A Taste Of Eden Abra Taylor

CHAPTER ONE

"For God's sake, Tasha, grow up!" The photographer, Jon ass!ter "# na$e, g%ared w!th e&asperat!on at the ta%%

s%ender $ode% who was pos!ng, a%ong w!th se'era% others, (or the da#'s shoot) Aga!nst the "a*kground o( +tonehenge, w!th huge wh!te *%ouds "u!%d!ng %!ke aer!a% $ono%!ths !n the "%ue sk# "e#ond, e'er#th!ng was per(e*t , e&*ept (or Tasha Cra!g) +he %ooked stunn!ng enough- Tasha a%wa#s d!d) !ke $ost good h!gh.(ash!on $ode%s, she was "eaut!(u% !n a tota%%# !nd!'!dua% wa#) Not one o( Tasha's (eatures was per(e*t, "ut put together the# were $ar'e%ous , "rown a%$ond e#es w!th that o'er%arge %ook o(ten a s!gn o( de(e*t!'e '!s!on- %ong stra!ght "%a*k.s!%k ha!r- e%egant ho%%ows "eneath wonder(u% *heek"ones- a *erta!n un(u%(!%%ed pro$!se a"out the $outh) /es, ass!ter thought to h!$se%(, Tasha had what !t took to turn th!s !nto a great p!*ture !( on%# she'd shed that tou*h.$e.not a!r) +e&# soph!st!*at!on, that was the (ee%!ng he wanted toda# , a *!t#.s%!*ker %ook to *ontrast w!th the pr!$!t!'e "a*kground o( stone and sk#) And Tasha Cra!g had 0ust (!n!shed re(us!ng to %ower the 1!p on the (ront o( her out(!t "# e'en one $ore !n*h) For God's sake, Tasha, grow up) The words stung Tasha now as the# had stung so $an# #ears ago, when 2en had sa!d the$) 2en, don't th!nk o( 2en, Tasha to%d

herse%(, not now, not !n pu"%!*) E'en a*ross the #ears and the $!%es, the e&*ru*!at!ng $e$or# o( 2en Cra!g, her hus"and and #et not her hus"and, st!%% had the power to wound) The o%d hurts had "een put awa# !n the se*ret h!d!ng p%a*es o( her heart- !t was on%# !n the %one%!ness o( the n!ght that she thought o( h!$ now) 3h# d!d Jon ha'e to use those part!*u%ar words, "r!ng!ng a host o( o%d a*hes (%ood!ng "a*k4 Perhaps, !( those words had not "een spoken at th!s pre*!se $o$ent, !n that pre*!se wa# , e&p%os!'e%#, a%though w!th %ess "!tterness than had "een !n 2en's tone , perhaps, !( the photographer had used so$e other $ethod o( urg!ng Tasha to do as he w!shed, none o( what (o%%owed $!ght ha'e happened at a%%) 2ut he d!d sa# the$- and perhaps a(ter that there was an !ne'!ta"!%!t# to e'er#th!ng that took p%a*e) Tasha's !$$ed!ate response was a h!gher t!%t o( her head, a so$ewhat stu""orn %ook a"out her (u%% %ower %!p, a *erta!n hardness o( e#e that e((e*t!'e%# *on*ea%ed the surge o( (ee%!ng !ns!de) 5n*ons*!ous%#, she (e%% !nto a s%!ght%# $ore de(!ant pose) " et $e tr# !t on*e $ore, Jon) 6'$ sure 6 *an get the %ook #ou want w!thout show!ng $ore sk!n)" "For a h!gh.(ash!on $ode%, #ou're a "%ood# prude," ass!ter to%d her gru$p!%#) 2ut a(ter d!re*t!ng se'era% $ore poses, he sa!d $ore k!nd%#, "Now #ou're "eg!nn!ng to get !t) 2ut 6 st!%% want $ore! +e&# sat!n aga!nst +tonehenge , soph!st!*at!on !n a pr!$!t!'e sett!ng! The *ontrast, Tasha, the *ontrast) Can't #ou see what 6'$ gett!ng at4 ook at !sette) That's what 6 want , that a!r o( a g!r% who's 0ust "een $ade %o'e to)" "/ou shou%d know, Jon,7 *a$e a w!*ked %!tt%e *o$$ent (ro$ one o( the other $ode%s) 6t was a we%%.known (a*t that !sette %!'ed w!th Jon ass!ter !n a thorough%# $odern arrange$ent) +e'era% t!tters (o%%owed)

!sette, 'er# $u*h a 2r!g!tte 2ardot t#pe, stu*k out her tongue at the g!r% who had spoken, then d!re*ted her words to her apart$ent $ate8 "9on't te%% Tasha to !$!tate $e, Jon dar%!ng) +he wou%dn't know how) 3e a%% know how a*t!'e her se& %!(e !s)" Nor$a%%#, Tasha was :u!te *apa"%e o( de(end!ng herse%( w!th her tongue) 2ut toda#, w!th $e$or!es o( 2en *has!ng through her $!nd, she (ound herse%( una"%e to %eap !nto the 'er"a% (ra#) !sette's *att# *o$$ent was on%# too true) "+heath #our *%aws, !sette %o'e," Jon ass!ter sa!d !n a p%a*ator# tone) "How a"out !t, Tasha, *an #ou do !t or not4 6( #ou *an't 6'%% ha'e to take #ou out o( th!s shot) Oh, God, 6*an't , the ed!tor w!%% k!%% $e !( 6 don't show that part!*u%ar out(!t) +o %et's tr# !t on*e aga!n) That tou*h o( de(!an*e !s good, Tasha, "ut 6 want se&) ;a#"e a (ew $ore *%othesp!ns w!%% he%p)" He $ot!oned to h!s (e$a%e ass!stant, who $o'ed "eh!nd the $ode%s and added a (ew $ore p%ast!* *%othesp!ns to those a%read# *%a$ped down Tasha's sp!ne, g!'!ng her (ro$ the rear the un*o$(orta"%e %ook o( a por*up!ne and *aus!ng the (a"r!* to stra!n re'ea%!ng%# aga!nst the (ront) The out(!t was sea%."rown sat!n, a $at*h (or Tasha's e#es, and *ons!sted o( s%!nk# pants and a top (ash!oned %!ke a 1!pped w!nd"reaker) At the $o$ent the 1!pper *%asp was po!sed 0ust "e%ow *enter o( her "reasts, re'ea%!ng %!tt%e $ore than a "ath!ng su!t wou%d ha'e done) "Now pu%% the *o%%ar as!de a "!t," ass!ter !nstru*ted, and the ass!stant $o'ed

around to Tasha's (ront) ";uss the ha!r, %et that w!nd *at*h !t<da$$!t, !t's st!%% not :u!te r!ght) The 1!pper has got to go)" Tasha opened her $outh to protest, and her hand $o'ed !nto a de(ens!'e pos!t!on) H!gh (ash!on d!*tated that there"e no "rass!ere "eneath- there was none) "9on't worr#) 6'$ not a"out to show a da$n th!ng," ass!ter to%d her !rr!ta"%#) "A %!tt%e t!t!%%at!on (or the readers, that's a%%) Nud!t# $a# "e !nto the h!gh.(ash!on

$ags, "ut not (or th!s part!*u%ar shot! 6( an#th!ng shows that shou%dn't, 6'%% persona%%# "urn the negat!'es)" "Can't show so$eth!ng that's 0ust not there," *a$e !sette's 'o!*e a tr!(%e too

sweet%#, tak!ng ad'antage o( Tasha's una**usto$ed s!%en*e, and perhaps a%so tak!ng so$e re'enge) 6t was we%% known that !sette %!ked to "e the *enter o( attent!on, and toda# she had not su**eeded) "/ou were :u!te r!ght, Jon dar%!ng) 6n so$e wa#s Tasha !sn't grown up, and that's one o( the$! 6( 6 were "u!%t %!ke Tasha, 6'd "e $odest too!" "A"out t!$e," Tasha sa!d sp!r!ted%#, at %ast re*o'er!ng enough to g!'e as good as she took) 2ut se*onds %ater, when the ass!stant's hand aga!n rea*hed (or the s%!de (astener, Tasha a%%owed !t to do !ts ass!gned task) The 1!p went down and Tasha's *h!n went up , e#es stu""orn%# a'o!d!ng the deep = o( sk!n now "ared to her na'e%) "That's !t , now #ou''e got !t! Ho%d !t, e'er#one< good)Now another) ean (orward, !sette, *%ea'age !s !n th!s #ear! Aga!n<aga!n<sh!(t a %!tt%e, g!r%s! Tr# another pose) 3et #our $outh, Tasha! No, don't push that ha!r out o( the wa# , 0ust %et !t "%ow a*ross #our e#es< !t %ooks terr!(!*! "

+!&$onths %ater, when the photograph h!t the (ront *o'er o( the (ash!on $aga1!ne, !t had "een *ropped to !n*%ude on%# Tasha's top ha%() A%% the other $ode%s had su**u$"ed to the s*!ssors) As Jon had pred!*ted, the shot %ooked $ar'e%ous) A (ew strands o( s!%k# "%a*k ha!r w!nnow!ng a*ross a pa%e go%d *o$p%e&!on- huge "rown e#es de(#!ng the *a$era- *h!n !n an aggress!'e t!%t and $outh parted !n a $o!st pro$!se) The "reasts were re'ea%ed to the %!$!ts o( de*en*#, "ut as Jon had pro$!sed, no $ore) A%% the sa$e, there was a *ons!dera"%e e&panse o( (%esh) Certa!n%# enough showed to g!'e the %!e to !sette's %ast *att# *o$$ent)

The e((e*ts o( the photograph were (ar rea*h!ng, e'en $ore (ar rea*h!ng than Tasha wou%d e'er ha'e guessed on that w!nd# da# on +a%!s"ur# P%a!n, as she'd stood !n the shadow o( the $ega%!ths o( other *entur!es) Nor *ou%d she ha'e an# pre$on!t!on o( !ts *onse:uen*es when she (!rst saw the p!*ture) Her !n!t!a% sensat!on was re%!e(8 the shot was not tota%%# !nde*ent a(ter a%%) +e*ond *a$e e%at!on) The *o'er o( a $aga1!ne! Now the $ode% agen*# wou%d ha'e $ore *a%%s (or her- !t a%% he%ped toward pa#!ng the enor$ous de"ts %e(t "# her (ather's death so$e #ears "e(ore) The th!rd and strongest sensat!on was so$eth!ng e%se that *a$e (%ood!ng "a*k to her un"!dden , the $e$or# o( the e&a*t words that had sent that 1!p down to a %e'e% so$ewhere !n the '!*!n!t# o( her na'e%) For God's sake, Tasha, grow up)6t was !ron!* that when 2en had sa!d those words, near%# se'en #ears ago, he had not known how #oung she was) He had had no !dea o( her rea% age when he $arr!ed her, a%though he had %earned that n!ght8 the!r wedd!ng n!ght) 3hat shou%d ha'e "een the!r wedd!ng n!ght) 3h# had 2en $ade no e((ort a%% these #ears to put an o((!*!a% end to the $arr!age4 Or had he done so, w!th so$e seed# d!'or*e !n so$e (ar.o(( *orner o( the g%o"e4 Perhaps not) 6t was poss!"%e that 2en (ound the $arr!age use(u%, as she d!d herse%(, !n pre'ent!ng entang%e$ents) 2en had ne'er wanted to $arr#- he had $ade that *%ear the (!rst t!$e the# $et) And *erta!n%#, as %ong as he was %ega%%# "ound "# so$e p!e*e o( paper, he *ou%d ne'er "e trapped aga!n, as he had "een trapped "# Tasha... +he had 0ust turned se'enteen the #ear she $et 2en Cra!g)+e'enteen) +he was st!%% Tasha ;ontgo$er# then, shorts!ghted Tasha ;ontgo$er# w!th hornr!$$ed g%asses not *onta*t %enses, (!'e.(oot.n!ne.and.a."!t !n her sto*k!ng (eet, on%# two weeks out o( the Fren*h%#*>e she had attended s!n*e her $other's death) Her (ather was Eng%!sh- "ut her $other had "een Fren*h, as ta%% as Tasha herse%(, w!th an !nher!ted (a$!%# he!ght that was ru$ored on no good author!t# to "e the resu%t o( a *erta!n '!s!t to Par!s o( a *erta!n Ro$ano' duke $ore than a *entur# "e(ore) The Fren*h

s*hoo% had "een a ne*ess!t#, so that Tasha *ou%d %!'e w!th her grandparents dur!ng the s*hoo% ter$) +e'enteen...;e$or!es seeped through Tasha's de(enses %!ke water through a (%awed da$) Ta%%, gang%#, "espe*ta*%ed, she had de'e%oped her he!ght ear%# and her shape %ate) +ens!t!'e !n the e&tre$e, she had soon %earned to h!de her ado%es*ent $!ser!es "eh!nd a pr!*k%# de(ens!'e tongue that , had she on%# rea%!1ed !t , kept swa!ns at "a# (ar $ore e((e*t!'e%# than the he!ght or the horn.r!$s) There had "een no $other to ease her through a pa!n(u% pu"ert#, and wh!%e her grandparents had "een war$ and %o'!ng, the# had not understood a%% her needs)Nor had her (ather) Good.natured "ut a"sent$!nded, Char%es ;ontgo$er# was %!tt%e aware o( the 'u%nera"%e #oung person who took re(uge "eh!nd a "r!ght %augh and a %a#er o( see$!ng !nsou*!an*e) As a teenager Tasha had a**epted, unw!%%!ng%#, the (a*t that she *ou%d not %!'e w!th her (ather) 2e(ore h!s death, Char%es ;ontgo$er#, a 1oo%og!st, was (ore'er o(( on so$e e&ped!t!on or other, to p%a*es %!ke the Ga%apagos or Hawa!!'s eeward 6s%ands or so$e other w!%d%!(e preser'e) 2ut he kept h!s *o$(orta"%e ho$e !n ondon and a%wa#s $ade a po!nt o( return!ng to Eng%and e'er# #ear (or the su$$er $onths to '!s!t Tasha and prepare h!s %atest "ook or paper (or pu"%!*at!on) That, he o(ten to%d her, was the !$portant th!ng (or a s*!ent!st8 to pu"%!sh) H!s "ooks were non*o$$er*!a%, str!*t%# (or the s*!ent!(!* *o$$un!t#, "ut he had $ade so$e good (r!ends !n the pu"%!sh!ng "us!ness, and !t was (ro$ one o( the$ that the !n'!tat!on *a$e) 3hen her (ather had !n(or$ed her that he wanted her to attend the *o*kta!% part# w!th h!$, Tasha had "are%# $anaged to *on*ea% her d!s$a#) "Oh, papa, 6 *an't go," she had sa!d) "O( *ourse #ou'%% go! There'%% "e %ots o( #oung (o%ks there, and !t's t!$e #ou $et so$e o( the$) /ou''e "een out o( th!s *ountr# too %ong, Tasha) 6t's t!$e #ou $ade so$e (r!ends here) "

Tasha had de$urred, "ut Char%es ;ontgo$er# had !ns!sted) "6 want a *o$pan!on (or the e'en!ng, Tasha, and 6'd 0ust as soon !t's #ou) 6( 6 take so$e other %ad# 6'%% ha'e to dan*e attendan*e on her) And there's go!ng to "e a (e%%ow there 6 want to ha'e a good ta%k w!th, an A$er!*an who's spent a %ot o( #ears kno*k!ng a"out the g%o"e !n so$e o( $# (a'or!te p%a*es) 3h#, he knows the 6nd!an O*ean %!ke the "a*k o( h!s hand) 6''e ne'er $et h!$, "ut 6''e read so$e o( h!s art!*%es, and the#'re good)" "A (e%%ow 1oo%og!st4" asked Tasha, w!th a show o( !nterest that *on*ea%ed her *onsternat!on) 6( her (ather was go!ng to a"andon her at the part#, she *erta!n%# d!dn't want to go) "No, 0ust tra'e% p!e*es) J!$ Arthur !s to#!ng w!th the !dea o( putt!ng out a *o%%e*t!on o( so$e o( th!s $an's work, on $# suggest!on, 6 $!ght add) +o #ou see wh# !t's !$portant (or $e to go to th!s a((a!r) 6 *an't understand wh# #ou don't want to attend) +ure%# #ou're not a(ra!d to go out !n pu"%!*4" "O( *ourse not," Tasha sa!d "r!ght%#) "Then 6 ha'e to assu$e !t's "e*ause #ou don't want to "e seen on the ar$ o( a dr# o%d st!*k %!ke $e)" "Oh, papa..." Cr!ng!ng !ns!de, Tasha sa!d the on%# th!ng that wou%d $ake her (ather happ#) "O( *ourse 6 want to "e seen w!th #ou! 6t's 0ust that 6 ha'e a"so%ute%# noth!ng to wear) 6''e put on s!& pounds th!s #ear, and noth!ng (!ts e&*ept $# 0eans , and a (ew sk!rts and sweaters)" "Then go shopp!ng," her (ather rep%!ed %og!*a%%# enough, sens!ng none o( the rea% reason (or her re%u*tan*e) A%read# h!s attent!on was turn!ng "a*k to a "ook on spe*!es o( !guanas) 3!th h!s usua% %a*k o( pruden*e (or a%% th!ngs (!nan*!a%, he added, "Charge an#th!ng #ou want, Tasha) Or go up and ra!d #our $other's *%othes *%oset) 6 th!nk #ou''e grown ta%% enough to wear her gowns)"

6n the end, that was e&a*t%# what Tasha had done) 6t was not the (!rst t!$e she had tr!ed on *%othes (ro$ the $ar'e%ous treasure tro'e o( e&pens!'e des!gner dresses that had on*e "e%onged to her ta%% e%egant $other- "ut !t was the (!rst t!$e she had (!%%ed out the sea$s) Now, #ears %ater, Tasha rea%!1ed that the wardro"e had "een (ar too soph!st!*ated (or a se'enteen. #ear.o%d, "ut at the t!$e, she had "een aware on%# o( a trans(or$at!on she *ou%d hard%# "e%!e'e) 3e%%, e&*ept (or the g%asses , and as she *ou%d not see herse%( at a!% *%ear%# !n the $!rror on*e she had re$o'ed the$, she *ou%d on%# guess as to what the e((e*t $!ght "e w!thout) +he had sett%ed, a(ter $u*h !nde*!s!on, on a *%!ng!ng apr!*ot.*o%ored s!%k 0erse#) +uper"%# *ut, !t had a h!gh *hoke ne*k !n (ront, "ut the "a*k was tota%%# "are, (ro$ shou%der to shou%der and (ro$ ne*k to wa!st) Char%es ;ontgo$er#, h!s $!nd st!%% se'era% thousand $!%es awa# !n so$e trop!*a% parad!se, had not not!*ed !ts unsu!ta"!%!t# , and who e%se was there to sa# her na#4 As Tasha's (ather had po!nted out, her a*:ua!ntan*es !n Eng%and were "# th!s t!$e (ew and (ar "etween, and $ost o( the$ were her (ather's (e%%ow s*ho%ars) +he wore the dress) And the dress d!d th!ngs (or her8 ga'e her a 'eneer o( soph!st!*at!on- turned her (ro$ a%% ang%es to a%% *ur'es- a**entuated the good "ones and gra*e(u% *arr!age that wou%d %ater %ead her !nto $ode%!ng- e$phas!1ed the go%den t!nt o( her sk!n and the dark g%oss o( her ha!r) 6t $ade her %ook #ears o%der, espe*!a%%# w!th $akeup app%!ed $ore %a'!sh%# than was su!ta"%e (or her age, w!th her ha!r pu%%ed "a*k !n a s$ooth Fren*h knot, w!th her $other's ant!:ue go%d pendant nest%!ng "etween the new%# "urgeoned "reasts)And w!thout the g%asses) On a %ast !$pu%se, she tu*ked those (!r$%# !nto a dresser drawer "e(ore (!nd!ng her ha%(."%!nd wa# down the sta!rs to the %!'!ng roo$, where her (ather wa!ted (or her, !nspe*t!ng a d!sp%a# *ase (!%%ed w!th so$e rare and "eaut!(u% $oths)

Char%es ;ontgo$er# not!*ed the dress not at a%%, "ut he d!d *o$$ent on the %a*k o( g%asses)";$$) /ou %ook 'er# de*ent w!thout those th!ngs on #our nose)" Tasha s:u!nted at h!$, de%!ghted "# the *o$p%!$ent) "9o #ou th!nk so4 On*e 6''e taken the$ o(( 6 *an't te%%! ;# (a*e !s 0ust a "%ur !n the $!rror) 9o 6 rea%%# %ook a%% r!ght4" "Not "ad at a%%," her (ather to%d her) "3e'%% ha'e to get #ou a pa!r o( *onta*t %enses, Tasha) 3h# don't #ou go (or a (!tt!ng on ;onda#4 /ou $a# turn out to "e :u!te as "eaut!(u% as #our $other)" And he %ed her o(( proud%# to the re*ept!on) There had "een perhaps two hundred peop%e there) 3!th her !$per(e*t e#es!ght, Tasha was aware on%# o( a sea o( $!%%!ng hu$an!t#, wh!*h was *on(us!ng at (!rst) Her (ather had "een pu%%ed awa# a%$ost at on*e (or an !ntrodu*t!on to the $an he wanted to $eet) Tasha saw h!$ 0o!n a *!r*%e o( peop%e, $ost%# wo$en, *%ustered around so$e person she *ou%d not see) +he turned awa#, :u!te prepared to (!nd a :u!et *orner (ro$ wh!*h she *ou%d o"ser'e the dan*!ng that was part o( the n!ght's enterta!n$ent) 2ut !t was not to "e) "C%e'er o( $e to get r!d o( h!$ so neat%#, wasn't !t4" *a$e a 'o!*e (ro$ o'er her shou%der, and she turned to see the sa$e $an who had dragged her (ather awa#, on%# $o$ents "e(ore) "6n pa#$ent 6 e&pe*t the (!rst dan*e , and $a#"e the se*ond, too) Now don't pa# an# attent!on to those other $en tr#!ng to *at*h #our e#e- 6 ha'e (!rst *%a!$..." And so "egan the wh!r%) Partner (o%%owed partner at a d!11#!ng pa*e- Tasha *ou%d hard%# "e%!e'e what was happen!ng) The :u!*k tongue she had de'e%oped to sh!e%d her through her awkward ado%es*en*e stood her !n good stead, a%%ow!ng her to keep up a pretense o( se%(.possess!on and (end o(( the a$orous ad'an*es w!th so$e se$"%an*e o( soph!st!*at!on) +he was at (!rst aston!shed, then de%!ghted, then

se*ret%# thr!%%ed at the attent!on) Her se%(.*on(!den*e "%osso$ed as the n!ght wore on) Ha%(wa# through the e'en!ng, want!ng to es*ape a dan*e partner who had wh!spered a %ewd suggest!on !n her ear, she had $ade so$e (or*ed%# "r!ght e&*use and (ound her rounda"out wa# to a (%agstoned terra*e that %ooked out o'er (or$a% gardens) 6t was a starr# June n!ght- the per(u$ed a!r !ssued !n'!tat!ons to the senses) 2ut !t was a %!tt%e *oo% (or her ?"a*k%ess dress, a(ter the hot dan*e (%oor) ean!ng o'er a stone "a%ustrade to peer unsee!ng%# !nto the shadowed garden, she hudd%ed her "are ar$s together and sh!'ered, ha%( !n *onsternat!on o'er the a%ar$!ng d!re*tness o( her %ast dan*e partner, and ha%( !n a ha1e o( wonder$ent that so $an# $en were pa#!ng attent!on to her) "Oh!" +he gasped as so$eth!ng so(t and war$ %anded o'er her shou%ders) 6t was a su$$er.we!ght d!nner 0a*ket, st!%% ho%d!ng the heat o( a $an's "od#) +tart%ed, she turned to the donor o( th!s g!(t and had to %ook upward "# :u!te a nu$"er o( !n*hes to see h!s (a*e) At (!'e.(oot.n!ne p%us h!gh hee%s, she was not used to $en se'era% !n*hes ta%%er than she was- *erta!n%# none o( her dan*e partners had had su*h he!ght) 6n th!s d!$ %!ght and w!th her e#es!ght, she *ou%d d!s*ern no $ore than a "%ur o( *ragg# (eatures) +he swa#ed a %!tt%e *%oser to the $an , a $o'e$ent d!*tated "# the shortness o( her '!s!on, "ut one that was unknow!ng%# pro'o*at!'e) "3ho are #ou4 6 don't "e%!e'e 6 know #ou," she sa!d !n a 'o!*e $ore husk# than usua%, w!th a %!tt%e *at*h to !t) There was so$eth!ng a"out the $an's ph#s!*a% presen*e that took her "reath awa# , a sort o( o'erpower!ng '!r!%!t# and '!ta%!t# that e&uded a pr!$!t!'e $agnet!s$) He had the so%!d, we%%.kn!t "u!%d o( an ath%eteone sensed there was not an un.toned $us*%e !n h!s "od#) 6n th!s %!ght h!s ha!r appeared to "e dark "rown) ater, she was to d!s*o'er that !t had a "ron1e *ast where !t had "een streaked "# sun, and that h!s e#es, too, see$ed "ron1e !n *erta!n %!ghts , a%though the# were rea%%# a tawn# torto!seshe%% "rown, se'era% shades pa%er than her own)

2ut (or the $o$ent she d!d not know that) H!s e#es were on%# poo%s o( shadow !n the deep%# tanned (a*e- "ut she *ou%d (ee% the$ sweep!ng her !n a $anner she had not #et %earned to take (or granted) "6 don't know #ou," she repeated) "That $akes us e'en)"H!s strong $outh :u!rked !nto a s$!%e that re'ea%ed wh!te e'en teeth) "6 don't know #ou, e!ther) 2ut 6 p%an to know #ou , 'er# we%%, "# the t!$e the e'en!ng's through) 6''e "een wat*h!ng #ou (or so$e t!$e, "ut no"od# *ou%d te%% $e who #ou are) 6 $a# as we%% de*%are r!ght now that $# !ntent!ons are ser!ous , and tota%%# d!shonora"%e)" The $o$ent (!%%ed Tasha w!th awkwardness) +he h!d her ner'ousness, as she o(ten d!d, w!th a "r!ght %!tt%e %augh) "That's an odd wa# to ask so$eone to dan*e," she sa!d) "6'$ not ask!ng #ou to dan*e) 6'd $u*h rather ta%k)" There was a '!"rant !nt!$ate :ua%!t# to h!s 'o!*e that thr!%%ed Tasha to the *ore) "/ou *an start "# te%%!ng $e #our na$e , un%ess #ou !ns!st that 6 (!nd so$eone to !ntrodu*e us proper%#, !n wh!*h *ase 6'%% go %ook!ng aga!n) +o$e"od# here $ust know #ou)" 6t see$ed terr!"%# !$portant to Tasha to !$press th!s $an) 6n her se'enteen.#ear. o%d !ne&per!en*e, he see$ed enor$ous%# se%(.assured and o%d , at %east th!rt#.(!'e, she was sure) ater she (ound out that she had put her guess se'era% #ears too h!gh- at the t!$e 2en had "een %ess than th!rt#) How o%d wou%d he "e now4 Th!rt#. (!'e, th!rt#.s!&4 Re%!'!ng the past, Tasha rea%!1ed that she had not known 2en %ong enough to (!nd out h!s "!rthda#) On%# %ong enough to $arr# h!$... "6'$ Natasha ;ontgo$er#) Tasha, !( #ou pre(er," she had sa!d at on*e, a(ra!d that !( he wa%ked awa# now he wou%d not return) +he tr!ed to sound "%as>, as an o%der wo$an $!ght) "6 don't part!*u%ar%# %!ke dan*!ng, e!ther) 6t's so "or!ng, !sn't !t4"

2en had sounded a$used at her "ored a!r, and true to *hara*ter, he had !$$ed!ate%# set a"out tr#!ng to e&p%ode her s$a%% pretense) "On%# the 'er# #oung get "ored that eas!%#) Just e&a*t%# how o%d are #ou4" Tasha was stung that he had seen through her, "ut the ha"!ts o( so$e #ears *a$e to her res*ue) "F!(teen," she sa!d pro$pt%#, w!th a *oo% s$!%e) "Now that," he sa!d, "!s an outr!ght %!e)" "9on't #ou know that a wo$an a%wa#s %!es a"out her age4 2es!des, #ou ha'en't answered $# (!rst :uest!on) 3ho are #ou4" "2en Cra!g)" "9o #ou $ake a ha"!t o( p!*kups, ;r) Cra!g4" Tasha t!%ted her *h!n !n the s%!ght%# de(!ant att!tude she a%wa#s adopted when s!tuat!ons unner'ed her) "/ou $!ght start w!th th!s)" And, push!ng the 0a*ket (ro$ her shou%ders, she dropped !t o'er the "a%ustrade !nto the garden ten (eet "e%ow) Then, (or*!ng !nd!((eren*e !nto a s$a%% serene s$!%e, she "rushed past the ta%% $a%e (ra$e and wa%ked her unsee!ng wa# toward the dan*e (%oor, thorough%# *ons*!ous o( her naked "a*k g%ea$!ng "eneath the so(t #e%%ow poo%s o( outdoor %!ght!ng) He *aught up w!th her "e(ore she %e(t the terra*e, and an ar$ %!ke !ron "arred her wa#) 2eneath the s!%k# (a"r!* o( h!s wh!te d!nner sh!rt, she *ou%d (ee% the press o( $us*%es, the war$th o( (!r$ (%esh) H!s (!ngers *ur%ed around her s%ender wr!st, $ak!ng !t *apt!'e, send!ng sh!'er!ng sensat!ons to untr!ed reg!ons o( her "od#) "+orr# (or ask!ng #our age) Just dou"%e.*he*k!ng, that's a%%) 6 don't go !n (or *rad%e.ro""!ng- "eg!nners aren't $# st#%e) 2ut da$$!t, #ou d!d see$ to en0o# the dan*!ng ear%!er, and #our re$ark see$ed to "e :u!te, "

"Ju'en!%e4''+he "roke !n, st!%% (!ght!ng h!$ w!th her o'er%arge d!$.s!ghted 'e%'et e#es) Then, (org!'!ng h!$ sudden%# as so$eth!ng $e%ted !ns!de, she s$!%ed $ore endear!ng%# than "e(ore) "/ou're :u!ter!ght, 6 was %#!ng a"out the dan*!ng) 6 %o'e !t)" "6n that *ase 6'%% re%ent, too) 3e'%% dan*e , e'en though 6 hate !t) Co$e wh!%e 6 get $# 0a*ket)" "6'%% wa!t here (or #ou)" "6 don't trust #ou out o( $# s!ght," he sa!d, and w!thout ask!ng (or per$!ss!on he drew her down !nto the dark shadows o( the garden wh!%e he retr!e'ed h!s 0a*ket) +o$eth!ng a"out the wa# he tou*hed her ar$ had warned Tasha that he wanted to k!ss her) Ha%( !n (r!ght, ha%( !n ant!*!pat!on, she had $o!stened her %!ps) The k!ss had not *o$e) 6nstead he had %a!d a hard war$ hand on the *oo% "are sk!n "e%ow one shou%der) 6t was a gesture $ore !nt!$ate than a k!ss, and one that rea((!r$ed h!s !ntent!ons w!th no word sa!d) +he had not $o'ed awa# (ro$ h!s hand) A(ter that, the# had dan*ed e&*%us!'e%# w!th ea*h other) And "e*ause he had not tr!ed to ho%d her too *%ose, as her other partners had, the# had $anaged to (!t !n a %ot o( ta%k!ng, too, and %augh!ng) 2en had a dr# sense o( hu$or that (ound a (o!% !n Tasha's read# tongue) For on*e she (ound herse%( us!ng !t not (or de(ense, "ut "e*ause she en0o#ed hear!ng that husk# '!"rant %augh that was as $as*u%!ne and *o$pe%%!ng as e'er#th!ng e%se a"out h!$) +he soon (ound out that he was the $an her (ather had wanted to $eet, so$eth!ng she had not suspe*ted at on*e "e*ause h!s a**ent was not t#p!*a%%# A$er!*an , the resu%t, he to%d her, o( %ea'!ng the +tates at a 'er# ear%# age) 2ennett Cra!g was h!s (u%% na$e) 2en su!ted h!$ "etter , !t was a p%a!n na$e, power(u% %!ke the $an) +he d!s*o'ered that he had "een sa!%!ng s!ng%e.handed%# around the 6nd!an O*ean (or the past (ew #ears, e&p%or!ng, o"ser'!ng, %earn!ng, wr!t!ng art!*%es (or tra'e% $aga1!nes to pa# h!s wa#) He had (%own to ondon to d!s*uss the poss!"!%!t# o(

rewr!t!ng so$e o( h!s p!e*es so that the# *ou%d (!t together *oherent%#, !nto a "ook) He had arr!'ed on%# th!s $orn!ng- soon he wou%d "e %ea'!ng aga!n) ;To an e&!sten*e as no$ad!* as "e(ore4"Tasha asked) "6 ha'en't de*!ded) There are t!$es when 6 th!nk a"out putt!ng down roots< "ut don't get !deas, "rown e#es) ;arr!age !s 'er# de(!n!te%# not !n $# p%ans) +o don't te%% $e %ater #ou weren't warned)" +o$ehow Tasha $anaged to keep up the pretense o( "e!ng o%der than she was) +he tr!ed to a'o!d d!re*t %!es "# the use o( 'er"a% (en*!ng where'er poss!"%e, "ut there were so$e outr!ght %!es, too, (or she knew that to te%% *erta!n truths wou%d "e to %ose h!$ , that he wou%d wa%k out o( her %!(e, perhaps (ore'er) .Hadn't he sa!d he wasn't !nterested !n "eg!nners4 "3hat ha'e #ou "een do!ng (or the past (ew #ears4" he asked her a(ter the (!rst hour had sped "#) The# were st!%% on the dan*e (%oor, h!s hand !nt!$ate%# %odged aga!nst her naked sp!ne) "Go!ng to s*hoo%," she answered w!thout th!nk!ng, so(t "rown e#es sh!n!ng up at h!$, "ask!ng !n the g%ow o( h!s attent!on, (or "# now !t was *%ear to her that $ore than one wo$an !n the roo$ en'!ed her) He pu%%ed awa# (ro$ her a (ra*t!on) "/ou ne'er d!d te%% $e #our age) Are #ou sure #ou're o%d enough (or$e4" "Can't #ou guess "# %ook!ng at $e4" she sta%%ed, heart ha$$er!ng w!%d%# %est he shou%d, !ndeed, guess) "Twent#.so$eth!ng4 /ou''e got one o( those eterna% (a*es, Tasha , wonder(u% "one stru*ture and sk!n %!ke a "a"#'s) 6 suspe*t #ou'%% %ook e&a*t%# the sa$e ten or

(!(teen #ears (ro$ now) 6 wou%dn't dare guess !n *ase #ou *ut $e down to s!1e, as #ou d!d out on the terra*e)" How o%d was o%d enough4 Tasha took a w!%d sta") "6'$ twent#.(our," she %!ed w!th a s$!%e) "2ut o( *ourse, 6'$ %#!ng aga!n) A wo$an a%wa#s does)" "3h!*h un!'ers!t#4" 6t was not as eas# to e:u!'o*ate to that :uest!on) Tasha to%d h!$ the na$e o( a (a$ous one !n Fran*e- and a%so her reasons (or attend!ng s*hoo% out o( Eng%and) The reasons were true enough- on%# the s*hoo% was (a%se) "6 0ust graduated," she sa!d) 3e%%, that $u*h was true) "3hat *ourse4" "@oo%og#," she sa!d w!th no hes!tat!on at a%%) 6t was a %!e- she had not #et de*!ded what *ourse to take) 2ut she had *ons!dered enter!ng her (ather's (!e%d) 3!th that *ur!ous need to e&p%a!n onese%( that o(ten *o$es w!th a %!e, she "a""%ed "r!ght%# on, us!ng know%edge p!*ked up (ro$ her (ather) 2en appeared !nterested, (!%%!ng Tasha w!th (ee%!ngs o( d!s$a# %est she shou%d ha'e to answer too $an# :uest!ons) "6''e "een spe*!a%!1!ng !n orn!tho%og#," she (!n!shed on a sudden !nsp!rat!on, sure that wou%d put an end to the *on'ersat!on) 3hat $an wanted to ta%k a"out "!rds4 "/ou, a "!rd.wat*her4 +o$ehow 6 *an't p!*ture #ou, " "3e%%, !t 0ust goes to show how wrong #ou *an "e," she *ountered %!ght%#) 6n truth, she (e%t wret*hed "e*ause one %!e see$ed to "e %ead!ng to another- she was (ast "e*o$!ng *aught !n a t!ssue o( (a"r!*at!on) To her re%!e(, 2en %e(t the su"0e*t then, and the dan*e (%oor) +*oop!ng her !nto an ar$, he to%d her, "6'$ tak!ng #ou ho$e) Te%% #our (ather we're %ea'!ng)"

"2ut, " "Te%% h!$, Tasha," he *o$$anded :u!et%#, and she d!d not need good '!s!on to sense the $essage !n that uns$!%!ng $outh) The a!r "etween the$ *ra*k%ed w!th e%e*tr!*!t#, as though there were no others !n the roo$) "6'%% te%% h!$," she agreed, her heart pa%p!tat!ng w!th the know%edge o( 2en's stated !ntent!ons8d!shonora"%e) Fortunate%# , or perhaps un(ortunate%# , Tasha's (ather was deep !n d!s*uss!on w!th a (e%%ow s*!ent!st, and he wa'ed her good.n!ght a"stra*ted%#, w!thout !n:u!r!ng as to her es*ort) 2en dro'e her ho$e w!thout ta%k!ng) +:u!nt!ng now that her (a*e *ou%d not "e seen, she wat*hed h!s %arge *apa"%e hands $aster!ng the steer!ng whee% and wondered what !t was go!ng to "e %!ke) Her !$ag!nat!on d!dn't go "e#ond a k!ss, and perhaps a *aress o( the "reast) At the%#*>e, her "est (r!ends had "een two pet!te and popu%ar Fren*h g!r%s, who had des*r!"ed su*h th!ngs to her !n !nt!$ate deta!%) On se'era% o**as!ons, the# had (!&ed Tasha up w!th "%!nd dates who had "een (ar too o'erawed "# the he!ght and the hornr!$$ed g%asses to atte$pt an# s!$!%ar (eats) 2en, she knew, wou%d ha'e no su*h reser'at!ons- and that know%edge set her (%esh to :u!'er!ng w!th ant!*!pat!on) 2ut !ns!de the (ront door, the k!ss she e&pe*ted d!dn't *o$e) +he was s!*k w!th hurt and *%a$$# w!th re%!e() 2en %ooked around, tak!ng !n the :u!et (urn!sh!ngs and Char%es ;ontgo$er#'s 'ar!ous *o%%e*t!ons (ro$ around the wor%d) Tasha wat*hed the ta%% ha1# out%!ne o( h!$ prow%!ng the roo$, e'er# $o'e$ent a stud# !n un*ons*!ous '!r!%e gra*e) He was so "!g, so power(u%,so '!ta%) 6ne&press!"%e #earn!ngs (!%%ed her heart to "urst!ng) "6'd %!ke a dr!nk," he sa!d (!na%%#) "9o #ou $!nd4 6'%% get !t !( #ou %!ke)"

