.Icamebyto
tellyouthatI’vebeencheckingourfiles,lookingatCalverson’sbackgroundforanythingthatmight
helppointafingertowardhim.SofarI’veturneduponlyonethingthatmightgiveusanadvantage,
andIgotthatfromareporterwhowrotetheonlystoryquestioningCalverson’saccusations.Itseems
thatCalversonwasonceundersuspicionatabankinMarylandforembezzling.Thecasewasdropped
forlackofevidence,althoughayoungclerkwasblamedforthetheftandspentsometimeinjail
beforehewasclearedofthecharges.ThatwasjustbeforeCalversonopenedthePeachtreeCityBank
inAtlanta.”

Johnwhistled.“Apparentlyhelearnedthroughtheexperiencetohavesomeonestandingbytobe

blamedwhilehegotoff.”

“Somewouldsaythathewasfalselyaccused,”Mattreplied.“Butitsoundslikeamethodof

operationtome.Andaverysuccessfulone.Hecouldgetawaywithithereunlesswecancatchhim
withthemoneysomehow.”

“Doyouhaveanyonewatchinghishouse?”Claireaskedabruptly.
Davis’seyebrowswentup.“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Hecan’tbeplanningtostayintownifhe’sguilty,canhe?”shecontinued.“Heprobablyknows

thecaseagainstyouwon’tstandup.Eitherhehasthemoneywithhimorhe’sstasheditsomewhere.It
wouldn’tsurprisemeonebitifhetriedtosneakawayinthemiddleofthenight.Nowthathe’sgot

Johnontheline,he’sverylikelytoconsideritsafetogetaway.Afterall,everyoneknowsthathe’s
beenathishouse.He’sentertainedthepresstheretwice.”

“HehasrelativesinCharlestonwhowouldhidehim,helphimgetontoashipandgetclean

away,”Johnadded.“Claire’sgotapoint.Ithinkhe’llrun.Hishouseshouldbewatched.”

Mattgrimaced.“I’dlovetohaveamanwatchit,butinasmallcommunitylikethis,allthe

neighborsknowwhobelongsandwhodoesn’t.Astrangerwouldstickoutlikeasorethumb.He’dbe
spottedimmediately,nomatterhowcarefulhewas.AndwhileIcanhaveamanwatchthedepot,I
can’tkeephimthereindefinitely.”

“Leavethattome,”Clairesaid,withaslowsmile.“IthinkIknowawaytokeepMr.Calverson’s

homeunderclosescrutiny,andhe’llneverknow.”

“Whatdoyoumeantodo?”Johnaskedher.
“Waitandsee,”shetoldhim.

CLAIRECALLEDONEVERYSOCIETYMATRONSHEknewandenlistedtheiraid.Fortunately
itwasoneofthedayssetasidebyEvelynandhercircleforbeing“athome”forvisiting.Clairewent
firsttoEvelynPaine’shome.

Evelyn,fortunatelyalone,wastickledjustatthethoughtofbeingaspy.“It’ssoexciting,Claire!”

sheexclaimed.“Imagineme,helpingthePinkertons!”

“Yes,butyoumustn’tletontoasoul!”Claireinsisted.
“AsifIwould.”Evelynscoffed.“Doyouknowwhereheis,andwherehe’sgotthemoney?”
“Ihaven’taclue,”Clairerepliedmiserably.“Butifit’salotofmoney,andJohnsaidit’s

thousandsofdollars,wouldn’titbebulkyandhardtohide?”

“Hemighthaveitinatrunk,”Evelynsuggested.
“Thatwouldbeveryeasytosearch.”
“Surely,”shesaid.“Butwhatifhiswife’sclotheswereinit?”
Clairewastakenaback.JohnhadsaidthatDianepretendedtoknownothingofCalverson’s

plans,butwasthattrue?OrwasDianeonlyhelpingthemanhidehisill-gottengains?Shemightnot
gointohidingwithhim,butshemightbewillingtohelphimgetawayforapercentageofhisprofits.
HadJohnconsideredthat?

“Whatiftheywere?”Clairethoughtaloud.“Andwhileeveryone’swatchingMr.Calversonto

seeifheruns,it’sDianewhohasthemoney!”

“Claire,whatadeviousthought.”Evelynchuckled.“Andaverygoodproposition,too.Nowhow

dowegetintoDiane’strunks?”

“Wemayneedalittlehelpthere,”Clairesaidthoughtfully,andcringedassherealizedwhothe

verybestpersonforthejobwouldbe.Afterall,whowouldDianetrustmorethanJohn?

Thethingshedidn’tknowwaswhetherornotJohnwouldbewillingtodosomethingso

underhandedtotheloveofhislife.ItmadehersadtorealizethatifDianeindeeddidhavethemoney
hiddenawayinthosetrunks,itwoulddestroyJohn’sopinionofher.Butthealternativewastodo
nothingandlettheCalversonsgetawaywithgrandtheft—whilelettingJohngotoprison.Itwasa
thoughtthatgaveClairegoosebumps.Somehow,shehadtomakeJohnseereason.

Butitwasharderthanevertotalktohimwhentheywerebackattheapartmenttogether.She

dressedfordinner,andthenworriedaboutwhattosay.Andtherewerethingsshecouldn’tbring
herselftotellhimjustyetShetouchedthebeltatherwaist,whichshe’dhadtoletouttwonotches.It
wasonlyasuspicion,butitseemedalogicalone,thatshewasgoingtohaveJohn’schild.Howwould
hereacttothat?WerehisfeelingsforDianesostrongthatitwouldn’tmatter,orwouldguiltcause
himtogiveupDianebecauseoftheimpendingchild?Shehadnoidea.Shewasn’tsureshewantedan
answertotheworrisomequestion.

Hecameoutofhisownroom,immaculateandsolemn.HisgazeslidoverClaire,notinghow

radiantshelookedeventhoughshewasn’tsmiling.He’dmissedhermorethanhe’ddreamedhe
could.

“Thankyou,”hesaidtersely.

“Forwhat?”
“Formakingitpossibleformetospeaktomyparents,amongotherthings.Ihadthoughtnever

toseemyfatheragaininthislife.”

“Habitsometimeskeepsusonpathswedeplore,”shesaidphilosophically.“Yourparentsare

wonderfulpeople.Theymademefeelrightathome.SodidEmilyandJason.”

Hemovedforwardandtookherhandsgentlyintohisbig,warmones.“Iwasworriedtodeath

aboutyou,”heconfessed.“Ilayawakenights,wonderingifyouweresafe.”Hechuckledsoftly.“And
youwerewithmypeopleallthetime.Ihadnoideathatyouevenknewwheremyparentslived.”

“YouhadtoldmetheywereinSavannah,”sheremindedhim.“Buttheyareacquaintancesof

EvelynPaine’s,andsheintroducedus.”

“Isee.”Heshookhishead.“Youareasurprisingwoman.”
Shesearchedhisface,seeingnewlinesthere.“I’msorrytohaveleftatsuchabadtimeforyou.I

neverdreamedthatyouwouldbeaccusedofanyshortfallatthebank,”shesaidgently.“Youarethe
mosthonestmanIhaveeverknown.”

Hesmiled.“AndyouarethemosthonestwomanIhaveeverknown,”hesaid,returningthe

compliment.

“Asforthecharges,weshallcertainlyprovethemfalse.”
“AsIheardyoutellingthemoboutside.”Heshookhishead,hiseyesfullofdelight.“Iwasso

proudofyou.Andnotonlythen.IwasproudofyoufordrivingChesterthroughtheflamestosave
me.Oh,Claire.Theriskyoutook!IwouldneverhavepermitteditifIhadseenyouintime.”

Hisconcernmadeherheartrace.Hewasactingverydifferentsinceherreturn,asifhelikedher

morethanever.Butshewasafraidtohope.Shehadn’tforgottenhiscoldnesstoherattheirwedding,
orhisindifferenceforthefirstfewweekstheyweretogether.Perhapsmostofall,shehadn’t
forgottenthatkissshe’dwitnessedinthekitchenofthisveryhouse.

Shepulledherhandsawayslowly.“HasDianebeentoseeyouinjail?Idon’tsupposeshecould,

withherhusbandaccusingyouinallthenewspapers.”

Heseemedsaddenedbyhermentionoftheotherwoman.Hemadeanoddmovementwithhis

shoulders.“Dianewouldhardlywanttobeseenwithmeatsuchatime,”hesaid,andknewthatitwas
thetruth.HadDianebeenfree,shestillwouldnothavecomenearhim.Certainlyshewouldn’thave
defendedhimsobravelyasClairehadagainstapotentiallynchmob.“Wehavetolookforward,you
know,”hecontinuedgently.“Dianeisthepast,Claire.Youarethefuture.”

Shewanted—oh,sobadly—tobelievehim.Butpasteventshadmadeherwary.Hergrayeyes

liftedtohis.“Thisisnotthetimetospeakofthefuture,John,”shesaidsolemnly.“Somuchdepends
onprovingMr.Calversonguilty.”

Heletgoofherhands.“Indeed.”
“Hiswifewillsurelyknowofhisplans,”shesaid,withoutlookingathim.“Howsadthatwe

don’thaveherconfidence.”

Hestudiedherforamoment—anditoccurredtohimthatshewasaskingforhishelp,without

actuallyputtingitintowords.Shedidn’ttrusthim.Perhapshecouldchangehermind,showherthat
Dianenolongermattered.Hemovedaway,consideringpossibilities.

WODAYSPASSED,DURING

whichJohnspenthistimeatthebankcalminginvestorsandreassuring

coworkers;heandClairepassedtheireveningsatthehotelwithhisparents.Thebank’scustomers
seemedreassuredbyhiscontinuedpresencethere.Eachmorning,EliCalversonsenthiswifetoopen
thebank’sdoorsforhim,makingitobviousthathestilldidn’ttrusthisvicepresidentwiththekey.He

wasseenathishome,buthedidn’tapproachthebank.DianewasflirtatioustowardJohn—andshe
madesuggestiveremarksthathesimplyignored,puzzlingher.

ThePinkertonman,MattDavis,hadcomparedtheentriesinthebank’sledgerswithboth

Calverson’ssignatureandasampleofJohn’shandwriting.HeandtheotherPinkertonmanassigned
tothecasehadnodifficultypointingoutthatCalversonhadmadetheentries,andprovingittothe
police.ThankGod,hetoldJohn,forscientificmethodanditsapplicationtolawenforcement.

“AndthankGodyouwereintownwhenIneededyou.”Johnchuckled.“Chicagowouldbemuch

toofarawayforyoutoworkonacaselikethis.”Johnstuckhishandsinhispocketsandpacedhis
office.“Well,wecanprovethatCalversonforgedtheentries,butthemoneyisstillmissing.Unless
wecanproduceit,andtieittoEli,andfindDawestotestify…well,I’minabadsituation.”

