PraiseforthenovelsofNewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorDIANA

PALMER

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AlsoavailablefromDianaPalmerandHQNBooks

Dangerous

Heartless

Fearless

HerKindofHero

Nora

BigSkyWinter

ManoftheHour

Trilby

Lawman

Lacy

HardToHandle

HeartofWinter

Outsider

NightFever

BeforeSunrise

Noelle

Lawless

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,andthepoorcarriagehorses
seemedlackinginspiritastheystrainedtopulltheirburdensalongPeachtreeStreet.ClaireLangwatched
them,wishingshehadthemoneytohirearidebacktoherhome,agoodfivemilesaway.Thestupid
buggyhadhitarockandbrokenanaxle,addingtothefinancialworriesthathadplaguedherformonths.
WillLanghadbeensoimpatientforthemotorcarparthe’dorderedfromDetroitthatClairehadtakenthe
buggyuptoAtlantatogetthesmallpartforherunclefromtherailwayagent.Thebuggywasoldandin
badshape,but,insteadofwatchingtheroad,she’dbeenlookingforearlysignsofautumninthegorgeous
mapleandpoplartrees.

She’dhavetogettoherfriendKenny’sclothingstorethebestwayshecould—andthenhopethathe

couldsparethetimetodriveherdowntoColbyville,whereherunclelived.Shelookedatthecakedmud
onherhigh-toppedshoesandthefilthyhemofherskirtsandgrimaced.Thedress,navybluewithalacy
whitebodiceandcollar,wasbrand-new.Hercloakandparasolhadprotectedtherestofherfromthe
rain,andherhathadshieldedherbrownhairinitsbun,butnoamountofliftinghadsparedherskirts.She
couldimaginewhatGertiewouldsayaboutthat!Shewasalwaysuntidy,anyway,putteringaroundinher
uncle’sshed,helpinghimkeephisnewmotorcarrunning.NobodyelseinColbyvillehadoneoftheexotic
moderninventions.Infact,onlyahandfulofpeopleanywhereinthecountryownedmotorcars,andmost
oftheirswereelectricorsteam.UncleWill’sdevicewasfueledbygasoline,whichhepurchasedfrom
thelocaldrugstore.

Motorcarsweresorarethatwhenonewentpast,peoplewouldrunoutontotheirporchestowatch.

Theywereobjectsofbothfascinationandfear,becausetheloudnoisetheymadespookedhorses.But
mostpeoplelookedatthemotorcarasafadthatwouldquicklydieout.Clairedidn’t.Shesawitasthe
futureformoftransportation,andshewasthrilledtobeheruncle’smechanic.

Shesmiledwistfully.Howfortunateherlifehadbeensinceshe’dcomeheretolivewithheruncle.

Herparentshaddiedofcholeratenyearspast,leavingtheironlychildwithoutarelativeintheworld
exceptUncleWill.Hewasabachelor,too,withonlyhisAfricanhousekeeper,Gertie,andahandyman,
Gertie’shusband,Harry,tohelprunthebighousewherehelived.Sinceshe’dgrownup,Clairehaddone
hershareofcookingandhousework,buthergreatestjoywashelpingtoworkonthatautomobile!Itwasa
spankingnewOldsmobilewithacurveddash,andjustlookingatitgavehergoosebumps.Attheendof
lastyearUncleWillhadordereditinMichigan;ithadbeenshippedbyrailtoColbyvilleassoonasit
wasbuilt.Likemostmotorcars,itoccasionallychokedandcoughedandsmokedandrattled,andfrom
timetotimeitsthinrubbertireswentflatontherough,deeplyrutteddirtroadsthatcircledColbyville.

Thetownspeoplehadprayedfordeliverancefromwhattheysaidhadtobeaninventionofthedevil,

andhorsestooktothefieldsasifdrivenbyghosts.Thetowncouncilhadpaidavisittoheruncletheday
afterhismotorcararrived:UncleWillhadsmiledtolerantlyandpromisedtokeeptheelegantlittle
vehicleoutofthewayofthecarriagetrade.Helovedhistoy,whichhadallbutbankruptedhim,andhe
spentallhissparetimeworkingonit.Clairesharedhisfascination.He’dfinallygiveninandstopped

chasingheroutofthegaragesothatbitbybit,she’dlearnedaboutboilersandgearsandbearingsand
sparkplugsandpistons.Nowsheknewalmostasmuchashe.Herhandswereslenderanddexterousand
shewasn’tafraidoftheoccasional“bite”shegotwhenshetouchedthewrongpartofthesmall
combustionengine.Theonerealdrawbackwasthegrease.Inordertoworkproperly,thebearingshadto
becontinuallybathedingrease,whichgotoneverything—includingClaire.

SuddenlyacarriageappearedonthestreetandClairewatcheditdrawnear.Whenitwasinfrontof

her,itwentthroughapuddle—splatteringmudalloverherskirts.Sheletoutagroanandlookedso
forlornthatthedriverstopped.

Thecarriagedooropenedandimpatientdarkeyesglaredoutather.“ForGod’ssake!Getinbefore

you’reevenmoresoakedthanyoualreadyare,yousillychild!”

Thevoice,deepandfamiliar,hadthepowertoturnherheartover.Notthatheknew.Clairewas

carefultokeepherfeelingsforheruncle’sbankerveryclosetoherheart.

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

hisnicecleancarriageasshefoldedtheparasolandhikedupherskirtstothetopofhershoes.Butshe
trippedoverthewethemandlandedinaheapontheseat,flushingbecauseJohnHawthornmadeherso
nervous.

Verydignifiedinhisdark-vestedcitysuit,hemovedovertogiveherplentyofroom,thenrappedon

thetopofthecarriagewithhiscane,signalinghisdrivertogoahead.“HonesttoPete,Claire!Youattract
mudlikeoatsattractahorse!”Helookedmildlyexasperatedashesurveyedthedamage.“Ihavetogetto
thebankbyopeningtime,butI’llhavemydrivertakeyoudowntoColbyville,”hesaid,hisdarkeyes
narrowinginhislean,handsomeface.Hehadaninnatefastidiousness,almostacoldness,withmost
women,asifheknewhewasattractivetothemandtomaintainhisdistance.Ithadbeenthefirstthingthat
drewClaire’sattentiontohim,achallengetoawoman’sego.Buthewasn’tcoldwithher.Healternately
teasedandindulgedher,thewayhewouldaveryyounggirl.Ithadn’tbotheredhersomuchtwoyears
ago.Nowitdid.

She’dfirstbecomeacquaintedwithhimwhenhetookajobatthebankownedbyEliCalverson.

He’dalreadyworkedhiswayuptobeingaloanofficertheyearbeforetheSpanish-AmericanWarbroke
out,andJohn,withaneducatedguessastowhereCuban-Americanrelationsweregoing,hadleftthebank
in1897toservebrieflyinthearmy.BecausehisearlyeducationhadbeenattheCitadel,amilitary
collegeinSouthCarolina,hewasabletogoinwithanofficer’scommission.

WoundedinCubain’98anddischarged,Johnreturnedtothebank,andClairereallygottoknow

him.They’dbeenacquaintedforsomeyearsbecauseofheruncle,whohadmadeseveralsmall
investmentsthroughJohnandhadsecuredloansonthestrengthofthemtobuyland.Asshegottoknow
him,herattractiongrew,butsherealizedthatitwouldtakemorethanherpleasantface,palegrayeyes,
andslenderyoungbodytointerestamanlikeJohn.

Hewasn’tmerelyhandsome,hewasintelligent.AftergraduatingfromtheprestigiousCitadelhe

wentontogetamaster’sdegreeinbusinessfromHarvard.HewasvicepresidentofthePeachtreeCity
Banknow,andrumorhaditthatthebank’spresident,EliCalverson,sincehehadnochildren,had
handpickedJohnashissuccessor.CertainlyJohn’sriseinthebankhadbeenarapidone.

ButgossiphadrunrampantlatelyabouttheelusiveJohnHawthornandthebeautifulDiane,thenew

youngwifeofthebank’smiddle-agedpresident.Atthirty-one,Johnwasinhisprimeandaphysical
specimenothermenenvied.EliCalversonwasinhisfiftiesandnotparticularlyattractive.

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

cultured,wellbred,andsaidtoberelatedtomostoftheroyalhousesinEurope.Inshort,shewasany
man’sdream.SheandJohnhadalotmorethanthebankandtheirconnectiontoCalversonincommon.
Twoyearsbefore,theyhadbeenengaged.

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

twinkledathim.

Thecornerofhismouthturnedupward.Obviously,hewasamused.
Hereyeswenttothecanehecarriedstrictlyforornamentation.Hewasfitandathletic,atennis

player,andsheknewfromthefewdancesherunclehadescortedhertothatJohncoulddancebetterthan
mostmen.Hesmelledofsomeexoticcologne.ItdriftedintoClaire’snostrilsandmadeherheartrace.If
onlyhe’dnoticeher.Ifonly…!

Shestraightenedoutherwetskirts,frownedatthemudcakedonthem.Herlaced-upshoeswerefull

ofit,too;itwouldtakehourswithascrubbrushtogetthemcleanagain.Oh,dear—andGertiehadonly
juststoppedfussingaboutthegreaseonClaire’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.“Areyoupresuming

tolectureme?”

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

thesubjectofvilegossipandriskyourpositionatthebank,whoamItointerfere?”

Hisscowlwasintimidating.Imagininghe’doncelookedathistroopsinjustthatway,shewouldn’t

haveblamedasingleoneofhissoldersfordeserting.Hisvoicewasstillsoft,andmorechillingforit,
whenheasked,“Whatgossip?”

“PerhapsIshouldn’thavespoken,”shesaid,givinghimanervoussmile.“Youcanletmeouthere,if

youplease.Ihavenodesiretobestrangledonthewayhome.”

Hedidlookangry,butheneverseemedtolosehistemper,especiallynotwithClaire.“Ihaven’t

givenanyonereasontogossip,”hesaid.

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

present.”

“Hersisterwasupstairsasleep.Theservantsknewitandtoldeveryoneelse’sservantseverything

theysaw,”shetoldhimflatly.“It’sallovertown,John.Andifherhusbandhasn’theardityet,it’sonlya
matteroftimeuntilhedoes.”

Hemadearoughsoundunderhisbreath.He’dbeencarelessinhisobsessivedesiretobealone

again—justonce—withDiane.HermarriagetoCalversonhadbeenanactofvengeance—whenhe’d
refusedtoaskhispeopleforalargeadvanceonhisinheritanceforanelegantweddingandanexpensive
honeymoon.He’djoinedthearmybythenandwascertainthathewouldseeaction.She’dpromisedto
wait…but,withintwomonthsofhishavingbeeninCuba,DianeapparentlyhadfoundCalversontoo
handy,toorich,andtoooldnottodragtothealtar.

JohncamefromoldmoneyinSavannah,andhestoodtoinheritmillions.Butherefusedtoaskfora

pennyofit,preferringtomakehisownliving.Hewasdoingthatnow,thankstohissalaryandsomesmall

investments.Calverson’ssupporthadgivenhimanedge,althoughheknewhisfamilybackgroundandhis
Harvardbusinessdegreehadhelpedinfluencethemaninhisfavor.LosingDianehadchangedJohn,had
madehimcold.Nowhermarriageoflessthantwoyearsseemedtobeintrouble.She’dbeseechedJohn
tocometohersister’shouseforamealsothatshecouldaskhimforhelp.Howcouldhehaverefused,
evenwiththeriskofscandal?Buttheurgencyofthesituationseemedlesseneduponhisarrival,because
whateverhermotiveshadbeenininvitinghim,she’dtoldhimnothing.Leastofalldidsheaskforanysort
ofhelp.Shehadonlysaidthatsheregrettedhermarriageandthatshestillhadatendernessforhim.But
nowthey’dcausedthisterriblegossipthatwouldthreatenhergoodname,aswellashis.

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

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

Hegaveherahardlook.“I’mnotriskinganyone’sreputation.ButIcan’tthinkhowthisproblem,if

itisaproblem,hasanythingtodowithyou,Claire,”heremarkedcoolly.

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

myfriend,too.Iwouldhatetoseeyourreputationcompromised.”

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

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

Theflushgrewmuchworse.ShewatchedfeverishlyasthefamiliarGothiclinesofthebankcame

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

Hesawhergrippingherpursewithbothhands.Whilehedislikedherintrusionintohisprivacy,she

wasjustasweetchildwhoseobservationsshouldn’tupsethim.Heindulgedhermorethananywoman
he’deverknown.He’dhavethrownamanoutofhiscarriageforlessthanwhatshe’djustsaidtohim.
Butshehadakindheartandshecaredabouthim.Itwasdifficulttobeangryaboutthat.Shekindled
protectivefeelingsinhim,too.

Ifithadn’tbeenforDiane,hecouldwellhavecherishedthischild.Heleanedcloserasthecarriage

begantoslowdown.“Well,Claire,”hepersistedinadeepdrawl,“areyoubesiegedwithtenderfeelings
forme?”

“TheonlyfeelingIhaverightnowisaconsumingdesiretolayanironpipeacrossyourskull,”she

saidunderherbreath.

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

ashamedthatIwaseverworriedforyou,”shesaidflatly.“Ruinyourlife,sir.Iwillneverconcernmyself
withitagain.”

Shebangedagainsttheceilingwiththehandleofherparasolandwasoutofthecarriagebeforehe

coulddoanythingmorethancallhername.

Shefumbledtheparasolopenandgotontothewoodensidewalk,whichwasarelieffromthemud,

atleast.Infrontofthebank,whichwasabouttoopen,shespottedKennyBlake,afriendofhersfrom
schooldays,andrantogreethim.

“Oh,Kenny!ThankgoodnessIfoundyou!Canyougivemearidehome?Ourbuggy’saxlebroke.”
“You’renothurt?”heasked.
Sheshookherhead.“Justalittleshaken,that’sall.”Shelaughed.“Fortunately,itwasverynearthe

blacksmith’sshopandtheliverystable.Iwasabletogethelp,buttheyweresocrowdedthatnobody
couldsparethetimetodrivemehome.”

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

lastlittlebitwehadonnewsparkplugsforthemotorcar,anduntilhispensioncomes,wehavetobevery
careful.”

“Icanmakeyoualoan,”heoffered.Andhecouldhave,becauseKennyhadaverygoodjob

managingamen’sclothingshopintown.

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

andClairegotalongwell,andhewasn’tshywithher.Shebroughtoutallthebestinhim.

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

expensivesuitandbowlerhat,hissilver-headedcaneinonehandasheleanedelegantlyonitslengthand
waitedforMr.Calversontounlockthedoorfromtheinside.Calversontrustednooneexcepthimselfwith
thatkey.Hewasverypossessiveaboutthingsheowned—somethingthatJohnwouldhavedonewellto
haveremembered,Clairethought.

Atthestrokeofnine,Mr.Calversonopenedthehugeoakdoorsandstoodasidetolettheothers

enter.Hiseyeswereonhisgoldpocketwatch,whichwassuspendedfromathickgold-linkchain.He
noddedasheclosedthecaseandstuckitbackinthewatchpocketofhisvest.Helookedrathercomical
toClaire,theshort,stoutlittlemanwithhisflowingblond-and-silvermustacheandhisbaldhead.She
reallycouldn’timagineanywomanfindinghimattractive,muchlessabeautylikeDiane.Butthen,only
Johnthoughtshe’dmarriedoldmanCalversonforlove.EveryoneelseinAtlantaknewthatDianehad
expensivetastes—andthatherfamily’sruinedfortuneshadlefther,attheageoftwenty-two,withno
tangibleassetssaveherbeauty.Shehadtomarrywelltokeephersistersandhermotherinfancyclothes
andinsurethattheelegantmansiononPoncedeLeónkeptrunningsmoothly.ButMr.Calversonhadmore
moneythanshecouldeverspend.SowhywassheriskingitallforaflingwithheroldflameJohn?

“Thebankisn’tintrouble,isit?”sheaskedwhensheandKennywereinhisbuggyonthewayto

Claire’shome.

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

“He’sprosperous…anyonecanseethat.”

Soheseemedtobe.Butitwasalittlestrangethatamanwhocamefromfarmingstockshouldamass

suchafortuneinsoshortatime.Ofcourse,hedidhaveaccesstoinvestmentadvice,andheforeclosedon
landandhousesandsuch.

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

me.Imeantthatwehadasortofdisagreement,that’sall.”

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

president’swife.You’dthinkthemanwouldhavemorepride.”

“Peopleinloveseemtoloseitrathereasily,andshewasengagedtohimbeforeshemarriedMr.

Calverson.”

“Ifshe’sriskingherlittlenesttoseeJohnbehindherhusband’sback,maybethereissomeworry

aboutmoney,”heremarked.“Thatyoungwomandoesn’tmissastep.”

“IfJohnlovesher…”
“AscandalwouldruinhiminAtlanta.Nottomentionhergoodname.Herpeoplewerealways

mercenary,buttherewasneverabreathofscandalaboutthem.”

SherememberedJohncominghomewoundedtofindDianecomfortablymarried.Johnhadbeenina

terriblestateatthetime,stoicandunapproachableinhisrecovery.ClairehadgonewithUncleWilltosee
himinthehospital,havingheardthegossipabouthisbadlybrokenengagement.Ateighteen,Clairehad
feltthefirststirringsofloveforthewoundedsoldierwhoborehispainwithsuchcourageandhadeven
wonamedalforbravery.

“Itmustbeterribletolosesomeoneyoulovethatmuch,”sheremarked,andthoughtofherself,

becauseshe’dlovedJohnforalmosttwoyears…

“There’sacircuscomingtotownverysoon,”Kennysaid.“Wouldyoucaretogowithmetoseeit

onSaturday?”

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

neededpermissiontodowhatsheliked.Kennywasniceanduncomplicated,andhetookhermindoff
John.Anythingthatcouldaccomplishthatmadethedayworthwhile.

NCLE

ILLJUSTHAD

finishedfixingaleakyradiator.KennysaidhispieceandleftwhileClairewas

changingintoacleanskirtandblouseandshoes.Grimacing,shegavethedresstoGertie.

Gertiesighed.“MissClaire,youhaveagiftforsoilingclothes,”sheremarked,atwinkleinhereyes.
“Idotrytostayclean,”shetoldtheolderwoman.“It’ssimplythatfateisaftermewithabroom.”
Gertiechuckled.“Itseemsso.I’lldowhatIcanwiththis.Oh,andIwon’tbehereonSunday.I’m

goingtomeetmyfatheratthestationandgowithhimtoafamilyreunion.”

“Howishe?”GordonMillsJacksonwasafamousAfricantrialattorneyinChicagoandverywell

respected.

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

proudofhim.Hefaceddownalynchmobafewmonthsagoandrescuedafarmlaborerfromarope.The
manwasinnocent,andDaddydefendedhimsuccessfully.”

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

someonetocookforyouthatday?”

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

squeamishthatIcan’tkillthechicken.”

Gertielookeddubious.“Supposeyouletyouruncledothatpartforyou.He’smuchfasterthanyou

are.”

“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!Ihadtofixa

leakintheradiator.Handmeawrenchandthosehoses,andthenbringmethosenewsparkplugs!”

TTOOKABOUTTWOHOURS

togetthenewpartinplace,theplugsin,thegapsset,andthetimingjustright.

Herunclehadtotakeoneofthemoutandworrywithituntilitfitproperly,butjustbeforelunchtimethe
enginewasrunningprettily.

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

silvermustache.“Bygolly,Isurehave!Thankstoyou,girl!Itwasagreatdayformewhenyoucameto
stay.IhadnoideawhatamechanicI’dmakeofyou.”

Shecurtsied,ignoringthegreasespotsonherformerlypristineblouseandherface.“Thankyou.”
“Don’tletyourheadgettoobig,though.Youdidn’treplacethelastscrewintheboilerwhenyouput

itback.”

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’ttheymaketops

formotorcars?”

FTERTHEYATE,THETWOOFTHEM

satintheparlorwhiletherainbeatdownoutside.

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

Itwon’tcostsomuchtohaveitreplaced…”

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

lastmoneywehadtobuythatnewmotorcarpart,haven’tI?”Helookedup.“Why,Claire!Ihavea
thought—wecansellthehorseandbuggynow,”heexclaimed.“Wehaveahorselesscarriagethatruns!”

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

theextramoneywillpayoffthelastbigmortgageI’vehadtotakeoutonthehouse.”Hisfaceassumeda
blissfulexpression.“Ourtroublesareover,mydear.They’requite—”Hestopped.Hisfaceseemedan
oddgraycolorandheclutchedhisleftarm.Helaughedshortly.“Why,howveryoddthisfeels.Myarm
hasgonenumb,andIhaveaveryhardpaininmy—inmy—inmythroa…”

Helookedatherasifhewasseeingrightthroughherandsuddenlypitchedforward,rightontothe

rug.

Clairerantohim,herhandstrembling,hereyeshugeandtragic.Sherealizedatoncethatthiswas

somethingmorethanafaint.Hewaslyingsostill,notbreathing,andhisskinhadgoneaghastlygray
color.Butworstofall,hiseyeswereopenandthepupilswerefixedanddilated.Claire,whohad
watchedpetdogsandcatsandchickensdieovertheyears,knewtoowellwhatthatmeant…

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

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

leastitwasquick.Heneverknewathing.”

Clairestaredathimwithdulleyes.
“Gertie,bringasheet,please,andcoverhim,”heaskedthehousekeeper,whowasquietandsolemn.
Shenoddedandwentaway,returningquicklywithaspotlesswhitesheet.Fightingtears,sheputit

lovinglyoverWill.

Thatmadeitallfinalsomehow,andClairefelthereyeswellingwithtears.Shebrushedatthemas

shebegantosob.“Buthewassohealthy,”shewhispered.“Therewasneveranythingwrongwithhim.He
neverevenhadacold.”

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

cangettocomeandhelpyousortouttheestate?”

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

andhewasmyfather’sonlylivingsibling.Mymother’speoplearealldead,aswell.”

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

ambulancetookthebodytothemortuary.ItwasonlythenthatClairerealizedherposition.Thedoctorand
thefuneralhomewouldhavetobepaid.Thesaleofthebuggyandhorsewouldbarelycoverit.Thehouse
wasmortgaged;thebankwouldsurelyforeclose.

Shesatdownheavilyontheloveseatandclenchedahandkerchiefinherhand.Herbelovedonly

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

Arenewedwaveofpaniclefthermomentarilyintears.ButtheysoonweredriedbyGertie,who

remindedherthatshehadfewequalswithaneedleandthreadandthefineSingertreadlesewingmachine
inthebedroom.Clairemadeallherownclothes,designsofherowncreationthatmostpeoplethought
werestore-boughtbecausetheyweresorichlyandlavishlyembroideredandlaced.

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

downonPeachtreeStreetcan’tmakeclothesfastenoughtomeetthedemand.Ibetshe’dhireyouina
secondtoworkforher.SaidshethoughtyourprettybluesuitwasaParisfashion,shedid!Andsheknows
yousewforMrs.EvelynPaine.”

ThatmadeClairefeelalittlebitbetter.But,still,theprospectofajobandanincomewasonlythat

—aprospect.Shewasafraidofthefuture,andtryinghardnottoletitshow.

Barelyanhourlater,peoplewhoknewandlovedUncleWillbeganfillingthehouse.Claire’spride

andself-controlweresorelytestedwithcondolenceaftercondolence.Womenbroughtplattersoffood
anddesserts,andjugsoficedtea,andurnsofcoffee.Everythingwastakencareofinthekitchen,with
Gertie’ssupervision.KennyBlakecameearlyandwouldhavestayed,butClaireknewhisbusiness
dependedonthepersonalservicehegavehiscustomers.Heneededtokeephisshopopenforlonghours,
too.Shepromisedshewouldbeallrightandsenthimbacktowork.Theycamealldayandintothe
evening,untilatlastafamiliarbutunwelcomefaceshoweditselfatthedoor.

Claire’seyeswereredwithtearsassheletthebankpresident,Mr.EliCalverson,andhis

beautifullydressedandcoiffedblondewifeintothehouse.

“We’resosorry,mydear,”DianeCalversonsaidinherculturedvoice,extendingagracefulhandin

aspotlesswhiteglove.“Whataterribletragedyforyou,andhowunexpected.Wecamethemomentwe
heard.”

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

makesurethehouseissoldforthehighestpossibleprice,sothattherewillbealittlesomethingleftover
foryou.”

Clairewasn’teventhinkingproperlyasshestaredattheoldman,whohadthecoldesteyesshe’d

everseen.

“Andhedidhavethatinfernalmotorcar,aswell,”thebankercontinued.“Maybewecouldfindsome

buyerforit…”

“Iwon’tsellit,”shesaidatonce.“Thebuggyandthehorseareattheliverystableandtheycanbe

sold,butIwon’tpartwithUncle’shorselesscarriage.”

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

chatwithMissLangwhileIspeaktoSandersoverthere.Ibelievehe’shadhiseyeonthispropertyfor
quitesometime.”

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

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

Clairehadbeentooupsettochangetheolddressshe’dworntoworkwithUncleinthegarage.Still,

shebristledatthewoman’sremark.ShehaddressesupstairsthatwouldhavemadeMrs.Calverson’s
Parisimportlooktackybycomparison.“Myunclehadjustdied,Mrs.Calverson.Clotheswerenotmuch
onmymind,”Clairesaid.

Dianeshookherhead.“Nothingismoreimportanttomethantobecorrectlydressed,whateverthe

occasion.Really,Claire.Youshouldgoandchangebeforeotherpeoplecome.”

Clairegapedather.“Myunclediedonlyhoursago,”sherepeated,loudenoughforhervoiceto

carry.“Ihardlythinkmyclothesmatterjustnow.”

Dianeactuallyblushedasheadsturnedtowardher.Shemadeanawkwardlittlegestureandlaughed

nervously.“Why,Claire.Youmisunderstoodme.Inevermeanttodemeanyourensemble.Andcertainly
notonsuchasadoccasion.”

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

hisarrivalandherheartjoltedatthesightofhim,eventhroughhergrief.

HetookDiane’sarm,staringdownwithconcernatClaire.“I’mverysorryaboutyouruncle,

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

Clairesearchedhislean,hardfaceandwisheddesperatelythathewoulddefendhersovaliantly.If

onlyshecouldlayherheadonhisshoulderandcryoutherpain.Buthiscomfortseemedreservedfor
Diane.Onemorethingtoaddtoherburdenedspirit.

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

Diane’sarm.“Noronesingleaction.”

Theybothlookeduncomfortable.HemovedquicklyawayfromDiane,butnotbeforeMr.Calverson

hadseenandnotedthebyplay.Hecamebacktojointhem,takinghiswife’sarmwithalookthatspoke
volumes.

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

Johncoldly,thenturnedandledhiswifeaway.

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

storemanager.”

Sheliftedherchin,angryathispointedreferencetoKenny,whowasadarlingbuthardlyamanof

action.“Doyouwanttosnapatme,too?Well,goahead,”sheinvited.“Diane’shadarippinggoatme
alreadyaboutmyclothes,andherhusbandisbusytryingtoselltheroofovermyheadsothatyourbank
doesn’tloseapennyontheloansyoumadetoUncleWill.Don’tyouhaveanythinghurtfultosaytome?It
wouldbeashametowastethisopportunity.Youshouldalwayskickpeoplewhenthey’redown!”

Themettleinherwordscontrastedpainfullywiththewobbleinhervoiceandthesheenoftearsin

hergrayeyes.

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

hall.Sheleaned,restingherforeheadagainstthecoolwall,whilesicknessrushedoverher.Ithadbeen
suchalong,terribleday.

Sheheardthedoorbehindheropen,thenshut.Thevoicesintheparlorrecededasfootsteps

sounded.Shefeltthepullofasteelyhandonherupperarm,turningher,andthenshewaspressedagainst
scratchyfabric.Strong,warmarmsheldher.Underherear,asteady,comfortingheartbeatsoothedher.
Shebreathedintheexoticcologneandgaveintotheneedforcomfort.Ithadbeenaverylongtimesince
herunclehadheldherlikethiswhenherparentshaddied.Inalltheyearsofherlife,comforthadbeen
rare.

“Mypoorbaby,”Johnsaidsoftlyathertemple.Hishandsmoothedoverhernape,calmingher.

“That’sright.Justcryuntilitstopshurtingsomuch.Comeclosetome.”Hisarmscontracted,rivetingher
tohim.

She’dneverheardhisvoicesotender.Itwascomfortingandexcitingallatonce.Shepressed

closer,givingfreereintothetearsasshecriedawaythegriefandfearandlonelinessinthearmsofthe
mansheloved.Evenifitwasonlypitydrivinghim,howsweetitwastobeheldsocloselybyhim.

Ahandkerchiefwasheldtohereyes.Shetookitandwipedthemandblewhernose.Hemadeher

feelsmallandfragile,andshelikedthewayhistall,muscularbodyfeltagainsthers.

Shepulledslowlyawayfromhim,withoutraisingherhead.“Thankyou,”shesaid,withawatery

sniff.“MayIaskwhatprovokedyoutooffercomforttotheenemy?”

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

did.You’vehadenoughforoneday.”

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

laudanumtomakeyousleep.”

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

forbodies,theanguishofhavingtotelltheirfatherthattheyweredead.“Thenyouwouldbewrong,”he
saidabruptly,dismissingthepainfulmemories.“Butlossispartandparceloflife.Onelearnstobearit.”

Shewrungthehandkerchiefinherhands.“HewasallIhad,”shesaid,liftinghergazetohis.“Andif

ithadn’tbeenforhim,Ishouldhaveendedupinanorphanage,astatehome.”Shedrewhershouldersup.
“Ididn’tevengettosaygoodbyetohim,itwasthatquick.”Thetearscameagain,hotandstinging.

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

tocontendwith.”

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

noticedasmudgeofgrease.Takingthehandkerchieffromherhand,hewipedawaythesmear.“Grease
smearsanddirtyskirts.Claire,youneedakeeper.”

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

ofteachingyoutoworkonmotorcarengines,Willshouldhavebeenintroducingyoutoyoungmenand
parties.You’llendupanoldmaidcoveredingrease.”

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

atherscarletblush.

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

goodforyou,”sheadded,withatwingeofheroldimpishnature.

Hechuckledsoftly.“Thattonguecutslikeaknife,doesn’tit?”Hetookaslowbreathandtappedher

gentlyonthecheek.“You’llsurvive,Claire.Youwereneverashrinkingviolet.Butifyouneedhelp,I
hopeyou’llcometome.Willwasmyfriend.Soareyou.Idon’tliketothinkofyoubeingaloneand
friendless,especiallywhenthehouseissold.”

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

takenoutanotherloan…”

“Sohedid.Thebankwillhavetoforecloseonthehouseandsellit.You’llgetanythingoverthe

amountnecessarytopayoffyouruncle’sdebts,butfranklyIdoubtthere’llbemuchleft.Themotorcar
willhavetogo,too.”

“Iwon’tsellit,”shesaidthroughherteeth.
“AndIsayyouwill.”
“Youhavenorighttotellmeanything.You’reneithermybankernormyfriend!”
Heonlysmiled.“I’myourfriend,Claire—whetheryouliketoadmititornot.Mr.Calversonwon’t

actinyourinterest.”

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

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

“Whatwillyoudowithit?”
“Driveit,ofcourse,”shesaid.Hereyeslitup.Sheliftedthemtohis.“John,Ishan’thavetosellit!I

canhireitouttobusinessmen,withmyselfasthedriver!Iwillstartabusiness!”

Helookedasifshe’dhithiminthehead.“You’reawoman,”hepointedout.
“Yes.”
Hetookanexasperatedbreath.“Youcanhardlyexpectmetocondonesuchaharebrainedscheme.”
Shedrewherselfuptoherfullheight.Itdidn’tdoanygood.Hestilltoweredoverher.“I’lldoasI

please,”sheinformedhim.“Ihavetomakealivingformyself.Ihavenomeansofsupport.”

Hestudiedhercuriously.Severalthingswerebecomingcleartohim,foremostamongthemthathe

wasabouttolandhimselfinonehellofascandalbecauseofDiane.Herhusbandwasverysuspicious—
andifwhatClairehadtoldhimwasaccurate,hewasbeinggossipedabout.Hecouldn’taffordtoletone
blemishattachitselftoDiane’sgoodname.

Hiseyesnarrowed.Clairewasn’tatallbadtolookat.Shewasspunky,andshehadadevilishsense

ofhumor.Shehadakindheart,andevenpassablemanners,andmostofthetimeshedelightedhim.He
hadasoftspotforherthathe’dneverhadforanyotherwoman.Besidesallthat,sheworshipedhim.“You
couldmarryme,”hesuggestedwickedly.“Thenyou’dhaveahusbandtolookafteryourinterestsaswell
asaroofoveryourhead.”

Shefeltthegroundgooutfromunderherfeet.Itwastheoddestsensation,asifsheweren’ttouching

theflooratall.“Whyshouldyouwanttomarryme?”

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

yourdreams,”hesaid,smilingatherblush,“andIgetarespitefromgossipthatcouldruinDiane’sgood
name.”

Diane’sgoodname,shenoticed,nothisown.Hewasstillputtingthewomanabovehisown

reputation.Andtheunkindremarkaboutherinfatuationforhimhurt.Shehatedhavinghimknowhowshe
felt.

“Marryyou?”sherepliedhaughtily.“I’dsoonereatanarseniccasserolewithdeadlynightshade

sauce!”

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

bestsolutiontoyourproblem.”

“I’lldrivethecarandmakemyliving!”shesaidbelligerently.Sheknewshewasn’tfacingreality,

andshealmostaddedthatshecouldsupportherselfequallywellifnotbetterbybecomingaseamstress.
However,sinceheknewnothingofthatparticulartalent,shethoughtitbesttokeepittoherselfforthe
timebeing.

Heshrugged.“Drivethecar,byallmeans,”hesaid,turningtoleave,“but,justremember,noself-

respectingbusinessmanisgoingtopermithimselftobedriventhroughthestreetsofAtlantabyawoman.”
Hegaveheraruefulsmile.“I’llbewaitingtohearfromyou,Claire.Whenyoursituationisdesperate
enough,comeandseeme.”

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

forcedtotake.Buthowdarehemakehersuchanofferofmarriage—socoldandcalculatingthatshegot
chillsdownherbackjustthinkingofit!Hecouldn’tbelieveshe’dacceptsuchaproposal—withouteven
thepretenseofwarmthoraffection!HecouldbelieveitbecausehecaredsomuchforDiane.Shedidn’t
havetohearhimsaythattoknowthetruthofit.Helovedthewomanmorethananything,sotosaveher
theviciousgossipofsocietydames,hewouldsacrificehimselfonthealtarofmarriagetoanother
woman.Itwasrathernobleandheroic,exceptthatClairewouldalsobemakingasacrificetomarrya
manwhodidn’tloveher.SheknewhowhefeltaboutDiane.Thatwouldn’tchange.Shewouldbeafool
tolinkherlifetohis.

Butwhatifshecouldmakehimloveher?askedatinyvoicedeepinsidehermind.Whatifbyliving

withher,sharingthingswithher,beingaroundherconstantly,hecouldlearntoloveher?Theremight
evenbeachild,shethoughtwithascarletblush,andsurelyhewouldfeelsomethingforthemotherofhis
son?

Sheputthethoughtawayasquicklyassheentertainedit.Hemightbeabletomakelovetoher,as

menwereknowntobecapableofitwithanywoman.ButhewouldbethinkingofDiane,wantingDiane.
Howcouldshebearhiskissesandhisembraceswhensheknewhewantedsomeoneelse,evenifthe
someoneelsedidn’twanthimback?

Theanswerwas,ofcourse,thatshecouldn’t.Shehadtopickupthepiecesofhershatteredlifeand

becomeindependent.Therewouldsurelybeaway.Ifheruncle’sbelovedmotorcarwasn’ttheanswer
shewouldthinkofsomethingelse.ThenletMr.High-and-MightyHawthorncomecallingwithhis
infamousproposals!

ORTWOWEEKSAFTER

thefuneralClaireonlywentthroughthemotionsofliving.Kennycameonceand

offeredtodoanythingsheneededdone,includingtrimmingthehedges.Shedidn’ttakehimuponhis
offer,becauseshedidn’twanttoraisehishopes.Hehadamildcrushonher,butshehadnoloveforhim,
onlyfriendship.

Shemissedheruncleterribly.Moneywasalreadyaproblem.She’dhadtoletGertieandHarrygo,

ablowtoallthreeofthem,andnotdonewithoutatearfulpartingandpromisestokeepintouch.They
easilyfoundwork,becauselocallytheywereknownashardworkers.That,atleast,tooksomeofthe
burdenfromherconscience.Thehousewassold;Mr.Calversonhadsentwordthathehadabuyerwho
wantedtomoveinwithinthemonth.

Clairewouldreceivetwohundreddollarsasherpartofthesale,butthatwouldquicklybegone,

becausethefuneralexpenseshadtobepaidoutofit.

Shehadtriedtofindclienteleforhermotorcarenterprise,butasJohnHawthornhadpredicted,

businessmendidn’tflocktoherdoortobecomeclients.Infact,shewasbrushedoffunceremoniously.She
didbackthemotorcaroutofthedriveandrunitaroundtheblock,dressedinthelongwhitedrivingcoat
andgogglesandcapherunclehadalwaysworn.Youngboysthrewrocksather,andshefrighteneda
horseintojumpingahedge.Afterwardsheparkedthemotorcarinthegarageandlockeditaway.

Shehadbrieflyconsideredworkasaseamstressinalocalfabricandnotionsshop,butthewoman

Gertiehadsuggestedasapotentialemployerhadjusttakenonanewseamstressandhadnoneedofhelp.
Theonlyalternativewastosellherdesignsdoor-to-doororfindashopownerwhowouldletherdo
alterations.Kennycametomind,butshehadnowishtosewmen’sfashions,muchlessdoalterationson
them.

Sewingathomewasagoodpossibility,exceptthatthehousewouldsoonbegone.Thechickens

werehers,andtheeggstheylaid,butwherewouldshetakethemtoliveinordertokeepgettingheregg
moneyfromherregularcustomers?

Johnhadpredictedthatshe’dhavetocometohimforhelp,andshewasalmosttothatpoint.Only

prideheldherback.Pridewasveryexpensive,though,andshewasrunningoutofmoneyfast.

HE’DONLYJUSTPUTUPHERCLOAK

andhatwhentherewasaknockonthefrontdoor.Shewenttoopenit

andfoundJohnonthedoorstep.

Herheartskipped,butangeroverrodeattraction.“Womenrunbrothelsandboardinghouses!”she

raged,shakingherfingerathim.“Iftheycanrunonesortofbusiness,certainlytheycanrunothers!”

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

Colbyville.”Heleaneddown.“However,ifyoudo,Ipromisetobeyourfirstcustomer,”hewhispered.

Sheflushedtoherneckline.“YouknowverywellthatIhadnoideaofdoinganysuchthing!Iwas

merelymakingapoint,”sheadded,whilethethoughtofbeinginJohn’sarmsinbedmadeherkneesweak.
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.Pastexperiencehadmadehimfar

toocynicalabouthumannature.HerememberedtheverymomentinCubawhenallhisillusionsvanished
forever.ThesightofhumanbeingsroundeduplikecattleintheSpanishgeneral’sconcentrationcamps
hadsickenedeverymaninhiscompany.AlargenumberofthoseprisonershaddiedbeforeAmerican
troopsinvadedtheisland.

ButevenworsethanthesightofthosewretchedmenwasthehorroroftheUSSMainegoingdown

inHavanaHarboronlytwomonthsbeforehisunitwasshippedtoCuba.Histwoyoungerbrothershad
beenonboardthatship.Itwashewhohadinfluencedthemtojoin,hewithhisofficer’scommissionand
hismedals.NowRobandAndrewweredead.Attheboys’funeral,hisfatherhadcursedhimuntil
literallyrunningoutofbreath.He’dhadtohavepermissionfromhiscommandingofficertoreturnto
SavannahfromTampa,wherehewastemporarilystationed,toattendit.Soonafterthat,hisunitwassent
backtoCubatofightwhenthewaragainstSpainwasdeclared.

Hecouldhearhismotherweeping,seethepityinglooksintheeyesofhisyoungremainingbrother

andsister.Hecouldfeelthecold,hatefuleyesofhisfatherandheartheviciousadmonitionthathewould
neveragainbewelcomeattheirSavannahhome.Evenlater,afterhewaswoundedandshippedtoNew
Yorktomusteroutofthemilitary,itwastoanAtlantaareahospitalthatheeventuallywassent,byhis
ownrequest.Andhisfatherhadnotpermittedhismothertocomeandvisithim,eventocorrespondwith
himduringhisconvalescence.Hestillhatedthemanforthatalone.Clairehadcomeoftentoseehimthen,
herecalled,hisgazemovingtoherface.He’dlosteverythingheloved,evenDiane,andClaire’sgentle
presencehadmeantsomuch.He’dnevereventoldherthat.

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

hardenanyman.I’msorryforthethingsIsaidaboutDiane,”shesaid,surprisinghim.“Iknowyoucan’t
helpthewayyoufeelabouther.”

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

secrets.”

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

needsomeonetokeephouseforthem?”sheaskedabsently.

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

Isewalittle,”sheadded,withasecretsmile.

Heglancedather.“Everywomansewsalittle.Andworkingonautomobilesishardlyaviableskill

whentherearesofewofthemaround.Infact,Iseemtorecallthatyourunclehadtheonlygasoline-
poweredoneintheseparts.”

“Onedaytherewillbemany.”
“Nodoubt.Butyourneedismoreimmediate.”
Sheletoutanangrysigh.“Whataworldwelivein,wherewomenhavetofighttobeallowedany

sortofworksavewashing,typing,sewing,orwaitingoncustomersinshops.”

Hesighedtohimself,rememberingDianesayinglanguidlythatshehadnointerestinbeinganything

exceptalovingwife.WhyhadshemarriedCalverson?Nowsheknewwhatamistakeshe’dmadeandit
wastoolate.Toolate!Ithurtmostofalltorememberthathe’dintroducedhertoCalverson,whenhe
wenttoworkatthebankforthefirsttime,freshoutofHarvard.

Heglancedaround.Mostofthefurniturewasalreadygone,soldtopaybills.“Doyouhaveanyplace

togo,Claire?”

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

Headmiredthatindependentspirit.

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

putanendtoallyourtroublesandmostofmine.”

Herheartjumpedwithpainedpleasure,butsherefusedtogivewaytoit.Sheglaredathim.“Isaid

nobeforeandI’llsayitagain.Youonlywantmetobeablind,acamouflage,soyoucancarryonwith
yourmarriedwoman!”

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

meandcheatonmewithsomeotherman?”

Shestiffened.“Itwouldneveroccurtometodoanythingsodishonest.”
“Norwoulditoccurtome.”Hestaredintoherpalegrayeyesandsawthatnothingshortofthetruth

wouldswayher.“Let’shaveitoutintheopen,then.Yes,IloveDiane,”hesaid,takinghishandsoutof
hispocketsandmovingastepcloser.“Somepartofmewillalwaysloveher.Butshe’smarriedandI
can’thaveherhonorably.Anythinglessthanthatwoulddestroyherreputationandmine.Theonly
sensiblethingtodoismakeanewlifeformyself.YouandIaren’tstrangers.We’veknowneachother,
casuallyatleast,forseveralyears,andquitewellforthepasttwo.YouhavequalitiesIadmire.Wemight
nothavethemostpassionatemarriageofalltime,butIthinkwecandealverywelltogether.Rightnow,
bothofusareextrapeopleintheworld.”

Shehadn’texpectedhimtosaythat.Sheexpectedcoaxingandevenadisplayofpassiontomakeher

fallinwithhisplans.Hishonestyleftherwithoutadefense.

Helookedatherslowly,deliberately,untilsheblushed.Oneeyebrowliftedslightly.“Youmight

enjoybeingmarried,Claire.”

“IfImarryyou,itwillbe—itwillbejustasfriends,”shestammered.“Iwon’t—Thatis,Ican’t…”
“Youcan’tsharemybed,”hesaidforher,andthesmilegrewlarger.“Allright.We’llleaveitlike

that.Forawhile,atleast.”

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

makesyoufeelcompromised.Willthatsuffice?”

Sheunbentalittle.Afterall,hewasdoingheratremendousfavortoofferhertheprotectionofhis

nameandthesecurityofahome.

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

promisenevertolietoyou.”Hisdarkeyeswereveryintent.“Ithinkwe’llgetalong.”

Shesighedwearily.“Itseemsanunlikelysortofbusiness.”
“Giventime,itmayproveablessingforusboth.Whatsortofringwouldyoulike?”headded,with

asmile.“AndsupposeweshockAtlantabygettingmarriedattheendofthemonth?”

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

shewascapitulating.“Youhavefamily,surely.Willtheywanttocome?”

“Myfamilylivesfaraway,”hesaidstiffly,notwantingtotellherwhyhecouldn’tinvitethemtohis

wedding.“Theywon’tbeabletocome.”

“Oh.Isee.”Shesighed.“Ishallhavetowalkdowntheaislealone.”

Hesmiled.“You’llbealovelybride,Claire.AndIpromise,itwillbeaverysmallwedding.Only

thenecessarypeople.”

Shedidn’tgivethatanotherthought,forthemoment.Oddly,itneveroccurredtoherjustwhothe

necessarypeoplewouldbe…untilitwastoolate.

BECAUSECLAIREHADBEENSODEVOTEDTOHERuncle,andsoinvolvedinhelpinghim,she
hadn’ttriedtomakefriendsofthefewothersinglewomeninthecommunity.Shefeltthatlackkeenlyas
shewashelpedtogetreadyfortheweddingceremonybyanexcitedGertie.Atleastshehadsomeone
whowas“family”atthemostexcitingeventofheryounglife.

“Iwishyourunclecouldseeyounow,MissClaire.”Gertiesighed.“Youlookprettyasapicture.”
“OfcourseIdo—theveilcoversmyface!”Claireteased,smiling.Shedidn’thaveatraditional

weddinggown.Sheworeanelaboratewhitesilk-and-lacedressthatshe’dmadeforadebutante’scoming
out.Thedebutantehaddecidedatthelastminutethatshedidn’twantit.ItwasClaire’ssize,soshe’dkept
itforherself.Shewasgladnowthatshehad.Withtheadditionofahugewhitehatwithaconcealingveil,
andthesmallbouquetofautumnflowersthatGertiehadpickedforherandthreadedwithasilverribbon
andwhitelace,Clairelookedthepictureofamodernbride.

