Chapter 4

“What are you doing tomorrow night?” she asked.

I was surprised. “I have plans to go a movie with a friend.”

“A special friend?” She smiled at me.

I shook my head. “No. Just a buddy.”

“Cancel it and come back here. Seven-thirty. I’ll tell Judith to have dinner ready then.” She hung the jacket up and I followed her back into the bedroom.

“Judith?”

“My cook. You’ll love her food. She’s the best cook I’ve ever had here. Is there anything that you especially like to eat?”

I shook my head as we walked back onto the terrace.

“I’ll let her surprise you.”

“I’ll have to call you tomorrow after I talk to my friend,” I said.

“Nonsense,” she said. “I’ll expect you at seven-thirty.”

She leaned forward and placed a light kiss on my lips. Then she turned away and I walked back out through the French doors and back to my car. 2

And so, the next evening, I was again driving up the long driveway. I’d called Marie the night before as soon as I got home.