“Yourwife’sfriendsarebusywatchingtheCalversonhome.I’vegotmenonthetraindepot.The

onlyotherwayoutoftownisinacarriageorbuggy,andI’vegotpeoplewatchingatstablesfor
those,too—incasehetriestogettoanothertowntoboardatrainboundforCharleston.”

“He’llhavetotryiteventually,”Johnsaid.“Accusingmeisobviouslyastopgapmeasureuntil

hecangetaway.ButwhatifheletsDianetakethemoneyawayforhim?Whatifshegoesoutoftown
withtrunkssupposedlyfullofclothing?”

“Therearewaystofindoutwhat’sinthetrunks,”Mattmurmureddryly.
“Isupposeso.ButitmightbeeasierifIwenttoseehermyself.”
“Wouldshebelikelytoletyouinthedoor,ifshe’sinvolvedinthis?”
“We’venowayofknowinguntilwetry,”Johnremindedhim.“Shedoesn’tknowthatIsuspect

her.”

“Allright.Butbecareful,”Mattcautioned.“Desperatemendodesperatethings.”
“You’dknow.”Johnchuckled.
Mattdidn’tsmile.Hiseyeswerefullofthepastfewyears.HisfatherhaddiedatLittleBighorn.

HismotherhaddiedattheWoundedKneemassacre,alongwithhisyoungsisters.Matthimselfhad
beenbadlywounded.Thekindnessofawhitereservationdoctorandhisdaughter ’sskillednursing
hadsparedMattfromlifeasacripple.Thedoctor,afterward,hadhelpedhimtoChicago,tofind
workatthePinkertondetectiveagencythroughaboyhoodfriend.Thepastfewyearshadbeenfruitful
onesforthetalldetective.

HelivedinChicago,andhisappearancecontinuedtoraiseeyebrowsandcommentsabouthis

ancestry,butnoonedaredteasehimaboutit.Hehadatemperasformidableashismindwaskeen.
Johnwasproudtocallhimfriend.Matt,likeJohn,hadbeenaloner.Hisonlyotherfriendhadbeenan
attorneyfromNewYork,amysteriousmannamedDunnwithblueeyesthatintimidatedeven
hardenedveterans.Thosehadbeengooddays,Johnthought.Buthehadthehopeofanevenbetterlife
withClaire,ifonlyhecouldtiethebrokenthreadsofhislifetogether.

OHNCALLEDON

IANE

thatveryafternoon.Sheseemedtakenabacktoseehim.Firstshewas

welcoming,andthenallatonce,sheseemedafraid.

“Youshouldn’thavecome,”shesaidurgently,glancingaroundbehindher.“John,thisisnota

goodtimeforasocialcall.”

Despitehermaneuvers,Johnglimpsedtwotrunksthroughthefrontdoor.Bothweretaggedand

waitingatthefootofthestaircase,withavalise.Hepretendednottonotice.

“Ithoughtyouwantedtoseeme,”hesaidsoftly.
Shebitherlowerlip.“Idid.Ido.”Shelookedupwithaworriedfrown.“John,it’sallso

upsetting.Idon’tknowwhattodo.There’ssolittlethatIcandonow.”Sheputahandonhischest.

“Forgiveme,”shesaidhuskily,glancingoverhershoulder.“Imustgo.”

“ShallIcallagainthisevening?”heaskedinahushedtone,hiseyesfullofcalculationthatshe

wastooupsettosee.

Herwholefacecontorted.Sheseemedunusuallypale.“No!Imean,no,John.Perhapstomorrow

evening.Yes.Thatwouldbeveryniceindeed.I’llhavemysistercometoplaychaperon.”She
loweredhervoiceandattemptedtolookcoquettish.“Willthatdo,mydear?”

“Thatcertainlywilldo,”hesaid,withforcedtenderness.Hetouchedhercheek.“I’msorryfor

allthetroubleyou’vehad,”hesaid,lying.“Untillater,Diane.”

“John?”
Heturned.
“IunderstandthatyourfatherandmotherhavecomefromSavannah,andthatClaireiswith

them,”shesaid.“I’mverysorryforallthetroubleyou’vebeensubjectedto.Ihope—”shegnawed
herlowerlip“—Ihopeitwillworkoutforyou.”Hereyesflutteredupandthendownagain.“Iknow
thatyoudidn’tstealfromthebank.”

Howsweetlyconcernedsheseemed,whenshewascertainlyburiedinthisfoulmatteruptoher

prettyneck.Hedidn’tsayaword.Heonlysmiled,tippedhishat,andwalkedbackdownthesidewalk.

“Whydidn’tyougetridofhimsooner?”thedirtylittlemanElihadhiredragedassheclosed

thedoor.Hecameoutoftheparlor,wipinghissweatybrow.“Whatifhesawthetrunks?”

“Hecouldn’thave;Iblockedthedoorway,”shemurmured.Sheglancedathimimpatiently.

“Nowdogetthesethingsloadedandgo.”

“You’llbeonthattrainwhenitpullsout?”heasked.
Thelittlemanscaredher.“Yes,Mr.O’Connor.I’llbeonthetrain—justasIpromisedEliI

would.I’mnotgoingtobetrayhimnow.Ican’taffordto,”sheaddedinamiserable,frightenedtone.

“Seethatyouare.Orhemightsendmeback.”
Elihadturnedintoamadmanaftertheembezzlementcametolight.Dianewasactuallyafraidof

him.Johnhadwantedheronce,butdespitehistendertonetoday,itwaspainfullyobviousthatheno
longerdid.She’dseenJohnastheanswertoherproblems,butshe’dlosthimsomehow.Nowshehad
todoasElihaddemanded,eventhoughherheartwasn’tinit.Hisplanwasdeviousandshrewd.But
thosePinkertonswereshrewd,too.Sheonlyhopedthedeceptionwouldsparethemanarrest.
Otherwise,shewascertaintogotojailwithherthievinghusband,aprospectthathonestlyterrified
her.Herbeautifuldressesandexpensivejewelshadcarriedapricetagthatshe’dneverexpectedto
havetopay.Herfamilywouldbedisgracedandshewouldbeafugitive,tarnishedbeyondpolishing.
Sheshiveredattheverythoughtofwherehergreedhadledher.

OHNGOTBACKINTO

hiswaitingcarriageanddirectedthedrivertogobesidethehouseandaroundthe

block.HehadasneakingfeelingthatEliwasabouttomakearunforit.Sureenough,hespotteda
freightwagonparkedjustbehindtheCalversonhome.Evenashewatched,amancameouttheback
doorwithonetrunkonhisshoulder.Heputthetrunkonthewagonwherethevalisestood,wentback
forthesecondtrunk,loadedthaton,andclimbedupbehindthehorses.SothatwashowEliplannedto
getoutoftown,wasit!Notasapassengeratall,butasfreight.Hewasprobablyunderoneofthose
sacksinthebackofthewagonandplannedtohidehimselfinsideoneofthetrunks.Howvery
ingenious!AndDianeherselfhadgivenawayhistravelplans.Hewasgoingtoday.Rightnow.No
doubthewasonhiswaytothedepot.HowcouldJohnmovefastenoughinacarriagetointercept
him?

Andthenitcametohim.Clairehadanautomobile.PrayGodshecouldgetitrunningandhad

enoughgasoline.Thatwasgoingtobetheswiftestwaytotiealltheselooseendstogether.Itwas
highlyunlikelythatCalversonwasarmed,orthathewouldresorttoviolence,sohewouldn’tbe
puttingClaireatrisk.

HehadthecarriagedrophimoffatMrs.Dobbs’sapartmenthouse.HefoundClaireupstairsin

theirapartment,acharcoalpencilpoisedoveralargedrawingpad.

“Ineedyou,”hesaidquickly—andwithablindingsmilethatsetherheartracing.“Canyouget

Chesterrunninginahurry?”

Clairethrewdownthepad,onwhichadresswasbeingsketched,andjumpedup,hereyesbright

withexcitement.“Me?Why—why,Icertainlycan!”sheexclaimed.

“Calversonisabouttomakearunforitinafreightwagon.Iexpecthe’stryingtoshiphimself

toCharleston,alongwiththemoney.God,IhopeI’mright!”

Shedidn’tstoptoaskquestions.ItwasmorethanenoughthatJohnneededher.Shegrabbedher

longcotton-duckdusterandhergoggles,thenranoutthedoorthatJohnwasholdingopen.“Idon’t
haveoneoftheseforyou.I’msorry,”shesaidoverhershoulder.

Hechuckled.“Idon’tmindalittlegreaseanddirt,Claire.Let’sgo!”
Shecrankedthecar,thankingprovidencethatshe’dbeentinkeringwithitjustthedaybeforeto

makesureitwouldrun.Shebackeditintotheroadandputitintogear,withJohnholdingontohis
hat.

“Whereto?”sheaskedhim,shoutingtomakeherselfheardovertheengine.
“TheMorrisonHotel.WehavetopickupMattDavistomakethearrest.”
“Icanhaveyouthereinnotime!”
Shedrovelikeamadwoman,racingovertheruttedroadsontoPeachtreeStreet,whichwasa

littleeasiertotraversebecausethenearendhadahardsurface.Shelaughedatthesheerexhilaration
oftheexperience,glancingonceatherhusbandtofindthesamerecklesslightinhiseyes.Yes,hewas
likeher,shethought.Hehadthesamepassionatespirit.Ifonlyhecouldloveherashelovedhis
Diane,whatapairtheywouldmake!

ShepulledupattheentrancetotheMorrisonHotel,frighteningacarriagehorsenearby.She

grimacedandcalledanapologytotheirritateddriverasJohnleaptoverthedoorandrushedintothe
hotel.Scantminuteslater,hecameoutwithMattDavisrunningrightbehindhim.

Davisskiddedtoastopatthecar,hisblackeyeswidewithsurprise.“I’mnotgettinginthat

thing!”heyelled.

“Oh,yes,youare,”Johnsaidfirmly.Hedraggedthetallermantotheothersideandalmost

pushedhimintotheseat.“Go,Claire.Goasfastasyoucan!”

Johnhadjumpedin,too.Thethreeofthembarelyfit,buttheymanagedtohangonasClaire

racedthelittlecartothetraindepotafewblocksaway.

“Youcan’tmeanthatMr.CalversonreallyintendstogotoCharlestoninatrunk!”Clairecalled.
“Icertainlydo.Isawthetrunksandthefreightwagonwithmyowneyes,”Johncalledback.