“Thatwasn’twhatImeant,andyouknowit,”Gertiescolded.Shestraightenedafoldofthelong

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

“Mr.John”hadn’tlookedasifhefeltveryproudofherwhenhe’dglimpsedherbrieflyatthefront

door,Clairethoughtmiserably.Forthepastthreeweekshe’dbeenveryattentiveandcourteous,takingher
outtopoetryrecitalsandmusicalconcertseverynight.He’dbeenacharmingcompanion.Hisaffection
forherwasasevidentasithadeverbeen…butthatwasall.Therewassimplynothingmore.Therehad
beennokisses,noefforttomaketheirrelationshipanythingmorethanfriendship.Andtoday,whenthe
ceremonywastotakeplace,hesuddenlylookedhaunted.Clairehadasuddenfearthathemighthave
secondthoughtsatthealtar—apictureofherselfbeingleftthereforminginhermind.

“Why,yourhandsaretrembling!”Gertieexclaimed,takingbothoftheminherstowarmthem.

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

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

wedding.JohnmightbeworriedthatthegossipaboutDianeandhimselfbroughtsomeofthesepeopleto
theweddingoutofsheercuriosity.Surelythatwaswhatmadehimlooksoconcerned—notregretfor
havingaskedhertomarryhim!Shehadtothinkthathewasgladtobemarryingherorshe’dgomad.

Infact,JohnwastryingnottoseeDiane,sobeautifulinhergloriouswhite-and-black-patterned

dress,soelegant.Shewassmiling,butshelookedworn,andherhusbandwasn’tsmilingatall.Johnhad
worriedabouthersincethedayofClaire’suncle’sfuneral.Elihadbeenquitebriskwithher,andhostile
towardhim,asifhe’dheardthegossipaboutthemandwasangry.JohnhadwantedtotalktoDianebadly,
tofindoutifshewasbeingmistreatedbyherhusbandbecauseofthewildrumors.Buthehadn’tdared
approachherforfearofmakingthewholesituationworse.Buttoday,she’ddetainedhimatthebackof
thechurchwhiletheyweremomentarilyalone.Therehadbeentearsinhereyes.

Shetuggedathissleeveandcoaxedhimintoanemptyroom.“Ineverdreamedyou’dactuallygo

throughwithit.Oh,don’t!Don’t!”shepleaded,clingingtohisarms.“John,yousimplycan’tgothrough

withit!Iwaswrong.Imadeaterriblemistake.Iadmititfreely.Imarriedonlytospiteyou.Butwhatif
mymarriageweresuddenlydissolvedandyouweretiedtoClaire?Youhavetostopthewedding!”

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

myfriend…”

Thefireinhiseyesthrilledher.Sheleanedintohisbody,givinghimallherweight,andliftedher

face.“Itisn’tfriendshipIwant.Iloveyou!”

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

John,youmustn’tgothroughwiththis.I’llpromiseanything,anything…ifyou’llwalkoutofthechurch.
Anything,mydarling,”shewhisperedboldly.

Hethoughthemightscream.Hereyespromisedheaven,herlips…Hebenttowardthem,pulledby

invisiblestrings.Andthenhesuddenlyrealizedwhohewas—andwhoshewas—andwheretheywere.
Hedrewaway,slowly,reluctantly.Perspirationbeadedabovehisupperlip.“It’stoolate,”hebitoff.

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

Shestilllovedhim!Andhewasabouttobemarried!“Diane,halfofAtlantaisoutthere.Icannot!”

Shelookedathimthroughtears.“Iwasafool!OnlyrecentlyhaveIrealizedhowmuchIloveyou.

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

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

life!”

Shepressedclosertohim.“Mymarriagemaynotlastmuchlonger,”shewhisperedurgently.“Ican

saynomore,butImaybefreesoonerthanyourealize.John,youhavetostopthewedding.Therecannot
betwospousesbetweenus.There’ssomethingIsimplymusttellyouaboutEli—”Shecaughtsightofher
husbandcomingalongthehallandsprangawayfromJohn.ShewaslaughingbythetimeCalversonjoined
them.Sherecoveredsoquickly,Johnthought—muchmorequicklythanhecould.

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

noddingtowardJohn.“Thisfellowhassomemarryingtodo.”Withthat,hetookherarmanddrewher
acrossthethreshold.

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

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

WashemadtomarryClaire,whenhedidn’tloveher?HiseyessoughtDiane’sacrosstheroomand

hispainedexpressionbroughtasadbutreassuringsmiletoherlips.Heturnedaway,miserable.Diane…
hislove,hislife!Hewaslosingherforever,becauseofhisneedtostemfoulgossipaboutherandhispity
forClaire.Whyhadn’therealizedintimehowdeeplyhewascommittinghimselfwiththismarriage?He
hadn’tthoughttherewasachanceofDiane’smarriageending.Nowtherewasthepossibility—now,when
itwasalmosttoolate!Therecouldbenoeasydivorce,noquickannulmentofhismarriagetoClaireeven
ifDianeshouldsuddenlybecomefree,becausethatwouldcreatetwicethegossip.Ofcourse,theycould
goaway…

Therewasstilltime,hetoldhimself.Hecouldstopthis,rightnow.HecouldgotoClaire,tellher

thathehadn’tbeenthinkingstraight,thatdespitehiscompassionforhersituation,hedidn’tloveherand
couldn’tmarryher.Hecoulddothat!

Heevenmadetheattempt.Hejoinedherassheenteredthechurchsanctuary,hisfeelingsinturmoil.
Shegavehimaclear,uncomplicatedlook,somethingakintoworshipinhersofteyesasshestared

upathim,flushedwithdelight.

Hislipspartedtospeakthewordsthatwouldendthefarce.Butsomehow,lookingintothosesoft

grayeyesthroughthethinwhiteveil,hecouldn’tfindthewords.Hejuststoodthere,speechless.She
lookedsopure,sountouched,soinnocent.Somuchinlove,hethoughtbitterly.Andsuddenly,thethought
ofhurtingherwasinsupportable.

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

music,Claire,”hesaidstiffly,andturnedtogobackdowntheaisletothealtar,wheretheministerwaited
tomarrythem.Hewasdisgustedwithhimself.Pitywasnoexcuseformarriage.Hisheartwasforever
Diane’s,nowmorethanever.

GoodLord,wouldheeverforgetwhatDianehadjustconfessedtohim?Wouldheeverforgetthe

tormentinthosebeautifuleyes?HowcouldhehavethoughttomarryClairewhenasimpleloanofmoney
wouldhavedoneequallywell?Butsanityhadcomefartoolatetosavehim.Hecouldhardlywalkoutof
thechurchnow,withhalfofAtlanta’smostprominentcitizenswatching.Thescandalwouldruinhim…
andClaire.Hehadtogothroughwithit.

Claireheardthemusicstartandshewalkeddowntheaisle,allalone.Therewasnoonetogiveher

away;therewerenobridesmaids,noattendants.Itwasachurchwedding,butmorefunerealintonethan
joyous.Johnhadlookedangry,unhappy.SheglimpsedDianethroughherveilandsawthewomanlooking
straightatJohnwithacurious,drawnexpression.Shestillwantedhim,itseemed.Andasplitsecond
later,shesawJohn’sheadturnhelplesslytowardDiane,sawhistormentedgazerestontheotherwoman.

Asshestoppedbyhissideandtheministerbeganspeaking,Claire’sheartraced.Johnwasinlove

withDiane,and,judgingbythewayshewaslookingathim,itwasreciprocated.Dianelovedhim,too!
Clairefelttrapped.Johnwasashelplessinhisemotionsasshewasinherown.

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

makelovetoherandtheymighthavechildren.Buthe’dbedreamingofDiane,lovingDiane,wanting
Diane,everyminuteofeveryday—justasshewantedhim.Itwasgoingtobeanemptytriumphanda
hollow,heartlessmarriage.Andshe’drealizedittoolate,overwhelmedasshehadbeenwithgriefforher
uncleandhopelessloveforJohn.

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

hard.Shesaidthewordwithoutconsciousvolition,flushing.Heputtheringonherfinger,andthe
ministerconcludedtheservice,addingthatthegroomcouldkissthebride.

Hedid,togivehimcredit,lifttheveilfromherfaceandlookather,buthisexpressionwas

troubled.Hebentandbarelybrushedhiscool,firmlipsagainstherown,inakisssoverydifferentfrom
theoneshe’dhopedfor,dreamedof,wantedwitheverythreadofherbeing.

Hetookherarmandtheywalkeddowntheaisletothestandingcongratulationsandhappycriesof

theaudience.OnlyDianedidn’tcheerthemon.Johnglancedathermiserablefaceonceandfelthisheart
gocold.Helookedaway.Hewalkedoutthedoorwithoutasingleglancebackward.

HEYARRIVEDAT

OHN’S

apartmentlate,aftertheboisterousreception.Itmighthavebeenfun,exceptthat

Dianelookedlikeagrievingwidow,andJohn’sforcedsmilesworeonClaire’snerves.Bythetimeit
wasover,Clairefeltasifshe’dbeenshakentopieces.

Theapartmentwasnice.ItwasonPeachtreeStreet,inaverypleasantneighborhood,withtrees

liningtheroadoutfrontandplentyofthemaroundtheyard.Clairewisheditwerelightenoughsothatshe
couldseemore.Tomorrow,she’dlookatthatshedJohnhadtoldherabout.ShecouldkeepUncle’s

motorcarthere.

Shehesitatedinthedoorwayoftheupstairsfloorofthesprawling,late-VictorianhousewhereJohn

lived.Therewerefancysofasandchairsintheparlorandcurtainsatthewindows.Therewasalarge
ashtray,withahalf-smokedcigarinit,andafireplaceinwhichafireburnedbriskly,becausesome
Septembereveningswerecooleventhisfarsouth.

“Thiswillbeyourroom,”Johnannouncedinasubduedtone,twistingthecrystaldoorknobofadoor

thatledofftheparlor.

Shewalkedintoit.Itwassmall,butneat,withanironbedsteadpaintedwhiteandadamaskcoverlet

onit.Therewasawashstandwithapitcherofwaterandalargebowlontopofit,alongwithamirrored
dresserandachifforobe.Allanyonecouldwant,shethoughthysterically,exceptforahusband.

“Thankyoufornotinsistingthatwesharearoom,”shesaiddiscreetly,andwithoutlookingathim.
“Itisn’tahardship,sincewedon’thaveanormalsortofmarriage.”Angry,guilty,heknockedhis

handagainstthedresser,welcomingthepain.“Imusthavebeenoutofmymind!”Helookedatherfully
then,witheyessobitterandfullofagonythatshefelthisemotionsbiteintoherbody.

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

methatitwouldbeforbothoursakes.”

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

canbothspendourlivesregretting!”

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

mustmakethebestofit.There’snoneedforustobemuchtogether.Youcankeeptheapartmenttidyand
I’llgoouttoworkeachday.Ioftenworklateintotheevening,evenonSaturdays.Wehavechurchon
Sundays.OccasionallyIgotomyclubtoplaytennis.”

Apparentlyshewasn’ttoaccompanyhim.“Ishouldliketohavemyuncle’smotorcarmovedhere,”

shesaidproudly.

Hesighedandmadeanoddgesturewithaleanhand.“Ifwemust.”Hehadnoheartforargument.

Diane’slovelytear-filledeyeshauntedhim.

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

bicycleclubinthecity.”

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

womanracerfelloffherwheelandwasinjured.AndIunderstandthatinatleastonecityithasbecome
illegaltorideawheelatnightunlessitisproperlylighted,sothatitwon’tfrightencarriagehorses.”

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

hisfriend.Butshewasalsoastrangerwhowouldnowsharehislife,eventhoughitwasonlyapartial
sharing.Hewasn’tsurehowhewasgoingtolikethis.

NeitherwasClaire,despiteherhungerforhislove.Shegrimaced.“Isthereindoorplumbing?”she

asked.

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

suppliesallmeals.Youmaycheckwithheraboutthescheduleandaskforanyparticulardishesthatyou
like.She’squiteaccommodating.”

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

fragile,andveryyoung.

Shewoundedhim,lookinglikethat.Noneofthiswasherfault.Hescowledashethoughthow

disappointingadayitmusthavebeenforher.Hehadn’tdoneanythingtomakeiteasier.Infact,he’dbeen
openlyhostilemostofthetime,becauseofwhatDianehadsaidtohim,becauseofthatstrickenlookon
Diane’sface.Hecouldhardlybearthepain.

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

outoftheweddingtoday,anditwastoolate.Youdidn’tthinkthisfarahead,didyou?”

Therewasnouselyingtoher.Hecouldseethatatonce.Hischinliftedandhesighedheavily.

“WhatIthoughtnolongermatters.Wemustmakethebestofwhatwehave.”

Shewantedtolaughhysterically.Itwouldn’thelp.Hergazeslidoverhislean,handsomefacewith

wistfulregret.Itwouldbeabarrensortoflife,withoutloveorthehopeofanythingmorethanresentment
andtoleranceonhispart.Shemusthavebeenascrazyashetohaveagreedtosuchasterilearrangement.

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

you;perhapsformyselfaswell.Andwhatdifferencedoourfeelingsreallymakenow?”Heshruggedin
resignation.“She’smarried,andsoamI.Neitherofusislowenoughtoforgetthosevows,madebefore
God.”Helookedworn,weary,almostdefeatedashespoke.Heturnedaway.“Iplantohaveanearly
night.Itmightbenefityoutodothesame.”

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

marriage,onlytofindthatherhusbandwasfullofregretsandbitterness.IfonlyDianehadn’tcometothe
wedding!ButnowshewasboundtoJohninamarriagethathedidn’twant,anditwasfartoolatetodo
anythingaboutit.Justthethoughtofdivorcemadeherill.Itwasastigmathatnowomanwouldwantto
havetolivewith.Butaloveless,sterilemarriagewouldbesomuchworse.Therewouldbenokisses,no
sharedpleasure,noteventheconsolationofachild.Sheputherfisttohermouthtostemanotherburstof
tears.Really,shehadtostopcrying.Brokendreamshappenedtoeveryone.Butlatelyitseemedthather
entirelifehadbecomeonelongtrailofthem…

RIDAYCAME,AND

LAIRE’S

spiritshadliftedabit,becauseshe’dcleanedouttheshedbehindthe

apartmenthouseforthemotorcar.Mrs.Dobbs,thelandlady,hadagreedonlyaftermuchcoaxing.Like
manypeople,shewasabitafraidofthemoderninventions,especiallythosethatmovedbythemselves.

ClairehadJohn’sdrivertakeherdowntoColbyvilletodropheroffatthehouseherunclehad

owned.Shedustedoffthemotorcarandclimbedaboard.Akindneighborhadhelpedhertieherwheel
ontothebackwithropes.Shedonnedhergogglesandwavedgoodbye.

Itwaslikebeingfreedfrombondage.ShezippedalongtheruttedstreetstowardAtlanta,grinningas

shesathighintheseatinherlongwhiteridingcoatandgoggles,andthecapthatwentwithheruncle’s
regalia.Theclothingmightbetoobigforher,butshewasquitecapableofdrivingthecar.Horsesgrew
nervousattheunfamiliarnoise,soshesloweddownwhenshespottedacarriage.Shedidn’twantto
spookanyone’shorse.Manypeoplewerekilledinrunawaybuggies,notonlybecauseofautomobiles,but
alsobecausetheyunknowinglypurchasedhorsesunsuitedtothetaskofdrawingacarriagebehindit.
Therewassomeskillinvolvedinpickingaproperhorseforsuchduties.

ThewindinherfacemadeClairelaughwithsheerjoyforthefirsttimeduringthesingleweekofher

marriage.Johnpretendedthatshewasn’tthere,exceptatbreakfastandsupper,whenhewasobligedto
acknowledgeherastheysharedatablewiththeelderlyMrs.Dobbs.Unawareofthetruenatureoftheir
marriage,shewasforeverteasingthemandmakingbroadhintsaboutadditionstothefamily.

Thegood-naturedteasingdidn’tseemtobotherJohn.Shewonderedifheevenheardit,so

preoccupieddidheseem.ButitdisturbedClaire.Itwasstiflingtopretendallthetime.

Here,though,inthemotorcar,whizzingdowntheroughdirtroadatalmosttwentymilesperhour,

shedidn’thavetoworryaboutappearances.Shewassowellcoveredinthedrivinggearthatshe
wouldn’thavebeenrecognizabletopeoplewhoknewher.Shefeltfree,powerful,invincible.Theroad
wasclearofothervehicles,sosheletoutawhoopandcoaxedevenmorespeedfromthemotorcar.

Ithadanattycurveddash,spokedwheels,andalongrodwithaknobthatcameupfromthebox

betweenthefronttires,whichwashowthedriversteeredit.Theenginewasmountedbetweentherear
tires,withthegearboxunderthesmallseat.Itnowzippedalongtheroughroadssmartly,althoughithad
hadnoendofproblems,whichClaireandherunclehadneededtodealwithonadailybasis.Forone
thing,theboilertendedtooverheat,andinfact,Clairestillhadtostopeverymileandletitcooldown.
Thetransmissionbandsnappedwithirritatingregularity.Oilthathadtobesplashedoverbearingsto
preventtheiroverheatingconstantlyleakedpastthepistonringsandfouledthesparkplugs.Brake
problemsabounded.Butdespiteallthoseminorheadaches,thelittleenginechuggedmerrilyalongfor
shortspells,andClairefeltontopoftheworldwhenshedrove.

SheloveddrivinginAtlanta,pasttheelaboratetrapsandcarriages.Itwasacityofsuchhistory,and

sheherselfhadbeenpartoftwofairlyrecentcelebrationsin1898.ThefirsthadbeentheUnited
ConfederateVeteransreunioninJuly,towhichsomefivethousandvisitorshadflockedtoseethegrand
oldgentlemenparadedownPeachtreeStreetintheiruniforms.SherecalledoldGeneralGordonsitting
astridehisgrandblackhorseintherainastheparadepassedbyhimonthethirty-fourthanniversaryofthe
BattleofAtlanta.Themoment,sopoignant,hadbroughttearstohereyes.TheNorthernnewspapershad
beendisparagingabouttheevent,asifSouthernershadnorighttoshowrespectforordinarymenwhohad
dieddefendingtheirhomesinawarmanyfelthadbeencausedbyrichplanterswhoweretoogreedyto
giveuptheirslaves.

ButcontroversydimmedinDecemberofthesameyear,whenanotherrallywasheld.Calledthe

AtlantaPeaceJubilee,itwastocelebratethevictoryofAmericaintheSpanish-AmericanWar.President
WilliamMcKinleywasthere,andClaireactuallygottoseehim.Johnhadbeeninthehospitalatthetime,
andClairehadgonetotellhimallabouttheexcitementofseeingConfederateandUnionwarveterans
celebratingsidebyside.

Infact,justthispastJuly,ClaireandUncleWillhadjoinedJohnattheAragonHotelatareunion

attendedbyveteransfrombothUnionandConfederateforces.There,shethought,wasatrulytouching
eventasoldenemiesreminiscedtogetherandtriedtoburythepast.

Inwhatseemedaveryshorttime,Clairewashome,maneuveringthelittlevehiclepastMrs.

Dobbs’stoweringwhiteVictorianhouse.Sheguideditcarefullyintotheshedanddisengagedtheengine,
wrinklinghernoseatthefumesfromthegasoline.Theburningoilwasequallyobnoxioustothenostrils.
Shefannedattheair,keenlyawareofthestainsonheruncle’slongdrivingcoatandonherface,aswell.

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

petnameforthemechanicalcreatureshelovedwithallherheart,“you’rehomeatlast.I’llbeouttoclean
yourplugslater.”Shegrimacedasshenotedtheknotsthatsecuredthewheelontheback.“AndIguess
I’llhavetobringaknife,tofreethat,”shemurmuredtoherself.Itwasunlikelythatshewasgoingtobe
abletoenlistJohntountiethecomplicatedsailor’sknotsthatUncleWill’sneighborhadusedtotieonthe
bicycle.Hehadsolittletimetospendwithher,evenintheevenings.Especiallyintheevenings.

Sheclosedtheshedup,twistedthewoodenknobthatsecuredit,andwenttowardthebackofthe

house,strippingoffthecarcoatandgogglesonherway.Shewalkeddownthehall,intentonreachingthe
upstairsapartmentwithoutbeingseeninherdeplorablecondition,heroncepristineskirtandblouse
splotchedwithdustanddirtandoil,herfacegrimy,herhairdisheveledfromthegogglesanddrivingcap.

Justasshegainedthehall,sheunexpectedlycameface-to-facewithherhusbandandtwomenin

businesssuits.

Johnlookedatherasifhedidn’trecognizeher—worse,asifhedidn’twanttorecognizeher!His

darkeyesgrewdarkerandhetookavisiblebreath.

“Claire,comeandmeetEdgarHallandMichaelCorbin,twoofmycolleagues.Gentlemen,mywife,

Claire.”

“Howdoyoudo,”shesaid,withasmile,extendingagrimyhand—whichtheybothshookwithout

apparentdistaste.“You’llhavetoexcusethewayIlook;I’vejustbeendrivingmyuncle’smotorcarup
herefromColbyville.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,said

asshereachedthetopofthestaircase.“Whatwillpeoplesay?”

Shedidn’twaitforJohn’sreaction.Men!shethoughtangrily.Ifawomantookoffherapronanddid

anythingintelligent,itshockedthemspeechless.Well,theyweredueforafewmoreshocks,ifshehadher
way.Andthatincludedherreluctanthusband!

ButherbravadolastedonlyuntilJohncameintotheirapartment.Theverysharpanddeliberateway

heclosedthedoorwasdisturbing.

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

temper.

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

I’mnotyourslave…oryourproperty.”

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

trap!”

“Nomoredangerousthanahorse,”sheinformedhim.“Andtheopinionofyourcolleaguesmatters

notonewhittome!”

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

decorumiscalledfor.Yoursocialstatusishighernowthanitwaswhenyoulivedwithyouruncle.You
willhavetoconform,justalittle.”

Shefeltsickinside.Theoldfreedom-lovingdaysofheryouthseemedtohavediedwithheruncle.

Nowshehadtoconformtofitinwithpolitesociety.Howintheworldwouldshemanagethatdullsortof
life,afterthewonderfuldayswithMadcapWill?

Shecaughtholdofthebackofagracefulwingchairandheldontoitforsupport.“Isee,”she

replied,staringatJohnasthefullimpactoftheshiftinherlifehither—andthedifferenceinherhusband.
Hewouldn’thavebeenoverbearinglikethiswithDiane.Ifshe’dwantedtoridenakeddownthestreets
ofAtlantainamotorcar,he’dprobablyhavesaidnothingaboutit.Butthen,helovedDiane.Andwhilehe
wasconcernedforClaire,itwasforherreputation.Godforbidthatmoregossipshouldbeaddedtofan
thealreadyblazingfires.

Johnletoutalongsigh.Claire’ssuddenpallorenhancedhisguilt.“Certainsacrificeshavetobe

expectedinamarriagelikeours.”

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

daysandmooningoverDiane.”

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

notafraidofyou.Doyourworst.I’velostmyuncleandmyhomeandmyindependence.ButIhaven’tlost
myprideandmyself-respect,andnothingyoucandowilltakethoseaway.”

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

itagainandI’llcutthetiresoffthedamnedthing.”

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

thingsthatangerme?Iworeauniformforseveralyears,Claire,betweengraduatingfromtheCitadeland
goingtoHarvard.IwasworkinginAtlantawhenIreenlisted—longenoughtofightinCuba—butatone
time,Ineverenvisionedalifeoutsidethemilitary.Ilearnedtoconformtocivilianlife,becauseIhadto.
You’lllearntoconformtohighsociety,becauseyouhaveto.There’sbeenmorethanenoughgossipabout
usalready.”

Hehadn’tspokentoherlikethisbefore—andnowhewasmakinghimselfastrangertoher.She

clearedherthroat.

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

nametoapieceofmachinery.

“Iwon’tdriveit.”Shefinallyagreed,althoughitwaslikegivingupapartofherself.Apparentlythe

costofhersupportwasgoingtobethesuppressionofherpersonality.“IcanridemywheelwhenIneed
exercise,Isuppose.”

“Youneedn’tsoundsotragic.Ionlywishyoutoactlikethewifeofthevicepresidentofoneofthe

mostprestigiousbanksintheSouth,”hesaid,“insteadofalittlegirlplayingwithdangeroustoys.”

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

friendsorvisitingorbuyingyourselfsomenewclothes?”heaskedirritably.“You’relivinginthecity
now,notfeedingyourchickensandwashingclotheslikeacountrywoman.”

Inotherwords,shehadtobehaveasifsheweregoodenoughtobemarriedtoabankofficerwitha

Harvarddegree.Shefeltpuredislikeforhim.

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

beatanorderlyretreattoherroomandslammedthedoorbehindher.

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

drivingChesterupfromColbyvillewithmywheeltiedontosaveyouthefreightcharges.Andalsofor
therecordletmetellyouthatIhavenointentionofterrorizingAtlantaorshockingyourfriendswith
Chester.Ishallridethetrolley!”

Andsheslammedthedooragain.
Johnstaredatthecloseddoorwithmingledreactions,thestrongestofwhichwasamusement.Claire

wasspirited,allright.ItwasapityhisheartwasDiane’s,becauseinmanyways,Clairewashismatch.

Hedidn’treallymindherplayingaroundwiththecar,butonlywhenhewaswithher,toprotecther

fromherrecklessnature.Besides,shehadtolearntoconformtohislifestyle.Itwouldn’thurthertobe
tamed,hethought,justalittle.Butallthesame,hehadtofighttheverystrongimpulsetofollowherinto
herbedroomandcontinuetheargument.Hefoundherstimulatinginatemper.Hewonderedifthepassion

inhercouldbephysicalaswellasverbal.Perhapsonedayhe’dbedriventofindout.

AFTERASLEEPLESSNIGHT,CLAIREFINALLYDECIDEDthatifherhusbandwantedherto
becomeasocialbutterfly,itmightbetoheradvantagetoaccommodatehim.

She’dneverbeenasocialclimber,butshedidhaveacquaintancesamongAtlanta’selite.The

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

ShewasreceivedinthesmallparlorandgivencoffeeanddelicatelittlecakeswhileMrs.Paine

sprawledonhersatin-covereddivaninanexpensiveandbeautifulsilk-and-lacewrapper.SheandClaire
hadmetthroughClaire’suncleandfoundthattheyhadquitealotincommon.Underothercircumstances,
theywouldprobablyhavebeenclosefriends;Clairehadn’tsoughtfriendshipbecauseofEvelyn’shigher
socialstatus.ButClaire’sskillwithaneedlehadcaughtEvelyn’seye,andClairehadmadeanynumber
oforiginalgownsforher—andneverusedherrelationshipwithEvelyninanywaytoopendoorsforher.
Now,however,shefeltobligedtoapproachanyonewhocouldhelphermakethebestofhernewplacein
societyasthewifeofabankexecutive.Johnmightnotwantherasatruewife,butshewasgoingtoshow
himthatshewasnoshrinkingNellie,justthesame.Shewasasgoodasanyofhishaughtyfriends,
includingtheadoredDiane!

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

tocallonyouandseeifyoucoulddesignsomethingveryspecialformefortheChristmasballatthe
governor’smansion.YouseehowmuchtimeI’mgivingyoutocreateit;it’salmostthreemonthsaway.”

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

notafraidtoapproachstrangersforcontributions.I’llbakecakesandpies,manstallsatbazaars,do
anythingI’maskedwithinreason.”

Evelynraiseduponherelbow.“Mydear,yousoundpositivelyfrantic.MayIaskthereasonforthis

suddenflurryofambition?”

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

andtheyalwaysneedvolunteers.”Shesmiledmischievously.“Countonme.I’llmakesureyougetthe
properintroductions—andtotheverybestpeople.”

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

LAIREVERYQUICKLY

foundherselfindemand.Herdayswerefullfrommorninguntillateafternoon,

bakingforcakesales,sortingclothesandwhatnotsforthefallbazaars,andwrappingbandageswithher

churchgrouptosendtothemilitaryinthePhilippinesandChinaforChristmas.Shekepttheapartment
spotlesslyclean,aswell,andevenfoundtimetohelpMrs.Dobbsbake.Shefeltobligedtodothat,since
shewashavingtoborrowherlandlady’swoodstovetomakehercontributionstohervarioussocieties.

Mrs.DobbswasimpressedbythesortofwomenwhobegantocallonClairefortea.Thenames

readliketherosterofAtlantasociety.Thelandladybegantodressmoreformally—andeventohelp
Clairesetuptheteatray,usingherownbestsilver.

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

you’vebeenkeeping.Imagine!Mrs.BrucePainerighthereinmyhouse!Why,herfamilyandher
husband’swerefoundingfamiliesofAtlanta,andtheykeepcompanywithpeopleliketheAstorsandthe
Vanderbilts!”

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

reasons,Inevertriedtobecomeaclosefriend.”

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

positionhedoesatthePeachtreeCityBank.”

Clairedidn’texactlyknowthatJohnwaswell-to-do,althoughheneverseemedtolackmoney.He

didn’tdiscussfinanceswithher.Shedidknowthathispositionatthebankwasanimportantone.“Yes,I
know.That’swhyI’vetriedsohardtofindmywayintotherightsocialcircles,sothatIwouldn’tmake
himashamedofme.”

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

woman.”

Claireflushed.Mrs.Dobbsalwaysmadeherfeelbetter.Itwasjustaswellthatthestarchywoman

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

“It’sbeenmypleasure.Imusttellyou,I’veenjoyedthelittlesavoriesleftoverfromyourefforts.

Wheredidyoulearntocooksowell?”

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

dabofthat’variety.”

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

thatwillbeyourcallers,Claire.I’llletthemin.”

ClairegreetedEvelynandherfriends,JaneCorleyandEmmaHawks,andintroducedthemtothe

flustered,beamingMrs.Dobbs.

Itmadethelandlady’sday.Shewentofftobringintheteatrayinanabsolutedeliriumofpleasure.
Later,afterteaandcakes,Evelynbroughtoutasketchfromtheleatherwritingcaseshecarried.
“I’mnoartist,butthisiswhatIthoughtI’dlikeyoutomakemefortheball,Claire,”shesaid,and

handedtheroughsketchtotheyoungerwoman.“Whatdoyouthink?”

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

won’tdo.Apeplumisgoingtomakeyoulookchubbyaroundthehips,whichyoucertainlyarenot,”she
addedwithagrin.

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

ifwejustaddoneflouncetotheskirt,here…”Shemadeanotherfewstrokeswiththepencil,while
Evelynwatched,amazed.

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

withsilvertrimandblackjetbeadsonthebodice,justhere?”

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

thisis—thisisextraordinary.Howverytalentedyouare,Claire!”

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

Evelyn’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,she

wasburiedupstairsinherroomwiththesewingmachineandwhatseemedlikeacresoffabric,sewing
madlytomeetherdeadlines.

OfJohn,shesawlittle.Thatsuitedherverywell,giventheirlastconversation.Shewasstill

bristlingfromhisdisapproval.Heseemedtoavoidherafterward,buthechancedtocomehomeearlyone
Friday,and,sinceClaire’sbedroomdoorwasopen,hewenttospeaktoher.

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

safelyhiddeninthecloset.Shedidn’twantJohntoknowthatshehadaseparateincomefromthe
householdmoneyhegaveher.Herindependencewassacred,andshewasn’tsharingthenewswiththe
enemy.

“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—andthen

he’dseesomething!

“Whereintowndidyouhaveinmind?”sheaskedcoolly.“Youhaven’ttakemeoutofthehouse

sincewemarriedoveramonthago.”

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

youdon’tmind,I’mquitebusy.I’msureyouhavesomeexaltedfunctiontoattend,oradinnerwith
colleagues.”

Heleanedagainstthedoorjambandstudiedher.Ithadn’tseemedlikeamonth.Clairehadbeen

conspicuouslymissingfromtheirapartment—andhislife—everytimehelookedforherlately.He’d
supposedthatshespenthertimeshopping,butsheseemedtohavenothingtoshowforit.Therewasthe
fabricshewasworkingon,butitseemedanoddchoiceforadaydress…orforanykindofdress.It

lookedmorelikeaslip.

Hiseyesdartedaroundherroomandfounditneatandclean,butwithveryfewobvioussignsof

occupation—saveforthebrushandhandmirroronherdresser,andthesmallporcelainpowderand
jewelryboxes.

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

murmuredasshecontinuedtoapplypressuretothetreadleunderherfeettomovetheneedlealongthe
seam.

Hestuckhishandsdeepinhispockets,drawingthefabrictautagainstthepowerfulmusclesofhis

thighs.“Well,oneortwopeoplehaveremarkeduponthefactthatwearen’tseenatsocialfunctions.I
supposeweshouldbemoreoutgoing.”

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

buriedmybodyinthegarden?”

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

theseamupforcriticalinspection.“I’mquitecontentwithmylifeasitis,”shesaid,notlookingathim.It
madeherheartskiptoseethelong,powerfullinesofhisbodyinthatunconsciouslyelegantpose.Hewas
sohandsome.Ittookherbreathawaytolookathimatall,butshecouldn’tlethimsee.She’dhadquite
enoughtauntsfromhimaboutherhelplessattractiontohim.

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

Nowshehadaccesstothemthroughhim.Sowhywasn’tshetakingadvantageofit?Dianewouldhave.
She’dgoneonashoppingspreeimmediatelyafterhermarriagetoEliCalversonthatstillhadtongues
waggingtoday.

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

we’vebeeninvited.ApparentlyElithinksyou’vehadlongenoughtogrieveforyouruncleandbecome
accustomedtomarriagewithme.Hewantstointroduceusbothtoanewinvestor.Averyimportantone.”

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

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

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

heartoutoverthesightofher?No,thankyou.”

Hiseyesflashedangrily.“Itwouldbefarbetterthantospendtheeveninghere,watchingyoueat

yourheartoutoverme,”hecounteredicily.

Shethrewtheunderskirtdownonthefloorandgottoherfeet,hergrayeyeslikeleadbulletsasshe

wentrightuptohim.

“Iamnoteatingmyheartoutoveryou!Ihardlyseeyou,inanycase.Ihavenosecrethankeringfor

suchaconceited,overbearing—”

Suddenlyhereachedforherandpulledheragainsthim.Inhisleaningposition,shefoundherself

pressedintimatelytohislonglegs—inbetweenthem,infact—withhisarmswrappedtightlyaroundher.
Thelookonherfaceamusedhim,takingtheheatoutofhisanger.

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

wearingconstrictedherbreathenough,withouttheaddedpressureofhisembrace.Shecouldbarely

breatheatall.

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

inthemuslinchemisethatcontainedthemabovetheedgeofthecorset.Thelight,teasingpressuremade
herstiffenwithunexpectedpleasure.

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

suddenlydeeper,huskier.

Sherealizedshewasshaking.Herhandswereclutchingathishardarmsthroughhissuitcoat,and

shecouldn’tevenmanagespeech.Thefeelofhimsoclose,thetouchofhishands,madeherkneesweak.
Shelovedhimsomuchthateventhelightestcaresswasheaven.Shehadn’tthewilltopullaway,despite
theshamehereasycapitulationcaused.Shewantedhistouchtoomuchtoprotest.

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

intome,Claire,”hemurmureddeeply.“Godknows,I’vegivenyoulittleenoughsincewemarried.It’sno
hardshiptopleasureyou.Iwon’tdoanythingtofrightenorhurtyou.Relax,now.”

Herhandstrembledwheretheyclungtohisarms.Shewantedtodenythathewaspleasingher,to

tellhimtolethergo,butshecouldn’t.Shehadnopride.Shemoanedinanguish,drowningintheneedto
betouchedbyhim,heldbyhim,wantedbyhim.

Heunderstood.HewasashelplessinhispassionforDianeasClairewasinherneedofhim.Inthat

oneway,theywereverymuchalike.Ithurthiminanodd,newway,toseehersufferforhistouch.Hefelt
herneedandachedtofillit.

Hislipshoveredathereyelids,closingthemtenderly.Hishandsmovedtothetipsofherbreastsand

foundthenippleshardandwarm.

Shejerkedback,buthedrewabreathandshookhishead,stillingherinstinctivewithdrawal.She

methiseyesforaninstantandfounddeepfiresburningthere.

Inthesilenceoftheroom,thetickingoftheclockonthemantelwasunusuallyloud.Outside,the

steadyclip-clopofahorseandthegrindingwheelsofacarriagebehinditcouldbeheard.Aboveallthat,
Claire’sheartmadearockyrhythmthatwasaudibletothemanholdingher.

Herresponse,herreaction,madehimdizzy.Dianewassoexperiencedthathistouchonlymadeher

purrlikeakitten.Clairewasaltogetherdifferent.Hedidn’thavetoasktoknowthatshe’dnever
permittedanyothermantotouchherlikethis.She’dprobablyneverbeenkissed,either.Theknowledge
shookhim.

Hewatchedwhathecouldseeofherdowncastfacewhileheteasedherhardnipples,feelingher

bodytremblewitheachnewcaress.Shelikedwhathewasdoing,butshewastooshytoadmitit,orlet
himseeit.

Hishandssliduptothebuttonsatthehighcollarofherdressand,onebyone,begantounfasten

them.Shestoodbeforehim,perfectlystillandsilent,socaughtupintheexcitementofherfirstcaresses
that,heknew,shewasincapableofmovementorspeech.

Whenhehadthebodiceunfastenedtoherwaist,hiswarm,stronghandsslidinsidethenecklineand

spreadthefabricbeforetheyeaseddownoverthesoftmuslinofherchemise.Heheardherbreathingstop
andthenstartagain,jerkily,feltherhandscontractevenmoreonhisarms.Smilingindulgently,hemoved
hishandsslowlyunderthemuslinanddown,downuntilhehadhersoft,prettylittlebreastswarmand
throbbinginhispalms.Heheardhergaspandfelthisownbodygorigid,andhelaughedwithsurpriseat
howeasilylittleClairehadarousedhim.

“Oh,you…mustn’t!”shewhisperedfrantically,pullingathiswrists.

“Claire,you’remywife,”hewhispered,ignoringherprotests.Hishandsbecameevenmorewarm

andcaressingandhislipsbrushedagainstherforehead,hertemples,hernose.“Thisispartofmarriage,”
hecontinuedsoftly,ashismouthmoveddowntopoise,teasingly,justaboveherlips.“Thisishowaman
expressestenderness.”Hismoutheaseddownrightoverherown,lightlybrushinguntilhemadeherlips
part.“Yes,that’sit,sweetheart.Openyourmouth,”hecoaxedagainstherlips,andthenhemovedcloser
again,andkissedherasalover.

Clairehadneverexperiencedsuchsensations.Shetrembledashismouthbecamepartofhers,lostin

thepleasurehishandswerearousingonhernakedbreasts,adriftinthesheersweetanguishofhishard,
insistentkiss.

Sheneverwantedittoend.Shewhimperedfromtheforceofthepleasureheinspiredinher.Shefelt

hishandsonherupperarms,guidingthemuparoundhisneck.Shefelthisbodyshift,sothatshewas
completelybetweenhislong,powerfullegs.Hisfreehandsliddowntothebaseofherspineandpushed
herhipsintothesuddenhardthrustofhis.Herheadspun.Sheknewnothingofmen’sbodies,buthisfelt
differentallatonce,andherlegsstartedtotremble.Therewasaburstofheatinherlowerstomach,along
withathrillofpleasurethatbroughtashockedgaspfromhermouth.

Heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwide,stunnedeyes.Holdinghergaze,hedeliberatelymoved

herhipsagainsthisandfelthershudderwithneed.

Asshestruggledtospeak,hisgazefelltoherbodice.Gently,oneleanhandcameuptopullthe

muslindown,baringthehardredpeaksofherfirmbreaststohiseyes.

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

grippingherwaistwerehurtingher.“What’swrong?”shewhisperedshakily,becausehelookedasifhe
werehurting.

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

askhimwhatshe’ddonewrong,butasherlipspartedtomakethewords,therewasasuddenloudknock
atthedooroftheirapartment.

Johnactuallyjerked,asifhe’dbeenhit.Hishandscontractedandsuddenlyletgo.Hemovedaway

fromClaireasifithurthimtowalk.Hismovementswerestiffandawkwardashewenttotheapartment
doorandopeneditjustacrack.

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

voice.“IwantedtotellyouthatI’vesetthetableintheformaldiningroomforyouandClairethis
evening,asI’mhavingsomewomenfriendsintoplaybridgeandwe’llbetakingourmealinthekitchen.”

Heseemedstuckforareply.Afteraminute,hesaid,“Wecouldveryeasilyhaveourmealuphere,

sothatitwouldn’tinconvenienceyou.”

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

madeacherrypieespeciallyforClaire.Iknowhowmuchshelikesit.”

Shewasgonewithawaveofherhand.
Johnclosedthedoorandleanedhisheadagainstit,fightingagainstthemostpowerfuldesirehe’d

feltsincehisyouth.Clairedidn’tunderstandwhatshe’ddonetohim,andhewascertainthathedidn’t
wanttotellherjustyet.Hewasstillcopingwiththeshockofit.

Whenheturned,she’dredoneherbuttonsandwaspickinguptheunderskirtfromthefloor.Hestared

atherasifhehadn’teverseenherbefore.Itstunnedhimthatshehadsuchaneffectonhim.Perhapsit
wasthesoft,helplessdevotionandlonginginthosegrayeyesthatkindledhisdesiretosuchafeverish
pitch.Beinglovedwasaffecting,apparently.Butwhatdisturbedhimmostwasthatheshouldfeelsucha
powerfulhungerforanyoneotherthanDiane.

Itmusthavebeenafluke,hetoldhimselfashemovedtowardthedoorway,backincontrolnowand

angryathersubmissionandhisresponsetoit.

Sheglancedtowardhisangryfaceandawayagain,stillhotinside.“Youneedn’tlookasifthewhole

thingwasmyfault.Ineverheldaguntoyoutomakeyoutouchme.AndIdon’tneedyourpity,either,
whilewe’reonthesubject.”Shewasseethingwithhumiliation.Hereyessparkedwithtemper.“I’mnot
dyingforyourkisses,andIwon’tbegforthem!”

Herecognizedthehurtunderthewords.Shewasmorevulnerablethananywomanhe’deverknown,

butshewasfiercelyproudanddidn’tlikepeopletoseeherweaknesses.Heunderstoodthatfeeling.

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

happened.”

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

cherrypie.”

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

lookedinthemirrorandgrimacedatthewayhishandshaddisarrangedherhairintowildtangles,the
wayhislipshadmadehersswollen.Shegroanedinsweetmemory.

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

toactlikeitoccasionally.”

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

pregnant,”heteasedwickedly.

“John!”
Heenjoyedherscarletblush.Heenjoyedsomuchabouther.Hiseyesglitteredwithsudden

intentnessashewatchedhercompletehertoilette.He’dnevergivenmuchthoughttoherplaceinhislife.
He’dbeenfartoobusymourningDiane.Butnow,ashelookedatClaire,hefeltthefirststirringsofpride
inpossession.Shebelongedtohim.Shewasinnocentandkindandmischievous,andshelovedhim.
Therehadneverbeenaman,becauseshewantedonlyhim.Itwenttohisheadlikewine.Dianehad
flirted,withdrawnfromhim,inagameoflove.Clairehadnoknowledgeofsuchgames.Shewas
completelyhonestandopenwithhim,devoidofcoquetry.Howverydifferentshewasfromthesleek,
experiencedwomenwhohadwalkedthroughhislife.Foramoment,hewonderedhowitmighthavebeen
ifheandDianehadnevermet,andhecouldhavecometoClaireheartwhole.Perhapshewouldhave
falleninlovewithher.

Asitwas,hefeltasudden,fierceattractiontoClaire—andpossessiveandprotectiveofher.Ashe

stareddownatherflushed,dearface,hewonderedwhyhe’dnevernoticedthatlittledimpleinherchin,
orthewayhermouthcurvedsosweetly.Herfigurewasallamancouldaskfor,nicelyrounded—evenif
abitonthethinside.Shewasn’tbeautiful,butshehadbeautifulqualities.

Hefoughtastirringofdesireforherthatroselikeatideinhisblood.Howunexpected,tofeelthat

forhisownwife.Whatmighthappenifhegaveintoitfully?

TherewasDiane,though.HeturnedawayfromClaire,moreconfusedthanever.

CLAIRELEARNEDNEWTHINGSABOUTJOHNEVERYday.Hewasastudious,quietmanfor
themostpart.Helikedtoplaychessandhelovedrailroadsandtrains.Oftenwhenhewashome,she
foundhimstandingonthebalconywatchingthetrainsgoslowlydownthetrackstowardthefreightyards.
Shewonderedifhe’deverentertaineddreams,asmanyboysdid,ofbecominganengineer.Buthedidn’t
talktoherofhispastatall.

Hedidletthingsslipfromtimetotimethathemusthavelearnedduringhismilitarycareer.Heknew

whichmedalswerewhich,andhowtodistinguishoneuniformfromanother.Heknewquitealotabout
militaryhistory,readingagreatdeal,shenoted,aboutstrategyandtactics.Andheseemedtorelish
perusalofhiscollectionofbiographiesaboutgreatmilitaryleaders.

Hewasfastidioustoafaultabouthispersonalappearance.Hishairwasalwayscleanandcombed,

hisfingernailsimmaculateandtrimmed.Hisshoesweresopolishedthattheyreflected.Thecreaseinhis
trouserswasperfect.Heneverlookeddisheveledorrumpled—alldue,sheguessed,tothatmilitary
backgroundthathewouldn’ttalkabout.

Therewassomuchthatshedidn’tknowabouthim.Shewonderediftherehadbeenwomenbesides

Dianeinhispast,andreasonedthatthereprobablyhad.Helookedatherwithasortofsensualwisdom
fromtimetotimethatmadeherkneesgoweak.Hehadn’tlearnedthatinbanking.Andhewascarefulto
opendoorsforher,helpherintocarriages,walktothestreetsideofherontheinfrequentoccasionswhen
theystrolledtogetheronnicefalldays.Hisfamilymusthavetaughthimexquisitemanners.Healsohada
strongsenseofrightandwrong,andhewashonesttoafault.