"No, 6 w!%%)" +he $o'ed to the %!:uor *a"!net, g%ad o( the (a*t that she was so$et!$es asked to do th!s (or her (ather) +he knew e&a*t%# where e'er#th!ng was kept, w!thout ha'!ng to peer *%ose%# at %a"e%s) "3hat wou%d #ou %!ke4" "+*ot*h on the ro*ks," he rep%!ed, %ower!ng h!$se%( !nto a *ha!r , an unpretent!ous one, "ut !t see$ed now to do$!nate the roo$) Tasha prepared the dr!nks, !n*%ud!ng a p%a!n g!nger a%e (or herse%(, and (or a t!$e th!ngs "e*a$e $ore *o$(orta"%e as the# "egan to ta%k aga!n, %!ght%#, a"out th!s and that, w!th Tasha :u!te sk!%%(u%%# e'ad!ng a%% persona% top!*s %est the# %ead to $ore %!es) Her %!nger!ng sens!t!'!t# a"out not "e!ng k!ssed %ent an e&tra super(!*!a%!t# to her *hatter) At (!rst, when 2en !nserted the *asua% :uest!on !nto the *on'ersat!on, Tasha *ou%d hard%# "e%!e'e her ears) "6 "eg #our pardon4" she sa!d w!th w!den!ng e#es) "6 asked !( #ou wou%d %!ke to go to "ed," he repeated *a%$%#) Her heart tr!pped o'er !tse%()2en Cra!g, !n'!t!ng her to go to "ed) A (u%%.grown, (or*e(u% $an she had $et on%# two hours "e(ore and was a%read# desperate%# !n(atuated w!th, w!th e'er# (!"er o( her ado%es*ent "e!ng) +he *%osed her e#es and (or*ed a s$a%% "r!ght %augh) "/ou ask $e 0ust %!ke that4 /ou ha'en't e'en k!ssed $e)" "6 don't need to k!ss #ou to know !t's go!ng to "e one he%% o( an e&per!en*e) +orr# to "e so "%unt, "ut sure%# #ou understand that there are t!$es when a $an gets !nto a state o( *ons!dera"%e (rustrat!on) 6 don't th!nk 6 *an *ope w!th the pre%!$!nar!es, Tasha , 6''e "een at sea too %ong! 6 ha'e no !ntent!on o( %ett!ng $#se%( get aroused "# a wo$an who !ntends to sa# no ten $!nutes %ater) +ure%# #ou $ust ha'e guessed wh# 6 d!dn't want to get too *%ose on the dan*e (%oor- #ou're not that na!'e) 2e%!e'e$e, !n nor$a% *!r*u$stan*es 6 wou%dn't "e so *!r*u$spe*t)"

2ut she was that na!'e)+u*h a poss!"!%!t# had ne'er o**urred to her, and now she was (a*ed "# the sure know%edge that 2en needed a wo$an- and !( he *ou%d not ha'e her he wou%d soon (!nd another one) Tasha's head spun s!*k%# w!th the d!%e$$a) 6t was as we%% her (ee%!ngs were st!%% shuttered "eh!nd *%osed %!ds) "6 thought 6 $ade $# !ntent!ons per(e*t%# *%ear when 6 !ntrodu*ed $#se%(," he sa!d gra'e%#) "6'$ sure #ou understood) 6( #ou''e "een p%a#!ng $e a%ong w!th thoughts o( so$eth!ng other than a "r!e( en*ounter, Tasha, then #ou''e wasted #our t!$e and $!ne) 6( #ou (!nd $# suggest!on o((ens!'e, p%ease ask $e to %ea'e)" +o !t had not "een so$e $ag!*a% $agnet!s$, a(ter a%%) He had *on*entrated h!s e((orts on her ton!ght on%# "e*ause he thought the rewards had "een !$p%!*!t%# pro$!sed) 6t was true enough that 2en had warned her t!$e and aga!n- the (!rst (!ne (%ush o( ro$an*e had "%!nded her to the (u%% and (r!ghten!ng !$p%!*at!ons o( what he wanted) 9esp!te her !n(atuat!on, Tasha was not prepared to $ake a *o$$!t$ent %!ke that , and #et, she (e%t she *ou%d not "ear !t !( 2en Cra!g wa%ked out o( her %!(e) Her e#es *a$e open to the "%ur o( h!s we%%.kn!t (ra$e ha%(wa# a*ross the roo$) "6'd rather #ou sta#ed) 2ut 6 don't (a%% !nto "ed w!th an# $an on a (!rst date)" +he tr!ed 'er# hard to $ake her 'o!*e (%!ppant) "6t takes a %!tt%e %onger than that)" "Ah)" He was s!%ent (or a t!$e) "6'%% on%# "e !n town (or s!& da#s, Tasha) 3!%% 6 "e wast!ng $# t!$e !( 6 see #ou e'er# one o( the$4 How %ong do 6 ha'e to keep up the *ourtsh!p r!tua%4" "Oh, 6 ne'er re%ent "e(ore the se'enth da#," she returned as %!ght%# as poss!"%e, tr#!ng to $ake a 0oke o( !t w!thout d!s*ourag!ng h!$ a%together) "6'%% take $# *han*es, then," de*!ded 2en a"rupt%#) "2ut "e warned) 6'$ not a $oonstru*k teenager and $atr!$on# !s nowhere !n $# $!nd) 6( #ou a%%ow $e to k!ss #ou, 6'%% want , $ore)"

He saw her e'er# da# (or the ne&t s!&) Terr!(!ed that the truth a"out her age and !ne&per!en*e wou%d *o$e out, Tasha kept a%% *on'ersat!ons on a %!ght super(!*!a% %e'e%, parr#!ng 2en's atte$pts to %earn $ore a"out the person "eneath the sur(a*e) +he a%so went to so$e %engths to pre'ent a $eet!ng "etween 2en and her (ather, $aneu'er!ng that was $ade eas# "e*ause Char%es ;ontgo$er# spent $ost da#s at the %!"rar#) Tasha kept ra!d!ng her $other's *%oset- the horn.r!$$ed g%asses spent $ost o( the!r t!$e !n the dresser drawer) +he "e*a$e pra*t!*ed at not s:u!nt!ng) +he and 2en wa%ked- the# ta%ked- the# d!ned out- the# went to $o'!es, wh!*h Tasha pretended to see- the# %aughed a great dea%) Tasha (ended o(( 2en's o**as!ona% %a*on!* suggest!on that !t was t!$e (or the re%at!onsh!p to progress (urther) He tou*hed her 'er# %!tt%e , a "rush!ng o( shou%ders, a hand rest!ng %!ght%# on her h!p, (!ngers runn!ng on*e through her %oose%# (%ow!ng ha!r) !tt%e tou*hes- e%e*tr!* tou*hes)And no pre%!$!nar!es) On the s!&th da#, %ea'!ngher at the (ront door, 2en k!ssed her %!ght%# on the (orehead) Tasha sa!d good"#e w!th a "ra'e "r!ght (a*e, re(us!ng to weep unt!% he had wa%ked down the (ront steps and out o( her %!(e, a %!(e that see$ed to *ru$"%e o'ern!ght) 2ut the ne&t da#, 0ust a(ter her (ather had %e(t (or the %!"rar#, the door"e%% rang) Tasha, *%ad !n 0eans and wear!ng her g%asses, answered !t w!th a hea'# heart, e&pe*t!ng no $!ra*%es) 6t was 2en) "6t's the se'enth da#, Tasha," he sa!d eas!%#, and stepped !ns!de) "/ou know, that's the (!rst t!$e 6''e seen #ou w!th those g%asses and w!thout $akeup4 /ou %ook a"out s!&teen)' "2en!" +he snat*hed the g%asses (ro$ her nose, and thrust the$ !nto a h!p po*ket) +he had %aughed and she had *r!ed, and she had hung herse%( %!ke a ne*k%a*e around

h!s shou%ders, 2en, 2en, 2en) E'er# se*ret o( her ado%es*ent worsh!p $ust ha'e "een re'ea%ed !n that $o$ent) "Are #ou a%one4" he $ur$ured !nto her ear) "/es , (or the a(ternoon," she to%d h!$, and at the t!$e she "e%!e'ed !t to "e true) He had k!ssed her then, and she had k!ssed h!$, a%%ow!ng her "od# to !nstru*t her !n the know%edge she %a*ked) E'en now Tasha *ou%d not per$!t herse%( to th!nk o( the deep e&pert k!sses that had aroused her so- o( the sk!%%ed hands that had r!oted o'er her awaken!ng "od# w!tha (er'or a%% the $ore !ntense (or "e!ng too %ong den!ed) Those were $e$or!es "est %e(t a%one- (or*!"%# she "%anked the$ (ro$ her $!nd) For*e !t a%% awa#, e'er#th!ng, e'er#th!ng<unt!% that $o$ent when her (ather arr!'ed unheard, not $ore than ten $!nutes %ater, at her "edroo$ door) +he had "een naked, a%read# !n "ed- 2en, sh!rt%ess and re$o'!ng the "e%t (ro$ the trousers that hugged h!s power(u% th!ghs, had "een stand!ng ta%% "es!de the "ed) ''3hat's go!ng on here4"Char%es ;ontgo$er# had de$anded !n d!s"e%!e( and outrage) Tasha snat*hed a sheet up to her *h!n, and sat stunned and sh!'er!ng) "+ure%# !t's o"'!ous," 2en rep%!ed %e'e%%#) Tasha *ou%dn't see h!s e&press!on, "ut she *ou%d hear the se%(.assuran*e !n h!s 'o!*e) He had not sounded asha$ed) There had "een $ore protestat!ons, $ore re*r!$!nat!ons (ro$ her (ather, ha%( d!re*ted at her, ha%( at 2en) At (!rst Tasha had "een too sho*ked to sa# an#th!ng !n her own de(ense or 2ert's) "A $an o( the wor%d %!ke #ou, tak!ng ad'antage o(...3h#, #ou shou%d "e asha$ed o( #ourse%(!Get out o( th!s house and ne'er %et $e see #ou aga!n! ;oreo'er 6 !ntend to speak to J!$ Arthur a"out, "

"Papa!"+he heard her 'o!*e !ntrud!ng !nto her (ather's t!rade) The words s!$p%# sp!%%ed out o( the!r own a**ord, w!th no (orethought (or *onse:uen*es) "2en's done noth!ng wrong! He's asked $e to $arr# h!$)" Her (ather, (a%ter!ng !n h!s !nd!*t$ents, turned toward 2en) "6s th!s true4" Tasha *ou%d (ee% 2en's e#es turn !n her d!re*t!on) The heat rose to her *heeks and her %ashes (e%%, sh!e%d!ng her (ro$ the a**usat!on she knew $ust "e there) "+he hasn't g!'en $e her answer #et," 2en sa!d s%ow%#, w!th a tou*h o( s*orn !n h!s 'o!*e) The tens!ons !n the a!r were "roken "# her (ather) "/ou $!ght ha'e wa!ted unt!% she ga'e !t," he sa!d angr!%#) "3e%%, Tasha, what!s #our answer4" E'en to prote*t herse%( or 2en, Tasha knew she shou%d not trap h!$ "# sa#!ng #es now) He had ne'er e'en to%d her he %o'ed herA and he had *erta!n%# $ade h!s '!ews on $arr!age *%ear) 2ut there were too $an# pressures to *ontend w!th, not %east o( the$ her own hearts!*k ado%es*ent adorat!on o( the ta%%, (or*e(u%, '!r!%e $an who had stor$ed !nto her %!(e on%# a week "e(ore) "/es," she sa!d, head !n a s!*k wh!r%) "3hen #ou're de*ent *o$e downsta!rs and we'%% ta%k a"out !t," Char%es ;ontgo$er# had sa!d st!((%# and 'an!shed) 2en (o%%owed $ore s%ow%# to the door, pu%%!ng h!s sh!rt o'er "road tanned shou%ders as he went)

"6'$ sorr# 6 d!d that, 2en," wh!spered Tasha !n agon#, know!ng her (ather wou%d "e wa!t!ng 0ust "e#ond earshot, !n the ha%%) "Oh, 2en<#ou d!dn't a*tua%%# ha'e to propose)" "6t see$s to $e," 2en sa!d dr#%#, "that 6 d!dn't) For on*e, the answer *a$e "e(ore the :uest!on)" "/ou don't ha'e to go through w!th !t," Tasha started to protest, "ut a%read# 2en was gone) 2# the t!$e she rea*hed the %!'!ng roo$, hurr#!ng !n order that 2en and her (ather wou%d not "e a%one together (or too %ong, !t see$ed her %!(e had a%read# "een arranged (or her) Char%es ;ontgo$er# had sa!d noth!ng to "etra# Tasha's age, poss!"%# "e*ause he assu$ed that 2en a%read# knew !t- "ut he had $ade !t *%ear that h!s '!ews on $arr!age were o%d.(ash!oned and that he had no !ntent!on o( a%%ow!ng Tasha (urther opportun!t!es to *o$pro$!se her '!rtue) There was to "e a :u!et *ere$on# !n the ;ontgo$er# ho$e !n s!& weeks' t!$e) Tasha and her (ather wou%d ha'e to $ake a%% the arrange$ents- 2en had $atters to attend to e%sewhere) A%read# he had de%a#ed h!s (%!ght to "e there that da#) "6'%% return two da#s "e(ore the wedd!ng," he to%d the$, h!s 'o!*e now *r!sp and "us!ness%!ke) "6''e pro$!sed ;r) Arthur 6'%% "e "a*k !n ondon a"out that t!$e) He's draw!ng up a *ontra*t, now that we''e *o$e to an agree$ent on how the "ook shou%d "e hand%ed)" "Oh4" sa!d Char%es ;ontgo$er# w!thout (urther *o$$ent) 2ut (or on*e, he d!d not sound 'ague) 2en had no *%ose (a$!%# to !n'!te) H!s parents were %ong s!n*e dead, and the $an who had "een h!s guard!an dur!ng $ost o( h!s #outh was now a se$!.!n'a%!d, una"%e to tra'e% , a%though !t was he, Tasha now d!s*o'ered, who had taken 2en a"road at an ear%# age) 6t ga'e her a *ur!ous knotted (ee%!ng to rea%!1e that her re%at!onsh!p w!th 2en had "een so super(!*!a% that she had not e'en %earned those th!ngs) ;oreo'er, the super(!*!a%!t# had "eenher own (au%t , the resu%t o( too $u*h 'er"a% (en*!ng

dur!ng the past week) 2en had tr!ed o(ten enough to get through the "arr!ers, and Tasha, *aught !n her we" o( %!es, had not a%%owed !t) 9ur!ng the weeks that (o%%owed Tasha a%ternated "etween deep $!ser# and a "!ttersweet ha1e o( ant!*!pat!on, as she *ons!dered the prospe*t o( her ado%es*ent drea$s o( ro$an*e *o$!ng true) +he *onso%ed herse%( !n opt!$!st!* $o$ents "# th!nk!ng that !( 2en were tru%#unw!%%!ng, there was noth!ng to $ake h!$ turn up (or the wedd!ng) And then, at the 'er# prospe*t o( h!s not turn!ng up, she wou%d "e on*e $ore p%unged !nto deep despa!r) For the (!rst t!$e !n h!s %!(e Char%es ;ontgo$er# see$ed aware o( her !nner$ost sens!t!'!t!es) "3hat's trou"%!ng #ou, Tasha4" he asked so$"er%# a"out three weeks "e(ore the wedd!ng, when she %aughed too "r!ght%# o'er noth!ng, her e#es too sh!n# "eneath the!r new *onta*t %enses) "Oh, papa...." A%% at on*e she was !n tears, and she so""ed out her dou"t and her heart"reak and her *erta!nt# that 2en wou%d not turn up as pro$!sed) "9on't worr#," Char%es ;ontgo$er# sa!d w!th a gr!$ness and deter$!nat!on Tasha had ne'er heard "e(ore, "he'%% "e here)" 6t was not unt!% %ater that !t o**urred to Tasha that her (ather $!ght ha'e "rought pressure to "ear on 2en through h!s (r!end J!$ Arthur) That thought o((ered no *onso%at!on- !t %e(t her wret*hed "e#ond "e%!e() Though tota%%# $!sera"%e, she was a%$ost re%!e'ed when 2en d!d not turn up two da#s "e(ore the wedd!ng as pro$!sed) 2ut he had turned up (or the *ere$on# !tse%(, ha%( an hour %ate) H!s tard# appearan*e ga'e Tasha no *o$(ort, (or !t was *%ear that he was !n a 'o%*an!* (ra$e o( $!nd) H!s $outh was drawn, h!s e#es "%a*k.r!$$ed- and when Char%es ;ontgo$er# asked h!$ st!((%# where he had "een, 2en d!d not e'en answer) And what had (o%%owed that n!ght was st!%%, !n Tasha's $!nd, too hurt(u% to *onte$p%ate"ut the worst o( !t a%% had started w!th those words8

"For God's sake, Tasha, grow up!" P!*k!ng up the (resh new *op# o( the (ash!on $aga1!ne, she r!pped the (ront *o'er o(( and shredded !t sa'age%# !nto p!e*es)

CHAPTER T3O

The resu%ts o( the photograph were not %ong !n $ak!ng the$se%'es (e%t) A *a%% *a$e (ro$ the agen*# a week %ater) Tasha was to present herse%( at the House o( Fa"!enne, $ost (a"u%ous o( a%% *os$et!* *o$pan!es, head:uartered !n desp!te the Fren*h sound o( the na$e) "6 th!nk the# $ust "e %ook!ng (or a new Fa"!enne wo$an," the $anager (ro$ the agen*# to%d her on the te%ephone)"+o %ook #our $ost "eaut!(u%, Tasha! Th!s *ou%d "e 'er# %u*rat!'e (or a%% o( us !( ;a& Fa"!enne %!kes #ou) 6 hear that ea*h #ear he persona%%# p!*ks the $ode% he wants to use) ' "And dates her, too," returned Tasha dr#%#) "6 don't rea%%# want to "e the %atest (!%%# !n ;a&!$!%!en Fa"!enne's sta"%e)" "/ou *an hand%e h!$," *a$e the *heer(u% answer, show!ng $ore *on(!den*e than Tasha herse%( (e%t) "And so$e g!r%s don't th!nk ;a& Fa"!enne !s a (ate worse than death, #ou know) He's 'er# d!st!ngu!shed %ook!ng) Generous, too , and :u!te a *har$er, 6 hear)" "6'$ sure) He's had p%ent# o( opportun!t!es to pra*t!*e h!s *har$s) A new one e'er# #ear)" "Oh, Tasha, he's not %!ke that) 3ord !s that he doesn't a*tua%%# do an#th!ng w!th h!s $ode%s , 0ust %!kes to "e seen w!th a prett# g!r% on h!s ar$) 6t's a%% part o( the pu"%!* !$age! 3e%%, *an 6 *on(!r$ th!s (or Thursda#4" "6'%% go, "ut 6 won't pro$!se to do !t)" ondon,

"6 won't pro$!se #ou'%% "e o((ered !t," returned the wo$an) "2ut tr#, w!%% #ou4 '' The House o( Fa"!enne was a%% *hro$e and g%ass and spa*e, and de*orated w!th the $ost stunn!ng re*ept!on!sts Tasha had e'er seen) On%# one (e$a%e, a *r!sp ho$e%# wo$an o( a"out s!&t#, was %ess than gorgeous) +he !nha"!ted an o((!*e ne&t to ;a& Fa"!enne's and *%ear%# 'etted an#one who was to pass through to the !nner san*tu$) +he !ntrodu*ed herse%( $ere%# as ;or%e#- Tasha was unsure whether !t was (!rst na$e or %ast) "Just ;or%e#," s$!%ed the wo$an !n a wa# that d!d n!*e th!ngs (or her p%a!n (a*e) +he spent a (ew $!nutes *hatt!ng w!th Tasha "e(ore %ead!ng her !n to $eet ;a& Fa"!enne) He greeted her !n an o((!*e the s!1e o( Tasha's who%e apart$ent, (urn!shed w!th a %a'!sh use o( g%ass and pear%.gra# suede, e'en to pear%.gra# suede on the wa%%s) ;a& Fa"!enne was a re$arka"%# we%%.preser'ed $an, (!t and tanned, w!th d!st!ngu!shed gra#!ng te$p%es and the $anner o( an o%d.wor%d gent%e$an) He was, Tasha guessed, !n h!s $!dd%e #ears, pro"a"%# near (!(t#) The o"0e*t o( the !nter'!ew, !t see$ed, was not to d!s*uss a *ontra*t, "ut to d!s*uss Tasha) ;a& Fa"!enne had a wa# o( re$a!n!ng po%!te and deta*hed w!thout "e!ng a%oo( , a su"t%# reassur!ng $anner that was a%$ost that o( the pro(ess!ona% %!stener, do*tor or *ounse%or) H!s !$persona% !nterest a%%owed Tasha to answer h!s :uest!ons w!thout "e*o$!ng un*o$(orta"%e) H!s 'o!*e was so(t and sooth!ng, rather %!ke the pa%e pear% suede on wh!*h Tasha sat, herse%( a *o$p%e$ent to the $uted de*or !n an understated *outur!er su!t o( nu""%# wh!te woo%) "6'$ happ# to see #ou're so pro$pt, ;!ss Cra!g," ;a& Fa"!enne o"ser'ed as soon as ;or%e# had %e(t the$ a%one together) "Thank #ou, "ut !t's ;rs) Cra!g," she *orre*ted h!$, de*!d!ng !t was "est to set that $atter stra!ght !$$ed!ate%#)

"/ou're $arr!ed4" Tasha re(%e*ted that !( she was !ndeed o((ered th!s ass!gn$ent, !t wou%d "e !$poss!"%e to *on*ea% the truth, as she o(ten d!d (ro$ te$porar# *%!ents) "6''e "een separated (or near%# se'en #ears," she ad$!tted) H!s "rows %!(ted at her answer) "/ou don't appear to "e o( an age (or that," he $ur$ured) "6 re*ent%# turned twent#.(our)" ";arr!ed so #oung4" "/es) 6t d!dn't %ast %ong)" "A %ong t!$e to go w!thout a d!'or*e," he o"ser'ed) Tasha %ooked h!$ stra!ght !n the e#e) "6''e a%wa#s (ound the $arr!age use(u%," she sa!d *oo%%#) "6t pre'ents entang%e$ents) 6'$ not !nterested !n entang%e$ents , o( an# k!nd) '' ;a& Fa"!enne %e(t that $atter (or the $o$ent and turned to 'ar!ous :uest!ons a"out her s*hoo%!ng) The answers see$ed to $eet w!th h!s (a'or) "How %ong ha'e #ou "een $ode%!ng4" "+!& #ears, "ut on%# one as a photographers' $ode%) 2e(ore that, 6 was do!ng show!ngs !n s$a%% Par!s sa%ons)" "Not too $u*h $aga1!ne e&posure then- that's an ad'antage) 3hat $ade #ou de*!de on the *areer4"

Tasha hes!tated and then, "e*ause ;a& Fa"!enne had turned out to "e a surpr!s!ng%# *o$(orta"%e sort o( person, she to%d the truth) "6 was desperate to earn $one#, :u!te a %ot o( $one#, and as (ast as poss!"%e) ;# (ather was a 1oo%og!st and he d!ed %ea'!ng enor$ous de"ts) He'd "een he%p!ng to (!nan*e one o( h!s own e&ped!t!ons, and he se%do$ trou"%ed h!$se%( a"out th!ngs %!ke $one#, e&*ept to "orrow !t) One o( $# s*hoo% (r!ends had started $ode%!ng !n Par!s a"out that t!$e, and she eased $e !nto !t) 2e!ng ta%% he%ped, too)" "And these, ah, *rush!ng de"ts4" "6''e 0ust (!n!shed pa#!ng the$ o(()" +udden%#, Tasha (ound herse%( want!ng th!s 0o" 'er# "ad%#8 there had "een too $an# %ean #ears) "6 take !t #our hus"and has ne'er supported #ou)" 6t was a state$ent, not a :uest!on) "That's r!ght)" For an !nstant Tasha g%an*ed down at her s%ender tapered (!ngers w!th the!r po%!shed pear%.p!nk na!%s, "ut other than that, her e&press!on re$a!ned tota%%# serene) 3hen she %ooked up aga!n she s$!%ed *o$posed%#) "6''e ne'er asked h!$ to," she sa!d) "6( 6 de*!de to use #ou !t $!ght "e "etter !( #ou d!'or*ed h!$) Or wou%d he "e d!((!*u%t a"out !t4" Tasha we!ghed her answer (or a $o$ent) +o (ar, she had "een !$pressed "# ;a& Fa"!enne- he *erta!n%# d!d not see$ the t#pe to ha'e u%ter!or $ot!'es) "No, he wou%dn't "e d!((!*u%t) 2en was ne'er the $arr#!ng t#pe, and !( he hasn't sought a d!'or*e h!$se%( there's on%# one reason)" At the po%!te :uest!on $ark !n ;a& Fa"!enne's (a*e, she added dr#%#8 "He *an hard%# get *aught !n a $ar!ta% trap !( he's a%read# !n one)" "Then #ou *ou%d se*ure a d!'or*e)"

"6( 6 w!shed)" Or an annu%$ent, she added !n her head, w!thout sa#!ng !t out %oud) "6t wou%d "e no trou"%e)" ";$$)" ;a& Fa"!enne paused as !( !n thought, and (or a (ew $!nutes *onte$p%ated Tasha through ha%(.*%osed gra# s%ate e#es) A s:uare "u((ed (!ngerna!% tapped aga!nst a p%ate g%ass ta"%etop ne&t to the *ha!r he o**up!ed) "9o #ou ha'e an# o"0e*t!on to tra'e%!ng4 ;ost o( our shots are done on %o*at!on)" To Tasha's re%!e(, the :uest!ons now "e*a$e %ess persona%) At the end o( the !nter'!ew, she had no !dea whether she had "een h!red or not) 2ut that e'en!ng, a (%or!st's "o& arr!'ed at her apart$ent) 6t *onta!ned two do1en %ong.ste$$ed roses, a**o$pan!ed "# a s$a%% *ard w!th !nstru*t!ons to return to ;a& Fa"!enne's o((!*e on the $orrow) Nest%!ng a$!dst the (%owers was an e&:u!s!te pear% ne*k%a*e w!th a d!a$ond *%asp) C#n!*a%%# *erta!n that she now understood ;a& Fa"!enne's !ntent!ons, she returned the ne*k%a*e "# $essenger the (o%%ow!ng $orn!ng w!thout e&p%anat!on and (a!%ed to appear (or the se*ond !nter'!ew) To her surpr!se, the phone !n her s$a%% apart$ent rang an hour %ater) ";a& Fa"!enne here," sa!d that so(t we%%.$odu%ated 'o!*e) "9!d #ou $!sunderstand $e, Natasha4 6 $a# *a%% #ou Natasha, $a# 6 not4 6'$ o((er!ng #ou the opportun!t# to "e the Fa"!enne wo$an (or th!s ne&t #ear) /ou $ust know what that $eans , (a$e and (ortune) ;# $ode%s are on%# the "est) The# do rather we%% (or the$se%'es a(ter %ea'!ng $# e$p%o#)" "6 understand per(e*t%# we%%, ;r) Fa"!enne," Tasha rep%!ed *oo%%#) "The 0o" sounds (!ne) 6t's the (r!nge "ene(!ts 6 don't %!ke)" "Ah, "ut 6 th!nk #ou do $!sunderstand $e) The pear%s represent our newest *os$et!* %!ne, Essen*e o( Pear%) The# ha'e no , how sha%% 6 sa# !t , no str!ngs atta*hed) To "e the Fa"!enne wo$an *a%%s (or pu"%!* per(or$an*es, not pr!'ate ones)"

"6 w!sh 6 *ou%d "e%!e'e that)" "Perhaps #ou w!%% a(ter %un*h) 6''e $ade reser'at!ons (or one o'*%o*k) ;# *hau((eur w!%% p!*k #ou up) He w!%% ha'e the pear%s w!th h!$) 3ear the$," he to%d her, and w!th a (ew $ore !nstru*t!ons, he rang o(() Cur!ous now rather than hope(u%, Tasha attended the %un*h, !n a restaurant (a$ed (or !ts astrono$!*a% pr!*es as $u*h as (or !ts e&:u!s!te *u!s!ne) ;a& Fa"!enne was sua'e and attent!'e and a per(e*t gent%e$an, and !t was hard to d!s"e%!e'e h!$ when he to%d her o( the reasons "eh!nd h!s a*t!ons) "The pear%s were $# wa# o( (!nd!ng out a"out #ou, Natasha) A(ter $ore than a :uarter *entur# o( dea%!ng w!th the $ode%!ng pro(ess!on 6 ha'e (ound there are too $an# wo$en w!%%!ng to thrust so$eth!ng $# wa# that 6 ha'en't asked (or) Had #ou a**epted the pear%s and appeared (or the !nter'!ew, 6 wou%d ha'e thanked #ou po%!te%# (or #our t!$e , and w!shed #ou good"#e) 6n send!ng the$ "a*k #ou assured #ourse%( o( the 0o", espe*!a%%# as ;or%e# appro'es o( #ou, too) 6'$ h!r!ng a $ode%, $# dear *h!%d, not a $!stress) 2# the wa#, 6 h!gh%# re*o$$end the sa%ade n!Bo!se , the *he( here has a wa# w!th greens, and the#'re $ar'e%ous (or the *o$p%e&!on) +ha%% 6 order (or #ou4 One *an't "e too *are(u% a"out su*h th!ngs as d!et) 3e%%, Natasha<#es or no4" "To wh!*h :uest!on4" "3!%% #ou "e the new Fa"!enne wo$an4" "/es , 6 w!%%," agreed Tasha, "as %ong as we understand ea*h other)" "Good) Then that answers $# other :uest!on) 6 w!%% order (or #ou)" A(ter do!ng so, he went on, "6 $ust warn #ou that 6'%% take an !nt!$ate !nterest !n e'er# deta!% o( #our %!(e , e&*ept the one aspe*t #ou see$ed to "e worr!ed a"out) 3hat #ou eat,

what #ou wear, where #ou go , a%% these th!ngs are a part o( the pu"%!* !$age #ou $ust pro0e*t, a pu"%!* !$age 6 !ntend to or*hestrate) E'en su*h s$a%% th!ngs as the ne*k%a*e #ou $ust a**ept, and other tr!(%es as we%%) There's noth!ng persona% !n these g!(ts) /ou see, Natasha, $# own pu"%!* !$age !s a%so !n'o%'ed) Peop%e e&pe*t $e to shower #ou w!th g!(ts and attent!ons, and !t $akes good press) 6 want e'er# wo$an !n the wor%d to know that ;a& Fa"!enne *an $ake a wo$an (ee% %!ke a wo$an , prote*ted, pa$pered, *osseted, %o'ed, wh!r%ed !nto a wor%d o( e&*!te$ent and ro$an*e "e#ond her w!%dest drea$s) 3hat the pu"%!* sees !n the $an the# see !n the produ*t, and what the# see !n the produ*t the# "u#) 2# the wa#, 6''e arranged (or a "o& at the theater ton!ght).An open!ng "ene(!t per(or$an*e) 6t w!%% "e a rather (or$a% a((a!r w!th a re*ept!on a(terward)" Tasha, d!s$a#ed "# the speed w!th wh!*h her %!(e was "e!ng rearranged, de$urred) "6'$ not sure 6 ha'e su!ta"%e *%othes, ;r) Fa"!enne) 6 %!'e a 'er# s!$p%e %!(e)" ";a&, (ro$ now on," he *orre*ted her) "And #ou w!%% ha'e su!ta"%e *%othes) 2# the t!$e 6 de%!'er #ou "a*k to #our apart$ent , ;or%e# w!%% (!nd #ou a "etter one, "# the wa#- #our address !s not 'er# (ash!ona"%e , there shou%d "e :u!te a *ho!*e) +e'era% *outur!ers are de%!'er!ng se%e*t!ons 6 *hose persona%%# th!s $orn!ng) 6 re*o$$end the wh!te *repe, !( !t (!ts) 6t has a *erta!n e%egant s!$p%!*!t# o( %!ne) Natura%%#, (ro$ now on, #our *%othes w!%% "e espe*!a%%# des!gned (or #ou on $# persona% !nstru*t!ons) +e'era% (!tt!ngs are s*hedu%ed (or to$orrow, start!ng at noon) A %!tt%e %ate, !t !s true, "ut a(ter the theater ton!ght, #ou w!%% need #our "eaut# s%eep, h$$4" And so !t a%% "egan , the wh!r% o( e&!sten*e pun*tuated w!th %ong and e&haust!ng photograph# sess!ons) ;a& Fa"!enne, Tasha had to ad$!t, had rea*hed the top o( h!s pro(ess!on (or good reason) He took ad'!*e (ro$ no one "ut ;or%e#, who had "een h!s wo$an Fr!da# s!n*e da# one) He was t!re%ess !n h!s pursu!t o( per(e*t!on- no deta!% was too s$a%% (or h!s attent!on) He passed 0udg$ent on e'er#th!ng8 Tasha's gowns, Tasha's shoes, Tasha's 0ewe%s and (urs, Tasha's new apart$ent, the *o%or o( her %!pst!*k and the shade o( her e#eshadow) On%# her ha!r he %e(t a%one, other than

to de*ree the e&a*t sha$poo she $ust use e'er# $orn!ng) "Per(e*t," he to%d her)"2%a*k, s!%k#, sensuous , a s!ren's ha!r) 2ut the %ength and the stra!ghtness g!'e a tou*h o( !nno*en*e, h$$4 !ke Aphrod!te e$erg!ng (ro$ the sea, st!%% untou*hed "ut w!th a%% the know%edge o( the ages !n her "ones< ah, that !s the !$age 6 want (or $# new %!ne, the 9ren*hed ook) 3e $ust photograph !t "# the sea)" Tasha had %earned "# now that ;a&'s thought patterns re'o%'ed !n*essant%# around the *os$et!*s !ndustr#) That was h!s (!rst %o'e, h!s %!(e, h!s o"sess!on) No wonder there wasno roo$ (or an# wo$an !n h!s e&!sten*e, "e#ond the *urrent Fa"!enne wo$an! There(ore, when he proposed three $onths a(ter tak!ng o'er her %!(e, she %!stened w!th a surpr!se "order!ng on sho*k) He had *o$e !nto her apart$ent (or a n!ght*apthe# were seated !n su$ptuous surround!ngs, on a 'e%'et.*o'ered *ou*h o( pa%e gra# , ;a&'s (a'or!te *o%or (or Tasha's apart$ent, as we%% as (or h!s own o((!*e) "Pure%# a "us!ness arrange$ent, $# dear Natasha," he to%d her !n an e$ot!on%ess 'e%'et 'o!*e) "6''e "een !ntend!ng to $arr# (or se'era% #ears now, and on%# *!r*u$stan*es ha'e pre'ented $e (ro$ do!ng so) And 6 (ee% 6 $ust $arr# a Fa"!enne wo$an , the !$age, #ou know) Frank%#, 6 wou%d ha'e asked the %ast one "ut (or the (a*t that she $ade the $!stake o( ad'ert!s!ng herse%( as too a'a!%a"%e to other *o$ers) 6 *ou%dn't a((ord !n(!de%!t# !n a w!(e! And the one "e(ore that "e*a$e engaged to so$e pre'!ous "o#(r!end) 6n an# *ase, 6 de*!ded a(ter $eet!ng #ou that a d!'or*ed wo$an $!ght su!t $# purposes "est- then, there w!%% "e %ess ta%k o( a w!nter.spr!ng a((a!r) 6''e "een wat*h!ng #ou *%ose%#) /ou ha'e a *erta!n (ast!d!ousness that appea%s to $e) Perhaps 6 shou%d state that $ore p%a!n%#4" "P%ease do," Tasha re:uested, p%a#!ng (or t!$e) Her $!nd spun *ra1!%#- ;a& Fa"!enne had "e*o$e a%$ost a (ather (!gure to her, and she *ou%d st!%% not *on*e!'e o( the !dea o( "e*o$!ng h!s w!(e)

"6t's d!((!*u%t to put !t de%!*ate%#) +ha%% 6 sa# #ou see$ to ha'e no part!*u%ar !nterest !n the oppos!te se&4 3e%%< ha'e 6 o"ser'ed *orre*t%#4" Tasha de*!ded that honest# was the "est approa*h- "# now, she knew ;a& Fa"!enne we%% enough that she *ou%d "e :u!te outspoken) +he answered h!$ :u!et%#, "6 suppose #ou're r!ght) ;# s$a%% e&per!en*e o( $arr!age put $e o(( $en) 6 used to date on o**as!on, "ut 6 soon (ound that the $en !n'o%'ed e&pe*ted $ore than 6 was prepared to g!'e) A(ter a t!$e 6 de*!ded !t was eas!er not to date at a%%) 6t'strue, 6 don't ha'e $u*h !nterest !n $en) " "Ah)" ;a& regarded her through narrowed *onte$p%at!'e e#es) "For $#se%(, 6 ha'e a (!er*e !nterest !n wo$en , "ut (or a%% wo$en, and !n the purest aesthet!* sense)3o$en as o"0e*ts o( "eaut#, not as su"0e*ts o( so$e rather d!staste(u% ath%et!* enterpr!se) And #et a w!(e wou%d "e 'er# use(u% to $e) 6'$ a rea%!st, $# dear) 6'$ :u!te aware that $# #ears o( appear!ng to "e a dash!ng othar!o are near!ng an end) ;# t!$e !s runn!ng out, Natasha) Fa*e%!(ts *an do on%# so $u*h!" ;a& Fa"!enne appeared, or pretended, not to not!*e the *ur!ous g%an*e Tasha *ast h!$ at th!s re'e%at!on) He went on, "An e%der%# $an es*ort!ng a stunn!ng #oung $ode% around town "e*o$es an o"0e*t o( p!t# , not en'#) 6'$ s!&t# now- d!d #ou know that4" Tasha was start%ed- he see$ed no $ore than (!(t#) "No, ;a&, 6 d!dn't rea%!1e)" "6 thought !t "est to "e honest !( we are to enter !nto a new k!nd o( *ontra*t) 9oes !t (r!ghten #ou4 Ten, perhaps (!(teen #ears o( ser'!ng as *o$pan!on to a $an !n h!s de*%!n!ng #ears...+o$eda# #ou wou%d "e a 'er# wea%th# wo$an, Natasha) 3e%%, ha'e 6 #our answer4 6t shou%d not take $ore than a (ew $onths to put an end to #our *harade o( a $arr!age)" Tasha %!*ked her %!ps) "6 dou"t !t wou%d take that %ong, ;a&) To te%% the truth, 6 *ou%d ha'e ended !t #ears ago, !( 6 had *ared to)"