“Claire,drivearoundbehindthedepot,behindthatwarehouse,andstopthecar.We’llwaithereuntil
heturnsup.”

“Whatifhe’salreadyhere?”
Johnscannedthefreightwagons.“Idon’tseehim—”
“Wait!”Mattinterrupted,pointing.“Herecomesanotherone.”
“That’sit,”Johnreplied,recognizingitimmediately.“Isawitathishouse,wherethatlittle

weaselwasloadingthetrunksonit.Claire,youstayhere,outofharm’sway,”hesaidfirmly,holding
upahandwhensheprotested.“You’vedoneyourpart.Nowwe’lldoours.”

“Letmehandlethis,”Mattsaidfirmly.“Ihaven’tforgottenyourtemper.”
“I’machangedman.Ionlywantfiveminuteswithhim.”

“Notonyourlife,”camethedrollreply.“Iwanthiminonepiece.”
“Pity,”Johnremarkedashefollowedthedetectivearoundthesideofthebuilding.
Clairedidn’tstaywhereshewastold.Shegotoutofthecarandfollowedatadiscreetdistance.

Alongtheway,shepickedupacoupleofbigrocksandstuffedtheminthepocketsofherduster.She
didn’tthinkCalversonwouldputupafight,butitwasimpossibletopredictwhatadesperateman
woulddo,especiallyonecarryinglargesumsofcash.

Mattstoppedtheagentwhohadtwomenhelpinghimgetthetrunksoutofthewagon.
“Wehavereasontobelievethatstolenmoneyishiddeninthesetrunks.”Heshowedhis

identificationtotheman,whoshruggedandsteppedback,asiftosay,Thisisn’tmyproblem.

Mattinstructedthetwostrongmentobreakthelocksandopenthetrunks.
Thefirstlidwaspriedopen.MatthadhispistolinhishandandhenoddedtoJohntodrawthe

clothingout.

Itwaseveninggowns,quiteafewofthem,andshoes.Johnplowedthroughthem,buttherewas

nothinghiddeninthetrunkundertheclothing.NoEli,andnomoney.

Cursing,hemovedtotheothertrunk.Thedepotagentshruggedandusedthecrowbaronce

more.Thelockwassprung,thetrunkopened.

“Somethinghastobeinhere,”Johnmuttered.Hereachedin.Yes,therewasabag.Hisheart

begantorace.Hemovedthedressesandundergarmentsasideandpulledoutagraybag.Butinsideit
wasanoldquilt—andwrappedinthatwasapricelessWaterfordcrystalvase.Johncursedviciouslyas
herepackeditandputitbackinside.

“Nothing!”heraged.Hehitthelidofthetrunk.“Damnit!Hegotaway!”
“Whataboutthedriver?”Mattasked.“MaybeIcancatchhimifIhurry.Hemightbeabletotell

mesomething.”

“ButwhataboutEli?”Johnaskedangrily.“AndwhyaresomanyofDiane’sgownshereinthese

trunks?”

TheanswerwasthatDianemustbethinkingofgoingwithherhusband—orwhywouldsheship

hergownstoCharleston?Perhapsherhusbandwasalreadysafelyoutoftown.Withtheverylarge
sumofmoneymissingfromthebank,theCalversonscouldlivehandsomelyfortherestoftheirlives
iftheygotonashipandsaileddownintotheCaribbeanortoSouthAmerica.

“Andnowherewe’vebustedtheselocksfornothing,”thestationmansaidirritably.“You’llhave

topayforthis.”

“I’lldoit,”Johnsaid.“Itwasmyidea.”Hereachedforhisnotecase,irritatedbeyondmeasure.

Hecountedoutseveralbillsandhandedthemover.“Mrs.Calversonknowsme.Shecancontactmeif
thatisn’tenough.”

“Whereishe,doyouthink?”JohnaskedMattDaviswhentheywerewalkingbacktowardthe

automobile.

“Godknows!Damntheluck!Howmanytrunkswerethere?”
“Isawonlytwo,”Johnsaidangrily.“Buttheremighthavebeenathirdthathesentonlateror

earlier.Godknowshowhemanagedit!TheonlythingI’mcertainofisthathe’sonhiswayto
Charleston.”Heletoutalongbreath.“Andthat’swhereI’mgoingrightnow.I’llbedamnedifhe’s
gettingawaywithit!”

“Ican’thelpyou,”Mattsaid,withconcern.“I’vegottoleaveinthemorning,backtoChicago.

ButIcanwireoneofourmeninCharlestontomeetyouatthedepot.”

“Doit,”Johnsaidtersely.
“Meanwhile,I’lltrytofindthatdriverandseewhatIcanshakeoutofhim.Whataboutyour

wife?”

Ashespoke,Clairecamearoundthecornerwithherdusterpocketsbulgingwithrocks.

“Whereishe?”sheasked,andpulledoneoftherocksfromthecoat.
John’seyestwinkled.God,shewasgame!“Onthetrain,wepresume,”hesaid.Hemoved

forward,hisvoicesoftashespoketoher.“Listen,Claire,I’mgoingtoCharlestonafterhim.Youtake
yourautomobilebackhome—”

“Iwillnot!”shesaidfirmly.“I’mgoingwithyou.”
Hiseyeswidened.“Whatabouttheautomobile?”
SheturnedtoMattDavis.“Iknowit’sapresumption,butcouldyougoaroundtoKennyBlake’s

men’sshopandaskhimtotakeithomeforme?Heandacoupleofmencanputitonawagonand
takeitthere.Theshed’sopen—andhecanclosethelockafterward.AndifyoucouldalsotellMrs.
Dobbsatourapartmenthouse…andJohn’sparentsattheAragonHotelwherewe’vegone?”

Johnchuckledatherefficiency.“Sheseemstohaveitallorganized.Doyoumind?”heaskedhis

friend.

Mattsmiledfaintly.Hedidn’tlikewhitewomenasarule,butthisonehadspunk.“I’lldoit,”he

said,agreeing.

“Thankyou,Mr.Davis,”shesaidgenuinely.
Johnshookhandswithhim.“Ifyou’llhavethatmanalertedtomeetusatthedepotinCharleston

whenwearrive,perhapswecanfindCalversonbeforehemakesacleangetawaywiththeloot.”

“NobodyescapesthePinkertons,”Mattsaid,withtongueincheek.
“NobodyescapestheHawthorns,either,”Claireassuredhim.“John,look!Thetrain’sgetting

readytoleave.Wemustfly!”

Shegrabbedhishandandspiritedhimtowardtheticketoffice.Hewentwithher,moreelatedand

excitedthanhe’deverbeeninbattle.Thechasewason,thegamewasafoot,andhefeltlikeaboyona
snipehuntagain.Exceptthatthistime,hewasn’tlookingforsomemythicalbird.Hewashuntingbig
game,andhiswholefuturedependedonfindingit.

THEYMANAGED,JUST,TOGETSEATSINAcompartmentthatwasempty.Clairetookoffher
dusterandputitaside,usingherhandkerchieftoremovesomeofthegrimefromherdarkdressand
herface.

Johnstaredatherfromacrossthecompartmentontheseatfacinghers.Hesmiled.“Whyisit

thatyouseemtobesewingallthetime,yetyouwearthesamethingsoverandoveragain?Anddon’t
tellmeit’sforMacy’s.Thatreallywasatalltale,Claire.”

Shelookedupwithliftedeyebrows.“Ineverlie.Youknowthat.”
Hescowledandleanedforward.“Youmeanthatit’strue?Youactuallyhavesoldgowns…to

Macy’s?”

“IndeedIhave,”shereplied,ruffled.“Iknowthatyouwouldn’thaveheardofmygowns,but

they’requitepopular.AbuyerfromMacy’shasjustemployedmetodesignacollectionforthestore.
IalsosewgownsforsocietyladiesinAtlanta,notablyEvelynPaineandherfriends.AndIhavebeen
commissionedbyyourmothertosewEmily’scoming-outgownforthespringdebutantes’ballin
Savannah.”

Helookedperplexed.“Howlonghaveyoudonethis?”
“Sincejustafterwemarried,”sheconfessed.Shetoyedwiththehandkerchief.“Ihadplentyof

timeforsuchpursuits,andIwantedanindependentincome.”Shelookedup.“Afterall,itseemedfor
atimeasifyouwoulddivorcemeandmarryDianeatyourearliestopportunity.Ifeltitwouldbe
politicofmetobecomeself-sufficientassoonaspossible.”

Hefeltasenseofshamethathe’dmadehersoinsecure.“Well,atleastitexplainsallthat

sewing,”heremarked.

“KennyintroducedmetothebuyerfromMacy’s.Ihadasundaewithhimwhilewearrangedfor

thedesignstobesenttoNewYork.”

Heletoutabreath.“Isee.Sothat’swhyyouwereintownwithhim.AndIsupposeit’swhyyou

methimthedayofthebankriotandthefire?”

“Exactly.ItookhimsomesketchestosendtoMr.Stillwell,thebuyeratMacy’s.”
“Andyoudidn’tfeelyoucouldexplainthistome,evenwhenIchargedyouwithinfidelity?”he

askedgently.

Sheshruggeddelicately.“IthardlyseemedthetimetotellyouthatIwasonthevergeof

becomingwelloffinmyownright.”Sheliftedherhands.“YoumustseethatIhadeveryreasonnot
totrustyou.”

Hegrimaced.“Ido.Butthatdoesn’tmakeiteasier.”
“ItdisturbsyouthatIshallbeindependent?”sheasked,fishing.
Heleanedbackandcrossedhislong,powerfullegs.Hestaredatheracrossthecoach.“Not

really.It’sagoodideaforyoutohaveyourownincome.NotbecauseIplantodivorceyou,”he
addedfirmly,“butbecauseyouwouldbeabletosupportyourselfifanythinghappenedtome.”

“Godforbid,”shesaid,andfeltachill.
Hesmiled.“Really?Attimesitseemedtomethatyouwouldn’tmindifIfelloffacliff.Infact,I

feelcertainthatduringourbriefmarriage,youwerereadytopushmeoffoneatimeortwo.”

Hereyesloweredtoherlong,dustyskirt.“Iwouldmind,though.”Sheliftedhereyesagain.

“Yousearchedthetrunks,didn’tyou?AndneitherMr.Calversonnorthemoneywasinthem.”

“Yousawthat?”
Shesmiledruefully.“Iwaspeeringaroundthecorner.Ihadrocksinmypockets,sothatIcould

wadeinandhelpifyouneededme.”

Hechuckledwithpuredelight.“It’snicetoknowthatyouhavemyinterestsatheart.”
“Youaremyhusband,afterall.”Shestudiedhisfaceforalongmoment.“Whatdidyoufindin

thetrunks?”