Buthekepthisdistance.Therewerenomorepassionatekissesorevenfamiliartouches.Theywere

asapartasifthey’dnevermarried.He’dwithdrawnfromheratatimewhentheywerejustbeginningto
growcloser.

Partofherunderstoodhisattitude.HelovedDiane.Perhapsinsomequeerwayitmadehimfeelthat

hehadbeenunfaithfultoDianewhenhehadkissedClaire,eventhoughClairewashiswife.Itwassosad
thathe’dmarriedherinthefirstplace,feelingsodeeplyandstronglyaboutsomeoneelse.

TherealtragedywasthewayClairefeltabouthim.Shelovedhimwithallherheart.Therehad

neverbeenanyothermaninherthoughts,inherlife.Heknewthat.Itprobablyflatteredhim.Butonthe
otherhand,itmusthavebeenunpleasant,aswell,tohavetheresponsibilityforsomeone’shappiness,
whenitwasawomanhedidn’t,couldn’t,love.

Anddespitehiscourtesy,theeverydaythingsthatanycherishedwomanwouldexpectfromher

husbandweren’tforthcoming.Heneverbroughtherflowersorlittle,inexpensivepresents.Henever
soughtherout,justtotalk.Henevertookhertotheoperaorthetheaterorevenoutforamealunlessit
wasconnectedsomehowwiththebank’sbusiness.Henevercommentedonherclothingorpaidher
compliments.

OnlyoncedidshegetaglimpseoftherealmanthatJohnwasundertheintangiblemaskhewore,

andthatwaswhenatall,lean,verydark-hairedmaninamilitarydressuniformcamebytheapartment
houseandaskedforhim.

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

PeachtreeCityBank,”shesaidfalteringly.

Theman,veryformal,withhiscaptuckedunderhisarm,smiledatherfaintly;hisgreeneyes

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

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

UnitedStatesArmy.”Hepresentedherwithhiscardandmadeheraformalbow.“Ihavebeenservingin
thePhilippines.Iwaswoundedandonlyhaverecentlyrecoveredenoughtogobacktodutyandassume
mynextpost,butIwantedtocallonJohnbeforeIleftthecity.Ihaveverylittletime.”

“MayIofferyouteaorcoffee?”sheaskedmorewistfullythansheknew.Itwasaverylonelylife

thatsheledoutsidethesmallcircleofwomenwithwhomsheworkedoncharitableevents.

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

himthatyou’rehere.”

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

cakes.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.Herfacewasloweredas

shepouredcoffeeintothethinchinacups,soshedidn’tseethesurpriseonhercompanion’sface.“He
saidthatahousewasunnecessary.”

“Thankyou,”hesaid,andpickeduphiscupwithoutaddingeithercreamorsugar.Hisgreeneyes

werethoughtfulastheysearchedClaire’swanface.“Haveyouknownhimlong?”

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

goodfriendsaswellasbankerandclient.Whenmyuncledied,Iwasleftdestitute.JohnproposedandI
accepted.”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.“Ineverfeeltheneedtodancearoundunpleasanttopics.

EvenifIoffendpeople,theyknowexactlywheretheystandwithme.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Doyouknow,that’swhyJohnandIbecamefriendswhenwewerefirstin

theservicetogether.HespokehismindandsodidI.Wewerekindredspirits.Idon’tbelieveI’veever
heardhimtellanovertlie.Idon’tthinkhecould.”

Shehadtoadmitthathe’dbeenjustashonestwithherabouthisfeelingsforDiane.Shesipped

coffeeforamoment.“WasJohnagoodsoldier?”

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

John.Ithurthimtogiveitup,Ithink.Buthecouldn’tbearthememories.”

“Whatmemories?”sheaskedquickly.
Hesmiled.“No,youdon’t.Iwon’tshareJohn’ssecretswithyou.Hemustdothathimself.”
“ThenIcanassureyou,I’llliveoutmylifewithoutknowing.Hetellsmenothingabouthimself.”
“Youarenewlymarried,”hepointedout.“Waitafewyears.”
“Andyouthinkitwillbringhimtospeakabouthimself?”Shelaughedcoolly.“Hardly.EverythingI

knowIhavelearnedbyobservation.Helikesmilitaryhistory,”sherecounted,“alsobiographiesand
railroads.”

“Yes.”Hesmiled.“Heknowsmostoftherailroadlinesinthispartofthecountryandtheirroutes,as

wellassomeoftheengineerswhorunthetrains.HehassomeexpertiseintheareaofcolonialGeorgia
history,aswell,andaworkingknowledgeofskirmishesbetweentheGeorgiamilitiaandtheCreekand
CherokeeandSeminoleIndians.”

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

time.”

Sheleanedforwardintently.“Redsticks?”
“Renegadeswholefttheirtribesandformedaconfederationtotryanddefeatthewhiteswhowere

takingovertheirancestrallands.Forinstance,didyouknowthatBatonRougemeansredstick?”

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

modeloftheCuttySarkinsideabottle.”

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

involvespendingtoomuchtimeawayfromland.Johnwasakeenhorsemanandlovedtoridebeforethe
war.Hewasacavalryofficer.”

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

andwasshotoutfromunderhim.HislegwaspinnedandtheSpanishArmygotalittletooclose.”He
shrugged.“Severalofuswenttohisrescue,butheneverforgottheincident.Ithinkhehateshorsesnow.”

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

afterthewarwhenfoodwassoscarceandpeoplewerestarving.”

“IreadthedispatchesinthelocalpaperwhenthewarwasraginginCuba,”shetoldhim.“They

werefullofsadstories.AnditsoundsasifitwasmuchworseinthePhilippines.”

“Itstillis,”hesaidshortly,andforaninstant,thehorrorofthatcontinuingconflictwasinhiseyes.

Whathe’dseenwasnofittalkforwomen’sears.Cubahadbeenbad,butthePhilippineswashellitself.
“Ideeplyregretbeingdeniedachancetogobackthereandsupportmymen.Itwasawickedthrustoffate
thatIshouldhavebeenwounded.”

“Aren’tyougoingback?”shequeried.

Heshookhishead.“Ihaveanuncertaintemperandthecourageofmyconvictions,”hesaid

amusedly.“Imadeenemiesofallthewrongpeople—andnowI’mbeingassignedasinstructortoabunch
ofgreencadets.PrayGodIcaninstructthemwell,sothattheydon’tgointobattleanddieassomanyof
theyoungcadetsundermycommanddid.”

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

wound.”Hechuckled.“Forgiveme.Ibecomefanciful.”

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

andshewasthebestfemalelistenerhe’deverencountered.“LuckyJohn,tohavesowillinganaudience,”
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’sredcheeks

andthecolonel’steasingexpressiondidn’timprovehisdispositiononebit.Ithadbeenanaltogether
difficultmorninganditseemedbentonworsening.

Buthekepthisirritationtohimselfandwentforward—witheveryappearanceofhappiness—to

meethisoldfriend.

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

IthoughtI’dlookinonyouasIpassedthroughAtlanta.”

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

ofbattle!ImadesomeenemiesinWashingtonbyspeakingmymind,yousee.”

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

imperialistmovement.TheseniorofficersfeltthatIshouldhavekeptquiet.McKinleyhasjustwonthe
electionandIamdisgraced.”

“Yourpoliticalviewsshouldbeyourownbusiness,”Johnremarked.“IsaythateventhoughI

supportedMcKinley.”

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

noddedandChaycesaid,“Well,wecanagreetodisagree.”

“JustwhatIwasabouttosay!”JohnsatbackandtookthecoffeecupthatClairehadfilledforhim.

Hedidn’tmeethereyes.Hewastoounsettled.She’dneverflirtedwithhim,butsheseemedtofindno
difficultydoingitwithChayce,whowasaladies’manforreal.“Whatwillyouteach?”hecontinued.

“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’t

youmissit?”hefiredatJohnsuddenly.

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

oldcolonelwhosaidhestillmournedyourdecisionnottoreenlistafteryouweremusteredout,whenyou
decidedtogotoHarvard.”

“ColonelWayne?”
Chaycenodded.“Hewasanexceptionalcommander.HeknowsmorethanIeverwillhavetimeto

learnaboutfrontlineskirmishes.”Heshrugged.“ButhelikeshisMontanaranchandhasnointerestin
movingEast.”

“HowareyougoingtotolerateCharlestonafterArizona?”Johnasked.
Chaycegrimaced.“AboutaswellasGeronimoandhisChiricahuaApachelikedbeingmaroonedin

St.Augustine,Iexpect.Desertdwellersdon’tcottontodamprot.”

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

usedtodowithyourfatherandbrothersasaboy.ButIhateit.”

“You’llhaveplentyofyearstolearntoloveit.”
Chaycesighed.“Ihopenot.”
“Giveittime.You’llworkyourwaybackintofavoroneday.”
Chayceshrugged.“Sotheysay.”
Hestayedonlyalittlelongerandthendeclaredthathehadtobeonhisway,sothathedidn’tmiss

histrain.

“It’sbeenswellseeingyouagain,”hetoldJohnastheyshookhandsoutonthesidewalkwherea

carriagehadbeensummonedandwaswaitingforChayce.“Takecareofyourwife.She’satreasure.”

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

thenexttimeyoucomethisway.”

“Perhapsbythenyou’llhaveaproperhouseandayardfulofchildren,”Chayceremarked,buthe

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

Johnpulledhispocketwatchoutandglancedatit.“I’llshareyourcarriage.Ihavetogetbacktothe

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

HeclimbedinbesideChayce.Thedoorclosed.Thecarriagetookoffdownthestreet.Clairestood

onthesidewalklookingafterit.She’dlearnedsomethingnewaboutherhusband,butitwoulddoherno
goodatall.Ifhe’dcaredforher,she’dhavelearnedthosethingsfromhim,andnothadtofindthemout
fromhisoldfriendChayce.

Amazingly,thenextdayJohnactuallytookherriding.Helefthisofficejustafternoonandhireda

carriagewithadriver.

“Ithoughtitmightbeniceforyoutogetoutofthehouseforabit,”heexplainedwhensheappeared

shockedbyhissuggestion.

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

itsnattywhitetrimandhermatchinghat.Shehadincredibledresssense—whenshewasn’tworkingon
thatsillyautomobileorridingthatcursedwheel.Sheonlyrodeitaroundtheproperty,butsheoftenfell
off,anditwasahighone.Hefeltguiltyaboutpuncturingoneofhertiresandthenlyingabouthavingno
timetogetitpatchedforher.Shewouldn’tknowthathewasconcernedforherwelfare.Moreandmore,
theideaofClairebeinghurtinanyway,physicallyoremotionally,wasdisturbingtohim.

TheytalkedaboutAtlantaanditstempestuouspast,talkingaboutmorerecenteventsliketheunusual

houseonPeachtreeStreet,the“housethatJackbuilt,”andthefamousTally-howagonoftheDrivingClub
thataretiredmilitarymanusedtocarryprettydebutantesandvisitingdignitariesracingalongthestreets.
Thecoachwaspulledbywhitehorsesandregalinitslivery,andasilvertrumpetsoundeditsapproach.

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

businesses,andwe’reshowinghugeprofits.”Well,onpaper,atleast,headdedtohimself,puttingaside
somenaggingworriesaboutthebank’sfinancesthathewasn’tgoingtosharewithClaire.

“Oh,John,look!”Shegrabbedhisarmunconsciously,wincingasshesawacarriagejustaheadof

themcollidewithadogandknockittotheroadside.Itkeptgoing.“Theanimal!Howcouldtheyleaveit!
John,dostop,”shepleaded.

“Ofcoursewe’llstop,”hesaid,equallyincensed.Hebangedonthetopofthecoachwithhiscane,

tossedhishataside,andunbuttonedhisjacketanddiscardeditbeforehefollowedClaireoutofthe
carriage.Herolleduphissleevesontheway.

Theanimalwasyelpinginpain.Johnkneltbesideitandhishandsgentlyfeltforbreaksinitsribs

andlegswhileittriedfeeblytosnapathim.

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

thepathfromanimposingbrickhome.Sheleanedheavilyonacane.“Oh,dear.Oh,dear,”shesaid,
wipingawaytears.ShelookedatJohnhelplessly.“Willhedie?”sheaskedresignedly.

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

somethingIcanuseforasplint?”

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

animalwasstillwhimpering,buthewasnolongertryingtobite.

Claire’seyesadoredherhusband.She’dalwaysthoughthimakindman,butseeingthistenderside

ofhimmadeherheartache.Allthewaytothehouse,shereassuredtheworriedownerofthedog,
recallingherownpetswhohadsurvivedworsemishaps.Bythetimetheyreachedtheeleganthouse,the
oldwomanhadstoppedcrying.

“Ican’tthankyoubothenoughforstopping,”theoldwomansaidastheywalkedupthesteps.

“Beauregardwasgiventomebymylatehusband.He’sallIhave.Isawthatcarriagehithimanddrive

on.Iknowwhosecarriageitis,too.Itbelongstothatcommercialbanker,thatWolfordman.”

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

towhichbankdoyoubelong,youngman?”

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

it.Theyputtheanimalontheporch,andwhenthematerialsherequiredwerefetched,hesettheanimal’s
brokenlegsecurely.

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

won’tlethimmovearoundanymorethannecessary.Icanneverthankyouenough.”

“Thismaysoundwicked,”Johnsaid,“butifyoucangivehimalittlewhiskey,itmighthelpthe

pain.”

Shegrinned.“Ihaveseveralbottlesofmyhusband’sbest.Ishalltakeyouradvice.”Shepettedthe

doggently.Hewaslyingstill,shiveringalittle,butnotwhimpering.

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

fireplacecaughtClaire’seyeandsheflushedassherecognizedthesubject.Shedidn’tsayawordasshe
watchedJohnplacetheanimalgentlyontherugatthehearth,whereafirewasgoing.

“Oldbonesgetcold.He’llbehappyhere.”Theoldladyextendedahand,whichJohnkissedwith

gentlesophistication,smilingattheelderlywoman’squickflush.

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

drivewithasmile.

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

stilltoldaboutherhusband.HewasaCivilWargeneral.”

“Yes,Iknow,I’vereadabouthim.”Shealsoknewthattheelderlyladywastherichestwidowin

town.

Hechuckled.“Ihadnoideawhosehousethatwas,orwhosedog.PooroldWolford.Ifheonlyknew

whosedogheabandonedtoitspain…”

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

leaveananimalinsuchpain.”

“Yes,itdoes,”Johnagreed.HeputClaireintothecarriageandclimbedinbesideher.Thefrontof

hisshirtwassoiledandwet.Heunbuttoneditalittletomovethewetpartaside.

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

neverseenamanwithouthisshirt.

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

drewhercloserinthecozyconfinesofthecarriage.Hisfingersguidedhersagainstthemuscularwallof
hischestintothethickmatofblackhair.

Herfingersjerkedatfirst,butheflattenedherpalmthereandmoveditsensuouslyonhiswarm

flesh.Hisbreathingchangedsuddenly.

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

themoffandtossedthemontoherlapbeforeheplacedherbarehandsagainsthim.Hischestexpanded
withthefeelofherfleshagainsthis.

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

halfopen,teasing,demanding.

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

handsonhisbodyuntilsheunderstoodwhathewanted.Hisheartbeatshookbothofthem.Secondslater,
hedrewbackslightlyandguidedherlipsdowntohischest,archingback,shiveringashefeltthemonhis
bareskin.

Thesuddenjoltofthecarriagemadethemdrawapart.Theylookedateachotherasthecarriage

begantoslow,thenrealizedalmostsimultaneouslythattheywerenearlyhome.

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

hisjacketandhatbackon.

Theirappearanceleftmuchtobedesired.Helikedherdisheveled.Hisbodywasachingfrom

frustrateddesire,buthefeltbothaffectionandamusementashelookedatClaire’sguiltyexpression.

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

adorable.”

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

intothehouse,pausingonlylongenoughtospeaktoMrs.Dobbsbeforegoingupstairs.

Butoncetheywereintheirapartment,Johnsuddenlygrewremote.Herealizedhe’dforgottenDiane

altogetherfortheafternoon,andwonderedhowhecouldhavedonesuchathing.Hesmiledvacantlyat
Claireandwenttohisownroomwiththeexcusethathehadtocleanup.

Whenheemerged,hewasthemanhe’dalwaysbeen—courteousandfriendly,butdetached.Claire

wonderedifshe’ddreamedthewholeepisodeinthecarriage.Itwasasadendtoawonderfulday.

OVERTHENEXTFEWDAYS,CLAIRENOTICEDAdefiniteshiftinherrelationshipwithher
taciturnhusband.Afterhisfriend’svisitandtheirsharedadventureinthecarriage,Johnseemedmuch
moreapproachable—almostwatchful.Theyhadmostmealstogethernow.Butthegrowingcamaraderie
vanishedwhensheaskediftheyweregoingtothegovernor’sballatChristmas.Hesuddenlyclammedup
asifshe’daskedhimforstatesecrets.

Shecouldn’tknowthatitwaspainfulforhimtoconsiderthatannualevent,becausehisparentswere

alwaysinvited.Hehadn’tseenthemsincehisabruptdeparturefromhometwoyearsbefore,andhewas
reluctanttoresurrectoldwoundsinapublicplace.Buthispresencewouldbeexpectedasanofficerof
thelargestbankinthecity—andtheone,incidentally,favoredbythegovernorhimself.

BecauseClaireknewnothingofherhusband’sbackground,shehadnoideahowitaffectedhimtobe

anoutcastinhisfamily—oreventhathewasanoutcast.Herfearswerethathemightbeashamedofher
somehow,andthatwaswhyhedidn’twanttogototheball.Shewasn’treallyinhissocialclass,and
he’dneverseenherproperlydressedforaneveningout.Perhapsafterseeinghergrimyfromworkingon
theautomobile,andeveninhercomfortabledayclothes,hemightthinkshelackedproperdresssense.

Well,shehadeverycertaintyofshowinghimhowcarefullyshecoulddressandgroomherself,

becauseshealreadyhadthedesignandtheclothforherowngown.Shewouldmakesomethingthat
wouldraiseeyebrows,somethingevenmorespectacularthanthegownsshewassewingforEvelynand
theothersocietywomen.She’dshowherhusband,byhookorcrook,thatshecouldcompetewithhis
lovelyDiane!

Hehadn’tmentionedtheotherwomanrecently.Sheknewthatheoccasionallysawher,becauseshe

oftenaccompaniedherhusbandtothebank.ButhenevermentionedeitherDianeoranydealingshehad
withher.Ashe’dpromisedattheirwedding,hewasn’tgoingtocheatonClaire.

Thesadthingwasthathedidn’tloveher,Clairereflected.She’dmarriedhopingforamiracle,but

hermarriagehadonlyledtomoreheartache.Andnowthatsheknewhowitfelttobekissedbyher
elusivehusband,thingswereeversomuchworseforher.Hehadonlykindnessandteasingaffectionto
giveher,whileshehungeredforhimandlovedhimmorefullythanbefore.Life,shethoughtwistfully,
couldbesodifficult.

ATURDAYARRIVED,AND

LAIRE

steeledherselfforaneveningwiththeCalversonsandtheinvestment-

firmownerwhomMr.Calversonwascourting.

Clairehadn’thadtimetomakeherselfadressfortheoccasionbecauseshewassoinvolvedsewing

Evelyn’s,Jane’s,andEmma’sdressesforthegovernor’sball,soshe’dtakenJohn’sinvitationtoheartand
boughtoneforherselfatRich’sonWhitehallStreet.Thestore’selegantblack-and-goldinteriorhad
delightedClaire’ssenseoffashionandcolor,andtheplate-glasswindowsthatadorneditwerefilled
withexcitingdisplays.

Enchantedbyhersurroundings,shefoundtheverydressshewaslookingfor,adeepemeraldgreen

withjetbeadsandalacyoverlayonthelow-cutbodice.Thestrapswerevelvetandsatin,thetrimaround

thebottomofthegowninthesamejetbeadsasthebodice.Thedresshadbeenquiteexpensive,butit
turnedhergrayeyesgreenandenhancedhercomplexion.Shestaredatherselfinherlongovalmirror
withfascination.Shedidn’tlooksobadwhenshedressedup.Shehadhermother’smarcasite-and-onyx
necklaceandearrings,too,whichmatchedhergownbeautifully.Johnwasgoingtobesurprised,she
thought.

Andhewas.Hestaredatherintheirparlorwithnarrowdarkeyesthattookineverylineofher

slenderbodyinthewell-fitteddress.

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

toshowthesoftcurvesofherwhitebreasts.Herarmswerebare,ashe’dneverseenthem,andtheywere
roundandwhiteandsoftabovethewhiteglovessheworewithhergown.Shehadn’tusedliprouge,but
herprettylipswereredjustthesame,andhercheekswerepinkwithexcitement.Inherhair,sheworean
egret,aheronplumeonajet-jeweledcomb.Shewasbreathtakingandverystylish,forawomanwho’d
beenraisedinthecountry,outsidesociety.

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

butshewastooshytotellhimthat.

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

pickingatherpurseforsomethingtokeepherhandsbusy.Shewasn’toverlyfondofEliCalverson,and
shehadgravemisgivingsaboutJohn’sreactiontoDiane.Claireknewthatshemightlookpassableina
nicegown,butshewasnomatchfortheelegantandbeautifulDiane.Onlylovewouldhavegivenherthe
edge,andshedidn’thaveJohn’s.

“Howmanypeoplewillbethere?”sheaskedafteralongsilence,brokenonlybythesoundofthe

horses’hoovesonthecobblestonestreet.

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

glancedatherapprovingly.“Oh,andoneotherthing,Claire,”headded,leaningtowardherwithawicked
smile.“Pleaserefrainfrommakingremarksaboutthemotorcar.”

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

conventiontogetbusiness.Speakingofwhich,”hesaidsuddenly,“doyourememberthedogwhoselegI
mended?”

“Yes.”
“Well,theladywhoownshimwithdreweverypennyshehadinoldWolford’sbankanddepositedit

inours.”HechuckledatClaire’sdelightedexpression.“Thatwillshowhimtotakealittlemorecare
withhisdriving.”

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

beenapoorwoman.”

“Iknewthatalready,John,”Clairesaid.Hersofteyeslingeredonhisface,andhehadtoforcibly

tearhisownawayfromthatadoration.HefoundhimselfthinkinglessoftenofDianelately,althoughhis
heartwasstillsorefromherloss.Clairewasacharmingcompanion.Attimes,hewonderedwhatit
wouldbeliketohavearealmarriagewithher.Hethoughtmoreaboutitwhenhedidn’tseeDiane.He

hadbeenlookingforwardtotonight’sdinner,inanycase,becausehisheartfedonthemeresightofher.
ButClaire’sappearancemadehimfeelasenseofprideinhisyoungwife.Shewouldturnheadstonight.

TDIDN’TTAKELONG

togettothehugeCalversonmansion.Ithadgingerbreadwoodworkandturretrooms,

anditlookedlikeacastle.AsClairemountedthefrontstepsonJohn’sarm,shethoughtthatitwould
neversuither;itwasfartooflashy.ButDianeneededashowcase,andcertainlythiswasit.Crystal
chandeliersblazedthrougheverylongwindow,pastexquisitewhitecurtains.Eventhestaircaseinside
washand-carvedmahogany.

Dianecametomeetthem,barelymanagingacurtgreetingforClairebeforeshewenttoJohnwith

herheartinhereyesandlookedupathimwithahandonhissleeve.

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

glancingatClaire.“Mr.Whitfield’sbusinessissoimportanttousrightnow.Ihopeyou’llbothdoyour
besttomakehimfeelathomeinAtlanta,andwiththebank.”

“Certainlywewill,mydear,”Johnsaid.HistoneofvoicewasdifferentwhenhespoketoDiane.

Hiseyesashelookedatherweresuddenlyhungryandhotandfullofpain.Hetensed,becausehehadn’t
expectedthefeelingtoriseinhimsopowerfully.

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

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

Beforeshecouldsayanotherword,EliCalversoncameoutintothehalltogreettheirguests,

motioningimpatientlyforahoveringmaidtotaketheircoats.Dianetookhisarmandsmiledupathim
lovingly.

Heflushed—andhisgoodhumorseemedtoreturn.HepattedDiane’ssmallhandandsmiledather

beforeheturnedtogreetJohn.“Thereyouare,myboy.Gladyoucouldcome.Andhownicetoseeyou
again,too,Claire.You’rebothlookingwell,”hesaidpleasantly,shakingJohn’shandbeforeheturnedto
kissClaire’s.Hiseyesnarrowedunpleasantlyashelookedather.“Idohopeyoudon’tplananytripsin
thatmotorcarinthenearfuture,Claire.ItcouldplayhavocwithMr.Whitfield’ssensibilities.Andwe
wouldn’twanttodoanythingtoupsethim,wouldwe?Itwouldn’thelpJohn’spositionatall.”

Itwasaveiledthreat.Shewishedshecouldtellthisfattoadwhatshethoughtofhim.Shedidn’t

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

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

lookedboredandhalfoutofhumor.Hiswife,aninsignificantlittleblondewomandressedinpink,sat
quietlyonthevelvet-coveredcouch,lookinghaunted.Atall,verygood-lookingyoungmanaboutClaire’s
ageloungedwithonehandonthemantel.Helookedtowardthenewcomersandtheboredomabruptlyleft
hisface.HesmiledatClaire.

Shewastakenabackwhenhecameforwardastheintroductionsweremadeandpossessedhimself

ofClaire’shand.

“NoonetoldmethatMr.Hawthornhadsuchalovelydaughter,”hesaid,oblivioustothesudden

shockedsilencearoundhim.“I’mTedWhitfield,andIcertainlyhopetoseemoreofyouwhilewe’rein
Atlanta,”headded,kissingherhand.

AviselikehandonherarmpulledherbacktoJohn’sside.Heglaredattheyoungerman,assailedby

asurgeofjealousythatshockedhim.“I’mJohnHawthorn.AndthisisClaire.Mywife,”headded
deliberately.

Tedwasn’ttheleastperturbed.Heonlygrinned.Helookedrakish,withhisblondhairandblueeyes

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

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

additiontothebank.He’saHarvardgraduate,youknow.”

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

andhauteur.Herhusbandwasstillverymuchanunknownquantity.Heintimidatedtheyoungerman
withouteventrying.

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

son,glaringatJohn.“He’sveryintelligent,”sheaddedforgoodmeasure,herfaceflushedwithirritation.

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

lookandtheimplicationwereenoughtomakeeveryonemoreuncomfortable,especiallyDiane.

ClairewassurprisedatthewayJohnbehavedtowardTed.Theboywasyoungandharmless,but

Johnseemedtofindhimoffensive.Diane,ontheotherhand,waskindnessitselftotheyoungman,putting
herselfouttomakehimfeelathome.Clairewonderedifshewasdoingitonpurpose,tochastiseJohnfor
hisrudenesstoTedonClaire’sbehalf.

ThedinnerwasanordealforClaire.NoahWhitfieldseemedverystraitlaced,andhisconversation

waslimitedtofinancialtalkthatwentrightoverClaire’shead.Dianehungoneveryword,although
Clairewascertainthatthewomandidn’tunderstandanythingaboutmoneyexceptthespendingofit.
PerhapsherfascinationwithMr.Whitfieldhadmoretodowithhiswealththanhisconversation,Claire
thoughtwickedly.

Afterthemeal,theladiesretiredtothelivingroomforconversationwhilethemenclosedthesliding

doorsintotheparlorsothattheycouldenjoybrandyandcigars.

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

souprecipewithmine.”

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

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,and
thatsometimeshisshoeswereincrediblymuddy.OneSunday,whilehewaspreaching,ayoungmaninthe
audiencekeptlookingathisdirtyshoeswithasortofcontempt.Mycousinstoppedinthemiddleofhis
sermontoremindtheyoungmanthatGodwassurelymoreinterestedintheconditionofhissoulthanin

thestateofhisshoes.”Shesmiledasthemessagewenthometotheothertwo.“Sometimesitbehoovesus
torememberthatheavenhasnosociallevels,andthatbeggarsandqueenswillwalkthesamestreetson
thatsideoflife.”

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,playinguptoJohnasifhe

belongedtoher!Atfirstshe’dthoughtthatDianetrulylovedJohnandwasdevastatedatlosinghim.She
nolongerbelievedit.DianeplayedwithJohnlikeacruelcatwithamouse.Sheflirtedandteased,but
therewasnosubstancetoit.Johnwashandsomeandamanofposition,butDianeprobablydidnot
believehimtobehersocialequal,sohewouldneverhavebeenatruecandidateformatrimony.Shewas
certainnowthatDianehadonlybeenteasinghimwiththeirearlierengagement.

JohndeservedsomeonebetterthanDianeasanobjectforhisaffections.Clairemightnothave

Diane’sbeautyorherclass,butshelovedhim.Oneday,thatmightbeenough.

Inthemeantime,shewasgoingtowalkastraightandnarrowpath,carefulnottopushherwayinto

John’sprivacyormakehimashamedofher.Butthatdidn’tmeanshewasgoingtoletpeoplelikeDiane
andMrs.Whitfieldpushheraroundjustbecauseshedidn’thavewhattheyconsideredaproper
background.

Theconversationwasstiltedandrathersparseuntilitwastimetorejointhemen.Johnnoticeditat

onceandglaredatClaire.Ofcourse,hewouldn’tthinkitwasanyone’sfaultbutherowniftherewere
problems,shethoughtwithresignation.

Tedtookherarmandledhertothesofa,stallingwhatJohnhadbeenabouttoaskher.Hesatdown

besideherandengagedherinconversationabouthermotorcar,whichheseemedtofindfascinating.

“Iunderstandthatyoucanactuallyworkonthebeast,”Tedsaid,hiseyeslightingup.“Ihavea

friendatPrincetonwho’spouncedonMaxPlanck’snewquantumtheory—vaporousstuff,quite
incomprehensibletoanybutphysicsmajors—buthehasaninterestinmotorcars.Hebuiltanelectricone,
whichherunsaroundthetown.It’ssomethinglikethatquadricyclethatHenryFordwastryingtomarket
inDetroit.”

“HenryFordisacrackpot,”Mrs.Whitfieldsaidirritably,stillsmartingfromClaire’searlierrebuke.

“Thesesillymachinesareonlyafad.They’lldieoutinayearorso.”

“Ibelievethatmaynotbethecase,”Clairerebuttedpolitely.“They’regoingtobequiteimportantin

thefuture.Theycanlastlongerthanhorses,andthey’reimpervioustoweatherandillness.”

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

delightfultodrive.”

“Youmusttakemeforaspin,Claire,”Tedsaidenthusiastically.“Ishouldlovetorideinyour

motorcar!”

Ted’smotherwasoutraged.SowasJohn.Mr.Calversonlookedasifhe’dliketotossClaireouton

herhead.

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

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

Mr.Calversondidahundred-and-eighty-degreeabout-face.“JustwhatI’vebeensayingallalong,”

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

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

afraidwehavetobeonourwaybacktoCharlestoninthemorning.It’salongjourney,evenbytrain.It’s
beenquiteanexperiencetomeetyou,youngwoman.Unique.”HelookedatCalversonevenly.“Ifthisis
thesortofexecutiveyouemploy,thenI’llbeproudtodepositmyfundsinyourbankwhenwemoveour
officetoAtlanta,Calverson.Yourpeoplehaveamazingforesight.Eventheirwives,”headded.

Clairehadtofightbackasmugglanceatherhusband.Sheonlysmiled,andignoredtheicylooksshe

wasgettingfromMrs.WhitfieldandDiane.

“W

ELL

,”J

OHNSAIDONTHE

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

“Ilikemotorcars,andI’mingoodcompany.”
“SuchasthemadcapTed?”
Sheglancedathimoverthehighcollarofhercloak.“TedislikemyuncleWill.Helooksahead.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.Heloungedagainstthedoorwithhisarmsfolded,staringather.“Whatdidyou

sayinthelivingroomtogetMrs.WhitfieldandDianesoruffled?”

“Iremindedthemthatitdoesn’tmatterhowmuchmoneyyouhavewhenyougettoheaven,”shesaid

shortly.

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

cooingupatyouwithherhusbandinthenextroom?”

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

husband,”sheaddedinapointedreferencetoDiane.

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

unabashed.“Butyouweren’tgoodenoughforher.Nowthatshe’sgotthegoldengander,shecanaffordto
makecalfeyesatyoubehindhisback.You’retoohonorabletotakeheruponit,afterall.”

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

Thanksgivingsocialisaweekfromtonight,”headdedcoolly.“IbelievetheWhitfieldsarecomingdown
againespeciallyforit.”

“Hownice.”Shetuckedherhandkerchiefinherpurse.“Idon’tsupposeitwouldbekindtoremind

youthatyouandMr.CalversonweregettingnowhereuntilTedmentionedmymotorcar.”

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

downaninch—andthesoonerheknewit,thebetter.

EIGNOREDHERFOR

thenextweek.Shethoughtitwasoutofpiqueatthethingsshe’dsaidaboutDiane.

Actuallyitwashisownconfusionthatkepthimaway.HisjealousyofTedWhitfieldhadshockedand
puzzledhim.Herefusedtoconsiderwhyhe’dbeenjealousofhiswife,whenhewassupposedlyinlove
withDiane.

Thenightofthebankparty,ClairehadtogodownstairstofindJohn,becausehehadn’twaitedin

theirsittingroomforher.Shewasswathedinherblackvelvetcloakwithjetembroideryaroundthe
collar.Thecloakconcealedadressshe’ddesignedforherself—andhadbeenabletofinishintheweek

sinceDiane’sdinnerparty.Shewascertainthatitwasgoingtoshockherhusband,anditwouldservehim
right.ShemightnothaveDiane’sbeauty,butshehadabetterfigure,andthisdresswasjustthethingto
showitoff.Doneinwhitesatinandblackorganza,ithadatantalizingnecklinethatroseinswathsof
blackandwhitesatintomakewidestrapsacrossherwhiteshoulders.Inherhairsheworeawhiteegret
onablackvelvet-coveredcomb.Aroundhernecksheworeastrandofpearlsthathadbeenher
grandmother’s.Shelookedelegantandsexy,allatonce,andtheclosefitofthegownemphasizedher
slenderyoungfigure.ButJohnhadn’tseenit.Andhewouldn’t,untiltheywereattheparty.

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

events,despitemyunfortunatebackground.”

“Ihaven’tsaidadamnedwordaboutyourbackground!”
Hewassoirritablelatelythatitwasdangerouseventospeaktohim.Claireclammedup.

ALVERSONMETTHEM

atthedoorofthebankandhandedthemalongtoDiane,whoraisedaneyebrow

atthevelvetcloakandthendismissedClaireasofnoimportancewhatsoever.

“Howlovelyyoulook,”JohntoldDiane,approvingofthescarletgownshewore.Itwasalmosttoo

tight,andmadehervoluptuousfigurelookfranklyvulgar.Thecolorwaswrong,too,althoughitwasthe
newestsensationforfallandwintergarmentsforwomen.Amazing,Clairethought,howsomewomen
weresoeagertobeintheforefrontoffashionthattheyboughtclothesforthefashionandthelabelalone.
Sherecognizedthedesign,becauseEvelynhadaskedhertoimproviseonitforamorningdress.She
wonderedifDianehadanyideajusthowmuchshedidknowaboutfashion.Itwouldprobablyshockher
ifshesawanyofthethingsClairehadmadeforAtlantamatronsfarhigheronthesocialscalethanDiane
couldeveraspiretobe.Truefashionwastheartofknowingwhatlookedgoodonawoman—and
wearingitdespitecurrenttrends.

Maidshadbeenbroughtovertothebanktohelpwithcoatsandcloaks.Clairepermittedoneofthe

youngwomentotakehercloakandwasdelightedwhensheheardthewoman’sfaintgaspasthecloakfell
away.

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

betweenthepurityofClaire’sgownandtheboisterousnatureofherown.

Johnfrownedfaintlyashestudiedhiswife.Thegowndidn’tappeartobeoneshecouldpurchase

locally.Infact,itlookedlikeaParisoriginal,buthowwouldClairefindsuchagarment?

Sheliftedherchinproudlyandwalkedtowardhim,butmidwaythere,shewasinterceptedbythree

ofthefirm’syoungbachelors,andTedWhitfield.

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

loveliestladypresent.”

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

bridehadsuddenlybecomethemostsought-afterwomanatthebanksocial,andhedidn’tknowhowto
handlethefeelingsthateruptedinsidehim.Nothinginhislifehadpreparedhimforthejealousythat
roaredthroughhim—norfortheragingdesirethatthesightofClaireinthatexquisitegownsetablaze
withinhim.

CLAIREHADNEVERFELTQUITESOPRETTY,ORsomuchindemand.Shewasdrawnfromone
circletoanother,whilethewomenravedaboutherprettydress.Everyonewantedtoknowwhereshegot
it.Shecouldn’ttellthemthatshe’dmadeitherself.Shedidn’twantJohntoknowabouthersecretcareer.

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’s

hardlythecolorforamarriedwoman,allthatvirginalwhite!”

Johnhadtobitehistonguetokeepfromconfessingthatthecolorwas,infact,quiteappropriatefor

hisuntouchedbride.HesippedhispunchandlookedaroundattheroomwithitsspotlessPersianrugsand
elegantcurtainsandcrystalchandeliers.Hethoughtprivatelythathiswife’selegantgownfitthesetting.

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

course,butnotaboutClaire.Hewassurprisedtofindthathedidn’tlikeit.ShewasglaringatClaire,who
wastalkingwithTedWhitfieldandtwootheryoungmen.

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

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

Hisheartjumped.Hermouthwassoftandsweet,andhewanteditterribly.Abstinencehadmade

himilljustlately,andhewashungryforawomaninhisarms.Oddhowvividlyherememberedthesilky
softnessofClaire’smouthunderhis.

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

whispered.“Iletyoutakeoffmyclothes—andifyoursillyfatherhadn’tcometovisitunexpectedly,I’d
haveletyoumakelovetomecompletely.”

Hescowled.Thememoryhadaffectedhimdeeplyinthepast.Nowitwasmoreanannoyancetobe

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

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

ofcourse.YoushouldhavegonetoHarvardinthebeginning.”

“IhadabetterplaceatHarvardbecauseofmybackgroundattheCitadel,”hesaidabruptly.
“Themilitaryisnecessary,Isuppose,butthisissomuchnicer,John,”shesaid,sighingasshe

lookedaround.“Lookatallthiswealth.Moneyandpowerarethetrulyimportantthings.Anyonecanbea

soldier.”

Thatwasn’tthecaseatall,buthedidn’tsayso.Dianehadnevermadeanysecretofhercontemptfor

uniforms.Hescowledashethoughthowlittletheyreallyhadincommon—outsidehisfeverishpassion
forherbody—andthathadsubsided.Shewascattyandshrewd,andshelikedtoplaymenagainsteach
other.She’dswornthatshelovedhim,butanonlookerwouldswearthatshelovedherhusband.She
playedonthewinningside,always.WhenJohnhadrefusedtogocrawlinghometohisfathertoregainhis
inheritance,ithadn’ttakenheramonthtofindEliCalversonandmarryhim.Herememberedstoppingfor
thedogthathadbeenhitbyWolford’scarriage,andhowClairehadsupportedhisefforts,howshe’d
comfortedtheoldladywhileJohnworked.Shehadsuchatenderheart,andyetshewasasfieryashe
was.

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

madeafussoverher.Itlookedbad,becauseitshouldhavebeenhernewhusbanddoingthat.Oh,yes.It
shouldbehe,notthatdamnedcad,TedWhitfield,wholookedasifhe’dhavelikedtoeatClairewitha
spoon!

“Excuseme,”hesaidabruptly,andwenttowardhiswifewithanexpressionsofiercethatDiane

actuallygasped.

Clairesawthatexpressionashecametowardher.Shewassurprisedthathe’ddesertedDianefor

her.Butshehadn’tlikedhispointedavoidanceofherforDiane.

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

tonight,”hesaidpolitely,andsuggestively,ashecaughtClaire’sglovedhandinhis.“I’dliketospend
sometimewithmywife.”

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

Ofcourse,I’manoutsiderhere,sowhatwouldIknow?”HebowedtoClairequickly,havingcorrectly
judgedthesuddenmurderousfuryinJohnHawthorn’sdarkeyes.“I’llseeyouagainbeforeweleave,
Claire,”headded.

John’shandclaspingClaire’sbecamebruisingashewatchedtheothermanwalkaway.“ByGod,

he’llchallengemeoncetoooften,”hesaidshortly.

Despitethepleasurethecontactgaveher,shejerkedherhandoutofhisgrasp.“Hetookpityonme

becauseIobviouslyhadnoescort,”shesaidfuriously.“Ithasn’tescapedanyone’snoticethatyou’vebeen
alloverDianesincewearrived,leavingmetothemercyofstrangers.”

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

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

Sheturnedandwalkedawayfromhim,rightbacktothetwoyoungmenshe’dbeenspeakingtowhen

Johninterruptedthem.

Tosaythathewasshockedwasanunderstatement.Hegapedather,totallynonplussed.Hehadn’t

thoughtthatheandDianehadbeenconspicuous.Infact,tonighthe’dfeltlessdrawntoDianethanatany
timeinthepast.Helookedaroundandencounteredseveralpairsoffeminineeyeswithblatant
disapprovalinthem.Hefeltvaguelyashamedthathe’dembarrassedClairesopublicly.Shedidn’t
deservesuchtreatmentfromherownhusband.Buttonight,itreallyhadbeenDianemakingtheadvances,
nothimself.Claire,sadly,wouldn’tknowthat.

Diane,alsohavingnoticedthelookssheandJohnweregetting,cutherlosses,wentlookingforher

husband,andstayedbyhisside.

Claireindulgedherselfatthepunchbowl,especiallywhenTedWhitfieldeasedthecontentsofa

flaskofstraightbourbonwhiskeyintoitto“improvethetaste.”Itimprovedthetastesomuchthathe
helpedhimselftoasecondflaskinhisotherhippocketandbecameembarrassinglyattentivetoClaire.

Thesmallbandhadtunedupandwasplayingnow,sothatthecoupleswhowantedtocoulddance.

ClairewaspulledontothefloorwithTed,whowouldhavedancedverywellindeedifhe’dbeensober.
Butthewayhewaltzedwasdangerousasheweavedto-and-fro,andClairefinallystoppedinthemiddle
ofthecrowdedfloorandeasedhimintoachair.

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

Helookssohonest,doesn’the,Claire?Honestandintelligent…He’sacrook,Claire—andhe’sraised
metobejustlikehim.ButsinceI’vemetyou,Idon’twanttobeone.”Hecaughtherhandandheldit
tightly.“Claire,couldyoucareforme?”

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

woman.She’strouble,youknow.Bigtrouble.She’snotatallwhatsheappearstobe;she’lldoanything
formoney.IknowwhatI’mtalkingabout—”

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

beautifulDiane,didyou?”hedemandedicily.“Youdon’twantClaire,butyoucan’tstandtoseeanother
manappreciateher,isthatit?”

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

low.“Youwon’triskthemergerforMr.CalversonbecauseofTed.He’sonlyhadtoomuchtodrink.”

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

theCitadelandcameoutofitacreampuff.Forthefirsttime,henoticedtheotherman’serectposture,the
steelinhiseyes,thehardnessofhisface.Andheknewatoncethathewasn’twillingtotanglewithyears
ofdisciplineandconditioningthathadproducedthemanbeforehim.

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

heaskedinapiteousvoice.

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

features.

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

toMr.Whitfield.“Ted’shadalittletoomuchstimulant,”shewhisperedconfidentially.“Ithinkyoumight
wanttogethimhome.”

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

You’dhavebeenthemakingofTed.Comeon,boy,”hesaidwearily,andbenttohelphissonwithanarm
aroundthewaist.“Let’sgetyouhome.”

“Aw,Dad.Iwashavingagoodtime.”

Clairewatchedthemgoout.Sheturnedaway,butJohncaughtherarmroughly.
“SinceitseemstodisturbyoutoseemewithDiane,supposeyoustaywithmefortherestofthe

evening.”

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

wentbacktospeakwithMr.Calverson.

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

itwouldn’thavehelpedthebank’simage,wouldit?”

Sheturnedaroundandallbutfellintothearmsofanotheryoungman.Thisonewasn’tinebriatedand

hedidn’tknowthatJohnwasherhusband.

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

delightedtodefendyou!”

“Pleasedo,”Johninvited,furiousatClaireandstillfumingbecausehehadn’thadtheopportunityto

knockTedtohisknees.Thiswastootempting.Thismanwasuptohisweight,andhewasn’tdrunk.
“Shallwestepoutside?”headded,withoutgivingthemanachancetolearnhisidentity.

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

youngermanthrowapunchthatwasneatlyblocked.Johnhithimsohardthatwhenhewentdown,he
somersaultedandendedupsittingontheground.

“Comeon,”Johninvited,handslooseathissides,hisdarkeyesblazing.“Youwantedtofight.I’ll

begladtoobligeyou.”

Theyoungermanhesitated,andClairedidn’tblamehim.Johnlookedlikeastranger,hislegsapart

forbalance,hisheadhigh,hisfacehardashewaitedfortheothermantogetupandchargehim.

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

you.”

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

forthat.I’mverysorrytohaveinterfered.I’llapologizerightnow.”Hetouchedhissorejaw.“Please
excuseme!”

Heturnedandheadedinthedirectionofthehiredcarriages.
Claire’sheadwasspinning,asmuchfromtheunfamiliaralcoholshe’dconsumedinthepunchas

fromJohn’sbehavior.Shecouldn’tbelievethatherreluctanthusbandhadbeenwillingtofightoverher.
Shestaredathimspeechlessly.

“Wouldyoucaretostartsomemoretrouble,orareyouthroughfortheevening?”heasked,with

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

Andhedid,despiteherarguments.HeshepherdedherpasttheCalversonsandoutthefrontdoor,not

stoppinguntilhe’descortedherintotheirapartment.

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

thefightinthefirstplace!”

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

yourselfatTed.”

“Ididnot!”

Theexpressiononhisfacewasangryandmocking.“Heseemedtothinkhehadgroundsfor

accostingmeonyourbehalf,asyourotherwatchdogdid.Nomansportswithmywifeinfrontofme!”