;a& ra!sed a :u!11!*a% e#e"row) "An annu%$ent," Tasha e&p%a!ned) "6t was ne'er *onsu$$ated) 6 was on%# w!th h!$ one n!ght and noth!ng< happened)" Re$e$"er!ng now how pa!n(u% that "noth!ng" had "een,Tasha h!d the $e$or# "eh!nd a %!ght de(ens!'e %augh) "6 suppose 6 *ou%d use the e'!den*e now," she sa!d) ;a& see$ed a%ar$ed) "6'd pre(er #ou d!dn't do that, Natasha) Peop%e are "ound to "e *ur!ous as to wh# the $arr!age was ne'er *onsu$$ated) 6t wou%d do $# !$age no good !( peop%e thought 6 was $arr#!ng a wo$an who was, er, !n*apa"%e o( sat!s(#!ng a $an)" "2ut that's e&a*t%# what #ou are do!ng," Tasha po!nted out w!th a $!rth%ess s$!%e) "Ah, "ut that's a se*ret "etween #ou and $e, $# dear) No, th!s $ust "e done "# d!'or*e) 6n (a*t, a(ter so$e thought on the $atter 6''e de*!ded!t's "est !( #our hus"and d!'or*es#ou , na$!ng $e as *orespondent) 3e *ou%d pro'!de h!$ w!th e'!den*e o( !n(!de%!t#, h$$4" Tasha stared at ;a& w!th deep surpr!se, and on%# the (a*t that she d!d not w!sh to o((end h!$ pre'ented her (ro$ g!'!ng 'o!*e to a %augh that wou%d ha'e "een :u!te genu!ne th!s t!$e) ";anu(a*tured out o( who%e *%oth, o( *ourse," ;a& e%a"orated s!%k!%# to Tasha's re%!e() "+ure%# #our hus"and wou%d "e a$ena"%e)" "6 don't know," Tasha sa!d s%ow%#) 2en wou%d ha'e no *o$pun*t!on a"out shedd!ng her, she knew- "ut !n h!s own t!$e and !n h!s own wa#) 6t was ent!re%# poss!"%e that, !( asked (or h!s *ooperat!on, he wou%d not g!'e !t) "He $!ght take a not!on to re(use) 2en *an "e 'er#< stu""orn)" ";one# $!ght "e an !ndu*e$ent," ;a& suggested)

"3!th so$e peop%e, #es)+o$ehow 6 don't th!nk !t wou%d !n th!s *ase) " "/et 6 !$ag!ned he was not a wea%th# $an) 9!dn't #ou sa# he had ne'er supported #ou4 6 had '!s!ons o( a rather (e*k%ess (e%%ow , a ro%%!ng stone, as !t were)" Tasha "e*a$e un*o$(orta"%# *ons*!ous o( her heart"eat) 3h# d!d e'en the thought o( 2en $ake her hurt so$ewhere !n the reg!on o( her r!"s4 "A ro%%!ng stone< #es, 6 suppose he !s that) 2ut 6 !$ag!ne he's not "ad%# o(( "# now) H!s %atest "ook d!d :u!te we%% , an a**ount o( how he sa!%ed s!ng%e.handed%# around the wor%d) He's not the (!rst to do !t, "ut there's a%wa#s an aud!en*e (or that sort o( th!ng)" ;a&'s (!ne e#e"rows ra!sed a (ra*t!on at that p!e*e o( news) "Cra!g, Cra!g<not 2ennett Cra!g, "# *han*e4 /es, 6''e read so$e o( h!s art!*%es) H!s ket*h !s *a%%edAda$'s Fo%%#, 6 "e%!e'e4An ad'enturer, then, o( sorts)" "That's r!ght) 2en's the !ndependent t#pe) He *an a%so "e 'er# "%unt when he *hooses) 6( #ou o((ered h!$ $one# he $!ght te%% #ou to< to..." "Go to he%%4 Or w!%% h!s %anguage "e e'en *ruder than that4" ;a& ga'e a short, so(t *#n!*a% %augh) ";# %aw#ers *an "e 'er# persuas!'e, Natasha) 6( #ou g!'e $e so$e !dea o( where #our hus"and *an "e rea*hed..." "6 ha'e no !dea where he !s," Tasha sa!d, sudden%# (ee%!ng e&hausted) "6n an# *ase, ;a&, 6 th!nk 2en wou%d "e $ore *ooperat!'e !( 6 *onta*ted h!$ $#se%() 6 *ou%d pro"a"%# $anage to do that through h!s pu"%!sher)" "E&*e%%ent, e&*e%%ent)Then, !( he see$s un*ooperat!'e, #ou *an d!'or*e h!$) 6n(!de%!t#, 6 th!nk, wou%d $ake "etter press than desert!on...Ah, #es, a %!tt%e pu"%!*!t# suggest!ng that #our (or$er hus"and !s a wo$an!1er wou%d do $# !$age no har$, no har$ at a%%! 3e'%% $arr# as soon as, "

";a&," !nterrupted Tasha, "#ou ha'en't a*tua%%# heard $# answer) " "2ut, $# dear, 6 ha'e)" ;a& p!*ked up her unres!st!ng hand (ro$ the edge o( the 'e%'et.*o'ered *ou*h and depos!ted a d!s*reet k!ss on her (!ngert!ps) "/ou ga'e $e #our answer when #ou o((ered to get !n tou*h w!th #our hus"and) 9o #ou know, 6 "e%!e'e (!re opa%s wou%d su!t #ou 'er#we%%) Or perhaps "%a*k pear%s..." And so, "e*ause "# then she was !ndeed :u!te (ond o( ;a& , and perhaps a%so "e*ause she was to so$e e&tent "eg!nn!ng to en0o# a %!(e that was organ!1ed (or her !nto reassur!ng%# %u&ur!ous *o$part$ents , Tasha a**epted, two da#s %ater, an engage$ent r!ng that was an enor$ous "%a*k pear% en*!r*%ed w!th d!a$onds o( no $ean s!1e) +he a%so $ade the phone *a%% to 2en's pu"%!sher , not J!$ Arthur- 2en had g!'en h!$ h!s wa%k!ng papers #ears "e(ore , and %e(t a $essage !$p%#!ng so$e urgen*#) Certa!n that 2en was !n so$e re$ote *orner o( the g%o"e, she e&pe*ted to hear noth!ng (or se'era% weeks) +urpr!s!ng%#, the *a%% *a$e %ate that sa$e n!ght , or perhaps, to "e $ore e&a*t, at two o'*%o*k the (o%%ow!ng $orn!ng, $o$ents a(ter Tasha had returned (ro$ a 'er# du%% and %ong.drawn.out e$"ass# re*ept!on) +he answered the r!ng!ng phone w!th no part!*u%ar e&pe*tat!ons, wonder!ng !( so$eone had d!a%ed the wrong nu$"er) "6 thought #ou were !n a hurr#," *a$e 2en's *oo% 'o!*e, e&a*t%# as !( !t had "een on%# #esterda# that she had spoken to h!$ %ast) Tasha's sto$a*h knotted as though !n the gr!p o( a g!ant (!st) H!s tone was so *asua% that he $!ght ha'e "een phon!ng (ro$ so$ewhere !n ondon, and on%# the stat!* o( poor %ongd!stan*e *o$$un!*at!on to%d her !t was not so) "6''e "een tr#!ng to get #ou (or (our hours) 3here ha'e #ou "een4" Tasha tr!ed to st!%% the thudd!ng o( her heart- she was sure !t *ou%d "e heard a*ross the w!res) 3as !t poss!"%e that the $ere sound o( h!s 'o!*e *ou%d "r!ng "a*k a%% the un*erta!nt!es o( her a*h!ng ado%es*en*e4 Her 'o!*e, when she $anaged to (!nd !t,

*a$e out as a parod# o( !tse%(, "r!tt%e and art!(!*!a%, a%% natura% husk!ness %ost !n the sho*k o( the $o$ent) "6 $!ght ask the sa$e o( #ou, 2en) On%# 6''e "een wonder!ng where #ou are (or a %ot %onger) +e'en #ears, !n (a*t! /ou. took o(( !n a terr!"%e hurr# a(ter our wedd!ng, d!dn't #ou4" "Not (ast enough," he sa!d, h!s 'o!*e $easured "ut *oo%%# !nsu%t!ng) "3hat's the "!g urgen*# to ta%k to $e a(ter a%% these #ears4" "6 want a d!'or*e," she sa!d) "9one,"*a$e the pro$pt and $o*k!ng answer) "And now that #ou ha'e !t, 6'%% sa# good"#e) 9on't *a%% $e, 6'%%, " "3a!t! 9on't hang up) 6'$ not 0ok!ng, 2en, 6 rea%%# do want a d!'or*e, and 6 need #our he%p)" "Ah)" There was a short hea'# s!%en*e) "3h# don't #ou 0ust get an annu%$ent, as #ou shou%d ha'e done #ears ago4 9on't "other answer!ng that- 6 !$ag!ne !t's "e*ause the proo( has %ong s!n*e "een ta$pered w!th)" Tasha (e%t her !ns!des *urd%!ng and took a t!ghter gr!p on the te%ephone w!re to stead#herse%( ) "6'$ go!ng to "e $arr!ed, 2en) 6'd %!ke that d!'or*e as soon as poss!"%e)" "Go r!ght ahead," he sa!d *oo%%#) "6'$ not stopp!ng #ou) 3ho's the un%u*k# $an4 9on't "other answer!ng that, e!ther- 6 rea%%# don't *are)" Tasha st!((ened) "The $an !s ;a& Fa"!enne," she sa!d) "That e&*use (or a hu$an "e!ng who's "een s:u!r!ng #ou around (or the past *oup%e o( $onths4" 2en *hu*k%ed, not too p%easant%#) "The two o( #ou deser'e ea*h other) Now, !( #ou'%% e&*use $e, there's so$eone wa!t!ng (or, "

"2en!" Tasha spoke sw!(t%#, *o$$un!*at!ng her urgen*#) "Th!s !s !$portant) 6 want #ou to d!'or*e$e) ;a& and 6 w!%% pro'!de #ou w!th e'!den*e)" Her words stopped 2en !n the a*t o( hang!ng up) Tasha heard h!$ %augh aga!n, th!s t!$e :u!te nast!%#) "3e%%, we%%) 6 *an on%# th!nk o( one reason (or go!ng a"out th!ngs !n su*h a "a*khanded wa#) 6 a%wa#s thought there was %ess to ;a& Fa"!enne than $et the e#e)As 6 sa!d, "rown e#es, a 'er# good $at*h (or #ou)" "3!%% #ou do !t or not4" "9o what4" "9!'or*e $e)" "6 to%d #ou, Tasha,"*a$e the der!s!'e answer, "6 a%read# d!d) 6 d!'or*ed #ou #ears ago)" "/ou<what4"The words were (a!nt, :u!te un%!ke Tasha's usua% se%(.possessed tones) +he had a%wa#s known th!s was a poss!"!%!t#- there were p%a*es !n the wor%d that *atered to short.order d!'or*es) A%% the sa$e, !t took her "# surpr!se) "Oh, d!dn't #ou get the papers4;ust ha'e "een an o'ers!ght)" To he%p her through the awkward $o$ent, Tasha %aughed , a tr!%%!ng %!tt%e %augh that was ner'es, pure ner'es)"+o$e o'ers!ght! Rea%%#, 2en, 6 do th!nk #ou $!ght ha'e %et $e know! '' Th!s t!$e the s!%en*e on the other end o( the phone was so %ong, so %aden, that Tasha (!na%%# sa!d, w!th another "r!ght $anu(a*tured %augh, "2en4 9!d #ou drop dead4 Or !s that 0ust w!sh(u% th!nk!ng4"

"6'$ st!%% here," he sa!d at %ast, h!s 'o!*e now no %onger $o*k!ng "ut *o%d and *ontro%%ed) "9o #ou ha'e proo( o( th!s d!'or*e4+o$e papers4" "/es," he sa!d !n a (%at tone, "6 ha'e proo()" "Can #ou send $e so$eth!ng4A notar!1ed *op#, perhaps4" Tasha *ou%d hear 2en's "reath!ng !n the phone) "6( #ou want the proo(," he sa!d s%ow%#, "#ou'%% ha'e to *o$e to where 6 a$ and get !t) " Tasha took a deep swa%%ow) "And 0ust e&a*t%# where are #ou4" she asked w!th a %!ghtness she d!d not (ee%) "6'%% te%% #ou !n a $!nute)" H!s tones were %ow, une$phat!*, and #et !n the 'er# st!%%ness o( h!s 'o!*e there was an !$p%!*!t warn!ng that to%d Tasha he $eant e'er# word he sa!d) "2ut (!rst %et $e te%% #ou th!s) 6( #ou don't *o$e where 6 want, when 6 want, 6'%% (!ght #ou e'er# !n*h o( the wa#) /ou'%% ne'er (!nd out where 6 got the d!'or*e, (or one th!ng) And !( #ou set a"out tr#!ng to get another one<wh#, 6'%% 0ust ha'e to $ake !t as d!((!*u%t as poss!"%e (or #ou) /ou d!d sa# #ou were !n a hurr#, d!dn't #ou4" Tasha *ontro%%ed her te$per) "6'$ sure 6 *an get a d!'or*e w!thout #our *ooperat!on, !( 6 $ust)' "On the other hand," 2en went on w!th a $o*k gen!a%!t# that (oo%ed Tasha not at a%%, "do as 6 sa#, and 6'%% *ooperate !n an# wa# #ou want) 3h#, 6 won't e'en spread nast# ru$ors a"out #ou and #our pop!n0a# (r!end ;a& , not that 6 wou%d an#wa#, "ut, " "That's enough, 2en," she sa!d *o%d%#) "Just g!'e $e a s$a%% h!nt a"out #our $ot!'es) A(ter se'en #ears o( not g!'!ng a da$n a"out $# wherea"outs, !t's hard to "e%!e'e

#ou're sudden%# an&!ous to see $e) 3h# do #ou want $e to *o$e to<where'er !t !s4" 2en hes!tated) " et's 0ust sa#," he suggested so(t%#, "that 6 ha'e a sudden !rres!st!"%e urge to see #ou)" Tasha's heart d!d a :u!*k (%op,then r!ghted !tse%( at on*e when she heard a $u((%ed wheed%!ng on the other end o( the %!ne) "2en, #ou sa!d..." The rest o( the senten*e was *ut o(() Tasha guessed that 2en had *o'ered the te%ephone w!th h!s hand, "ut not "e(ore she had re*ogn!1ed the !nterrupt!on as *o$!ng (ro$ a wo$an) "E&a*t%# where are #ou4" she asked %!ght%#, when he had *o$e "a*k on the %!ne) "6 assu$e !t's so$ep%a*e *!'!%!1ed, (or a *hange) 6( #ou were at the ends o( the earth, #ou wou%dn't "e runn!ng a*ross goss!p *o%u$ns a"out $e and ;a&)" "6 sawthose a *oup%e o( $onths ago, when 6 happened to "e !n "a*k !$pertur"a."%#) "Then #ou *an't "e so 'er# an&!ous to see $e a(ter a%%)" 2en %aughed der!s!'e%#)"=er# per*ept!'e o( #ou) +o 6'%% 0ust ha'e to %ea'e $# $ot!'es to #our !$ag!nat!on) 6( #ou want $# *ooperat!on, 6'%% e&pe*t #ou here<%et's see, as !t's an o'ern!ght (%!ght, 6 don't th!nk #ou *an $ake !t "e(ore the da# a(ter to$orrow)" Tasha gasped) "6 *erta!n%# *an't do that! 6 ha'e (!tt!ngs (or the ne&t two da#s and then 6 %ea'e (or Gree*e)" "Then *hange #our p%ans," he warned so(t%#) "6 *an't! There's a who%e p%ane%oad o( peop%e !n'o%'ed, and dead%!nes to $eet) 6 *an't reorgan!1e $# who%e %!(e 0ust (or #ou!" ondon," he *a$e

"/ou're ask!ng $e to reorgan!1e $# %!(e (or #ou," 2en po!nted out taunt!ng%#) "Now 6 *ou%d hang up and get "a*k to the 'er# press!ng "us!ness that's wa!t!ng here at hand...." Tasha heard a $u((%ed throat# gurg%e !n the "a*kground at h!s end and *o$pressed her %!ps) 3e%%, at %east she suspe*ted that 2en's $ot!'es, $urk# though the# $!ght "e, !n*%uded no des!gns on her own person) "6'%% ha'e to ask ;a& !( the shoot *an "e postponed," she *on*eded !n a "r!tt%e 'o!*e) "E&a*t%# where !s !t #ou e&pe*t $e to "e4" "The +e#*he%%es," he sa!d) "6s that a p%a*e , or part o( a tongue tw!ster4" "The#'re the !s%ands 6 *a%% ho$e , or as $u*h o( a ho$e as 6 ha'e)" 2en's %e'e% tone $ade Tasha (ee% a (%eet!ng sense o( sha$e (or her wasp!sh sar*as$, espe*!a%%# as she had !ndeed heard o( the +e#*he%%es, a%though she had on%# the 'aguest not!on o( the!r wherea"outs) "The#'re o(( the east *oast o( A(r!*a," 2en to%d her now) "P%an to sta# (or a week) 6'$ !n =!*tor!a r!ght now, the *ap!ta%) 6'%% $eet #ou at the a!rport, the da# a(ter to$orrow) 6( 6 happen to $!ss #ou there, 6'%% *onta*t #ou at #our hote%) 6'%% $ake a reser'at!on (or #ou at<%et $e see, The 2ou%ders shou%d "e *!'!%!1ed enough (or #ou...And to answer #our :uest!on, no, 6'$ not)" "Not what4" "2edd!ng down at the sa$e hote%,"*a$e the deep%# $o*k!ng rep%#) "6 ha'e other s%eep!ng arrange$ents)"

Tasha $anaged to $a!nta!n her "ree1# $anner) "9o #ou $!nd g!'!ng $e her nu$"er4 6'%% ha'e to *onta*t ;a& and *a%% #ou "a*k !n a (ew $!nutes w!th $# answer) Or wou%d #ou pre(er 6 d!dn't *a%% (or an hour or two4" +he (or*ed a %!ght %!%t!ng %augh) "6 wou%dn't want to !nterru, " And then she ha%ted and started shak!ng un*ontro%%a"%#, "e*ause 2en had hung up and she was ta%k!ng to the "urr o( an e$pt# %!ne)

CHAPTER THREE

Tasha's ner'es were st!%% 0ang%!ng th!rt# $!nutes %ater, when desp!te the hour she put a *a%% through to ;a&) A(ter she had g!'en h!$ a :u!*k su$$ar# o( the *on'ersat!on w!th 2en, she added, "6 wou%dn't ha'e %!stened to h!$ at a%%, ;a&, e&*ept (or those 'e!%ed threats he $ade) The who%e th!ng !s preposterous, o( *ourse, "ut 6 thought !t was "est to *he*k w!th #ou)" "/our hus"and , or shou%d 6 sa# #our e&.hus"and , sounds %!ke an a%together preposterous $an," ;a& noted s$ooth%#) He sounded tota%%# a%ert and *a%$, a%though Tasha's *a%% had wakened h!$ (ro$ a deep s%eep) "Perhaps, Natasha, !t !s "est to take the $an at (a*e 'a%ue and *ons!der do!ng as he asks)" ";a&! /ou don't $ean that, do #ou4 3h#, 6 *an't poss!"%# "e there the da# a(ter to$orrow< and a(ter the wa# he hung up on $e, 6 rea%%# don't want to go)" "An understanda"%e rea*t!on," ;a& assured her) "Ne'erthe%ess, 6 "e%!e'e we shou%d g!'e so$e thought to h!s "!1arre re:uest) 3h# do #ou th!nk he has $ade !t4" "6 ha'e a"so%ute%# no !dea," Tasha rep%!ed truth(u%%#) "The %ast t!$e 6 spoke to 2en was "# te%ephone short%# a(ter our wedd!ng n!ght) He to%d $e he ne'er wanted to see $e aga!n !n h!s %!(e)" ;a&'s s$a%% s!%en*e ended !n a s!%k# and $!%d%# repro'!ng d!re*t!'e) "Perhaps !t's t!$e (or #ou to te%% $e $ore o( what happened that n!ght, Natasha) 6( th!s out%and!sh $an has so$e know%edge that *ou%d "e hurt(u% !n so$e wa#..."

"There's 'er# %!tt%e to te%%, ;a&) 2en was !n a 'er# "%a*k (ra$e o( $!nd that n!ght) 6'$ sure !t was "e*ause he (e%t pressured- he d!dn't want to $arr# $e !n the (!rst p%a*e)" "3h# d!d he $arr# #ou, then4" "6 don't know," Tasha returned w!th the s$a%% (ee%!ng o( he%p%essness that a%wa#s *a$e to her when she *onte$p%ated that 'er# :uest!on) "At the t!$e 6 thought !t was "e*ause $# (ather had so$e !n(%uen*e w!th a pu"%!sher , Ja$es Arthur , who was *ons!der!ng tak!ng 2en on) Oh, !t was true enough that $# (ather had "een tr#!ng to e&ert pressure) 2ut 6 (ound out %ater that 2en had to%d ;r) Arthur where to get o(( !n no un*erta!n ter$s) He ended up w!th a d!((erent pu"%!sher a%together) +o 6 ha'e to assu$e he $arr!ed $e (or so$e other reason , a sense o( honor, perhaps)" "H$$," sa!d ;a&) "'And what went wrong on the wedd!ng n!ght4" "He got 'er# angr#) 6 don't know e&a*t%# wh#, "ut 6 th!nk !t was "e*ause he was (ee%!ng trapped , (or whate'er reason)" 3h# had 2en "een !n su*h an e&p%os!'e $ood that n!ght4 Tasha's head "egan to thro", as !t a%wa#s d!d when she *ons!dered the happen!ngs o( that n!ght) 2ut she *ou%d not te%% ;a& e'er#th!ng, and so she sa!d s!$p%#, "He wa%ked out on $e) 6t wasn't unt!% a *oup%e o( da#s %ater that 6 (ound out 2en had $arr!ed $e (or so$e reason o( h!s own, noth!ng to do w!th $# (ather's pressures at a%%) Not that !t wou%d ha'e $ade an# d!((eren*e, ;a&) 2# then 2en had 'an!shed !nto nowhere) He s!$p%#< d!dn't want to "e $arr!ed to $e)" "Then there's no poss!"!%!t# he's th!nk!ng !n ter$s o( a reun!on o( so$e k!nd4 " "None at a%%)"Tasha was e$phat!* a"out that) "He doesn't e'en %!ke $e 'er# $u*h, ;a&) 6 *an't !$ag!ne wh# he wants to see $e)"

"H$$," sa!d ;a& thought(u%%#) Then, *o$!ng to a de*!s!on, he %aun*hed !nto a s$ooth (%ow o( !nstru*t!ons) ;a& was %ess !gnorant than Tasha on the su"0e*t o( the +e#*he%%es- !t see$ed he had on*e *ons!dered (!%$!ng a te%e'!s!on *o$$er*!a% there) "Prepare to %ea'e to$orrow e'en!ng, $# dear) 6t w!%% !ndeed "e an o'ern!ght (%!ght, as #ou were to%d) 6'%% phone ;or%e# at on*e and ha'e her $ake arrange$ents) 3!th the a$ount o( tra'e%!ng we do, 6 !$ag!ne we ha'e a%% the proper !$$un!1at!ons, h$$4" "3e4" "6 !ntend to *o$e w!th #ou, o( *ourse) 6 ha'e to prote*t $# !n'est$ent! 9o #ou th!nk 6 wou%d r!sk the Fa"!enne wo$an !n the hands o( su*h an outrageous $an as #our hus"and4 6( he has so$e k!nd o( re'enge !n $!nd, " ";# e&.hus"and, ;a&," Tasha *orre*ted w!th a %!ghtness that den!ed the du%% a*he !n her heart) "And so$ehow, 6 don't th!nk 2en's !ntent!ons !n'o%'e "od!%# har$)" ";a& Fa"!enne takes no *han*es,"*a$e the 'e%'et# rep%#) "/our (a*e, Natasha, !s $# (ortune)" "2ut ;a&, the (!tt!ngs (or the 9ren*hed ook<)" "The *%othes," he pro*%a!$ed w!th a"so%ute *erta!nt#, "w!%% (!t) /ou'%% understand, Natasha, when #ou see the$) ;or%e# w!%% phone #ou to$orrow to *on(!r$ (%!ght arrange$ents) Pa*k the wardro"e that was !ntended (or the tr!p to Gree*e- !t w!%% do 'er# we%% (or an !nter%ude "# the sea) For the (%!ght to$orrow, wear the new Ha%ston , the $oss.green s!%k) 6 "e%!e'e !t w!%% res!st *reas!ng 'er# we%%..." Tasha a"sor"ed ;a&'s !nstru*t!ons auto$at!*a%%#, w!th the pro(ess!ona% part o( her $!nd) Gradua%%#, as ;a& !n0e*ted a note o( ordered san!t# !nto the 'enture, Tasha

"egan to a**usto$ herse%( to the !dea that she $ust s*rew up her *ourage to (a*e 2en aga!n) Perhaps !t wou%d not "e so hard w!th ;a& a%ong , and dou"t%ess ;or%e# wou%d "e there, too- she a%wa#s tra'e%ed w!th ;a&) "Are #ou sure #ou *an get a!r%!ne t!*kets (or us, ;a&4" she !nserted sudden%# !nto the one.s!ded *on'ersat!on) "As we sha%% tra'e% "# the House o( Fa"!enne 0et," ;a& sa!d, "6 (oresee no need (or t!*kets at a%%)" "The 0et!That's a %ot o( a!rp%ane (or two or three peop%e)" ;a&'s s$a%% *hu*k%e was t#p!*a%%# s!%k#) "2ut, Natasha, there w!%% "e $an# $ore than two or three peop%e !n'o%'ed) 9o #ou th!nk 6 w!%% waste a week o( #our t!$e , or $!ne4 Th!s w!%% "e a work!ng tr!p, $# dear) Those photographs (or the 9ren*hed ook , 6 *an do the$ !n the +e#*he%%es) The %o*a%e shou%d "e 0ust as su!ta"%e as Gree*e, h$$4 Now go "a*k to "ed and rest- 6 $ust phone ;or%e# at on*e) And take heart, Natasha) 3hat *an poss!"%# go wrong4" 3!th 2en, e'er#th!ng,a %!tt%e warn!ng 'o!*e to%d Tasha- and a%though she (o%%owed ;a&'s ad'!*e and tr!ed to rest, she spent the rest o( the n!ght toss!ng (!t(u%%#, re%!'!ng the a*hes o( that awkward ado%es*en*e she had %ong s!n*e put "eh!nd her) +o$ehow, ;a& had e'er#th!ng arranged "e(ore the dead%!ne) H!s who%e week had "een res*hedu%ed, and so had e'er#one e%se's) The power o( the House o( Fa"!enne "reak!ng a%% "arr!ers, !n*%ud!ng that o( t!$e, Tasha re(%e*ted wr#%#) 3hen ;a& ta%ked !n that gent%e s!%ken 'o!*e o( h!s, e'er#one %!stened , and 0u$ped) 2# the t!$e Tasha arr!'ed at the a!rport the (o%%ow!ng e'en!ng, s:u!red "# ;a& !n h!s %!$ous!ne, e'er#one and e'er#th!ng was wa!t!ng8 %uggage, e:u!p$ent, *a$eras, photographer and photographer's ass!stant, art d!re*tor, wardro"e ass!stant, *os$et!*!an, sea$stress, prop g!r%, the !n'a%ua"%e and e'er.*heer(u% ;or%e#, a se*retar#, ;a&'s

persona% $asseuse, and (our $en who %ooked $ore %!ke "od#guards than an#th!ng e%se) The# had a 'ague%# (a$!%!ar a!r- had she seen the$ "e(ore4 Tasha was unsurpr!sed to see that the photographer on th!s tr!p was Jon ass!ter) +he was not the on%# person to "ene(!t (ro$ the *o'er photograph- ;a& had "een !$pressed enough that he had taken to award!ng a good nu$"er o( ass!gn$ents to the #oung photographer) Tasha was surpr!sed, howe'er, to see that Jon, who$ she :u!te %!ked, had !sette, who$ she d!dn't, !n tow) ;a&, tooA see$ed taken a"a*k "# th!s and so$ewhat anno#ed) Tasha heard h!$ e&*hange a (ew :u!et words w!th ;or%e# on the su"0e*t and gathered that Jon had su**u$"ed to h!s para$our's pressure to "r!ng her a%ong, and had !n (a*t re(used to *o$e w!thout her) "3e%%, we%%," !sette purredsotto 'o*e to Tasha, as the who%e asse$"%age "egan to (!%e onto the p%ane) "Ha'en't #ou "een the "us# %!tt%e g!r% s!n*e %ast we$et) " "=er#," Tasha sa!d d!s*ourag!ng%#) "And 6 hear !t's a%% "e*ause o( our %ast ass!gn$ent together , the da# #ou *a$e un1!pped) 6 take !t #ou''e sta#ed that wa#4 6 *an't th!nk o( another reason ;a& Fa"!enne wou%d "e us!ng #ou)" "Ceep th!nk!ng," Tasha sa!d *o%d%#) "6t's a good e&er*!se (or an !d%e $!nd)" ";# !nterest !s not e&a*t%# !d%e, dar%!ng) 6''e "een d#!ng to $eet ;a& Fa"!enne (or a 'er# %ong t!$e) 6( so$eone's s*!ssors hadn't s%!pped on that *o'er photograph, 6'$ sure 6'd ha'e su**eeded !nstead o( so$eone e%se) How does !t (ee% to "e the Fa"!enne wo$an4 Or rather, how does ;a& Fa"!enne (ee%4 As s$ooth as he %ooks4" "Ask h!s $asseuse," Tasha *a$e "a*k pro$pt%#)

!sette ar*hed her e#e"rows and s$!%ed)"The +wed!sh g!r%4 Rea%%#, dar%!ng, 6 wou%dn't dare, !n *ase she took o((ense) +he %ooks as though she *ou%d %e'e% $e w!th her %!tt%e (!nger)" Tasha opened her $outh to 'o!*e the retort (or wh!*h !sette had %e(therse%( open, "ut sudden%# she (ound herse%( s!*k and t!red o( the $ean!ng%ess e&*hange) +o !nstead, she $ere%# tra!%ed a *oo% %ook (ro$ !sette's art(u%%# unt!d# ha!rdo to !sette's !$$a*u%ate%# shod toe) 6n "etween, there was a good dea% o( d>*o%%etage , a%% o( !t, Tasha de*!ded, on d!sp%a# (or ;a& Fa"!enne's "ene(!t) "6'$ 'er# t!red, !sette) 9o #ou $!nd !( we ha'e th!s *on'ersat!on so$e other t!$e4 " ";#, $#, we are "e%ow s*rat*h, aren'twe) And "!g "%a*k *!r*%es, too) 3as ;a& (r!sk# %ast n!ght4" !sette's !nnuendos *a$e to a ha%t as ;a& arr!'ed at Tasha's e%"ow to es*ort her onto the p%ane) He *hose to s!t ne&t to her, a gesture o( reassuran*e (or wh!*h she was grate(u%, e'en though he spent the (!rst part o( the tr!p d!*tat!ng !nto a s$a%% tape re*order) 6t d!dn't o**ur to Tasha to :uest!on the (a*t that ;a& shou%d *ont!nue to attend to "us!ness) To ;a&, the *os$et!*s !ndustr# was e'er#th!ng- he had ne'er pretended an#th!ng e%se) Tasha sensed that he had de'e%oped a *erta!n deta*hed (ondness (or her- "ut she a%so knew that her $a!n (un*t!on !n h!s %!(e was that o( an !n'est$ent) A trou"%eso$e one at the $o$ent, to "e sure- "ut an !n'est$ent a%% thesa$e, and one not eas!%# rep%a*ed) ;a& put the tape re*order as!de when a $ea% arr!'ed a(ter the# had "een a%o(t (or a"out an hour) "6 "e%!e'e 6'%% a%%ow #ou a %!tt%e *ha$pagne th!s e'en!ng, Natasha) 6t $a# he%p sett%e #ou (or the n!ght) One g%ass on%#, though- a hundred e&tra *a%or!es !s *on*ess!on enough)" Tasha s!pped at the una**usto$ed *ha$pagne, wh!*h was !( noth!ng e%sea we%*o$e *hange (ro$ Perr!er, and p!*ked at an e&:u!s!te%# prepared "ut %one%#.%ook!ng %a$" *hop (%anked "# per(e*t%# *ooked asparagus t!ps) 5sua%%# her tastes ran to $ore

than ;a& a%%owed her, "ut ton!ght !t was not so) "6 know so %!tt%e a"out the +e#*he%%es, ;a&) E&a*t%# where are the#4" "6n the 6nd!an O*ean," ;a& to%d her) Tasha's "row knotted "r!e(%# as an e%us!'e $e$or# tanta%!1ed her "ra!n)He knows the 6nd!an O*ean %!ke the "a*k o( h!s hand ... "North o( ;adagas*ar," ;a& went on) "9on't do those th!ngs to #our (orehead, Natasha) 6t !n0ures the sk!n) The !s%ands used to "e Fren*h %ong ago, 2r!t!sh $ore re*ent%# , "ut no %onger) The#'re !ndependent now) A %!tt%e $ore re$ote than Gree*e, "ut 6 "e%!e'e the#'%% "e :u!te sat!s(a*tor# (ro$ our po!nt o( '!ew)And w!th the!r new !nternat!ona% a!rport, not)so 'er# re$ote a(ter a%%) 3e'%% *harter a "oat and s*out (or %o*at!ons) ;or%e# has "rought e&tens!'e tra'e% %!terature w!th her) 9ur!ng th!s (%!ght she'%% read up on the pert!nent (a*ts and g!'e us a report to$orrow when we arr!'e) /ou're not ner'ous, are #ou, Natasha4" "Not at a%%," Tasha %!ed- (or !n truth the re*o%%e*t!on that the 6nd!an O*ean was 2en's terr!tor# had %e(t her $outh dr# and her pa%$s da$p) +he put her (orkdown, g!'!ng up a%% pretense o( eat!ng (ood she d!d not want) "The "od#guards are (or #ou, $# dear," ;a& to%d her, *on(!r$!ng her susp!*!ons a"out the (our "ur%# $en who sat s!%ent%# !n the "anks o( seats "eh!nd the$) "The# ha'e orders to wat*h #ou n!ght and da#, !n sh!(ts)Two $en to guard o'er #our e'er# $o'e, at a%% t!$es) Ea*h o( the$ !s handp!*ked, Natasha, and sk!%%ed !n the $art!a% arts) How *an #ou *o$e to an# har$4 " "6'$ sure the# won't "e ne*essar#, ;a&) 6 don't rea%%# th!nk 2en p%ans an#th!ng ph#s!*a%)" "And #et," ;a& $ur$ured, surpr!s!ng Tasha w!th h!s per*ept!on, "#ou are $ore upset than #ou ad$!t)"

For on*e, Tasha d!d not tr# to h!de "eh!nd a s$!%e) +he s!ghed, "2en %e(t a %ot o( e$ot!ona% s*ars, ;a&)" "The# show on%# !n the !nterest!ng ho%%ows o( #our (a*e, Natasha $# dar%!ng) +o e'en e$ot!ona% s*ars ha'e a use, h$$4 2# the wa#, #ou ha'en't asked $e #et a"out the out(!t (or the photographs)" "3hat !s !t4" Tasha asked auto$at!*a%%#, tr#!ng to (e!gn an !nterest she d!d not (ee%) "2%ue 0eans," sa!d ;a& tr!u$phant%#) "2%ue 0eans4"E'en Tasha's other worr!es *ou%d not tota%%# e*%!pse her sense o( surpr!se)The Fa"!enne wo$an !n "%ue 0eans4 "2%ue 0eans wet (ro$ the sea," ;a& to%d her) "Not rea%%# (ro$ the sea o( *ourse , the sa%t wou%d "e $u*h too hard on #our sk!n and ha!r, espe*!a%%# as #ou $a# ha'e to re$a!n wet (or se'era% hours ea*h da#) 3e'%% douse #ou as needed w!th (reshwater, and perhaps so$e spe*!a% e$o%%!ent to prote*t #our sk!n)3et "%ue 0eans and a s!$p%e wh!te T.sh!rt, *%!ng!ng and pro'o*at!'e) Perhaps %#!ng on a ro*k, or %ean!ng aga!nst a %arge "ou%der, spra# a"out #our (eet<ah, 6 *an see !t a%read#) 6''e "rought do1ens o( T.sh!rts and 0eans to *hoose (ro$- a%% *usto$.$ade, o( *ourse, (ro$ spe*!a% (a"r!*s 6''e *hosen) A $asterstroke! The Fa"!enne wo$an as e'er#wo$an , and e'er# #oung wo$an w!%% "e a"%e to seeherse%( as #ou! 6'$ :u!te e&*!ted "# the who%e prospe*t) +o $u*h $ore *reat!'e than a "ath!ng su!t or e'en a wet e'en!ng dress, don't #ou th!nk4" "/es," $ur$ured Tasha, (ee%!ng (or on*e :u!teo'er*o$e "# ;a&'s o"sess!'e ded!*at!on to h!s %!(e's work) +he sensed he had "een tr#!ng to d!stra*t herne'erthe%ess she was :u!te re%!e'ed when he returned to h!s d!*tat!ng $a*h!ne short%# therea(ter, %ea'!ng her to her own thoughts) 6t was not %ong "e(ore e&haust!on (ro$ the pre'!ous n!ght dro'e her !nto a deep and drea$%ess s%eep)