Hedidn’twanttotellherthatjustyet.Helookedaway.“Justsomeclothing.ItseemsthatEli

planstospendquitealotoftimeeitherinCharlestonorabroadandhopesItakehispunishmentfor
him.”

Shegrimaced.“Youthoughtbetterofhim,I’msure.I’msorry.”
“I’mnotreallysurprised,youknow,”hesaid.“Eliwasalwaysonetoputprofitabovefriendship

orcompassion.Moneyissounimportantinthegreatschemeofthings,Claire.I’vehadmoneyand
I’vebeenwithoutit.Idon’tnoticeanyrealdifference,exceptthatIfeelmorecomfortablemakingmy
ownwayinlife,dependingonmyintelligenceandmywitstokeepmeontherighttrack.”He
searchedhereyes.“Yes,youunderstandthat,don’tyou?Becauseyou’veneverhadmoney.”

“That’sso.IhadUncleWillandnotmuchmore.Excepttheautomobile.”Herfacebrokeintoa

grin.“YourfriendMattDavisisafraidofautomobiles!”shesaid,withpureglee.

“Yes,Inoticed,”hesaid,chuckling.“Ifyouknewanythingofhistruebackground,youmight

finditevenmoreamusing.”

“Dotell,”shecoaxed.
Hechuckled.“Oneday,perhaps,notnow.”
“YousaidthathewasSioux.”
“Heis.”
“IthassomethingtodowithGeneralCuster ’sdeath,doesn’tit?”
“Something,”hesaid.“Becausetherewassomuchbadfeelingtowardhispeopleaftertheevent,

forsometimeafterheleftSouthDakota,Mattwassensitiveaboutanyreferencetohisrace.Most
peoplewhoknowhimaresavvyenoughnottotaketheriskofmentioningit.Butinsomeways,he’s
stillsensitiveabouthisidentity.TheacceptedfacadeofthedumbIndianortheuntamedsavage
infuriateshim.He’saveryeducatedman.”

“Inoticedthat.Buthedoesn’tseemtolikewomen.”
“Whitewomen,”hesaid.Hiseyeswenttowardthecoachwindow.“No,hedoesn’t.”
“Why?”
“Idon’tknow,”hesaidhonestly.“WeservedtogetherindifferentunitsinCuba,andalthoughwe

werefriends,Mattwasaprivateperson.Hekepthisbackgroundverymuchtohimself.I’venever
heardhimcalledanythingexceptMattDavis,butI’mcertainthatit’saninventedname,thathehas
anothernamealtogetheronthereservation.”

“Doyouhaveotherfriendsbesideshimandyourfriendinthemilitarywhocametovisit?”
“Quiteafew.SomeliveinTexas,someinFlorida,someinCharleston,andsomeinNewYork.”
“Weretheyallinthemilitary?”
“Notall.AfewwerefriendsImadeatcollege.”
“Ijusthadathought,”shesaid.“IfyouwereattheCitadelforatime,youmustknowCharleston

fairlywell.”

Hesmiled.“Yes,Ido.However,thatisn’tgoingtohelpusfindCalverson.”
“Wecouldsearchthetrain,”shesuggested.

“Howwouldweexplainthattotheporters?Ihavenocredentialsasalawman.”
“YoucouldsaythatyouwereaPinkertonman.”
“Andthey’dtelegraphthenearestofficeanddiscoverthatIwasnot.Moderncommunications

makelifehardforrobbers,andthat’sagoodthing.”

Shegloweredathim.“Whilewesitheretalking,Mr.Calversonisnodoubthidden—withhisill-

gottengains—somewhereonthisverytrain!”

‘I’mafraidthatmaybetrue,”hereplied.“Butwe’llhavetowaituntilwegettoCharlestonto

findout.”Heleanedbackagain.“Youmightaswellrestwhileyoucan.Stretchoutontheseat,ifyou
like.”

“It’sratherchilly.”
“Here.”Hetookoffhisovercoatandhandedittoher.Shetookitgingerly.
“Itwon’tcontaminateyou,”hesaidsharply.
Shelookedup.“Iknowthat.”Hershouldersmoved.“Iwasjustthinkingabouthowitwillbefor

Dianewhenshediscoversthatherhusbandhasrunawayandleftherbehindtobegossipedabouteven
more.”

Hedidn’ttellherwhathesuspectedaboutDiane—thatshewas,infact,runningawaywithEli.

Hislipspursedthoughtfully.“Yes.Itwillbebadforher,foratime.”

Shesearchedhiseyes,buttheygavenothingaway.
Hereachedoutandtouchedhercheekgently.“Youcaresomuchaboutpeople,”hesaidslowly.

“Evenrivals.Ineverrealizedhowwarmyourheartreallywasuntilwemarried.Warm,andvery
fragile.”

Theheartofwhichhespokejumpedsharplyinherchestandbegantobeatrecklessly.
Hesmiled.“Andyoustillfindmedesirable,eventhoughyoucan’tmanagetoconfessit,”he

addedinadeepwhisper,bending.“Ifindthat…reassuring.”

Assheformulatedwords,hismouthgentlysettledonherown.Shewastoosurprisedtofight,or

protest,shetoldherself.Butthatdidn’texplainhersuddendesperationtobeclosetohim,toincite
himtoardor.

Herarmsreachedupblindlyandpulledhimdowntoherontheseat.Hewrappedherupclose,

turninghersothatshelayacrosshislapwiththedusterandhisovercoatinapileonthefloor.He
kissedherhungrily,withnothoughtforconsequencesortheunshutteredglassofthecompartment,
throughwhichtheycouldeasilybeseen.

“Icannevergetenoughofyourmouth,”hesaidagainstherlips,hisbreathragged.“Icoulddie

kissingyouanddiehappy.Comecloser!”

Shekissedhimbackwitharoughlittlemoan,rememberingthepleasuresthey’dsharedinhis

bedinthedarkness,thehungerofhisbody,theyieldingsubmissionofhers,theachingpleasureof
ecstasy.

Heliftedhismouthjustalittle,andhiseyeswereblackwithhunger.“Iwantyou,”hewhispered

unsteadily.“Here,onthebench,onthefloor,anywhere!Oh,God.Claire!”

Hismouthgroundintohersagain.Hishandwentbetweenthemtothesoftcurveofherbreast

andcoveredit.Histhumbandforefingertracedit,teasedit.Shegaspedandthenmoaned,andher
fingerscoveredhis,pressingthemevenclosertoherachingflesh.

Shetastedthecoffeehe’dhadforbreakfastonhismouth,breathedinthedeliciousscentofthe

bayrumcolognehewaswearing,savoredtheraspywarmthofhisfaceunderherfingers.Marriage
wasstillexcitingandnew,andshehadasecretthathedidn’tknow.Shecarriedhischildunderthe
heartwherehishandlay.Ifonlyshecouldtellhim!Butshewasn’tsureofhim—notuntilEli
CalversonwascaughtandreturnedtoAtlanta…notuntilJohn’struefeelingsforDianewereknown.

Evenastheirhungerthreatenedtogooutofbounds,thedoorsuddenlyopenedandanelderly

facegapedatthetwoyoungpeopleentwinedontheseat.

“Well,Ineverdid!”theelderlywomaninablackdressandhatandveilexclaimed.“Such

carryingon,inpublic!”

“Thisishardlyapublicplace,madam,”Johnsaid,risingtohisfeetshakilybutrespectfully.

“Andtheladyinquestionismywife,”headded,withamischievoussmile,“fromwhomIhavebeen
partedforsomeweeks.”

Theelderlyfacerelaxedalittleasittookintheyoungwoman’sredcheeksanddemureglance.

Shesmiledandmadealittlesoundinherthroat.“Isee.”Sheglancedfromonetotheother.“Areyou
onyourhoneymoon,then?”

“We’vebeenmarriedforseveralmonths,”Claireresponded.
“Howluckyyouare,”theoldwomansaidwistfully.“Ihavemyhusbandoffiftyyearsinacoffin

inthemailcar.IamtakinghimtoCharlestontobeburiedwithmyfamilyandhis,intheold
cemetery.”Eventhroughtheveilhereyesweresad.“Forgivemeforthrustingmysorrowuponsuch
ayoungandobviouslyhappycouple,butthisseemstobetheonlyvacantseatleft.Thetrainisquite
crowded.”

“Pleasesitdown,”Johninvited,movingbesideClairetogivetheelderlywomanaseat.He

pickedupthedusterandtheovercoatandputthemaside.Withoutaqualm,hereachedforClaire’s
handandhelditwarmlyinhis.“MywifeandIareonholiday,”headdeduntruthfully,andwitha
smile.“CharlestonisacityIknowwell,havinggraduatedfromtheCitadel.”

“Didyoureally?”theoldwomanexclaimed,pushingbackherveiltorevealwarm,darkeyes.

“Mysonwasastudentthere.Perhapsyouknewhim:ClarenceCornwall?”

Johnhidagrin.“Yes,”hesaid.“Infact,Ididknowhim.Hewasintheclassbehindmine.”He

smiled.“IamJohnHawthorn,andthisismywife,Claire.”

“IamPrudenceCornwall,”thewidowsaid,introducingherself.“Howverynicetomeetyou

both.”Shesighed.“ClarencehatedtheCitadel,poorboy.Hedidn’tgraduate,I’msorrytosay.Itwasa
greatdisappointmenttomyhusband.”

“WhatisClarencedoingnow?”
“He’scaptainofafishingboat.Isn’tthatironic?”
“Indeeditis.”JohnturnedtoClaire.“Clarencehatedthewater.Hecouldn’tswim.”
“Hestillcan’t.”ThewidowCornwallchuckled.“Buthe’sverygoodathisjob,andheearnshis

livingfromit.Hemarried,John.HeandElisehavesixchildren.”

“Howfortunateforhim,”Clairesaidwarmly.“Hemustbeveryhappyindeedtohavechildren.”
Johnmovedrestlessly.Hehadn’tthoughtaboutafamilyatall.“Ifindchildrenabitunnerving,”

heremarked,withoutlookingathiswife—whichwas,perhaps,agoodthing.“Itisn’tsomethingwe
havetoconsiderrightaway,however.”

Hesoundedasifhewererelievedaboutthat,andClairebegantoworry.Ifhedidn’twant

children,whatwouldshedo?AndwhataboutDiane?AsJohnandthewidowspokeofCharlestonand
oldtimes,Clairestaredoutthewindowwithherworrieslikeaknotinhersoftthroat.Shehadplenty
ofproblems—andnotonesinglesolutioninsight.