Sheputherhandsonherhipsandglaredathim.“Butit’sallrightforyoutosportwithMr.

Calverson’swifeinfrontofme,isthatright?”

Shedidn’tevenseehimmove,butthenextminutehehadherrivetedtohimwithonearmwhilethe

otherjerkeddowntheswathoffabricthathelduphergown,takingthesilkchemiseunderit,aswell.She
gazedathim,helpless,withonesmall,firmbreastcompletelybaredtohiscold,angrygaze.

“Doesthissuityoubetter,myvirginbride?”Hepulledhercloser.“Areyouhungryformy

attentions?Thenbyallmeans,letmegivethemtoyou.”

Hebentevenashespokeandopenedhismouthrightonherbarebreast.
Thesensationwentbeyondanythingshe’deverfeltbefore,eventhetouchofhishandsonherbody

weeksago.Shearchedandshivered,andthenwentlimpfromtheforceofthepleasureashebeganto
suckleherinaheatedfury.

Shefelthisotherhandatworkonthebodice,felthimbarehertohishungrymouth.Theroom

whirledaroundherwhilehislipsdevouredherpale,softflesh,makingherburnwithafevershedidn’t
understand.

Whenhefinallywasabletodraghismouthfromherbreasts,shehungthereoverhisarmwithher

eyesclosed,hermouthparted,herbodyyieldingandtrembling.

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

violentlyupintohisarms,liftandcarryherintohisownbedroomandclosethedoor.Hestoodthere,in
thedarkness,leaningagainstthecloseddoor,uncertain,shudderingwithdesiresofiercethathecouldn’t
containit.

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

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

Butthewordswereatvariancewiththeaudiblyrapidbeatofherheart,thelongingandcuriosityso

evidentinhereyes.

“ShallIstop,Claire?”Hebreathedharshlyasheputhergentlyonherfeet,bendingagaintohersoft

breasts.Whilehesuckledher,herippedoffthewhiteglovesthathadcoveredhishands,andseconds
later,shefelttheirwarmthonherskin.

Thesensationtookthelastofherwillpower.Shewantedhimsodesperately,lovedhimsomuch,

thatbeingnearhimwasallofheaventoher.Shewentlimpinhisarms,herheadfallingbackashe
exploredhersoftbarenesswithhismouthandhands.Whenhepickedherupagainandcarriedhertobed,
shedidn’tevenhaveaprotesttomake.

Sheyieldedcompletelyunderthewonderofhisardor.Heundressedherwithaskillthatshewas

toodazedtorecognize.Shelayonthecoolwhitedamaskcoverletlikeacreamysacrifice,opentohis
eyesinwhatlittlelightfilteredinthroughthewispycurtains,whileheworkeddeftlyatremovinghisown
clothes.

Whenhefinallycametoher,warmandstrongandveryalienagainsthersoftskin,shehadrecovered

justenoughtoallowthereturnofherearlierapprehension.Shewasstiffinhisarms,nervousand
withdrawingwhenhetouchedherintimatelyforthefirsttime.

“Shh,”hewhispered,calmingher,andhisfingersmovedagain,thistimefindingasecretthatshe

didn’twanttogivehim.

Heheardhershockedgaspevenashefeltherbodycoilandlift.“There?”hewhisperedhuskily,and

touchedhermorefirmly.

Shesobbed.Thepleasurewasindescribable.Shegrabbedathisshouldersanddughernailsin,

writhingashemadeherfeelthemostsinfullydelicioussensations.

Heheardhergasprhythmically.Hemoved,insertinghiskneebetweenherlegs,coaxinghertoopen

them,topermithimevengreaterfreedomwithherbody.Shewasbeyondfightinghimnow,herlegs
fallingopen,herhipsliftinginaquick,searchingrhythm.

“Oh…please!”shecriedonherlastjerkybreathbeforetheheavensopenedandsheexplodedup

intothem.

Therewasanoddsensationoftearing,aflashofpainwiththepleasure.Somewhereinthebackof

hermind,sherealizedthathehadmovedoverher,thathisbodywasbetweenhersplayedlegs.Shefelta
partofhimthatsheonlydimlyrecognizedasitpenetratedslowlyinside…insideherbody!

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

handsunderherback,underherhips,pulling,pulling,pulling…

Hewastearingherinside.Shefeltthesensationgrow,ofbeingfilledup,overfilled.Shewhispered

something,franticallypushingathishair-roughened,sweatychest.Hemadeasound.Hishandwent
betweentheirbodiesandtouchedher,wherehe’dtouchedherbefore.Thepleasurecameback,sharper
now,intense,painfullyintense.Andsuddenlyshecouldn’tbefilledenough,notdeeplyenoughtosatisfy
theemptinessthatbecameherwholebeing.

Shepushedupintohim,herhipsarchedandpleadingashisrhythmgrewviolent,reckless.Oneof

theslatshitthefloor,andeventhesharpsoundwasn’tenoughtobreakherconcentration.Sheheldon,
gasping,sobbing,reachingtowardthathot,sweet,blindingpleasurethatwassomehowjustbeyond,just
above,just…

Shewentovertheedgeoftheworldwithhim.Shefellintoheatandthrobbingsoftness,intoaching

completionthatmadeherwholebodyfeelasifithadtensedbeyondrelaxation.

Asshetrembledintoexhaustion,shefelthisbodygorigid,heardtheroughsoundthatwasdragged

fromhisthroatashebegantoshake.Hishotfaceburrowedintoherdampthroat,andhishandsonher
hipsmadebruisesasheshiveredandshiveredagainsther.

Thewindowswereclosed,butsheheardthebayingofadogbeyondthecurtains,farawayinthe

night.Sheheardthesoundoftheclockonthemantel.Sheheardtheraggedsoundofhisbreathingandthe
hard,rhythmicbeatofhisheart.

Hemoved.Shefeltthesweatonhislong,powerfullegsmoistenherownasheshiftedrestlessly,

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

Hishandsslidalongherbody,savoringitsperfection,teasinghersoftbreasts,easingdownto

caresstheinsideofherwhitelegs.

Shefelthimswell.Thesensationwasexquisite.Littleskirlsofrenewedpleasuretraveledalongher

nerves,arousingheralloveragain.Shemovedunderhim,sensuouslynow,herhandsslidingalonghis
backanddownoverhisfirmbuttocks.

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

werenowfamiliarandpleasurable.Sheslidcloser,clung,movedashemoved.Shelaugheddeepinher
throatasshefelttheriseofheat,thebeginningofthelong,sharpspiralofecstasy.

Heheardthesoundshemadeanditdrovehimtomadness.Heforgoteverythingbutthesilkinessof

herbeneathhisdemandingbody.Itseemedsuchashorttimelaterwhenshecriedoutandscarredhim
withhernails…

HEDIDN’THEARHIMLEAVEHER

.Thesunlightonthepillow,slashingacrosshereyes,wasthefirst

indicationshehadofmorning.Hereyelidsopenedandshestaredblanklyattheceilinguntilitoccurredto
herthatthiswasn’therroom.

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

nosignofhim,nosoundofhim,intheirapartments.Herclotheshadbeenpickedupfromthefloorwhere
he’dthrownthem.Theyweredrapedacrosstherosewoodchairnexttothebed,withherundergarments
discreetlyplacedbeneaththeeveninggownshe’dworn.Hershoeswerethere,too,toespointedaway
fromthechair.

SheglancedtowardtheotherpillowandsawtheimprintofJohn’sdarkheadthere.Buttherewasno

note,nocommunication.He’dsimplydressedandlefther,apparentlyunconcerned—asifsuchnights
werecommonplace.

Cautiouslysheeasedoutofbedlikeathiefabouttobecaught.Asshepushedbackthebedclothes,a

darkstainlayvividagainsttheonce-spotlesswhiteofthesheet.Sheflushed,knowingthatthelaundress
wouldremarkonit.Ifithadonlybeenonherownbed,shecouldhavemadesomeexcuseabouther
monthly.ButthiswasJohn’sbed!

Shegrabbedupherthingsandrushedbarefootacrossthesittingroomandintoherownroom,

quicklyclosingthedoorbehindher.Shesawherselfinthefull-lengthmirror.Shelookedflushedand
guilty,andthereweremarksonherwhiteskin.

Curious,sheputherthingsonthebedandmovedclosertothemirror.Yes,therewasabruiseonone

breast,andseveralonherupperthighswherehishandshadgrippedhersotightlywhenshe’dsatisfied
himthesecondtime.Shehalfturned,andsawmorefaintbruisesonherbuttocks.Hereyeswerenolonger
thoseofaninnocent.Theyhaddarkcirclesfromherinitiationintopassion.Herlipswereswollen,red.
Hernippleshadgonetightanddarkasshelookedatherself,asiftheyrememberedtheheatofJohn’s
insistentmouthashe’dsuckledher.

“Oh!”shecriedout,embarrassedatthememory.
Shepouredwaterintothebasinandgotoutaflannelandsoapandbathedalittle.Shefeltless

besmirchedafterward,dressedandperfumed,butlatershemusthaveatubbathtowashawaythefeeling
oftarnish.JohnhadadmittedthathelovedDiane.Howcouldshehavepermittedhimtomakelovetoher?
Wasshenobetterthanawomanofthestreets?

Shewassoashamedthatshecouldn’tfacehimthatevening.ShepleadedaheadachetoMrs.Dobbs,

forgoingsupper.Shewentintoherroomandlockedthedoor.

Itwasawastedeffort.Johndidn’tcomehomeforsupper.Infact,itwasaftermidnightwhenshe

heardhimunlockthedoortotheirapartment.Andhisfootstepsdidn’tevenhesitateashewentdirectly
intohisroomandclosedthedoorfirmlybehindhim.

INFACT,JOHNWASJUSTASILLATEASEASCLAIREwas.Hisdesireforhispretty,innocent
wifehadfinallyovercomehisself-control.Likeadrunkenfool,he’dgoneatClairewithallthefinesseof
aruttingstag,likesomesensualanimal.Hehadn’teventakenspecialcareabouthervirginity.Hisneedof
herhadbeensogreatthatherinnocencehadbeenthelastthingonhismind.Andthesecondtime,herown
sensualityhaddraggedhimunder.ImagineClairewrappinghersoftbodyaroundhimlikearobe,he
recalledwithfaintsurprise—actuallyentreatingthehard,deepthrustofhisbody…

Hegroanedoutloud.Hersweetresponsehadhumbledhim.He’dmadelovetoheroutofangerand

confusionandjealousyandfrustration.Butnomanalivecouldhaveaskedforasweeterfulfillmentthan
Clairehadgivenhimsogenerously.Herememberedthefainttasteofwhiskeyonhermouth,probably
fromthepunch.Butitwaslovethathadmadeheryieldsosweetlytohim,notalcohol.Shelovedhim,and
shehadproveditagainandagainthroughthelong,sensuousnight,curlingintohisbodywithabsolute
trust,whisperingencouragement,praise,softendearments.Hecouldstilltasteheronhismouth,thatrose-
scentedskinsowhiteandsoftandresponsive…

Hehadtoforcehisattentionbacktothebusinessathand,andstiflethedisturbingthoughts.His

militaryupbringinghadhelpedhimlearntodothat,evenwiththemostdisturbingmemoriesofhislife.He
hadnoideawhathewasgoingtodo.Butheknewonething:hisfeelingsforDianeweren’tnearlyas
strongashe’dthoughttheywere.Otherwise,hecouldn’thavebeensoardentwithClaire.

LAIREHADTHOUGHT

longandhardaboutthelieshe’dtoldthewomanwhoaskedthenameofherdress

designer.Itwouldn’tdotobecaughtinsuchafalsehood.Shedecidedthatherbestcourseofactionwas
tosewsomeeveninggownsunderthe“Magnolia”label,andtowardthatend,shevisitedtheownerofthe
smallboutiquethatsometimesdisplayedagownforher.Theownerwasdelightedtohaveoriginal
designsofsuchqualityasthedressClaireshowedher.Secrecywasassured,becauseClairetoldherthat
shedidn’twantherhusbandtoknowthatshewasworking.And,astheolderwomanagreed,anonymity
wouldgiveanairofmysterytohercreativenameandherdesigns,aswell.

Shewasofftoarunningstart,withalltheworkshe’dalreadybeencommissionedtodoforthe

governor’sChristmasball.Sheworkeddiligentlytomeetdeadlines,allthewhilemakingsurethatshe
wouldhaveaspecialgownofherownfortheoccasion.

Foraweek,sheandJohnavoidedeachotherwithvaryingdegreesofclumsinessand

embarrassment,especiallyonherpart.Shecouldn’tevenlookhimintheeye,andheseemedto
understandhershynessandindulgeitwithoutanger.ButwhenThanksgivingrolledaround,theyhadtoeat
atthetabletogetherandsuppresstheirfeelingssothatMrs.Dobbswouldn’tthinkanythingwaswrong
withtheirrelationship.Todoanythingtocausemoregossipwasunthinkable.

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

spendallhertimeupstairs,sewingandsewing.”

Johnglancedathiswife.“Sewingwhat?”
Shealmostdroppedherfork.Shehadn’trealizedthatthetreadlemachinemadeenoughnoisethat

Mrs.Dobbscouldhearitallthewaydownstairs.

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

Buynewones.I’vetoldyoubeforetouseyouraccountatRich’s.”

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

chairandstaredlevellyatClaireuntilsheflushed.“I’vebeenmeaningtospeaktoyou,”hebegansoftly,
andherheartbeaterraticallyassherecalledtheirlong,sweetnighttogether.“ButIcouldn’tfindtheright
words.”

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

tospeakofwhathadhappened,sohementionedsomethingelseentirely.“I’vebeenaskedtoorganizea
charitydinnernextSaturdaytobenefitthelocalPresbyterianorphanage.Youknowthatitwasdevastated
byfire,andthechildrenhavetobekepttogether,allages,inonecommonroom.Thereisanurgentneed
forrebuilding.”Hepauseddeliberatelybeforeheadded,calculatingly,“IthoughtofaskingDianetodoit
forme…”

Tohisutterdelight,hereyescameupflashinggrayfire.“Iamperfectlycapableoforganizinga

dinner!”

Evenangerwasbetterthanherpainfulshyness.Hesmiledgently.Shewassoprettyinatemper.“Of

courseyouare.ButIneedmoniedpeopletoattendthisone,tomakepledgestofundrenovationsforthe
home.”

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

don’tknow?”headdedsoftly,tryingwithallhismightnottooffendher.

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

ofmewasofgreatimportanceonce,”sheadded,withadesperategraspatherpride.“Howfortunatethat
Inolongercarewhatyouthink.”

Hisexpressionwassostrangeandunfamiliarthatshecouldn’tquiteexplainit.Sheputdownher

napkinandgottoherfeet,forcinghimtohis.“I’llorganizeyourdinnerifyou’llletmehavethedetails.”

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

namesofthepeopleI’dlikeyoutoinvite.Ifyouhaveanydifficulties…”

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

apologiestoMrs.Dobbs.”Sheturnedandwentquicklyupthestaircase,thesadholidaybehindher.

Johnwatchedheruntilshewasoutofsight,feelingalternatelymiserableandangry.Soshedidn’t

care,didshe?Ithadn’tseemedthatwayinhisbed,whenshewasholdinghimsotighthehadmarksall
overhisshouldersthenextday!Butifthatwasthewayshewantedtoplayit,lethersaveherpride.He
couldforgetthathisbodyacheddayandnightforthecomfortofherown.IdlyhewonderedwhatDiane
wouldhavethoughtofhislapse.

ButhewassurprisedtorealizethatDiane’sopinionofhimmatteredlessthanClaire’s.Clairewas

pretty,hethought.Prettyandlovingandgenerousandspirited.Sheshouldhaveahusbandwhospoiled
her,adoredher,treatedherlikeaprincess.SomeonelikeTedwouldhavelovedtakingcareofher…

Ted!Hewasfuriousasherealizedhowmuchattentiontheothermanhadpaidher,andhowithad

angeredhim.Convenientmarriageornot,shewasstillhiswife;Tedhadnorighttobefamiliarwithher.
Therehadbetternotbeanyfurthertroubleinthatdirection,hedecidedfirmly.Nomanwasgoingtotouch
hisClaire.Whenherealizedwhathewasthinking,helaughedaloud,surprised.OnlyMrs.Dobbs’sreturn

kepthimfromtalkingtohimself.

E’DWANTEDHISCHARITYDINNER

arrangedinonlyaweek,andClairehadfounditeasytocomply,

despitethefactthatshe’dhadtohireamessengerboytohanddelivertheinvitations.Mostsocial
engagementsrequirednoticeofthreeweeks,andJohnsurelyknewthat.Butsheexplainedinherinvitation
thattherewassomeurgency—sincetherehadbeenafireattheorphanagerecentlyandthechildrenwere
suffering.She’dhiredagoodlocalrestaurantfortheevening,wherethemealwouldbecatered,andshe’d
invitedallthesocietywomenwhomsheknewfromhercharitableworks.Sheevenknewsomewho
weren’tonJohn’slist,andshe’dinvitedthem,too.

Theeveningofthedinnerarrived,andsheworeanotherofhernewcreations,ablack-and-white

gownthatwasdramaticenoughtobringagaspofenvyfromMrs.DobbsevenasitcausedJohntostare.

“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,signalingtothedriverwhentheywere

securelyinside.

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

goingtoherupswepthair.Aroundhernecksheworehergrandmother’spearlsandnootherjewelry,
excepthersmallweddingbandunderthelongwhiteglovesthataccessorizedhergown.“Whoisthis
designer?”headdedcuriously.

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

asetting.”

Sheliftedherchin.“IrecallthatyousaidthesamethingaboutthedressIworetothebank’ssocial

evening,”shesaid,withoutthinking,andthenwentscarletassherecalledwhathadhappenedwhenJohn
tookherhome.

Heremembered,too.Hisdarkeyeslancedoverherfacequietly.“Irememberlessofthedressthan

whatwasunderit,Claire.”

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

foryoutospendthenightinmyarms.”

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

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

“Letushopeforthebest,”hesaidafteraminute,thinkingprivatelythathewouldlikeachild,alittle

boyoralittlegirlwithsoftgrayeyeslikeClaire’s.Hesmiled.

Shedidn’tseethesmileandmisunderstoodthecomment.“Asyousay,letushopeforthebest,”she

agreed,almostchokingonthewords.Shelovedhim.Buthewastellingherquitecoldlythathewantedno
childrenwithher,andalsothathehadnointentionofriskingitasecondtime.Presumably,hewashoping
thatDianewouldsomedaybefreeandhewouldhavehischildrenwithher.Itwasasoberingthought.

“Hereweare,”hesaidastheyarrivedattherestaurant.Hehelpedheroutofthecarriage,instructed

thedriver,andescortedherinside.

Dianeandherhusbandwereearly,alreadywaitingfortheirhostandhostess.Dianeturnedjustas

JohnhelpedClaireoutofhercloak,andtheblondewoman’seyesflashedangrily.Clairewaswearingan
outrageouslybeautifulgown.

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

dinner?”

Clairerefusedtobeintimidated.Shelookedpointedlyattheplainblacksilkoftheotherwoman’s

gown.“Simplewouldseemtodescribeit,Isuppose,”shesaid,andsmileddeliberately.

Dianeglaredather,butbeforeshecouldreply,John’shandtightenedonClaire’sarm.Hewasabout

tospeak,todefendhiswifeagainstthecattyremark.Clairepreventeditwithhercomment.

“Iunderstand,”shewhisperedtoherhusbandasDianeandMr.Calversonwereinterruptedbytwo

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

Hefrowned.“Claire…”
ShepulledangrilyawayfromhimandwenttogreetEvelyn,whohadjustarrivedwithherhusband.

Johnsighed.Shedidn’tunderstandatall.

IfJohnwassurprisedtoseehowwarmlyClaire’sgreetingwasreceivedbyoneofthepremier

socialitesofthecity,hehiditwell.HejoinedClaireandwasintroducedtoEvelynandherhusband.This
introductionwasfollowedbyanumberofothers,andasthecompanywasseated,Johnbegantorealize
thathisyoungwifeactuallyknewthesewomen.

Dianeseemedequallytakenaback—notonlybyClaire’sknowledgeofthewomen,butbytheir

friendlinesstowardher.DespiteallDiane’sefforts,EvelynhadnevergracedthehallsofDiane’shome.
Neitherhadatleastthreeoftheotherwomen,evenricherthanEvelynandapparentlyonthebestofterms
withClaire.

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

unmaskedasadesigner.ButEvelynexchangedasecretivesmilewithherandsherelaxed.“Clairehas
beeninvaluabletous,youknow,”shetoldDiane.“She’satirelessvolunteer,bakingthingsforour
bazaars,donatinghandiwork,makinglace…Why,she’spriceless.Noneofuswouldreaphalfthebenefits
fromourcharitieswithoutClaire’sparticipation.I’msureherhusbandisquiteproudofthetimeshe
devotestoourcauses,eventhoughtheydorobheroftimewithhim.Wefeltthatwecouldn’trefuseher
invitationtothisdinnertobenefittheorphanage,notafterallshe’sdoneforus.”

Johnwasshocked.Hestartedtoadmitthathe’dhadnoideashewasinvolvedinsuchprojects,but

herealizedthatthiswouldbeamistake—withCalversonstaringathimandalreadyjealousoftheearlier
gossipaboutJohnandDiane.

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

she?”

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

availyourselfofherservices.Shedoesconcoctthemostdelightfulgowns.”

Dianesattallerinherchair,offendedandnotdaringtoadmitorshowit.“Imustmakeher

acquaintance.DoessheliveinAtlanta,then?”

Clairestiffenedoncemoreuntiltheolderwomanspoke.“Sheliveshereabouts,”Evelynsaid

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

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

gownreadyintime.“We’reexpectingvisitorsfromoutoftownonthatweekend,andthey’rethesortof

peoplewhodon’tapproveofdancing.Veryreligious,yousee,”headded,andlookedsoconvincingthat
Clairealmostbelievedhim.Buthe’dsaidnothingaboutguests.Andshe’dsowantedtogototheball.She
wasdisappointed,butshetriednottoshowit.

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

didn’tdaregoforfearofconfrontinghisownfamily.Hewantednothingtodowithhisfather.Thethought
ofrunningintotheoldmanattheballmadehimangryanduneasy.

AndClaireknewnothingaboutthefeud.Shewouldhavelovedtoknowallabouthertaciturn

husband,buthesharednothingabouthispastlifewithher.

“Willyourparentsattendtheball,John?”Dianeaskedinnocently,settingthecatamongthepigeons

withasmugsmileinClaire’sdirection.

Clairedidn’tknowmuchaboutJohn’sparents,asDianehadguessed.Shesatstiffly,tryingtoadjust

tothisnewinformation,whileDianetoyeddelicatelywithhercrystalglass.

“Idon’tknow,”hesaidabruptly,andgaveheraglarethatactuallymadehereyebrowsflyupward.
Theserversbegantobringinthefirstcourse,savinghimfromanymorecomplicatedreplythanthat.

ButDianehadsuccessfullyruinedtheeveningforClaire,whofeltlikeanutterfool.

Johnknewit,andwassorry.Hestaredatherallthroughthedeliciousmeal,butshetalkedtoEvelyn

andrefusedeventolookathim.

Bytheendofthetediousevening,Johnhadpledgesformorethanenoughmoneytomakeallthe

necessaryrepairstotheorphanageandpayfornewtoysforChristmas.

“Yourwifeisquiteanorganizer,Imustsay,John,”Mr.Calversonsaidwhenalltheguestshadgone

andhewasstandingoutsidetherestaurantwithClaireandDianeandJohn.“Mydear,you’vedonethe
bankproudtonight.Ishallhavetofindotherprojectsforyou.Ihadnoideayouwereonsuchafriendly
basiswithsomanysociallyprominentmatrons!”

“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,buthewasonlytwostepsbehindwhen

shereachedtheirapartment.

“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.Shetossedherpurseandher

cloakontothearmofachairbesidethedoorandturnedtoconfronthim.“YetIknowmoreaboutMrs.
DobbsdownstairsthanIknowaboutyou!”

Hetookacigarfromhispocketandclippedofftheendwithacutter.“Whatdoyouwanttoknow

aboutme,Claire?”heaskedsuddenly—andwithasoftnessinhisdarkeyesthatconfoundedher.She
didn’tknowhowitpleasedhimthatshewascuriousabouthim.Inrecentdays,he’dalmostconvinced
himselfthatshe’dfallencompletelyoutoflovewithhim.

“Areyougoingtosmokethatinhere?”shedemanded.“Becauseifyouare,Ishallsleepinmy

automobileintheshed!”

Hecockedaneyebrowandchuckledathervehemence.“Ihadn’tplannedtosmokeitinside.I

usuallyhaveitontheverandabeforeIretire.Outside,mydear…wherethesmoketroublesnoone.”

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

anythingshewantedtoknow.Butasrelaxedasheappearedtobe,shesensedatensioninhim.Shedidn’t
wanttoprovokeascenesuchashadhappenedononeotherevening,tohavehimthrowuptoherthat
she’dtemptedhim.

“Whatuseisit?”sheasked,andsoundedunutterablywearyofthewholething.Shestartedtoturn

whenhisvoicestoppedher.

“MyparentsliveinSavannah,”hesaid,volunteeringsomethingthatshewouldneverhaveasked

him.“MyfatherandIhavebeenestrangedforanumberofyears.Inevergohome,nordotheycomehere.
Hehasforbiddenmymother,mybrother,andmysistertospeaktome.”

Shemovedtothevelvet-coveredchairandheldontoitscarvedrosewoodframeforsupport.Her

heartbeatmadly.“Why?”

Heshovedahandintohispocketwitharoughsigh.“IwasinthefightinginCuba.Ijoinedthe

serviceafterIgraduatedfromtheCitadelin’89becauseIwastiredofbooksandeducation,andIloved
theverythoughtofsoldieringandwar.”Helaughedcoldly.“Youseehowromanticismwarpsthemind?I
thoughtthemilitarygloriousandexcitingandadventurous.”HisgazefelltothePersianrugonthefloor
andtraceditsswirlsandlines.“Butmyfatherconvincedmethatthemilitarywasnolife,soImustered
outtogotoHarvard.Then,asyouknow,Icameherein’96andbegantoworkforEli.Butin’97there
wererumorsofanimpendingwarwithSpain,soIreenlisted.Thetalkoffightinginvigoratedme.Iwent
hometomyfamilyonleave,ravingaboutthemistreatmentofCubannationalsatthehandsoftheSpanish,
whichIhadheardfromanewspapermanpassingthroughtown.Myyoungtwinbrothers,Robertand
Andrew,wereincensedbytheplightoftheCubanpeopleandimpressedbymytalesofmilitarylife.They
wentrightoutandjoinedthenavy.”Hepausedbriefly.“TheywereontheUSSMainewhenitblewupin
HavanaHarborinFebruaryof’98,twomonthsbeforetheUnitedStatesdeclaredwaronSpainandsent
armedforcestofightinCuba.”

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,whilemybrotherswererawrecruits
lookingforwardtotheirhitchonaship,”hesaid.“Shewantedmetoaskmyfatherfor…something.”He
refusedtomentionhisfamily’swealthorhisinheritance,sinceitwaslostanyway.“Myfatherrefused,
whichcreatedthefirstriftbetweenus,andshemarriedCalversonwhenIshippedouttogotowar.”

“WhileyouwereinCuba,”shesaid,infuriated.
Hesighed.“Shewasaloneandinfinancialtrouble,”hesaid,absentlydefendingherevennow.“I’m

certainthatCalversonpersuadedherthatImightnotcomebackatall.HewashereandIwasn’t,andher
familywasindesperateneed.”

Clairewasthinkingthatifherfamilyhadbeenindesperateneed,she’dhaveworkedherselftodeath

tryingtosavethem,butshewouldn’thaveforsakenafiancéinawartodoit.Shedidn’tsaythat.Shewas
surethathewouldn’thearcriticismofDiane.

“Itwasasadhomecomingforyou,”wasallshesaid.
Hespokebrieflyaboutthecold,lonelydockontheeasterntipofLongIslandwherehisregiment

hadbeensentfromCuba.ComingfromthetropicstotheicycoldofLongIslandhadbeenresponsiblefor
makingmanyofthemensick.IthadtakenapetitionsignedbyTeddyRooseveltandtheregimental
officerstogettheU.S.governmenteventorotatethetroopsoutofCuba,wheretheywereliterally
starvingtodeath.AndinsteadofsendingthembacktoFloridatomusterout,theyweresenttoNewYork
State.JohnhadarrivedinAmerica,woundedanddisillusioned,withonlythecompanionshipoffellow
soldierstomakeitlessstark.

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.Itwasoneofthebesttimesof

mylife.”Amazing,hethoughtashespoke,thathehadn’trealizedatthetimehowimportantClairewasto
him.

Clairefeltherheartswell.“Ihopedyoudidn’tmindthatIcamewithUncleWill.Ienjoyeddoing

whatlittleIcouldforyou.IsupposeMr.Calversonhadnoqualmsaboutgivingyourjobbacktoyou
whenyoureturned.Peoplethoughtitalittlestrange,youknow,becauseyou’doncebeenengagedtohis
wifeandhe’dtakenherfromyou.”

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

degreeinbusinessandthatIwasawizardwithnumbers.Infact,IalsoworkedinabankupNorthwhileI
wasinschoolatHarvard.”

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,remembered
theecstasythey’dshared.

Shebitherlowerliphard,tryingtorestoresanitytoamindcrazytohavehim.Sheliftedherface.“I

mustgotobed,”shesaidfirmly.

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

deliberately.

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

teeth.

Thesoundofhernameonhiswife’slipswentthroughhimlikeaknife.Hisintakeofbreathwas

audible.Asifhecouldeverhaveconfusedthetwoofthem!Didsherealizewhataninsultshe’djust
offeredhim?Hisfistclenchedinhispocket,andthefingersholdingtheexpensivecigarallbutcrushedit.

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

hadsaidDamntherisk!ButherewasproofthathishungerforClairewasonlyphysical.Allshehadto
dowasmentionDiane,andallhisardordiedaquickdeath.Itwassomethingshemustremember,shetold
herselffirmly,andsherefusedtothinkofwhatmighthavehappened.

THENEXTDAY,CLAIREWASSURPRISEDBYAVISITfromEvelynPaine,whohadaspecial
request.

“Iknowit’sshortnotice,andyou’reworkingsohardtomakegownsforJaneandEmmaandme.But

IhaveafriendvisitingfromSavannahwithherdaughter,andshe’ddearlyadorehavingyousewaspecial
gownforherdaughter’scoming-outparty.”

“I’dbedelighted.Butwhydidyoucomeinpersoninsteadofjustsendinganote?”Claireasked

curiously.

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

comemyself.”Sheleanedforward,elegantinaburgundysuitwithawhiteruffledblouseandabroad-
brimmedhattomatchthesuit.“Thematronvisitingmeisyourhusband’smother.Herownhusbandhas
forbiddenhertocontacthim,andshegaveherword.Butshedidnotpromisethatshewouldn’tcontacthis
wife.”

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

wantverymuchtomeetyou.Comehomewithmenow.”

Clairehesitated.Johnwouldbelividifhefoundout.Andhowwouldsheexplainherabsence?
Shelookedupandsighed.SheandJohnwerealreadysofarapartthatonemorethingwouldn’t

reallymakemuchdifference.“I’llcome,”shetoldEvelyn.

HEWASN’TSUREWHAT

sheexpectedtosee.Johnwastallanddarkandelegant,soshehadapictureofhis

kinfolkinmindthatwasnothinglikethepeopleshemet.Hismotherwassmallandfairandfragile-
looking.HissisterEmilywastallandelegant,andalsofairbutwithdarkeyes.TheystaredatClairefor
solongthatshefeltuncomfortable.

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

wereaswarmasherfingers.“IfI’msurprised,it’satmyson’sgoodtaste.Evelynhasshownmeasample
ofyourtalentatneedlework,mydear.Itwasmorethanjustanexcusetobringyouhere.Wereallywould
likeyoutosewEmily’scoming-outgown.”

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

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

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

“MyunclehaddiedandIhadnomeansofsupport.BecauseofhisfriendshipwithUncleWill,Johnwas
concernedformywelfare.”

Maude,whoknewhersonverywell,hadneverknownhimtodoanythingdrasticoutofpityalone.

FromwhatEvelynhadtoldher,thisyoungwomanhadcharacterandintegrity—andshewasn’tmercenary.
NotlikethatotherwomanwhosescandalousbehaviorwithJohnHawthornhadreachedhismother’sears
evenfarawayinSavannah.

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

cakes.”Sheclosedtheslidingdoorsofthelivingroombehindher.

ClaireturnedherattentionbacktoMaudeHawthorn.“Iknowalmostnothingaboutyou,”shesaid

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

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

addedhonestly.“Ourmarriageisoneofappearances,yousee.”Shesatdownheavilyonthevelvet-
coveredcouch.“Thetruthisthathemarriedmetosparehimself,thebank,andMrs.Calversonanymore
poisonousgossip.Hehadbeensomewhatindiscreet,andtongueswerewagging.Marryingmegavemea
roofovermyheadandprotectionforhim.”

Maudesatdownbesideher.Somuchforherhopesthatthiswasamarriageoflove!“Thenhestill

can’tstayawayfromher,”shesaidheavily.“Ihadhoped,somuch,thathewasfinallyfinishedwiththat
ill-starredattraction.”

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

favoritesubjectatourhome.ItwasshewhocausedthefirstriftbetweenJohnandhisfather,demanding
thatJohnbegivenhisinheritanceatonce.Therewasnowaymyhusbandcouldcomply,andJohnknewit.
Theninetieswere,asyouknow,extremelyunfavorableyearsforthebankingindustry.Weareonlyjust
nowfindingourfeet.”

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

nowchairmanofitsboardofdirectors.Healsositsontheboardofthreeotherprominentbanks,onehere
inAtlanta.MysonJasonownsahugeshippingbusinessinSavannahandafleetoffishingboats.Heisthe
onlysonwehaveleftathomenow.Weareveryclosetohim,althoughwemissJohnsomuch.”

Clearlydecidingtochangethemelancholysubject,Emilysaid,“Ihavemycomingoutatthespring

charityballinSavannah.Youwouldhaveplentyoftimetosewagownforme.”

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

bodytogettothebeautifulMrs.Calverson.Ihavenoillusionswhatsoeverabouthisfeelingsforme;he
hasnone.”

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

andAndrew?”

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

“RobertandAndrewwereouryoungestsons.TheyjoinedthenavyshortlyafterJohncamehomeinhis
uniform,sodignifiedandenthusiasticaboutsavingtheCubanpeoplefromSpanishdomination.”She
tracedthefingersofonehandoverthebackoftheother.“TheywereaboardtheUSSMainewhenitwent

down.Bothwerekilled.”

“Johntoldmewhathappened.Itmustbeapainfulmemoryforhim.Hecouldhardlybeartospeakof

ittome.”

“Itisequallypainfultous.ButmyhusbandblamedJohn.Hecursedhimanddisinheritedhim,and

vowednevertospeaktohimagain.Sadly,heforcedthatsamesilenceonEmilyandJasonandme.Ihave
obeyedhiminallthingsinthepast.Butheisveryillwithhisheart,andIknowthatheregretsthis
situation.HeistooproudtoapproachJohn.”ShelookedupatClaire.“Ihadhopedthatyoumightfinda
waytocoaxJohnintocominghometovisit.”

Claire’sthinshouldersliftedandfell.“YoumustseenowthatIcouldcoaxmyhusbandtodo

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

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

Weoftensaythingsintheheatofangerthatwelaterregret.Hewasgrief-strickenforhissons,andhe
refusedtobelievethattheirpassingwasanactofGod.Hehadtoblamesomeone.Johnwastheeasiestto
blame.Itwasn’tJohn’sfault,Claire,”sheaddedsadly.“They’dplannedtojointheservicesincethey
wereboys.ItwasunfortunatethatitshouldhappenquitesosoonafterJohn’svisit,andthattheyshould
serveonadoomedship.”

Claire’seyeswidened.“Why,thatiswhyJohnrefusedtodiscussattendingthegovernor’sballat

Christmas!”sheexclaimedinvoluntarily.“Itwasbecauseheexpectedhisfathertobethere.”

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

him.”

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

aboutthisgownforEmily?”

HEYSPOKEENTHUSIASTICALLY

ofEmily’scoming-outgown,andClairesketchedsomepossibilities.She

settledononewithakeyholenecklineandshortpuffysleeveswithanempirewaist.

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

localmenwhenIdrivemyuncle’smotorcar!Infact,IhadtoleaveitparkedbecausetwoofJohn’s
friendsmadesuchafuss.”

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

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

MaudeandEmilywerebothexcitedattheprospectofarideinClaire’sautomobile.Maude

confidedthatshewouldlovetohaveoneofherown—andwouldpersuadeherhusbandtobuyherone.

“Thenyouwilltrulyhaveanexcusetovisit,Claire,”Maudetoldtheyoungerwoman.“Tohelpme

learnhowtoworkonit.”

“FirstIwillhavetojointhelocalwomen’ssuffragemovementtokeepthemenoutofmyhair,”

Clairesaidjokingly.

“Ofcourseyouwill,”Maudesaideasily.“IbelongtotheSavannahchapter,andsodoesEmily.We

arenotcontenttositbyandletmenmakealltherulesforus.”

Clairewasintriguedbyherhusband’sfamily.Whatapitythatshecouldn’ttellhimso.

HEMANAGEDTOGET

themotorcaroutoftheshedwithoutrousingtheentireneighborhood.Mrs.Dobbs

wasathome,butClairemadesurethatnointroductionsweremade.Shekeptherguestsoutside,near
Evelyn’scarriage,whichwaitedforthemhalfablockaway.Itwasatightsqueezetogetherselfand
MaudeandEmilyallintothelittletwo-seater,buttheymanagedit.Clairecrankedthemachineandthey
wentdowntheroadandbackagainwithsquealsofdelight.Fortunatelytheydidn’tmeetahorse—andold
Mr.Fleming,wholivedonthecorner,wasn’toutsidetoyellthreatsofpoliceaction.

Itwasn’tuntilshe’dparkedthecaragainandsurveyedthefaintlygreasyclothingofhergueststhat

sherealizedsheshouldhaveprovideddusters.

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

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

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

John,”shesaidasshemadeherwaytothewaitingcarriage.

“Iwishyoucouldhave,too,”Clairesaid,embracingherandthenEmily.“Butatleastwe’vemet.”
“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,anditwasablessingthat
Johnwouldbeworkinglate.

SheneverquestionedifhewasseeingDianesomewhereintheselongeveningswhenhedidn’tcome

home.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.“Shecomeswithsomeofher

friendstovisitClaire.”

Johneyedhiswifewithopencuriosity.“Sothatwashowyoubecamesowellacquaintedwiththe

creamofAtlantasociety.Youhavethemoverfortea.”

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

calculatingly.

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.“TheWhitfields

werealsoinattendance,andjudgingbypastevents,IthoughtitdiplomatictokeepyouandTedWhitfield
separated,”hesaid,withsomeheat.

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

himoveryouthelasttimeyouweretogether.Thatcouldn’thavehappenedifyouhadn’tencouragedhis
advances.Andthoseofotherbankofficers.”

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

nothingmorethanthoseofabankerforhisbusinesspartner’swife?”

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

cautionedsoftly.

“Why?”shedemanded.“Youobviouslybelievethatyouhaveeveryrighttospendyourtimeogling

Mrs.CalversonandmakingsurethatIdon’tdoanythingtospoilyourfun.ButImustn’tbeseennearTed,
isthatright?”

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

youcontinuetofeeditinsuchamanner.”

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

aboutsuchadistastefulsubject.Myopinionisofnoconsequencetoyou,anyway—sinceyoudon’tcare
whatIthinkofyourphilandering.”

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

inthehallbeforehewentslammingoutthefrontdoor.

Mrs.Dobbshesitated.“Thefirstdaysofanymarriagecanbeverydifficult,”shesaidencouragingly.
“Thismarriagehasbeennothingshortofdifficultsinceitsbeginning,”Clairerepliedshortly.“I

shouldneverhavemarriedhim.It’smyownfaultforthinkingIcouldchangethewayhefeels.Hecan’t
reallyhelpfindingMrs.Calversonattractive.AndIhaveneitherthebeautynorthecharmtocompetewith
hers.”

Mrs.Dobbscameforwardandtookherhands.“Claire,youhavesomanywonderfulqualities,”she

saidearnestly.“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,”hesaid,

gesturingtowardthegown,awhite-and-blacksilkonewithjetbeaddetails,“isthemostbeautiful
creationI’veseeninmanyalongyear.Iwouldliketodisplayitinmystore.”

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

lowforsuchanoriginal.”Henamedapricethatleftherspeechless.

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

it,”headdedtoMr.Stillwell.

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

doagreatdealofbusiness.Yourdesignscanbesewnbyalocalconcernforus,andwewillmarketthem.
Iassureyouofthehighestquality,yourownpersonallabel,andstrictlyacouturetrade.Allyouwould
investisthetimetosketchyourideasandsewamodelforus.”

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

dreamedofsuchathing!”

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

DobbsorEvelyn,astrustworthyastheynormallywere,theywouldn’tbeabletokeepasecretofsuch
magnitude.SoClairehadtokeephertidingstoherself.

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

exchangedaddresseswithherandwasonhiswaytoanothermeeting.

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

Icalledonceortwice,butyourhusbandtoldmethatyouweren’tavailabletospeaktome.”

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

Iwouldhavelikedtocongratulateyou,atleast.”Heeyedher.“Didn’tyouknowabouttheweddinggiftI
sent,either?”

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

husband.”

“Apparently,”sheagreed.HecouldseeDianeCalversonwheneverheliked,butshewasn’tallowed

tohaveaweddingpresentfromanoldfriend!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’tgetyouinto

anytroubleathome.”

“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’llgetthemtoMr.

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,whileDianewasmakinganobviouseffort

tobeespeciallynicetoJohn.

Overafter-dinnercoffee,ClairenoticedthatJohnwasstaringatherwiththecoldest,angriestdark

eyesshe’deverseen.Diane,ontheotherhand,wassweetnessitself.

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

sameashavingaplaceofyourown,butIsupposeit’sthenextbestthing.”

Clairestudiedtheotherwoman,hesitatingsolongtomakeareplythattheartificialsmileonDiane’s

facebegantowaver.

“Underothercircumstances,Ishouldhaveenjoyedhavingahomeofmyown,”sherepliedfinally,

withasmileascoolashertone.

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

“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,droppingabombshellright
inherhusband’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.Clairehadglimpsedhergoingoutthebackdoorwithabucketofashesto

emptyfromthewoodstove.

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

timetoseeDianeinJohn’sarms,withherlipspullingawayfromhis.

Clairestoodstock-still.Dianewasflushedandlaughingnervously.Ashemovedback,Johnhadan

intenseexpressiononhisfacethatdefieddescription.

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

realizethatallIhavetodoisgobackintotheparlorandtellyourhusbandwhatyou’vebeendoingwith
myhusbandinmyhome.”

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

breathing.Shewasmilk-white,butangryenoughtoovercomehernumbness.

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

wasthereandsheorderedhertobringtheircoats.

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

Shewasglaringatherhusbandasifshe’dliketohithimwiththeplates,shakingwithtemperand
reaction.

“Kindlymakeanefforttocontrolyourselfuntilourguestsaregone,”Johnsaid,withicyformality.
“Yourguests,notmine,”shereturned.Hervoiceshook;herfaceburned.“Ifyoueverbringthatslut

intomyhomeagain,I’lltellyourfancybankpresidentthetruthaboutthetwoofyou,andtothedevilwith
gossip!”

“Claire!”hesaidsharply.
Shetookacalmingbreath,puttheplatesdown,andsweptpasthimoutthedoorandbacktothe

parlor.

“Thankyouforalovelyevening,Claire,”Dianesaid,withaforcedsmile.ShelookedatJohn

throughherlashes.“Goodnight,John.”

“Goodnight.Thankyoubothforcoming,”hereplied,smilingeasilyasheandClaireescortedthem

tothedoor.

“Nicetoseeyouagain,Claire,”Elisaid,withadistantsmile,apparentlyunawareofany

undercurrents.“Nowdon’ttroubleyourselfaboutthismergerwithWhitfield.Justbecauseafewpeople
aredisgruntled,there’snoneedtoworry.”

Johnwasscramblingtogethisthoughtsorganized.HewasreelingfromDiane’sbehaviorand

Claire’sreactiontoit.“I’veheardsomegossip,andthismorningoneofourinvestorsactuallyaskedmeif
weweresolvent,”Johntoldhisboss,andfounditoddthatCalverson’scheeksseemedabitflushed.

Calversonpattedhimonthearm.“Howridiculous.”Hechuckled.“WhyshouldWhitfieldwantto

mergewithusiftherewasanyshadowonthebank’sreputation?AndIdon’thavetoremindyou,dear
boy,ofournewassets—thankstoyourcalculatedactofkindnesstowardthegeneral’swidow!”

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

friends.”

Johnsaidtheappropriatethings,buthewasworried.He’dheardmorethanonecommentaboutthe

bank’sassets.Hemadeamentalnotetohaveaconversationwiththebank’sheadbookkeeper,without
Calverson’sknowledge.

Claireseethed.HerattentionwasfarfromCalversonandremarksaboutthebank.
ShestoodquietlybywhileJohnsaidallthesociallycorrectthings.DianeandEligotintotheir

waitingcarriageandwentoffdownthecoldlamplitstreet.

Clairewentbackinside,shiveringwiththecoldandherfeelingsofbetrayal.Shecouldn’tmanageto

lookatJohn.SeeingDianeinhisarmshadshatteredherlasthopeofanysortoflifewithhim.She
wouldn’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.Allthesame,

Johnwenttothefrontporchandwatchedheruntilshehadenteredherownsmallapartmentbehindthe
mainhouseofherlandlord.

Asheclosedthedooragainandlockedit,Clairestartedupthestairs.“I’msureyou’llunderstand

thatIhavenothingtosaytoyou,”shesaidoverhershoulder.“I’mleavingyou.”

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

metothefloor,I’msureMrs.Dobbswillaskwhy.Shortofthat,youwon’tbeabletokeepmehere.Iwill
notbeusedasacoverforyourshamefulaffairwiththatwomananymore.Theideaofit!Kissingherlike
thatinmyownhouse!Imusthavebeenoutofmymindtomarryyouinthefirstplace!”