The# *rossed se'era% t!$e 1ones and stopped tw!*e (or re(ue%!ng) A%though Tasha's unad0usted wat*h showed an ear%# hour, !t was $!d$orn!ng when the order *a$e to (asten seat "e%ts (or the %ast t!$e) 2e#ond the p%ane w!ndow a *%uster o( dark, $ounta!nous $!st.shrouded !s%ands %oo$ed out o( a 0ewe%%!ke sea as the p%ane "egan !ts des*ent) ";ah>," ;a& to%d her, *onsu%t!ng a $ap, "!s the na$e o( the $a!n !s%and, the one where we w!%% "e %and!ng) The other !s%ands see$ to ha'e a strange $!& o( Fren*h and Eng%!sh na$es) a 9!gue, 2!rd 6s%and, Cur!euse..." The# *ush!oned down onto the runwa#, and $o$ents %ater ;a& and Tasha and the!r odd%# assorted entourage sp!%%ed out o( the p%ane) 6t had ra!ned re*ent%#- the "reathtak!ng (orested s%opes o( the !s%and's upward.0utt!ng !nter!or were stea$!ng "eneath the e:uator!a% sun) 6t was hot and hu$!d "ut, w!th sea "ree1es to *oo% the a!r, not !$poss!"%e to "ear) Ne'erthe%ess, Tasha was g%ad o( the pr!nted s!%k de*reed "# ;a& (or the tr!p- !t was su!ta"%# %!ght and (resh !n appearan*e, desp!te !ts soph!st!*at!on) 6n the ter$!na%, there was no s!gn o( 2en) Not so surpr!s!ng, thought Tasha wr#%#he wou%d "e wat*h!ng (or the regu%ar (%!ghts) A%% the sa$e she (e%t a *ur!ous (r!sson o( so$eth!ng , dou"t, d!sappo!nt$ent, pre$on!t!on o( d!saster4 ,a*ross her sk!n, desp!te the heat o( the trop!* a!r) ;or%e# had $anaged to arrange a**o$$odat!on (or the ent!re part# !n the hote% $ent!oned "# 2en) A(ter a short de%a# at the a!rport wh!%e '!s!tor passes were se*ured, $ost o( the part# p!%ed !nto a *oa*h that wou%d trans(er the$ to the hote%) Tasha was too d!stra*ted to note !sette's en'!ous g%an*e at the %arge, s%eek "%a*k %!$ous!ne that had "een %a!d on espe*!a%%# (or $ore (a'ored $e$"ers o( the part#)

;or%e# 0o!ned Tasha and ;a& !n the %!$ous!ne, as d!d one o( the "od#guards, who took h!s p%a*e "es!de the dr!'er) ;or%e#, who had a photograph!* $e$or#, was "# now thorough%# *on'ersant w!th the (a*ts !n her gu!de"ooks) "F!rst," ;a& !nstru*ted as the 'eh!*%e set o((, "te%% $e a"out th!s hote% we're "e!ng taken to)" "The "est on the !s%and," the !n'a%ua"%e ;or%e# assured h!$, w!thout ha'!ng to re(er to an# o( the %!terature she had read) "On the sea, o( *ourse- near%# a%% hote%s here are) The 2ou%ders !s owned "# an e%der%# ret!red A$er!*an who %!'es on the !s%and o( Pras%!n) 6 shou%d te%% #ou a"out that !s%and, ;a&) There's a 'er# *ur!ous 'a%%e# there, and the stor# !s that, " "+t!*k to the po!nt, ;or%e#," ;a& re$!nded her so(t%#) "6 "e%!e'e The 2ou%ders wou%d ha'e "een #our own *ho!*e, ;a&) 6t's a"out ten $!%es (ro$ here on the other s!de o( the *ap!ta% , a t!d# trop!*a% town *a%%ed =!*tor!a, "# the wa#- we'%% pass through !t soon) The hote% has a!r *ond!t!on!ng, te%ephones, te%e'!s!on, sw!$$!ng poo%, separate *ottages %u&ur!ous%# appo!nted..." Tasha hard%# heard ;or%e#'s des*r!pt!on o( the hote%, "e*ause at $ent!on o( the town o( =!*tor!a she had gone on !nstant a%ert) Her heart pa%p!tated $ore :u!*k%# as !t "e*a$e *%ear the# had entered the approa*h to the town) "Th!s !s ;ont F%eur! Road," ;or%e# sa!d, w!thout re(eren*e to a $ap) "The hosp!ta%'s o'er there, then the "otan!*a% gardens) There's an a'!ar# there and g!ant %and torto!ses) There are a%so so$e 'er# !nterest!ng pa%$ trees, !( #ou, " "The 'egetat!on," ;a& !nterrupted, "!s o( no part!*u%ar !nterest at the $o$ent)Nor !s the w!%d%!(e) 6( 6 w!sh to know su*h th!ngs 6 w!%% ask) 3hat e%se ha'e #ou %earned4"

"The +e#*he%%es were (!rst s!ghted "# =as*o da Ga$a "ut weren't *o%on!1ed unt!% a"out two hundred #ears ago , "# the Fren*h, and "# (reed s%a'es (ro$ A(r!*a) There's a 'er# strong streak o( $#st!*!s$ and superst!t!on !n the !s%ands)The A(r!*an her!tage, no dou"t)" "6nterest!ng," $ur$ured ;a&) "The popu%at!on !s $ost%# Creo%e, "e*ause !nter$arr!age has a%wa#s "een *o$$on) The +e#*he%%o!s pr!de the$se%'es on ha'!ng no *o%or "arr!ers) On%# the shopkeepers , East 6nd!ans, $ost o( the$ , tend to keep to the$se%'es) Other than that #ou'%% (!nd Eng%!sh, Europeans, Ch!nese, a 'er# heterogeneous $!&) 2oth Eng%!sh and Fren*h are spoken here on ;ah>, "ut (or e'er#da# use the +e#*he%%o!s speak a Creo%e pato!s , ar*ha!* Fren*h hea'!%# %arded w!th Eng%!sh, H!ndustan! and 2antu words) Guttura% and '!rtua%%# !n*o$prehens!"%e to the untra!ned ear, 6 understand)" As the *ar nosed !ts wa# a%ong s%eep# streets, Tasha saw a $!&ed popu%at!on $u*h as ;or%e# was des*r!"!ng) Nowhere was there a ta%% %!the $an w!th "ron1e %!ghts !n h!s ha!r) ;ost o( the !s%anders were *ons!dera"%# shorter than 2en, w!th *o$p%e&!ons rang!ng (ro$ pa%e *a(>.au.%a!t to nut "rown) The town o( =!*tor!a see$ed to grow out o( the 'er# h!%%s!de, !ts *orrugated roo(s nest%!ng a$!dst e&u"erant 'egetat!on and %ush.%ea'ed trees) To the east, $orn!ng sun spark%ed on the water o( the har"or) ;or%e# po!nted out 'ar!ous %and$arks , the #a*ht *%u", the +tade Popu%a!re, the do*ks where (err#"oats departed (or other !s%ands) As the %!$ous!ne rounded a *orner and a!$ed awa# (ro$ the water(ront !nto the heart o( the town, ;or%e# noted, "Oh, he's go!ng to show us Gordon +:uare) 6t's na$ed a(ter one o( the $ore (a$ous '!s!tors to the +e#*he%%es , Genera% Char%es "Ch!nese" Gordon) He *a$e here se'era% #ears "e(ore he d!ed !n Chartou$- and %ater, ;a&, #ou $ust %et $e te%% #ou that stor#) 2ut r!ght now, ha'e a %ook at the *%o*k tower) Odd, !sn't !t, to see !t !n $!n!ature !n the $!dd%e o( a trop!*a% town4

3h#, #ou'd th!nk #ou were r!ght "a*k at the Houses o( Par%!a$ent !( #ou ha%( *%osed #our e#es)" 6n the *enter o( the s:uare was a (en*ed.!n *ast.!ron rep%!*a o( ondon's $ost

(a$ous *%o*k, per(e*t !n e'er# proport!on a%though !t was on%# three or (our t!$es as ta%% as a $an) Tasha ga'e !t no $ore than a g%an*e- her e#es were too "us# s*reen!ng s!dewa%ks and store entran*es, hop!ng to *at*h a g%!$pse o( 2en a$ong those unhurr!ed (!gures that a$"%ed a%ong the streets, straw.hatted aga!nst the heat o( the e:uator!a% sun) 6t was not unt!% the %!$ous!ne had worked !ts wa# through the town and 0o!ned a road %ead!ng through the !s%and's %ush!nter!or, that Tasha su"s!ded !nto her seat and "egan to pa# attent!on to ;or%e#'s words aga!n) "/ou know, ;a&, one o( the wr!ters sa!d these !s%ands were the per(e*t sett!ng (or a *o$!* opera, and 6 th!nk he $!ght "e r!ght) There are su*h %o'e%# %o*a% *usto$s) For one th!ng, the# sa# the town ends 0ust at that po!nt where the +e#*he%%es wo$en take o(( the!r shoes , or put the$ on, depend!ng on wh!*h wa# the#'re head!ng) And do #ou know,6 saw so$eone do!ng that a $!nute ago4" ;or%e# %aughed !n a war$ *heer(u% wa# that see$ed to %!ght up her un."eaut!(u% (a*e) "Another *usto$ !s that the *%o*k , a d!((erent *%o*k, the one !n the *athedra% , a%wa#s *h!$es ea*h hour tw!*e) 6t *h!$es on the hour, and then aga!n a *oup%e o( $!nutes %ater , a se*ond *han*e, 6 suppose, (or those who $!ssed !t the (!rst t!$e) That's the k!nd o( *ountr# !t !s)" "3h!$s!*a%," $ur$ured ;a&, ""ut hard%# essent!a% to our purpose here) Now te%% $e a"out the (ood) " "Creo%e *u!s!ne "ased %arge%# on sea(ood, and :u!te sp!*#)" "No sp!*# (oods (or Natasha- the# !nter(ere w!th the d!gest!on) +ee !( the hote% w!%% agree to take on a Fren*h *he( wh!%e we are here) F%# one !n !( ne*essar#) 6( the

hote% !s un*ooperat!'e, tr# to *onta*t the owner- 6 $a# *ons!der "u#!ng the esta"%!sh$ent) 6'%% want to *harter a "oat, ;or%e#- undou"ted%# the hote% *an arrange !t,A *ra(t su!ta"%e (or s*out!ng purposes) ;ake sure there !s a%so a *o$petent gu!de (a$!%!ar w!th the shore%!nes) Ha'e h!$ present h!$se%( at ten o'*%o*k to$orrow $orn!ng)" "/es, ;a&," ;or%e# answered pro$pt%#, and Tasha knew ;a&'s orders were as good as done) "6'%% $eet the $an to e&p%a!n the k!nd o( %o*at!on we're %ook!ng (or) Our art d!re*tor and photographer *an do so$e pre%!$!nar# s*out!ng to$orrow $orn!ng- 6'%% pass 0udg$ent on the!r *ho!*e !n the a(ternoon) 3e start shoot!ng the da# a(ter to$orrow)" "2ut ;a&," started Tasha, "what !( 2en, " "Re%a&, $# dear)" ;a& %a!d a *oo% reassur!ng hand o'er hers) How d!d he $anage to ha'e *oo% hands, Tasha wondered, when the surround!ng a!r was so war$4 "To$orrow #ou w!%% "e at the hote% a%% da#, tr#!ng on "%ue 0eans (or the shoot) A%though the# were a%% $ade to #our spe*!(!*at!ons, there are $!nor 'ar!at!ons o( deta!%!ng that 6 w!sh to pass 0udg$ent on) /our e&.hus"and w!%% ha'e p%ent# o( opportun!t# to *onta*t #ou) No dou"t he w!%% do so th!s a(ternoon, h$$4" For the (ew re$a!n!ng $!nutes o( the tr!p, Tasha s%!pped "a*k !nto her own thoughts, no %onger %!sten!ng to ;or%e#'s re*!ta% o( (a*ts) Cur!ous%#, desp!te her re%u*tan*e to see 2en, there was an a*he o( d!sappo!nt$ent deep !ns!de that he had not "een on hand at the a!rport) 6t "rought "a*k a%% too *%ear%# the agon!1!ng (ee%!ngs o( her #outh, when 2en had not shown up "# the hour o( the wedd!ng8 the aw(u% gnaw!ng sense o( hurt and despa!r she had tr!ed to h!de "eh!nd the (ro1en $ask o( her (a*e) And then, when 2en had arr!'ed, he had "een %!ke a stranger....

The hote% was opu%ent, as ;or%e# had pro$!sed) The $a!n "u!%d!ng was %ow, $odern, ar*h!te*t des!gned, and *onstru*ted o( %o*a% gran!te w!th a %a'!sh use o( g%ass, wh!*h a((orded sp%end!d '!ews o( the sea and u"!:u!tous pa%$s) The g%ea$!ng s*a%%oped shore%!ne o( wh!te sand was strewn w!th enor$ous pr!$e'a% "ou%ders, a (eature, ;or%e# had to%d the$, o( ;ah>) C%oser to the hote%, (%ower!ng '!nes *%!$"ed $an# o( the tree trunks, %end!ng sp%ashes o( *o%or and sp!%%!ng hea'# "%osso$ s*ents !nto the hu$!d a!r) The %o""# was *oo%, "ut e'en here (a!nt (%ora% (ragran*es see$ed to !n'ade the a!r. *ond!t!oned spa*e) Rough stone te&tures, s$ooth $!rrored sur(a*es and potted p%ants ga'e the hote% a *onte$porar# a$"!en*e that had not "een present !n the so$no%ent trop!*a% town o( =!*tor!a, w!th !ts o%d.(ash!oned (ra$e stru*tures and !ts re%!*s o( *o%on!a% #ears) The $otor *oa*h had arr!'ed so$e $!nutes ear%!er, and $ost $e$"ers o( the entourage had a%read# 'an!shed to !nspe*t the!r *ottages) ;a&, Tasha, ;or%e# and two o( the "od#guards re$a!ned !n the %o""#- the other two, ;a& e&p%a!ned, had gone to !nspe*t the a**o$$odat!on to "e used "#h!$se%( and Tasha) 3!th!n se*onds the s$!%e.wreathed hote% $anager appeared) "Ah, ;r) Fa"!enne)"He spoke !n Eng%!sh) H!s (eatures and sk!n "etra#ed h!s Creo%e an*estr#, and h!s 'o!*e "ore strong tra*es o( Fren*h) "Th!s !s !ndeed an honor! As $anager o( th!s hote%, $a# 6 sa# 6 a$ de%!ghted #ou ha'e *hosen to sta# !n ouresta"%!sh$ent) 6 *on(ess there was so$e trou"%e to (!nd enough spa*e (or #our part#, "ut<)" Tasha %!stened w!th no part!*u%ar !nterest wh!%e the hote% $anager went through h!s pa*es) 9ur!ng the e&*hange, she stood se'era% steps "eh!nd ;a&, (urt!'e%# %ook!ng o'er the peop%e !n the %o""# and those *o$!ng and go!ng at the entran*e o( what appeared to "e a d!n!ng roo$) No one was ta%% and "road.shou%dered w!th '!ta% "ron1e.streaked ha!r and tawn# torto!seshe%% e#es) The on%# ta%% "road.shou%dered $en !n the %o""# were the two "od#guards, o( who$ she re$a!ned un*o$(orta"%#

*ons*!ous as the# $o'ed uno"trus!'e%# around !n the "a*kground, !nspe*t!ng potted pa%$s as though the# e&pe*ted the$ to *on*ea% 2en) "Oh, "# the wa#, ;r) Fa"!enne, a $essage *a$e a (ew $o$ents ago (or so$e $e$"er o( #our part#) 6s there a ;!ss ;ontgo$er# w!th #ou4" 6t took Tasha a $o$ent to rea%!1e that the $anager was ta%k!ng a"out her) ;a&, too, see$ed $o$entar!%# nonp%ussed, unt!% Tasha s!gn!(!ed that the $essage was d!re*ted toherse%( ) The %!tt%e %ur*h o( (ee%!ng o**as!oned "# 2en's use o( her $a!den na$e was we%% *on*ea%ed as she %!stened to the $anager's words) "6t was a $an who %e(t the $essage) He sa!d on%# that he wou%d not "e a"%e to see #ou toda#) He %e(t no na$e)" "3as he< here !n person4" asked Tasha) "No, the $essage *a$e "# te%ephone)" "9!d he sa# when he wou%d *a%% aga!n4" "6 a$ a(ra!d not," the $anager sa!d p%easant%# and turned h!s attent!on "a*k to ;a&) "There are so$e spe*!a% th!ngs we sha%% need," ;a& sa!d serene%#) "E&pense !s no o"0e*t) ;# ass!stant has a %!st<)" Tasha s!ghed and (or*ed herse%( to th!nk o( so$eth!ng other than 2en) Her sp!ke. hee%ed *usto$.$ade sanda%s, $ere s%!'ers o( *rea$# %eather that $ade her two !n*hes ta%%er than ;a&, were "eg!nn!ng to hurt) +he %onged to s%!p the$ o(() +he (%e&ed a (oot and ru""ed !ts toes surrept!t!ous%# aga!nst the ank%e o( the other)

"Tsk, Natasha," sa!d ;a& $!%d%#, at %ast turn!ng awa# (ro$ the desk and %ea'!ng the rest o( the arrange$ents to ;or%e#, "that ru((%es the ank%es o( #our n#%ons) And !t's 'er# !ne%egant- on%# *erta!n strange "!rds stand on one (oot) 6( #our (eet are trou"%!ng #ou 6'%% send $# $asseuse !n to #ou)" Tasha (e%t a sudden and una**usto$ed surge o( anno#an*e) 3h# d!d ;a& ha'e to not!*e e'er# %!tt%e %apse4 ";# (eet wou%d pre(er a "are(oot wa%k on the "ea*h, ;a&) Or a$ 6 per$!tted to do that4" 6( ;a& not!*ed the tra*e o( sar*as$ !n her 'o!*e, he po%!te%# re(ra!ned (ro$ *o$$ent!ng on !t) "Certa!n%#, Natasha," he sa!d pat!ent%#, "!( the sand !s (ree o( sharp o"0e*ts su*h as she%%s) 6'%% ha'e !t !nspe*ted th!s a(ternoon)" "6'$ not $ade o( g%ass, ;a&)" "Ne'erthe%ess, one o( $# $en w!%% *he*k the "ea*h," ;a& sa!d s$ooth%# as a hote% e$p%o#ee %ed the$ through the %o""# and out onto a shade.dapp%ed path) Ahead %a# a *ur'!ng row o( s!1a"%e pa%$.that*hed *ottages set "a*k (ro$ the shore%!ne under the (r!ng!ng (ronds) Tasha "e*a$e *ons*!ous o( the two "od#guards (o%%ow!ng not (ar "eh!nd) "9o the# ha'e to (o%%ow us e'er#where4" she asked w!th a sta" o( !rr!tat!on) ;a& ang%edher a $!%d%# surpr!sed g%an*e) "The# ha'e a wa# o( (ad!ng !nto the "a*kground, Natasha $# dear) Perhaps #our senses are o'er%# a*ute toda#)" "6 rea%!1e #ou''e arranged th!s "e*ause o( 2en, ;a&) 2ut doesn't !t o**ur to #ou that he $!ghtn't want to see $e w!th a%% these peop%e around4 2es!des, 6 don't part!*u%ar%# %!ke the thought o( "e!ng shadowed a%% the t!$e) " ;a&'s s$!%e was gent%e and !ndu%gent) "9on't th!nk a"out !t, then) /ou ne'er ha'e "e(ore)"

Tasha stared at h!$ w!th w!den!ng e#es and a deep sense o( sho*k) "9o #ou $ean<4" ;a& patted her hand) "Now, Natasha, what d!d #ou e&pe*t4 E'er# Fa"!enne wo$an (or the past th!rt# #ears has "een prote*ted) 9o #ou know how $an# $!%%!ons o( do%%ars are !n'ested !n that "eaut!(u% (a*e o( #ours th!s #ear4 And #ou, o( *ourse, are e'en $ore !$portant to $e than those who ha'e gone "e(ore, (or #our ro%e !s not to end when the #ear !s o'er) Put !t out o( #our $!nd) On*e we sett%e !nto our a**o$$odat!on, the $en w!%% "e*o$e !n'!s!"%e)" The pr!'ate *ottage she was to share w!th ;a& , he !n one "edroo$, she !n another, w!th a *onne*t!ng %!'!ng roo$ "etween , was d!s*reet%# %u&ur!ous !n e'er# deta!%) At ;a&'s "ehest, Tasha spent $ost o( the da# tr#!ng to rest, "ut !n rea%!t# wrest%!ng w!th her 'er# $!&ed e$ot!ons a"out 2en , and a"out ;a&) The d!s*o'er# that she *ou%d ant!*!pate a %!(e o( "e!ng shadowed at a%% t!$es unsett%ed her not a %!tt%e) Cou%d she "ear to %!'e w!th the power o( the House o( Fa"!enne, e'en to prote*t herse%( (ro$ the k!nd o( hearta*hes g!'en "# $en %!ke 2en4 The opu%ent e&!sten*e o( the past three $onths had "een an ad'enture and one she d!d not regret, she re(%e*ted to herse%( w!th a *erta!n rue(u% se%(.honest#) 6t had "een the k!nd o( wh!r% e'er# wo$an $!ght drea$ o(, (or at %east on*e !n her %!(et!$e) 2ut !t had noth!ng to do w!th rea%!t#) 6t d!dn't tou*h the *ore o( %!(e and !t d!dn't tou*h the e$ot!ons) Oh, God, she thought to herse%(, wh# wou%d she want her e$ot!ons tou*hed4 A%though she had %earned not to show !t, she had a%wa#s "een (ar too sens!t!'e !ns!de) At %east the House o( Fa"!enne was a wa%% aga!nst the wor%d , a g!ant shatterproo( g%ass wa%% that 2en and h!s hurt(u%ness *ou%d ne'er penetrate) un*h, a %!ght sa%ad, was ser'ed !n the pr!'a*# o( the *ottage, and !t was not unt!% the d!nner hour that Tasha e$erged on ;a&'s ar$) 6t was dark and "a%$#, w!th stars spang%!ng a pa%$.*rossed sk#)

"6 th!nk, Natasha, 6'%% a%%ow #ou an a%*oho%!* "e'erage aga!n ton!ght)Noth!ng sweet, o( *ourse) 3ou%d #ou (an*# a s$a%% Ca$par! and soda4" ;a& asked the :uest!on as soon as the# were seated !n the hote%'s d!n!ng roo$, an attent!'e +e#*he%%o!s wa!ter ho'er!ng !n the "a*kground) At ta"%es %ess (ortunate%# p%a*ed, other $e$"ers o( the entourage were a%read# en0o#!ng the Creo%e *ooker# (or wh!*h the esta"%!sh$ent was 0ust%# (a$ous) Tasha a**epted the dr!nk "ut on%# to#ed w!th !t) ;a&'s pr!'ate dete*t!'es were we%% out o( s!ght ton!ght, "ut the know%edge o( the$ %e(t a taste as "!tter as that o( the Ca$par!, a dr!nk she had a%wa#s hated) ;or%e# soon 0o!ned ;a& andherse%( at ta"%e, and her presen*e a%%owed Tasha's $!nd to dr!(t) +he pa!d enough attent!on to %earn that '!rtua%%# a%% o( ;a&'s re:uests had "een attended to dur!ng the *ourse o( the a(ternoon) The Fren*h *he( had "een !nsta%%ed, "# spe*!a% *on*ess!on, !n the k!t*hen) The hote% had arranged (or a su!ta"%e "oat) A deta!%ed *hart o( the !s%and o( ;ah> had "een pro'!ded) A gu!de had "een arranged, a Creo%e "# the na$e o( e Rouge who was (a$!%!ar w!th these waters) No, there was no"od# "# the na$e o( 2ennett Cra!g !n the +e#*he%%es te%ephone d!re*tor#) 9!s*reet !n:u!r!es "# the hote% $anager had produ*ed the !n(or$at!on that he d!d not ha'e an un%!sted nu$"er, e!ther) Tasha had *o$e a%ert at the $ent!on o( 2en's na$e, and so she %!stened w!th $ore *are to the ne&t part o( the *on'ersat!on) "One "e*o$es susp!*!ous," ;a& noted thought(u%%# as he to#ed w!th a w!ne go"%et, "when the $an (a!%s to show up a(ter "r!ng!ng Natasha so $an# thousands o( $!%es) 6 th!nk !t "est, ;or%e#, to take so$e pre*aut!ons) +o$eth!ng he sa!d to Natasha suggested that he *ons!dered these !s%ands h!s ho$e) +ee !( #ou *an pro*ure a %!st o( propert# owners !n the +e#*he%%es)" "For a%% !s%ands4" asked ;or%e#) "There are near%# a hundred !n the who%e group , $an# o( the$ no $ore than (%at *ora% (%#spe*ks w!thno popu%at!on at a%%)"

"Need #ou ask, ;or%e#4 /ou are usua%%# $ore a*ute)" The s!%k# d!sappro'a% !n ;a&'s 'o!*e wou%d ha'e shr!'e%ed $an# a person, "ut ;or%e# on%# %aughed) "And so are #ou, ;a&) 6''e a%read# re:uested a%% that !n(or$at!on, (or !t o**urred to $e that ;r) Cra!g was "e!ng a %!tt%e too e%us!'e, and *erta!n%# h!s $ot!'es are o"s*ure) 2ut !t a%so o**urs to $e that he $ust "e on an !s%and w!th a te%ephone s#ste$ , at %east, he was toda#)" "Ah, ;or%e#)3hat wou%d 6 do w!thout #ou4" ;a& turned to Tasha and $ur$ured, "On*e we deter$!ne the $an's wherea"outs, 6 !ntend to ass!gn spe*!a% !n'est!gators to %ook !nto h!s ro$ant!* %!(e o'er these past #ears) 6t's "est to th!nk o( e'er#th!ng) 6'$ sure we'%% d!s*o'er that #our e&.hus"and has so$e attra*t!'e ske%etons !n h!s *%oset, h$$, Natasha4" "6 suppose," rep%!ed Tasha !n an unusua%%# d!sp!r!ted tone) 3hat she had o'erheard two n!ghts ago had not sounded %!ke the 'o!*e o( a ske%eton) 6twas the one part o( the *a%% she had not d!'u%ged, nor d!d she !ntend to d!'u%ge !t now) To ;a&'s $!%d surpr!se, she de*%!ned the gr!%%ed grape(ru!t he had ordered (or her dessert) "2# the wa#," ;a& added as an a(terthought as the# stood up to %ea'e the ta"%e, "ha'e #ou a photograph o( #our e&.hus"and, Natasha4" "6 d!dn't know h!$ %ong enough to get a photograph," she ad$!tted, and !n her state o( deep depress!on d!d not "other to add a ph#s!*a% des*r!pt!on) "3e%%, 6 suppose we $a# "e a"%e to (!nd one on a "ook 0a*ket) +ee to !t, w!%% #ou, ;or%e#4" The sour taste o( the e'en!ng %!ngered %ong a(ter Tasha had ret!red w!th so$e s%eep!ng powders espe*!a%%# pro'!ded "# ;a&) ";or%e# pro*ured the$ "e(ore we %e(t ondon," he to%d her, "(ro$ $# own Har%e# +treet spe*!a%!st) 6 thought the need

$!ght ar!se) And as #ou (a!%ed to dr!nk #our Ca$par!, 6 th!nk #ou shou%d take the$, h$$4" 6t was not $u*h past dawn when a 0ang%!ng phone awoke her) A*h!ng !n e'er# "one and st!%% grogg# (ro$ her s%eep!ng dra(t, Tasha stu$"%ed "%!nd%# to the te%ephone, pu%%!ng a s!%k wrapper o'er her n!ghtgown as she went) "Tasha4" sa!d the 'o!*e that had su*h power to $ake her de(enses *ru$"%e) "2en, oh 2en<)"For a $o$ent she *ou%d sa# no $ore) A%though she had e&pe*ted to hear (ro$ 2en toda#, she had not e&pe*ted th!s) As #et there were no de(enses to *ru$"%e8 the da#'s ar$or had not #et "een donned) "3e%*o$e to $# %a!r,"*a$e a %a1# 'o!*e !nto the 'o!d on the te%ephone) Tasha's hands shook) Then, so$ewhere !n the "a*k o( her *ons*!ousness, she noted a t!n# sound , *ou%d !t "e ;a&, p!*k!ng up the e&tens!on !n h!s own "edroo$4 The poss!"!%!t# ga'e her the strength to *ont!nue !n a (or*ed%# *ontro%%ed tone) "How %!ke #ou to phone at su*h an ungod%# hour, 2en! 6t's hard enough to d!gest #ou at the "est o( t!$es, "ut on an e$pt# sto$a*h #ou're !$poss!"%e)" "9o 6 g!'e #ou $orn!ng s!*kness, Tasha4"*a$e h!s $o*k!ng rep%#) "On*e 6 wanted to) How %!tt%e 6 knew #ou then)" "How %!tt%e #ou know $e now)" Tasha tr!ed to w!%% wake(u%ness !nto her "ones) Or was th!s sensat!on o( nu$"ness and (a!ntness ent!re%# due to the s%eep!ng dra(t4 "Get to the po!nt, 2en) 3here sha%% 6 $eet #ou and when4 6'd %!ke to get our %!tt%e *on(rontat!on out o( the wa#, so 6 *an get "a*k to the "us!ness o( %!'!ng)" "Ah, su*h tou*h!ng eagerness (or a reun!on)+orr#, Tasha, #ou'%% ha'e to *onta!n #ourse%() 6'%% "e too "us# to see #ou toda#) "

"2en..." Anger "u!%t !ns!de her, "r!ng!ng tota% wake(u%ness at %ast)"A(ter "r!ng!ng $e a%% these thousands o( $!%es4 /ou *an't "e ser!ous!" "6'$ dead%# ser!ous, Tasha $# %o'e) +o$eth!ng !$portant has *o$e up) ;# %!(e doesn't :u!te re'o%'e around #ou, #ou know! 6'%% "e t!ed up a%% da# toda#) Perhaps 6 *an see #ou to$orrow) 6'%% %et #ou know)" "And #et6 had to drop e'er#th!ng and *o$e here on a $o$ent's not!*e) 9o #ou know how $an# peop%e #ou''e !n*on'en!en*ed4" "As a $atter o( (a*t, 6 do," he sa!d *oo%%#) "6 saw #ou a%% p!%!ng o(( the a!rp%ane) /es, "rown e#es, 6 was at the a!rport , wat*h!ng (ro$ a respe*t(u% d!stan*e)" Her heart $!ssed a "eat) Had 2en "een that *%ose #esterda#4 +ure%# she wou%d ha'e sensed !t) And then she re$e$"ered the sh!'er o( pre$on!t!on that had tra'e%ed o'er her sk!n, %!ke (!ngers on (%esh... "3e *ou%d ha'e done a%% our "us!ness (ro$ an e'en $ore respe*t(u% d!stan*e," she re$!nded h!$ taut%# !n a 'o!*e that re'ea%ed none o( the (!re.and.!*e tre$"%!ngs !ns!de) "Frank%#, 2en, 6 don't trust #ou)" "6s that wh# #ou''e "rought that hu$an "arr!*ade a%ong4" There was so$eth!ng deep%# sardon!* !n h!s tone, and (or a $o$ent Tasha had '!s!ons o( *onte$ptuous e#es and a dangerous%# hard %!ne o( 0aw) "+ure%# #ou don't need :u!te so $u*h prote*t!on, "rown e#es! There $ust ha'e "een twent# peop%e pour!ng o(( that p%ane) +e'era% o( the$ %ooked %!ke strong.ar$ $en) " Tasha's knu*k%es turned wh!te o'er the te%ephone *ord as she tr!ed to *ontro% her wa#ward e$ot!ons) "O( *ourse 6 d!dn't "r!ng the$ a%% to prote*t $e," she to%d h!$ !n a (rost# ha%( %!e) "Th!s !s a work!ng tr!p, 2en) The#'re here to do photographs)" An !ron!* "Oh4" was 2en's on%# response)

"3e'%% "e start!ng to shoot to$orrow," Tasha went on, "and !( #ou don't $ake !t toda#, #ou'%% ha'e to see $e at $# *on'en!en*e) " "3e%%, 6 *an't $ake !t toda#) +o 6'%% ha'e to see #ou to$orrow)" "6 to%d #ou, 2en, 6'%% "e on a shoot to$orrow!" "Then 6'%% see #ou a(ter the shoot," he sa!d %a*on!*a%%#, "<$a#"e)" Frustrat!on and other e$ot!ons tore at Tasha's %ungs, "ut she was deter$!ned not to g!'e 2en the sat!s(a*t!on o( sens!ng that he upset her) +he re$!nded herse%(, too, that ;a& was undou"ted%# %!sten!ng !n on the other %!ne and wou%d not "e !$pressed !( she %ost her te$per) "Perhaps we *ou%d $eet (or d!nner then," she suggested !*!%#) "Perhaps,"*a$e the un!n(or$at!'e response) "3h# d!d #ou !ns!st that 6 *o$e a%% th!s wa#, 2en4 Now that 6'$ here #ou don't see$ !n an# hurr# to see $e)" There was a s$a%% pause on the %!ne) "6'$ not !n a hurr# as %ong as #ou ha'e those hea'# shadows !n the "a*kground," 2en *on*eded) "6 pre(er to see #ou on $# ter$s, wh!*h !n*%ude pr!'a*#) And as !t see$s we're not go!ng to get !t an# other wa#, 6''e $ade up $# $!nd to do so$eth!ng a"out the s!tuat!on) 6 a%wa#s pre(er to warn peop%e o( $# !ntent!ons) 6s #our "o#(r!end's ear st!%% g%ued to the te%ephone4" "2en, how *an #ou suggest that ;a&, " "/es, ;r) Cra!g, 6'$ %!sten!ng,"*a$e ;a&'s !nstant ad$!ss!on) "+op%ease, no threats to $# (!an*>e)"

"Threats4"2en (e!gned !nno*en*e, (oo%!ng no one) "Ha'e 6 "een $ak!ng threats4" "6 sense #ou are a"out to," ;a& returned !n a so(t !$p%a*a"%e 'o!*e that was e:ua%%# as dangerous as 2en's deep $o*ker#, "3hat !s th!s< th!ng #ou ha'e de*!ded to do, pra# te%%4" "C!dnap her," 2en sa!d, and to the sound o( h!s *onte$ptuous %aughter, the %!ne went dead)

CHAPTER FO5R

"Contro% #ourse%(, Natasha, $# dear) Can #ou !$ag!ne a Fa"!enne wo$an w!th pu((# e#es4 Tears toda# w!%% on%# show !n photographs to$orrow! The arrogant (e%%ow !s on%# tr#!ng to upset #ou, and 6 *an't a%%ow that) H!s threats are !d%e) How *an he poss!"%# *o$e w!th!n a hundred #ards o( #ou w!thout $# know%edge4 Now get dressed at on*e- we ha'e a (u%% $orn!ng o( (!tt!ngs) Ah, good, 6 knew #ou wou%d *ontro% #ourse%()" "Oh, ;a&) 6 don't *r# that eas!%#<and<and e'en when 6 do, 6 ne'er get pu((# e#es)" Tasha e'en $anaged a s$a%% s$!%e at ;a&, who had appeared !n the doorwa# o( her "edroo$ !$$ed!ate%# a(ter 2en's part!ng re0o!nder) "6'%% "e a%% r!ght, ;a&, rea%%# 6 w!%%) Now do #ou $!nd %ea'!ng wh!%e 6 get read#4" 6n the a(ternoon, a(ter the (!tt!ngs, ;a& had gone o(( to pass 0udg$ent on the %o*at!ons se%e*ted "# the art d!re*tor w!th the he%p o( the +e#*he%%o!s gu!de) "A s*ru((# un*outh Creo%e, th!s (e%%ow e Rouge," ;a& to%d Tasha at d!nner, w!th a s$a%% shudder)"2ut 6 $ust ad$!t he's *o$e up w!th an e&*e%%ent spot) 3h!te sand and great gran!te "ou%ders a%ong the shore) +pra# dash!ng !n and purp%e $ounta!ns !n the "a*kground) A%together spe*ta*u%ar! And there's e'en a road that %eads (a!r%# *%ose to the s*ene) The %ast short d!stan*e to the "ea*h !s a %!tt%e rough, "ut !t *an "e done "# (our.whee% dr!'e) The hote% has arranged (or a su!ta"%e 'an, 'er# we%% (!tted, so !t w!%% ser'e as a dress!ng roo$, as we%% as transport (or the %ast ha%( $!%e or so) The *rew w!%% start sett!ng up at dawn- 6 want $orn!ng %!ght (or th!s shot) That $eans an ear%# *a%% so P!erre *an work h!s $ag!* on #our (a*e, $# dear) F!'ea)$) , no, (our.th!rt#, (or there's #our sha$poo to th!nk o( too) 6 do "e%!e'e," he added, e#e!ng her *r!t!*a%%#, "that #ou neg%e*ted to attend to that th!s $orn!ng)"

Tasha (e%t so$e *on*ea%ed !nward $!rth, wh!*h she h!d "eh!nd a po%!te s$!%e) 3hat a s!ng%e.tra*k $!nd ;a& had! 3hat was the use o( re$!nd!ng h!$ that her ha!r was to "e soak!ng wet (or the shot, as !( she had e$erged (ro$ the sea4 And *ou%d he not appre*!ate that a sha$poo had "een the %ast th!ng on her $!nd th!s $orn!ng, a(ter 2en's unsett%!ng phone *a%%4 2ut !t was eas# enough the (o%%ow!ng $orn!ng to put 2en (ro$ her $!nd) Photograph# sess!ons were hard e&haust!ng work, desp!te the (a*t that the# were usua%%# n!ne parts stand!ng around wa!t!ng wh!%e peop%e (ussed w!th %!ght $eters and re(%e*tors and %enses and props) ;oreo'er, ;a& had posted one o( the "od#guards a%ong the road where the %!$ous!ne had to "e %e(t) The $an had a wa%k!e.ta%k!e and wou%d warn o( an#one's approa*h , whether 2en, or 0ust a *ur!ous s!ghtseer who wanted to gape at the odd asse$"%age on the "ea*h) "No, don't douse her w!th water #et! P!erre, $o'e !n and do so$eth!ng to sa%'age that %!p g%oss) And Natasha, do not n!""%e at #our %!p aga!n) 6t's not %!ke #ou to "e so unpro(ess!ona%) Ha'e #ou no appre*!at!on o( the (a*t that !t took P!erre (u%%# two hours to a*h!e'e that natura% %ook4 And Jon, 6 (a!% to see wh# #ou *annot understand $# !nstru*t!ons a"out the *a$era ang%e) Pa%$ trees are a%% 'er# we%%, "ut 6 want $ounta!ns out o( (o*us) 6 see th!s as a s#$phon# o( ro*k and sk# and sea..." Tasha s!ghed !nward%# and res!gned herse%( to the (a*t that the da#'s sess!on wou%d not "e a sw!(t one) Notthat sess!ons e'er were, when ;a& Fa"!enne's per(e*t!on!st !nst!n*ts took o'er) A s*ore o( peop%e were present, and (or three hours ;a& had p%!ed the$ a%% w!th a stead# strea$ o( !nstru*t!ons, pa#!ng attent!on to e'er# t!n# deta!%) ;a& had not on*e ra!sed h!s 'o!*e, "ut Tasha knew there were $an# present who were st!ng!ng under the 'e%'et %ash o( h!s d!sappro'a%) "An ord!nar# star (!%ter4" ;a& was sa#!ng to Jon Jon, so(ter)" ass!ter, h!s 'o!*e s!%k# w!th

d!sp%easure) "/es, 6 want a star e((e*t where the sun g%!nts on water , "ut so(ter,

"6 ha'en't got a hu$an.ha!r (!%ter w!th $e," Jon sa!d, sound!ng d!s*onso%ate) Poor Jon8 he had su((ered the "runt o( ;a&'s d!sp%easure) "/et 6 not!*e #ou d!d not *o$e unprepared !n other respe*ts," ;a& *hast!sed so(t%# w!th a nod a%ong the "ea*h) "Perhaps !( #ou had %e(t #our %ad# (r!end, !sette, !n ondon #ou wou%d ha'e pa!d $ore attent!on to pa*k!ng up #our *a$era e:u!p$ent)" "6'%% start $ak!ng a ha!r (!%ter ton!ght," Jon pro$!sed unhapp!%#, "!( 6 *an get !sette to donate the wherew!tha%, " "6n that *ase perhaps #our g!r% (r!end w!%% *o$e !n use(u% a(ter a%%," ;a& noted *o%d%#) 3hat an e&traord!nar#, surrea%!st!* "us!ness $ode%!ng was! The art d!re*tor *are(u%%# *o$"!ng the sand "ea*h and red!str!"ut!ng *owr!e she%%s to $ake !t %ook $ore "natura%)" The photographer's ass!stant "us# sett!ng up huge re(%e*tors "e*ause so$e o( the shadows %ookedtoo natura%) The prop g!r% o(( tr#!ng to (!nd a "!rd's nest, w!th ;or%e#'s he%p, "e*ause ;a& had de*reed one wou%d %ook 'er# natura% !n a n!*he o( the spe*ta*u%ar%# huge "ou%der aga!nst wh!*h Tasha was to %ean, sea sw!r%!ng a"out her (eet, (or the photographs) Tasha had ha%( e&pe*ted to hear h!$ ask (or a %!'e "!rd, !( one happened to "e w!th!n sa%t!ng d!stan*e- that was the k!nd o( da# !t was) And #et, re(%e*ted Tasha, w!th a tw!st o( wr# hu$or, that was on%# one.ha%( o( the !nsanes*ene ! P!erre, the *os$et!*!an, was *%u*k!ng around Tasha %!ke a $other hen, wh!%e she sat "eneath an awn!ng that had "een ra!sed to prote*t her sk!n (ro$ the sun's ra#s, another natura% e((e*t that wou%d ha'e drawn so$e deep d!sp%easure) !sette was sun"ath!ng a short d!stan*e awa# and %ook!ng su%k# "e*ause she had not $anaged to attra*t ;a& Fa"!enne's attent!on, e'en "# d!nt o( re$o'!ng her "!k!n! top ha%( an hour ago) And Jon ass!ter was %ook!ng su%k# "e*ause !sette had

attra*ted so$e other attent!on- se'era% e$p%o#ees o( the hote%, there to *ater and *arr#, were og%!ng her open%#) And now, a(ter ;a&'s %ast *r!t!*a% words, Jon %ooked $ore put out than e'er) Poor Jon! At %ast the re(reshed %!pst!*k passed $uster, and so d!d the sand "ea*h, and the *owr!e she%%s, and a "!rd's nest ;or%e# had (ound, and nu$erous other deta!%s, as we%%) P!erre d!d a %ast.$!nute *he*k o( Tasha's (a%se e#e%ashes, and (!na%%# e'er#th!ng was read#) "There! ;o'e !nto p%a*e, Natasha, and Jon w!%% take o'er) 9on't worr# a"out the sea spra#- the#'re go!ng to douse #ou now) No, wa!t a $o$ent , d!d so$eone re$e$"er to put the e$o%%!ents !n the water4 Ah, good<#es, now<)" +u"$!tt!ng to the tep!d dous!ng was no sho*k to her s#ste$) That d!dn't *o$e unt!% Tasha had eased herse%( aga!nst the huge "ou%der) +he g%an*ed downward to ad0ust her (eet to a s%!ght%# d!((erent ang%e, as !nstru*ted) +udden%# she was a%% e%"ows and knees, gang%# and awkward as a teenager aga!n) Co%t!sh%#, she hugged her ar$s around her "reasts and %ooked around w!%d%#) "Natasha, what!s the $atter4" *a%%ed ;a&) ";.;a&, 6 *an't wear th!s T.sh!rt!" she *r!ed !n d!s$a#, *rad%!ng her dr!pp!ng "reasts to h!de the$ (ro$ '!ew, a $o'e that su**eeded on%# !n r!'et!ng the attent!on o( the nor$a%%# "%as> on%ookers) " ook what the water does to the (a"r!*! 6t's tota%%# transparent!" "3e%%, o( *ourse)" ;a&'s 'o!*e d!dn'tr!se a not*h, "ut !t he%d a note o( reproo( a%% the sa$e) "6 se%e*ted !t 'er# *are(u%%# (or that e&a*t purpose) 9on't "e *h!%d!sh, Natasha) /ou *an't e&pe*t..."