ThewidowCornwalltuckedherveilbackinplace.“IwishIhadahappierreasonforgoingto

Charleston,”shesaidwistfully.“Itisasadtripforme.Andforthatotheryoungwoman,whorefuses
toleavethesideofherdeadhusband.Poordear.Itmustbesouncomfortableforherinthemailcar.
Shedidlookwell-to-do,butthecoffinisonlyapinebox.”Shefrowned.“Herhusbandmusthave
beenaverylargeman.Imustsay,Ihaveneverseenacoffinofsuchsize.Still—”shedismissedit
withawaveofherhand“—theshippingcostshouldnotbemonumental.”

“DidtheotherwidowboardthetrainwithyouinAtlanta?”Johnasked,withunusualintentness.
“Why,no,”shereplied.“IdidnotboardthetraininAtlanta,butinColbyville,wheremyhusband

andIwerevisitinghissisterwhenhediedsuddenly.Although,”sheadded,“atourstopinAtlanta,the
youngwidowdidhavetwotrunksloadedintothemailcar.ButthecoffincameaboardatColbyville.
That’swhyithastakenmesolongtolookforaseat,”sheadded.“Ididnotfeelcomfortableleaving
hertherealone,eventhoughshewasanxioustobealonewiththecoffin.”

John’seyeswerewideandcurious.
Clairelookedathim.“Youdon’tthink…?”
“Oh,don’tI?”hemurmuredcoldly.“Shallwegoforastroll,Claire?”
“I’dbedelighted.You’llexcuseus?”Claireaskedthewidowsoftlyastheystood.
“Certainly.Yougorightahead.Ineverlikebeingcoopedupinthesecompartmentsonsuchlong

journeys.Ifearwewilltireofeachother ’scompanylongbeforewereachourdestination!”

“AndI’mcertainthatwewillnot,”Johnsaidgallantly,smilingatthewidow.
Shelaughedwithenjoyment.“You’reaflatterer,youngman.Yourwifewillhavetokeepaclose

eyeonyou!”

“IndeedIwill,”Clairereplied,reachingforJohn’shandinashyattempttomaintainthefiction

oftogetherness.

Ifhewassurprisedatheraction,heconcealeditquitewell.Hereturnedthepressureofhersoft

fingersintheirwhitegloveanddrewherfromthecompartment.

TheyweredownthewalkwayagoodpiecebeforeClairespoke.Johnhadn’treleasedherhand,

anditthrilledhertofeelitsgentlepressure.

“Doyouthinkit’sDiane?”sheaskedwarily,becauseevennow,shewasn’tsureofhisfeelings.
“OfcourseIdo,”hesaid,andsoundedactuallyindifferent!“Thereweretwotrunkspackedinthe

hallofherhomeearlierwhenIwentthere.ThoseweretheonesMattandIbrokeintoatthestationin
Atlanta.Ididn’ttellyou,”headded,withagrin,“buttheywerefullofDiane’sgownsanddresses.I
knewthenthatshewasprobablygoingtogowithEli.”Hechuckledwickedly.“Eliandthemoney,I
shouldhavesaid.Dianewouldhavebeenhard-pressedtolethimtakethemoneyandnother,aswell.”

“I’mverysorry,John,”shesaid,withgenuineregret.“Iknowthatshe…meansalottoyou.”
Heslowed,lookingdownatherwithtendernessinhisdarkeyes.“Shedid,”hesaid,

emphasizingthepasttense.ButwhileClairehungtherewithbatedbreath,andbeforehecouldenlarge
onthat,theportercamepast.Johnstoppedhim.

“Whereisthemailcar?”heasked.“Afriendofoursistherewithherlatehusband.Wewantedto

payourrespects.”

“Mailcar ’sthatway,sir.Justgodownthroughthepassengercompartmentandoutthedoor.It’s

thecarjustbehindthisone.Watchyourstep,now,”headded,andsmiledatthem.

“Thankyou.”
Theywalkedthroughtherowsofpassengerseatsandtothebackoftheswayingcaruntilthey

reachedtheplatform.

“IwishMattcouldhavecomewithus,”Johnmurmured.“Idon’tknowwhatDianewillsaywhen

sheseesus.”

“Sheneedn’tseeus,”Clairereplied.“Can’tyoupeerthroughthedoorandseeifit’sreallyher?”
“Notiftheshadeisdrawn,”hesaid.“ButI’lltry.Youstayhere.”
Hecrossedtothenextcar,lookingaroundtomakesuretherewasnooneobservingthem.He

stoodbesidethedoor.Thecurtainwasdrawnallright,buttheswayingofthecarsonthetracksmade
itswingbackandforth.Heglimpsedtwocoffinsthroughit—oneornateandoneapinebox.Andhe
sawDiane,inwidow’sweedswithablackveilmomentarilyliftedfromherface,sittingbesidea
coffinwhoselidwasopen;EliCalverson’sbaldheadwasjustvisibleaboveit.Hewasobviously
discussingsomethingwithDiane,wholookedworriedandoutofsorts.Hemovedquicklyawayand
backtoClaire,chucklingashebustledherinsidethepassengercar.

“It’sthem,”hesaidgaily.“NowifwecanjustfindthePinkertonmaninCharleston…”He

paused,snappinghisfingers.“Claire,we’llstopoverinAugustaontheway!I’llrushinatthenext
stopandtelegraphthePinkertonofficeandhavethemmeetthetrainatAugusta!Ifthemoney’sinthat
coffin,we’llhaveElideadtorights!”

“Whatifit’snot?”Claireaskedworriedly.“Whatifhesentitonanothertrain,orifit’sinatrunk

heleftbehind?”

“We’llhavetotakethechance.Buthewouldn’tbelikelytoleavethatmuchmoneybehind,”he

said.“AndDianewouldn’tbewithhimifhehad,either.”

“Yousoundsobitter.”
“Iam.”Heglanceddownatherwithregret.“Iwasobsessedwithherforyears,andinallthat

time,Ineveronceletmyselfseewhatshereallywas.I’vewastedpartofmylifechasingfoxfire.”

Herheartjumpedwithrenewedhope.“Notimeiswastedifwelearnalessonfromhowwe

spendit,John,”shesaidsolemnly.“Butitmustbehardforyou,allthesame,tohavetoseeher
arrested.”

Heglancedather.“Inawayitis,Claire,”hesaid,smiling.“Butbyandlarge,peoplegetwhat

theydeserve,soonerorlater.”

Clairethoughtveryhardforamoment.“Istherearewardforcapturingsomeonewho

embezzlesmoneyfromabank?”

“Yes.Therewardwouldbepaidbyourbank.”
Shesmiled.“Letmetrysomething,then.”
“What?”
“LetmetalktoDiane.”
“Absolutelynot,”hesaidshortly.“Iwon’tputyouatrisk.Hemighthaveagun,forallIknow.”
Hisconcernflatteredher.“Iwoulddonothingtoputmyselfatrisk,”shesaidatonce,thinkingof

thetinylifeinsideherthathedidn’tknowabout,andmightnotevenwant.“IthinkImightbeableto
speaktoheralone.IthinkIhaveanideathatmightwork.Icansitthereinthebackofthepassenger
carandwatchforhertocomeout.”

“Alone?Oh,no.”Hisfingerstightenedonhers.“I’mnotlettingyououtofmysight,Mrs.

Hawthorn.I’llwaitwithyou.”

Shegrinnedathim,overcomewithdelight.“Don’tyouwanttotalktoMrs.Cornwall?”
“Idonot!”
Shechuckled.“ThenIwouldbegladofyourcompany.Somepeoplemustbeinthediningcar,

ortherewouldbenoseatshere.Anditmaynotbelongbeforetheyreturn.”

“Thenwe’llhavetohopethatshecomesthroughheresoon.”
Clairewasbettingonit,becausetherewasn’tarestroominthebaggagecar.Perhapstherewere

restroomsfartherdownthetrain,butthiswouldbecloser.ShehadtohopethatDianewouldarrive
longbeforeanyotherpassengerscametoreclaimtheirseats.

Johnretainedhersmallglovedhandwhentheysatdown,fascinatedwithitssmallnessand

strength.

“Ilikeyourhands,”heremarked.“They’reverycapablelittlehands,too.Theycanevenfix

automobiles.”

Shesmiledupathim,herfaceradiantandadoring.“Theycanfixmeals,aswell.”Hersmile

falteredalittleandshelookedaway.“Ofcourse,there’snoneed,sinceMrs.Dobbsdoesitsowell.”

Hewatchedheravertedfacewithdisquiet.Hishandstightenedonhersashesawthepainthere.

“Claire,Ineverevenaskedifyoumightpreferahouseofourown.Wouldyou?”

Shetriedtospeakandcouldn’t.
“Oh,mydear,”hesaidsoftly,andbenttokisshereyesclosed.“Ofcourseyouwould.”He

answeredhisownquestion.“Wecanstartlookingwhenwegetback,”hesaidfirmly.“Iknowofat
leasttwosmallhousesnearMrs.Dobbs.Unlessyouwantsomethingelaborate?”headded,smiling
withbarelycontainedexcitement.“Wecouldhaveonewithgingerbreadtrimandcrystalchandeliers,
ifyoulike.”

Shelaughedwithsuchjoythatshefeltshemightburst.“Oh,no.Crystalchandeliersarefartoo

grandforme!ButIwouldlikeasmallhouse,”shesaid.“Ifyou’resurethatyouwanttoliveinitwith
me,”sheadded,withapainfullackofself-confidence.

Hisarmwentaroundherthinshouldersanddrewherclose,easingherheadbacksothathe

couldsearchherradiantfacewithquick,possessiveeyes.Hisbreathwarmedherface.“Yes,Iwantto
livewithyou,”hewhisperedardently.“Butnotaswehave.Iwantamuchclosermarriage.”Hisarm
contracted.“Iwanttobeyourhusband,mydarling,ineverywaythereis.Iwanttoholdyouinmy
armseverynightandwakeupbesideyoueverymorningofmylife.”

Tearsprickedathereyes.“Oh,Iwantthat,too!”shesaidhuskily.Herglovedfingerstouchedhis

firmmouth.Theytrembledwiththedepthofherfeelings.“John,Iloveyouso!”shewhispered.

Withoutcaringabouttheirfellowpassengers,hebentandkissedhermouthwithsuchtenderness

thatsheshiveredinhisarms.

Hesmiledagainstherwelcominglips,soovercomewithjoyatherwordsthathecouldbarely

breathe.“AndIloveyou,”hewhisperedback,tohersurpriseddelight.“Withallmyheart.Withall
mysoul.WithallthatIam,oreverwillbe.”Hewhisperedthelastwordsagainsthermouthashe
kissedheragain,akissthatwasmorethanatouchingoflips.Itwasavow.