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

her.Igiveyoumyword.”

Shesearchedhisleanface.Thethingshismotherhadtoldhercamebacktoher—andshesawthe

painandgriefthatmusthaveshapedhimintothistaciturnman.He’dlovedDiane.Hestilllovedher.
Couldshereallyblamehim?Dianemightnotbeherideaoftheperfectwoman,butpeoplewererarely
lovedfortheirflaws.Dianemusthavequalitiesthatheadmired,evenifClairecouldn’tseethem.

Hershouldersroseandfell.“Yourconductisnoneofmybusinessanymore,”shesaid,withquiet

defeatinhertone.“Dowhatyouplease,John.”

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

public.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’thaveasundaewitha

maninapublicplace,butyoucankissanotherwomaninmykitchen,isthatright?”

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

hisway.Hecaughtheraroundthewaistwithonearm,whilehisfreehandtangledinherhighcoiffure.

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

behavior.He’dkissedthathorriblewoman,andshehatedhim!

But,oh,hismouthwassowarmandpassionate,hisarmssostrongandcomfortingaroundher

slenderbody.Shefeltherlipspartinginvoluntarilyastheslow,deepkisswentonandonandon.

Hemurmuredsomethingagainstherlipsandbenttoliftherintohisarms.Hewasbreathingroughly

ashemountedtherestofthestairsandcarriedherintotheirapartment,kickingthedoorclosedbehind
them.

Hedidn’tputherdown.Hecarriedherintohisbedroom,ashehadoncebefore.Thistimehedidn’t

botherwithputtingoutthelightsorevenclosingthebedroomdoor.HefellontothebedwithClaireunder
hislean,tensebody;hishandswentunderherlongskirt,againstthesoft,warmskinofherthighs.

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

betweenthem,removingbarriers,gently,coaxingly.

Shefelthimgointoherwithasenseofshock.Theyweren’tevenundressed.Butasshetriedto

protest,histonguewentdeepintohermouth,echoingthatotherfierce,slow,deepmovementofhisbody
thatbroughtnopainatall.Tidesroseandfellinsideherbody,insidehermind.Sheheardtheirmingled
erraticbreathing,heardtheslideofclothagainstcloth,skinagainstskin.Hishandswerebruisingwhere
heheldherashisbodybegantomovefiercely.Shehadn’tdreamedthatsuchpleasurecouldexist.It
shouldhavehurt,becausehewassodemanding.Butitdidn’thurt.Thepleasurecameuponherinwave
afterwaveofsensuousheat.Shetastedhim,breathedhim,ashisbodybuffetedhersintheuttersilenceof
thecoldroom.Sheheardhimbegintogroanevenashiscontrolslippedandhegaveintothedamning
urgencyofhisbody.Shemovedtoaccommodatehim,liftedintohim,archedunderhim.Hecriedoutand
sodidsheasthepleasureexplodedinasinful,shamefultideofecstasysogreatthatshethoughtherbody
wouldneverbeabletobearit…

Shefeltthetremblingofherownbodyechoedinhis.Herarmsweretightlyaroundhim;herlegshad

curledaroundhis.Theylayintimatelyjoined,fullyclothed,withhisheartbeatingmadlyagainsther
boundbreasts.

Hermouthwassodrythatshecouldhardlymanagespeech.“Wasit…becauseyouwantedher?”she

whispered.

Hisintakeofbreathbrushedhischestoverhersensitizedbreasts.“No,itwasbecauseIwanted

you.”Hepulledawayfromherandlookeddownintoherwide,silveryeyes.Slowlyhishandwenttothe
buttonsofherlacyblackdressandhebegantounfastenthem.Hewasstilljoinedtoher,andthe
movementswerestimulating,erotic.

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

takemyownclothesoff,andenjoyyouallnightlong.Whenmorningcomes,therewon’tbeaninchofyou
thatIdon’tknow,thatIhaven’ttouchedorkissedornibbledwithmyteeth.”Asiftoemphasizethe
words,hismouthwentdownhardoverhersoftbreasts,rightthroughthefabric,andshefelthisteethbite
softlyintoahardnipple.Shegasped.

Hemoved,laughingdeeplywhensheshivered;hereyeswidenedashelookedintothem.“Yes,

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

LAIRELAYAWAKE

inthedarkness,sickatherownshamelessresponsetothewaysJohnhadtouchedher,

theplaceshismouthhadinvaded.

Shelayunderasinglewhitesheet,completelynude,thankfulthatthelightwasfinallyoutsothatshe

didn’thavetosee,again,thecoldtriumphinherhusband’sface.He’dusedher,shethoughtfuriously.
He’dusedherlikeawomanofthenight—andshe’dnotonlylethim,she’dwrappedherselfaroundhim
likeasnakeandwhimperedwithpleasure.She’dwhisperedthingstohimthatshecouldn’tbearto
remember.

Gingerlyshemovedthesheetandstartedtositup.Asteelyhandcaughtherarmandjerkedherdown

ontoawarm,still-arousedmalebody.

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

againsthishair-roughenednudity.

“YouarethesweetesttasteofheavenIhaveeverhad,”hewhisperedashistouchgrewbolder.“The

sweetesthoneyonearth.Icoulddietryingtogetenoughofyou.IwantyoumorethanIwanttobreathe,
littleone.”Hedrewhermouthdowntohisand,whilehekissedher,hemovedherslowly,exquisitely
impalingher.“Yes,”hewhisperedtenderly.“Yes,takemeinsideyouandcaressme,holdme,makeme
madwithpleasure.Forgetthethingsoldwomenhavetoldyouaboutthisandbeawomanwithme.”

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

herhips,andhislifteduptomeethers,teachinghertherhythm.Herbreastsrosesharplywiththevicious
pleasurehekindledinher.

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

body.Claire.Move,move—”Hegaspedasherslow,sinuousmotionsmadehimshiver.Helaughed,deep
inhisthroat,andthengroaned.Hishandscontracted,demandingashebroughthertohimandliftedher
awayinarhythmthatbroughttheecstasyflyingback.

Herfingerswereonhis,holdingthemtoherthighs;herbodyseemednolongertobeunderher

control.Shelaughed,too,fiercely,asthepleasurebitdeepintoherbody.Shelookeddownathiminthe
moonlitroom,herbreathraspingasshesawhimhelpless,powerless,totallyatthemercyofherbodyand
hisneedofit.

Shemovedagain,deliberatelythistime,teasing,hereyesglitteringwiththefeverofwhatshewas

doingtohim.Hecriedoutasshequickenedthedartingmotionsofherhips;sheheldhishands,pulling
themintocloserintimacyasthespiralbegan.

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

itselftohisandconvulsed.Underher,hearcheduphigh,araggedsobtearingoutofhisthroat.Shesaw
hisfacecontorteventhroughherownheateddelirium,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.NowayItouchyouorkiss

youshouldbeembarrassing.Iampartofyou,andyouarepartofme.Weareonepersonwhenwelove

likethis,Claire.Oneflesh,oneheart,onesoul.”Hetookanunsteadybreathandheldhercloser.“Dear
God,Ineverknewsuchpleasureasyougavemetonight!Icanbarelygetmybreath—andstillIwantto
burymyselfinyouandhave,again,thatfierce,madcompletion.”

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

now,littleone.”

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

can’tbeartopullawayfromyou.Unlessithurtstoomuch…?”heaskedquickly.

“Itdoesn’thurt,”shewhisperedback,asprofoundlymovedashesounded.Sherelaxedagainsthim,

feelingagainthewonderoftheintimacytheyweresharing.Herbreastssankagainstthewarmhardnessof
hischestandshelaughedsecretly,becauseeventhatfaintmovementarousedher.

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

alltoomuchpleasureineachother’snakedness.Butwemustsleepnow.”

“Isupposeso.”
Sheforcedherbodytorelaxagainandclosedhereyes.Amazinglyshefellasleep.

HEFELTCOOLAIRONHERBODY

.Itwasuncomfortableandshewassore.Lightstreamedinthecurtained

windows,touchingherswolleneyelids.

Sheopenedhereyesandfoundapairofdark,intenteyesstaringdownather.Sheblinkedandcame

awake.Shewaslyingnudeonthesheets.Johnhadliftedthecoveraway;hewaslookingathernudityas
ifhe’dneverseenawomanwithoutherclothing.

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

arousedalloveragain.”

Shedidflush,then,atthedesirethatdarkenedhisleanface.Shewasashamedofwhatshe’dgiven

awayinthedarkness,anddesperatenottolethimseehowenslavedshewas,physicallyaswellas
emotionally.“Ihopeyouenjoyedyourself,”shesaidicily.“DidyouhavefunpretendingthatIwas
Diane?”

Theinsulthithimrightbetweentheeyes.“Isthatwhatyouthought?”Helaughedcoldly.“Oristhat

whatyou’dliketobelieve?”Hedidn’tunderstandhowthepassionateloveroflastnighthadbecomethis
mockingstranger.

“Ofcourse.Youwerekissingherinthekitchen—andassoonassheleft,youcarriedmeinhere.I’m

sureitwasn’toverpoweringlovethatmotivatedyou,”shesaid,withmangledpride.“Yousaidyourself
thatyouonlymarriedmetospareDiane’sreputation.Whypretendthatlastnightwasanythingotherthan
misplacedlust?”

Histemperflashedfire.Heglaredatherwithhishandinhispocket.“Lustisanappropriate

description.Wewentateachotherlikeanimalsinheat.Although,”hedrawled,“IhavetoadmitthatI’ve
neverhadsuchanight,notevenwithasportingwoman.You’rehot,Claire.Hotandripeandevenmore
sensuousthanDiane,”headded,withdeliberatecruelty,becauseherwordshadhurthim.

Shesatup,holdingthecovertoherbreasts.“Youcansaythatwithcertainty?”
“OfcourseIcan.I’veseenDianewithoutherclothes.Youaren’tthatnaive,surely?”

Thecolordrainedoutofherface.“You’ve…madelove?”
“Wewereengaged,”hereplied,withglitteringeyes,avoidingadirectanswer.
Herheartwasbeatingfuriously.Shecouldn’tseethefaintapprehensioninhisdarkeyesforherown

pain.Itdidn’toccurtoherthatherharshwordshadwoundedhim,orthathisrealizationthathecaredfor
herhadlefthimdefenselessandthathewastryingtoretainhisprideontheheelsofherinsulting
accusations.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’dadmitshestillcared

forhim,thatshe’dlovedhimthenightbefore.Butshedidn’t.

“Thatwasadespicablethingtosay,”shesaidfinally.
“Nomoredespicablethanyouraccusationtome.AsifIcoulduseyoutoalleviatewhatIfeelfor

Diane.Thetwoemotionsareasdifferentasnightandday.”

“Youdiduseme,”shesaidhuskily.
“Andyoulovedit.Youwrappedyourlegsaroundmeandthrewyourheadbackandscreamedwith

pleasurewhenIdrovedeepintoyou!”

Shewentscarlet.
Heleanedforward,onehandproppedoverherheadonthebrassrailingofthebed.“Ididn’tforce

youlastnight.Youwantedme.Youstillwantme,evennow.Look,Claire.”Hejerkedthecoverawayand
tracedahardnipplebeforeshesquirmedherwaybeneaththesheet.

Hestooderect,hisnarrowedeyeswatchingtheexpressionsplayacrossherface.“Youwentrunning

toyourchildhoodfriendtheminutemybackwasturned,”hesaidcoldly.“Well,runtohimnow,mydear,
andseeifhecanmakeyouclawhisbackinthedarkness.”

“Ididnot—”
Heunfastenedthecollarofhisshirtanddrewitawayfromhisshouldertoshowherthedeepred

scratchesshehadmade.

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

last.”

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

passion.Sometimestheyevenbite.It’snothingtobeashamedof.Passionisviolent.Lovemakingcan
bringpainaswellaspleasure,especiallywhentwopeoplefeelthatkindofdesireforeachother.”

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

tiltedherfaceuptohis.“Sexisfun.Ienjoyedyouandyouenjoyedme.We’remarried.There’snoreason
wecan’tenjoyeachotherforaslongaswe’retogether.”

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

imagineyou’llfindbruises,ifnotafewscratchesthatmatchthoseonmyback.Youweren’ttheonlyone
whocompletelylostcontrol.”

Sheswallowed,alittlelessashamed.Heseemedtofinditeasytotalkabout.Ofcourse,hewas

experienced.

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

stayawayfromyourfriendKenny,andeverynightI’llgiveyouecstasy.Eventually,maybeI’llevengive
youababy.Thatshouldbeenoughforbothofus.”

Lust,shethought.Mindlessdesire.TwobodiesinabedwhilehethoughtofDiane,wantedDiane,

livedforDiane.Andababy…whatsortoflifewouldithavewithsuchparentsastheywouldbecome?

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

hesaidhuskily.“AndevenifIcan’tmakelovetoyou,I’llstripyououtofyourgownandfeastmyeyeson
youuntilI’mmadwithdesire.”

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

startedtopickuphergownwhenshesawherbodyintheovalfull-lengthmirror.

Herbreastswerefaintlyredfromthehungerofhismouth.Thereweremoremarksonherbellyand

herwhitethighs.Shecoloredasshesawthebruiseshe’dalludedtoonherslenderhips.

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

wecouldbothwatch.”

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

her.Butafewsecondswereenoughtomakethehungerunbearable.Heputherawayfromhimwithone
helplessshudderandswalloweddownhisneed.

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

almostfrightened.Heheldherbytheshouldersfiercely,thinkinghemightscreamfromfrustrateddesire.
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’tshe?

Theanswerwasthemostpainfulrealizationofall.Itwasbecauseshewantedhim,ofcourse.She

couldn’tdenyhimanything,becauseshewasasmuchaslavetoherdesireashewastohisown.That
didn’tmeanthatshelovedhim.Neveronce,duringthelong,exquisitenight,hadshewhisperedwordsof
love.Hehadn’trealizedhowdesperatelyhewantedtohearthem,fromher.Hispure,innocentwifehad
sufferedforsolong,lovedhimunselfishly,andallshe’dhadforherpainswashisindifference.He
rememberedwhenshe’dofferedherlovewithbothhandsandhe’drebuffedherbecauseofDiane.He
couldn’trecallnowhowhe’dfeltaboutDianeinthefirstplace,becausehishungerandneedanddeep
affectionforClairehadcompletelyovershadowedit.

Itwasapity,hethought,thatheneverdrankspirits.Rightnow,hecouldhaveusedsomethingto

numbhismind.

Hesatathisdeskatthebank,wearyoftheemotionalturmoilthatseemedtobethehallmarkofhis

lifeoflate.AbsentlyhethoughtaboutwhatCalversonhadsaidlastnightaboutthebank,andhegotupand
startedtowardtheofficeoftheheadbookkeeper.

Butonhisway,aloudvoicearrestedhismovement.
“Iheardtherewasmoneymissingfromthebank,”anoldmanwassayingtoEliCalverson.“My

friendhasahundredthousanddollarshere.Hetriedtodrawitoutandhewastoldtherewereinsufficient
funds!”

Eliwasflusteredandnervous.Hewasactuallywringinghishands.“Sir,welendmoneyaswellas

takeitin,”heexplained.“Attimes,wehavetodependonourdepositstomakeupthedifference.Wehave
justaddedahugesumtoourassets—”

“You’relying!”theoldmansaidaccusingly,hiscaneliftedasheflaredatthebankpresident.“You

can’tcoveryourdeposits.Thisbankisn’tsolvent.Iwantmymoney!Iwantitall!Rightnow!”

Otherpeopleinthebankwerelookingattheelderlyman,whomJohnrecognizedasoneoftheir

majordepositors.Hemovedtowardtheman,justasmoreloudmurmurswereheardandthecrowdbegan
tolineupattheclerks’windows.

“Iwantmymoney,too,”awomansaidfirmly.
“SodoI,”ayoungermansaid.“Iwon’triskmylifesavingshere!”
“Wait!”Johnsaid,holdinguphishands.“Youcan’tstartarunonthebank.Ifyouwithdrawyour

funds,therewillbeanimbalanceandnobody’smoneywillbesafe.”

“Didyouhearhim?Hesaidithimself—there’snotenoughmoneytocoverourdeposits!Giveusour

money!”theyoungermanraged.

“Clearthelobby!”Calversonsaidharshly.“Guard,geteveryoneoutofthebankrightnow!”
Theguard,hiredbythebanktokeepwatchoverthelobbyforpotentialtroublemakers,pushedhis

coatasidetoshowhisbadgeandthepistoltuckedinhisbelt.

“Gohomenow,ladiesandgentlemen.Thebankisclosed,”theguardsaid,motioningtowardthe

door.“Let’sgo.Let’sgo,please.Movealongnow.”

Theywentalongcomplacentlyatfirst.Thenjustastheyreachedthedoor,theoldmanwiththecane

turnedontheguardandstruckhimacrossthehead.Theguardwentdown.

“Lockthedoor,quick!”Elicalledfrantically.“GoodGod!Whatdowedonow?They’llbreakthe

doordown!John,gooutthereandassurethemthatthebankissolvent!”

JohnpausedbyCalverson,hisvoicelowsothatitdidn’tcarry.“IwantyourwordthatI’llbetelling

thetruth.”

Calverson’seyesfell.ThatblackgazeofHawthorn’swasintimidating.Themanhadbeenasoldier,

usedtogivingorders,andhewasfrightening.“Ofcourse…ofcourse,it’ssolvent.I’dneverlieabout
that,”hesaid,withaplacatingsmile.HetouchedJohn’sshoulderhesitantly.“Goon,now,myboy,and
calmthemdown.Reassurethem.”

Johnwasuneasy,buthehadlittlechoice.Firsthe’dstoptherunonthebank.Then,athisfirst

opportunity,hewasgoingtogetsomeanswers.Hedidn’tunderstandCalverson’seagernesstomergethe
bankwithWhitfield’senterprise.Butitwouldmeanahugeinjectionofcapitalalmostatonce,ifthe
mergerwentthrough,andforthefirsttimeJohnhadtoaskhimselfifCalversonneededthathugeinjection
ofcapital.Theonlypossiblereasonforthatwouldbe…ifmoneyreallywasmissingfromthebank!He
wenttothefrontdoorwithafeelingofapprehension.Anditwasn’tbecauseofanyfearofthecrowd
howlingoutsideonthesidewalk.

JOHNWOULDHAVEBEENEVENMOREUNEASYifhe’dknownthatClairewasalreadyacting
onherplanstoleavehim.Hisharshwordsthatmorninghadrubbedherprideraw,leftherwithnothingto
lookforwardtobuttheirphysicalhungerforeachotherandtheirindulgenceofit.

John’smotherandsisterhadissuedheraninvitationtovisitthem,andshewasgoingtotakethemup

onit.InthebackofhermindsheknewthatitwouldbetheverylastplaceJohnwouldthinktolookfor
her,becausehedidn’tknowtheywereacquainted.

IndefianceofJohn’sdictumthatshenotdriveUncleWill’slittlecar,shetookittotown,planningto

gotothetraindepotandbuyatickettoSavannah.ButfirstshehadtotalktoKennyandgivehimher
designsforthebuyerfromMacy’s.Thesketcheswouldmeanalittlemoreprivateincome,andshewould
needitnow.ThenshewantedtogotothebanktoseeJohnonelasttime.

Shedidn’tknowwhatshecouldsaytohim.He’dmadehisfeelingssoplainthatshehadlittledoubt

ofhiscontempt.Allhecouldofferwaslust,anditwasn’tenough.

ShedroveuptoKenny’sstoreandhecameout,grinning,tomeether.
“Ilikeyourmodeoftransportation!Youstillcangetittorun,can’tyou?”
“OfcourseIcan,”sheagreed,smilingassheremovedhergoggles,awareofstaresfrompassersby.
“Docomein,”heinvited,helpingherdownfromthelittlecar.“Haveyousomethingwithyoufor

Mr.Stillwell?”

“InfactIdo,”shesaid,drawingthebigportfoliofromtheothersideoftheseat.“Ithoughtyoumight

liketosendtheseontohim.Icanhavetheothersdoneinthreeweeks.Well,justafterChristmas,
anyway.”

“I’llmakesureheknows.”
Shefollowedhimin,noddingatacustomerasheledhertohisofficeinthebackoftheshop.
“ThisisMrs.Kenner,mysecretary,”hesaid,introducingamiddle-agedwomanwithakindsmile.

“Mrs.Kenner,thisisMrs.Hawthorn.Sheandherlateunclehavebeenfriendsofmineforquitesome
years.She’sthedesignerItoldyouabout:Magnolia.”

“Oh,mygoodness!”Mrs.Kennerexclaimed.“HowgladIamtomeetyouatlast.I’vesoadmired

yourgownsintheshopwindowdownthestreet.Howverytalentedyouare!”

“Thankyou,”Clairesaidmodestly,withasmile.
“Sitdown,Claire,andlet’sgooveryourwork.Sorry,Mrs.Kenner,butthey’reveryconfidential.

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’reonthenexttrain

toNewYork,carefullypackaged.”

“Iappreciateallyourhelp,Kenny—morethanyouknow.Imayneedtobeindependentverysoon,”

shesaidmiserably.

Hewinced.“Claire,can’tyoutellmewhat’swrong?IsthereanywayIcanhelp?”
Sheshookherhead.“Iwishyoucould.Butit’smyownproblem.Ihavetosolveit.You’readear,

Kenny.”Shegotup.“Iwon’twaitforthecoffee.Imustfly.I’mleavingtownforalittlewhile.I’llcontact
youassoonasI’msurewhereI’llbe.Iwon’ttellyouwhereI’mgoing.Thatwayifyou’reasked,you
won’thavetolie.”

“You’reworryingme,”hesaid.
“I’msorry.ButIdidneedtogiveyouthosesketches.Idon’tknowexactlywhenI’llbeback.”
Hecameforwardandtookherhands.“Can’tyoutellmewhereyou’regoing?I’dneverletanyone

know.”

Hewassuchasweetman.Sheshookherhead.“Iknowthat.ButI’mafraidIcan’t,Kenny,dear.”
“Ifyoueverneedme,I’llberighthere,”hesaidfirmly.Heglancedoverherheadandfrownedat

whathenoticed.“That’sodd.There’snotusuallysuchacrowdinfrontofthebankatthishour.”

Sheturnedandfollowedhisstare,thencaughtherbreath.Thatwasherhusband’sbank.Andit

wasn’tacrowdoutsidethedoorssomuchasitwasamob.

ShecouldseeJohnjustinfrontofthedoor.Therewereloudcriesfromthemobandasurge

forward.Somethingwasthrown.

Suddenly,flameseruptedinavacantbuildingacrossthestreetandjumpedtoawagonparkedatthe

edgeofthewoodensidewalk—andfromthereacrosstothehaberdasheryshopbehindthebank.The
mulesthatwerehitchedtothewagonpanicked,broketheirtraces,andturnedthewagonoverinthe
middleofthestreetintheirruntosafety.Theburningwagoneffectivelyblockedtheonlyroadthatled
pastthebankandclothingstoreoffPeachtreeStreet.

“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—fastenoughsothat

therubberofthetiresdoesn’tmelt—andgorighttothefirestationdownPeachtreeStreet.”

“It’stoodangerous!”hesaid,protesting.
Sheglancedbacktowardthebankwherethecrowdwassurgingforwardrighttowardherhusband.

“Imust!Johncouldbekilled—ifnotbythemob,bythefire!”

WhileKennywasstillprotesting,shecrankedthelittlecar,jumpedinunderthewheel,andrattled

thegears,gettingittogoinherhurry.Thenshepulledawayfromthesidewalkandaimeditatthewallof
flame.

Somewheresheheardaloud,shockedexclamation,butsheputherfootdownandkeptrighton

going,rightintotheheat,theflames.Sheshotthroughontheotherside,sweatingandhalfafraidthatshe’d
caughtthetiresonfire.Butasidefromafaintsmellofsmoke,therewasnothingtoalarmher.

“Goodboy,Chester!”sheexclaimed.
Shedroveasquicklyasshecoulddownthestreet,butitseemedtotakeforevertogettothefire

station.Finally,shereachedit.Sheranupthestepswithherdustercatchingontheheelofhershoeinher
haste,recoveredherbalance,anddartedintothefirestation.

“There’safireandariotatthePeachtreeCityBank!”sheexclaimedtothefirstmaninuniformshe

saw.“Oh,please!Comequickly!”

“Afire,ma’am?Wheredidyousay?”
Shetoldhim.Hethankedherandstartedtoracetowardthebackofthestation.
“I’llalsoinformthepoliceaboutthemob,ma’am,”hecalledoverhisshoulder.
Shenoddedandwentbackouttohercar.Shecrankeditandturneditbackinthedirectionofthe

bank,herheartpoundingasshehopedagainsthopethathelpwouldarriveintimetosaveherhusband.
Despitetheirdisagreementsandhislackoffeelingforher,shelovedhimtoomuchtoturnherbackonhim
whenhewasinneed.

Asshereachedthesidestreetwherethebankwaslocated,shesawthattheflameswerestill

shootingupfromthetopofthebuilding.Butthewagonhadburnedup,andthestreetwaspassablenow.
Shegaveathoughttotheownerofthelostmerchandiseasshepassedthroughthesmolderingashesand
stoppedbeyondthebankbuilding.

Thecrowdwasbeingpushedbackbyuniformedpolicemen,whohadapparentlybeensummonedby

someoneelseinherabsence.

Shemovedforward,dustyandgrimy,hergogglesinherhand,asshepushedthroughthecrowdfar

enoughtoseeherhusband.

Herheartjumpedwhenshespottedhim.Hisfacewasbruisedandhisimmaculatejacketwastorn.

Onesleevewasunbuttoned,thecufflinktornfromitbyanangryhand.Helookedintimidatingjustthe
same,andnoonewastryingtolayafingeronhimnow.Agroaningmanwassittinguponthesidewalk,
holdinghisbleedingfaceinhishands.

“Goodenoughforyou!”awomansaidloudly.“That’swhatyougetfortryingtohitamanwhocan

fightback,youlowcoward!”

“They’velostallmymoney!”themanreplied.
“Noonehaslostanything!”Johnshouted.“Thebankisonlygoingtomergewithaninvestmentfirm.

Thiswillimmediatelydoubletheassetsofthebank,andincreaseinterestandpaydividends!Noonewill
loseapenny!”Hewasn’ttellingthewholetruth;hecouldn’tguaranteethatthemergerwouldactuallygo
through—especiallyifWhitfieldsuspectedtherewasashortfallinfunds.Butitmightstopariottosayso.

Therewerestillmurmurs,butnotsoangrynow.
“Gohome,”Johnsaidshortly.“Thisisnowayforcivilizedpeopletobehave.Yourmoneyissafe.

Youhavemywordonit.”

Thecrowdbegantodisperse.
“Mr.Hawthornwouldn’tlie,”onemansaidasheandhiswifepassedClaire.“Hisword’sgood

enoughforme.”

“Me,too,”saidanother.
Claire,soproudthatshecouldhaveburst,movedforward,towardherhusband.Butbeforeshe

couldworkherwaythroughthecrowd,DianeCalversoncameuponthesidewalkandrantoJohnwith
herhandkerchiefout.

“Oh,mydear!”sheexclaimed.“Areyouallright?”
Shetouchedhisfacewithquick,worriedhands,andClairewatchedhimsmilegentlyather.Ifshe’d

hadanylast-minutedoubtsabouttheirfeelingsforeachother,thatsettledthem.Herheartfellinherchest.
Thosetwopeoplelovedeachother.Thekissshe’dwitnessedinthekitchenoftheirapartmenthousehad
onlyreinforcedhercertaintyoftheirfeelingsforeachother.Theycouldn’thelpfeelingastheydid.And
nomatterhowhungrilyJohnmightreachforherinthedarkness,thiswasthewomanheloved.

Shewentbacktohercar.Shecrankedit,gotinunderthewheel,andturnedittowardhome.
Asitwentnoisilyaway,itcaughtJohn’sattention.Hestaredafterit,shocked.Hehadn’tnoticed

Claire.Whatwasshedoingdrivinginthatthing?

SeveralfiremenhadarrivedontheirenginewhileJohnwassettlingthingswiththatiratecustomer;

theywerealreadypumpingwaterontotheblazeacrossthestreet.

OnefiremanpassedJohn.“Bravewoman,yourwife,Mr.Hawthorn,”hesaid,withagrin.“The

chiefsaidshecameroaringuptothefirestationinthatcontraptiontosummonhelp.Droverightthrough
theflames,too.Youmustbeveryproudofher.Whatalady!”

Hewentontodohisjob,leavingJohnquietandworried—withDianehangingonhisarm.
“DidyouseeClaireasyoucameup?”heaskedher.
Sheshrugged.“Darling,IneverseeClaireunlessIhaveto,”shereplied.“Honestly,suchaplainand

drabwoman—”

HejerkedawayfromDiane,butbeforehecouldspeakElicameupbesidethem,rubbinghisdamp

foreheadwithhishandkerchief.“Thatwasdamnedclose.Thankyou,John.Ican’timaginewhatgotinto
thosecrazypeople!”

Johnknewsomethingwaswrong.Elilookedguiltyandhewouldn’tmeetJohn’seyes.AndDiane’s

suddenaffection,thewayshelookedathim,asifshewereturningallherallegiancefromElitoJohn…he
wishedheknewhowtoexplaintheseevents.

“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.Shemovedcloser.
“Iwantyou,John.Iwillgiveyouanythingyouask.Anythingatall.Eliwasamistake;Iknowthatnow.I
willleavehimverysoon.”

Johnmovedawayfromher.“Ihaven’ttimetodiscussthisrightnow,”hesaidstiffly.
Hehailedapassingcarriageandgotin,leavingDianespeechlessonthesidewalk.

LAIREWASINTHEPARLOR

withMrs.Dobbs,havingcleanedupsinceherbrushwiththefire.Shelooked

defeated.HisClaire,defeated;itwaspainfultoseeherso.

Johnglancedatherashepausedinthedoorway.
“Why,Mr.Hawthorn!Areyouallright?”Mrs.Dobbsaskedworriedly.“Clairewasjusttellingme

whathappened.”

“I’mfine,”hereplied.“Icamehometochangeclothes.”Hehesitated,becausehedidn’tknowhow

toapproachher.“Claire,Ishouldliketospeakwithyou.”

Shedidn’tknowhowtorefuse.Shehadtogowithhim,ormakeMrs.Dobbsevenmoresuspicious.

Shegotupandprecededhimupthestaircase.

Heclosedthedoor.“Thefiremansaidyoudrovethroughtheflamestogethelp.”
Sheliftedherchin.“Chesterisafinelittleautomobile.Ihadnodoubtthathe’dmakeitthrough.It

wasonlyasmallfireatthetime.”

“Itwasagreatrisk—andrequiredgreatcourage,justthesame.”Hemovedforward.“Areyouall

right?”

Thetenderconcerninhisdeepvoicemadeherweak.Shecouldn’tpermitthat.Sheforcedasmile.

“Rightasrain,”shesaidprimly.“Itrustthatyouweren’tbadlyhurt?”

“Afewcuts.Nothingworthmentioning.”Hescowled,searchingfortherightwords.“Youdidn’t

cometoseeaboutme…afteryoubroughtthefiremen.”

“Mrs.Calversonwasministeringtoyou,”shesaidcalmly.“Ihesitatedtointrude.”
“You’remywife,”hesaidshortly.“Youhadeveryrighttointrude.”
Thenerveofhim!shethoughtfuriously.“Youhaveaconvenientmemoryaboutthat!WheneverMrs.

Calversoncomesnear,youseemtoforgetyouhaveawife!”

“Claire…”Hetookalongbreath.“Irealizethatmyrecentbehaviorhasbeenlessthanadmirable.

I’vebeenconfused,yousee.Ourmarriagehashadits—shallwesay…interestingmomentsjustrecently.”

Shestaredathim,thoughembarrassed.“Youmeanwehaveslepttogether.Ibelieveyouremarked

thatitwascompensationfornothavingDiane.”

“Isaidnosuchdamnedthing!”hesnapped.“Iwouldneveruseonewomantoforgetanother.”
Shestraightened.“Youintimatedthatthemarriagebedwasouronlycommonground.”
Hewincedinwardlyatthecalm,coldaccusation.Howcouldhedefendhimself—whenhe’dsaidso

manyharshthingstogiveherthatidea?He’dmadesomanymistakes,andhecouldn’tseemtorectify
evenoneofthem!

“Isaidalotofthings,”hereplied.“Weknowsolittleabouteachother,Claire.Wemarriedforall

thewrongreasons,andwe’ve—I’ve,”heamended,“donenothingtotryandsmoothitoutbetweenus.
Perhapswhenthislatestdisasterisdealtwith,wecanbegintofindnewwaysoflivingtogether.”

“Suchas?”sheaskedbelligerently.
“Wecouldgooutmoreoften,”hesaid.“Totheoperaorthetheater,ifyoulike.Wecouldhaveall

ourmealstogether.”Hestudiedherdrawn,wanface.“Wecouldbehusbandandwifeineverysense,
Claire.”

Herchestroseandfellroughlyasshefoughttobreathenormally.Howshelongedforwhathewas

suggesting.Shelovedhimso.Lifewasuncertainatbest.Hecouldhavebeenkilledthismorning.The
terrorofitmadeherfacegopale.Butdespiteherloveandherfears,hewasn’thers.Shemighthave
savedhim,butitwasforDiane.Howoftenhadhesaidso?

“Youkissedher,”shesaid.
Heexhaledimpatiently.“Iexplainedtoyouthatshedidthekissing!”
“Yes,youexplainedit.Ididn’tbelieveyouthenandIdon’tbelieveyounow.Youtoldmethatyou

lovedher,andthatshelovedyou,onthedayweweremarried,”shesaid,withpainfulbitterness.“Has
thatchanged,John?”

Hehesitated,tryingtofindtherightwordstoundothedamage.HewashungryforClaire,andDiane

hadactuallybecomeanuisance.HewantednothingmoreintheworldrightnowthantoclaspClairetight
tohimandholdher,comforther,reassureher.Butwhenhesteppedforward,sheimmediatelystepped
back.Hemustgoslowlywithher,wooher,pamperher.She’dhadsolittlefromhim.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,”she

repliedbelligerently.“Duringourentiremarriage,you’vetreatedherlikeyoursweetheartandmelikean
interloper.Well,atleastI’vehadthedecencytovisitKennyintown.AndIwasnotalonewithhim,”she

added,stretchingthetruthjustalittle.“Iwasinhisshop.”

“Forwhatpurpose?”
Shecouldn’tadmitthatshewasusingKennyasanintermediaryfortheMacy’sbuyer.Sheliftedher

chin.“Thinkwhatyoulike,John.”

Hecouldhaveragedather.Hewouldhave,butheknewthathewasstandingonshakyground.She

wascorrecttosaythathe’ddonenothingtodiscourageDiane,andhehadtoldClairethathelovedthe
otherwoman.Suddenlyhefeltguilty,andlowandashamed.Thiswomanlovedhim.Whathadheever
offeredherexceptpainandhumiliation?

Sheturnedbacktowardherdoorway.“Whateveryouthinkofme,I’mgladthatyou’reallright,

John,”sheaddeddispiritedly,thinkingthatshemightnotseehimagainforaverylongtimeandtrying
valiantlynottoshowherfeelingsforhim.

Hertonewasdefeated,lost.Heknewthatshewasn’thavinganaffairwithKenny,buthewas

jealousofthemanjustthesame.Hewantedtotakeherinhisarmsandcomforther.Hewantedtotalkto
her,todiscusstheirmarriage.Hecalledtoher,butshewentoutthedoorwithoutevenlookingback,then
closeditwithunusualfirmness.

Hecursedunderhisbreath.Whatcouldhehavesaid,anyway?She’dseenDianewithhim.He

rememberedhavingsmiledatDiane,aswell.She’donlythinkitwasmoreofthesame,moreofwhat
she’dseeninthekitchenwhenDianehadkissedhim.Hedidn’thavethewordstoexplainhowdrastically
hisfeelingshadchangedforhisreluctantwife.Perhapsbytonight,hethought.Hejustneededalittletime
tothinkitallthrough,todecidehowtosayit.Itwashisownfault.Ifhehadn’tbeensodisparagingabout
theexquisitenightthey’dshared,ifhehadn’tlethisfearsrulehisharshtongue,howdifferentitallmight
havebeen.Herresponsehadbeenglorious.Manymenwentalltheirliveswithwomenwhosevery
coldnessshatteredtheirdreamsoflove.Clairehadbeenmagnificent.Andwhathadhesaidtoher?He’d
managedtoimplythatsexwasallhewantedfromher,thathefeltnothingmorethanlust.Hegroanedat
hisownstupidity.Leaveittoaman,hethoughtbitterly,nottoknowwhathefeltuntilitwastoolate.

Hechangedhisclothes,calledaquietgoodbyetoClairethroughthedoor,andwentbacktowork.If

Mrs.Dobbsthoughttheirbehaviorunusualforacouplewho’djustriskedbeingkilledbyamoborburned
upinafire,shekeptherthoughtstoherself.Evenablindwomancouldtellthattherewereproblemswith
thismarriage.Sheonlyhopedthey’dbeabletosolvethem.

CLAIREHADHERBAGSPACKEDANDREADYTOgoinnotimeatall.Shewouldneverforget
thatithadbeenDianewho’drushedtoJohn’ssidewhenhe’dbeenhurtatthefire,Dianewhosecomfort
he’dcraved.Well,hecouldhavehispreciousDiane.Shewasthroughfightingforamanwhowanted
someoneelse.Shewasgoingtoleave,justasshe’dthreatenedto.Hewasallright,andifhelovedDiane
somuch,therewasnothingelseshecoulddoexceptleavehimtoit.He’dsaidtheywouldtalk.Talk,ha!
Andaboutwhat?Aboutadivorce?Shedidn’tdoubtthathewouldaskherforonenow.

ForjustamomentshethoughtofdrivingChestertoSavannah,butthatwouldbefartoogreatafolly.

DrivingacoupleofblocksinAtlantawasonething;drivingacrossthestatewassomethingelse.The
littlecarbarelymadeitbetweenColbyvilleandAtlantawithoutmishap.Onthelong,rutted,dangerous
roadtoSavannah,shecouldthrowaband,havefourflattires,breakanaxle,orhaveenginefailure.And
withoutparts,orenoughspacetocarrytheamountofgasshewouldneedtomakethetrip,itwouldbe
foolhardy.Shecouldn’tevenbecertainthatshecouldfindgasatdrugstoresalongtheroute.Theroads
werefarmoresuitedtowagontravelthanautomobile.Shewouldhavetotakethetrainandhopeforthe
best.

ShewenttoseeChesteronelasttime,hopingagainsthopethatJohnwouldn’tdoawaywithitinher

absence.Thingsseemedsohopeless.

Shepattedthelittlecar’sdoorgently.“Youwereverybravethismorning,Chester.I’mproudofyou.

AndI’llbebackforyou,olddear,”shetoldit.“Someday.”

HECARRIAGEDRIVER

tookherbagsoutforher.Beforeshegotintothecarriageshe’dhiredtotakeherto

thetraindepotdowntown,shestoppedlongenoughtotellMrs.Dobbsgoodbye.

“Oh,dear.Oh,dear,”Mrs.Dobbssaidworriedly.“Andafterthismorning,too…Butwhatevershall

ItellMr.Hawthornwhenhecomeshomeandfindsyougone?”

“I’velefthimanote,”Clairesaid,pretendingtobecasualaboutthewholeaffair.“Everythingwill

beallright,Mrs.Dobbs.WehadaslightmisunderstandingandIneedtogetawayforawhile.I’monly
goingtovisitmycousinforafewdays.I’llbebacksoon.”

“Forafewdays?”Shebrightened.“Oh,thankgoodnessitwasnothingseriousbetweenyouandyour

husband!”

“Yes,”Clairelied,feelingguilty.“Now,yougoonaboutyourbusiness.I’llbebackbeforeyou

knowit.”

Shesweptoutthedoor.PerhapssheshouldhaveleftJohnanote.Truly,shehadn’tthoughtaboutit.

Shecouldn’tthinkofanythingtotellhimthatshehadn’talreadysaid.He’dknowwhyshe’dleft.There
wasnoneedtoelaborate.

OHN

AWTHORNCAMEHOME

thatafternoontoanemptyapartment.TherewasnosignofClaire,andher

bestcloakwasmissingfromherchifforobe.Heleanedagainstthedoorjambandstaredblanklyatthe
roomshe’doccupied.He’dhalfexpectedthis,butitstillcameasashock.He’dwaitedfartoolongtoact
likeahusband,andwhenhehad,he’dliedabouthismotives.Thenthismorninghehadn’tbeenableto
findtherightwordstoexplainthathe’dmuchratherhavehadClaire’shandsthanDiane’sdoctoringhis
cuts.He’dbeenconfused,especiallyafterthepassionatenighthe’dsharedwithhiswife.Andher
confessionthatshe’dvisitedKennyBlakehadsparkedaspurtofjealousythathaddivertedhim.

Mrs.Dobbsstuckherheadaroundthedoor.
“Thereyouare!”shegushed.“Iknowitmustbelonelyforyouwhileyourwife’sawayvisitingher

cousin,soI’veinvitedmysistersovertodinewithus.Ithoughtyoumightlikesomecompanythis
evening.”

Sothatwaswhatshe’dtoldMrs.Dobbs,thatshewasgoingtovisitacousin.Didshehaveacousin?

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.Ihavetogotothe

depot.”Hedidn’taddthathewasgoingtheretotrytotracehiswife.Hehopedhecouldfindher.

NQUIRIESATTHEDEPOT

provedfruitless.Thedepotticketagenthadbeentakensickquitesuddenlyand

hadbeentransportedtoSt.Joseph’sInfirmary.Thereliefagenthadnoideawhichyoungwomanthis
earnest,dark-eyedmanwasseekingsourgently.Johnwenttothebankthenextmorningwithaheavy
heart,noclosertoananswerthanhehadbeenthewholesleeplessnight.WherewasClaire?

Onanimpulse,hehadthecarriagedrivepastKenny’sshop,justtocheckthatthemanwasstillin

town.Sureenough,thelittleweaselwasclearlyvisiblethroughthewindow.Johnleanedbackinhisseat,
vaguelyashamedofhissuspicions.Clairewasn’tthesortofwomantorunoffwithanothermanunless
shetoldJohnaboutitfirst.Shewastoohonest.Heonlywishedthatshe’dstayedandtalkedtohimbefore
shesetoffforGodaloneknewwhere.Shehadnorelatives,andnoclosefriends.Hesighedheavily.It
hurthimtothinkofClairealoneintheworld,withoutevenalittlecashtotideherover,unlessshe’d
takenthehousekeepingmoneywithher.Ifshehad,she’dbeabletoaffordadecentplacetostay.

Thethoughtworriedhim,sowhenhegottotheapartment,hewentimmediatelytothesmallpoton

thebookshelfwhereshekeptthehousekeepingmoney.Itwasarelieftofinditempty—asemptyasthe
apartment.He’dnevermindedbeingalonebeforehismarriage.Now,hefoundhemindeditverymuch.
Where,hewonderedmiserably,hadClairegone?

LAIREARRIVEDIN

AVANNAH

wearyanddispirited.Shecheckedintoahoteldowntownandaporter

carriedherluggageforher.Asaprecaution,sheusedhermaidennamewhenshesignedtheregister.

“MissLang,”theclerkechoed,andgaveherasuspiciouslook.Youngladiesofqualityrarely

traveledintheSouthwithoutanescortofsomesort,generallyanolderauntorcousin.Hiseyesnarrowed.
“Willyoubestayinglong?”

“Hopefullynotvery.Ihaverelativeshere,”shesaid,andsmiledathim.“I’vecomefromAtlantato

seethem.”

“Isee.Andtheyare…?”
Shelookedhimsteadilyintheeye.“You’reveryinquisitiveforahotelclerk,”shesaidevenly.

“Wouldyoumakethesamedemandsofamaleguest?”

Hischeeksburned.Hecoughedandclearedhisthroat.“Doexcuseme.Itis,ofcourse,your

business.”

Sheliftedherchinandsmiledhaughtily.“Icanseethatthesuffragettemovementneedsmore

stimulusinthiscommunity.”

Hiseyeswidened.Nowheknewwhoshewas—shewasoneofthoseworshipersofSusanB.

AnthonyandMargaretSanger,oneofthose“modern”womenwhothoughtandbehavedwiththefreedom
ofmen.Hefoundthemalldistasteful,butitwouldn’tdotoantagonizeoneofthem.Godforbidthatthey
shouldinvadethishoteltoprotestanybadtreatmentofoneoftheirown.

Hegaveheraconciliatorysmile.“I’veputyouinRoom202.It’saveryniceroom,overlookingthe

bay.There’sa—”hehesitated,searchingfortheword“—aladies’roomjustdownthehallfromyou.”

“Isthereatelephone?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Certainly.Youmayusethetelephoneintheoffice,atyourleisure.Youhaveonlyto

ask.”

“Thankyou,”shesaidpolitely,andfollowedtheporterwithherluggageupthestaircase.
Whenshewasalone,shedrewthecurtainsandlookedoutatthebay.Savannahwasabeautifulcity.

Sheopenedthewindowandbreathedinthefreshseaair.TherewereotherplacesontheGeorgiacoast,
fartheroutsidethecity,wheremillsspewedsmokeintotheairandtherewasanunpleasantodorfrom
them.Here,theairwassaltyandbriskandclean.

ShegaveathoughttoJohnandhowitmusthavefeltforhimtocomehometoanemptyapartment.

Sheknewthathe’dworry,eventhoughhedidn’tloveher,andshewassorry.Butshecouldn’tgoback.
Thereweretoomanyproblems;sheneededbreathingspace.Perhapshe,too,wouldhavetimetomake
thedecisionsheneededtomake.IfhestilllovedDiane,heshouldgiveupClaire.Bothofthemwouldbe
betteroffapart,regardlessofthegossipitcaused.Shehadherworknow,andshecouldsupportherself
nicelywithouthishelp.

Sheclosedthecurtainandwalkedbacktothesinglechairbythebed,runningherhandoverthe

carvedwalnutback.Shemustdecidewhattodo.Thehotelwaspleasantenough,butshewasnervous
aboutstayinghereonherown.