2ut Tasha d!d not sta# to hear the rest o( ;a&'s ad$on!sh$ent) To the start%ed stares o( the $an# ass!stants s*attered around the s*ene, she "o%ted) Feet (%#!ng, wet ha!r (%#!ng too, she ra*ed (or the on%# pr!'ate en*%osure w!th!n eas# rea*h , the 'an that was to ser'e as a dress!ng roo$, shou%d (resh T.sh!rts or "%ue 0eans "e needed) 6t was parked !n a reasona"%# %e'e% grass# p%a*e, "a*ked up to the "ea*h (or eas# a**ess!"!%!t#- Tasha rea*hed !t !n se*onds) ;a&, who *ou%d $o'e w!th aston!sh!ng a%a*r!t# when he *hose, arr!'ed at the 'an 0ust as Tasha #anked the rear doors open and *%!$"ed !n) "Natasha! /ou *annot "eha'e !n th!s !rrat!ona% (ash!on) 6 a"so%ute%# (or"!d !t)" Fro$ the re%at!'e sa(et# o( the 'an !nter!or, Tasha turned to (a*e h!$, rea*h!ng (or the 'an doors w!th the !ntent!on o( *%os!ng the$ !n ;a&'s (a*e) "6'$ not so$eth!ng #ou *an put on d!sp%a# %!ke a P%a#"o# *enter(o%d," she sa!d !n a %ow (!er*e 'o!*e) "6'$ #our(!an*>e , ;a&! How *an #ou th!nk o( a%%ow!ng $# p!*ture to "e taken as !(, as !(<)" "Th!s (a%se $odest# !s un"e*o$!ng," ;a& sa!d !n a de*!ded%# *h!%%# tone) "9o #ou rea%%# w!sh to *reate a pu"%!* s*ene4" "2etter that than a pu"%!* spe*ta*%e!" (%ashed Tasha, and then, "e*ause Jon ass!ter was hurr#!ng to the s*ene, *a$era and %!ght $eter st!%% dang%!ng a"out h!s ne*k, she s%a$$ed the 'an doors) Through the dou"%e w!ndows !n the doors she *ou%d see ;a&'s e&press!on grow!ng unnatura%%# apop%e*t!*- he was not used to su*h treat$ent) 6t was at that $o$ent that the eng!ne o( the 'an %eaped !nto %!(e w!th a no!s# tw!st o( the !gn!t!on) 6n the (ro1en se*ond "e(ore !t a**e%erated, Tasha gathered her w!ts enough to ratt%e at the !ns!de hand%es o( the doors she had 0ust s%a$$ed- the# were %o*ked and wou%d not open) And then, !n a s*ree*h o( t!res and a *%oud o( dust, the 'an took o(()

Through the rear w!ndows !n the 'an doors she *ou%d see ;a&, $o$entar!%# para%#1ed and du$"(ounded "# th!s untoward turn o( e'ents) "Natasha!" he s*rea$ed as the 'an took o(()"Ju$p! Run!" 2ut !t was *%ear she *ou%d not- and so !t was ;a& who ran , !$$a*u%ate ;a&, !n h!s kn!(e.*reased gra# (%anne% trousers and 6ta%!an sports sh!rt) 6t a%% happened so sw!(t%#, and the d!stan*e "etween the 'an and those "eh!nd was grow!ng so (ast, that Tasha re*e!'ed on%# (%eet!ng !$press!ons , (!gures *on'erg!ng at a run (ro$ a%% s!des, shout!ng 'o!*es, wa'!ng ar$s, Jon ass!ter (or so$e reason snapp!ng p!*tures as rap!d%# as he was a"%e, ;a& !n (rant!* *hase a(ter h!s (ast.'an!sh!ng !n'est$ent<) ;a&4That "one."a%d $an runn!ng !n a *%oud o( dust, w!th a handso$e gra#.t!nged toupee (%#!ng !n the a!r "eh!nd h!$4 6t was a ;a& who %ooked utter%# (oo%!sh and #ears o%der, and Tasha no %onger needed to wonder wh# Jon ass!ter was so "us# w!th h!s *a$era) Not that she *ared- she was (ar too a%ar$ed "# her own pred!*a$ent) O( *ourse she knew !t was 2en's do!ng- !t *ou%d "e noth!ng e%se) How had he $anaged to get through ;a&'s ear%#.warn!ng s#ste$4 Or had he "r!"ed the dr!'er o( the h!red 'an to do th!s4Or<) As she rea%!1ed the de'astat!ng%# s!$p%e truth, rage r!pped through her s#ste$, rep%a*!ng a%ar$) +he wren*hed her ga1e awa# (ro$ the *on(used *o%%e*t!on o( w!%d%# gest!*u%at!ng peop%e :u!*k%# re*ed!ng !nto the d!stan*e and d!re*ted an angr# g%are toward the (ront o( the 'an) A sturd# part!t!on separated the rear (ro$ the dr!'er's seat, "ut there was a s$a%% w!ndow to a%%ow *o$$un!*at!on) A "%!nd had "een %owered (or pr!'a*#) 3!th so$e d!((!*u%t#, (or the 'an was now "u$p!ng a%ong at a (a!r *%!p, she $ade her wa# (orward)

+he had *aught a g%!$pse o( the dr!'er ear%# th!s $orn!ng, "ut had pa!d h!$ %!tt%e attent!on !n the *on(us!on o( %ast.$!nute arrange$ents) ;a& had nodded to the $an *urt%# and w!th (a!nt d!staste, draw!ng Tasha's e#e "r!e(%# to the hea'#.shou%dered Creo%e !n "agg# sh!rt and trousers, s%ou*hed o'er the whee% o( the 'an) +he had seen enough to note a dark "rown "eard and a shape%ess straw hat (%opp!ng %ow o'er h!s (a*e) +he had e'en heard h!$ address a (ew re$arks, !n the guttura% !s%and pato!s, to one o( the hote% e$p%o#ees) And then, ;a& had wh!sked her !nto the %!$ous!ne that was to transport the$ (or the (!rst part o( the tr!p- and she had not g!'en the $an another thought , unt!% now) +he ra!sed the "%!nd on%# to (!nd that there was g%ass "eh!nd !t) Just as !( he had e#es !n the "a*k o( h!s head, the dr!'er *hose th!s e&a*t $o$ent to rea*h a teak. tanned hand to a "utton on a *ontro% pane% and %ower the t!n# w!ndow auto$at!*a%%#) He d!d not g%an*e "a*kward, nor was there a rear'!ew $!rror !n wh!*h she *ou%d see h!s (a*e) 2ut he had *ast as!de h!s (%opp# straw hat, re'ea%!ng that the ha!r "eneath was shades %!ghter where the sun had "ron1ed !t than the s*ragg%# "rown "eard that had *aught her attent!on ear%!er) "3e%*o$e to ;ah>," sa!d a $o*k!ng 'o!*e, 0ust as the 'an negot!ated the %ast "u$p# stret*h and r!*o*heted onto the road, pass!ng ;a&'s parked %!$ous!ne) Tasha hard%# noted the *asua% greet!ng sa%ute o( the "od#guard ;a& had posted there- e'!dent%# no one had #et gathered w!ts enough to *onta*t h!$ "# wa%k!e.ta%k!e) "/ou<!" Her e#es shot po!son darts at the "a*k o( 2en's head) There was no need to see the (a*e now- she knew who !t was) "Thanks (or $ak!ng !t so eas# (or $e," 2en sa!d w!th enrag!ng *oo%ness, not turn!ng to %ook at her) The 'an was wh!pp!ng a%ong s$ooth%# now that !t was on the road) 2en was dr!'!ng at "reakne*k speed, e'!dent%# w!sh!ng to g!'e ;a& and h!s *ohorts no *han*e to *at*h up) Through her t!n# w!ndow, Tasha *ou%d see %!tt%e o( the pass!ng s*ene, "e#ond the w!nd!ng road d!re*t%# ahead)

"At a %oss (or words, $# dar%!ng4" he taunted) "6 *an suggest a (ew *ho!*e ones (or #ou , !n the +e#*he%%es pato!s, !( #ou pre(er)" He added a (ew e'!dent%# earth# phrases, and a%though Tasha spoke Fren*h as (%uent%# as !( !t had "een her (!rst %anguage, she understood no $ore than a word or two) "A%% o( wh!*h was $# op!n!on," 2en added, "o( that !$pro"a"%e s*ene "a*k there) Frank%#, 6 a%$ost $!ssed not!ng #our arr!'a% at the 'an- $# e#es were too "us# e%sewhere) 9o a%% #our s$art.set (r!ends sun"athe !n thede$!.nude4" Tasha *%en*hed her teeth !ne%egant%# 0ust as 2en g%an*ed (%eet!ng%# o'er h!s shou%der, g!'!ng her a "r!e( '!ew o( h!s dark%# tanned and "earded (a*e) "9on't do that w!th #our teeth, Natasha," 2en $!$!*ked !n a *rue% and *red!ta"%e parod# o( ;a&'s 'e%'et tones) "/ou'%% gr!nd the$ !nto noth!ng and how w!%% that %ook4 Oh, #es, $# %o'e, 6 d!d pa# a %!tt%e attent!on to #our part o( the s*ene ear%!er , unt!% #our (r!end d!stra*ted $e w!th her *ons!dera"%e *har$s)" "/ou, #ou...." "+ure%# 6 *an "e (org!'en (or wat*h!ng) 6t was *%ear she wanted an aud!en*e, and "es!des, 6 was "eg!nn!ng to despa!r o( #our e'er turn!ng up (or a *hange o( *%othes) Frank%#, 6 thought !t was un%!ke%# on*e 6 had !n'est!gated the wardro"e !n the "a*k o( the 'an , "o&es o( 0eans and T.sh!rts, 0ust $ore o( what #ou're wear!ng) 3h# d!d #ou *o$e to *hange4" The worst o( Tasha's sho*k was o'er now) Her pu%se had s%owed so$ewhat, and se%(.*ontro% was "eg!nn!ng to reassert !tse%() 2en's words $ade !t *%ear that he had w!tnessed 'er# %!tt%e o( what had transp!red "a*k at the "ea*h, or !( he had w!tnessed !t he had not understood what he had seen) And she *erta!n%# had no !ntent!on o( en%!ghten!ng h!$! "6 saw #ou runn!ng and ;a& *has!ng #ou to the 'an) 3hat happened4 "

"6 stu""ed $# toe," she de*%ared t!ght%#) "How do #ou th!nk #ou're go!ng to get awa# w!th th!s, 2en4 C!dnapp!ng !s a 'er# ser!ous o((ense) 3!th!n (!(teen $!nutes e'er# po%!*e$an on ;ah> w!%% "e out %ook!ng (or #ou)" "3!th!n (!(teen $!nutes we won't "e on ;ah>," he !n(or$ed her *oo%%#, as the 'an 'eered o(( the road aga!n and 2en sh!(ted the gear that engaged the (our.whee% dr!'e) 9!re*t%# ahead %a# a stand o( trees and "ushes, and "e#ond that water) 3!th "one.0o%t!ng speed, 2en a!$ed (or !t, and w!th!n se*onds the 'an was parked "eh!nd so$e th!*k shru""er#, !n'!s!"%e (ro$ the road) He 0erked on the hand "rake and turned h!s (u%% attent!on to Tasha, tw!st!ng !n the seat unt!% he had the s$a%% w!ndow and her soaked head !n (u%% '!ew) He stud!ed her !n $o*k!ng s!%en*e (or a $o$ent, h!s %!ds droop!ng o'er e#es $ore der!s!'e than Tasha re$e$"ered) Had the# a%wa#s g%!nted %!ke that , as !( there were %!tt%e go%d (%e*ks "ur!ed deep !n the torto!seshe%% !r!ses4 Nor *ou%d she re*a%% those t!n# *r!nk%es at the *orners, pa%e aga!nst the deep%# sunned sk!n o( h!s (a*e) 2ut then, the on%# t!$e she had e'er seen 2en w!th "ene(!t o( *onta*t %enses had "een on her wedd!ng da#, and he had not "een s$!%!ng then<) "+urpr!sed, "rown e#es4" he $ur$ured) "6 d!dn't e&pe*t #ou to re*ogn!1e $e th!s $orn!ng) A$a1!ng what *%othes w!%% do (or a $an) A d!rt# sh!rt, a pa!r o( trousers t!ed up w!th an o%d rope, a $onth's (o%!age on $# *h!n< wh#, 6 d!dn't e'en ha'e to h!de "eh!nd the hat, e&*ept when #ou were around) /our (an*# (r!ends shuddered w!th d!sgust and kept the!r d!stan*e) Toda# has "een a 'er# a$us!ng da# a%% !n a%%)" "For #ou!"Tasha snapped) For so$e reason she (e%t no (ear at a%% , on%# a great wash o( anger at 2en's h!ghwa#$an ta*t!*s) ";a& w!%% ha'e #our ne*k (or th!s!" "He'%% ha'e to (!nd !t (!rst," 2en sa!d e:ua"%#) "Now *o$e a%ong, "rown e#es, we ha'e no t!$e to waste) 3e're sw!t*h!ng to the sea)"

Fro$ her %!$!ted 'antage po!nt, Tasha *ou%d not see the water now, "ut she *ou%d re$e$"er an !nd!st!n*t g%!$pse o( a s!1a"%e two.$asted sa!%"oat that had "een an*hored a s$a%% d!stan*e (ro$ the shore) "/ou had th!s p%anned to the %ast deta!%, d!dn't #ou!" she a**used) "2arr!ng the un(oreseen," 2en agreed !$pertur"a"%#) H!s strong "ron1ed (!ngers ho'ered o'er a *ontro% pane%) "Now don't "other runn!ng when 6 un%o*k that rear door (ro$ up here- 6 *an "eat #ou !n a spr!nt an# da#)" Tasha g%ared at h!$ "a%e(u%%#, %ong enough to see the "r!e( wh!te gr!n that "roke through h!s ru((!an%!ke "eard) Then, gather!ng her w!ts, she (%ashed a g%an*e o'er her shou%der to %ook at the rear doors) 2en $!ght ha'e %o*ked the$ auto$at!*a%%# (ro$ up (ront, "ut e'!dent%# he had (orgotten that there was a strong "o%t!ng arrange$ent on the !ns!de, too) E'en as she heard the *%!*k o( the re%eas!ng %o*k she $ade a dash (or !t- and "# the t!$e he ratt%ed at the rear door the hea'# "ar had "een %owered !nto p%a*e) on that ket*h o( h!s! +he *ou%d hear a deep anno#ed s!gh and then s!%en*e) +he "a*ked awa# (ro$ the doors, negot!at!ng her wa# through "o&es o( *%oth!ng, and sat down on one o( the "en*hes that ran a%ong the s!des o( the 'an, e#es st!%% (astened on the rear w!ndows where 2en's "!g "od# *ou%d st!%% "e seen,head (or the $o$ent 0ust out o( (ra$e) He was strong, "ut sure%# he wasn't strong enough to "reak through that "arr!*ade! A head appeared !n the w!ndow) 6n order to %ook !nto the 'an, 2en had to "end s%!ght%#- h!s we%%.kn!t "od# was propped a%$ost *asua%%# aga!nst one hand as he peered through the g%ass) +o$e unru%# part o( Tasha's $!nd thought, Howta%% he !s, et h!$ tr# to k!dnap her now! 3!th!n $!nutes sear*hers wou%d "e *o$"!ng the !s%and, and 2en *ou%d hard%# transport a who%e 'an

6 rea%%# had (orgotten ...

"That's a 'er# (et*h!ng T.sh!rt," he sa!d, h!s deep 'o!*e on%# s%!ght%# $u((%ed "# the "arr!er that stood "etween the$) Tasha's ar$s (%ew "a*k !nto de(ens!'e pos!t!on

o'er the *%!ng!ng gar$ent that had "een the %east o( her worr!es (or the past (ew $!nutes) "And don't "other *o'er!ng up, "rown e#es) 6( #ou were w!%%!ng to show that $u*h !n a photograph, there's no po!nt "e!ng a prude (or $e) 6( 6'd known #ou were on d!sp%a#, too, 6 $!ghtn't ha'e pa!d so $u*h attent!on to #our top%ess (r!end "a*k at the "ea*h) =er# ent!*!ng a%together and $u*h $ore erot!* than "are (%esh...Now open the "o%t) 6'$ not a pat!ent $an)" The "a*k w!ndows had s$a%% "%!nds, too, !nsta%%ed on ;a&'s e&press !nstru*t!ons, so the 'an *ou%d "e used as a *hange roo$) Tasha rea*hed the$ !n se'era% steps and #anked the$ down, *%os!ng out 2en's %eer a%together) +he *ou%d hear h!s earth# *hu*k%e and $ade a (a*e that e&pressed a"out one.tenth o( the outrage she (e%t) "6 *ou%d tr# to (or*e th!s door r!ght awa#," she heard h!$ sa# $o*k!ng%#, ""ut 6'$ o( a $!nd to "e generous) 6'%% g!'e #ou (!'e $!nutes, "rown e#es, to *hange !nto so$e o( the dr# *%othes !n those "o&es) 3e''e a %ong tr!p ahead o( us and 6 don't want #ou *at*h!ng pneu$on!a)" "6'$ not go!ng an#where," Tasha retorted angr!%#) ;u%!sh%#, she sett%ed herse%( "a*k on the seat, ar$s st!%% wrapped a"out her transparent T.sh!rt) et 2en do h!s worst! "F!'e $!nutes' tru*e, Tasha," he sa!d so(t%#, "that's a%%) A(ter that #ou're *o$!ng out, read# or not) Now start *hang!ng- 6'$ *ount!ng)" +he $a!nta!ned a stu""orn s!%en*e, unw!%%!ng to g!'e h!$ the sat!s(a*t!on o( susta!n!ng the d!a%ogue) 3hat *ou%d he do, an#wa#4 Two $!nutes passed, then three) As the s!%en*e stret*hed she "e*a$e $ore aware o( the !nade:ua*# o( her wet gar$ents) 3hat !( res*uers d!d arr!'e4 +he had no des!re to "e (ound !n these *%!ng!ng *%othes) And !t see$ed that 2en !ntended to honor h!s word- there had "een not a s!ng%e ratt%e o( the door hand%es)

3!th a sudden spurt o( a*t!'!t# to $ake up (or t!$e %ost, she snat*hed a towe%, one o( a p!%e %e(t !n the 'an that $orn!ng a%ong w!th other a**outre$ents o( the shoot) +he do((ed the hea'# dr!pp!ng "%ue 0eans (!rst, start!ng w!th her %ower ha%( "e*ause !t see$ed "# (ar the $ost 'u%nera"%e part, shou%d she happen to "e *aught naked) ;ore haste, %ess speed) +he *ou%d (!nd no (resh underwear to rep%a*e the soak!ng "!k!n! "r!e(s she had 0ust d!s*arded, and so she pu%%ed a pa!r o( dr# "%ue 0eans d!re*t%# o'er her "are sk!n) Her (!ngers (u$"%ed (or pre*!ous se*onds w!th the *%asp o( the 1!p, and then she d!'ed (or the "o& o( T.sh!rts) At %east there had "een no warn!ng s!gns as #et- sure%# she st!%% had t!$e! "Co$!ng, "rown e#es4/our (!'e $!nutes are up)" "6 *erta!n%# a$ not!" she *r!ed to the (a*e she *ou%d not see) "And 6 suggest that #ou take o(( on that s!%%# "oat w!thout $e, 2en Cra!g, !( #ou 'a%ue #our own sk!n! " "Ah, Tasha," he taunted) "9o #ou rea%%# th!nk 6''e gone to a%% th!s trou"%e on%# to take o(( w!thout #ou4 6 ha'e no !ntent!on o( %ea'!ng #ou "eh!nd)" And w!th that there was a $!ght# sp%!nter!ng *rash) Tasha (ro1e !n the 'er# a*t o( pee%!ng o(( her *%!ng!ng see.through sh!rt) On the door o( the 'an, a great gap had appeared near the hand%e, where a g%!nt o( %etha%.%ook!ng $eta% showed through) 2e(ore !t was w!thdrawn, she re*ogn!1ed !t as an a& "%ade) Another *rash<and then 2en's %arge %ong.(!ngered hand rea*hed through the w!dened aperture and kno*ked the hea'# "o%t out o( p%a*e as !( !t had we!ghed no $o(e than a (eather) The doors o( the 'an were wren*hed open and 2en stood there, %ook!ng !n*ongruous%# *a%$ as !( the a*t he had 0ust perpetrated had not "een '!o%ent at a%%) "A 'er# use(u% (!'e $!nutes," he draw%ed) "/ou d!dn't rea%%# th!nk 6 a%%owed !t on%# !n order to %et #ou *hange, d!d #ou4 6 needed t!$e to (et*h an a& (ro$ $# "oat) Thanks (or not runn!ng)"

"/ou desp!*a"%e "astard," she gasped, e#es (%ash!ng (!re) +he tr!ed to sh!e%d herse%( w!th a hand wh!%e she pushed the tang%e o( the wet T.sh!rt "a*k "e%ow her $!dr!(() "Co$!ng4 Or wou%d #ou pre(er to "e *arr!ed4" 3hen h!s $o*k!ng words $et w!th no !nstant response, 2en du*ked h!s head and %e'ered h!$se%( !nto the 'an !nter!or) 6n the ne&t !nstant a stee%# gr!p (astened o'er her wr!st, and she (ound herse%( s%ung, (!re$an (ash!on, o'er a "road shou%der, her head and ar$s dang%!ng down h!s "a*k and her %egs !ne%egant%# *%a$ped at h!s (ront !n the *!r*%e o( one power(u% ar$) +he (%a!%ed at h!s "a*k w!th her (ree hands w!th no e((e*t whatsoe'er, e&*ept to hurt herse%() "9a$n #ou, 2en Cra!g<d.da$n #ou!At %east %et $e get dressed!" He !gnored her strugg%es and her how% o( outrage) "That #ours4" he asked, a!$!ng a s$a%% k!*k at a %eather *ase that rested on the (%oor a$!d the "o&es o( spare T. sh!rts and 0eans) 6t was Tasha's $ode% *ase, an a$p%e and we%%.(!tted su!t*ase o( hat"o& s!1e, su*h as a%% $ode%s *arr#) A%though she had not e&pe*ted to need !t that da# w!th P!erre a%ong to attend to e'er# t!n# deta!% o( her $akeup, she had "rought !t a%ong as a $atter o( *ourse- the ha"!t o( *arr#!ng !t on a%% ass!gn$ents was "# now thorough%# !ngra!ned) "/es," she *hoked out, st!%% strugg%!ng !ne((e*t!'e%#) 2en ha%( knee%ed and snapped the *ase open w!th h!s (ree hand) 6t was a%read# part%# (!%%ed w!th the 'ar!ous parapherna%!a o( Tasha's pro(ess!on , spra#s, %!pst!*ks,%ot!ons , powders, a%% neat%# nested !ns!de) "+orr# 6 don't ha'e t!$e to repa*k," he sa!d gr!$%#, thrust!ng a %arge hand(u% o( (resh T.sh!rts !nto su*h (ree spa*e as re$a!ned !n the *ase) He *%!*ked !t *%osed)

"+hoes4" he asked) "/ou'%% need shoes)" " et $e go, #ou, #ou<)" 2en spotted the 6ta%!an thongs Tasha had worn ear%!er that $orn!ng when %ea'!ng the hote%) 9esp!te the!r %ow hee%s the# were thorough%# !$pra*t!*a%, %!tt%e $ore than a *r!ss.*ross o( %eather atta*hed to a (%!$s# so%e) "/ou d!dn't *o$e too we%% prepared, d!d #ou4" he noted d!sappro'!ng%# as he hooked the sanda% straps o'er a (!nger and ho!sted the $ode% *ase !n the sa$e hand) Tasha ga'e 'ent to e'er# oun*e o( her *ons!dera"%e %ung power as 2en $anhand%ed her out o( the 'an) "Forget !t, "rown e#es," he sa!d w!th so$e a$use$ent !n one !nter'a% when she paused to *at*h her "reath) "That %!$ous!ne parked "a*k at the s*ene o( the *r!$e !sn't go!ng an#where !n a hurr#) 6 $anaged to (!%*h the ke#s th!s $orn!ng, a(ter !t de%!'ered #ou and #our (an*# "o#(r!end) 3h#, 6 dou"t the po%!*e e'en know a"out #our pred!*a$ent #et)" +he sputtered !nto !nd!gnant s!%en*e as 2en a!$ed a*ross the "ea*h toward an !n(%ata"%e d!ngh# that wa!ted at the water's edge) He see$ed !n no part!*u%ar hurr# now) H!s str!de was w!de "ut$easured, h!s %a*k o( haste !n(ur!at!ng%# se%(.*on(!dent) The sheer s!1e and an!$a% strength o( h!$ ser'ed to $ake her a%ar$!ng%# aware o( her own 'u%nera"!%!t#) The rough te&ture o( h!s sh!rt s*rat*hed through her wet one, and h!s power(u% ar$ he%d her %egs as eas!%# as !( she had "een a s$a%% *h!%d !nstead o( a (u%%.grown and 'er# ta%% wo$an) He p%a*ed the $ode% *ase *are(u%%# a(t, and then w!th (ar %ess *ere$on# du$ped Tasha !nto the d!ngh#) 9esp!te the a!r.*ush!oned so(tness, the !$pa*t kno*ked the re$a!n!ng "reath (ro$ her %ungs, stunn!ng her $o$entar!%#) Ank%e deep !n water, 2en stood "es!de the d!ngh# (or a $o$ent, open%# and w!*ked%# assess!ng Tasha's 'er# s*ant!%# *on*ea%ed "reasts)

"=er# n!*e," he 0udged, w!th the e#e o( a *onno!sseur) "/ou w!n o'er #our we%%. endowed (r!end, hands down) Not !n :uant!t# "ut !n :ua%!t#)" Tasha re*o'ered enough to strugg%e to a s!tt!ng pos!t!on and*on*ea% herse%( w!th her hands) Not that !t $attered "# then- 2en's e#es were d!re*ted e%sewhere) 3!th the %!theness o( a "orn ath%ete and a *o$peten*e earned "# $an# #ears at sea, he pushed the d!ngh# (ro$ the shore and %eaped !n %!ght%# as !t *a$e (ree o( the sand and g%!ded toward deeper water) He turned h!s attent!on to the oars) As he started to !nsert the$ !nto the oar%o*ks h!s "a*k was ha%(.turned to Tasha) 3!ts "# now (u%%# rega!ned, she *a$e to a *rou*h!ng pos!t!on preparator# to %eap!ng o(( the "oat) +he *erta!n%# had no !ntent!on o( $ak!ng th!s eas# (or 2en! 6n the ne&t !nstant she (ound herse%( (%ung "od!%# "a*kward, p!nned !nto p%a*e "# a %ong, %arge and 'er# '!r!%e "od#) "9!dn't #ou know 6'$ a $!nd reader4" he taunted) H!s (a*e was so *%ose she *ou%d see the te&ture o( h!s sk!n and (ee% the pr!*k%e o( h!s "eard aga!nst her *h!n) The (u%% we!ght o( h!$ was on her, *rush!ng her "od# aga!nst the p!%%owed p%a*e where she %a#) +he *ou%d (ee% the "eat o( h!s heart, the *aden*e s%ower than hers- and the war$th o( h!s "reath st!rred aga!nst the $o!sture o( her parted pant!ng %!ps) "3hat are #ou<go!ng to do<w!th $e4" Her "reath!ng was ragged, her e#es huge) "3hat do #ou< want o( $e4 " "6 %ea'e #ou to guess," he $ur$ured, the s$!%e !n h!s e#es (ad!ng) +o$eth!ng host!%e g%ea$ed !n those e#es , *onte$pt, perhaps4 Tasha was *ons*!ous o( e'er# !n*h o( h!$, %#!ng war$ and hea'# o'er her "od#) He had no need to use (or*e to p!n!on her !nto p%a*e- the super!or s!1e o( h!s we%%.$us*%ed %!$"s do$!nated her eas!%#) "/ou're a "!g g!r%, Tasha, and a 'er# *%e'er one, too) +ure%# #ou *an (!gure out wh# 6''e done th!s !( #ou set #our $!nd to !t)"

"/ou d!dn't< want $e< (or a w!(e)" "On%# too true," 2en agreed) "Then wh# ha'e #ou<done th!s4" 6t see$ed the a!r wou%d e&p%ode !n her %ungs, and #et so$ehow she $anaged to 'o!*e the "reath%ess words) "/ou< d!'or*ed $e) Or were #ou %#!ng a"out that4" "No)" "Then what !s !t< #ou want4 " 2en's e#es g%!ttered "r!e(%# w!th so$e e$ot!on she *ou%d not :u!te de(!ne) "5n(!n!shed "us!ness," he sa!d, "(ro$ our wedd!ng n!ght)" Tasha's heart see$ed to stop (or one tops#.tur'# $o$ent- there was on%# one th!ng 2en *ou%d $ean) "3h#<now," she wh!spered, when she (ound her 'o!*e aga!n, "a(ter a%% these<#ears4 9oes !t $ean #ou want $e<(or #our w!(e<a(ter a%%4 Oh, 2en<)" The tawn# torto!seshe%% e#es were wat*h!ng her narrow%# as !( assess!ng her rea*t!ons) "O( *ourse 6 don't," he sa!d, h!s $outh tw!st!ng !n a hard un(r!end%# %!ne) ";# s$a%% e&per!en*e w!th #ou *ured $e o( an# des!re (or $arr!age , to an# wo$an) +ure%# #ou don't th!nk 6 snat*hed #ou out (ro$ under #our (!an*e's nose (or the *ause o( true %o'e4 A 'er# ro$ant!* not!on< "ut 6'$ not a ro$ant!* $an) No, "rown e#es, $# !ntent!on !s $u*h s!$p%er than that, and perhaps !( #ou use #our !$ag!nat!on<)" Tasha *ou%d and d!d) As 2en's 'o!*e tra!%ed o(( $ean!ng(u%%#, she (%ared, "6s that what #ou a%wa#s do w!th wo$en4 +ee what #ou want< and take !t43hether the#'re w!%%!ng or not4"

2en's e#es turned $o*k!ng and dark%# s%u$"erous, as the# (astened the$se%'es on her *are(u%%# pa!nted %!ps) "9oes the thought pertur" #ou4" he $ur$ured, *%ear%# en0o#!ng her $o$ent o( un*on*ea%ed *onsternat!on) "Good) That w!%% g!'e #ou so$eth!ng to %ook (orward to) Th!nk a"out !t, Tasha, one sto%en week..." "One< week4" "That's when 6'%% return #ou to #our *har$!ng (!an*> , !( 6'$ through w!th #ou "# then)" H!s (a*e $o'ed *%oser, so that no $ore than a s!ng%e !n*h separated the!r $ouths) H!s 'o!*e "e*a$e %ow, husk#,!nt!$ate , a%$ost %!ke a *aress) "6'$ not sure 6 w!%% "e<)" Tasha to%d herse%( that the %!tt%e tre$or o( e&*!te$ent !n her %ower %!$"s *ou%d not poss!"%# "e des!re- that was a (ee%!ng she had not e&per!en*ed (or $an# #ears) 6t $ust "e (ear that *%ogged her throat and turned her hands *%a$$# and $ade her so o'erwhe%$!ng%# *ons*!ous o( the (a*t that 2en's '!r!%e "od# was "eg!nn!ng to rea*t to her pro&!$!t#, pro'!ng :u!te pa%pa"%# that he was 'er# we%% e:u!pped to *arr# out h!s threats) 2en's heart"eat had :u!*kened, too- and now h!s hands s%!d !nto her da$p tang%ed ha!r, one at ea*h ear, ho%d!ng her (a*e !n p%a*e) "God knows wh# a $an !n h!s r!ght $!nd wou%d want #ou," he $uttered th!*k%# as he %owered h!s $outh to hers) He had no need to tease her %!ps apart) +o$e terr!"%e weakness see$ed to pre'ent Tasha (ro$ *%os!ng her $outh aga!nst h!s k!ss) The roughness o( h!s "eard aga!nst her (a*e, the deep pro"!ng e&p%orat!ons o( h!s tongue, the erot!* $o'e$ents o( h!s power(u% and know!ng (!ngers at her ears, the hea'# te&tured we!ght o( h!s *hest aga!nst her da$p "reasts , a%% *o$"!ned to ro" her o( de(enses) For one $o$ent o( $adness she a%$ost (ound her tra!torous hands stea%!ng around h!s shou%ders, and then, re*o'er!ng so$e degree o( sense, she used the$ !nstead to s*rat*h)