Murmuredlaughtercaughthisattentionandheliftedhisheadtomeetindulgentsmilesfromthe

peoplearoundthem.Hischeeksactuallyflushed,andhechuckledself-consciouslyashesatup,still
possessingClaire’ssmallhands.

“Therestwillhavetowait,”hewhisperedwithawickedgrin.“Thisishardlytheplacetodiscuss

ourwholefuture,andwe’restuckhere.”

Shebeamedathim.“Itwillonlybeforalittlewhile,though.Infact—”
Thedoortothecaropened;Dianecamein.Shedidn’tlooktotheleftorright,passingbytheir

seatwithoutevennoticingthem.ClairepressedJohn’sfingers,gotoutoftheseatquickly,beforehe
couldprotest,andfollowedDianerightdowntotherestroom.WhenDianewentinside,Clairepushed
rightinbehindherandshutthedoor,closingthemintogether.

“What…?”Dianeexclaimed,grabbingherthroat.
“Don’tbeafraid.It’sonlyme,”Clairesaidgently.“You’reinalotoftrouble.Weknowthatyour

husbandishiddeninacoffinintheluggagecar.APinkertonmanwillbewaitingforbothofyouat
thenextstation,”shelied.“WearrangeditinAtlanta.”

Dianeleanedherheadagainstthewallandletoutaraggedsob.“Iknewthiswouldhappen!Itold

him.Itoldhimitwouldn’twork!”shewailed.“Hedraggedmeintothisandmademehelphim.He
hasn’tbeenthesamesincehetookthemoney.HethreatenedmeifIdidn’tgoalongwithit.Hesaid
thathewouldprovideformehandsomelyifIhelpedhim,butthatIwouldbeingreatdangerfrom
thatlittleweasel-facedmanheemploysifIdidn’t.Iwasafraidofhim,”sheconfessed,hereyes
meetingClaire’s.“Hehasbeencruel—andIwasweakandIagreedtohelphim.Iamlost,yousee!I
amdisgraced,andsoismyfamily—allbecauseIcouldn’tbeartobepoor!”

“Listentome,”Clairesaidearnestly.“There’sarewardforEli’scaptureandthereturnofthe

money.It’saverylargereward.”

“Bloodmoney.”Dianesniffed.Herlovelyeyesfilledwithtears.
“No.Arewardforcatchingacriminalwhostolemoneyfrominnocentinvestorsinhisbank,”

Clairereplied.Hervoicewasearnestandquick,becauseJohn’swholefuturedependedongaining
thisoldrival’shelp.“Thinkofit,Diane.You’dbeaheroine.Peoplewouldlikeyouaswellaspity

you,becauseofwhatyouendured.Theywouldrespectyouforhavingthecouragetoturninyour
husband,despiteyourfearofhim.”

DianestoppedsnifflingandstaredatClairewithred-rimmedblueeyes.“Theywould?”she

asked,surprised.

“Ofcoursetheywould.”
Dianefiddledwithahandkerchief,hereyesdowncast.“It’salargereward?”
“Verylarge.”
“ButIwentwithhim.I’manaccomplice.I’llgotojail!”
“No,youwon’t.Ifyouturnhimin,youcantellthemthetruth—thatheforcedyoutohelphimby

threateningyou.That’sthetruth.”

“Well,yes,itis.IsupposeIcould.”SheeyedClairesuspiciously.“Whyareyouwillingtohelp

me?Youdoknowthatyourhusbandisinlovewithme?AndthatwhenI’mfreeofEli,he’sgoingto
leaveyouandmarryme?”

Claireknewbetterthanthat,thankGod,butshedidn’tdareadmititjustnow.“Ifyoudon’tturnin

yourhusband,Johnmightgotoprison,”Clairepointedout.Shetookaslowbreathandwaited.Asshe
did,shethoughtaboutJohn’schild,andthewayhisfacehadlookedwhenheconfessedhislove.She
lovedhim—andwouldhavesacrificedherownhappinesstogivehimtoDiane,ifthathadbeenwhat
hewanted.ShethankedGodthatitwouldnotbenecessary.ShecontrivedawistfulsmileasDiane
wavered,andaddedcalculatingly,“I’dratherseehimwithyou,youknow,ifthat’swhathereally
wants,thanseehimgotojailforanotherman’scrime.”

“You’reveryunselfish,”Dianesaidafteraminute.“I’mnot.Ilikebeingrich.Ilikehavingpretty

things.”Hershouldersshrugged.“IthoughtJohnwouldbepoor,andI’dhadenoughoflivinghand-
to-mouthandhavingmysistersdependonmeforalivingwhentheywerebetweenlovers.Imarried
Elibecausehewaswealthy.”Shesighed.“Ineverlovedhim.IlovedJohn.”Shelookedup.“ButI
neverlovedhimquiteenough,didI,Claire?AndIthinkthatyoudo.I’msorryhedoesn’tloveyou.”

“Thatdoesn’tmatter,”Clairesaid,keepingherdelightfulsecret.“Keepinghimoutofjailismy

onlydesireatthemoment.Willyouhelp?”

Dianehesitated.Butshereallyhadnochoice.“Yes,”shesaid.“I’llhelpyou.Whatdoyouwant

metodo?”

ASMALLTOWNCALLEDLIBERTYWASALONGTHEroutethetraintooktoAugusta.While
theenginestoppedtotakeonpassengers,JohndashedintothestationandsentawiretoAugusta,to
thesheriff.

Dianewentbacktothemailcar,carefullyclosedthedoor,andmadesuretheshadewasdown.

Shewentandsatdownbesidethecoffinasifnothinghadhappened.

“Isitallright?”Eliasked,peepingovertheedgeofthecoffin.“Youdidn’tseeanyoneyou

knew?”

“Ofcoursenot,”sheliedprettily.She’dhadplentyofpractice.Sheevensmiled.“Butthetrainis

verycrowded.”

“Thatwon’tmatter.Thepeoplewillgetoffatstopsallalongtheway.Assoonaswegetacross

thestatelineintoSouthCarolina,Icangetoutofthisthing.I’mterriblyuncomfortable.I’mnot
wantedinSouthCarolina.”

Sheglancedintothecoffin,atthebagsofmoney.Therewereseveral,allofthemstuffedfull.It

wasaking’sransom,andshe’djustagreedtohelpthebankrecoverit.Well,shesighed,therewasa
reward.Shewouldn’thavetogotoprison.She’dbefreeofEli.Andshe’devenbeabletogetJohn
back.Clairewasnomatchforher.Shesmiled.

“Youlookverysmug,”Elimuttered,wipinghissweatybrow.
“Everythingisgoingourway,isn’tit?”sheaskedcheerfully,andstaredoutthewindowatthe

passingsceneryasshebegantoworkoutahappierfutureintheprivacyofhermind.

HENTHETRAINPULLED

intotheAugustastation,severalmeninsuitsrushedforward,andJohnwent

outtomeetthem.WhileClairewatchedfromthecompartmentshewasstillsharingwithMrs.
Cornwall,themencameaboardthetrain.Minuteslater,shesawashocked,defeated-lookingEli
Calversonbeingledawayinhandcuffs.Besidehim,amanwearingastaronhislapelwascarrying
severalbagsofthesortusedbybanks.

Johncamebackintothecompartmentquickly.“Sorrytoleaveyouhere,Mrs.Cornwall,but

ClaireandImustgetoffthetrainandgobacktoAtlantaatonce.Come,dearest,”headded,dragging
Claireupbythehand.“Haveapleasanttrip,”hetoldMrs.Cornwall.

“Thankyou,youngman.Ihopethingsgowellforbothofyou,”thewidowsaid.
Theywavedtoherastheyrusheddownthroughthepassengercar,outthebackdoor,anddown

thestepstotheplatform.Dianewasstandingalittleapartwithtwouniformedmen,weeping
noiselesslyintoahandkerchiefwhileherhusbandlookedbackwithfuriousangerandoutrageashe
wasspiritedaway.

“Mypoor,poorEli.”Dianesniffed.“Oh,hispoormindwassotwisted.Hecouldn’thaveknown

whathewasdoing,couldhe?”Shelookedupattheimpressionableyounglawmanwithafacethat
wouldhavemeltedstone.

Theyoungmanpattedherglovedhand.“Ofcoursenot.Now,don’tyouworry,Mrs.Calverson.

We’lltakeexcellentcareofyou.Here,letusgetticketsforyouonthetrainbacktoAtlanta.”

“Notonthesametrainwithmyhusband?”sheasked,withrealfear.“Oh,Isimplycouldn’tbear

it!”

“No,ma’am.He’llbegoingonaspecialtrain,”hereplied.“Don’tyouworryaboutthat.We’ll

takecareofeverything.Oh,Mr.Hawthorn,”hecalledtoJohn,grinning.“Areyouandyourwife
travelingbackwithus,too?”

“Indeedweare,”Johnsaid.HesmiledatDiane,buthehadClairebythehandandshowedno

signoflettinggo.

IfDianewassurprisedbytheattentionheshowedClaire,shehandleditwell.Shemanageda

weaksmilefortheHawthornsandthenlinkedherarmwiththatoftheyoungPinkertonmanand
walkedintothedepotwithhim.ItwasunderstandablethatJohnwouldn’tapproachherinpublic,she
supposed.Afterall,theyhadtokeepupappearances.Surelythatwashisrationale,saswell.She
smiledprettilyattheyoungPinkertonman,whobeamedbackatherandbegantotalkabouthimself.

Sheencouragedhim.Sheknewhowtohandlemen,andthisonewasnochallengeatall.Men

couldalwaysbeflatteredintodoinganythingifoneappealedtotheirvanitybyaskingthemabout
theirjobsortheirlives.Itwasreallyamazinghowmuchunwantedinformationcameflowingout.

Shewentwithhimtoaseatonthetrain—farremovedfromtheonesthatJohnandClairewere

abletoget.Itdidn’tseemtotakesolongtogetbacktoAtlantaasithadtoreachLiberty.Inavery
shorttime,itseemed,theypulledupundertheSpanishfacadeoftheAtlantarailroadstationdepotand
passengersbegantodisembarkontheplatform.

INKERTONSMETTHETRAIN,

amongthemMattDavis,whohadn’tyetleftforthehomeofficein

Chicago.Butinsteadoftakingchargeoftheprisoner,whichanothersenioragentmighthavedone,he
lettheyoungarrestingPinkertonofficertakeCalversonintothelocaljail.Itmadetheyoungman
dizzywithself-esteemandamusedClaire,whowatchedhimleadhisprisonerawayasifhe’dwonat
theraces.

“AndnowIreallyamgoinghome,”MatttoldJohn,hiseyestwinklingwithamusement.“He

wasn’tinthetrunks,sowherewashe?”