ShehopedthatMaudewouldwanthertostayattheHawthornhome,butherunexpectedarrival

mightcauseproblemswithMaude’shusband.Itwasbesttohaveaplacetostay,justincase.Butshemust
callMaudeHawthornandtellherthatshewasintown.Sheallowedherselftothinkofnothingmorethan
that,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’llberight

theretopickyouup.Don’targue,dear.Ireallycan’tallowyoutostayatahotel!Ishouldbenomorethan
thirtyminutes.I’msogladyou’vecome.”

Theconnectionwascut.Clairesmiledself-consciously.Well,itseemedthatthenervousdeskclerk

wouldberelievedthatshewasn’ttobeaguestinthishotelafterall.Shethankedtheoperator,noddedat
thepuzzledclerk,andwentbackuptoherroom.

Theporterbroughtherbagsbackdownagainandshepaidthesmallamountdueontheroom.

Itwas,infact,lessthanthirtyminutesbeforeMaudesweptintothehotellikesomegrandedamein

herlong,elegantblacksuitandfeatheredbighat.“Mydear!”sheexclaimed,andcameforwardtohug
Clairewarmly.“Harrison,”shecalledtoherliverieddriver,“dogetClaire’sbagsandputtheminthe
carriage,please.”

“Yes,ma’am,”thedriversaid,tippinghishat.
“Harrisonispartofthefamily,”Maudeconfided.“He’sbeenwithusforever.”Sheglaredatthe

clerk,whowasstaring.Hequicklyoccupiedhimselfwithhisbooks.“Come,dear.Letusgo.”

“Iannoyedhim,”ClairetoldMaudewhentheywereoutside.“Hewasverynosy,soImademention

ofthewomen’smovementandhebecamequitefriendly.”

Maudechuckled.“It’squiteactivehere.Onedaywe’llhavethevote,Claire—andthenwe’llshow

thesemenhowtobuildapropergovernment!”

“Yes,wewill,”Claireagreed.“IhavethoughtaboutjoiningourAtlantachapter,butIhesitated

becauseIdidn’twanttodoanythingtoendangerJohn’sposition.”

“Mydear,howthoughtfulofyou.Andhowsilly.”Shegrinnedastheygotintothecarriagewith

Harrison’shelpandthedoorclosed.“Johnislessconventionalthanyouthink.I’msurehewouldbe
shockedthatyouhesitatedtodoanythingforfearofembarrassinghim.Takeitfromme,child.Johncan’t
beembarrassed.Iknow.He’smyson.”

“Isupposeyou’reright.”
“Whyareyouhere,Claire?”
Clairegrimaced.“Ifeltlikeachangeofscenery,”shemurmuredevasively.
“Andyoudon’twanttotalkaboutit.Allright.Iwon’tpressureyou.Butyouknowyou’revery

welcomeinmyhome,Claire—foraslongasyouwouldliketostay.”

“Howkindyouare,”Clairesaid,withgenuinefeeling.“IwouldliketogettoknowJohn’sfamily.

Thankyouforgivingmetheopportunity.”

“Andweshouldliketogettoknowhiswife.Ithasbeenaverylongtwoyearsforme,Claire…with

nocontactatallbetweenoursonandus.IthinkClaytonfeelsjustthesame,butistooproudandstubborn
toadmitit.Yourvisitmayprovemoreproductivethaneitherofusdream.Ipraythatitwill.”

“Willitcausetroubleforyou,though,withyourhusband?”Claireaskedworriedly.“Yousaidthat

hewasinbadhealth…”

“HewillbehappytowelcomeJohn’swife,”Maudesaidbracingly.“BelievemewhenItellyouthat

hewoulddoanythingtomendtheriftbetweenhimselfandJohn.Hewillseeyourpresenceasastepin
thatdirection,andwelcomeyouwithopenarms.Youwaitandsee!”

Heartened,Claireletthelastofherworriesgo.

INUTESLATER

LAIRE

waswalkingupthestepsofanelegantcolonial-styleSavannahhousebeside

Maude.ItsatonthecornerofoneofthemanysquaresthatmadeupthequaintcityontheAtlantic,andlike
mostofthehousesinthissection,ithadawalledgardenstretchingaroundtheback.Becausethe
Christmasseasonwasinfullswing,therewasagaywreathonthefrontdoordoneinfamiliarVictorian
palepinkandblueribbons,andthereweregarlandsofhollyandfirlimbsonthegate.

Shenoticedthebrasslion-headdoorknockerasHarrisonopenedthedoortoadmitthetwoladies,

thenbroughthersuitcasesinbehindthem.AyoungmaidhovereduntilMaudewavedherawaywitha
smile.

“Makeyourselfrightathome,”Maudesaid.Shestuckherheadaroundthelivingroomdoor.“Emily,

you’llneverguesswho’shere!”shecalled.

Emilycameoutintothehall,herfacelightingupwhenshesawClaire.Emilyhuggedher,thenall

threewomenwentintotheparlor,wheretheypliedherwithteaandteacakes.

“Justimagine!She’dcheckedintoahotel.Ahotel!”Maudemuttered.“Ishanghaiedherandbrought

herhere.”

“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.“Sufficeittosaythathehasputour
marriageingreatjeopardy,andIhadtogetaway,tothinkthingsout.”

“Youcan’tmeantodivorcehim?”Emilyaskedplaintively.
“Certainlynot,”Clairereplied.“Iwon’tstainhisreputationwithasecondscandalinasmany

months.Itmaybethatwemustliveapart,butIwon’teverbesmirchhisnameorthatofhisfamily.”

“You’reverykind,Claire,”Maudetoldher.
“Besides,hemaycometohissensesoneday,”Claireadded,withawansmile.“Hemightevenmiss

me.”

“Absenceaffectstheheart,theysay,”Emilyagreed,smilingencouragement.
“ThenIstillhavehope.Emily,Ipackedthefabricforyourgownandbroughtitwithme.Ithought,as

Iwascoming,wemightaswellhaveafitting.”

Emilywasenthusiastic.“Whatawonderfulsurprise!”
“You’resureIwon’tbeinthewayhere?”Claireaskedhesitantly.
Maudetookherhandswarmly.“Mydear,you’remostwelcome.Believeme,Iwouldn’thesitateto

shooyourightoutthedoorifyouweren’t.Infact,you’dneverhaveleftthehotelifIhadn’twantedyou
here.”

Clairefeltreliefwashoverher.“Thankyou.IhopethatonedayIcanreturnyourhospitality.”
“SodoI,”Maudesaid,andthelookinherblueeyeswasfarawayasshethoughtofhereldestson.
WorkingonEmily’sdresswouldkeepClairebusy.Shewasonlythankfulthatshe’dalreadyfinished

—andhaddelivered—thegownsforthegovernor’sballshe’dbeenmakingforEvelynPaineandthe
others.Thatwasoneworryshenolongerhad.

TWASN’TUNTIL

aftertheeveningmealthatClairemetherhost.Col.ClaytonHawthornwasatall,thin,

grayheaded,andverydignifiedman.Clairewastakentoseehiminhisbedroomfacingthesea.Theold
manlookedpaleandlack-lusterthereonthespotlesswhitesheets.Thebaywindowwasopenafew
inchessothatthecoolseabreezecouldblowinonthispleasantDecemberday.

Heworeamustacheandgoatee,andhisdarkeyesstudiedClairecarefully.
“Maude,youdidn’tmentionthatwehadaguest.”Hescoldedhiswifegently.
“No,Ididn’twanttowakeyou,Clayton,”shereplied,withasmile.“ThisisClaireHawthorn,”she

announced.

Theoldmanscowled.Hedidn’tspeak.Heonlystared.
Clairewentrightuptotheoldman’sbedside,staringdownintohisdrawn,paleface.“Iammarried

toyoursonJohn.”

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’ofwhomtherecentsocietypagespokeso

eloquently.”

“What?”Claireasked,pleasantlysurprisedatthenews.
“OursocietypagedescribedthegownyoumadeforMrs.EvelynPainetoweartothegovernor’s

ball,Claire,”sheexplained.“Andravedaboutitsuniquedesign.Therewasquiteagooddrawingof
Evelynwearingit,andanaddedcommentthatthedesignerwouldsoonbedoingworkforMacy’sinNew
York.Isthattrue?”

“Well,yes,”Claireadmitted,smilingattheenthusiasticcommentsthatfollowed.“Abuyerhas

commissionedmetodesigneveninggownsforaspecialcollectionathisstoreinNewYorkCity.Iwas
veryexcitedthathethoughtsomuchofmywork.”Shegrinned.“Itreallyisquiteanhonor.”

“Indeeditis!”Maudesaid.“DoesJohnknow?”
Herfacefell.“Ididn’thavetheopportunityto—totellhim.”Rememberingwhatshe’dlearnedabout

John’sfather,sheregrettedsayingeventhisaboutherhusband.Theoldmanhadn’tspokentohissonin
twoyears.Hewasfrailandobviouslyill,andhereClairewasmakingthingsworse.Shedecidedthen
andtherenottomentionthebankriotatall,oranythingaboutDiane.

ShewenttositontheedgeofthechairbyClaytonHawthorn’sbed.“Johnhelpedmewhennoone

elsewould,aftermyuncle’sdeath.Ourmarriagehasn’tmadehimhappy,buthe’sagoodman.He’s
alwaysinvolvedincharitiesthatbenefittheunderprivileged,andhelendsmoneysometimeswhenhe
probablyshouldn’t.Hehasakindheart.”

Claytonstaredintentlyathisson’syoungwifeandsawthehopelessnessinhergrayeyes.He

reachedoutandpattedherhandgently.“Hemusthavesomesense.Hemarriedyou,afterall.”Hesmiled
sadly.“I’manoldman,Claire.I’velivedtoregretsomeofthethingsIsaidtomysonwhenmytwinboys
wereburied.Griefdoesstrangethingstothemind.Itcertainlywasn’tJohn’sfault,anyofit.Iwasstill
upsetoverhisinfatuationwiththatgold-diggingwoman,andhisdeterminationtomakeacareerofthe
service.Atleasthechangedhismindaboutthat.”

“He’saverygoodbanker,”sheassuredhim.
“Hewasaverygoodarmyofficer,too,”Maudeinterjected,withalongsigh.“Ithinkhe’dhavebeen

happytostayintheserviceandgowherehewassent.Westillgetmailforhimfrommenheservedwith
inCuba.”

ClaytonHawthornhadthegracetoadmitthatthiswasso.Hegrimaced.“Iwantedhimtofollowin

myfootsteps,tohaveonesonwhowaswillingtokeepthefamilytraditionofbanking.Ishouldn’thave
beensounyielding.Johnhastolivehisownlife,thewayheseesfit.”

“Itwouldpleasehimifyouweretotellhimso,”Claireremarkedgently.
Clayton’seyeshadawistfullook.“It’snotsoeasytoadmitfault,”heconfessed.“Perhaps,oneday,

Icanmeethimhalfway.Buthedoesn’tevencorrespondwithus.”

“Becauseyouforbadehimto,”Maudesaidhaughtily.“Andrefusedtoletmewritetohim,aswell.”
“Iwaswrong,”theoldmanhadthegracetoadmit.Heglancedplaintivelyathiswife.“Younever

usedtoheedwhatItoldyoutodo.”

Maudesmiled.“Youwereill.Ididn’thavethehearttogoagainstyou,eventhoughIdisagreed.”
“I’mfeelingalittlebetternow,”hesaid,drawinginalongbreath.“Thisseaairisgoodforme.

WritetoJohnifyouwish.”Heavertedhiseyes.“YoumighteveninvitehimdownforChristmasdinner.”

“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,althoughhehasdarkeyes

likeDaddyandJohn.”

“Hehasthesametemper,ofcourse,”Maudesaiddemurely.
Claytonglaredather.
“Andthesamescowl,”sheaddeddeliberately.
Herhusbandmadeanirritatedsound.ButwhenMaudereachedoutandslidherhandintohis,his

fingerscurledarounditwarmly.TheylookedateachotherinawaythatClairehadhopedsheandJohn
would,oneday.Sadly,thatdayseemedasifitwouldnevercome.

ASONWASVERYDIFFERENT

fromhisbrother.Johnwasquietandstoic,butJasonwasoutgoingand

entertaining.HeseemedtoknoweveryfishstoryfromMainetoFlorida,andhetoldthemalltoa
delightedandenthusiasticaudienceintheparlor.Ifhissmilewasanyindication,helikedClaireonsight.
Shelikedhim,too.Inlooks,hedidresemblehisolderbrother,evenwiththeirdifferencesincoloring.

“Whydidn’tJohncomewithyou,Claire?”Jasonasked.“It’sabouttimewehealedsomewounds

here,”headded.

“Johndoesn’tknowwheresheis,”Maudesaidsoftly.“There’sbeen…amisunderstanding.”
“Abouthisex-fiancée?”Jasonaskedtersely.
Claire’seyeswidened.“Howdidyou…?”
“Imetherwhentheywereengaged,”hereplied,andsaidnomore.“Youdidn’ttellhimwhereyou

weregoing?”

Sheshrugged.“Itseemedratherpointlessatthetime.”
“Whathappened?”
Shetoldhim,butleftagreatdealout.
Jasonshookhishead.“Mybrotherhasn’tsomuchassentacardhomeintwoyears.”
“Norhavewecorrespondedwithhim,”Maudesaidsharply.“ClaytonwassoverysickatfirstthatI

didn’tdaregoagainsthim.He’sbetternow,insomeways,buthewon’tgetoutofbed.Hejustliesthere,
asifhe’swaitingtodie.Why,hewon’tevenreadabook,andheusedtoenjoytheclassicssomuch.”

“PerhapsClaire’spresencewillrejuvenatehim,”Jasonremarked.
“Hedidperkupwhentheywereintroduced,”Maudehadtoadmit.
“Itwasthefirstrealinteresthe’sshowninanythingformonths,”Emilyadded.“Itwasnicetosee

Papasmileagain.”

“There’sasewingmachineinmysittingroom,”MaudetoldClaire.“You’rewelcometouseitany

time.Ihopeyou’llstayforawhile.Christmasisonlyalittleovertwoweeksaway.”

“Iknow.IwaslookingforwardtospendingitwithJohn.Itwouldhavebeenourfirstonetogether,”

shesaidsadly.Itbrokeherhearttothinkofalltheplansshe’dmade,ofherdreams.Nowshe’dbehere,
andJohnwouldbe…where?AttheCalversons’,probably,shethoughtbitterly.Whereelse?

“Youcanspenditwithus,”Maudesaid.“We’llhaveguestsin,andperhapsitwillevenpersuade

Claytontoshowsomeinterestinlifeagain.Justtakeonedayatatime,Claire—andtrustinGodtohelp
thingsworkoutasthey’remeantto.”

“I’lldothat,”shepromised.

STHEDAYSPASSED

LAIRE

foundherselffittingverynicelyintotheHawthorncircle.ShemissedJohn,

ofcourse,andshestillfeltguiltyaboutworryinghim,nowofalltimes—whenhehadsuchproblemsat
thebank.Butthatcouldn’tbehelped.

Tokeepherselfoccupied,shebegantotakelittlesnacksintoClayton,thencoaxedhimtoeatthem.

Hisappetiteimprovedandsodidhiscolor.Andshediscoveredwhyhedidn’treadhisbelovedbooks
anymore.

“Ican’tsee,”heconfessed,embarrassed.“There’sasortoffilmovermyeyes.Icanseepeoplewell

enough,butIcan’tread.”

“SupposeIreadtoyou?”shesuggested.
Hiswholefacebrightened.“Youcouldfindthetime?”
“OfcourseIcould.”Shesmiled.“Justtellmewhatyou’dliketohear.”
Hedid.TherewerenovelslikeHermanMelville’sBillyBuddandnonfictionclassicslikethe

historiesofFlaviusJosephus,Tacitus,andHerodotus.Clairesatandreadtohimeveryafternoonwhile
theseabreezebroughtitssaltyflavorintotheroom.She’dquestionedthewisdomofallthatfreshairat
onetime,butitdidseemtobehelpinghim.Heimproveddaily.

“Haveyoualwaysbeenabanker?”Claireaskedhimoneafternoonaftershe’dfinishedreadinghim

achapterofHerodotusabouttheEgyptians.

“Notalways,”hereplied.“Inmyyoungerdays,Iwasasailor.Ilovedthesea.Stilldo.Jason

inheritedtheseafeverfromme—andeventhoughheownsthefishingfleet,hestillgoesoutwiththeboats
sometimes.”Hesighedwistfully.“IwishIcouldgooutwithhim.Imissadeckundermyfeet.Ihada
yachtuntilIbecametooilltosailher,”headded.“ImissherasmuchasI’dmissMaudeif,Godforbid,I
everlosther.”

“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—butnotenough
tojointhenavy,”hecontinued.“Hesailedwithmewhenhewasyounger.Hecanhandleaboataswellas
Jason.ButImadeitimpossibleforhimtocomehome.Youknowabouttheboys?”

“Yes,”Clairesaidsadly.“I’msosorry.”
“I’msorry,too—sorryespeciallythatIblamedJohnforsomethingthatwasnothisfault.Theboys

werekeentogotowar,andallmyrantingandravingwouldn’tchangetheirminds.Ihadtoletthemgo.It
wasmyownguiltthatItookoutonJohn.”

“Godhasplansforusthatdon’talwayscoincidewithourown,”shesaidfirmly.“Hehadneedof

yourboys,andHetookthem.Youhavetorealizethatwehavenopoweroverlifeanddeath.Anddeathis
athingthatallofuswillexperience,acertainty.Onecannotblameotherhumanbeingsforadivinecall.”

“Iknowthatnow,”hesaidsheepishly.“Butatthetime,IwasratheroutofsortswithGod.I’vecome

torealizethatHiswillisstrongerthanmine.IhopeI’vemademypeacewithHim.NowIwanttomakeit
withmysonbeforeit’stoolate.”Helookedatherintently.“Isittoolate,Claire?Doeshespeakofme?”

Sheswallowed.“Hedoesn’tspeakofanyofyou,exceptthatonce,whenhetoldmewhyyoudidn’t

speaktoeachother.I’msorry.Butthen,”sheaddedhelpfully,“wedon’tspeakofpersonalthingsasa

rule,asImentioned.”

“Yes,yes.Iremember.”Heclosedhiseyesandthenopenedthemagain.“Lifeissohard,Claire.

Harderthaneverforusolderones,oncewestopwalkinginstepwiththeyoungerfolk.Irememberwhen
conventionwaseverything,whenmentreatedwomenlikefairiesandidolizedthem.Nowwomenhaveso
manycauses,somanycomplaints.Amanhardlyknowshowtotreatthem.”Hegrimaced.“Andallthese
modernthings,telephonesandelectricityandmotorcars.Wherewillitallend?”

“Progresscannotbestopped,”shecommented.“Andmotorcarsareveryexciting.Ihaveone,you

know.Itwasmyuncle’s.Idriveit—andIcanevenrepairit!”

Hesatupinbed.Hiseyesalmostpopped.“Youcanrepairit?Heavens,aren’tyouafraidofit?”
“Notatall,”sheassuredhim.
“Ineverheardsuchathing.Andyouawoman.”Hewinced.“ThereIgoagain.Yousee?Iwillnever

reconcilemyselftothechanges,tothemodernlife.IfoughtintheCivilWar,Claire.I’veseenmenblown
tobits.I’veseenchildrenstarvetodeath.ButI’vealsoseentheclosenessoffamiliesandthejoyof
communitylifewithoutanynewfangledimprovements.Iliveinahorse-and-buggyworldthatiseverso
quicklygivingwaytomotorsandmachines.”Heshookhishead.“Ihavenodesiretoliveinaworldthat
hasleftmesofarbehind.Evenmyattitudesareoutdated.”

Shereachedoverandpattedhishand.“Youroutdatedattitudessuitmeverywell.Youjustgoright

onhavingthem,andletthesemodernpeoplerushaboutastheylike.Therewillalwaysbeaportionof
societythatclingstotheoldwaysandconsidersthemsacred.”

“You’reatonic,”hesaidafteraminute.“Yougivesilverliningstoallmydarkclouds.”
Shechuckled.“I’mveryglad.Now,asareward,willyoutellmesomemoreaboutmyhusband?”
Hesmiled.“IndeedIwill.Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”
“Whatwashelikeasasmallboy?”
“Thatmaytakedaysanddays,”hesaid.
Shesettledbackintoherchair.“Thenyou’dbetterstartrightnow,”shesaidmerrily.

HELEARNEDALOT

aboutJohnfromhisfather,abouthisquicktemperandhiskindness.Shelearnedthat

he’dgivenallhispocketmoneyoncetoasmallboywhoselunchhadbeentakenawaybybullies.John
apparentlydidalotforthepoorwithouttellinganyone,andheneverrefusedacryforhelp,evenwhenit
puthimindanger.Shelearnedthathecouldswim,buthatedit,andthathe’dbeenchampiontennisplayer
ofhislocalgroup.He’dbeenakeenhorsemanuntilCuba,andhecouldsailevenifhedidn’tlovethesea.
Shelearnedthingsthatshemightneverneedtoknowagain.BecauseJohndidn’tknowwheretofindher
—andshedidn’twanttogohometofindhimwithDiane.

Allthewhile,though,shemissedJohnandwonderedhowhewas.Shealsowonderedabouther

sketchesforMacy’sthatKennyhadsenttoNewYork.ShetelegraphedKennyandhadareplybackinno
time.Hesaidthateverythingwasallright,thedesignswereinNewYork,andhewouldhavepaymentfor
hersoon.HewouldsendthemoneybyWesternUnion.Thatrelievedhermindalot.She’dhavemoneyto
supportherself—andwhateverhappened,shewouldn’thavetodependonJohnforherliving.

Meanwhile,she’dputasideasimplecrepegown,whichshe’dbroughtincasetherewereanysocial

evenings,becauseitnolongerseemedtofitherinthewaist.Maudehadseizeditandcarrieditinto
Savannah,whereitwasdisplayedinalocalclothingstore.She’dcomehomebeamingoneday,withthe
newsthatthedesignhadattractedsuchincredibleattentionthattherehadbeenwomenactuallyfighting
overit.Theownerwantedmore.

“Ifyouwantwork,Claire,hereitis.”Maudechuckled.
“Imayverywellneedit,ifmyMacy’sdesignsdon’tsell,”Claireconfided.Shefrowned.“It’sso

oddthatthecrepedresswon’tfit.ImusthavegainedmoreweightthanIrealized.IeatwhenI’mnervous
andupset,yousee.”

“Youdon’tlookoverweighttome,mydear,”shesaidkindly,andsmiled.
Claire’shandsrestedonherflatstomach.Shehadanaggingsuspicionabouttheweightgainthatshe

wasn’tabouttosharewithanyone.She’dlostherappetiteandfeltsickamorningortwo,aswell,butshe
alsokeptthattoherself.Shewouldn’tthinkaboutit,shedecided,untilshehadto.

JOHNFELTHISLIFEHADGONESADLYAWRY.HEmissedClaire.Heworriedabouther.Andhe
worried,too,aboutthebank.

RumorsthatsomethingwaswrongatthebankpersistedafterClaire’sabruptdeparture.Eli

Calversonhadshownupthatnextmorningaftertheriotonlylongenoughtounlockthefrontdoor,then
he’dleftlikeashot,mumblingsomethingaboutfeelingunwell.Helookedunwell,allright—paleand
drawnandworried.ThatonlyintensifiedJohn’sfeelingofapprehension.

AsJohnhadalreadydecidedtohaveatalkwithDawes,thefirm’schiefbookkeeper,hewent

straightintoseehim.Thelittlemanwasverynervous,andJohn’smerepresenceseemedtointimidate
him.

“Iassureyou,Mr.Hawthorn,thatMr.Calversonkeepsaverycarefuleyeonmybooks,andhehasn’t

saidawordtome,”Dawessaid.Heclearedhisthroat,redinthefaceandallbutblabbering.“Isuggest
thatyoutakeupanyproblemsyoumayhavewithMr.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,”hereplied

calmly.“IfIwereyou,”headded,hisdarkeyesnarrowing,“I’dthinkverycarefullyaboutcooperating
withtheauthorities.”

“What…authorities?”
“ThePinkertons,Mr.Dawes.”
Thelittlemanfollowedhimallthewayoutintothelobbyofthebank,stutteringandpleadingin

franticwhispers.Johnturnedashereachedhisownoffice.

“Ifyouhaveanythingtosay,”Johntoldhim,“thisisyourlastchance.”
Dawesgnawedhislowerlipuntilhetastedblood.Forabanker,Hawthornhadaveryintimidating

demeanor.Hemeantwhathesaid.AndwithCalversongone,therewasnoonelefttofacetheblame
exceptthebookkeeper.

“Calverson…madesome…withdrawalsandthenfalsifiedentriestoexplainthem,”Dawessaidina

whisper.“Hethreatenedto…thatis,hethreatenedme…ifIdidn’tcooperate.It’ssomethingtodowiththe
reasonhewantedtomergethebankwithWhitfield’sinvestmentfirmsoquickly.Idon’tknowwhy.He
didn’ttrustmeenoughtosay.”

Johnhadseenmenblackmailedwhilehewasintheservice.Daweslookedlikeapersonwithdark

secrets.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—afterCalversonhad
unlockedthedoorspromptlyatnine.

HisfirststopwasCalverson’soffice,wherehissecretary,Henderson,wassortingmail.
“HasElicomein?”
Hendersonlookedupandblinked.“No,sir.Hewentbackhomerightafterheunlockedthedoors.

Youremember…?Ibelievehewasunwell.”

“Yes,hesaidso.IthinkI’llgoovertohishomeandcheckonhim,”Johnsaid,soasnottoarouse

suspicion.“I’llbethereifI’mneededurgently.”

“Yes,sir.”
Hegothishatandovercoatandcane,wentoutintothenippyair,andhailedacarriage.Alltheway

toEliCalverson’spalatialhome,hewasthinkingaboutWhitfieldandthismerger.Elihadn’tbeenhonest
withhimaboutalotofthings.Somethingwasgoingon,andhemeanttofindoutwhat.

HeonlywishedheknewwhereClairewas.Noonehadheardfromherorseenhersinceshelefton

thetrain.He’devenbeentoseeEvelynPaine,butEvelynwasasworriedashewas—andequallyinthe
darkastoClaire’sdestination.

WhenhegottotheCalversonhome,hewasstillbroodingaboutClaire.Hetappedonthefrontdoor

andwaitedforthemaidtoadmithim.

“IwanttoseeEliCalverson,”Johntoldher.
“Mr.Calversonisn’t…available,sir.ShallIaskMrs.Calversontocomedown?”
Hewassurprised.“Yes,please.”
HewaiteduntilDianeappearedfromaroominthebackofthehouse.Hereyeswerered,butshe

forcedawidesmileatthesightofhim.“John!Howwonderfultoseeyou!”Sheheldoutherhandsforhim
totakeandpulledhimwithher.“Docomeintotheparlor.”

Sheledhimoutofthehallandclosedtheslidingdoorsbehindthem.
“I’msogladyou’vecome,”shesaidworriedly.“I’msoupset.Idon’treallyknowwhatIshould

do.”Shetuggedahandkerchieffromherpocketanddabbedathereyes.“Oh,John.It’ssuchafrightful
mess.”

He’dneverseenherquitesogenuinelyupset.“What’swrong?”
“Eli’s…veryill,”shesaid.“I’vejusthadthedoctor.He’sin…whatisitcalled?Oh,yes.

Quarantine.”ShedabbedathereyesandnoseandpeeredupatJohnoverthelacyhandkerchiefwithfaint
calculation.“He’seversosick.I’mquitesurethathewon’tbeabletocomebacktoworkatallthis
week…”Hervoicetrailedoff.

“Diane,doyouknowaboutanyunusualactivityatthebank?”heasked.
“Why,no,John,”shesaid,withwideeyes.“Idoknowabouttheriot,ofcourse,becauseIwasthere.

Eliwasveryupset.”Shemadeagesture.“That’swhatcausedhimtobesick,alltheworryaboutthose
investorsmakingsuchsillyaccusations.Asifanyonewouldembezzlemoneyatourbank!Theveryidea!
Youdon’tthinkEliwouldstealfromthebank,doyou,John?”

AndJohnthought,Youlittleschemer.Somethingwasafoot—andDianewasuptoherprettyneckin

it.Shecouldn’tknowaboutthebookkeeper’saccusations,thankGod.He’dmakesureshedidn’tfindout.
WhateverEliwasupto,hewasn’tgoingtogetawaywithit.Johnwasn’tabouttobeleftholdingthebag.

Dianemovedclosetohim,smilingsweetly.“HowI’vemissedyou,John,”shesaid.“Ishouldnever

havemarriedhim,youknow.”

Howsugarysweetshesounded.Butshelookednervous.Shelookedfrightened,aswell.
“Won’tyoustayforalittlewhile?”shesaid,wringingherhandkerchief.“I’msolonelyandupset—

andwehaven’thadachancetotalkalonetogetherinsuchalongtime.Idosobadlyneedtotalktoyou,
John.”

Once,hernearnesswouldhavedrivenhimmadwithdesire.Nowitonlyirritatedhim.
Diane’swanfaceliftedtohis.“Clairehasleftyou,hasn’tshe,John?It’sallovertown.Nowyoucan

divorceherandhaveme.Youcanmakepeacewithyourpeopleandgetyourinheritance.Wecanlive
verywell…”

“Whataboutyoursickhusband?”
Shehesitated.Shelookedfrightenedandhereyesdidn’tquitemeethis.“Ican’tthinkabouthimnow.

Youdostillwantme,don’tyou,John?Darling,yourememberhowgooditwasbetweenuswhenwe
wereengaged.”Shebrushedherbodyagainsthislightly,almostfrantically.“Wemustmeetagain.Atmy
sister’sperhaps,andverysoon.Wemustbeverydiscreet,ofcourse,butwemustmakeplansvery
quickly,mydarling.BeforeEli…uh,thatis,beforeEli…recoverscompletely,”sheaddedquickly.

Johnthoughthowhewouldhavehatedtobemarriedtosuchawoman,whohadnoqualmsabout

runningawayfromasickhusband—ifEliwasreallysick,whichhedoubtedverymuch.Dianewasready
tocutandrun,justasEliwas,butsheseemedtopreferadifferentdirectionaltogether.Perhapsshehad
nostomachfordodgingthelaw.

Shewasmakingcrazyplans,andhewantednopartofthem.Hewassorryforher,becauseEli

Calversonwouldinevitablybeprovedguiltyofembezzlementandservetimeinprison.Shewouldlose
everything.ButrightnowthemostimportantmatterwastofindouthowmuchElihadtakenandrecover
thebank’smoney.Itmadehimsicktothinkofallthepeoplewhohadtrustedthebankwiththeirlife
savings—andwhonowstoodtolose.

Elimusthavebeensquirrelingmoneyawayforalongtime.Whitfieldprobablywasn’tinonthis,but

didheknowwhatElihadplanned?Thatwasaworryingthought,especiallyiftherewasanoverdraftthat
EliwascountingonWhitfieldtocover.

“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’llsendwordtoyouwhen
wecanmeet.I’lltrytomakeitverysoon.Youwillcometome,John?”

“Certainly.”Hestrungheralong,thinkingthatitwouldbejustaswelltokeeptabsonheruntilEli

reappeared.Buthehadnointerestinpursuingtheiroldrelationship.HethoughtonlyofClairenow.
LookingatDiane,hewonderedhowonearthhe’dmanagedtofallunderherspell.Shewaslovely,but
Clairewassuperiortoherineveryway.Especiallyinthewaysofkindnessandlove.Diane’sonly
concernwassolvency,withwhomevershecouldattainit.Whyhadn’therealizedthatinthepast?Orwas
itonlythathe’dlosther—andherveryelusivenessmadeherdesirable?

Hedismissedthethought.HismindwasonCalversonnow,andhowtostophimfromgettingaway.

IfonlyhecouldgetupthosestairsundetectedandseeforhimselfifEliwasathome.Buthedidn’tdare
riskit.Hemightspookthemanintorunningtoosoon.

HeleftDianeandwentdirectlytothepolicestation.Hetoldaninspectoreverythingheknew,

beggedhimtousetheutmostdiscretion,andencouragedhimtoalertthePinkertondetectiveagency.

“Byastrokeofgoodfortune,severalofthemaredueintownthisweekendforaconvention,”the

officertoldhim.“You’llhaveagoodgrouptohelpsortthisout.Mr.Hawthorn,you’recertainofwhat
you’vetoldme?”

John’sexpressionwasgrim.“Utterlycertain.ButIdon’tthinkthebookkeeperwillspeakfreelyuntil

themoneyisfoundandanarrestmade.He’safrightenedfellow.”

“We’llkeepthatinmind,sir.Thankyouforcomingtoseeme.We’llbeintouch.AsIhopeyouwill,

shouldyoureceivefurtherinformationthatmightbeofhelptous.”

“Certainly,Iwill,”Johnpromised.
Hewalkedoutsidethepolicestationwithaworriedscowl.Hecouldn’tbeabsolutelycertainthat

anyfundshadbeenembezzled.Onlythebookkeeper’sforcedconfessionwasevidenceofit—coupled,of
course,withEli’sstrangebehavior.Thebookswouldhavetobeauditedbythebankexaminerstofind
anyrealevidenceoffraud.Thatwouldtaketime.Meanwhile,EliCalversonwouldcertainlytrytoget
away.Andifthathappened,guesswhowouldbelefttotaketheblame!

HENEXTWEEKWASANIGHTMARE

ofcomfortingfrightenedstockholders,watchingthebookkeeper,and

keepingacloseeyeonDianetoseewhathecouldlearnfromher.HegavetheexcuseofcheckingonEli’s
healthtostopbyherhousedaily,justforafewminutesatatime.Dianeateitup,thinkingshehadhim
dazzled.Buteachtime,JohnlistenedandwatchedcarefullyforanysignofEli.Hefoundnone.

InbetweenhemissedClaireandworriedabouther.Shecouldbeanywhere.Whatifsomething

happenedtoher?He’dneverevenknow.Itinfuriatedhimthatshe’dleft,justashislifewasfallingapart.
ShebelievedthathelovedDiane,buthedidn’t.HeonlywantedClaireback,withallhisheart.

Attheendoftheweek,thingsseemedtobegettingbetter.ThePinkertonsarrivedintownaday

early,andoneofthemturnedouttobeaveryoldfriendofJohn’snamedMattDavis.ThemanwasSioux,
veryevidentlyso,andeasternerswhohadneverseenarealliveIndianfoundhimalternatelyfascinating
andintimidating.ItamusedJohn,whoknewMatt’sbackground.

HetookMattouttodinnertheveryeveninghearrivedandlaidthecaseoutforhim.
“Leavethistome,”Matttoldhim.“I’llhaveitoutofyourbookkeeperinfiveminutes.”
John’seyebrowsrose.“Youdon’tstillcarrythatbowieknife?”
Mattgrinned.“Idon’tneedto.I’vepickedupalotofnewmethodsoverthepasttenyears.You’dbe

surprisedathoweasilyIgetinformationthesedayswithminimumforce.”

“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,youmighttakeonmycaseandhelpmetrack
downmywife.”

Mattpursedhislips.“Doesshehavefriendsinthecity?”
“Legion,”Johnreplied.Hisdarkeyeswentevendarker.“IncludingaclothiernamedKennyBlake…

withwhomsheseemstospendalotoftimelately.”

Mattputdownhisglass.“Interesting,”hesaidneutrally.
“Don’tgettheideathatIhaven’tputafootwrong,”Johnhadtoadd.“I’venottreatedherwell.She

hadeveryreasontoleaveme.”

“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,ifshe

couldpreferthislittledandytoJohn.

“SomethingIcandoforyou,sir?”Blakeasked,approachingthemanwarilybecausehewastalland

leanandhadanuntamedlook,despitehisexpensiveclothing.

MattwantedtointimidateBlake,sohelookeddownathimwithoutsmiling,thenhesitatedforjusta

heartbeatbeforeheanswered.“I’mwiththePinkertondetectiveagency.Ibelieveyouknowawoman
namedClaireHawthorn?”

Kenny’sfacewentwhite.Heswallowedthelumpinhisthroat.“Yes.”
“She’smissing.I’msearchingforcluesastoherwhereaboutsbeforewepursuethefoulplayaspect

ofthecase.”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’tknowthatshehasa
separateincome,doingbusinessasthedesigner‘Magnolia.’She’salreadyquitefamouslocally.”

Mattstaredathim.
“Iswearit’sjustbusiness!Look!”Herushedintohisoffice,leavingthemantofollow.Kenny’s

secretarylookedup,startled,andthencouldn’tlookaway.MattDaviswasastrikingman,evenifhis
nosewasalittlelarge.HewasanIndian.She’dneverseenone,exceptonabuffalonickel.Hefascinated
her.

Mattrecognizedherexpressionandgaveheracoldstare.Sheswallowed,touchedherhair

expressively,andwentquicklybacktowork.Mattwascarefultohidehisgrin.

Kennycameback.“Yes,hereitis.Therewasonesketchthatdidn’tgetinthepackage.Isaveditfor

her.”

HeshowedittoMatt,whohadmorethanapassingknowledgeofexclusiveclothing.Henoddedas

hestudiedthefine,neatlinesoftheuniquegown.“She’sverygood.”

“Isn’tshe?”Kennybeamed.“I’veknownherforyears,eversinceshecametolivewithheruncle.

She’sasweet,gentlegirl.Muchtoogoodforherhusband—andhimrunningaroundwiththatmarried
woman.”

Matt’seyebrowslifted.“Whatmarriedwoman?”
“ThatMrs.Calverson.Herhusband’spresidentofthebank.SheandJohnwereengagedonce.Some

peoplethinkhe’sstillcarryingonwithher.Mr.Calverson’sveryillnow,though,theysay—confinedto
bedandquarantined.Idaresayshe’llstayclosetohomeforawhile.PityClairewentaway.”

“Yes.”Matthandedthesketchbackwithalean,immaculatedarkhand.“Thankyouforyour

cooperation.”

“Don’ttellherhusbandwheresheis,ifyou’veanounceofdecency,”Kennypleaded,withgenuine

concern.“Sheonlyneedsalittletimetodecidewhattodo.Perhapsitwillmakehimappreciatehermore.
Sheloveshimsomuch.It’sallbutbrokenherspirittohavehimignoreherandpaycourttothatwicked
Mrs.Calverson.”

Matthadlearnedmorethanhereallywantedto.HeunderstoodmoreaboutJohn’stroubledmarriage

thanhe’dbeentold,too.“Iwon’ttellhimwheresheisunlessIhaveto.”

“Thatwilldonicely.Thankyou.WhenIgivemywordtokeepaconfidence,Idon’tliketobreakit.”
Matt’sopinionofthemanwentupanotch.“NeitherdoI.”
“Now,canIhelpyouwithanythingelse?”
Mattsmiled.“Asamatteroffact,youcan.Ifancyanewvest.”
Kennygrinned.“Ihavesomegoodsilkones,justinfromNewYorkCity.Letmeshowthemtoyou.”

HENEXTMORNING,VERYEARLY

,MattwenttoseeMr.Dawesatthebank.Ittookhimlessthantwo

minutestogeteverysinglethingheneededoutofthelittlemanandpropelhimforciblytothenearest
precincttospillhisgutstoapolicestenographer.

DawesimmediatelygaveupEliCalversontosavehimself.Twopoliceofficersweresentaroundto

theCalversonresidencewithorderstoarresttheman,nomatterhowsickhewas.Buttotheirsurprise,
whentheyforcedtheirwayinwithasearchwarrantandwentuptohisquarantinedbedroom,itwas
empty.

“Why,thedoctorsaidhewastooilltomove!”Dianegaspedtheatricallywhentheysawtheneatly

madebedandtheemptyroom.“Wherevercouldhehavegone?”sheaddedingenuously.

“Perhapshediedandwasremovedwithoutyourrealizingit,”anolderpolicemansaidsarcastically.
Sheglaredathim.“Iamnotshieldingmyhusband!Heaskedmenottoriskmyselfbycomingin

here.Andhegavemethisincaseanythingreallyterriblehappenedtohim.HesaidIwastoshowittothe
police.”Shetookasealedenvelopefromherpocketandhandedittotheman,lookingupathimwith
guilelessblueeyesandasweetsmile.“Ican’timaginewhatitsays.”

I’llbetyoucan’t,theveteranofficerthought,butheonlynodded.Hetoretheenvelopeopenand

scannedthehandwrittenlines.Hislipsmadeathinline.

Heturned,motioningtotheotherofficer.TheybadeMrs.Calversonagooddayandwentquicklyout

thedoor.

Theletter,inCalverson’sownhand,accusedJohnofembezzlingthousandsofdollarsfromthebank.

Hiswife,Diane,hadhadnothingtodowiththetheftanddidn’tknowhisplans,sosheshouldn’tbe
questioned.HewouldmakehimselfavailabletothepolicetheminuteJohnwassafelyincustody.The
bookkeeper,hewrote,wouldverifyhisstory.Johnwastryingtostealhiswife,Eliwroteplaintivelyand
because,hecharged,“Hawthornknewhewouldneedhugesumsofmoneytokeepher—moneythathe
didn’thave—hestolethat,too.”DaweswouldnevertestifyagainstJohn,healleged,becauseJohnhad
threatenedthelittleman,wholedasecretlifethatincludedevilsexualpractices.Andnow,he,
Calverson,wasgoingtogointoseclusionatafriend’shouseintownuntilJohnwasapprehended.He
addedinapostscriptthathefearedforhislife.

Theletter,withasignatureandhandwritingthatwasconfirmedbyEliCalverson’sownsecretary,

wasevidenceenoughforthepolicetoarrestJohn.

OHNWASDEMORALIZED

andfurioustobeledoutofthebankinhandcuffs.Hevehementlydeniedany

knowledgeoftheembezzledmoney,butCalverson’sstorysoundedverylogical.Andtoclinchit,
Calversonhadsentthesameletterviahislawyertothenewspaperstobeopenedandpublishedinthe
caseofJohnHawthorn’sarrest.Thenextmorning,thefrontpagesofeveryAtlantapapercarriedthestory
thattheyoungvicepresidentofthePeachtreeCityBankwasunderarrestforembezzlingthebank’s
money.

Johnsatinhisjailcellinabrownfuryofimpotence.He’dlosthiswifeandhewastheprime

suspectinabanktheft.Ifhislifehadseemedhopelessbefore,itwascertainlyhopelessnow.

EliCalverson,ashe’dpromised,hadimmediatelyreappearedonthedoorstepofhishome,

apparentlycompletelyrecoveredfromhis“illness”theminuteheknewJohnwassafelyinjail.Heinvited
reporterstohishomesothathecouldgivethemhissadtaleofintimidationbyhisvicious,embezzling
vicepresident,whilehisbeautifulwifecharmedthemalevisitors.Everyonebelievedhim,withthe
exceptionofonehawkeyedreporterwhowantedtoknow,quiteloudly,wherethebookkeeperDawes
was.

“Oh,he’sinhiding,too,”Calversonsaidquickly.“ButIknowwhereheis,andhe’llcomeforward

attheappropriatetimetotestify.I’vetoldthepoliceso.”

“Wasn’tthereacaseofsuspectedembezzlementfiledagainstyousomeyearsago?”thereportersaid

persistently.

“Ireallyfeeltooweaktocontinue,”Elisaid,pretendingtoswoon.“I’vebeenill.Thankyouallfor

coming.I’msureyou’lldotheproperthingwiththisstory.Investorsmustbeprotectedfromsuch
charlatans.Tothinkhewasmyownprotégé,andmyfriend!”

Thereportersateitup,glaringatthemanwho’daskedsuchharshquestionsthathehadpoor,dear

Mrs.Calversonintears.Whentheyleft,Calversongavehiswifeahardlook.

“Youdidverywell,mydear,”hesaid,withcoldmenace.“ContinuetodoasItellyou,andwe’ll

pullthisoff.”

Dianewasunusuallypale.“Idonotwanttorun—”
Hecaughtherarmroughly.“Butyouwill,”hesaidfirmly,twistingituntilshecriedout.“Thiswas

asmuchyourfaultasmine,withyourincessantdemandsforprettytrinketsandclothes.Nowyou’llpay
thepiperwithme!Doyouunderstand?”

Shechoked.“Yes,Eli.Ofcourse.I’lldowhateveryousay!”
Hescoffed,buthelethergo.She’ddoasshewastoldorfacetheconsequences.Hisonlyreal

concernnowwasescape.HehadtodoitwhileattentionwasfocusedonJohnHawthorn.Hisrevengeon
themanwho’dattemptedtocuckoldhimwassweet,indeed—andmadeevenmoresobythethoughtofthe
moneyhe’dsquirreledaway.AllhehadtodowasgettoCharlestonandtakeashiptotheWestIndies.
There,hecouldlivelikeaking.He’duseDianeasablinduntilthen.Butafterward…well,arichman
couldgetanywomanhewanted.Diane’scoldnesshadweariedhim.Hewasreadytoditchherandlook
forawomanwithbeautyandakindheart.ShecouldgobacktoHawthorn,withhisblessing.Andthefool
waswelcometoher!

OHN,SITTINGALONE

inhiscoldcell,wonderedifClaireeverthoughtofhim.Sheprobablybelievedhe

stilllovedDiane.Thatwasajoke.DianewassurelyinleaguewithEli.Whatapity,hethoughtbitterly,
thathe’dbeentooblindedbyhisobsessionwithhertoseeclearlywhyEliCalversonhadhiredhiminthe
firstplace.Theoldmanhadsurelybeenplanningthisforyears,takinglittlebitsofmoneyoutofthebank
andlettingDawescoverupforhim.Ifhewasn’tlynched,theabsenceofDawes,andCalverson’s
continuedattacksinthepress,wouldsurelyconvicthim.Hisfuturewassorelyindoubt—andhehadn’ta
friendintheworldtocometohisrescue.Notevenhiswifewaslikelytocometohisaid,if,wherever
shewas,sheknewofhisillfortune.

TWASINEVITABLE

thattheSavannahpapersshouldpickupthestoryaboutayoungbankexecutive

arrestedforembezzlementinAtlanta.Butitwasn’tthestoryinthenewspaperthatalertedClairetoher

husband’spredicament.ItwasatelegramfromKennyBlake.