2en's head 0erked awa#, "ut he d!d noth!ng to pre'ent the rak!ng o( her (!ngerna!%s) "/ou s!%%# "!t*h," he sa!d s*orn(u%%#) "Ceep that up and 6'%% persona%%# take a pa!r o( $an!*ure s*!ssors to #our na!%s) 6'$ sure 6 saw so$e !n that r!d!*u%ous *ase o( #ours) And what w!%% ;a& sa# a"out that , when he sees those prett# pa!nted *%aws *ut to the 'er# :u!*k4" 2ut she d!d a**o$p%!sh part o( her purpose) 3!thout haste, 2en (reed her "od# and turned h!s attent!on "a*k to the oars) Th!s t!$e he was *are(u% not to turn h!s "a*k , not that !t $attered) 6n the (ew $!nutes s!n*e the d!ngh# had "een (reed (ro$ the "ea*h, !t had dr!(ted (arther (ro$ the shore) The waters o( the %agoon were per(e*t%# *%ear, and !t was poss!"%e to see the sand "otto$ dotted w!th the "eaut!(u% shapes o( she%%s) 3!th a we%%.h!dden w!n*e Tasha rea%!1ed the !n(%ata"%e d!ngh# had dr!(ted "e#ond her depth) +w!$$!ng was one art she had ne'er a*:u!red- there wou%d "e no $ore atte$pts at es*ape (or the t!$e "e!ng) 3!th her ar$s hudd%ed prote*t!'e%# around her se$!.e&posed "reasts, Tasha wat*hed 2en's %ong ar$s "end!ng to the oars, the!r $o'e$ents (!r$ and e*ono$!*a%) +he d!d not need to see "eneath the %oose ragged sh!rt he st!%% wore to know the strength o( those s!news, those $us*%es, those we%%.(or$ed "!*eps) +he sh!'ered, desp!te the trop!* heat and the sun that poured %!ke go%den s#rup out o( a "%ue e:uator!a% sk#) Had she rea%%# near%# rea*ted w!th pass!onate a"andon !n the ar$s o( a $an who $ade no pretense o( e'en %!k!ng her4 A $an who had '!rtua%%# ad$!tted he !ntended to take her "# (or*e4 No, she thought, re'!s!ng that s%!ght%#8 2en wou%d not take her "# (or*e) He was too sure o( h!s potent ph#s!*a% attra*t!ons to do that) 9a$n h!$ an#wa#! "+top %ook!ng so o((ended," 2en $o*ked as he stroked toward the %arger "oat) "/ou en0o#ed e'er# $!nute o( that k!ss , desp!te the %ast.$o$ent res!stan*e)" +o$e !nnate strength *a$e to Tasha's res*ue now- she was da$ned !( she wanted to ad$!t an# weakness to 2en) The hard %earned arts o( $ode%!ng he%ped as she

stro'e to rega!n her ap%o$") 9esp!te the hu$!%!at!ng se$!.nakedness that st!%% *aused !nward wr!th.!ngs, she $anaged to don a haught# soph!st!*ated e&press!on) "/ou ha'en't *hanged at a%%," she sa!d *o%d%#)"Arrogant and !$poss!"%e and so da$n sure o( #ourse%() 6 a%%owed #ou to k!ss $e on%# "e*ause 6 was a(ra!d #ou $!ght "!te $# %!p !( 6 d!dn't) 6n $# work 6 *an't a((ord a wounded %!p) That was su"$!ss!on, not response) /ou d!dn't tou*h $# (ee%!ngs at a%%)" For so$e reason that o"ser'at!on w!ped the *rue% $o*ker# (ro$ 2en's $outh- h!s e#es *%ouded and h!s (a*e *%osed o'er) "9!d 6 e'er4" he $uttered as he turned h!s attent!on "a*k to the sea) +e*onds %ater the# had pu%%ed a%ongs!de the ket*h) 6n a swoop!ng $o'e$ent that ro*ked the s$a%%er "oat a%ar$!ng%#, 2en p!*ked Tasha up and depos!ted her o'er the s!de) +he gasped "ut d!d noth!ng to res!st- how *ou%d she, short o( r!sk!ng a tu$"%e !n the water4 As 2en h!$se%( "oarded he kept Tasha's $ode% *ase we%% out o( her rea*h , a de%!"erate and !n(ur!at!ng gesture that Tasha knew was !ntended to upset her) 5nw!%%!ng to %et 2en see her rea*t!on, she put on a "ored e&press!on and sett%ed herse%( "# a p!%e o( spare sa!%s !n the (ore o( the %arge *o*kp!t) 5nhurr!ed%# she rea*hed (or an edge o( sa!% *an'as and draped !t o'er her "reasts, at %ast a"%e to a"andon the und!gn!(!ed hudd%!ng o( ar$s) A(ter 2en had stowed the !n(%ata"%e d!ngh#, he #anked a rope to start a s$a%% au&!%!ar# eng!ne) C%ear%# he w!shed to take no r!sks "# re$a!n!ng an# %onger !n th!s danger 1one- he $ade no atte$pt as #et to set the (ur%ed sa!%s) 3!th!n se*onds he was s:uatt!ng "# the t!%%er, one wat*h(u% e#e on Tasha as he steered toward a *hanne% through the ree() H!s "!g (ra$e %ooked de*ept!'e%# re%a&ed , (or !t was read#, she knew, to un*o!% %!ke a spr!ng shou%d she show a s!ng%e s!gn o( d!'!ng o(() 3ou%d to hea'en she *ou%d! Tasha sat !n "a%e(u% s!%en*e (or a (ew $!nutes, ponder!ng her pred!*a$ent) 6t see$ed she *ou%d e&pe*t no repr!e'es (or the t!$e "e!ng) The shore%!ne o( ;ah>

was (ast "e!ng put "eh!nd, and there was no s!gn o( res*ue on the hor!1on) "3here are #ou tak!ng $e4" she asked t!ght%# at %ast) "Awa# (ro$ !t a%%," 2en sa!d unre'ea%!ng%#, h!s 'o!*e dr# w!th $o*ker#) "+ure%# #ou're not p%ann!ng to keep $e at sea (or a who%e week," she sa!d, %ook!ng askan*e at 2en's "oat) 6t was %arge, un%u&ur!ous and thorough%# seaworth# w!th !ts neat%# *o!%ed %!nes and unpretent!ous pra*t!*a% (!tt!ngs , not an eas# "oat to hand%e, she guessed, w!th the a$ount o( sa!% !t *arr!ed) +p!te(u%%#, "e*ause she sensed 2en was pro"a"%# proud o( h!s "oat, she added, "Th!s %!tt%e d!ngh# doesn't %ook too *o$(orta"%e) '' "6t's not a d!ngh#, !t's a ket*h," he *orre*ted) 6( he had taken o((ense at her de%!"erate !nsu%t, !t d!dn't show !n the der!s!'e g%!nt o( h!s e#e) "And #our *o$(ort !s the %east o( $# *on*erns (or th!s ne&t week) Howe'er, as #ou ha'e so %!tt%e %o'e (or the sea, #ou'%% "e g%ad to know 6'$ tak!ng #ou to another !s%and)" Tasha's s$a%% shak# %augh was pure%# a ner'ous re(%e&, dredged up to *on*ea% the 0ang%e o( her ner'es) "A$ 6 supposed to "e grate(u%4" she asked) The %augh see$ed to set 2en's teeth on edge8 !t was as !( she had twanged a raw ner'e) For the (!rst t!$e he see$ed $o$entar!%# o(( "a%an*e) A du%% red *o%or rose !n h!s (a*e, and he 0erked h!s e#es awa# (ro$ her a%together) +o$ewhere !n her "ra!n, Tasha stored awa# that use(u% p!e*e o( know%edge) A%% 'er# we%% (or h!$ to %augh, she re(%e*ted po!sonous%#8 he d!dn't see$ to %!ke !t 'er# we%% when she $anaged to do so) "+o$ep%a*e *!'!%!1ed, 6 hope," she added $a%e'o%ent%#) "On the *ontrar#, !t's 'er# re$ote," he snapped) H!s a'erted (a*e was hard and set, h!s %!ps drawn "a*k !n a $anner that !nd!*ated utter e&asperat!on) "The who%e !dea !s to get #ou a%one , and awa# (ro$ *!'!%!1at!on)"

At th!s re$!nder o( her 'u%nera"!%!t#, Tasha's (!ngers t!ghtened o'er her sk!$p# *an'as prote*t!on, part o( a spare sa!% she *ou%d not d!sentang%e enough to a%%ow herse%( (reedo$ o( $o'e$ent !n the "oat) ";a# 6 p%ease ha'e $# $akeup *ase4" she re:uested w!th an !d%eness she d!d not (ee%) C%ear%# her $o$ent o( ad'antage had passed- 2en was on*e $ore !n (!r$ *ontro%) H!s ga1e tr!*k%ed o'er her %!ps w!th de'astat!ng thoroughness)"3hat (or4 3here #ou're go!ng, #ou won't need that k!nd o( (aker#)" "6'd %!ke a *hange o( *%othes) ;# T.sh!rt !s st!%% wet and un*o$(orta"%e)" "Then take !t o((," he sa!d) "6'$ not stopp!ng #ou)" Tasha s!$$ered, "ut *ou%d not r!sk argu!ng too $u*h unt!% she had se*ured a (resh sh!rt) "6 don't want to go p!nk !n the wrong p%a*es," she sa!d %!ght%#, gestur!ng gra*e(u%%# at her draped *hest) 2en's e#es tra'e%ed !n the oppos!te d!re*t!on8 upward to her nose) "Good th!nk!ng," he sa!d !nsu%t!ng%#) And w!th that, the nondes*r!pt hat he had worn ear%!er %anded s$art%# !n her %ap) Tasha shrugged the hat as!de and h!d her resent$ent "eh!nd a g%a*!a% e&press!on) "6'$ ta%k!ng a"out $# "!k!n! %!ne," she sa!d, po!nted%#) "3hat "!k!n! %!ne4 ;# guess, "rown e#es, !s that %!ke #our (e%%ow (ash!onp!ate #ou're :u!te used to sun"ath!ng !n the "u(() 6'$ w!%%!ng to "et #ou're a hea%th# a%%.o'er go%d)" 6t was true- "ut the e((e*t was the resu%t o( se*%uded and *are(u%%# t!$ed sun%a$p sess!ons, (!(teen $!nutes a da#, as pres*r!"ed "# ;a&) 2ut she had no !ntent!on o(

te%%!ng that to 2en , or, !( she had her wa#, o( %ett!ng h!$ see the resu%t) "Ne'erthe%ess, 6 ha'e sens!t!'e sk!n," she sa!d angr!%#) 2en's dark "rows :u!rked upward *onte$ptuous%#)"Rea%%#46 hadn't not!*ed) 6( #ou want #our *ase, *o$e and get !t)" He spent the ne&t th!rt# se*onds en0o#!ng the spe*ta*%e as Tasha tr!ed to hook the %eather hand%e o( her *ase w!th one naked toe) At %ength she ga'e up the awkward atte$pt and a"andoned $odest# !n (a'or o( d!gn!t#) +a!% edge dropped, she $ade her wa# to the *ase and retreated w!th as $u*h hauteur and speed as *raw%!ng on a!% (ours wou%d a%%ow) 3!th!n $o$ents, turn!ng her "a*k, she had restored de*en*# and a%so donned her sanda%s) The "oat had now %e(t the *a%$ %agoon and entered open, %!ght%# ru((%ed waters) 2en spent a "r!e( $o$ent s:u!nt!ng at the seas and the sk!es, $ak!ng Tasha wonder !rre%e'ant%# whether that was how he had a*:u!red those %!tt%e !ndentat!ons that (anned out (ro$ the *orners o( h!s e#es) "2e thank(u% #ou're not !n a d!ngh#," he sa!d dr#%#) "3e''e a (a!r wa# to go and the w!nd's too %!ght toda# to take us there !n a hurr#) 3e'%% "e %u*k# to rea*h the !s%and "e(ore dark, e'en !n th!s ket*h) 6ts na$e, "# the wa#, !s ;#st!:ue)" "6 thought !t was *a%%ed Ada$'s Fo%%#," Tasha sa!d , and then *ou%d ha'e "!tten her tongue o(( (or "etra#!ng that she had read 2en's "ook) 2en's e#es g%!ttered w!th open a$use$ent at th!s !nd!sputa"%e e'!den*e that he had the upper hand) "6 was ta%k!ng a"out the na$e o( the !s%and," he *orre*ted so(t%# as he $o'ed (orward to attend to the sa!%s) 2ested (or the $o$ent, Tasha *ur"ed her tongue) Not want!ng to wat*h 2en's %ong %oose.%!$"ed "od# or h!s eas# *o$peten*e w!th the sa!%s, she turned her $!nd to spe*u%at!on a"out the !s%and he had na$ed) 6t was not one she had heard o( or

noted on an# o( the $aps ;or%e# had shown, "ut w!th near%# a hundred !s%ands !n the +e#*he%%es group, that was not so e&traord!nar#) ;#st!:ue)6t was an !ntr!gu!ng na$e, she had to ad$!t) 6t *on0ured up '!s!ons o( a t!n# en*hanted !s%and %ost !n a %one%# $!st.shrouded sea, a p%a*e as "eaut!(u% as !t was $#ster!ous) 6t was as !( the na$e !tse%( e&erted so$e strange sp!r!tua% (or*e, as o( a p%a*e ha%(.re$e$"ered or ha%(.!$ag!nar#) For one $o$ent Tasha (ound herse%( th!nk!ng,6''e "een there "e(ore, !n another e&!sten*e< and then, she pushed su*h (%eet!ng and (oo%!sh thoughts (ro$ her $!nd and returned to *onte$p%at!on o( her present and 'er# rea% pred!*a$ent) +a!%s se*ured on a port ta*k, 2en sett%ed "a*k at the he%$) He draped h!s $us*u%ar "od# aga!nst a s$a%% p!%e o( %!(e preser'ers, (o%ded h!s ar$s "eh!nd h!s head and took to stud#!ng Tasha open%#) H!s s!%en*e and the s$a%% en!g$at!* s$!%e that p%a#ed o'er h!s %!ps unner'ed her- the# to%d on%# too we%% that he was en0o#!ng h!$se%( !n so$e tw!sted wa#) "6'%% tr# to answer #our $an# :uest!ons a"out the !s%and," he sa!d at %ast w!th deep !ron#) He paused %ong enough to 'er!(# that there were no :uest!ons (orth*o$!ng and then pro*eeded, "6t's a gran!t!* !s%and, s$a%% "ut $ounta!nous, and hea'!%# (orested) No $ore than a *oup%e o( hundred !nha"!tants) A pato!s !s spoken) Fren*h !s understood- Eng%!sh !sn't) No rad!os or an# other $anner o( *o$$un!*at!on w!th the outs!de wor%d, "e#ond a *opra trader that *a%%s e'er# *oup%e o( $onths) No po%!*e (or*e , %aw en(or*e$ent none&!stent)E%e*tr!*!t# none&!stent)Enterta!n$ent none&!stent, e&*ept o( one's own $ak!ng)" He hes!tated re(%e*t!'e%#) "2# the wa#, how's #our sw!$$!ng4" "None&!stent," Tasha rep%!ed a*!d%#) "6 *an't sw!$ a stroke, and 6 don't !ntend to %earn !n the ne&t week , espe*!a%%# (ro$ #ou)" H!s der!s!'e gr!n "roadened) "G%ad to hear !t," he sa!d) "6 was a(ra!d #ou $!ght ha'e unsuspe*ted O%#$p!* ta%ents) The *%osest !s%and !s a good s!& $!%es awa#, "ut 6 was

a(ra!d #ou $!ght 0ust take a not!on to str!ke out on #our own one da#)" He added as an a(terthought, as !( he had read Tasha's $!nd, "And don't th!nk a"out stea%!ng th!s r!g (or an# spe*ta*u%ar es*apes, "rown e#es) 6t takes so$e know%edge to hand%e a ket*h th!s s!1e- and 0ust to $ake *erta!n #ou don't atte$pt !t, 6 p%an to d!s$ant%e the odd part "e#ond #our *apa"!%!t!es to reasse$"%e) 2# the wa#<)" Co$!ng to an upr!ght pos!t!on, he se!1ed one o( the %!(e preser'ers and *hu*ked !t !n Tasha's d!re*t!on) "Nonsw!$$ers wear %!(e0a*kets !n th!s "oat," he ordered "rus:ue%#) "Put !t on)" Tasha was ner'ous enough o( the water that under nor$a% *!r*u$stan*es she wou%d ha'e o"e#ed- "ut 2en's tone o( *o$$and ra!sed her ha*k%es) +he s$!%ed d!stant%#, rea*hed !nstead (or her $akeup *ase and pu%%ed out a $!rror) "Gra*!ous, $# %!ps are :u!te denuded," she sa!d *oo%%#) +he e&tra*ted a %!pst!*k tu"e and started to rede(!ne the out%!ne o( her $outh w!th !n(!n!te *are, not!ng we%% that 2en's !rr!tat!on was "u!%d!ng)Another th!ng that anno#ed h!$) Good! "Put !t on!" he warned w!th $ore stee% !n h!s 'o!*e)"Now!" Tasha pretended she had not heard) +he (%attened her %!ps to pa!nt a $ore pronoun*ed %!ne on the upper, app%#!ng %!pst!*k w!th a $ore generous hand than usua%) 6t was a s$a%% gesture o( de(!an*e, not too e((e*t!'e, she knew, "ut the on%# one a'a!%a"%e to her (or now) 3!th stud!ed art(u%ness, she (%!*ked awa# an !$ag!nar# gra!n o( sand and patted so$e *o$pressed powder onto her nose) Out o( the *orner o( her e#e she *ou%d see 2en's (!ngers (%e&!ng as !( he wanted to do noth!ng $ore at th!s $o$ent than spank her- she e&pe*ted h!$ to (or*e the !ssue $o$entar!%#) +o$e part o( her :u!'ered w!th a %!tt%e tr!%% o( (ear(u% ant!*!pat!on, and another part wanted 'er# "ad%# to w!n th!s "att%e) +he added to h!s !rr!tat!on "# pu%%!ng out her ha!r"rush and start!ng a %anguorous strok!ng o( her %ong tresses, now 'er# near%# dr!ed)

2en's g%ower!ng s!%en*e *ont!nued (or se'era% $!nutes, "ut he $ade no $o'e to e$p%o# (or*e, as she had e&pe*ted) At %ast Tasha (!n!shed her %e!sure%# and !ntent!ona%%# !rr!tat!ng preo**upat!on w!th (a*e and ha!r and tu*ked the "rush "a*k !n her *ase) That done, she %!(ted her %ashes , or rather, the %ong %ashes P!erre had so *are(u%%# g%ued !nto p%a*e ear%# that $orn!ng) +he %ooked at 2en w!th a s$a%% tr!u$phant s$!%e that to%d h!$ she thought she had won th!s round) Too %ate she rea%!1ed he had "een wa!t!ng (or th!s e&a*t $o$ent when her ga1e was %o*ked w!th h!s) Ostentat!ous%#, he "egan to un"utton h!s sh!rt, re'ea%!ng the deep%# tanned and $us*u%ar (%esh "eneath) Tasha at on*e knew h!s !ntent!on- "ut to %ook awa# now was to a*know%edge de(eat, and so she (or*ed her e#es to re$a!n stead#) The %!tt%e s$!%e on her (a*e was now pure%# pasted on and !nd!*at!'e o( none o( the pan!* that rose to (e'er p!t*h as h!s hand tra'e%ed to the rope that t!ed h!s trousers !n p%a*e) H!s e#es st!%% he%d hers !n a $ute *ha%%enge when he stood up and stepped out o( the "agg# pants he had worn as part o( the da#'s d!sgu!se) +he had thought he wou%d stop short o( that- and desp!te e'er# !ntent!on o( "eha'!ng !n a "%as> $anner, her e#es sk!dded (or sa(et#) The word%ess "att%e %ost, she now wren*hed around unt!% she was (a*!ng the $ast, her "a*k turned to 2en and her heart "eat!ng tr!p%e t!$e at that too !nt!$ate g%!$pse o( h!s o'erwhe%$!ng $as*u%!n!t#) +e*onds %ater a 'er# %arge, 'er# we%%.kn!t and un*o$pro$!s!ng%# nude "od# stro%%ed !nto the new %!ne o( Tasha's '!s!on) As he rea*hed the $ast 2en gr!nned w!*ked%# and tur(ed the *%othes o'er"oard) The "eard roughen!ng h!s *h!n see$ed to a**entuate h!s rogu!shness) He %ooked '!ta%, '!r!%e and tota%%# p!rat!*a% , and e'er# w!%d%# $!s"eha'!ng ner'e end!ng !n Tasha's "od# 0ang%ed at the $essage !n those sun."ron1ed "!*eps, that !ron.hard sto$a*h, those wh!p*ord th!ghs)

As though he had a%% the t!$e !n the wor%d, 2en propped one hand aga!nst the $ast and stud!ed her e&press!on w!th *oo% a$use$ent) Pr!de wou%d not a%%ow Tasha to turn her "a*k a se*ond t!$e) +he pretended an !ntense !nterest !n an !$ag!nar# (%e*k o( (oa$ '!s!"%e so$ewhere !n the o*ean, "e#ond the %!ne o( 2en's knee) A(ter (!'e or s!& pa!n(u% $!nutes, he sa!d *asua%%#, "6 ha'e a du((e% "ag o( *%ean *%othes "e%ow de*ks, a%ong w!th other stores) 3ou%d #ou pre(er 6 put so$eth!ng on4" "That's ent!re%# up to #ou," Tasha sa!d w!th g%a*!a% %a*k o( *on*ern) 6t was a *red!ta"%e a*t!ng 0o"- !n truth she was on the "r!nk o( h#ster!a) "On the *ontrar#,"*a$e the sar*ast!* re0o!nder) "6t's ent!re%# up to #ou) 3hen #ou put so$eth!ng on, so do 6) /ou know what 6 $ean)" Her *ap!tu%at!on *a$e a"out one $!nute %ater, when she *ou%d "ear the status :uo no %onger) On%# when he had seen that she was we%% and tru%# "u*k%ed !nto the unga!n%# orange 0a*ket d!d 2en (!na%%# du*k h!s wa# !nto the *o$pa*t storage *a"!n "e%ow de*ks) 3!th!n two $!nutes he was "a*k, now de*ent%# *%ad !n *%ose.(!tt!ng $ud.*o%ored e'!'s and a *he*ked sh!rt that re$a!ned un"uttoned o'er that tanned, te&tured d!stur"!ng *hest) "Ne&t t!$e," he threatened so(t%# as he sett%ed "a*k at rest, "re$e$"er 6 %!ke to ha'e $# orders o"e#ed)A%% $# orders) Forget that, and 6'%% $ake #our %!(e a $!ser# (or th!s ne&t week) Now put on the hat "e(ore #ou get sunstroke)" As !( assu$!ng she had no other *ho!*e, he turned h!s attent!on to the sea) Th!s t!$e Tasha o"e#ed w!th what gra*e she *ou%d $uster) 6t was grow!ng *%ose to noon, and a%though the sa!%s had a((orded so$e prote*t!on ear%!er, now the hot trop!* sun was re%ent%ess !n the wa# !t "eat down on her head) Nonethe%ess she *ursed 2en !nward%# as she pun*hed the hat !nto shape and arranged !t o'er her head at a 0aunt# and not un(%atter!ng ang%e) !ke an# h!gh.(ash!on $ode%, Tasha had a wa# o(

$ak!ng the sha""# and the ord!nar# %ook so!gn>- on her, the hat , %!ke the 0eans and the T.sh!rt , took on a who%e new e%egan*e) 9a$n 2en an#wa#) 9!d he rea%%# th!nk he *ou%d do$!nate her so eas!%#4 3e%%, desp!te h!s u%t!$atu$ she !ntended to (!ght h!$ at e'er# turn- he'd regret h!s a*t!ons "e(ore the week was through! 3as !t to "e %!ke th!s (or the ne&t se'en da#s , a seesaw o( w!ts and w!%%s, w!th 2en a%wa#s ga!n!ng the upper hand4 How eas!%# he see$ed to "e a"%e to *ut her down to s!1e , whether w!th h!s super!or ph#s!*a% (or*e or w!th h!s potent se&ua% attra*t!on or w!th h!s taunt!ng words) And the worst th!ng was that so$e part o( Tasha, sp!r!ted though she was, wanted to "e $astered) 3hat purpose d!d 2en rea%%# ha'e !n go!ng to su*h %engths as to k!dnap her4+ure%# not 0ust the sat!s(a*t!on o( so$e se&ua% (antas#) For $en %!ke 2en, wo$en were ne'er a pro"%e$) ;oreo'er, he was the t#pe (or se&ua% rea%!t!es, not (antas!es) Tasha was too $u*h o( a prag$at!st to th!nk that her own attra*t!ons were greater than those o( do1ens o( wo$en he $ust ha'e en*ountered !n the !nter'en!ng #ears) Read!ng "etween the %!nes !n h!s %atest "ook, one knew there had "een *asua% en*ounters< short !d#%%s !n =a%para!so and ;an!%a and +#dne# and a do1en other ports he had tou*hed dur!ng h!s round.the.wor%d tr!p) He had not needed to spe%% out h!s prowess w!th the so(ter se& !n so $an# words- Tasha knew per(e*t%# we%% that wo$en wou%d (a%% %!ke n!nep!ns (or a $an so de'astat!ng%# $as*u%!ne, espe*!a%%# one w!th the a!r o( a rugged and rakehe%% ad'enturer) 6n 2en's %!(e, *asua% en*ounters wou%d "e the nor$, and !n these da#s o( se&ua% %!"erat!on no dou"t he *ou%d p!*k and *hoose a%$ost an# wo$an he wanted) +o wh# wou%d he r!sk poss!"%e !n*ar*erat!on 0ust to sa$p%e one week o( (or"!dden de%!ghts w!th a wo$an he had (orsworn #ears ago4 H!s e'er# word $ade !t *%ear he desp!sed her- and *erta!n%# he had d!s*arded her se'en #ears ago w!thout a "a*kward g%an*e)

Cou%d !t "e poss!"%e that h!s $ot!'es were not se&ua% at a%%4 6( sedu*t!on was the on%# th!ng on h!s $!nd, !t wou%d ha'e "een eas# enough (or 2en to approa*h her !n so$e other wa#) 3!th so$e so(t words to ease o%d a*hes, she wou%d not ha'e "een !$$une to h!s '!r!%!t# and se& appea% , she re*ogn!1ed that now) 2ut he had $ade no atte$pt- !n se'en #ears he had g!'en no h!nt that he was e'en aware o( her e&!sten*e) And #et, e'er s!n*e the da# she had spoken to h!$ "# %ong.d!stan*e te%ephone, he had "een %!ke a hungr# %!on sn!((!ng the a!r and *!r*%!ng (or the k!%%, h!s attent!on d!re*ted to one th!ng on%#8 her, h!s pre#) No, she de*!ded, 2en had not re'ea%ed the (u%% truth a"out h!s $ot!'es) The poss!"!%!t# presented a t!n# ra# o( hope, espe*!a%%# as she was re%at!'e%# *erta!n (ro$ persona% e&per!en*e that 2en wou%d not take her "# (or*e) He *ou%d "e 'o%*an!* !n h!s e$ot!ons, #es- '!o%ent !n h!s pass!ons, #es- "ut he was no rap!st) The!r wedd!ng n!ght had pro'ed that $u*h, (or !( he had e'er wanted to take her "# (or*e, he *ou%d eas!%# ha'e done so then) As th!s $ost re*ent thought presented !tse%( to her, she (e%t a need to %ook at 2en, to stud# h!s (a*e (or *%ues) 9ur!ng her re(%e*t!ons she had "een wat*h!ng, w!thout see!ng !t, the %!ght wake *reated "# the ket*h on !ts present ta*k) 3!thout ad'an*e warn!ng, her e#es sh!(ted d!re*t!on , and (or a (ro1en se*ond the ent!re wor%d see$ed to stand st!%%) 2en was %ook!ng at her, h!s guard (or the $o$ent down) 6n the !nstant that the!r e#es *onne*ted, h!s g%a1ed !nto a tota% en!g$a , *oo%, $o*k!ng, *ha%%eng!ng , "ut not "e(ore Tasha (e%t a %!tt%e sho*k o( re*ogn!t!on at the host!%e e$ot!on she had surpr!sed !n those tawn# depths) Hatred)Cou%d !t "e an#th!ng e%se4 6t had *erta!n%# not "een des!re)And !( he hated her, wh#4 A**ord!ng to her $e$or!es o( the!r short and !%%.(ated $arr!age, she had

done noth!ng to earn that k!nd o( detestat!on) Had !t "een on%# !n her !$ag!nat!on4 Oh God, !t $ust ha'e "een<) The $o$ent shook her !n a wa# that noth!ng e%se had so (ar) Fee%!ng tota%%# a%one and *h!%%ed to the *ore desp!te the heat, she *%osed her e#es and tr!ed to $ake her e&press!on a tota% "%ank) ''6''e so$e ha$.and.*heese sandw!*hes "a*k here," 2en !n(or$ed her !n a tone so $atter.o(.(a*t !t see$ed a%$ost surrea%!st!* a(ter that s$ok!ng !ntens!t# o( a $o$ent ago)"A *ase o( "eer, too, !( #ou want one) Or !s "eer too p%e"e!an (or #our *ha$pagne tastes4" 3hen she d!d not answer, he repeated w!th e&aggerated pat!en*e, "9o #ou want to eat or not4" "No," she sa!d, her %!ps "are%# $o'!ng to 'o!*e the on%# word o( wh!*h she (e%t *apa"%e at that $o$ent) Her e#es re$a!ned *%osed) "+u!t #ourse%()" He sounded *#n!*a%) "Th!s t!$e 6'$ !ssu!ng no orders) Frank%#, 6 don't g!'e a da$n !( #ou happen to deh#drate #ourse%() 6'$ not o((er!ng aga!n- so !( #ou want an#th!ng #ou'%% ha'e to "eg $e prett!%#)" 3h!*h was enough to keep Tasha's %!ps sea%ed a%% a(ternoon , %ong a(ter hunger and th!rst had "e*o$e a *r#!ng need that rep%a*ed a%% her ag!tat!on o'er the "r!e( "ut "urn!ng host!%!t# she had g%!$psed !n 2en's unguarded e#es) N!ght(a%% *a$e sw!(t%# !n th!s *%!$e, not $an# degrees d!stant (ro$ the e:uator) 3!th e#es deter$!ned%# *%osed, Tasha was not aware that the sun had %owered to w!th!n a ha%( hour o( !ts western "ed when 2en spoke aga!n, h!s 'o!*e '!"rant w!th $o*ker#)

"Open #our e#es, Tasha, and ha'e a %ook at the !s%and o( ;#st!:ue , the ro$ant!* %!tt%e retreat where #ou'%% spend the ne&t week or so)Nature !n the raw) A return to..." 2en hes!tated per*ept!"%#,then *hose h!s words *are(u%%# as !( *hang!ng d!re*t!on) "A return to the or!g!ns o( $an," he (!n!shed) Her (a%se e#e%ashes (e%t star*hed !nto p%a*e a%ong w!th the e&press!on on her (a*e, "ut so$ehow she $anaged to open the$) The# were !n a %agoon, and d!re*t%# ahead a pattern o( dark green peaks and 'a%%e#s %oo$ed) The !s%and had a strong and sa'age "eaut# a"out !t) 6t was pr!$a%, $!st#, $#ster!ous, not so d!((erent (ro$ the wa# she had '!sua%!1ed !t, e&*ept that a nu$"er o( s*attered that*hed dwe%%!ngs were '!s!"%e here and there on the steep and dense%# (orested s%opes o( the !s%and- a%% o( the$ were (arther to the south, at so$e d!stan*e (ro$ the s$a%% *o'e the ket*h was now enter!ng) On the wh!te r!$ o( sand, $onu$enta% "ou%ders studded the shore%!ne, as the# had on ;ah>) "3e%%, what do #ou th!nk o( the p%a*e4" 2en asked dr#%#) Tasha *ast h!$ a sp!te(u% g%an*e) "6 don't th!nk 6 *an te%% #ou," she sa!d) "6t wou%dn't "e po%!te)" On%# the "arest (%!*ker o( a $us*%e !n 2en's te$p%e "etra#ed an# anno#an*e at a%%) "6 *ou%dn't agree w!th #ou $ore," he sa!d %e'e%%#) "Fa*t !s,6''e a'o!ded ;#st!:ue %!ke the p%ague s!n*e 6 "ought a s$a%% p%a*e here se'en #ears ago) Hone#$oon h!deawa#s ha'e a wa# o( pa%%!ng when the hone#$oon turns sour) " "/ou !ntended to "r!ng $e here (or our hone#$oon4How :ua!nt)" 6( Tasha hoped that her *aust!* tone wou%d wound, she *ou%d take %!tt%e sat!s(a*t!on !n 2en's rea*t!on) "6 used to th!nk 6 *ou%d (!nd the rea% #ou !n th!s p%a*e," he sa!d w!thout !n(%e*t!on) "6 don't $!nd ad$!tt!ng 6''e $ade a (ew "ad $!stakes !n $# %!(e) 2u#!ng a p%a*e on th!s !s%and was the se*ond worst o( the$)"

+o$eth!ng !n the 'er# (%atness o( h!s tone was (ar $ore hurt(u% than s*orn wou%d ha'e "een, (or !t see$ed to re'ea% Tasha's (%!ppant e((orts (or the pett# 0!"es the# were) +tung !nto s!%en*e, she attended to do((!ng the hat and %!(e0a*ket wh!%e 2en an*hored so$e d!stan*e (ro$ the shore) He had %owered the sa!%s ear%!er dur!ng the approa*h to the !s%and, and entered the %agoon on au&!%!ar# power on%#) ea'!ng the stow!ng o( the sa!%s (or now, he eased the ru""er d!ngh# o'er the s!de (or the %ast short %eg o( the tr!p) "6'%% take #ou ashore !n the !n(%ata"%e, and #ou *an wa!t !n the shade wh!%e 6 do the rest," he suggested) A%though the sun had a%read# dropped "eh!nd the serrated peaks o( ;#st!:ue, !t st!%% "eat down w!th so$e !ntens!t# on the ket*h) 2en e#ed Tasha *r!t!*a%%#) "/ou''e had $ore than enough sun (or toda#, desp!te #our *o'er!ngs) Now *o$e a%ong)" 3!th that, he swooped down and s*ooped her !nto h!s ar$s "e(ore she *ou%d protest) 6n the e$"ra*e one %arge hand *%osed o'er a "reast, *upp!ng !t- he de%!"erate%# %ooked her !n the e#e to see her response) Tasha turned g!dd# and h!d "eh!nd the %ong 'e!% o( P!erre's %ashes) For an !nstant, "anked there aga!nst the hard wa%% o( 2en's *hest !n the swa#!ng "oat, she (ought the !rrat!ona% sensat!on that she had *o$e ho$e at %ast- that th!s was a%% happen!ng as !t had a%wa#s "een $eant to happen) "3hat an o"%!g!ng (e$a%e #ou are," $ur$ured 2en) "6 e&pe*ted a %!tt%e $ore (!ght)" H!s $o*k!ng tone restored her reason and her sp!r!t) "6 "ru!se eas!%#," she sa!d sharp%#, "and 6 *an't a((ord that) 6( #ou want a sparr!ng partner (!nd so$e other wo$an! +ure%# #ou d!dn't "r!ng $e here 0ust to see who *ou%d %ast ten rounds !n the r!ng4 6 don't *are (or (!st!*u((s)" "E&*ept 'er"a% ones," he taunted) H!s e#es g%!nted down at her der!s!'e%#)

"Can #ou "r!ng $# $ode% *ase, p%ease4" she asked taut%#, hop!ng the e&tra "urden wou%d (or*e 2en to re%ease her "reast) A he%p%ess %!tt%e :u!'er!ng had started !n the e&tre$!t!es o( her "od#, and she was a(ra!d that a%% too soon he wou%d sense the spr!ng!ng response o( her (%esh) "6'%% "r!ng !t ne&t tr!p)" Tasha ga'e a t!n# %augh (aked to order, w!th the (u%% !ntent!on o( unsett%!ng h!$ as $u*h as he unsett%ed her) "6 ne'er take a s!ng%e step w!thout !t," she !$pro'!sed) 2en tensed- that %!tt%e %augh had *%ear%# "othered h!$ on*e aga!n) H!s 0aw worked (or a $o$ent and he grow%ed w!th rough !$pat!en*e, "6( #ou want !t, #ou *an da$n we%% p!*k !t up #ourse%()" 3!thout re%eas!ng her "reast, he %eaned o'er so she *ou%d retr!e'e the *ase w!th one outstret*hed ar$) ;o$ents %ater he had depos!ted her !n the !n(%ata"%e d!ngh# and was strok!ng toward shore w!th strong $easured sweeps o( h!s $us*u%ar ar$s) "/ou $ent!oned another !s%and) 3here !s !t4" Tashaasked, her *ur!os!t# not ent!re%# !d%e) +he was aware that she wou%d ne'er "e a"%e to *ope w!th the !ntr!*a*!es o( a two.$asted sa!%"oat %!ke 2en's ket*h- "ut !t had a%so o**urred to her that there $ust "e other "oats on ;#st!:ue) Perhaps so$e %o*a% (!sher$an $!ght a!d !n an es*ape4 "O(( to the northwest," 2en !n(or$ed her) "/ou *an't see !t (ro$ here)" Rea*h!ng sha%%ow water, he sh!pped the oars and ro%%ed h!s den!$s to h!s knees, un*o'er!ng the *orded *a%'es w!th the!r %!ght dust!ng o( "od# ha!r) He sp%ashed o(( the s!de and pu%%ed the !n(%ata"%e !nto !n*hes o( water) "Out #ou get," he ordered) Tasha started to un"u*k%e her sanda%s (or the short wade to dr# "ea*h) "Oh, (or God's sake," 2en sa!d !$pat!ent%#, "a %!tt%e water won't hurt) 6'$ !n a hurr#, Tasha) 6 ha'e a %ot to do "e(ore the sun goes down)"

"Oh4" +he s%owed herse%( de%!"erate%#, and !n the ne&t $o$ent (ound herse%( se!1ed "od!%# and w!th no part!*u%ar gent%eness) Th!s t!$e, out o( pure re(%e&, she started to strugg%e as 2en sta%ked angr!%# a short d!stan*e onto the "ea*h) Perhaps !n pa#$ent (or that, he du$ped her on the sand w!th no ado , stoop!ng to w!th!n s!& !n*hes o( the ground and then s!$p%# %ett!ng her go, Tasha gasped "ut re*o'ered :u!*k%#, noth!ng hurt as $u*h as d!gn!t#) +tand!ng, she "rushed the sand (ro$ her o((ended "otto$, wh!%e 2en (et*hed her *ase (ro$ the "oat) +he retr!e'ed !t and wa%ked toward the trees w!thout *o$$ent, "ut w!th $urder on her $!nd) +he !nspe*ted the !s%and as she went) No dwe%%!ngs were '!s!"%e (ro$ here, "ut th!*k trop!*a% 'egetat!on %a# d!re*t%# ahead "eh!nd a (r!ng!ng o( pa%$s) +ure%# there was so$ep%a*e on th!s !s%and she *ou%d h!de (ro$ 2en , so$eone who wou%d he%p her and she%ter her !( she to%d her stor#! Had 2en (orgotten that she spoke Fren*h as (%uent%# as she spoke Eng%!sh4 +he *ou%d (ee% h!$ wat*h!ng her as she rea*hed the trees) Cnow!ng he wou%d not set to work unt!% she was sett%ed, she *hose a "ou%der o( a"out the r!ght he!ght and $ade a show o( dust!ng !t o(( (ast!d!ous%# w!th a %arge %ea()That done, she %owered her 0ean.*%ad %egs da!nt!%# onto the ro*k and draped her hands o'er her knees) 3!th the e%egant t!%t o( her head, she $!ght ha'e "een $ode%!ng a 9!or) The d#!ng.swan %ook, she thought toherse%( hu$orous%# , one o( those $ode% poses that were part o( her sto*k.!n.trade) +he tra!ned a 'ague =ogue %ook !n the d!re*t!on o( the "%ue hor!1on) et 2en do a %!tt%e tooth.gr!nd!ng a"out that! Her a*t!ons had a stronger e((e*t than she had dared to hope (or) A(ter 2en rowed "a*k to the ket*h, he turned h!s "a*k to the shore%!ne and !gnored her a%together as he "egan (ur%!ng the sa!%s, snapp!ng the$ !nto p%a*e around the "oo$ w!th a '!gor that *ou%d ha'e "een e((!*!en*#, "ut $!ght 'er# we%% ha'e "een p%a!n anger) 6t was ten $!nutes "e(ore 2en turned h!s attent!on "a*k to the trees, and "# then, Tasha had 'an!shed)