“Hewashiddeninacoffin,ofallplaces!”Johnchuckled.“Withhiswifeinthemailcarbesideit

playingthepartofthegrievingwidow.Itmighthaveworked,exceptthatarealwidowcameandsat
withClaireandmeandmentionedthebeautifulyoungwidowinthemailcarwhosehusband’scoffin
cameaboardatColbyville.”Heshookhishead.“Shedidn’trealizethatshewassolvingarobbery.I
supposeweshouldhavetoldher.Itwouldhavemadeherday.”

MattglancedpastJohnandClaireatthedispossessedwidow,aroundwhomtwootherPinkerton

menswarmedhelpfully.“Andwhatabouther?”heasked.

“She’llgetthereward,”Johnsaid.“Afterward,Idaresayshe’lllandonherfeet.”
Mattnodded.“There’squiteasizablereward,putupbytheboardofdirectorsofthebank,”he

said.“Isupposeyouknew?”

“Yes,”Johnsaid.“Theyweren’ttoowarmwiththeirwelcomesafterIwasreleasedfromjail,”

headdeddarkly,“buttheydidbendenoughtotellmeabouttherewardthey’dpostedforreturnofthe
money.TheyseemedfairlycertainthatI’dmiraculouslyproduceit,givenenoughincentive.”

“Thisshouldsatisfythem,”Mattsaid.HeglancedpastJohn’sshoulder.“Andsomemore

reassuranceisforthcoming.”

Evenashespoke,reportersfromthelocalpaperandtwoout-of-townones,alertedtothe

railroadchasebysomeoneincitygovernment,rushedforwardwiththeirpadsandpencils—readyto

takedownwhateveranswerstheycouldgettotheirquestions.

Johntoldthestorysuccinctly,aidedbyMattDavis,and,almostatonce,Diane,whosefairbeauty

madehertheheroineofthestory.AtleastitdiduntilClaire’spartinthechasebecameclear.

“Youhaveamotorcar?”oneyoungreporterexclaimed.“Andyoudroveitheretothedepot?

Mayweseeit?”

“Certainlyyoumay,”Clairesaid,beaming.“It’satourapartmenthouse.”
John’sarmcamearoundhiswife.“Andthere’ssomethingelseyoushouldknowaboutmywife,”

headdedproudly.“She’sjustcontractedwithMacy’sdepartmentstoreofNewYorkCitytodesigna
lineofwomen’seveninggownsforthem.”

“Underyourownname,ma’am?”onereporterasked.
“No,”Clairereplied.“Iusethename‘Magnolia’onmygowns.”
TherewasagaspfromDiane,whowentpaleassherealizedthatthedesignerwhoseelegant

creationsshe’dsocovetedwassomeonesheactuallyknew.WhatapitythatitturnedouttobeJohn’s
wife!

Johnhimselfwasimpressed.He’dhadnoideaofthenameClaireusedonherdesigns,buthe’d

heardenoughof“Magnolia’s”fametomakehimfeelverylikestrutting.Thewomanhelovedwas
indeedawomanofparts.Hegrinnedatherwithpurepride.Sheinterceptedthatlookandherhand
tightenedinhis.

“‘Magnolia.’HowverySouthern,”anotherreportersaid.“Andnow,Mrs.Hawthorn,let’sgoand

seethatautomobile!”

HEPRESSFOLLOWED

ClaireandJohnbacktoMrs.Dobbs’sandphotographedClairesittingintheseat

oftheprettylittleblackOldsmobilewithherfingersonthesteeringknob.ShearrangedtohaveMrs.
Dobbsinaphotographwiththetwoofthem,andthemotorcar,whichmadethelittlewoman’sday.
Thereporterwhowasthemostinterestedinherturnedouttobetheonlyonewho’dmaintained
John’sinnocenceandhadmentionedthechargeofembezzlementinCalverson’spast.Claireliked
himatonceandthankedhimheartilyforhisdefenseofherhusband.

Thatevening,ClaireandJohndinedwithhismotherandfatheratthehotel.MaudeHawthorn

wasfulloftheexcitementoftheday,andsheranoutofbreathaskingquestionsaboutthemadchase
toAugustatorecoverthestolenbankmoneyandcatchthethief.

“Istillcan’tbelieveit,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Youtwoarelunatics,doyouknowthat?

Whatifhe’dbeenarmed?”

“Ihadrocksinmydusterpocket,”Clairevolunteered.
Johnchuckled.“AndIhada.32Smith&Wessonrevolvertuckedinmybelt,”headded,glancing

athiswife’sshockedface.“No,Ididn’ttellyou,didI?Ithoughtyouwerebetteroffnotknowing.And
asthingsturnedout,Ididn’thavetouseit.”

“Iseemtorecallthatyouwonawardsintheserviceforpistolmarksmanship,”Clayton

Hawthorninterjected.Hewasstillhavingahardtimetalkingtohisson,buthe’drelaxedalittlethis
evening.Helookedasifheweredesperatelytryingtorebuildtheirrelationship.

“Idid.Imisstheservicefromtimetotime.”
“Myboy,”Claytonsaidquietly,“whydon’tyoureenlist?”
That,comingfromhisfather,wasalmostanapology.Hesmiled.“Idon’tknowthatI’dbehappy

intheserviceagain,althoughIhavethoughtaboutit,”Johnhadtoadmit.HelookedatClaireand
smiledgently.“Atfirst,Ihaddoubtsaboutsettlingintolifeasabanker.”

Clairedidn’tbataneyelash.“I’mquitehappytogowhereveryouwanttogo,”shesaidhappily,

stillkeepingherprecioussecretaboutherchild.

“Yourgoodnamewillbeclearedwhenthenewspapershitthestreetcornerstomorrow,”his

motheradded.“Andyoudolooksohandsomeinuniform.”

Hesmiled.“Thankyou,Mother.Butthere’sstillsomeactioninthePhilippines,”hesaid,

glancingatClaire.“There’snoguaranteethatIwouldn’tbesentthere.Ishouldn’tliketotakemy
brideintoawarzone,especiallywhenshehasawholenewcareeropeningupforher.Ididmention,I
hope,thatI’mveryproudofyou,Claire?”

Shecolored.“No,youdidn’t.”
“ThenthisisagoodtimetotellyouthatIam,”hereplied,hisdarkeyeswarmonherface.“So,

it’sratheraninopportunetimetoreenlistjustyet.”HereachedforClaire’shandandbroughtittohis
lipsgently.Hiseyesmadehungrypromises.“Ihaveenoughtodorighthere.Iwon’thaveitsaidthatI
ran,aftertheslurCalversonmadeagainstmycharacter.Iwanttostayhereatleastuntilthescandal
diesdownagain.Then,ClaireandIwilldecidewhatwebothwanttodo.”

Claytonclearedhisthroat.“Well,I’dbeveryhappyifyoubothcametoSavannah;youcould

takeoverthepresidencyofmybankwhenoldMarvisretires.”Heshifted.“That’snotabribe.Iguess
itsoundslikeone.”

Johnstudiedhisfathercarefully.“I’dliketobenearyouandMother.I’llconsiderit.”
Claytonlookedshocked.“Youwill?”
“WouldyouliketoliveinSavannah?”heaskedClaire,withalovingsmile.
Shebeamed.“Yes.Iadoreit,”shesaid.“There’ssomuchhistorythere.Andit’srightonthe

ocean,aswell.YoucouldforceyourselftogosailingwithJasonandyourfather.Iheardaboutthe
seasickness,”sheadded,withagrin.

“Youknowaboutthat?”hesaidteasingly.
Shesmiled.“Yes.IheardallaboutitinSavannah.Aswellasafewotherthings,”sheadded

wickedly.“Likeaboutthefrogyouhidinyourmother ’ssewingbasketandthewormyouputdown
thebackofEmily’sdressatchurch.Atchurch,ofallplaces!”

“Itliveneduptheservice.”Johnchuckled,hiseyestwinklingashelookedathiswife.
Shewasbeginningtorealizehowlittleoftherealmanshe’deverseen.Hewasmischievous,she

saw,andtheamusementinhiseyesdelightedherwithitspromise.

Shelookeddownattheirlinkedhands.“But,asyousaid,wecantalkaboutwheretolivelater.”
Hisfingerscontracted.
“Andfromnowon,whateveryouwanttodowithyourlifewillbefinewithme,”Clayton

Hawthornsaid,liftinghischin.“I’m…quiteproudofyou,John—andquiteashamedofmyselfandthe
twoyearsI’vewasted.InevershouldhaveblamedyouforsomethingthatwasanactofGod,myboy.
I’veacceptedthatnow.I’msureyougrievedasmuchasIdid.”

“That’squitetrue,”Johnsaid,agreeing,andhiseyesweresad.“Butthoseyearsdidteachme

howmuchmyfamilymeanttome.Perhapstheyweren’twasted.”

Clayton’sjawtautened.“Youcouldcomeandvisit.”
Johnsmiled.“IcouldcomeforChristmas,andbringClaire.”
Theoldman’seyestwinkledinaradiantface.“Soyoucould!”
“Youmust,”Maudeentreated.“ItwillbethemostjoyousChristmas,tohaveallmyfamilywith

me!”

Johnsearchedhiswife’seyes.“Shallwegohomeandpack?”
Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.“Youmeanit?”
“OfcourseIdo!”
Shejumpedup,oblivioustotheamusedlooksoffellowdiners.“Maywegonow?Rightnow?”
Johnchuckled.“Indeedwemay!Ifwecanconcludeallourbusiness,wecanleavewithyouat

middaytomorrow,ifthatsuitsyou?”heaskedhisfather.

“Itsuitsmeverywell.Comeandhavealatebreakfastwithusinthemorning,andwe’llpurchase

ourticketsafterward.”

UTTHEPACKINGDIDN’T

getdone.AftertheyfieldedMrs.Dobbs’sexcitedquestions,Johnlocked

Claireintheirsuiteandcarriedhertobed.Theylovedastheyneverhadbefore,tenderlyandslowly,
withsuchexquisitefulfillmentthatClairewasbreathlessandexhaustedandhopelesslyenthralled.

Later,theyslept—andthenwokeearlythenextmorningandmadeloveagain,evenmore

ferventlythanbefore.

Theygotupanddressed;ClairewasjustfinishinghercoiffurewhenMrs.Dobbstappedgently

onthedoor.

“I’msorrytowakeyou,”shecalled,“butMr.Hawthornhasavisitor.It’sthatMrs.Calverson,”

sheadded,withdistaste.

ClaireglancedtowardJohn,whosefacewascold.
“Dogodown,darling,”sheinvitedsoftly,reachinguptokisshisfirmmouth.“Istillhavemy

hairtofinish.”