“Yourhusbandarrestedforbankfraudandingravedanger,”thetelegramread.“Comeatonce.

Kenny.”

“Oh,heavens!”Claireexclaimed,fallingbackinherchairasifshe’dbeenstruck.
MaudeandEmilyrushedtoherside.Maudereadthetelegramwithnothoughtforcourtesy.“Itmust

beinthenewspapers,too,”sheadded,andrushedtothefrontdoor.Shecamebackwiththepaperinher
tremblinghands.“Yes,it’sinhere,too.Oh,Claire!Theysayhe’sstolenthousandsofdollarsandthat
there’stalkoflynching!”

“Butthisisridiculous.JohnisthemosthonestmanIknow.Hewouldneverstealfrominvestors.”
Maudelookedattheyoungerwomanwithloveandgratitude.“Iknowthat.I’msogladthatyou

knowit,too.Butwhatshallwedo,Claire?IfItellClayton,theshockmayfinishhim.”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Clairereplied.“Ithinkitwillprovidethechallengeheneedstobringhimtohis

feetagain.”

“It’saterriblegamble,”theolderwomansaidworriedly.
“Yes.Butthinkoftherewardifitsucceeds.”
Andthetragedyifitfails,Maudewasthinking.Butshekeptherworriestoherself.Shestudied

Claireforalongmoment.

“Verywell.Butlet’sbreakittohimgently.”
Andtheydid,asgentlyasitwaspossibletotellsomeonethathiseldestsonhadbeenarrestedfor

theft.Theyshowedhimthenewspaper,theheadlinesofwhichhecouldbarelymakeout.

“Ofallthedamnedoutrages,”heexploded,andthenbeggedthewomen’spardonforhislanguage.

Heshookthepaperathiswife.“IfIcatchthescalawagwhodidthis—andblamedmysonforit—I’ll
canehimbloody!”

“John’sinjail,”Maudesaidgently.“Whatdoyouwantustodo?”
“I’lldowhatneedsdoing,”hemuttered,easinghimselfoffthebed.“Byheaven,I’llseeaboutthese

chargesmyself.Maude,sendforacarriagetotakemeintotown.Iwanttostopandgetourattorneytogo
withmeonthenexttraintoAtlanta.”

“Areyousureyou’refittotravelsofar,Clayton?”sheasked,hesitating.
“DoIlookit?”
Shesmiled.“Isupposeyoudo,mydear.Verywell.I’lldowhatyousay.”
Claireinsistedongoingalong,andMaudewouldn’tstaybehindwithherhusbandonalongjourney.

Shewent,aswell,leavingEmily—althoughshehadwantedtogowiththem—inthecareofJason.

Thefamilyattorney,HarlandDennison,athinmanwithafirmdemeanor,wasn’taversetothetrip.

TheyallgotticketsforAtlantaandsetoutwiththebarestminimumofclothingandtoiletries.

Ratherthancheckintoahotelfirst,theywentstraighttotheAtlantajailnearestthebank.Therewas

asmallcrowdoutsidewithplacardsdenouncingJohn.Claytongavethemangryglaresashepushedhis
waythrough,aheadofMaudeandClaire,thenledthewayintotheprecinct.

“Sendthatthiefouthere,ChiefStanton,andwe’lllynchhimforyou!”anangrymancalled.
AsClaytonandMaudewentintothepolicestation,Claireturnedandmovedbacktothetopstep.

Sheglaredstraightatthemanwho’dyelledthethreat.

“Myhusbandwouldnotstealanickelifhewerestarving,”shesaidfirmly.“Andanyonewhoreally

knewhimwouldbeawareofthat!Ifhewastheguiltyparty,whydidn’therun?”

Thereweremurmurs.Thathadn’toccurredtoanyone,apparently.
“Wouldamanwhostolesomuchmoneystayhere?”shecontinued.“Wouldaninnocentmanstayin

townandwaitforalynchmob?AndifMr.Calverson,whoaccusedmyhusband,issoinnocenthimself,
whyishestillhidinginhishouse?Thenewspapersayshewon’tevengotoworkathisownbank.He
makeshisfoulaccusationsfromhiding!Wouldabravemandothat?Andwherewasheduringtherunon

thebank,whenmyhusbandwasforcedtogooutanddefendthereputationofit?WasMr.Calverson
riskinghisownneck?Hewasnot!Onlymyhusbandhadthecouragetofacethemob.Issuchcouragethe
hallmarkofathief?”

Thereweremoremurmurs.
Claireliftedherchinandglareddownatthemillingcrowd.“Myhusbandhasbeenfalselyaccused.

Andifyouwillbepatientforjustafewdays,Iwillproveittoyou.”

Therewasalongpauseandsomeloudmurmuring.Finallythemaninfrontspokefortherest.“I

guesswewon’tloseanymoremoneyifwewait,”hesaidsullenly.

“Guesshewouldhaverun,ifhe’ddoneit,”anotheradded.“Andheneverranfromthatmob.”
“Inthiscountryamanissupposedtobeconsideredinnocentuntilheisprovenguilty,”Claire

continued.“Myhusbandwillbeexonerated,andeverypennyofyourmoneywillberecovered.Ipromise
youso!”

Therewasanotherpauseandloudmurmurs.Afteraminuteonemansteppedforward.“We’llsee,

then,”themobleaderconceded.Helethisplacardfallandmotionedtotheothermen,leadingthemaway
fromthejail.

Whenshegotinside,itwastofindJohnbeingbroughtoutfromthebackofthebuilding.Hestopped

whenhesawhisparentsandClaire.Hewassoshockedhecouldn’tspeak.

“Thereyouare,myboy,”Claytonsaidheartily,asifthey’dpartedinharmonyonlythedaybefore.

Hemovedforward,extendingahand.“I’vebroughtDennison.He’sgoingtogetyououtofthisplace.
We’llpostbail.Thenwe’llsetaboutprovingyouinnocent,whateverittakes.”

John’seyesnarrowedashedraggedthemawayfromthejoyoussightofClaireandlookedatthe

fatherhehadn’tseenintwoyears.ClaytonHawthornwasthinner,andhelookedfrail,buthiseyeswere
asdeterminedandfieryasever.“You’recertainthatIaminnocent?”heasked,withamockingsmile.

“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,my

dear!Whatamessyou’velandedyourselfinthistime!”shesaidheavily.“Butwe’llgetyouout
somehow,evenifwehavetobribeajudgeorthreatenhimatgunpoint.”

“Mother!”Johnchuckled,huggingherclose.
“Idoknowajudge,”sheaddedthoughtfullyassheextricatedherself.“Weweresweetheartsin

grammarschool.ButhesitsonthebenchinFlorida,sohewouldhardlybeanyhelptous.”

“Thetruthwillbehelpenough,”Claytonsaid.“Andyoucanstopflauntingyouroldboyfriendsat

me,youhussy!”

Maudegiggled,andJohnlookedpasthisparentstoClaire.Hisheartjumpedatthemeresightofher,

andherealizedhowmuchhe’dmissedherinhislife.He’dneverhadsuchasensationofjoyinhislife
before,butevenashisdarkeyesglitteredwithemotion,sheliftedherchinandstaredathimwithfrank
resentment.Hescowledashesawherbelligerentexpression.Shehadn’tforgottenathing,apparently.He
knewthenthatherresentmentswouldhavetobeovercome,anditwouldtaketime.Thatwasallright.He
hadplentyoftime—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.“Butthankyouallforcoming,

justthesame.”

“Familiesmuststicktogetherintimesofstrife,”Maudetoldhim.
“I’vepaidthebail,”oldDennisonsaid,rejoiningthem.“You’refree,forthemoment,”headdedto

John.“Let’sgo.”

Johnwentoutthedoorwiththemanddowntothewaitingcarriage.Itwasatightsqueeze,butthey

managedtofit.Thecarriagetookthemtothebiggesthotelintown.

“DoyoustillhavethesuiteatMrs.Dobbs’shouse?”ClaireaskedJohn.“AndisChesterallright?”
“Yes.Mrs.Dobbsrefusedtothrowmeout—eveninthefaceofsourpublicopinion.Quiteawoman,

Mrs.Dobbs.”

“We’llgetroomshere,”ClaytonsaidasthecarriagestoppedattheAragonHotel.“Claire,gohome

withJohnandgethimcleanedup.Thenyoucanmeetushereatthehotelfortheeveningmeal.”

“Idon’t…”shebegan,embarrassed.
“Yes,thatwouldbebest,”Johnsaidbeforeshecouldtalkherwayoutofgoinghomewithhim.“We

havealottosaytoeachother.”

“Dowe?”sheaskedcoldly.
TheelderHawthornswavedatthemasthecarriagepulledoffdownthestreettowardMrs.Dobbs’s

house.

JohnleanedbackandstaredatClaire.Shelookedfine-drawnandremote,elegantinherdarksuit

andperfectlycoiffed.Hesighedashethoughthowgooditwastohaveherhomeagain,evenreluctantly.
He’dwastedsomuchoftheirtimetogether.Now,whenthechipsweredown,shestoodbyhim.Diane,he
knewnow,wouldhavealreadyrunforthehills.

“I’mindebtedtoyouforcomingback,”hetoldher,“andmostespeciallyforbringingmyparents

withyou.We’vebeenalienatedforsometime.”

“Iremember.”
“Didmyfathertalktoyouaboutit?”heaskedpersistently.
Sheturnedinherseattolookathim.“Yes,hetoldmeeverything,justasyouhad.Yourfatherwill

tellyouhimselfthathedeeplyregretsblamingyouforsomethingthatwas,afterall,anactofGod.Hehas
reconciledhimselfwithGodandnowwishestodothesamewithyou.Hehasbeenveryill.Butjust
lately,heseemstohaverallied.”

Hesmiled.“Becauseofyou,nodoubt,”hesaid,andwithoutsarcasm.“Youhaveakindheart,

Claire.Itwouldtakeastatuenottowarmtoyou.”

“You’reverykind,”shesaidformally,andlookedoutthewindowatthelightedhouses.
“IhadaskedoneofthePinkertonstofindyouforme,”heremarked.
“Why?”sheasked,withhonestsurprise.
Hefrowned.“BecauseIwasworriedaboutyou.Ihadnoideawhereyouwere,evenifyouwereall

right.”Heshrugged,glancingaway.“AndImissedyou,”headdedstiffly.

“Ifyou’daskedKenny,Iimaginehe’dhavetoldyou,eventhoughIaskedhimnotto.”
Hiseyesglitteredwithsuppressedanger.“YouthinkIwouldgotothatprissylittleboundertoask

thewhereaboutsofmywife?”heaskedtersely.

“Hemaybeprissy,buthe’smyfriend,”shereturned.“He’sbeenabetterfriendtomethanyouever

were!”

“Indeed?”
Hesoundedarrogantagain,andjealous.Thatwasalaugh.Shesighed,studyinghim.“There’sno

needtopretendthatyouhaveanyfeelingforme,”shetoldhim.“Icamebackoutofloyalty,nothingmore.

Icouldhardlydesertyouinyourtimeofneed.Ihadnoidea,noideawhatsoever,thatyouwouldbe
accusedofembezzlingmoneyfromyourownbank.Whatanabsurdidea!Ihadtocomehomeandhelp
defendyou.Itismydutyasyourwife.”

Hefeltthewordsasifthey’dbeenablowaimedathisheart.Nowhehadherrealreasonforcoming

back,anditstung.He’dhopedthatshemighthavecomebackbecauseshestilllovedhim.“Isee,”hesaid
dully.

Shemusthaveconvincedhim.Good.Shecouldn’tbearhimtoknowhowdeeplyshelovedhim,

whenhewasstillpiningforDiane.“Yourparentsverykindlygavemeaplacetostay—andmademe
welcomewhileIdecidedwhatIwasgoingtodo.Youneedn’tworryaboutme.Icanmakemyownway
intheworldnow.”

“WithhelpfromyourfriendKenny?”heaskedicily.
Shesearchedhishardface.“Actually,yes…inaway,”shesaid.Sheliftedherchin.“Myfriend

KennyintroducedmetoamanfromNewYorkwhohasaninterestintheeveninggownsIdesign.Iwill
haveanincomeofmyown.Somywelfarereallyisnolongeryourconcern,”shesaidamiably.“Youcan
worryaboutDianeinstead.”

Hestaredatherwithoutcomprehension.AsifanymysterymanfromNewYorkwouldbuydress

designsfromanunknownGeorgiawoman!Andwhateveninggowns?He’dneverseenherworkon
anythinglikethatathersewingmachine,althoughhedidknowthatshecouldsew.Mostwomencould,
evenifready-wearclothingmadeitlargelyunnecessaryforwomenofClaire’sclass.Buthedidn’t
believeherelaboratelie.Shewasobviouslymakingituptosaveherprideandconvincehimtolether
go.“Dianeismarried,”heremindedher.

“Probablynotformuchlonger,ifherhusbandisindeedtheculpritwhostolethemoney.Canyou

reallyseeDianefollowingMr.Calversontotheendsoftheearth,guiltyornot?Sheisn’tthesorttolive
ontherun,regardlessoftheamountofmoneyhe’sembezzled.Herfamilynamemeanstoomuchtoher.”

Hewasamazedthatsheknewthat.He’donlyjustlearneditthehardway.
“Eliaccusedmeofembezzlingthemoney—andDawesofbeingmyaccomplice.”
“Mr.Daweswillcertainlyclearyou—”
“Mr.Daweshasconvenientlyvanished.”Heinterruptedhergruffly.“Hewasoutonbondand

apparentlylefttown.Noonehasanyideawhereheis,althoughCalversonhaspromisedtoproducehim
intimetotestifyagainstme.”

“YousaidthePinkertonshavebeencalledin?”
“Indeedtheyhave,atmyinsistence,”hesaid.“Andoneoftheirmenwhoservedinthewarwithme

justhappenedtobeintownfortheirconvention.He’sthebestinvestigatorIknow.HetookDawestothe
policeandwasworkingtofindevidenceagainstCalversonwhenIwasarrested.Lastnighthecameto
seemeinjail.”

“Heisn’tfromAtlanta?”
“No,he’sfromChicago.He’llworkwiththelocaldetectives.HisnameisMattDavis.”Hesmiled.

“You’lllikehim.He’squiteunusual.”

“Unusualhow?”
“Waitandsee.”
Mrs.Dobbsopenedthefrontdoorwhenthecarriagepulledupatthehouseandcameouttomeet

them.

“I’msogladthatyou’rebothback,”shesaidwarmly.“Iknowyou’reinnocent,Mr.Hawthorn,and

I’vetoldeveryoneso.AreyouacquaintedwithamannamedDavis?”sheaddedworriedly.“Because
he’sinsidewaitingforyou.”Sheleanedforward.“HelookslikethatpictureontheIndian-headnickel!I
thinkhe’sanIndian!”

“Heis.He’sSioux.”

“Sioux?”Claireexclaimed.
“Yes.Comeandmeethim.”
“Hewon’t…?Thatis,he—hedoesn’t…?”
“Mrs.Dobbs,universalbrotherhood…?Forgiveandforget…”Johnprompted,teasingher.“We’re

allfriendsnow.”

Sheflushed.“Ofcourse!”Shegatheredupherskirts.“Ihopeheknowsweare.”
Atall,verydarkmaninanexpensivesuitwaitedfortheminthehall.
“Goodtoseeyououtagain,John,”hesaid.
Johnshooktheextendedhand.“Goodtobeout,Matt.”
HeglancedatClairewithstudiedindifference,andshenoticedthathehadverylong,straightblack

hair,tiedinaneatponytail.“ThemissingMrs.Hawthorn,Ipresume.”

“Yes.Howdoyoudo,Mr.Davis?”
“Verywell,thankyou.”HestudiedherforaminutelongeranddecidedthatheneednevertellJohn

thathe’ddiscoveredherwhereabouts.Shewasback.Thatwasallthatmattered.HeturnedtoJohn.“I
heardfromthepolicethatyourfatherhadarrangedforyoutobefreedonbail.Icamebytotellyouthat
I’vebeencheckingourfiles,lookingatCalverson’sbackgroundforanythingthatmighthelppointafinger
towardhim.SofarI’veturneduponlyonethingthatmightgiveusanadvantage,andIgotthatfroma
reporterwhowrotetheonlystoryquestioningCalverson’saccusations.ItseemsthatCalversonwasonce
undersuspicionatabankinMarylandforembezzling.Thecasewasdroppedforlackofevidence,
althoughayoungclerkwasblamedforthetheftandspentsometimeinjailbeforehewasclearedofthe
charges.ThatwasjustbeforeCalversonopenedthePeachtreeCityBankinAtlanta.”

Johnwhistled.“Apparentlyhelearnedthroughtheexperiencetohavesomeonestandingbytobe

blamedwhilehegotoff.”

“Somewouldsaythathewasfalselyaccused,”Mattreplied.“Butitsoundslikeamethodof

operationtome.Andaverysuccessfulone.Hecouldgetawaywithithereunlesswecancatchhimwith
themoneysomehow.”

“Doyouhaveanyonewatchinghishouse?”Claireaskedabruptly.
Davis’seyebrowswentup.“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Hecan’tbeplanningtostayintownifhe’sguilty,canhe?”shecontinued.“Heprobablyknowsthe

caseagainstyouwon’tstandup.Eitherhehasthemoneywithhimorhe’sstasheditsomewhere.It
wouldn’tsurprisemeonebitifhetriedtosneakawayinthemiddleofthenight.Nowthathe’sgotJohn
ontheline,he’sverylikelytoconsideritsafetogetaway.Afterall,everyoneknowsthathe’sbeenathis
house.He’sentertainedthepresstheretwice.”

“HehasrelativesinCharlestonwhowouldhidehim,helphimgetontoashipandgetcleanaway,”

Johnadded.“Claire’sgotapoint.Ithinkhe’llrun.Hishouseshouldbewatched.”

Mattgrimaced.“I’dlovetohaveamanwatchit,butinasmallcommunitylikethis,alltheneighbors

knowwhobelongsandwhodoesn’t.Astrangerwouldstickoutlikeasorethumb.He’dbespotted
immediately,nomatterhowcarefulhewas.AndwhileIcanhaveamanwatchthedepot,Ican’tkeephim
thereindefinitely.”

“Leavethattome,”Clairesaid,withaslowsmile.“IthinkIknowawaytokeepMr.Calverson’s

homeunderclosescrutiny,andhe’llneverknow.”

“Whatdoyoumeantodo?”Johnaskedher.
“Waitandsee,”shetoldhim.

CLAIRECALLEDONEVERYSOCIETYMATRONSHEknewandenlistedtheiraid.Fortunatelyit
wasoneofthedayssetasidebyEvelynandhercircleforbeing“athome”forvisiting.Clairewentfirst
toEvelynPaine’shome.

Evelyn,fortunatelyalone,wastickledjustatthethoughtofbeingaspy.“It’ssoexciting,Claire!”she

exclaimed.“Imagineme,helpingthePinkertons!”

“Yes,butyoumustn’tletontoasoul!”Claireinsisted.
“AsifIwould.”Evelynscoffed.“Doyouknowwhereheis,andwherehe’sgotthemoney?”
“Ihaven’taclue,”Clairerepliedmiserably.“Butifit’salotofmoney,andJohnsaidit’sthousands

ofdollars,wouldn’titbebulkyandhardtohide?”

“Hemighthaveitinatrunk,”Evelynsuggested.
“Thatwouldbeveryeasytosearch.”
“Surely,”shesaid.“Butwhatifhiswife’sclotheswereinit?”
Clairewastakenaback.JohnhadsaidthatDianepretendedtoknownothingofCalverson’splans,

butwasthattrue?OrwasDianeonlyhelpingthemanhidehisill-gottengains?Shemightnotgointo
hidingwithhim,butshemightbewillingtohelphimgetawayforapercentageofhisprofits.HadJohn
consideredthat?

“Whatiftheywere?”Clairethoughtaloud.“Andwhileeveryone’swatchingMr.Calversontoseeif

heruns,it’sDianewhohasthemoney!”

“Claire,whatadeviousthought.”Evelynchuckled.“Andaverygoodproposition,too.Nowhowdo

wegetintoDiane’strunks?”

“Wemayneedalittlehelpthere,”Clairesaidthoughtfully,andcringedassherealizedwhothevery

bestpersonforthejobwouldbe.Afterall,whowouldDianetrustmorethanJohn?

Thethingshedidn’tknowwaswhetherornotJohnwouldbewillingtodosomethingso

underhandedtotheloveofhislife.ItmadehersadtorealizethatifDianeindeeddidhavethemoney
hiddenawayinthosetrunks,itwoulddestroyJohn’sopinionofher.Butthealternativewastodonothing
andlettheCalversonsgetawaywithgrandtheft—whilelettingJohngotoprison.Itwasathoughtthat
gaveClairegoosebumps.Somehow,shehadtomakeJohnseereason.

Butitwasharderthanevertotalktohimwhentheywerebackattheapartmenttogether.Shedressed

fordinner,andthenworriedaboutwhattosay.Andtherewerethingsshecouldn’tbringherselftotellhim
justyetShetouchedthebeltatherwaist,whichshe’dhadtoletouttwonotches.Itwasonlyasuspicion,
butitseemedalogicalone,thatshewasgoingtohaveJohn’schild.Howwouldhereacttothat?Werehis
feelingsforDianesostrongthatitwouldn’tmatter,orwouldguiltcausehimtogiveupDianebecauseof
theimpendingchild?Shehadnoidea.Shewasn’tsureshewantedananswertotheworrisomequestion.

Hecameoutofhisownroom,immaculateandsolemn.HisgazeslidoverClaire,notinghowradiant

shelookedeventhoughshewasn’tsmiling.He’dmissedhermorethanhe’ddreamedhecould.

“Thankyou,”hesaidtersely.
“Forwhat?”
“Formakingitpossibleformetospeaktomyparents,amongotherthings.Ihadthoughtnevertosee

myfatheragaininthislife.”

“Habitsometimeskeepsusonpathswedeplore,”shesaidphilosophically.“Yourparentsare

wonderfulpeople.Theymademefeelrightathome.SodidEmilyandJason.”

Hemovedforwardandtookherhandsgentlyintohisbig,warmones.“Iwasworriedtodeathabout

you,”heconfessed.“Ilayawakenights,wonderingifyouweresafe.”Hechuckledsoftly.“Andyouwere
withmypeopleallthetime.Ihadnoideathatyouevenknewwheremyparentslived.”

“YouhadtoldmetheywereinSavannah,”sheremindedhim.“ButtheyareacquaintancesofEvelyn

Paine’s,andsheintroducedus.”

“Isee.”Heshookhishead.“Youareasurprisingwoman.”
Shesearchedhisface,seeingnewlinesthere.“I’msorrytohaveleftatsuchabadtimeforyou.I

neverdreamedthatyouwouldbeaccusedofanyshortfallatthebank,”shesaidgently.“Youarethemost
honestmanIhaveeverknown.”

Hesmiled.“AndyouarethemosthonestwomanIhaveeverknown,”hesaid,returningthe

compliment.

“Asforthecharges,weshallcertainlyprovethemfalse.”
“AsIheardyoutellingthemoboutside.”Heshookhishead,hiseyesfullofdelight.“Iwassoproud

ofyou.Andnotonlythen.IwasproudofyoufordrivingChesterthroughtheflamestosaveme.Oh,
Claire.Theriskyoutook!IwouldneverhavepermitteditifIhadseenyouintime.”

Hisconcernmadeherheartrace.Hewasactingverydifferentsinceherreturn,asifhelikedher

morethanever.Butshewasafraidtohope.Shehadn’tforgottenhiscoldnesstoherattheirwedding,or
hisindifferenceforthefirstfewweekstheyweretogether.Perhapsmostofall,shehadn’tforgottenthat
kissshe’dwitnessedinthekitchenofthisveryhouse.

Shepulledherhandsawayslowly.“HasDianebeentoseeyouinjail?Idon’tsupposeshecould,

withherhusbandaccusingyouinallthenewspapers.”

Heseemedsaddenedbyhermentionoftheotherwoman.Hemadeanoddmovementwithhis

shoulders.“Dianewouldhardlywanttobeseenwithmeatsuchatime,”hesaid,andknewthatitwasthe
truth.HadDianebeenfree,shestillwouldnothavecomenearhim.Certainlyshewouldn’thavedefended
himsobravelyasClairehadagainstapotentiallynchmob.“Wehavetolookforward,youknow,”he
continuedgently.“Dianeisthepast,Claire.Youarethefuture.”

Shewanted—oh,sobadly—tobelievehim.Butpasteventshadmadeherwary.Hergrayeyeslifted

tohis.“Thisisnotthetimetospeakofthefuture,John,”shesaidsolemnly.“Somuchdependsonproving
Mr.Calversonguilty.”

Heletgoofherhands.“Indeed.”
“Hiswifewillsurelyknowofhisplans,”shesaid,withoutlookingathim.“Howsadthatwedon’t

haveherconfidence.”

Hestudiedherforamoment—anditoccurredtohimthatshewasaskingforhishelp,without

actuallyputtingitintowords.Shedidn’ttrusthim.Perhapshecouldchangehermind,showherthatDiane
nolongermattered.Hemovedaway,consideringpossibilities.

WODAYSPASSED,DURING

whichJohnspenthistimeatthebankcalminginvestorsandreassuring

coworkers;heandClairepassedtheireveningsatthehotelwithhisparents.Thebank’scustomers
seemedreassuredbyhiscontinuedpresencethere.Eachmorning,EliCalversonsenthiswifetoopenthe
bank’sdoorsforhim,makingitobviousthathestilldidn’ttrusthisvicepresidentwiththekey.Hewas
seenathishome,buthedidn’tapproachthebank.DianewasflirtatioustowardJohn—andshemade
suggestiveremarksthathesimplyignored,puzzlingher.

ThePinkertonman,MattDavis,hadcomparedtheentriesinthebank’sledgerswithboth

Calverson’ssignatureandasampleofJohn’shandwriting.HeandtheotherPinkertonmanassignedtothe
casehadnodifficultypointingoutthatCalversonhadmadetheentries,andprovingittothepolice.Thank
God,hetoldJohn,forscientificmethodanditsapplicationtolawenforcement.

“AndthankGodyouwereintownwhenIneededyou.”Johnchuckled.“Chicagowouldbemuchtoo

farawayforyoutoworkonacaselikethis.”Johnstuckhishandsinhispocketsandpacedhisoffice.
“Well,wecanprovethatCalversonforgedtheentries,butthemoneyisstillmissing.Unlesswecan
produceit,andtieittoEli,andfindDawestotestify…well,I’minabadsituation.”

“Yourwife’sfriendsarebusywatchingtheCalversonhome.I’vegotmenonthetraindepot.The

onlyotherwayoutoftownisinacarriageorbuggy,andI’vegotpeoplewatchingatstablesforthose,too
—incasehetriestogettoanothertowntoboardatrainboundforCharleston.”

“He’llhavetotryiteventually,”Johnsaid.“Accusingmeisobviouslyastopgapmeasureuntilhe

cangetaway.ButwhatifheletsDianetakethemoneyawayforhim?Whatifshegoesoutoftownwith
trunkssupposedlyfullofclothing?”

“Therearewaystofindoutwhat’sinthetrunks,”Mattmurmureddryly.
“Isupposeso.ButitmightbeeasierifIwenttoseehermyself.”
“Wouldshebelikelytoletyouinthedoor,ifshe’sinvolvedinthis?”
“We’venowayofknowinguntilwetry,”Johnremindedhim.“Shedoesn’tknowthatIsuspecther.”
“Allright.Butbecareful,”Mattcautioned.“Desperatemendodesperatethings.”
“You’dknow.”Johnchuckled.
Mattdidn’tsmile.Hiseyeswerefullofthepastfewyears.HisfatherhaddiedatLittleBighorn.His

motherhaddiedattheWoundedKneemassacre,alongwithhisyoungsisters.Matthimselfhadbeen
badlywounded.Thekindnessofawhitereservationdoctorandhisdaughter’sskillednursinghadspared
Mattfromlifeasacripple.Thedoctor,afterward,hadhelpedhimtoChicago,tofindworkatthe
Pinkertondetectiveagencythroughaboyhoodfriend.Thepastfewyearshadbeenfruitfulonesforthetall
detective.

HelivedinChicago,andhisappearancecontinuedtoraiseeyebrowsandcommentsabouthis

ancestry,butnoonedaredteasehimaboutit.Hehadatemperasformidableashismindwaskeen.John
wasproudtocallhimfriend.Matt,likeJohn,hadbeenaloner.Hisonlyotherfriendhadbeenanattorney
fromNewYork,amysteriousmannamedDunnwithblueeyesthatintimidatedevenhardenedveterans.
Thosehadbeengooddays,Johnthought.ButhehadthehopeofanevenbetterlifewithClaire,ifonlyhe
couldtiethebrokenthreadsofhislifetogether.

OHNCALLEDON

IANE

thatveryafternoon.Sheseemedtakenabacktoseehim.Firstshewaswelcoming,

andthenallatonce,sheseemedafraid.

“Youshouldn’thavecome,”shesaidurgently,glancingaroundbehindher.“John,thisisnotagood

timeforasocialcall.”

Despitehermaneuvers,Johnglimpsedtwotrunksthroughthefrontdoor.Bothweretaggedand

waitingatthefootofthestaircase,withavalise.Hepretendednottonotice.

“Ithoughtyouwantedtoseeme,”hesaidsoftly.
Shebitherlowerlip.“Idid.Ido.”Shelookedupwithaworriedfrown.“John,it’sallsoupsetting.

Idon’tknowwhattodo.There’ssolittlethatIcandonow.”Sheputahandonhischest.“Forgiveme,”
shesaidhuskily,glancingoverhershoulder.“Imustgo.”

“ShallIcallagainthisevening?”heaskedinahushedtone,hiseyesfullofcalculationthatshewas

tooupsettosee.

Herwholefacecontorted.Sheseemedunusuallypale.“No!Imean,no,John.Perhapstomorrow

evening.Yes.Thatwouldbeveryniceindeed.I’llhavemysistercometoplaychaperon.”Shelowered
hervoiceandattemptedtolookcoquettish.“Willthatdo,mydear?”

“Thatcertainlywilldo,”hesaid,withforcedtenderness.Hetouchedhercheek.“I’msorryforall

thetroubleyou’vehad,”hesaid,lying.“Untillater,Diane.”

“John?”
Heturned.
“IunderstandthatyourfatherandmotherhavecomefromSavannah,andthatClaireiswiththem,”

shesaid.“I’mverysorryforallthetroubleyou’vebeensubjectedto.Ihope—”shegnawedherlowerlip
“—Ihopeitwillworkoutforyou.”Hereyesflutteredupandthendownagain.“Iknowthatyoudidn’t
stealfromthebank.”

Howsweetlyconcernedsheseemed,whenshewascertainlyburiedinthisfoulmatteruptoher

prettyneck.Hedidn’tsayaword.Heonlysmiled,tippedhishat,andwalkedbackdownthesidewalk.

“Whydidn’tyougetridofhimsooner?”thedirtylittlemanElihadhiredragedassheclosedthe

door.Hecameoutoftheparlor,wipinghissweatybrow.“Whatifhesawthetrunks?”

“Hecouldn’thave;Iblockedthedoorway,”shemurmured.Sheglancedathimimpatiently.“Nowdo

getthesethingsloadedandgo.”

“You’llbeonthattrainwhenitpullsout?”heasked.
Thelittlemanscaredher.“Yes,Mr.O’Connor.I’llbeonthetrain—justasIpromisedEliIwould.

I’mnotgoingtobetrayhimnow.Ican’taffordto,”sheaddedinamiserable,frightenedtone.

“Seethatyouare.Orhemightsendmeback.”
Elihadturnedintoamadmanaftertheembezzlementcametolight.Dianewasactuallyafraidofhim.

Johnhadwantedheronce,butdespitehistendertonetoday,itwaspainfullyobviousthathenolonger
did.She’dseenJohnastheanswertoherproblems,butshe’dlosthimsomehow.Nowshehadtodoas
Elihaddemanded,eventhoughherheartwasn’tinit.Hisplanwasdeviousandshrewd.Butthose
Pinkertonswereshrewd,too.Sheonlyhopedthedeceptionwouldsparethemanarrest.Otherwise,she
wascertaintogotojailwithherthievinghusband,aprospectthathonestlyterrifiedher.Herbeautiful
dressesandexpensivejewelshadcarriedapricetagthatshe’dneverexpectedtohavetopay.Herfamily
wouldbedisgracedandshewouldbeafugitive,tarnishedbeyondpolishing.Sheshiveredatthevery
thoughtofwherehergreedhadledher.

OHNGOTBACKINTO

hiswaitingcarriageanddirectedthedrivertogobesidethehouseandaroundthe

block.HehadasneakingfeelingthatEliwasabouttomakearunforit.Sureenough,hespottedafreight
wagonparkedjustbehindtheCalversonhome.Evenashewatched,amancameoutthebackdoorwith
onetrunkonhisshoulder.Heputthetrunkonthewagonwherethevalisestood,wentbackforthesecond
trunk,loadedthaton,andclimbedupbehindthehorses.SothatwashowEliplannedtogetoutoftown,
wasit!Notasapassengeratall,butasfreight.Hewasprobablyunderoneofthosesacksinthebackof
thewagonandplannedtohidehimselfinsideoneofthetrunks.Howveryingenious!AndDianeherself
hadgivenawayhistravelplans.Hewasgoingtoday.Rightnow.Nodoubthewasonhiswaytothe
depot.HowcouldJohnmovefastenoughinacarriagetointercepthim?

Andthenitcametohim.Clairehadanautomobile.PrayGodshecouldgetitrunningandhadenough

gasoline.Thatwasgoingtobetheswiftestwaytotiealltheselooseendstogether.Itwashighlyunlikely
thatCalversonwasarmed,orthathewouldresorttoviolence,sohewouldn’tbeputtingClaireatrisk.

HehadthecarriagedrophimoffatMrs.Dobbs’sapartmenthouse.HefoundClaireupstairsintheir

apartment,acharcoalpencilpoisedoveralargedrawingpad.

“Ineedyou,”hesaidquickly—andwithablindingsmilethatsetherheartracing.“Canyouget

Chesterrunninginahurry?”

Clairethrewdownthepad,onwhichadresswasbeingsketched,andjumpedup,hereyesbright

withexcitement.“Me?Why—why,Icertainlycan!”sheexclaimed.

“Calversonisabouttomakearunforitinafreightwagon.Iexpecthe’stryingtoshiphimselfto

Charleston,alongwiththemoney.God,IhopeI’mright!”

Shedidn’tstoptoaskquestions.ItwasmorethanenoughthatJohnneededher.Shegrabbedherlong

cotton-duckdusterandhergoggles,thenranoutthedoorthatJohnwasholdingopen.“Idon’thaveoneof
theseforyou.I’msorry,”shesaidoverhershoulder.

Hechuckled.“Idon’tmindalittlegreaseanddirt,Claire.Let’sgo!”
Shecrankedthecar,thankingprovidencethatshe’dbeentinkeringwithitjustthedaybeforetomake

sureitwouldrun.Shebackeditintotheroadandputitintogear,withJohnholdingontohishat.

“Whereto?”sheaskedhim,shoutingtomakeherselfheardovertheengine.
“TheMorrisonHotel.WehavetopickupMattDavistomakethearrest.”
“Icanhaveyouthereinnotime!”
Shedrovelikeamadwoman,racingovertheruttedroadsontoPeachtreeStreet,whichwasalittle

easiertotraversebecausethenearendhadahardsurface.Shelaughedatthesheerexhilarationofthe
experience,glancingonceatherhusbandtofindthesamerecklesslightinhiseyes.Yes,hewaslikeher,
shethought.Hehadthesamepassionatespirit.IfonlyhecouldloveherashelovedhisDiane,whata
pairtheywouldmake!

ShepulledupattheentrancetotheMorrisonHotel,frighteningacarriagehorsenearby.She

grimacedandcalledanapologytotheirritateddriverasJohnleaptoverthedoorandrushedintothe
hotel.Scantminuteslater,hecameoutwithMattDavisrunningrightbehindhim.

Davisskiddedtoastopatthecar,hisblackeyeswidewithsurprise.“I’mnotgettinginthatthing!”

heyelled.

“Oh,yes,youare,”Johnsaidfirmly.Hedraggedthetallermantotheothersideandalmostpushed

himintotheseat.“Go,Claire.Goasfastasyoucan!”

Johnhadjumpedin,too.Thethreeofthembarelyfit,buttheymanagedtohangonasClaireraced

thelittlecartothetraindepotafewblocksaway.

“Youcan’tmeanthatMr.CalversonreallyintendstogotoCharlestoninatrunk!”Clairecalled.
“Icertainlydo.Isawthetrunksandthefreightwagonwithmyowneyes,”Johncalledback.“Claire,

drivearoundbehindthedepot,behindthatwarehouse,andstopthecar.We’llwaithereuntilheturnsup.”

“Whatifhe’salreadyhere?”
Johnscannedthefreightwagons.“Idon’tseehim—”
“Wait!”Mattinterrupted,pointing.“Herecomesanotherone.”
“That’sit,”Johnreplied,recognizingitimmediately.“Isawitathishouse,wherethatlittleweasel

wasloadingthetrunksonit.Claire,youstayhere,outofharm’sway,”hesaidfirmly,holdingupahand
whensheprotested.“You’vedoneyourpart.Nowwe’lldoours.”

“Letmehandlethis,”Mattsaidfirmly.“Ihaven’tforgottenyourtemper.”
“I’machangedman.Ionlywantfiveminuteswithhim.”
“Notonyourlife,”camethedrollreply.“Iwanthiminonepiece.”
“Pity,”Johnremarkedashefollowedthedetectivearoundthesideofthebuilding.
Clairedidn’tstaywhereshewastold.Shegotoutofthecarandfollowedatadiscreetdistance.

Alongtheway,shepickedupacoupleofbigrocksandstuffedtheminthepocketsofherduster.She
didn’tthinkCalversonwouldputupafight,butitwasimpossibletopredictwhatadesperatemanwould
do,especiallyonecarryinglargesumsofcash.

Mattstoppedtheagentwhohadtwomenhelpinghimgetthetrunksoutofthewagon.

“Wehavereasontobelievethatstolenmoneyishiddeninthesetrunks.”Heshowedhis

identificationtotheman,whoshruggedandsteppedback,asiftosay,Thisisn’tmyproblem.

Mattinstructedthetwostrongmentobreakthelocksandopenthetrunks.
Thefirstlidwaspriedopen.MatthadhispistolinhishandandhenoddedtoJohntodrawthe

clothingout.

Itwaseveninggowns,quiteafewofthem,andshoes.Johnplowedthroughthem,buttherewas

nothinghiddeninthetrunkundertheclothing.NoEli,andnomoney.

Cursing,hemovedtotheothertrunk.Thedepotagentshruggedandusedthecrowbaroncemore.

Thelockwassprung,thetrunkopened.

“Somethinghastobeinhere,”Johnmuttered.Hereachedin.Yes,therewasabag.Hisheartbegan

torace.Hemovedthedressesandundergarmentsasideandpulledoutagraybag.Butinsideitwasanold
quilt—andwrappedinthatwasapricelessWaterfordcrystalvase.Johncursedviciouslyasherepacked
itandputitbackinside.

“Nothing!”heraged.Hehitthelidofthetrunk.“Damnit!Hegotaway!”
“Whataboutthedriver?”Mattasked.“MaybeIcancatchhimifIhurry.Hemightbeabletotellme

something.”

“ButwhataboutEli?”Johnaskedangrily.“AndwhyaresomanyofDiane’sgownshereinthese

trunks?”

TheanswerwasthatDianemustbethinkingofgoingwithherhusband—orwhywouldsheshipher

gownstoCharleston?Perhapsherhusbandwasalreadysafelyoutoftown.Withtheverylargesumof
moneymissingfromthebank,theCalversonscouldlivehandsomelyfortherestoftheirlivesiftheygot
onashipandsaileddownintotheCaribbeanortoSouthAmerica.

“Andnowherewe’vebustedtheselocksfornothing,”thestationmansaidirritably.“You’llhaveto

payforthis.”

“I’lldoit,”Johnsaid.“Itwasmyidea.”Hereachedforhisnotecase,irritatedbeyondmeasure.He

countedoutseveralbillsandhandedthemover.“Mrs.Calversonknowsme.Shecancontactmeifthat
isn’tenough.”

“Whereishe,doyouthink?”JohnaskedMattDaviswhentheywerewalkingbacktowardthe

automobile.

“Godknows!Damntheluck!Howmanytrunkswerethere?”
“Isawonlytwo,”Johnsaidangrily.“Buttheremighthavebeenathirdthathesentonlateror

earlier.Godknowshowhemanagedit!TheonlythingI’mcertainofisthathe’sonhiswayto
Charleston.”Heletoutalongbreath.“Andthat’swhereI’mgoingrightnow.I’llbedamnedifhe’sgetting
awaywithit!”

“Ican’thelpyou,”Mattsaid,withconcern.“I’vegottoleaveinthemorning,backtoChicago.ButI

canwireoneofourmeninCharlestontomeetyouatthedepot.”

“Doit,”Johnsaidtersely.
“Meanwhile,I’lltrytofindthatdriverandseewhatIcanshakeoutofhim.Whataboutyourwife?”
Ashespoke,Clairecamearoundthecornerwithherdusterpocketsbulgingwithrocks.
“Whereishe?”sheasked,andpulledoneoftherocksfromthecoat.
John’seyestwinkled.God,shewasgame!“Onthetrain,wepresume,”hesaid.Hemovedforward,

hisvoicesoftashespoketoher.“Listen,Claire,I’mgoingtoCharlestonafterhim.Youtakeyour
automobilebackhome—”

“Iwillnot!”shesaidfirmly.“I’mgoingwithyou.”
Hiseyeswidened.“Whatabouttheautomobile?”
SheturnedtoMattDavis.“Iknowit’sapresumption,butcouldyougoaroundtoKennyBlake’s

men’sshopandaskhimtotakeithomeforme?Heandacoupleofmencanputitonawagonandtakeit

there.Theshed’sopen—andhecanclosethelockafterward.AndifyoucouldalsotellMrs.Dobbsatour
apartmenthouse…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’sgettingready

toleave.Wemustfly!”

Shegrabbedhishandandspiritedhimtowardtheticketoffice.Hewentwithher,moreelatedand

excitedthanhe’deverbeeninbattle.Thechasewason,thegamewasafoot,andhefeltlikeaboyona
snipehuntagain.Exceptthatthistime,hewasn’tlookingforsomemythicalbird.Hewashuntingbig
game,andhiswholefuturedependedonfindingit.

THEYMANAGED,JUST,TOGETSEATSINAcompartmentthatwasempty.Clairetookoffher
dusterandputitaside,usingherhandkerchieftoremovesomeofthegrimefromherdarkdressandher
face.

Johnstaredatherfromacrossthecompartmentontheseatfacinghers.Hesmiled.“Whyisitthat

youseemtobesewingallthetime,yetyouwearthesamethingsoverandoveragain?Anddon’ttellme
it’sforMacy’s.Thatreallywasatalltale,Claire.”

Shelookedupwithliftedeyebrows.“Ineverlie.Youknowthat.”
Hescowledandleanedforward.“Youmeanthatit’strue?Youactuallyhavesoldgowns…to

Macy’s?”

“IndeedIhave,”shereplied,ruffled.“Iknowthatyouwouldn’thaveheardofmygowns,butthey’re

quitepopular.AbuyerfromMacy’shasjustemployedmetodesignacollectionforthestore.Ialsosew
gownsforsocietyladiesinAtlanta,notablyEvelynPaineandherfriends.AndIhavebeencommissioned
byyourmothertosewEmily’scoming-outgownforthespringdebutantes’ballinSavannah.”

Helookedperplexed.“Howlonghaveyoudonethis?”
“Sincejustafterwemarried,”sheconfessed.Shetoyedwiththehandkerchief.“Ihadplentyoftime

forsuchpursuits,andIwantedanindependentincome.”Shelookedup.“Afterall,itseemedforatimeas
ifyouwoulddivorcemeandmarryDianeatyourearliestopportunity.Ifeltitwouldbepoliticofmeto
becomeself-sufficientassoonaspossible.”

Hefeltasenseofshamethathe’dmadehersoinsecure.“Well,atleastitexplainsallthatsewing,”

heremarked.

“KennyintroducedmetothebuyerfromMacy’s.Ihadasundaewithhimwhilewearrangedforthe

designstobesenttoNewYork.”

Heletoutabreath.“Isee.Sothat’swhyyouwereintownwithhim.AndIsupposeit’swhyyoumet

himthedayofthebankriotandthefire?”

“Exactly.ItookhimsomesketchestosendtoMr.Stillwell,thebuyeratMacy’s.”
“Andyoudidn’tfeelyoucouldexplainthistome,evenwhenIchargedyouwithinfidelity?”he

askedgently.

Sheshruggeddelicately.“IthardlyseemedthetimetotellyouthatIwasonthevergeofbecoming

welloffinmyownright.”Sheliftedherhands.“YoumustseethatIhadeveryreasonnottotrustyou.”

Hegrimaced.“Ido.Butthatdoesn’tmakeiteasier.”
“ItdisturbsyouthatIshallbeindependent?”sheasked,fishing.
Heleanedbackandcrossedhislong,powerfullegs.Hestaredatheracrossthecoach.“Notreally.

It’sagoodideaforyoutohaveyourownincome.NotbecauseIplantodivorceyou,”headdedfirmly,
“butbecauseyouwouldbeabletosupportyourselfifanythinghappenedtome.”

“Godforbid,”shesaid,andfeltachill.
Hesmiled.“Really?Attimesitseemedtomethatyouwouldn’tmindifIfelloffacliff.Infact,I

feelcertainthatduringourbriefmarriage,youwerereadytopushmeoffoneatimeortwo.”

Hereyesloweredtoherlong,dustyskirt.“Iwouldmind,though.”Sheliftedhereyesagain.“You

searchedthetrunks,didn’tyou?AndneitherMr.Calversonnorthemoneywasinthem.”

“Yousawthat?”
Shesmiledruefully.“Iwaspeeringaroundthecorner.Ihadrocksinmypockets,sothatIcould

wadeinandhelpifyouneededme.”