CHAPTER F6=E

+he stu$"%ed her wa# upward through a tang%e o( undergrowth, *at*h!ng at roots and "ran*hes to a!d her progress up the d!((!*u%t s%ope) Adrena%!ne *oursed through her s#ste$, g!'!ng her a strength and speed she *ou%d not nor$a%%# ha'e a*h!e'ed) +he s*ra$"%ed o'er stark s%a"s o( gran!te that tore at her (!ngerna!%s and s*raped the knees o( her 0eans) Forked "ran*hes *aught at her sh!rt, *aus!ng a (ew s$a%% r!ps that Tasha d!d not e'en not!*e !n her desperate "!d to rea*h he%p, an# k!nd o( he%p, "e(ore 2en took up the *hase) Thank goodness (or the th!*k *urta!n o( greener# that wou%d *on*ea% her progress (ro$ h!s '!ew! +he *a$e to a pant!ng ha%t a(ter a"out ten $!nutes when her ad'an*e was te$porar!%# !$peded "# a dense growth o( "ushes d!re*t%# !n her path) Through a hea'# s*reen o( 'egetat!on she g%an*ed "a*k and down toward the ang%e o( the shore%!ne, and was surpr!sed to (!nd that she had *o'ered no $ore than a hundred #ards) Fro$ her *on*ea%ed 'antage po!nt !n a th!*ket o( greener#, she *ou%d see the ket*h *%ear%#) The ket*h< and 2en) 9ur!ng the past (ew $!nutes Tasha's heart had "een !n her throat, "ut now !t re%o*ated !tse%( !n the reg!on o( her r!"s as she rea%!1ed that 2en was not !n hot pursu!t) He was stand!ng on the ket*h, ar$s ak!$"o !n an att!tude o( e&asperat!on, star!ng at the 'er# spot where Tasha had "een so e%egant%# posed a short t!$e ago, and where she had a"andoned her $ode% *ase) He stood sto*k.st!%% and so d!d she , hard%# dar!ng to "reathe, "e*ause e'en at th!s d!stan*e !t see$ed to her that 2en wou%d "e a"%e to hear e'er#th!ng, !n*%ud!ng the w!%d t!*k!ng o( her pu%se)

And then, w!th a surpr!se "order!ng on d!s"e%!e(, she saw h!$ shrug) 2en had shrugged! 9!dn't he e'en *are that she had 'an!shed4 He turned h!s attent!on "a*k to the ket*h as !(, !ndeed, he d!d not) 5n*on*erned%# he "egan to %oad "o&es o( supp%!es onto the !n(%ata"%e, !%%ustrat!ng *%ear%# that her presen*e or a"sen*e was a $atter o( supre$e !nd!((eren*e to h!$) Tasha e&pe%%ed her he%d "reath w!tha 'ehe$en*e ak!n to anger) How dare he "r!ng her !nto the %and o( nowhere, and then "e so *a'a%!er as to not e'en g!'e a da$n what happened to her! 3h#, !n th!s th!*k 'egetat!on she $!ght en*ounter hea'en.knows.what h!dden dangers... For the (!rst t!$e a *h!%% o( apprehens!on (or her pred!*a$ent sh!'ered down her sp!ne, a sensat!on that now had noth!ng to do w!th the age.o%d *hase o( the hunter and the hunted) +he dragged her e#es (ro$ 2en and the ket*h and %ooked at her !$$ed!ate surround!ngs w!th new e#es) Awa# (ro$ the *oo%!ng "ree1es a((orded on the "ea*h, there was a stea$# ra!n.(orest :ua%!t# to the 'er# a!r) The 'egetat!on see$ed to press !n upon her (ro$ a!% s!des, *ontr!"ut!ng to a sense o( unrea%!t#) Her pu%se rate !n*reased !n d!re*t rat!o to her !$ag!nat!on) 3hat dangerous *reatures %urked a$ong those tw!sted roots< "eh!nd those gnar%ed trunks< "e#ond those 0agged ro*ks< e'en !n those ta%% trees4 3ere there snakes4Tarantu%as4 Po!sonous %!1ards4 A %!ne o( t!n# ants was work!ng !ts wa# toward her unsu!ta"%# sanda%ed toe- she 0erked her (oot awa# :u!*k%#) +he had seen enough spe*!$ens *o%%e*ted on her (ather's 'ar!ous e&ped!t!ons to know that appearan*es o(ten %!ed- the $ost !nno*uous.%ook!ng *ou%d "e the dead%!est o( a%%) Gr!tt!ng her teeth, she (or*ed herse%( to take sto*k o( the s!tuat!on $ore rat!ona%%#) Oh, !( on%# ;a& had a%%owed ;or%e# to pro*eed w!th her !n(or$at!on on *reatures !nd!genous to these !s%ands) The thought re!n0e*ted so$e san!t#- sure%#, !( po!sonous *reatures a"ounded on these !s%ands, ;or%e# wou%d ha'e !n(or$ed ;a& o( th!s4 Now, a%though Tasha st!%% %ooked askan*e at the ants and sp!ders around her, she d!d so w!th a %ess unreason!ng e#e)

2ut soon other dou"ts !ntruded on her $!nd) +he thought she was a!$!ng !n the d!re*t!on o( the that*hed huts she had seen (ro$ the shore- "ut was she4 Fro$ here the huts were not '!s!"%e, as the# had "een (ro$ the %agoon) No sounds o( hu$an ha"!tat!on rea*hed her !n th!s spot, e&*ept (or the *heer(u%%# tune%ess wh!st%!ng 2en had taken up se*onds ago) Her e#es turned !n that d!re*t!on aga!n, and she saw that he was st!%% w!th!n '!ew) He had "rought the !n(%ata"%e to shore on*e $ore and was $!dwa# through un%oad!ng "o&es o( supp%!es onto the "ea*h) As !( that $attered $ore than (!nd!ng her! As 2en depos!ted the %ast o( the "o&es on the sand and stra!ghtened to h!s (u%% s!&.(oot.(our he!ght aga!n, she not!*ed so$e s$a%% th!ngs !n h!s hands) Cou%d the# "e the re$nants o( the "eer and sandw!*hes she had "een too proud to ask (or ear%!er4 The thought o( the$ ser'ed to re$!nd her that she had had noth!ng to eat or dr!nk s!n*e "reak(ast , and a 'er# spare ;a&.t#pe "reak(ast at that8 one so(t. "o!%ed egg w!thout sa%t, one sugar%ess grape(ru!t,one "utter%ess p!e*e o( toast) A hunger pang, surpr!s!ng her w!th !ts !ntens!t#, !n'aded the ho%%ow o( her e%egant%# s%ender sto$a*h) Her sur$!se had "een *orre*t8 2en was !n possess!on o( her uneaten %un*h) +tand!ng arrogant%# w!th one hand on h!s h!p, he threw "a*k h!s "earded head and ra!sed the "eer *an to h!s %!ps) He d!d not %ower the *an unt!% !t was, she was sure, e$pt#) As he w!ped h!s $outh w!th the "a*k o( h!s hand, an earth# en0o#$ent was wr!tten !n e'er# $us*%e o( h!s %ong eas# "od# , a%$ost as !( he knew she was wat*h!ng! Her (!ngers t!ghtened !n'o%untar!%# o'er a tw!g) E'en as she wat*hed, he ra!sed the sandw!*h to h!s %!ps and took an enthus!ast!* "!te) "6 desp!se #ou, 2en Cra!g," she $uttered $a%!*!ous%# "eneath her "reath) +he snapped the tw!g !n two and ang%ed !t *ross%# !nto a near"# *%u$p o( "ushes, then 0u$ped !n d!s$a# as so$eth!ng %arge and dun.*o%ored (%apped out o( the "ushes and s*ree*hed past her (a*e !n a rush o( w!ngs and a "%ur o( (eathers)

"Oh<!" 6t was the so(test o( e&*%a$at!ons- she had $anaged to swa%%ow her s*rea$) A :u!*k a%ar$ed g%an*e !n 2en's d!re*t!on assured her that he had not e'en *o*ked h!s head at the "!rd's sudden and no!s# takeo(() H!s attent!on, !n (a*t, had "een d!'erted "# another o**urren*e a%together) 9own on the "ea*h, there had "een a s*ore o( new arr!'a%s) ;an# o( the +e#*he%%o!s who %!'ed on the !s%and , $en, wo$en and *h!%dren , were stragg%!ng a*ross the "ea*h toward the ket*h) 3e%%, at %east the we%*o$e part# wou%d keep h!s attent!on (ro$ her! 2ut the $o$ent o( pan!* at the "!rd's appearan*e had ser'ed to re$!nd her that she $ust $o'e on) 9arkness was not 'er# (ar awa#, and she $ust tr# to rea*h he%p "e(ore !t (e% A rat!ona% appra!sa% had a%%a#ed $ost o( her !n!t!a% apprehens!ons a"out the nature o( w!%d%!(e on th!s !s%and, "ut she had no des!re to spend the n!ght *ur%ed up on a "ed o( anth!%%s) 2ut perhaps, she re(%e*ted $urderous%#, that was e&a*t%# the (ate 2en had !n $!nd (or her! 9onn!ng a %ook o( gr!$ deter$!nat!on, she pushed as!de the "ushes that had "rought her (%!ght to a ha%t and pressed on as :u!*k%# as she was a"%e) 9arkness ad'an*ed $ore sw!(t%# than she) 6t took t!$e to work her wa# through the tang%e o( "ushes, and w!th!n $!nutes the en*roa*h!ng g%oo$ threatened an o"sta*%e o( a new k!nd) 6t was w!th re%!e( that she stu$"%ed through a s*reen o( trees and e$erged at what appeared to "e a path) 6t was not $u*h o( a path, "ut !t was 'er# de(!n!te%# there) Trees pressed *%ose on ea*h s!de, and the ar*h o( "ran*hes a%$ost *%osed out the sk#, wh!*h had turned a g%oo$# tw!%!ght purp%e) 3h!*h wa# to go8 up or down4 +he $ade an !nstant de*!s!on and turned her hurr!ed (ootsteps to the r!se) At as $u*h o( a run as her !$pra*t!*a% (ootwear wou%d a%%ow, she ra*ed upward on the w!nd!ng path unt!% , at an e#e"%!nk , the %!ght o( da# was e&t!ngu!shed)

+he stood, pant!ng, tr#!ng to get her "ear!ngs) +he !n'est!gated the "%a*k 'o!d w!th her hands and (ound noth!ng that to%d her wh!*h d!re*t!on the $eander!ng tra!% now (o%%owed) On%# a (ew stars w!nked through the *anop# o( trees) +he wa!ted, "ut n!ght '!s!on restored no '!s!"!%!t#) A tw!g *ra*k%ed) A *r!*ket *h!rped) A %ow *oo!ng sounded, see$!ng%# at her ear) +o$eth!ng so(t and $oth.w!nged "rushed her (a*e) 2ut these th!ngs to%d hernoth!ng, e&*ept that she had stu$"%ed !nto a s!ght%ess a%!en wor%d she d!d not *o$prehend !n an# wa#) +udden%# a $at*h (%ared, a%$ost under her 'er# nose) Tasha 0u$ped "a*k, and th!s t!$e, to st!(%e a s*rea$, she had to p%a*e her hand o'er her $outh) The appar!t!on d!re*t%# ahead o( her d!d %!tt%e to sett%e Tasha's "# now se'ere%# shaken ner'es) 2# the %!ght o( the $at*h, the a%$ost tota%%# tooth%ess s$!%e that *on(ronted her appeared otherwor%d%#) 2ut !t was a s$!%e- 'er# de(!n!te%# a s$!%e, and a(ter the !n!t!a% sho*k had (!n!shed re'er"erat!ng through her s#ste$, Tasha tr!ed to s$!%e "a*k) A w!1ened hun*hed %!tt%e wo$an, a wr!nk%ed "rown ra!s!n o( a (a*e, a ha%o o( w!sp# wh!te (%#awa# ha!r, a th!n go%d w!re tw!sted !nto one an*!ent ear, a dress %!ke a sugarsa*k pat*hed unt!% the or!g!na% (a"r!* had a%% "ut d!sappeared , a%% these th!ngs Tasha saw !n the $o$ent "e(ore the $at*h "urned out) "=ene1 a'e* $o!, ":ua'ered the 'o!*e o( a 'er# o%d wo$an) Tasha's heart pounded as a th!n "on# hand *a$e to rest on her wr!st) 2ut the wo$an's tou*h was as %!ght as a dr!ed %ea(, re$!nd!ng Tasha o( par*h$ent and rose peta%s, and when the gnar%ed (!ngers s%!pped !nto hers, a%% apprehens!on 'an!shed as !( !t had ne'er "een) "=ene1 a'e* $o!, "repeated the 'er# o%d 'o!*e, as !( the wo$an had "een e&pe*t!ng Tasha a%% a%ong) There was a %u%%a"# :ua%!t# to that wa'er!ng 'o!*e that see$ed to ro" the dark o( danger- and en(o%ded "# !t, Tasha started to (o%%ow the urg!ng (!ngers as !( !n a drea$) As the o%d wo$an shu((%ed a%ong, ho%d!ng Tasha's hand e'er so %!ght%#, she $u$"%ed to herse%( !n a pato!s o( wh!*h Tasha *ou%d understand on%#

a (ew phrases) O**as!ona%%# she s%!pped !nto trad!t!ona% Fren*h, a%though she see$ed to "e ta%k!ng not to Tasha "ut to herse%(, *o$$ent!ng on th!ngs the# passed) How those an*!ent e#es *ou%d see an#th!ng !n th!s dark n!ght was "e#ond Tasha's ken, "ut !t see$ed that !ndeed the# *ou%d) "Oh, oh, oh, 6 do not %!ke that "o!s tangue o'er there, !t $!ght str!ke $e du$"< "ut then, perhaps 6 *an re$e$"er not to *hew !t....6s th!s a (ru!t de*#there4 /es, #es, !t $ust "e<seethe %!tt%e app%es that ha'e (a%%en on the ground<and here, oh, oh, oh, 6 $ust not tou*h theher"e po!son, !ts 0u!*e !s 'er# "ad (or the e#es<) That "!g*Ddre 6 see, !t !s near%# a *entur# o%d<) Oh, #es, 6 *an re$e$"er when !t was a %!tt%e seed< 6 th!nk...Oh, !t !s n!*e to wa%k where the %e$on grassgrows, 6 %!ke the s$e%% o( the o!% that %!'es !ns!de<) " +o(t (ragran*es wa(ted through the n!ght as the# "rushed past the "ran*hes o( strange p%ants and trop!*a% trees, and trod on the (erns and grasses that grew a%ong the narrow path) The o%d wo$an's $u$"%ed $ono%ogue to%d o( e&ot!* na$es ,

$odest!e andsangdragon, "o!s de natte and%angue de "Eu(, ouat!er and'!e!%%e (!%%e, $onstera and'et!'ert) At t!$es she see$ed to "e re$!nd!ng herse%(, w!th so$e
*on(us!on, a"out the propert!es o( ea*h grow!ng th!ng, whether (ern, (ru!t, tree or (%ower) "6s that an 6nd!an %!*or!*e tree4 Oh, oh, the r>g%!sse has su*h prett# seeds to "ear su*h e'!%< and no, ton!ght the tree !s not as%eep, so there w!%% "e no stor$<6 th!nk...Or !s !t the "ad seeds o( thetangu!n that s%eep4 6 (orget<"ut to$orrow 6 w!%% re$e$"er....At %east 6 see no str#*hn!ne tree, su*h po!sons 6 do not %!ke, 6 w!%% not ha'e the$ !n $# hut.... Oh, #es, the pat*hou%!, that !s a good p%ant....6ts o!% !s good aga!nst the $oths< or !s !t $os:u!toes4 ;oths, 6 th!nk...6 $ust gather so$e to$orrow) /es, to$orrow- $# $e$or# w!%% not desert $e to$orrow< $a#"e<)" At %ast the wo$an *a$e to a ha%t, and the dess!*ated hand s:uee1ed a so(t *o$$and to Tasha's (!ngers) "3a!t," she sa!d) Then the an*!ent (!ngers re%eased the!r gr!p, and Tasha stood a%one wa!t!ng !n a "%a*k 'o!d, %!sten!ng to shu((%!ng

sounds !n the dark) For so$e reason, she (e%t no apprehens!on whatsoe'er- the o%d wo$an's *roon!ng 'o!*e and dr!ed.%ea( o( a hand had 'an:u!shed a%% (ear) A $o$ent %ater another $at*h (%ared, and th!s t!$e !t was used to !gn!te a "ad%# "ent kerosene %antern o( 'er# pr!$!t!'e des!gn, e'!dent%# (et*hed "# the o%d wo$an dur!ng her short a"sen*e (ro$ Tasha's s!de) 9!re*t%# ahead, !n Tasha's path, stood a t!n# grass hut !n the $!dd%e o( a s$a%% *%ear!ng) A *oup%e o( *rude p%ank steps %ed up !nto the a"ode, wh!*h was ra!sed a (oot or so a"o'e the ground) "Co$e," "e*koned the o%d wo$an (ro$ the doorwa#) Tasha *ou%d see her $ore *%ear%# now than dur!ng the one "r!e( g%!$pse "# $at*h%!ght) +he was e&tre$e%# o%d , so o%d and so (ra!% that !t see$ed a pu(( o( a!r $!ght "%ow her awa#) Her "rown (a*e was $apped w!th a network o( wr!nk%es, her wh!te ha!r sparse- her shape%ess ank%e.%ength dress was *o'ered a%% o'er w!th 'ar!egated pat*hes, %!ke a Ja*o"'s *oat o( $an# *o%ors) That sea$ed sunken s$!%e appeared war$ and (r!end%# now, no %onger we!rd and a%ar$!ng as !t had "een on the path) "Co$e," repeated the tre$u%ous 'o!*e, and Tasha $ounted the unsa(e.%ook!ng steps) The hut was a s!ng%e roo$, and !ts appearan*e was odd !ndeed)2un*hes o( dr#!ng her"s and roots hung (ro$ the supports o( the %ow pa%$.that*hed *e!%!ng so that (ew steps *ou%d "e taken w!thout du*k!ng one's head) At the (ar end o( the roo$, on rough%# *onstru*ted she%'es, were do1ens and do1ens o( !%%.assorted g%ass 0ars, $an# o( the$ *h!pped and a%% *onta!n!ng dr!ed %ea'es, p!e*es o( "ark and $ore roots) There were a%so a nu$"er o( dented t!n *ans, %a"e%s *are(u%%# pee%ed awa#, and Tasha sur$!sed that these *onta!ned $ore o( thesa$e, or perhaps *ook!ng supp%!es) A near%# e$pt# sa*k o( r!*e, two *o*onuts and a %arge "ru!sed "read(ru!t o**up!ed so$e she%( spa*e, too)

The roo$ s$e%%ed o( w!%d 'an!%%a and dr!ed (%owers and a potpourr! o( other p%easant s*ents Tasha *ou%d not !dent!(#) 6t was *%ear the o%d wo$an was so$e k!nd o( her"a%!st- "ut !t was not on%# the odd!t# o( th!s pro(ess!on that ga'e the hut !ts strange appearan*e) 6t was the *ha!rs) Near%# e'er# !n*h o( (%oor spa*e !n the t!n# hut was o**up!ed "# *ha!rs) The# were a%% wooden *ha!rs o( !nd!((erent des!gn, and e'er# one o( the$ see$ed to "e !n a sad state o( repa!r , so$e $!ss!ng rungs, so$e $!ss!ng %egs, so$e w!th "roken seats) There were at %east a do1en o( these tatterde$a%!on *ha!rs !n the t!n# hut, %ea'!ng enough (%oor spa*e (or on%# one s$a%% and %u$p#.%ook!ng wooden (ra$ed *ot and a (ew narrow passages to d!((erent parts o( the roo$) "Co$e," the o%d wo$an sa!d (or the th!rd t!$e, and patted the seat o( what was e'!dent%# the $ost ser'!*ea"%e o( her possess!ons, a st!(( wooden *ha!r o( wh!*h one ar$ had "een "roken and $ended w!th so$e k!nd o( ho$e$ade tw!ne) Tasha du*ked her wa# to the *ha!r, "# now so "e$used "# the unrea%!t# o( the s*ene that she had a%$ost (orgotten how she'd *o$e to "e there) 6t see$ed r!ght to do as the o%d wo$an asked, whether the *ha!r %ooked unsa(e or not) antern !n hand, the o%d wo$an peered at Tasha *%ose%#) 9esp!te the great age that had %ong s!n*e ro""ed the an*!ent e#es o( %ashes, the e#es the$se%'es were %!ke "rown "eads, war$ and *ur!ous "eh!nd the *row's (eet o( wr!nk%es) The# "%!nked at Tasha se'era% t!$es) "6 ha'e (orgotten wh# #ou *a$e to see $e," the o%d wo$an :ua'ered at %ast) "2ut do not te%% $e, 6 w!%% re$e$"er...6s !t*at>pen that #ou want4 2ut 6 *an see #ou ha'e no r!ngwor$<oh, oh, oh<wh# d!d #ou ask (or *at>pen4 /ou are tr#!ng to *on(use $e<

*at>pen!s not (or "ru!ses) Or !s the*at>pen (or so$eone e%se4"

Tasha gaped a %!tt%e and "%!nked on*e or tw!*e) "6 d!dn't ask (or an#th!ng," she sa!d, "at %east, not #et)" "Oh, oh, oh," sa!d the o%d wo$an, "!t !s a %ong t!$e s!n*e an#one has *o$e to $e w!th a "ru!se) 6 w!%% ha'e to th!nk what to use< !( 6 *an re$e$"er..." Tasha sk!$$ed a pu11%ed %ook at her ar$s, the on%# part o( her anato$# that was "ared to the '!ew) A *ursor# !nspe*t!on re'ea%ed not a s!ng%e "ru!se) "No, no," tre$"%ed the aged 'o!*e) "/ou are tr#!ng to pretend to an o%d wo$an) Oh, oh, 6 ha'e goode#es, do #ou th!nk 6 *annot see4" And w!th that, she "ent down and %!(ted one *u(( o( Tasha's "%ue 0eans) At *a%( %e'e% a dark $ark was a%read# "eg!nn!ng to appear) Tasha "%!nked aga!n !n surpr!se) The da$age $ust ha'e o**urred dur!ng her pre*!p!tate (%!ght (ro$ 2en , "ut how had the o%d wo$an known4 +o$e te%%ta%e a"ras!on o( the den!$, perhaps, that was hard%# '!s!"%e to Tasha's e#es4 "Oh, oh, oh," *%u*ked the o%d wo$an) ea'!ng Tasha's s!de, she s:uee1ed a passage "etween *ha!rs to the she%( that he%d her her"a% re$ed!es) The gnar%ed (!ngers rea*hed up and se*ured a 0ar) ;utter!ng to herse%( !n her *r>o%e pato!s, she re$o'ed se'era% p!n*hes o( !ts *ontents and set to work w!th a *rude $ortar and pest%e) Tasha wat*hed, too (as*!nated to re$e$"er the urgen*# o( her need (or he%p, wh!%e the o%d wo$an added spr!nk%!ngs o( dr!ed %ea'es (ro$ other 0ars and *%ear %!:u!d (ro$ #et another *onta!ner) The resu%t!ng th!*k paste was then spread on a %arge (resh %ea( o( so$e k!nd, and the o%d wo$an sha$"%ed her wa# "a*k a*ross the roo$, apparent%# we%% p%eased w!th her *on*o*t!on) "Oh, oh, oh," she $uttered as she stooped to Tasha's %eg, "wh# d!d #ou th!nk 6 had (orgotten what to do (or a "ru!se4 6t !s good #ou *a$e to $e wh!%e the "ru!se !s st!%% (resh) 2# to$orrow, there w!%% "e not a s!ng%e $ark)"

Tasha su"$!tted to the pou%t!*e w!thout *o$p%a!nt) 6t s$e%%ed o( *%o'es and was agreea"%# *oo% and sooth!ng to the area o( the "ru!se, wh!*h had "egun to hurt dur!ng the wa!t) The o%d wo$an's e#es darted "%!nk!ng%# around the hut as she %ooked (or so$e $ethod to t!e the dress!ng !nto p%a*e- and at %ast, w!th a rue(u% s!gh, she un(astened the rough tw!ne that had "een se*ur!ng the ar$ o( Tasha's *ha!r) "O.o.oh," she $ourned sad%# as the ar$ o( the *ha!r *a$e awa# !n her hand) "6t doesn't $atter," Tasha sa!d :u!*k%#, "6 *an ho%d the %ea( !n p%a*e) " "No, no, no, !t $ust "e done !n the proper wa#)" 3!th a %o'!ng pat and a w!st(u% s!gh, the o%d wo$an put the *ha!r ar$ !n a sa(e spot- and then set to work w!th tre$"%!ng (!ngers to t!e the pou%t!*e !nto p%a*e on Tasha's %eg) "And to$orrow 6 w!%% $ake a new rope o( *o*onut (!"er< 6 th!nk 6 know how..." At %ast she stood "a*k and nodded, sat!s(!ed) Tasha de*!ded !t was t!$e she ga'e so$e a**ount o( herse%() ";# na$e !s Natasha Cra!g," she sa!d, and then , "e%ated%# re$e$"er!ng the d!'or*e , a$ended, "6 $ean, ;ontgo$er#)" "/ou are tr#!ng to *on(use $e aga!n," the o%d wo$an a**used !n a :uak!ng sorrow(u% 'o!*e) "3h# do #ou te%% $e a na$e that !s not #ours4" "6'$ sorr#, !t's "e*ause..." Tasha "!t her %!p, wondered how to e&p%a!n, and then de*!ded aga!nst e&p%a!n!ng at a%%) "Natasha ;ontgo$er# !s the *orre*t na$e," she sa!d) "Oh, oh, oh)3h# do #ou %!e to an o%d wo$an4" +he %eaned down and stud!ed Tasha's (a*e !ntent%#) "2ut<#ou are not %augh!ng at $e, so perhaps< #ou are 0ust *on(used #ourse%(..."

There was no po!nt !n pursu!ng the $atter, Tasha de*!ded- %et th!s o%d wo$an "e%!e'e what she w!shed) +he $!ght "e $udd%ed !n her th!nk!ng, "ut she had "een k!nd, and Tasha had no des!re to sa# an#th!ng that $!ght "e $!staken (or $o*ker#) "Thank #ou 'er# $u*h (or treat!ng $# "ru!se," she sa!d po%!te%#, "and (or (!nd!ng $e !n the dark) /ou''e "een 'er# good to $e, *ons!der!ng 6'$ a per(e*t stranger)" "+tranger4Oh..." The an*!ent hand p!*ked up the kerosene %antern aga!n and he%d !t *%ose to Tasha's (a*e) +o$eth!ng the wo$an saw there *aused her to $oan so(t%#, a sound as so(t asthe shush o( autu$n %ea'es s*atter!ng under(oot) "+ure%# #ou know o%d Eu%a%!e," she tre$"%ed) "And 6, 6 ha'e seen #our e#es "e(ore< no, no, !t !s on%# that #ou re$!nd $e o( so$eone) Oh, oh, oh<#ou do need Eu%a%!e's he%p) 3h# d!d #ou te%% $e #ou were trou"%ed "# a "ru!se4 A "ru!se !s a 'er# %!tt%e th!ng *o$pared to what 6 see !n #our e#es) Oh, 6 w!%% g!'e #ou so$eth!ng to he%p) 2ut (!rst, 6 w!%% soothe #ou a %!tt%e)" "Rea%%#, 6 don't need an#th!ng," Tasha den!ed as Eu%a%!e on*e $ore "rea*hed the o"sta*%e *ourse o( *ha!rs) 2ut a%read# the o%d wo$an was rea*h!ng (or a dark g%ass "ott%e, one o( two that stood s!de."#.s!de on a she%() "Are #ou a(ra!d to dr!nk what an o%d wo$an o((ers4 2ut !t !s on%# *a%ou< oh, 'er# weak, !t was on%# tapped (ro$ the pa%$ #esterda#< or was !t %ast $onth4 No $atter, that w!%% $ake !t e'en %ess strong) E'en a *h!%d *ou%d dr!nk !t) And #ou so th!rst#, so hungr#..." ;o$ents %ater she was "a*k at Tasha's s!de w!th the "ott%e, as we%% as a "ow% *onta!n!ng a (ew s*raps o( 'egeta"%es and a %!tt%e *ooked r!*e) "F!rst the *aFow," she suggested, press!ng the "ott%e !nto Tasha's hands) "6t w!%% %oosen #our tongue to te%% $e o( #our trou"%es) Oh, oh) 6( #ou do not dr!nk, 6 w!%% th!nk #ou on%# pretend to want $# he%p<and wh# d!d #ou *o$e here, !( #ou do not want $# he%p4 Oh, #es) +u*h

a %ong wa# #ou ha'e *o$e, and 0ust to (!nd Eu%a%!e<#es, take the who%e "ott%e<oh, oh, oh) How d!d #ou (!nd $# hut !n the dark4" Fortunate%#, the o%d wo$an Eu%a%!e d!d not see$ to e&pe*t an answer to th!s %ast :uest!on- she ra$"%ed on a"out other th!ngs as she wat*hed Tasha down the "ott%e o( the %!:u!d known as*a%ou) 6ts taste was re$!n!s*ent o( turpent!ne and a%together unp%easant) On%# an e&tre$!t# o( th!rst, a%ong w!th a strong des!re not to o((end Eu%a%!e, o'er*a$e Tasha's !n!t!a% re'u%s!on) On*e she grew used to the taste, the e((e*t was :u!te p%easant, rather %!ke a $!%d "eer) 3hen she (!n!shed, Eu%a%!e's w!thered (a*e "roke !nto a s$!%e) "Now the (ood," she sa!d) "6'$ rea%%# not hungr#," Tasha de$urred a(ter one %ook at the unappet!1!ng d!sh) Fortunate%# Eu%a%!e d!d not !ns!st- !n (a*t she %ooked so$ewhat re%!e'ed) "6( 6 had re$e$"ered #ou were *o$!ng ton!ght," she sa!d tre$u%ous%#, "6 wou%d ha'e "aked $# "read(ru!t) Oh, oh, oh) To th!nk 6 ha'e e&pe*ted #ou (or so %ong and not to "e read# when #ou *o$e) /ou $ust (org!'e $e, at t!$es 6 grow *on(used... Now te%% $e) 3h# are #ou runn!ng (ro$ the $an who !s ta%% %!ke a tower4" Tasha stared, $o$entar!%# du$"(ounded) Then reason took o'er, and she rea%!1ed that Eu%a%!e, %!ke herse%(, $ust ha'e "een a"%e to see 2en through the s*reen o( trees h!gh on the h!%% , that she had pro"a"%#, !n (a*t, w!tnessed the!r %and!ng) A%% the sa$e, a(ter Eu%a%!e's other *on(us!ons, !t see$ed to "e an e&traord!nar# p!e*e o( !ns!ght) "Te%% $e," urged Eu%a%!e s#$pathet!*a%%#, "un%ess #ou a%read# d!d) For !t see$s to $e 6 know, and #et< oh, oh, oh) Perhaps #ou shou%d te%% $e aga!n) 6 th!nk 6 $ust ha'e (orgotten)"

Tasha's e&p%anat!on started s!$p%# enough, "ut soon "e*a$e %ess so) Perhaps !t was the oddness o( the surround!ngs, perhaps the %a$p%!ght, or the keen !nterest !n Eu%a%!e's w!1ened "rown (a*e- perhaps !t was the a(ter$ath o( the da#'s e'ents, or the a(tere((e*ts o( the $!%d*a%ou on an e$pt# sto$a*h) 2ut (or whate'er reason, she (ound herse%( re*ount!ng th!ngs she wou%d nor$a%%# not ha'e to%d to a stranger) 3hen the re*!tat!on was o'er, Eu%a%!e "egan to *roon so(t%# and shake her wh!te. *rowned head !n a woe(u% ro*k!ng $ot!on, as !( !n %a$ent (or a%% the sorrows o( $ank!nd) And there was no $!stak!ng the *o$pass!on !n those "!rd."r!ght e#es) "3!%% #ou he%p $e then4" p%eaded Tasha) Her e#es tra'e%ed "r!e(%# to the "ed) "6 rea%!1e 6 *an't ask to sta# here) 2ut perhaps there !s so$ep%a*e #ou *ou%d take $e4 6( there's so$eone o( author!t#<)" "There !s one $an on th!s !s%and who *an he%p,"tre$"%ed Eu%a%!e, "!( 6 *an re$e$"er who he !s<)" "P%ease tr#," Tasha sa!d w!th so$e urgen*#) "Oh, oh, oh)"Eu%a%!e s*rewed her e#es t!ght%# *%osed) " et $e see what 6 *an see w!th the e#es !n $# $!nd)" Her %!ps $o'ed !n %!tt%e $utter!ng $ot!ons, "ut no sounds *a$e out) A%% o( a sudden her e#es sprang open and she %eaned (orward, enor$ous%# p%eased w!th herse%() "The *%o*k," she sa!d) "6 saw the *%o*k)" Tasha was spee*h%ess) Had Eu%a%!e understood noth!ng o( what she sa!d4 And #et, !t see$ed rude to po!nt out the tota% %a*k o( %og!* !n Eu%a%!e's tra!n o( thought) "6 don't th!nk that's what 6 need," Tasha sa!d *are(u%%#, on*e she had re*o'ered her w!ts)

"No4 3e%%, then<)" Eu%a%!e's "r!e(%# d!sappo!nted e&press!on *hanged to one o( re(%e*t!on) +he "egan to ro*k s%ow%# "a*k and (orth, and her 'o!*e took on a s!ngsong :ua%!t#, as !( she was repeat!ng to herse%( so$eth!ng %earned %ong ago) " a

*o:uette (or the p!$p%es," she *rooned,"rosearr!Dre (or the wor$s);orongueto

draw the "%ood and*!trone%%e to du%% the (e'er< oh, oh) How a"out< "ut no, she has no warts, so wh# wou%d she want that4P!gnon d'6nde4 No);onte au *!e%4 No) Oh)oh , !t !s hard to th!nk when #ou are o%d) 2o!s $a%ga*he, perhaps4 2ut no, he wou%d ne'er tr# to po!son her...Then there's root o( the paw.paw, "ut what6s !t (or46( 6 *ou%d on%# th!nk proper%#<) " "6 don't need an# $ed!*!nes," Tasha sa!d, despa!r!ng) +udden%# Eu%a%!e sprang to her (eet, her (a*e wreathed !n sat!s(a*t!on) "Oh, oh, wh# d!d 6 not th!nk o( !t sooner4 No $ed!*!nes)O( *ourse) Now 6 know what she needs)" Tasha wat*hed, round.e#ed and w!th a grow!ng sense o( he%p%essness, wh!%e Eu%a%!e s!d%ed o'er to her *rowded she%'es on*e $ore) One "on# hand rooted around !n a t!n *onta!ner and e$erged tr!u$phant%# w!th a need%e) 6t was "e*o$!ng apparent, Tasha re(%e*ted, that Eu%a%!e !n no wa# understood the nature o( the pro"%e$) And #et, w!th so$eone so 'er#, 'er# o%d, what *ou%d one e&pe*t4 And wh# was Eu%a%!e re$o'!ng that th!n go%d w!re (ro$ her own des!**ated ear%o"e4 Tasha re$a!ned :u!es*ent as Eu%a%!e ad'an*ed toward her on*e aga!n) 6t was not unt!% she saw the d!re*t!on o( the po!nt!ng need%e that she %eaped to her (eet) "Oh, no!" she gasped, tr#!ng w!thout su**ess to retreat !nto the sea o( *ha!rs) "/ou're not go!ng to st!*k that !n $# ear! " "No4" Eu%a%!e ha%ted at on*e and her "r!ght o%d e#es turned trou"%ed) "6t !s good (or the th!ng that a!%s #ou)"

"6< 6< thank #ou 'er# $u*h, "ut no thank #ou) 6 don't want $# ear p!er*ed) That's not the k!nd o( he%p 6 need)" Eu%a%!e %ooked at her p!e*e o( go%d w!re (or%orn%#, then shrugged and tw!sted !t "a*k !nto her own ear) Her d!sappo!nt$ent was e'!dent, and she spent the ne&t $!nute "%!nk!ng at Tasha and s!gh!ng) "3e%%, then, 6 w!%% see what e%se 6 *an do<) 9o #ou ha'e a p!n*h o( sand (ro$ h!s (ootpr!nt4" Tasha (e%t "u""%es o( h#ster!a r!s!ng !n her throat) "No," she sa!d) "Oh, oh, oh, th!s w!%% "e 'er# hard," Eu%a%!e :uaked) "3h# d!d #ou ask $e to he%p4 /ou take none o( $# ad'!*e< oh, oh, oh< and #ou d!d not e'en "r!ng the p!n*h o( sand< or !s !t a p!e*e o( h!s (!ngerna!% 6 asked #ou (or4 6 (orget...." As Eu%a%!e ad'an*ed on*e $ore to her she%'es, the %ud!*rousness o( the who%e s*ene o'er*a$e Tasha, and she sat down aga!n hea'!%#, *%ose to tears o( (rustrat!on) How on earth *ou%d she e&p%a!n4 +he wat*hed Eu%a%!e ru$$ag!ng around, gather!ng p!n*hes o( th!s and that w!th her gnar%ed (!ngers and p%a*!ng the$ a%% on a p!e*e o( s*rap "rown paper that appeared to ha'e "een sa'ed (or $an# #ears) "There !s one th!ng $!ss!ng, "ut what !s !t4" $uttered Eu%a%!e to herse%() "Oh, oh, oh, !t !s so %ong s!n*e an#one has asked $e (or one o( these) /et 6 knew that she was *o$!ng and 6 knew that she wou%d ask) And a%% these #ears 6 ha'e tr!ed to re$e$"er, so that when she asked, 6 *ou%d he%p<) Oh, oh, what ha'e 6 (orgotten4 et $e th!nk<)" A(ter a (ew $o$ents o( re(%e*t!on, she p%u*ked a ha!r (ro$ her own head and added !t to the t!n# p!%e) At %ast, sat!s(!ed, she (o%ded the paper 'er# *are(u%%# and sea%ed !t w!th se'era% %!*ks o( her dr# o%d tongue)

"6 appre*!ate what #ou're tr#!ng to do," Tasha "egged, atte$pt!ng to keep the despa!r (ro$ her 'o!*e) "2ut rea%%#, what 6 need !s a "ed (or the n!ght) 6 don't th!nk that %!tt%e pa*ket w!%% he%p)" "No4" Eu%a%!e paused, %ook!ng thorough%# down*ast and so$ewhat pu11%ed) +he "%!nked un*erta!n%# at the "rown paper pa*ket !n her hand) "6'$ runn!ng awa# (ro$ so$eone," Tasha e&p%a!ned earnest%#, and w!th an an&!et# she *ou%d not *o$p%ete%# *on*ea%) "Oh, oh, oh)3h# d!d 6 not th!nk4 6 ha'e not soothed her enough)" Eu%a%!e tu*ked the %!tt%e pa*ket !nto a po*ket o( her pat*hed dress) 2e(ore *o$!ng "a*k a*ross the roo$, she p!*ked up what appeared to "e the se*ond "ott%e o( *a%ou, not w!thout a w!st(u% g%an*e and a deep s!gh at the e$pt# spa*e th!s %e(t on the she%() +he dusted a th!*k gather!ng o( *o"we"s (ro$ the ne*k o( the "ott%e and padded "a*k to Tasha's s!de, negot!at!ng her wa# through the *ha!rs) "Oh, Eu%a%!e<don't #ou understand4 A%% 6 want !s a p%a*e to sta# (or the n!ght) 6'$ ha'!ng trou"%e w!th $# hus"and, $# e&.hus"and 6 $ean) 6s there no person on the !s%and who *an he%p4" The words see$ed to "e deep%# d!stress!ng to Eu%a%!e) Her %!ps started to tre$"%e as though she wanted to *r#, and her e#es took on a de*!ded%# water# %ook) "6 a$ he%p!ng," she wa'ered a**us!ng%#, "and 6 a$ on th!s !s%and< 6 th!nk..." "Oh, Eu%a%!e," sa!d Tasha he%p%ess%#, "#ou''e "een wonder(u%) 2ut 6'$ %ook!ng (or so$eone !n *harge, a pr!est or a *h!e( $an) 6s there an#one %!ke that4" Eu%a%!e shook her head as !( to stra!ghten what was !ns!de) "Oh, #es, 6 sa!d there was a $an) 6 to%d #ou there was a $an) And oh, oh, oh, #ou d!d not %augh, "ut #ou wanted to)"

+udden%# !t o**urred to Tasha that perhaps !t was she, not Eu%a%!e, who had "een %a*k!ng !n per*ept!on) The word (or *%o*k, !n Fren*h, was hor%oge- and that was the word Eu%a%!e had used ear%!er) Cou%d !t "e the na$e o( a $an , 0ust as e Rouge had "een the na$e o( another $an on ;ah>4 /es, !t was poss!"%e) 6t was a *ur!ous na$e, "ut on th!s strange !s%and, the *ur!ous see$ed *o$$onp%a*e) "6s there a ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge4" Tasha pu11%ed out %oud) Eu%a%!e %ooked 'ague and *on(used as !( she was sure Tasha was tr#!ng to $ake (un o( her) "Oh, oh, oh," she $ourned) "6 a$ o%d, on%# o%d, 6 a$ not $ad at a%%) 3h# do #ou th!nk $e $ad4 6 to%d #ou there was a $an and #ou wou%d not %!sten)" Tasha strugg%ed to $a!nta!n *a%$ness) "P%ease, Eu%a%!e, 6 don't th!nk #ou $ad at a%%) Th!s $an who *an he%p, !s !t a ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge4" Eu%a%!e's e#es $eandered (or a $o$ent or two, "ut she appeared so$ewhat $o%%!(!ed) "Oh, #es, he *an he%p< 6 th!nk...Oh, #es, 6 a$ sure) He !s the $an #ou need to see)" Tasha "reathed a s!gh o( re%!e(- at %ast !t see$ed the# were gett!ng so$ewhere) "Can #ou take $e to h!$4" "/es, 6 w!%% take #ou to h!$<!( 6 *an re$e$"er the wa#<"ut (!rst #ou dr!nk th!s)" +he pushed the dust# "ott%e !nto Tasha's hands) "Oh, #es, 'er# sooth!ng)" "Rea%%#, Eu%a%!e, 6 don't need an# $ore sooth!ng)" On*e $ore Eu%a%!e's wr!nk%ed %!ps "egan to :u!'er pathet!*a%%#) "3h# d!d #ou ask $e (or !t then4 Oh, oh, oh) /ou shou%d not ask an o%d wo$an (or (a'ors !( #ou on%# !ntend to re(use the$) And 6 wou%d ha'e g!'en #ou an#th!ng, e'en $# *ha!rs, "e*ause o( the sorrows 6 saw !n #our e#es! /ou are tr#!ng to *on(use $e<#ou want $e to (orget $# own na$e<6 do that so$et!$es, too..."