“Claire…”hebeganhesitantly.
Sheliftedbotheyebrowsmischievously.“Yes?”
Hechuckled,broughtherclose,andkissedherhungrily,andthenagain,withbreathless

tenderness.“Comedownwhenyou’reready,”hewhispered.“Anddon’tworry!”

“I’mnotworried.Notafteryesterday.Andlastnight,”sheaddeddemurely,blushing.
“Itwasgood,wasn’tit?”heaskedhuskily.“Don’tblushifMrs.Dobbsasksyouifyouheard

screamslastnight,oryou’llgivethegameaway.”Hekissedhergaspingmouthslowly.“No,don’tbe
embarrassed,”hewhispered,hisarmstightening.“Icriedout,too,atthelast.Icouldn’tgetclose
enoughtoyou,deepenoughinsideyou,totouchyouasIyearnedto.”Heactuallyshivered.“Claire,
notwopeopleeverweresointimateaswewerethen.”

“Yes.”Shepressedclose,herownbodytremblingwiththememoryofit.Shehadlost

consciousnessastheystrainedtogetherinthatshatteringecstasy.Thememoryofitwasstillalittle
frightening.

Hischeekdrewagainstherown,hisbreathhotandquickatherear.“Ineverhadintimacywith

Diane,”heconfessedasheliftedhisheadandsearchedhereyes.“Iliedaboutthat.I’mashamedthatI
did.”

Hereyesbrightened.“Thankyoufortellingme.”
“Itwasnecessary,”hesaidsimply,tracinghermouthwithalongforefinger.“Amanmusthave

nosecretsfromabelovedwife.”

Shesmiledagain,sighingherpleasureashepressedonelastkissonhersoftmouthandlether

go.

Shewatchedhimoutthedoor,convincedthathewasabouttobeofferedDianeonaplatter,

unlessshemissedherguess.Shewonderedhowhewasgoingtosendheronherway,becauseshe
hadnodoubtsatallabouthisfidelitynow.Shetouchedherthickeningwaistwithasmile.Shestillhad
onelastsecrettosharewithhim.Andshewould,assoonastheirunwantedguestleft.

HEWASRIGHTABOUT

hisfeelings.Hewasn’thappytoseeDiane.Ifanything,hewasannoyed.

Althoughshedidlookbeautifulinabluesuitwithfrillywhitelaceandajauntyhat,hehadtoadmit.

Butshedidn’tevenmakehisheartflutternow.HethoughtofClaireandhisbloodsangthroughhis
veins.

“WhatcanIdoforyou,Diane?”heaskedpolitely.
Sheseemedtakenaback.“Why,John.Ithoughtyouwouldhaveexpectedme.Imean,Eliwill

certainlygotojailnow.Iwilltestifyagainsthim,Daweshasbeenfoundandmadeanother
confession,andtheyhavethemoneyandEli’sreluctantconfession,aswell.Thebank’sfundswillbe
restored,andeveryoneknowsnowthatyouwereaninnocentvictimofEli’sgreed.Mr.Whitfieldhas
evenagreedtogoaheadwiththemerger,inlightofthisdevelopment.Ofcourse,thatwillbeupto
you,now,sinceyouwillalmostcertainlybecomepresidentofthebankwithEli’sconviction.
Everythingisbackthewayitwas.SoIthought—thatis…Ithoughtyouwantedme.”

Hedrewheroutontotheporchandclosedthedoorbehindthem.
“Shallwebecompletelyhonestwitheachother?”heaskedquietly.“Ilovedyouonce.Butyou

wantedmorethanIcouldgiveyou,andyoumarriedanotherman.PerhapsItenderedhopeseventhen.
ButIcanassureyounow,withallmyheart,thatthewomanIwantmostintheworldisupstairsinour
apartmentwaitingforme.Ididn’trealizeuntilrecentlyjusthowlongshe’sbeenwaiting.I’vehurther.
Idon’tintendtoeverhurtheragain.”

“Youdon’tloveme?”Dianesoundedplaintive.
“I’mquitefondofyou,”hesaid,withasmile.“Ialwayswillbe.ButIloveClaire,yousee.”
Shesmiledsadly.“Soshe’swon.Iwasafraidthatshewould.Icouldseequiteclearlythatshe

lovedyouenoughtogiveyouup.Ididn’t.”

Hiseyebrowsmetabovethehighbridgeofhisnose.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“WehadaconversationjustbeforeIagreedtohelpyoucatchEli,”sheconfessed.“Clairesaid

thatifyoulovedme,shewouldneverhinderyouinanyway.Iknewthenthatherloveforyouwas
greaterthanmine.Yousee,Iwouldneverhaveletyougotoanotherwomanwithoutafight.”

Hesearchedhereyes.No,shewouldn’t.Hervanitywouldhavepreventedherfromlettinggo.

Clairewasmadeofsofterstuff,butinitsway,muchstronger.

“I’msorry,Diane,”hesaid.
Shewavedahand.“Oh,pooh,”shesaidlanguidly.“IthinkIknewitwasoverwhenyoumarried.

Ijustdidn’twanttoacceptit.Well,I’llhavethereward—andthereareplentyofmenwhowouldbe
willingtomarryayoung,richwoman.”Shesmiled.“Evena‘disgraced’divorcée.”

“Behappy.”
Sheshrugged.“Happinessisn’tmylot.ButI’llbecontent.Goodbye,John.”
“Goodbye,Diane.”
Shewalkedbacktoherwaitingcarriage,andJohnwatchedher.Buthiseyesweren’tfilledwith

eitherlongingorregret.Hewasimpatientforhertobegone.

Whenshewasoutofsight,hewentbackintothehouseandtookthestepstwoatatimeinhis

eagernesstoreachClaire.Thenightbeforewasstillinhismind,inhisheart.Inbed,shewasmore
thanhecouldeverhavehopedfor.Evenoutofbed,shefilledhisheart,hislife.Headoredher.He
wantednooneelse.

Heopenedthedoorandwentin,tofindClairestandingatthewindow,lookingoutatthe

backyard.Itremindedhimoftheearlydaysoftheirmarriage,whenshestoodherealoneandthought
sadthoughts.

“She’sgone,”hesaid.
Sheturnedandsmiled.“Isshetruly,John?”
Hemovedclosetoherandframedherfaceinhishands.“Truly.Isentheraway,Claire,”hesaid

softly.“Andnotoutofself-sacrificeordutyorshame.IsentherawaybecausewhateverIfeltforher
islonggone.Dead.Finished.”Hetookherinhisarmsandhuggedherclosewithalongsigh.“I

adoreyou,”hewhispered,dizzywithpleasure.“Iwanttoholdyouandkissyouallthetime.Iwantto
bewithyoualways,ineveryway.God,Claire.Iwouldhavenothingwithoutyou.Iloveyou,”he
whispered,andkissedher.

“Iknow.Iloveyou,too.”Shechuckledunderhismouth,kissinghimbackwithallthejoywithin

her,alltheyearsoflonging,allthehopesanddelight.Butthensherememberedsomethingthatshe’d
forgotteninherjoy,andshepulledherlipsfromunderhis.

“Oh,John.Stop.”Shemoaned.“There’ssomethingIhavetotellyou.Youmaynotwanttostay

withme.”

“Imaginethat!”Helaughed.
“I’mserious!”Sheputhersmallhandsonhischestandheldhimaway,hereyestroubled.“John,

Iam…thatis,Ithink…I’mcarryingyourchild.”

Hisfacewasalivingportraitofshock.Hedidn’tevenseemtobreathe.“Youare…what?”
“Yes.Andyousaid—thatis,youtoldMrs.Cornwallthatchildrenunnervedyou,soIwasafraid

totellyou…Oh,dear,”sheaddedworriedlyatthelookonhisface.“I’msosorry!”

“Sorry?”Heletoutthebreaththathadallbutchokedhim.Hiseyesglittered.Hisfacebecame

radiant.“Sorry?”Heliftedherandwhirledheraround,laughinglikeamadman.“Sorry?Oh,you
witch,youwitch.Comehere!”

Hepulledhercloseandkissedheragain,hungrilyandthentenderly,sotenderly.
“Claire,Iwantourchildrenmorethanyou’lleverknow,”hewhisperedintoherlips.“Iwant

sonsanddaughtersandthen,eventually,grandchildren.Claire,whatasweet,sweetsurprise.”

Shewasbreathless,overwhelmed.Shereacheduptohim;hekissedheragain.Onlythendidhe

pullbackandgrimace.“AndIsaid…”Hisbreathjerkedout.“Forgiveme.Ispokerashlyandwithout
thinking,onthetrain.Idowantchildren.It’sonlythatIneverconsideredwhatitwouldbeliketo
actuallyhaveababyinthehouse.”Hiseyesbecamedreamy.“Wemustbuyahouse,Claire.Anice,
bighousethatwecanfillwithchildrenandthelovewebeareachother.”

Shepushedcloseintohisarmsandheldhim.“Oh,mydear,”shewhisperedhuskily.“Mydear.I

can’tbearthehappiness!”

“NeithercanI.ButIthinkwe’llmanage,”headdedonalaugh.“WhataChristmasitwillbe.

Haveyouthoughtaboutit?Betweenus,wehavethemostwonderfulpresentthatanytwopeoplecould
everanticipate.Wehavethepromiseofachild!”

Shepressedclosertohim,shiveringwithjoy.“We’llgohomewithyourparents?”
“Yes,wewill.AndIcanpromiseyouthemostjoyousChristmasyou’veeverknown.”Helifted

hisheadandlookeddownintoherbeautifulgrayeyeswithexultation.“Claire,”heexclaimed,“it’s
goingtobeglorious!”

Anditwas.

ISBN:978-1-4268-7572-4

MAGNOLIA

FirstPublishedbyBallantineBooks

Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwhole
orinpartinanyformbyanyelectronic,mechanicalorothermeans,nowknownorhereafter
invented,includingxerography,photocopyingandrecording,orinanyinformationstorageor
retrievalsystem,isforbiddenwithoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher,HarlequinEnterprises
Limited,225DuncanMillRoad,DonMills,OntarioM3B3K9,Canada.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsareeithertheproductofthe
author ’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,
businessestablishments,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

ThiseditionpublishedbyarrangementwithHarlequinBooksS.A.

®andTMaretrademarksofthepublisher.Trademarksindicatedwith®areregisteredintheUnited
StatesPatentandTrademarkOffice,theCanadianTradeMarksOfficeandinothercountries.

www.HQNBooks.com

Document Outline

Praise
Also available from Diana Palmer and HQN Books
Title Page
Dedication
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Copyright

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