Hechuckledwithpuredelight.“It’snicetoknowthatyouhavemyinterestsatheart.”
“Youaremyhusband,afterall.”Shestudiedhisfaceforalongmoment.“Whatdidyoufindinthe

trunks?”

Hedidn’twanttotellherthatjustyet.Helookedaway.“Justsomeclothing.ItseemsthatEliplans

tospendquitealotoftimeeitherinCharlestonorabroadandhopesItakehispunishmentforhim.”

Shegrimaced.“Youthoughtbetterofhim,I’msure.I’msorry.”
“I’mnotreallysurprised,youknow,”hesaid.“Eliwasalwaysonetoputprofitabovefriendshipor

compassion.Moneyissounimportantinthegreatschemeofthings,Claire.I’vehadmoneyandI’vebeen
withoutit.Idon’tnoticeanyrealdifference,exceptthatIfeelmorecomfortablemakingmyownwayin
life,dependingonmyintelligenceandmywitstokeepmeontherighttrack.”Hesearchedhereyes.“Yes,
youunderstandthat,don’tyou?Becauseyou’veneverhadmoney.”

“That’sso.IhadUncleWillandnotmuchmore.Excepttheautomobile.”Herfacebrokeintoagrin.

“YourfriendMattDavisisafraidofautomobiles!”shesaid,withpureglee.

“Yes,Inoticed,”hesaid,chuckling.“Ifyouknewanythingofhistruebackground,youmightfindit

evenmoreamusing.”

“Dotell,”shecoaxed.
Hechuckled.“Oneday,perhaps,notnow.”
“YousaidthathewasSioux.”
“Heis.”
“IthassomethingtodowithGeneralCuster’sdeath,doesn’tit?”
“Something,”hesaid.“Becausetherewassomuchbadfeelingtowardhispeopleaftertheevent,for

sometimeafterheleftSouthDakota,Mattwassensitiveaboutanyreferencetohisrace.Mostpeople
whoknowhimaresavvyenoughnottotaketheriskofmentioningit.Butinsomeways,he’sstillsensitive
abouthisidentity.TheacceptedfacadeofthedumbIndianortheuntamedsavageinfuriateshim.He’sa
veryeducatedman.”

“Inoticedthat.Buthedoesn’tseemtolikewomen.”
“Whitewomen,”hesaid.Hiseyeswenttowardthecoachwindow.“No,hedoesn’t.”
“Why?”
“Idon’tknow,”hesaidhonestly.“WeservedtogetherindifferentunitsinCuba,andalthoughwe

werefriends,Mattwasaprivateperson.Hekepthisbackgroundverymuchtohimself.I’veneverheard
himcalledanythingexceptMattDavis,butI’mcertainthatit’saninventedname,thathehasanothername
altogetheronthereservation.”

“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.Moderncommunicationsmake

lifehardforrobbers,andthat’sagoodthing.”

Shegloweredathim.“Whilewesitheretalking,Mr.Calversonisnodoubthidden—withhisill-

gottengains—somewhereonthisverytrain!”

‘I’mafraidthatmaybetrue,”hereplied.“Butwe’llhavetowaituntilwegettoCharlestontofind

out.”Heleanedbackagain.“Youmightaswellrestwhileyoucan.Stretchoutontheseat,ifyoulike.”

“It’sratherchilly.”
“Here.”Hetookoffhisovercoatandhandedittoher.Shetookitgingerly.
“Itwon’tcontaminateyou,”hesaidsharply.
Shelookedup.“Iknowthat.”Hershouldersmoved.“Iwasjustthinkingabouthowitwillbefor

Dianewhenshediscoversthatherhusbandhasrunawayandleftherbehindtobegossipedabouteven
more.”

Hedidn’ttellherwhathesuspectedaboutDiane—thatshewas,infact,runningawaywithEli.His

lipspursedthoughtfully.“Yes.Itwillbebadforher,foratime.”

Shesearchedhiseyes,buttheygavenothingaway.
Hereachedoutandtouchedhercheekgently.“Youcaresomuchaboutpeople,”hesaidslowly.

“Evenrivals.Ineverrealizedhowwarmyourheartreallywasuntilwemarried.Warm,andveryfragile.”

Theheartofwhichhespokejumpedsharplyinherchestandbegantobeatrecklessly.
Hesmiled.“Andyoustillfindmedesirable,eventhoughyoucan’tmanagetoconfessit,”headded

inadeepwhisper,bending.“Ifindthat…reassuring.”

Assheformulatedwords,hismouthgentlysettledonherown.Shewastoosurprisedtofight,or

protest,shetoldherself.Butthatdidn’texplainhersuddendesperationtobeclosetohim,toincitehimto
ardor.

Herarmsreachedupblindlyandpulledhimdowntoherontheseat.Hewrappedherupclose,

turninghersothatshelayacrosshislapwiththedusterandhisovercoatinapileonthefloor.Hekissed
herhungrily,withnothoughtforconsequencesortheunshutteredglassofthecompartment,throughwhich
theycouldeasilybeseen.

“Icannevergetenoughofyourmouth,”hesaidagainstherlips,hisbreathragged.“Icoulddie

kissingyouanddiehappy.Comecloser!”

Shekissedhimbackwitharoughlittlemoan,rememberingthepleasuresthey’dsharedinhisbedin

thedarkness,thehungerofhisbody,theyieldingsubmissionofhers,theachingpleasureofecstasy.

Heliftedhismouthjustalittle,andhiseyeswereblackwithhunger.“Iwantyou,”hewhispered

unsteadily.“Here,onthebench,onthefloor,anywhere!Oh,God.Claire!”

Hismouthgroundintohersagain.Hishandwentbetweenthemtothesoftcurveofherbreastand

coveredit.Histhumbandforefingertracedit,teasedit.Shegaspedandthenmoaned,andherfingers
coveredhis,pressingthemevenclosertoherachingflesh.

Shetastedthecoffeehe’dhadforbreakfastonhismouth,breathedinthedeliciousscentofthebay

rumcolognehewaswearing,savoredtheraspywarmthofhisfaceunderherfingers.Marriagewasstill
excitingandnew,andshehadasecretthathedidn’tknow.Shecarriedhischildundertheheartwherehis
handlay.Ifonlyshecouldtellhim!Butshewasn’tsureofhim—notuntilEliCalversonwascaughtand
returnedtoAtlanta…notuntilJohn’struefeelingsforDianewereknown.

Evenastheirhungerthreatenedtogooutofbounds,thedoorsuddenlyopenedandanelderlyface

gapedatthetwoyoungpeopleentwinedontheseat.

“Well,Ineverdid!”theelderlywomaninablackdressandhatandveilexclaimed.“Suchcarrying

on,inpublic!”

“Thisishardlyapublicplace,madam,”Johnsaid,risingtohisfeetshakilybutrespectfully.“And

theladyinquestionismywife,”headded,withamischievoussmile,“fromwhomIhavebeenpartedfor
someweeks.”

Theelderlyfacerelaxedalittleasittookintheyoungwoman’sredcheeksanddemureglance.She

smiledandmadealittlesoundinherthroat.“Isee.”Sheglancedfromonetotheother.“Areyouonyour
honeymoon,then?”

“We’vebeenmarriedforseveralmonths,”Claireresponded.
“Howluckyyouare,”theoldwomansaidwistfully.“Ihavemyhusbandoffiftyyearsinacoffinin

themailcar.IamtakinghimtoCharlestontobeburiedwithmyfamilyandhis,intheoldcemetery.”Even
throughtheveilhereyesweresad.“Forgivemeforthrustingmysorrowuponsuchayoungandobviously
happycouple,butthisseemstobetheonlyvacantseatleft.Thetrainisquitecrowded.”

“Pleasesitdown,”Johninvited,movingbesideClairetogivetheelderlywomanaseat.Hepicked

upthedusterandtheovercoatandputthemaside.Withoutaqualm,hereachedforClaire’shandandheld
itwarmlyinhis.“MywifeandIareonholiday,”headdeduntruthfully,andwithasmile.“Charlestonisa
cityIknowwell,havinggraduatedfromtheCitadel.”

“Didyoureally?”theoldwomanexclaimed,pushingbackherveiltorevealwarm,darkeyes.“My

sonwasastudentthere.Perhapsyouknewhim:ClarenceCornwall?”

Johnhidagrin.“Yes,”hesaid.“Infact,Ididknowhim.Hewasintheclassbehindmine.”He

smiled.“IamJohnHawthorn,andthisismywife,Claire.”

“IamPrudenceCornwall,”thewidowsaid,introducingherself.“Howverynicetomeetyouboth.”

Shesighed.“ClarencehatedtheCitadel,poorboy.Hedidn’tgraduate,I’msorrytosay.Itwasagreat
disappointmenttomyhusband.”

“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,”he

remarked,withoutlookingathiswife—whichwas,perhaps,agoodthing.“Itisn’tsomethingwehaveto
considerrightaway,however.”

Hesoundedasifhewererelievedaboutthat,andClairebegantoworry.Ifhedidn’twantchildren,

whatwouldshedo?AndwhataboutDiane?AsJohnandthewidowspokeofCharlestonandoldtimes,
Clairestaredoutthewindowwithherworrieslikeaknotinhersoftthroat.Shehadplentyofproblems—
andnotonesinglesolutioninsight.

ThewidowCornwalltuckedherveilbackinplace.“IwishIhadahappierreasonforgoingto

Charleston,”shesaidwistfully.“Itisasadtripforme.Andforthatotheryoungwoman,whorefusesto
leavethesideofherdeadhusband.Poordear.Itmustbesouncomfortableforherinthemailcar.Shedid
lookwell-to-do,butthecoffinisonlyapinebox.”Shefrowned.“Herhusbandmusthavebeenavery
largeman.Imustsay,Ihaveneverseenacoffinofsuchsize.Still—”shedismisseditwithawaveofher
hand“—theshippingcostshouldnotbemonumental.”

“DidtheotherwidowboardthetrainwithyouinAtlanta?”Johnasked,withunusualintentness.
“Why,no,”shereplied.“IdidnotboardthetraininAtlanta,butinColbyville,wheremyhusband

andIwerevisitinghissisterwhenhediedsuddenly.Although,”sheadded,“atourstopinAtlanta,the
youngwidowdidhavetwotrunksloadedintothemailcar.ButthecoffincameaboardatColbyville.
That’swhyithastakenmesolongtolookforaseat,”sheadded.“Ididnotfeelcomfortableleavingher
therealone,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.Yourwifewillhavetokeepacloseeye

onyou!”

“IndeedIwill,”Clairereplied,reachingforJohn’shandinashyattempttomaintainthefictionof

togetherness.

Ifhewassurprisedatheraction,heconcealeditquitewell.Hereturnedthepressureofhersoft

fingersintheirwhitegloveanddrewherfromthecompartment.

TheyweredownthewalkwayagoodpiecebeforeClairespoke.Johnhadn’treleasedherhand,and

itthrilledhertofeelitsgentlepressure.

“Doyouthinkit’sDiane?”sheaskedwarily,becauseevennow,shewasn’tsureofhisfeelings.
“OfcourseIdo,”hesaid,andsoundedactuallyindifferent!“Thereweretwotrunkspackedinthe

hallofherhomeearlierwhenIwentthere.ThoseweretheonesMattandIbrokeintoatthestationin
Atlanta.Ididn’ttellyou,”headded,withagrin,“buttheywerefullofDiane’sgownsanddresses.Iknew
thenthatshewasprobablygoingtogowithEli.”Hechuckledwickedly.“Eliandthemoney,Ishould
havesaid.Dianewouldhavebeenhard-pressedtolethimtakethemoneyandnother,aswell.”

“I’mverysorry,John,”shesaid,withgenuineregret.“Iknowthatshe…meansalottoyou.”
Heslowed,lookingdownatherwithtendernessinhisdarkeyes.“Shedid,”hesaid,emphasizing

thepasttense.ButwhileClairehungtherewithbatedbreath,andbeforehecouldenlargeonthat,the
portercamepast.Johnstoppedhim.

“Whereisthemailcar?”heasked.“Afriendofoursistherewithherlatehusband.Wewantedto

payourrespects.”

“Mailcar’sthatway,sir.Justgodownthroughthepassengercompartmentandoutthedoor.It’sthe

carjustbehindthisone.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.Hestood

besidethedoor.Thecurtainwasdrawnallright,buttheswayingofthecarsonthetracksmadeitswing
backandforth.Heglimpsedtwocoffinsthroughit—oneornateandoneapinebox.AndhesawDiane,in
widow’sweedswithablackveilmomentarilyliftedfromherface,sittingbesideacoffinwhoselidwas
open;EliCalverson’sbaldheadwasjustvisibleaboveit.Hewasobviouslydiscussingsomethingwith
Diane,wholookedworriedandoutofsorts.HemovedquicklyawayandbacktoClaire,chucklingashe
bustledherinsidethepassengercar.

“It’sthem,”hesaidgaily.“NowifwecanjustfindthePinkertonmaninCharleston…”Hepaused,

snappinghisfingers.“Claire,we’llstopoverinAugustaontheway!I’llrushinatthenextstopand
telegraphthePinkertonofficeandhavethemmeetthetrainatAugusta!Ifthemoney’sinthatcoffin,we’ll
haveElideadtorights!”

“Whatifit’snot?”Claireaskedworriedly.“Whatifhesentitonanothertrain,orifit’sinatrunkhe

leftbehind?”

“We’llhavetotakethechance.Buthewouldn’tbelikelytoleavethatmuchmoneybehind,”hesaid.

“AndDianewouldn’tbewithhimifhehad,either.”

“Yousoundsobitter.”
“Iam.”Heglanceddownatherwithregret.“Iwasobsessedwithherforyears,andinallthattime,

Ineveronceletmyselfseewhatshereallywas.I’vewastedpartofmylifechasingfoxfire.”

Herheartjumpedwithrenewedhope.“Notimeiswastedifwelearnalessonfromhowwespend

it,John,”shesaidsolemnly.“Butitmustbehardforyou,allthesame,tohavetoseeherarrested.”

Heglancedather.“Inawayitis,Claire,”hesaid,smiling.“Butbyandlarge,peoplegetwhatthey

deserve,soonerorlater.”

Clairethoughtveryhardforamoment.“Istherearewardforcapturingsomeonewhoembezzles

moneyfromabank?”

“Yes.Therewardwouldbepaidbyourbank.”
Shesmiled.“Letmetrysomething,then.”
“What?”
“LetmetalktoDiane.”
“Absolutelynot,”hesaidshortly.“Iwon’tputyouatrisk.Hemighthaveagun,forallIknow.”
Hisconcernflatteredher.“Iwoulddonothingtoputmyselfatrisk,”shesaidatonce,thinkingofthe

tinylifeinsideherthathedidn’tknowabout,andmightnotevenwant.“IthinkImightbeabletospeakto
heralone.IthinkIhaveanideathatmightwork.Icansitthereinthebackofthepassengercarandwatch
forhertocomeout.”

“Alone?Oh,no.”Hisfingerstightenedonhers.“I’mnotlettingyououtofmysight,Mrs.Hawthorn.

I’llwaitwithyou.”

Shegrinnedathim,overcomewithdelight.“Don’tyouwanttotalktoMrs.Cornwall?”
“Idonot!”
Shechuckled.“ThenIwouldbegladofyourcompany.Somepeoplemustbeinthediningcar,or

therewouldbenoseatshere.Anditmaynotbelongbeforetheyreturn.”

“Thenwe’llhavetohopethatshecomesthroughheresoon.”
Clairewasbettingonit,becausetherewasn’tarestroominthebaggagecar.Perhapstherewere

restroomsfartherdownthetrain,butthiswouldbecloser.ShehadtohopethatDianewouldarrivelong
beforeanyotherpassengerscametoreclaimtheirseats.

Johnretainedhersmallglovedhandwhentheysatdown,fascinatedwithitssmallnessandstrength.
“Ilikeyourhands,”heremarked.“They’reverycapablelittlehands,too.Theycanevenfix

automobiles.”

Shesmiledupathim,herfaceradiantandadoring.“Theycanfixmeals,aswell.”Hersmilefaltered

alittleandshelookedaway.“Ofcourse,there’snoneed,sinceMrs.Dobbsdoesitsowell.”

Hewatchedheravertedfacewithdisquiet.Hishandstightenedonhersashesawthepainthere.

“Claire,Ineverevenaskedifyoumightpreferahouseofourown.Wouldyou?”

Shetriedtospeakandcouldn’t.
“Oh,mydear,”hesaidsoftly,andbenttokisshereyesclosed.“Ofcourseyouwould.”Heanswered

hisownquestion.“Wecanstartlookingwhenwegetback,”hesaidfirmly.“Iknowofatleasttwosmall
housesnearMrs.Dobbs.Unlessyouwantsomethingelaborate?”headded,smilingwithbarelycontained
excitement.“Wecouldhaveonewithgingerbreadtrimandcrystalchandeliers,ifyoulike.”

Shelaughedwithsuchjoythatshefeltshemightburst.“Oh,no.Crystalchandeliersarefartoogrand

forme!ButIwouldlikeasmallhouse,”shesaid.“Ifyou’resurethatyouwanttoliveinitwithme,”she
added,withapainfullackofself-confidence.

Hisarmwentaroundherthinshouldersanddrewherclose,easingherheadbacksothathecould

searchherradiantfacewithquick,possessiveeyes.Hisbreathwarmedherface.“Yes,Iwanttolivewith
you,”hewhisperedardently.“Butnotaswehave.Iwantamuchclosermarriage.”Hisarmcontracted.“I

wanttobeyourhusband,mydarling,ineverywaythereis.Iwanttoholdyouinmyarmseverynightand
wakeupbesideyoueverymorningofmylife.”

Tearsprickedathereyes.“Oh,Iwantthat,too!”shesaidhuskily.Herglovedfingerstouchedhis

firmmouth.Theytrembledwiththedepthofherfeelings.“John,Iloveyouso!”shewhispered.

Withoutcaringabouttheirfellowpassengers,hebentandkissedhermouthwithsuchtendernessthat

sheshiveredinhisarms.

Hesmiledagainstherwelcominglips,soovercomewithjoyatherwordsthathecouldbarely

breathe.“AndIloveyou,”hewhisperedback,tohersurpriseddelight.“Withallmyheart.Withallmy
soul.WithallthatIam,oreverwillbe.”Hewhisperedthelastwordsagainsthermouthashekissedher
again,akissthatwasmorethanatouchingoflips.Itwasavow.

Murmuredlaughtercaughthisattentionandheliftedhisheadtomeetindulgentsmilesfromthe

peoplearoundthem.Hischeeksactuallyflushed,andhechuckledself-consciouslyashesatup,still
possessingClaire’ssmallhands.

“Therestwillhavetowait,”hewhisperedwithawickedgrin.“Thisishardlytheplacetodiscuss

ourwholefuture,andwe’restuckhere.”

Shebeamedathim.“Itwillonlybeforalittlewhile,though.Infact—”
Thedoortothecaropened;Dianecamein.Shedidn’tlooktotheleftorright,passingbytheirseat

withoutevennoticingthem.ClairepressedJohn’sfingers,gotoutoftheseatquickly,beforehecould
protest,andfollowedDianerightdowntotherestroom.WhenDianewentinside,Clairepushedrightin
behindherandshutthedoor,closingthemintogether.

“What…?”Dianeexclaimed,grabbingherthroat.
“Don’tbeafraid.It’sonlyme,”Clairesaidgently.“You’reinalotoftrouble.Weknowthatyour

husbandishiddeninacoffinintheluggagecar.APinkertonmanwillbewaitingforbothofyouatthe
nextstation,”shelied.“WearrangeditinAtlanta.”

Dianeleanedherheadagainstthewallandletoutaraggedsob.“Iknewthiswouldhappen!Itold

him.Itoldhimitwouldn’twork!”shewailed.“Hedraggedmeintothisandmademehelphim.Hehasn’t
beenthesamesincehetookthemoney.HethreatenedmeifIdidn’tgoalongwithit.Hesaidthathe
wouldprovideformehandsomelyifIhelpedhim,butthatIwouldbeingreatdangerfromthatlittle
weasel-facedmanheemploysifIdidn’t.Iwasafraidofhim,”sheconfessed,hereyesmeetingClaire’s.
“Hehasbeencruel—andIwasweakandIagreedtohelphim.Iamlost,yousee!Iamdisgraced,andso
ismyfamily—allbecauseIcouldn’tbeartobepoor!”

“Listentome,”Clairesaidearnestly.“There’sarewardforEli’scaptureandthereturnofthe

money.It’saverylargereward.”

“Bloodmoney.”Dianesniffed.Herlovelyeyesfilledwithtears.
“No.Arewardforcatchingacriminalwhostolemoneyfrominnocentinvestorsinhisbank,”Claire

replied.Hervoicewasearnestandquick,becauseJohn’swholefuturedependedongainingthisold
rival’shelp.“Thinkofit,Diane.You’dbeaheroine.Peoplewouldlikeyouaswellaspityyou,because
ofwhatyouendured.Theywouldrespectyouforhavingthecouragetoturninyourhusband,despiteyour
fearofhim.”

DianestoppedsnifflingandstaredatClairewithred-rimmedblueeyes.“Theywould?”sheasked,

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.“Whyareyouwillingtohelpme?

Youdoknowthatyourhusbandisinlovewithme?AndthatwhenI’mfreeofEli,he’sgoingtoleaveyou
andmarryme?”

Claireknewbetterthanthat,thankGod,butshedidn’tdareadmititjustnow.“Ifyoudon’tturnin

yourhusband,Johnmightgotoprison,”Clairepointedout.Shetookaslowbreathandwaited.Asshe
did,shethoughtaboutJohn’schild,andthewayhisfacehadlookedwhenheconfessedhislove.She
lovedhim—andwouldhavesacrificedherownhappinesstogivehimtoDiane,ifthathadbeenwhathe
wanted.ShethankedGodthatitwouldnotbenecessary.ShecontrivedawistfulsmileasDianewavered,
andaddedcalculatingly,“I’dratherseehimwithyou,youknow,ifthat’swhathereallywants,thansee
himgotojailforanotherman’scrime.”

“You’reveryunselfish,”Dianesaidafteraminute.“I’mnot.Ilikebeingrich.Ilikehavingpretty

things.”Hershouldersshrugged.“IthoughtJohnwouldbepoor,andI’dhadenoughoflivinghand-to-
mouthandhavingmysistersdependonmeforalivingwhentheywerebetweenlovers.ImarriedEli
becausehewaswealthy.”Shesighed.“Ineverlovedhim.IlovedJohn.”Shelookedup.“ButInever
lovedhimquiteenough,didI,Claire?AndIthinkthatyoudo.I’msorryhedoesn’tloveyou.”

“Thatdoesn’tmatter,”Clairesaid,keepingherdelightfulsecret.“Keepinghimoutofjailismyonly

desireatthemoment.Willyouhelp?”

Dianehesitated.Butshereallyhadnochoice.“Yes,”shesaid.“I’llhelpyou.Whatdoyouwantme

todo?”

ASMALLTOWNCALLEDLIBERTYWASALONGTHEroutethetraintooktoAugusta.Whilethe
enginestoppedtotakeonpassengers,JohndashedintothestationandsentawiretoAugusta,tothe
sheriff.

Dianewentbacktothemailcar,carefullyclosedthedoor,andmadesuretheshadewasdown.She

wentandsatdownbesidethecoffinasifnothinghadhappened.

“Isitallright?”Eliasked,peepingovertheedgeofthecoffin.“Youdidn’tseeanyoneyouknew?”
“Ofcoursenot,”sheliedprettily.She’dhadplentyofpractice.Sheevensmiled.“Butthetrainis

verycrowded.”

“Thatwon’tmatter.Thepeoplewillgetoffatstopsallalongtheway.Assoonaswegetacrossthe

statelineintoSouthCarolina,Icangetoutofthisthing.I’mterriblyuncomfortable.I’mnotwantedin
SouthCarolina.”

Sheglancedintothecoffin,atthebagsofmoney.Therewereseveral,allofthemstuffedfull.Itwas

aking’sransom,andshe’djustagreedtohelpthebankrecoverit.Well,shesighed,therewasareward.
Shewouldn’thavetogotoprison.She’dbefreeofEli.Andshe’devenbeabletogetJohnback.Claire
wasnomatchforher.Shesmiled.

“Youlookverysmug,”Elimuttered,wipinghissweatybrow.
“Everythingisgoingourway,isn’tit?”sheaskedcheerfully,andstaredoutthewindowatthe

passingsceneryasshebegantoworkoutahappierfutureintheprivacyofhermind.

HENTHETRAINPULLED

intotheAugustastation,severalmeninsuitsrushedforward,andJohnwentout

tomeetthem.WhileClairewatchedfromthecompartmentshewasstillsharingwithMrs.Cornwall,the
mencameaboardthetrain.Minuteslater,shesawashocked,defeated-lookingEliCalversonbeingled
awayinhandcuffs.Besidehim,amanwearingastaronhislapelwascarryingseveralbagsofthesort
usedbybanks.

Johncamebackintothecompartmentquickly.“Sorrytoleaveyouhere,Mrs.Cornwall,butClaire

andImustgetoffthetrainandgobacktoAtlantaatonce.Come,dearest,”headded,draggingClaireup
bythehand.“Haveapleasanttrip,”hetoldMrs.Cornwall.

“Thankyou,youngman.Ihopethingsgowellforbothofyou,”thewidowsaid.
Theywavedtoherastheyrusheddownthroughthepassengercar,outthebackdoor,anddownthe

stepstotheplatform.Dianewasstandingalittleapartwithtwouniformedmen,weepingnoiselesslyinto
ahandkerchiefwhileherhusbandlookedbackwithfuriousangerandoutrageashewasspiritedaway.

“Mypoor,poorEli.”Dianesniffed.“Oh,hispoormindwassotwisted.Hecouldn’thaveknown

whathewasdoing,couldhe?”Shelookedupattheimpressionableyounglawmanwithafacethatwould
havemeltedstone.

Theyoungmanpattedherglovedhand.“Ofcoursenot.Now,don’tyouworry,Mrs.Calverson.

We’lltakeexcellentcareofyou.Here,letusgetticketsforyouonthetrainbacktoAtlanta.”

“Notonthesametrainwithmyhusband?”sheasked,withrealfear.“Oh,Isimplycouldn’tbearit!”

“No,ma’am.He’llbegoingonaspecialtrain,”hereplied.“Don’tyouworryaboutthat.We’lltake

careofeverything.Oh,Mr.Hawthorn,”hecalledtoJohn,grinning.“Areyouandyourwifetravelingback
withus,too?”

“Indeedweare,”Johnsaid.HesmiledatDiane,buthehadClairebythehandandshowednosign

oflettinggo.

IfDianewassurprisedbytheattentionheshowedClaire,shehandleditwell.Shemanagedaweak

smilefortheHawthornsandthenlinkedherarmwiththatoftheyoungPinkertonmanandwalkedintothe
depotwithhim.ItwasunderstandablethatJohnwouldn’tapproachherinpublic,shesupposed.Afterall,
theyhadtokeepupappearances.Surelythatwashisrationale,saswell.Shesmiledprettilyattheyoung
Pinkertonman,whobeamedbackatherandbegantotalkabouthimself.

Sheencouragedhim.Sheknewhowtohandlemen,andthisonewasnochallengeatall.Mencould

alwaysbeflatteredintodoinganythingifoneappealedtotheirvanitybyaskingthemabouttheirjobsor
theirlives.Itwasreallyamazinghowmuchunwantedinformationcameflowingout.

Shewentwithhimtoaseatonthetrain—farremovedfromtheonesthatJohnandClairewereable

toget.Itdidn’tseemtotakesolongtogetbacktoAtlantaasithadtoreachLiberty.Inaveryshorttime,it
seemed,theypulledupundertheSpanishfacadeoftheAtlantarailroadstationdepotandpassengers
begantodisembarkontheplatform.

INKERTONSMETTHETRAIN,

amongthemMattDavis,whohadn’tyetleftforthehomeofficeinChicago.

Butinsteadoftakingchargeoftheprisoner,whichanothersenioragentmighthavedone,helettheyoung
arrestingPinkertonofficertakeCalversonintothelocaljail.Itmadetheyoungmandizzywithself-esteem
andamusedClaire,whowatchedhimleadhisprisonerawayasifhe’dwonattheraces.

“AndnowIreallyamgoinghome,”MatttoldJohn,hiseyestwinklingwithamusement.“Hewasn’t

inthetrunks,sowherewashe?”

“Hewashiddeninacoffin,ofallplaces!”Johnchuckled.“Withhiswifeinthemailcarbesideit

playingthepartofthegrievingwidow.Itmighthaveworked,exceptthatarealwidowcameandsatwith
Claireandmeandmentionedthebeautifulyoungwidowinthemailcarwhosehusband’scoffincame
aboardatColbyville.”Heshookhishead.“Shedidn’trealizethatshewassolvingarobbery.Isuppose
weshouldhavetoldher.Itwouldhavemadeherday.”

MattglancedpastJohnandClaireatthedispossessedwidow,aroundwhomtwootherPinkerton

menswarmedhelpfully.“Andwhatabouther?”heasked.

“She’llgetthereward,”Johnsaid.“Afterward,Idaresayshe’lllandonherfeet.”
Mattnodded.“There’squiteasizablereward,putupbytheboardofdirectorsofthebank,”hesaid.

“Isupposeyouknew?”

“Yes,”Johnsaid.“Theyweren’ttoowarmwiththeirwelcomesafterIwasreleasedfromjail,”he

addeddarkly,“buttheydidbendenoughtotellmeabouttherewardthey’dpostedforreturnofthemoney.
TheyseemedfairlycertainthatI’dmiraculouslyproduceit,givenenoughincentive.”

“Thisshouldsatisfythem,”Mattsaid.HeglancedpastJohn’sshoulder.“Andsomemore

reassuranceisforthcoming.”

Evenashespoke,reportersfromthelocalpaperandtwoout-of-townones,alertedtotherailroad

chasebysomeoneincitygovernment,rushedforwardwiththeirpadsandpencils—readytotakedown
whateveranswerstheycouldgettotheirquestions.

Johntoldthestorysuccinctly,aidedbyMattDavis,and,almostatonce,Diane,whosefairbeauty

madehertheheroineofthestory.AtleastitdiduntilClaire’spartinthechasebecameclear.

“Youhaveamotorcar?”oneyoungreporterexclaimed.“Andyoudroveitheretothedepot?May

weseeit?”

“Certainlyyoumay,”Clairesaid,beaming.“It’satourapartmenthouse.”
John’sarmcamearoundhiswife.“Andthere’ssomethingelseyoushouldknowaboutmywife,”he

addedproudly.“She’sjustcontractedwithMacy’sdepartmentstoreofNewYorkCitytodesignalineof
women’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.Thewomanhelovedwasindeed
awomanofparts.Hegrinnedatherwithpurepride.Sheinterceptedthatlookandherhandtightenedin
his.

“‘Magnolia.’HowverySouthern,”anotherreportersaid.“Andnow,Mrs.Hawthorn,let’sgoand

seethatautomobile!”

HEPRESSFOLLOWED

ClaireandJohnbacktoMrs.Dobbs’sandphotographedClairesittingintheseatof

theprettylittleblackOldsmobilewithherfingersonthesteeringknob.ShearrangedtohaveMrs.Dobbs
inaphotographwiththetwoofthem,andthemotorcar,whichmadethelittlewoman’sday.Thereporter
whowasthemostinterestedinherturnedouttobetheonlyonewho’dmaintainedJohn’sinnocenceand
hadmentionedthechargeofembezzlementinCalverson’spast.Clairelikedhimatonceandthankedhim
heartilyforhisdefenseofherhusband.

Thatevening,ClaireandJohndinedwithhismotherandfatheratthehotel.MaudeHawthornwas

fulloftheexcitementoftheday,andsheranoutofbreathaskingquestionsaboutthemadchasetoAugusta
torecoverthestolenbankmoneyandcatchthethief.

“Istillcan’tbelieveit,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Youtwoarelunatics,doyouknowthat?What

ifhe’dbeenarmed?”

“Ihadrocksinmydusterpocket,”Clairevolunteered.
Johnchuckled.“AndIhada.32Smith&Wessonrevolvertuckedinmybelt,”headded,glancingat

hiswife’sshockedface.“No,Ididn’ttellyou,didI?Ithoughtyouwerebetteroffnotknowing.Andas
thingsturnedout,Ididn’thavetouseit.”

“Iseemtorecallthatyouwonawardsintheserviceforpistolmarksmanship,”ClaytonHawthorn

interjected.Hewasstillhavingahardtimetalkingtohisson,buthe’drelaxedalittlethisevening.He
lookedasifheweredesperatelytryingtorebuildtheirrelationship.

“Idid.Imisstheservicefromtimetotime.”
“Myboy,”Claytonsaidquietly,“whydon’tyoureenlist?”
That,comingfromhisfather,wasalmostanapology.Hesmiled.“Idon’tknowthatI’dbehappyin

theserviceagain,althoughIhavethoughtaboutit,”Johnhadtoadmit.HelookedatClaireandsmiled
gently.“Atfirst,Ihaddoubtsaboutsettlingintolifeasabanker.”

Clairedidn’tbataneyelash.“I’mquitehappytogowhereveryouwanttogo,”shesaidhappily,still

keepingherprecioussecretaboutherchild.

“Yourgoodnamewillbeclearedwhenthenewspapershitthestreetcornerstomorrow,”hismother

added.“Andyoudolooksohandsomeinuniform.”

Hesmiled.“Thankyou,Mother.Butthere’sstillsomeactioninthePhilippines,”hesaid,glancingat

Claire.“There’snoguaranteethatIwouldn’tbesentthere.Ishouldn’tliketotakemybrideintoawar
zone,especiallywhenshehasawholenewcareeropeningupforher.Ididmention,Ihope,thatI’mvery
proudofyou,Claire?”

Shecolored.“No,youdidn’t.”
“ThenthisisagoodtimetotellyouthatIam,”hereplied,hisdarkeyeswarmonherface.“So,it’s

ratheraninopportunetimetoreenlistjustyet.”HereachedforClaire’shandandbroughtittohislips
gently.Hiseyesmadehungrypromises.“Ihaveenoughtodorighthere.Iwon’thaveitsaidthatIran,
aftertheslurCalversonmadeagainstmycharacter.Iwanttostayhereatleastuntilthescandaldiesdown
again.Then,ClaireandIwilldecidewhatwebothwanttodo.”

Claytonclearedhisthroat.“Well,I’dbeveryhappyifyoubothcametoSavannah;youcouldtake

overthepresidencyofmybankwhenoldMarvisretires.”Heshifted.“That’snotabribe.Iguessit
soundslikeone.”

Johnstudiedhisfathercarefully.“I’dliketobenearyouandMother.I’llconsiderit.”
Claytonlookedshocked.“Youwill?”
“WouldyouliketoliveinSavannah?”heaskedClaire,withalovingsmile.
Shebeamed.“Yes.Iadoreit,”shesaid.“There’ssomuchhistorythere.Andit’srightontheocean,

aswell.YoucouldforceyourselftogosailingwithJasonandyourfather.Iheardabouttheseasickness,”
sheadded,withagrin.

“Youknowaboutthat?”hesaidteasingly.
Shesmiled.“Yes.IheardallaboutitinSavannah.Aswellasafewotherthings,”sheadded

wickedly.“Likeaboutthefrogyouhidinyourmother’ssewingbasketandthewormyouputdownthe
backofEmily’sdressatchurch.Atchurch,ofallplaces!”

“Itliveneduptheservice.”Johnchuckled,hiseyestwinklingashelookedathiswife.
Shewasbeginningtorealizehowlittleoftherealmanshe’deverseen.Hewasmischievous,she

saw,andtheamusementinhiseyesdelightedherwithitspromise.

Shelookeddownattheirlinkedhands.“But,asyousaid,wecantalkaboutwheretolivelater.”
Hisfingerscontracted.
“Andfromnowon,whateveryouwanttodowithyourlifewillbefinewithme,”ClaytonHawthorn

said,liftinghischin.“I’m…quiteproudofyou,John—andquiteashamedofmyselfandthetwoyearsI’ve
wasted.InevershouldhaveblamedyouforsomethingthatwasanactofGod,myboy.I’veacceptedthat
now.I’msureyougrievedasmuchasIdid.”

“That’squitetrue,”Johnsaid,agreeing,andhiseyesweresad.“Butthoseyearsdidteachmehow

muchmyfamilymeanttome.Perhapstheyweren’twasted.”

Clayton’sjawtautened.“Youcouldcomeandvisit.”
Johnsmiled.“IcouldcomeforChristmas,andbringClaire.”
Theoldman’seyestwinkledinaradiantface.“Soyoucould!”
“Youmust,”Maudeentreated.“ItwillbethemostjoyousChristmas,tohaveallmyfamilywithme!”
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,JohnlockedClaire

intheirsuiteandcarriedhertobed.Theylovedastheyneverhadbefore,tenderlyandslowly,withsuch
exquisitefulfillmentthatClairewasbreathlessandexhaustedandhopelesslyenthralled.

Later,theyslept—andthenwokeearlythenextmorningandmadeloveagain,evenmorefervently

thanbefore.

Theygotupanddressed;ClairewasjustfinishinghercoiffurewhenMrs.Dobbstappedgentlyon

thedoor.

“I’msorrytowakeyou,”shecalled,“butMr.Hawthornhasavisitor.It’sthatMrs.Calverson,”she

added,withdistaste.

ClaireglancedtowardJohn,whosefacewascold.
“Dogodown,darling,”sheinvitedsoftly,reachinguptokisshisfirmmouth.“Istillhavemyhairto

finish.”

“Claire…”hebeganhesitantly.
Sheliftedbotheyebrowsmischievously.“Yes?”
Hechuckled,broughtherclose,andkissedherhungrily,andthenagain,withbreathlesstenderness.

“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’tgetcloseenough
toyou,deepenoughinsideyou,totouchyouasIyearnedto.”Heactuallyshivered.“Claire,notwo
peopleeverweresointimateaswewerethen.”

“Yes.”Shepressedclose,herownbodytremblingwiththememoryofit.Shehadlostconsciousness

astheystrainedtogetherinthatshatteringecstasy.Thememoryofitwasstillalittlefrightening.

Hischeekdrewagainstherown,hisbreathhotandquickatherear.“Ineverhadintimacywith

Diane,”heconfessedasheliftedhisheadandsearchedhereyes.“Iliedaboutthat.I’mashamedthatI
did.”

Hereyesbrightened.“Thankyoufortellingme.”
“Itwasnecessary,”hesaidsimply,tracinghermouthwithalongforefinger.“Amanmusthaveno

secretsfromabelovedwife.”

Shesmiledagain,sighingherpleasureashepressedonelastkissonhersoftmouthandlethergo.
Shewatchedhimoutthedoor,convincedthathewasabouttobeofferedDianeonaplatter,unless

shemissedherguess.Shewonderedhowhewasgoingtosendheronherway,becauseshehadnodoubts
atallabouthisfidelitynow.Shetouchedherthickeningwaistwithasmile.Shestillhadonelastsecretto
sharewithhim.Andshewould,assoonastheirunwantedguestleft.

HEWASRIGHTABOUT

hisfeelings.Hewasn’thappytoseeDiane.Ifanything,hewasannoyed.Although

shedidlookbeautifulinabluesuitwithfrillywhitelaceandajauntyhat,hehadtoadmit.Butshedidn’t
evenmakehisheartflutternow.HethoughtofClaireandhisbloodsangthroughhisveins.

“WhatcanIdoforyou,Diane?”heaskedpolitely.
Sheseemedtakenaback.“Why,John.Ithoughtyouwouldhaveexpectedme.Imean,Eliwill

certainlygotojailnow.Iwilltestifyagainsthim,Daweshasbeenfoundandmadeanotherconfession,
andtheyhavethemoneyandEli’sreluctantconfession,aswell.Thebank’sfundswillberestored,and
everyoneknowsnowthatyouwereaninnocentvictimofEli’sgreed.Mr.Whitfieldhasevenagreedtogo
aheadwiththemerger,inlightofthisdevelopment.Ofcourse,thatwillbeuptoyou,now,sinceyouwill

almostcertainlybecomepresidentofthebankwithEli’sconviction.Everythingisbackthewayitwas.
SoIthought—thatis…Ithoughtyouwantedme.”

Hedrewheroutontotheporchandclosedthedoorbehindthem.
“Shallwebecompletelyhonestwitheachother?”heaskedquietly.“Ilovedyouonce.Butyou

wantedmorethanIcouldgiveyou,andyoumarriedanotherman.PerhapsItenderedhopeseventhen.But
Icanassureyounow,withallmyheart,thatthewomanIwantmostintheworldisupstairsinour
apartmentwaitingforme.Ididn’trealizeuntilrecentlyjusthowlongshe’sbeenwaiting.I’vehurther.I
don’tintendtoeverhurtheragain.”

“Youdon’tloveme?”Dianesoundedplaintive.
“I’mquitefondofyou,”hesaid,withasmile.“Ialwayswillbe.ButIloveClaire,yousee.”
Shesmiledsadly.“Soshe’swon.Iwasafraidthatshewould.Icouldseequiteclearlythatshe

lovedyouenoughtogiveyouup.Ididn’t.”

Hiseyebrowsmetabovethehighbridgeofhisnose.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“WehadaconversationjustbeforeIagreedtohelpyoucatchEli,”sheconfessed.“Clairesaidthat

ifyoulovedme,shewouldneverhinderyouinanyway.Iknewthenthatherloveforyouwasgreater
thanmine.Yousee,Iwouldneverhaveletyougotoanotherwomanwithoutafight.”

Hesearchedhereyes.No,shewouldn’t.Hervanitywouldhavepreventedherfromlettinggo.

Clairewasmadeofsofterstuff,butinitsway,muchstronger.

“I’msorry,Diane,”hesaid.
Shewavedahand.“Oh,pooh,”shesaidlanguidly.“IthinkIknewitwasoverwhenyoumarried.I

justdidn’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,shewasmorethan
hecouldeverhavehopedfor.Evenoutofbed,shefilledhisheart,hislife.Headoredher.Hewantedno
oneelse.

Heopenedthedoorandwentin,tofindClairestandingatthewindow,lookingoutatthebackyard.

Itremindedhimoftheearlydaysoftheirmarriage,whenshestoodherealoneandthoughtsadthoughts.

“She’sgone,”hesaid.
Sheturnedandsmiled.“Isshetruly,John?”
Hemovedclosetoherandframedherfaceinhishands.“Truly.Isentheraway,Claire,”hesaid

softly.“Andnotoutofself-sacrificeordutyorshame.IsentherawaybecausewhateverIfeltforheris
longgone.Dead.Finished.”Hetookherinhisarmsandhuggedherclosewithalongsigh.“Iadoreyou,”
hewhispered,dizzywithpleasure.“Iwanttoholdyouandkissyouallthetime.Iwanttobewithyou
always,ineveryway.God,Claire.Iwouldhavenothingwithoutyou.Iloveyou,”hewhispered,and
kissedher.

“Iknow.Iloveyou,too.”Shechuckledunderhismouth,kissinghimbackwithallthejoywithinher,

alltheyearsoflonging,allthehopesanddelight.Butthensherememberedsomethingthatshe’dforgotten
inherjoy,andshepulledherlipsfromunderhis.

“Oh,John.Stop.”Shemoaned.“There’ssomethingIhavetotellyou.Youmaynotwanttostaywith

me.”

“Imaginethat!”Helaughed.

“I’mserious!”Sheputhersmallhandsonhischestandheldhimaway,hereyestroubled.“John,I

am…thatis,Ithink…I’mcarryingyourchild.”

Hisfacewasalivingportraitofshock.Hedidn’tevenseemtobreathe.“Youare…what?”
“Yes.Andyousaid—thatis,youtoldMrs.Cornwallthatchildrenunnervedyou,soIwasafraidto

tellyou…Oh,dear,”sheaddedworriedlyatthelookonhisface.“I’msosorry!”

“Sorry?”Heletoutthebreaththathadallbutchokedhim.Hiseyesglittered.Hisfacebecame

radiant.“Sorry?”Heliftedherandwhirledheraround,laughinglikeamadman.“Sorry?Oh,youwitch,
youwitch.Comehere!”

Hepulledhercloseandkissedheragain,hungrilyandthentenderly,sotenderly.
“Claire,Iwantourchildrenmorethanyou’lleverknow,”hewhisperedintoherlips.“Iwantsons

anddaughtersandthen,eventually,grandchildren.Claire,whatasweet,sweetsurprise.”

Shewasbreathless,overwhelmed.Shereacheduptohim;hekissedheragain.Onlythendidhepull

backandgrimace.“AndIsaid…”Hisbreathjerkedout.“Forgiveme.Ispokerashlyandwithout
thinking,onthetrain.Idowantchildren.It’sonlythatIneverconsideredwhatitwouldbeliketoactually
haveababyinthehouse.”Hiseyesbecamedreamy.“Wemustbuyahouse,Claire.Anice,bighousethat
wecanfillwithchildrenandthelovewebeareachother.”

Shepushedcloseintohisarmsandheldhim.“Oh,mydear,”shewhisperedhuskily.“Mydear.I

can’tbearthehappiness!”

“NeithercanI.ButIthinkwe’llmanage,”headdedonalaugh.“WhataChristmasitwillbe.Have

youthoughtaboutit?Betweenus,wehavethemostwonderfulpresentthatanytwopeoplecouldever
anticipate.Wehavethepromiseofachild!”

Shepressedclosertohim,shiveringwithjoy.“We’llgohomewithyourparents?”
“Yes,wewill.AndIcanpromiseyouthemostjoyousChristmasyou’veeverknown.”Heliftedhis

headandlookeddownintoherbeautifulgrayeyeswithexultation.“Claire,”heexclaimed,“it’sgoingto
beglorious!”

Anditwas.

ISBN:978-1-4268-7572-4

MAGNOLIA

FirstPublishedbyBallantineBooks

Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwholeor
inpartinanyformbyanyelectronic,mechanicalorothermeans,nowknownorhereafterinvented,
includingxerography,photocopyingandrecording,orinanyinformationstorageorretrievalsystem,is
forbiddenwithoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher,HarlequinEnterprisesLimited,225Duncan
MillRoad,DonMills,OntarioM3B3K9,Canada.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsareeithertheproductoftheauthor’s
imaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,business
establishments,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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