"6'$ sorr#, Eu%a%!e," Tasha sa!d :u!*k%#, !( w!th a we%%.h!dden !nward gr!$a*e at the "ott%e !n her hands) The (!rst "ott%e o(*a%ou had "een 'er# $!%d !n !ts e((e*ts a(ter a%%- sure%# she *ou%d $anage to down another "ott%e4 "6t's $e that's (orget(u%) 6 d!d ask (or th!s) And 6 appre*!ate e'er#th!ng #ou''e done) Fortunate%#, the se*ond "ott%e was not as atro*!ous as the (!rst) 6t had a sweeter woods!er (%a'or- apparent%# the %onger she%( %!(e a%tered the taste (or the "etter) A%% the sa$e Tasha, who was :u!te unused to a%*oho%!* "e'erages, had *ons!dera"%e trou"%e down!ng the *ontents- she *hoked se'era% t!$es) 2ut Eu%a%!e now %ooked so p%eased, "%!nk!ng w!th !ntent and wat*h(u% !nterest as the %e'e% o( the %!:u!d dropped, that Tasha (e%t she had no re*ourse "ut to (!n!sh !t to the %ast drop) "3hat was !t #ou asked $e to do4" "%!nked Eu%a. %!e, wh!%e Tasha was st!%% tr#!ng to rega!n her "reath a(ter the %ast d!((!*u%t swa%%ow) "Oh, #es<6 w!%% take #ou to h!s hut) 3e w!%% need< what4A %antern4 Oh, oh, oh<!( #ou had good e#es %!ke $!ne, we wou%d not ha'e to waste the %!ght) Oh #es, w!th $# o%d e#es 6 *an see what other e#es *annot<6 th!nk<)" Tasha (o%%owed the "e*kon!ng (!nger !nto the n!ght, and soon the# were on the narrow path on*e $ore) Th!s t!$e, w!th the %antern !n Eu%a%!e's hand %!ght!ng the wa#, Tasha had the odd !$press!on that she was tra'e%!ng down through a w!nd!ng tunne% o( greener#) The sensat!on was d!11#!ng, as !( she was $o'!ng through t!$e as we%% as spa*e) Her head grew %!ghter and her (eet hea'!er, and Eu%a%!e's $utter!ngs, on*e $ore resu$ed, on%# added to the (ee%!ng o( otherwor%d%!ness) "Oh, #es, the"!%!$"!, that w!%% take the sta!ns (ro$ $# *%othes< "ut !( 6 p!*k the (ru!t, what w!%% the "%a*k parrot eat4 Oh, "etter a sta!n than a hungr# "!rd<) +ee, the p!t*her p%ant has "een eat!ng ton!ght<and so w!%% Eu%a%!e, soon<) Oh, wh# d!d she take so %ong4 6 a$ so o%d, so t!red o( wa!t!ng) Oh, oh, oh, !s that where the "rDde

$art!n h!des4 6 had (orgotten,6 $ust $ake a soup o( the shoots<)"

At %ast Eu%a%!e ha%ted 0ust where the e$"ra*!ng trees *a$e to an end) 9!re*t%# ahead %a# a %arge $oon%!t *%ear!ng, and "e#ond that a $a0est!* gro'e o( pa%$ trees) The# were enor$ous%# ta%%, eas!%# tw!*e the he!ght o( an# pa%$s Tasha had e'er seen) There was a hushed *athedra% "eaut# to the gro'e) The $oon, '!s!"%e here where !t had not "een "e(ore, s!%'ered the (ronds o( the g!ant pa%$s "e#ond the *%ear!ng and (!%tered down to *ast %u$!nes*ent patterns on the %a*# (erns and 'egetat!on that %a# "eneath) Tasha *aught her "reath at the unearth%# %o'e%!ness, and a strong sense o( d>0G.'u *a$e o'er her, perhaps a**ount!ng (or the ree%!ng o( her "ra!n) Eu%a%!e wa'ed her %antern !n a s%!ght%# d!((erent d!re*t!on, toward one s!de o( the s!1a"%e *%ear!ng) Tasha's ga1e (o%%owed and (ound a pa%$.that*hed hut) 6t was "!gger and *ons!dera"%# %ess de*rep!t than Eu%a%!e's- !t had a %arge 'eranda (or one th!ng) A "r!ght %!ght "urned !ns!de, '!s!"%e through the shuttered w!ndows) Tasha turned to Eu%a%!e, tr#!ng to stead# her senses) "6s that where ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge %!'es4" she asked) The a%ert "rown e#es "%!nked at her on*e (ro$ the!r "ed o( wr!nk%ed sk!n- and then, w!thout answer!ng, Eu%a%!e %!(ted the pr!$!t!'e %antern and "%ew) +tart%ed, Tasha rea*hed out to tou*h her)3here Eu%a%!e had "een stand!ng on%# se*onds "e(ore, her (!ngers en*ountered e$pt# a!r)"Eu%a%!e4" There was no answer) +he %!stened and heard no (ootsteps retreat!ng on the dark narrow path where no $oon rea*hed) Perhaps Eu%a%!e pre(erred not to hear protestat!ons o( thanks4 Perhaps she d!d not w!sh to '!s!t th!s ne!gh"or o( hers w!th the odd na$e4 Perhaps she had e&t!ngu!shed the %!ght on%# to *onser'e kerosene and was stand!ng no $ore than a (ew (eet awa#4 There was no wa# o( te%%!ng, and as Tasha re*e!'ed no response to her so(t *a%%!ngs, she (!na%%# turned

toward the on%# oas!s o( san!t# !n th!s surrea%!st!* n!ght8 the pat*hes o( %!ght sh!n!ng through the w!ndows o( the hut) The ground o( the *%ear!ng, though o'ergrown w!th grasses, was eas!%# negot!a"%e) Ne'erthe%ess Tasha (ound !t una**ounta"%# d!((!*u%t to wa%k the d!stan*e to the hut) Her (eet (%agged as she $ounted the dou"%e step) The door onto the 'eranda was open) +he wa%ked through to the se*ond door and rapped, support!ng herse%( on the door 0a$" "e*ause she (e%t so d!11#) "Co$e !n!" *a%%ed a'o!*e, and she turned the kno") A $an was s!tt!ng at a ta"%e, sha'!ng) He was power(u%%# $us*%ed and naked to the wa!st) H!s "a*k was turned to the door, "ut h!s *%ean.sha'en (a*e was re(%e*ted !n the $!rror propped !n (ront o( h!$) H!s ra1or d!d not $!ss a stroke) "He%%o, Tasha," 2en sa!d *oo%%#) "3on't #ou *o$e !nto $# par%or4"

CHAPTER +6H

"+a!d the sp!der to the (%#," she (e%t !$pe%%ed to wh!sper, through %!ps that were *ur!ous%# st!(() Perhaps there had "een too $an# sho*ks that da#- th!s %atest one produ*ed noth!ng "ut para%#s!s) A g!dd!ness assa!%ed her and her (eet (e%t %eaden, rooted to the wooden (%oor) There see$ed to "e a Greek .traged# !ne'!ta"!%!t# to !t a%%, a sense o( the (ates tak!ng o'er , as !( she had "een $eant to *o$e here a%% a%ong) "E&a*t%#," sa!d 2en w!th tota% *a%$ness, ha%(.turn!ng as he w!ped the %ast tra*es o( %ather (ro$ h!s 0aw) The sk!n "eneath the "eard.%!ne was s*ar*e%# pa%er than e%sewhere- !t showed 'er# tanned aga!nst the wh!te towe% he was us!ng) Tasha swa#ed !n the doorwa#, tr#!ng to pu%% together the 0!gsaw p!e*es o( the roo$ that see$ed to sw!r% "e(ore her e#es , a *rude ta"%e, (our *ha!rs, *%ose%# shuttered w!ndows,two unpretent!ous $eta%.(ra$ed "eds a%ong one wa%%)And 2en) +ure%# the gods were $ak!ng $o*k o( her (ut!%e e((orts to es*ape- she had "een de%!'ered we%% and tru%# !nto h!s hands) "Ah, that (ee%s good a(ter a spe%% at sea," 2en noted *on'ersat!ona%%#, 0ust as !( her reappearan*e had "een tota%%# pred!*ta"%e) He paused and tested h!s 0aw w!th %ean %ong (!ngers, then put the towe% down and turned h!s (u%% attent!on to the door) "6 was hop!ng #ou wou%dn't put #our nose !n unt!% 6 (!n!shed) Gett!ng r!d o( a $onth's growth !s no (un, and 6 *on(ess !t produ*es $ore than a (a!r share o( *uss words)" He "us!ed h!$se%( w!th pu%%!ng the *he*ked sh!rt o'er h!s r!pp%!ng shou%ders and "utton!ng !t) "Nor$a%%# 6 sha'e a%$ost as soon as 6 put to shore, "ut th!s t!$e 6 had

other th!ngs on $# $!nd) That $essage (ro$ #ou arr!'ed 0ust as 6 %anded at ;ah>) Good t!$!ng, Tasha- #ou $ust ha'e e&trasensor# per*ept!on) 6'd "een at sea (or a (u%% $onth, and 6 hadn't "een !n tou*h w!th $# pu"%!sher (or so$e t!$e) Now *o$e on !n, #our supper'sa%% read# and....Good God, wh# are #ou %ook!ng at $e %!ke that4 6 assure #ou 6'$ not a ghost) Th!s !s $e, 'er# $u*h !n the (%esh)" Tasha tr!ed w!thout su**ess to "att%e the unrea% sensat!ons that were turn!ng her sto$a*h to "utter(%!es and her "ra!n to "utter) A sense o( (ata%!t# and (ut!%!t# gr!pped her, a%ong w!th a th!*kness o( tongue she *ou%d not *ontro%) "How d!d #ou know 6'd *o$e4" she asked unstead!%#) "6t's as !( #ou< e&pe*ted $e to wa%k !n 0ust now)" 2en %ooked $!%d%# surpr!sed) "O( *ourse 6 e&pe*ted #ou," he sa!d so$ewhat sardon!*a%%#) He stood up and "egan to tu*k h!s sh!rtta!%s !nto the $ud.*o%ored e'!'s that $o%ded h!s power(u% th!ghs !n wa#s that were not *ondu*!'e to Tasha's pea*e o( $!nd) +he tr!ed to re(o*us her e#es e%sewhere , an e&er*!se that see$ed una**ounta"%# d!((!*u%t) "That "!rd #ou d!stur"ed ga'e $e a 'er# good !dea o( where #ou were and e&a*t%# where #ou were head!ng) 6 knew #ou'd stu$"%e on th!s %!tt%e 'a%%e# w!th!n a $!nute or two) 6t was d!re*t%# !n #our path, and #ou *ou%dn't poss!"%# rea*h the other huts on the !s%and w!thout pass!ng "# $!ne)" Tasha "%!nked s%ow%# and tr!ed to *on*entrate) Had she rea%%# "een so *%ose to th!s p%a*e ear%!er4 And where had she "een a short t!$e ago, !( not at one o( the other huts4 Had she !$ag!ned e'er#th!ng4 3as she !$ag!n!ng th!s now4 Certa!n%# so$eth!ng 'er# strange was happen!ng to her senses, wh!*h see$ed to "e gradua%%# desert!ng her) 2en went on, not re$ark!ng on her s!%en*e) "6 *ounted on #our %o'e o( *!'!%!1at!on, "rown e#es) As $ost o( the !s%anders were down at the "ea*h, 6 knew #ou wou%dn't "e a"%e to te%% whose hut was whose) 3!th n!ght(a%% on%# $!nutes awa#, 6 d!dn't

th!nk #ou'd go stu$"%!ng an# (arther , un%ess #ou spotted $e *o$!ng a(ter #ou) +o 6 s!$p%# sta#ed awa# (ro$ here unt!% dark, when !t was too %ate (or #ou to do an# $ore runn!ng) 3ere #ou wat*h!ng (ro$ the *o*o.de.$er gro'e4" A great hea'!ness !n her %!$"s *ontr!"uted to the sense o( t!$e out o( 0o!nt) Her powers o( reason!ng appeared to ha'e gone askew) Noth!ng 2en sa!d see$ed to $ake $u*h sense, and #et !n an odd wa# she knew that !t d!d) "On*e n!ght (e%%, 6 hard%# thought a *!t#."red g!r% %!ke #ou wou%d run awa# (ro$ the on%# %!ght !n s!ght)" For on*e, 2en's un(%atter!ng sar*as$ was wasted on Tasha- she was too "us# *%ut*h!ng the door (ra$e (or support) "6 a%so knew," he sa!d, "that "e(ore the n!ght was through, so$eth!ng was sure to dr!'e #ou !ns!de) 6 dou"t e'en the Garden o( Eden *ou%d turn #ou "a*k !nto the or!g!na% E'e, Tasha- !t's too %ate (or that) 3hat was !t , (a%%!ng *o*onuts4" Tasha's head sw!r%ed w!th the e((ort o( (o%%ow!ng 2en's %og!*)Garden o( Eden4 E'e4 Co*onuts4 He was $ak!ng no sense at a%%) "Fa%%!ng *o*onuts4" she repeated da1ed%#, w!th a *otton.woo% tongue) "The# (a%% $ore (re:uent%# at n!ght," 2en !n(or$ed her !n a dr# tone, e#e!ng her narrow%#) "3e%%, !( !t wasn't *o*onuts, 6 suppose !t was a s*are o( so$e k!nd) /ou %ook :u!te d!straught) /ou *an start pu%%!ng #ourse%( together, "rown e#es- %!ke%#, !t was on%# so$e s$a%% no*turna% *reature %!ke a "at) Now *o$e on !n and eat) Noth!ng (an*#- 0ust a 0o" (!sh 6 pu%%ed !n on a hand%!ne th!s a(ternoon) 6 *ooked !t Creo%e st#%e, w!th *o*onut o!% and on!on and gar%!*, and, " "There was an o%d wo$an," Tasha "%urted, !nterrupt!ng 2en $!dsenten*e) "6''e "een at her hut< or perhaps 6 0ust !$ag!ned her...."

6t was 2en's turn to stare !n d!s"e%!e() +o$eth!ng !n Tasha's (a*e, an unusua% w!%dness o( e#e perhaps, at %ast *o$$un!*ated !tse%() He *a$e :u!*k%# a*ross the p%ank (%oor, !n three %ong eas# str!des) "3hat are #ou ta%k!ng a"out4" he asked, (rown!ng down !nto Tasha's ashen (a*e) 6n the ear%!er *hase through the undergrowth, her ha!r had "e*o$e tang%ed, and a da# o( *hew!ng %!ps had :u!te de$o%!shed the *are(u% pa!nt 0o" she had app%!ed on the ket*h) 2ut the e#e $akeup re$a!ned !nta*t and *ontr!"uted to her e&press!on o( star!ng "ew!%der$ent) "Te%% $e," 2en *o$$anded, h!s e#es narrow!ng) "An o%d wo$an...Oh, 2en..." +he swa#ed (orward, (orgett!ng that not so 'er# %ong ago she had tr!ed to es*ape those strong ar$s- and rea%!1ed on%# when her head was $u((%ed aga!nst the reassur!ng "u%k o( 2en's *hest that she was shak!ng a%% o'er and was 'er# d!11#, too) "6''e "een so..." +*ared was the word she had !ntended to use, "ut so$eth!ng stopped her (ro$ sa#!ng !t) And !t was not str!*t%# true !n an# *ase) +he had not "een s*ared o( Eu%a%!e at the t!$e , on%# dur!ng these past (ew $!nutes s!n*e Eu%a%!e had a"andoned her on the path) "6''e "een so *on(used," she wh!spered, wonder!ng how she *ou%d *on'e# the aura o( the supernatura% that had en'e%oped her s!n*e the $o$ent she had s!ghted the gro'e o( ta%% pa%$s) Need!ng so$eth!ng rea% and hu$an to reassure her, she ru""ed her (a*e aga!nst the %!tt%e *r!spness that pr!*k%ed through the %!ght *otton o( 2en's sh!rt) Her ears were r!ng!ng) +he (e%t *%ose to tears, and #et at the sa$e t!$e the g!dd!ness that t!ng%ed through her head was not ent!re%# unp%easant) "Oh, 2en..." He %ed her a*ross the roo$, one strong ar$ a"out her shou%der to gu!de her wa'er!ng (ootsteps) Not re%!n:u!sh!ng h!s ho%d, he %owered "oth the!r "od!es to a s!tt!ng pos!t!on on the edge o( one o( the "eds) 3!th one hand he d!re*ted her (a*e

so that he *ou%d wat*h her e&press!on- h!s own head "ent *%ose to hers) "Te%% $e a"out !t," he sa!d gra'e%#) And so she d!d, %!tt%e "# %!tt%e) +he (ound the te%%!ng d!((!*u%t, (or her w!ts were "e*o$!ng $ore (ogged "# the $!nute) +o$e *aut!onar# !nst!n*t pre'ented her (ro$ $ent!on!ng (ears o( the supernatura%- she d!d not w!sh 2en to %augh at her) Gradua%%#, as he %!stened w!thout s*o((!ng, the shak!ng *eased) Now on%# the d!11!ness re$a!ned and a s%urr!ng o( 'o!*e that see$ed to grow worse as she ta%ked) "Eu%a%!e," sa!d 2en thought(u%%# when she had to%d a%$ost e'er#th!ng) He ro%%ed the na$e on h!s tongue aga!n)"Eu%a%!e , wh#, she $ust "e the !s%and's "onne (e$$e d!

"o!s) 6 d!d hear there was one, "ut re$e$"er 6 ha'en't set (oot on th!s propert#
s!n*e 6 "ought !t) The"onne (e$$e d! "o!s genera%%# %!'es !n so%!tude, we%% "a*k !n the woods)+ort o( a %o*a% w!t*hwo$an) " "3!t*hwo$an4"*a$e Tasha's (a!nt re0o!nder) 2en %aughed %!ght%#, restor!ng so$e aura o( rea%!t#) "3e%%, that's putt!ng !t a %!tt%e strong%#) The +e#*he%%es go'ern$ent (rowns on that k!nd o( $u$"o.0u$"o, and !( Eu%a%!e were rea%%# pra*t!*!ng !t, she'd "e !n deep trou"%e) +he's pro"a"%# $ore o(a her"a%!st as #ou suggested) 6 !$ag!ne her !n(us!ons don't do an# har$, and the# $a# e'en do a $!%d a$ount o( good) Those o%d her"a% re$ed!es o(ten do)" "A%% the sa$e, !t was so odd<)" The roo$ ree%ed, see$!ng%# re'o%'!ng around the %!tt%e go%den %!ghts !n 2en's e#es that were too dangerous%#*%ose to her own ) "+he *a$e to<to $eet $e on the path<)" "Head!ng down to see the a*t!on at the shore," 2en sa!d, !n0e*t!ng a note o( san!t#) " !ke e'er#one e%se on the !s%and)" "And a%% those *ha!rs<)"

"That's eas!%# e&p%a!ned, too)" Tasha (or$ed an "Oh4" w!th her $outh, "ut the sound ne'er e$erged) 2en's (a*e see$ed to %oo$ *%ose to her %!ps (or one $o$ent o( $adness and then re*ede aga!n) Or was that !$ag!nat!on, too4 6t $ust ha'e "een, "e*ause 2en now (rowned , as !( he d!d not %!ke "e!ng *%ose to her at a%%) +t!%% stead#!ng Tasha's shou%ders, he $o'ed a %!tt%e awa# and e&p%a!ned Eu%a%!e's pe*u%!ar pen*hant !n a "rus:ue tone o( 'o!*e) "On these !s%ands *ha!rs are a s#$"o% o( prest!ge) O(ten the#'re a wo$an's proudest possess!ons, her $ark o( stand!ng !n the *o$$un!t#) 3ho knows, perhaps Eu%a%!e grew up !n a (a$!%# where there was d!s$a% po'ert# and no *ha!rs at a%%) 5ndou"ted%# that wou%d g!'e her a #en to own as $an# as poss!"%e) Perhaps she persuaded so$e o( her *usto$ers to pa# her !n that wa#, !n e&*hange (or d!spens!nggr!s.gr!s)" "Gr!s.gr!s4"Tasha asked th!*k%#, swa#!ng toward her 'an!sh!ng support) "Char$s, 6 th!nk, wou%d "e an appropr!ate trans%at!on)Or a$u%ets) The#'re usua%%# %!tt%e pa*kets *onta!n!ng "!ts o( th!s and that, /ou *an guess the k!nd o( th!ng , *%oth, ha!r, "!ts o( rust# !ron, sand (ro$ the (ootpr!nts o( an ene$#<)" At the "r!e( start%ed %ook !n Tasha's e#es, 2en s$!%ed gr!$%# and re$arked, "9on't %et that a%ar$ #ou) 6 suspe*t Eu!a%!e'sgr!s.gr!s don't work 'er# we%%)" Tasha "%!nked !n s%ow $ot!on and %!*ked her %!ps, an e&er*!se that took a pa!n(u%%# %ong t!$e) "3h#4" she $anaged to sa#, at %ast) "2e*ause the *ha!rs sound %!ke the worst k!nd o( *asto((s, (ro$ #our des*r!pt!on," 2en rep%!ed w!th a dr# %og!* that Tasha, !n her $udd%ed state o( $!nd, *ou%d not

poss!"%# d!spute) "6( Eu!a%!e's *usto$ers were sat!s(!ed, don't #ou th!nk the#'d ha'e done a %!tt%e "etter (or her4" "2ut wh#<)" Tasha ha%ted and tr!ed to gather her thoughts) 3hat had she "een go!ng to ask 2en4 3!th e((ort she re$e$"ered) "3h#<"r!ng $e< here4 +he<was tak!ng $e<to a $an<a $an *a%%ed<oh<)" "Perhaps she was *on(used," 2en suggested w!th a wat*h(u% s$!%e) "6t see$s to "e *at*h!ng)" "+he<wasn't "r!ng!ng $e<to #ou4" "Ne'er $et the wo$an !n $# %!(e," 2en sa!d (%at%#) "Perhaps she $eant to take #ou to so$e other hut and %ost her wa# !n the dark) Now don't g!'e the wo$an another thought) +he sounds %!ke an add%ed o%d sou% w!th a good heart- that $ea% she o((ered #ou was undou"ted%# her own) 6 warrant #ou she wou%dn't har$ a (%#)" 5na**ounta"%# Tashag!gg%ed, so$eth!ng she had ne'er done "e(ore !n her %!(e) "+a!d the<sp!der," she sa!d) 2en s*ow%ed and $ade no e((ort to 0o!n !n Tasha's n!o$ent o( $!rth) "A%though 6 do w!sh she hadn't g!'en #ou so $u*h"a**a to dr!nk," he sa!d d!sappro'!ng%#) "2a**a!Not"a**a ..." +he tr!ed to re$e$"er what !t was that Eu%a%!e had urged upon her, "ut w!thout su**ess) "The (!rst "ott%e was undou"ted%# *a%ou , pa%$ todd#, a (er$ented sap taken (ro$ the t!p o( a grow!ng *o*opa%$) 2ut the se*ond<we%%,d!dn't #ou sa# the "ott%e was 'er# dust#4 Pa%$ todd# starts to deter!orate a"out (our da#s a(ter !t's tapped, and the taste doesn't !$pro'e w!th age) The se*ond "ott%e $ust ha'e "een so$eth!ng e%se, and"a**a see$s %!ke%#) 6t's $ade (ro$ sugar*ane 0u!*e, and !t *an "e %!ke a t!$e "o$") 6n (a*t !t's (or"!dden to se%% "a**a $ore than three da#s o%d, "e*ause !t

gets so potent) Not eat!ng a%% da# wou%dn't he%p, e!ther) /ou, $# %o'e, are $ore than a %!tt%e drunk)" Tasha a%$ost so""ed w!th re%!e(, and !n tr#!ng to st!(%e !t h!**uped !nstead) +o that was the e&p%anat!on! No wonder so $an# odd sensat!ons had "een assa!%!ng her) No wonder she had (e%t una"%e to run (ro$ 2en a se*ond t!$e) No wonder she *ou%d not res!st h!$ now, as h!s power(u% ar$s *a$e around her aga!n, o((er!ng support) And now that she knew the trou"%e, she *ou%d g!'e !n and stop tr#!ng to (!ght !t) +he wr!nk%ed her nose, "%ew awa# a strand o( ha!r that had (a%%en o'er her (a*e, and snee1ed) ";oreo'er, 6 th!nk #ou're ha'!ng a de%a#ed rea*t!on," 2en sa!d, %ook!ng at her odd%#)"An e&p%os!'e one, too)" Tasha g!gg%ed aga!n and nose.d!'ed toward 2en's *o%%ar open!ng, where the *o%u$n o( h!s throat was re'ea%ed) "6t's a"out t!$e," she $ur$ured, snugg%!ng !n) And then, (or the %!(e o( her, *ou%d not th!nk what rea*t!on he was ta%k!ng a"out) 3!th a (!r$ gr!p on her upper ar$s, 2en eased her awa# (ro$ h!s "od#) H!s %!ps were *o$pressed !n a %!ne o( su((eran*e) +tead#!ng her, he pu((ed a p!%%ow,then %a!d her down on the "ed) "6 th!nk #ou *an (orgo the $ea% ton!ght," he $uttered, %ean!ng o'er her, h!s (a*e $arked w!th %!nes o( *on*ern) "6 don't th!nk #ou're !n shape (or an#th!ng "ut "ed)" "Thanks," she g!gg%ed, rea*h!ng up to w!nd her (!ngers around h!s ne*k) A war$ %ass!tude *rept through her %!$"s) 2en groaned aga!n and un%a*ed her (!ngers) "6'$ not tak!ng ad'antage o( a wo$an !n #our *ond!t!on," he sa!d, sound!ng angr#)

O((ended, Tasha sprang to a s!tt!ng pos!t!on and put on an a!r o( !n0ured d!gn!t#) "6'$ not !n<that *ond!t!on," she sa!d haught!%#) "2a"!es and "!k!n!s<don't $!&) 2es!des," she h!**uped, ";a& doesn't< do that< k!nd o( th!ng)" " !e down, Tasha," 2en sa!d (!r$%#, eas!ng her "a*k !nto a re*%!n!ng pos!t!on on the "ed) "R!ght now 6'$ not te$pted to do a da$n th!ng e&*ept g!'e #ou a good padd%!ng) For the %o'e o( hea'en, don't wr!gg%e that wa# (or the ne&t (ew $!nutes) A%% 6 want to do !s get #ou read# (or "ed)" +he s!ghed w!th a*:u!es*en*e and a great happ!ness washed through her) +he *%osed her e#es) 3hen she opened the$ aga!n so$e se*onds %ater she *ou%d not th!nk wh# 2en's head was "ent !n e'!dent *on*entrat!on at her $!dr!(() He see$ed to "e $o'!ng at ha%( speed, (%e&!ng h!s (!ngers as !( he d!d not want to undress her a(ter a%%) a$p%!ght "ron1ed h!s ha!r, wh!*h %ooked ru$p%ed, as though he had "een rak!ng !t) H!s "row was knotted, h!s $outh *o$pressed !n a $urderous %!ne) A $us*%e worked !n h!s 0aw)And a%% that 0ust "e*ause h!s hands were po!sed at her wa!st"and) +he g!gg%ed) +he heard a $u((%ed *urse and so$eth!ng snapped open)Then a "r!e( tugg!ng at her wa!st and another *urse) "9a$n 1!p," $uttered 2en)He see$ed to "e atta*k!ng !t 'er# '!*!ous%#- wh# was he do!ng that4 Then Tasha re$e$"ered that she had no undergar$ent on and g!gg%ed aga!n) No "rass!ere, e!ther) ;a&'s do!ng) ";a& sa#s<no," she sa!d ser!ous%#, wagg%!ng a (!nger at 2en)"No<underwear)" "9a$n ;a& a%% to he%%," 2en $uttered (ur!ous%#, 0ust as the 1!p *a$e (ree and he d!s*o'ered th!s (or h!$se%() Gr!tt!ng h!s teeth, he %e(t the "ed and ru$$aged through a du((e% "ag unt!% he (ound a pa!r o( s!%k# wh!te *otton pa0a$as) H!s "row had turned to thunder, h!s $outh to a s%ash o( %!ghtn!ng)

Tasha so""ed and h!**uped as he returned to her s!de) "Not<(a!r," she $oaned !n desperat!on) "/ou<ha'e<pa0a$as<6 don't)" 2en s%anted a g%ower!ng and una$used %ook !n her d!re*t!on) 3!th no part!*u%ar gent%eness he %!(ted her h!ps and "egan to wren*h o(( the sk!n.t!ght 0eans, keep!ng h!s e#es deter$!ned%# a'erted (ro$ the (%esh thus re'ea%ed) 9eep t!ng%!ngs started !n e'er# !n*h o( sk!n that *a$e !nto !nad'ertent *onta*t w!th h!s "ron1ed (!ngers) Tasha $oaned and wr!thed and w!shed that 2en wou%d not keep snat*h!ng h!s (!ngers awa# as !( the 'er# tou*h o( her "urned h!$< w!shed he wou%d undress her s%ow%#, %o'!ng%#, "rand!ng her w!th k!sses, as he had done on*e so $an# #ears ago... H!s $o$ent o( (ur# su"s!ded when the 0eans rea*hed *a%(.%e'e%, re'ea%!ng the %ea( that Eu%a%!e had t!ed !nto p%a*e) "3hat's th!s4" he (rowned, ho%d!ng her knee st!%% w!th one hand, wh!%e the (!ngers o( h!s other hand pro"ed %!ght%# at the edges o( the pr!$!t!'e pou%t!*e)"A "ru!se4 3e%%, 6'%% %ea'e the dress!ng (or now) 3ho knows, !t $a# e'en "e a%% r!ght "# $orn!ng)" ";$$,"s!ghed Tasha !n d!11# agree$ent) 2en's war$ hand (e%t wonder(u% on her knee) Her e#es (%agged *%osed, and a (a!nt happ# s$!%e tou*hed her %!ps)A great war$th rad!ated upward (ro$ the 'er# spot on wh!*h 2en's hand rested) 2ut wh# was he re$o'!ng h!s hand now4 And what was that s%!de o( s!%k *o$!ng up o'er her %egs4 And wh# was he t#!ng so$eth!ng around her wa!st, too t!ght%#4 Tasha's e#es *a$e open aga!n, (o*us!ng on the '!*!ous *%en*h o( 2en's teeth) Her (!ngers groped (or the o((end!ng pa0a$a t!e, (ound !t, and pu%%ed) "Oh, God!"2en e&p%oded, and w!th a %ook o( gr!$ deter$!nat!on he set a"out se*ur!ng the t!e on*e $ore) Th!s t!$e, "e(ore she *ou%d re*t!(# the s!tuat!on, he wren*hed the *o'ers o'er her, and tu*ked the$ !nto p%a*e !n a ser!es o( rough spast!* $o'e$ents 'er# d!((erent (ro$ the *ontro%%ed gra*e w!th wh!*h he usua%%# $o'ed) He %eaned a*ross her to stra!ghten the p!%%ow "eneath her head, "r!ng!ng the

open *o%%ar o( h!s sh!rt !nto her %!ne o( '!s!on) The hard %!ne o( h!s new%# sha'en 0aw, the strong throat, the taut set o( h!s power(u% shou%ders , a%% *ontr!"uted to the wh!r%!ng o( her senses) 9!11!ed "# h!s *%oseness, she e&tr!*ated one hand (ro$ "eneath the *o'ers, rea*hed upward and n!pped a t!n# *ur% o( *hest ha!r "etween two %a*:uered (!ngerna!%s) +he heard a deep groan and re%eased the ha!r at on*e) "6<hurt<#ou," she so""ed, repentant on the !nstant and tota%%# deso%ate, too) +he s:uee1ed her e#es *%osed "e*ause she wanted to *r# so $u*h)"Oh<oh<oh)" "Pu%%#ourse%( together, Tasha," sa!d a d!sgusted 'o!*e) "6 don't get hurt that eas!%#)" +he opened her e#es w!de and 2en swa$ !nto (o*us aga!n) "/ou<don't4" she sa!d !n a da1e o( happ# wonder$ent) +he %!*ked her %!ps, "e*ause 2en was swa#!ng *%oser now, as !( he 'er# $u*h wanted to k!ss her, desp!te the enraged e&press!on on h!s (a*e) H!s e#es were "urn!ng w!th "anked (!res that she re*og. n!1ed, ha1!%# and happ!%#, as des!re) One o( h!s hands ho'ered near her head, as !( !t a*hed to s$ooth the %ong s!%k# tang%e o( her "%a*k ha!r aga!nst the p!%%ow) A deep "%!ss we%%ed up !ns!de her "e*ause she knew he wanted her "ad%# now) +he *ou%d see !t !n the wa# h!s ga1e was r!'eted on her %!ps- she *ou%d (ee% !t !n the tens!ons that see$ed to ho%d h!$ there, %!ke !n'!s!"%e *ha!ns "!nd!ng the$ together) +he s!ghed !n deep *ontent$ent, *%osed her e#es aga!n, and parted her %!ps (or the k!ss that $ust sure%# *o$e) "Oh, (or God's sake," 2en $uttered (ur!ous%#, and %e(t the "ed a%together) An o'erwhe%$!ng sense o( se%(.p!t# stru*k Tasha, and she so""ed and sn!((%ed !nter$!ttent%# as she wat*hed h!$ $o'e around the roo$, do!ng th!ngs she d!d not understand) 3h# d!d he %ook so angr#4 6t see$ed *rue% that he shou%d s!t down and eat a $ea%, (rown!ng through !t a%% as though he d!d not %!ke the taste o( the (ood) 6t see$ed *rue% that he shou%d go and stand at the door, %ook!ng out onto the dark 'eranda and ru""!ng h!s hand wear!%# around the "a*k o( h!s ne*k, as !( he *ou%d (!nd noth!ng "etter (or h!s hand to do) 6t see$ed *rue%, "ut at %ength she do1ed...

Her e#es *%!*ked open at the 'er# $o$ent he e&t!ngu!shed the %!ght) +he *ou%d hear sounds o( h!$ undress!ng !n the dark , the so(t thud o( a shoe, the rust%!ng o( a sh!rt, the des*end!ng o( a 1!p) +ure%# she wou%d not "e %one%# $u*h %ot!ger- 2en had g!'en !n to h!s needs at %ast) 2ut se*onds %ater, she heard the *reak o( "ed.spr!ngs e%sewhere !n the roo$ and, d!11# w!th d!sappo!nt$ent, rea%!1ed that he had no !ntent!on o( *o$!ng to %!e "es!de her !n the n!ght) Perhaps he d!d not want her a(ter a%%4 A sense o( deep hurt turned her %!ps to tre$"%!ng, "ut she %a# !n s!%en*e unt!% she heard the regu%ar "reath!ng that to%d her 2en was now as%eep) +he "egan to dr!(t aga!n<) +he awoke to the sound o( a %ow $oan (ro$ the other "ed) 6t was a $o$ent or two "e(ore she *on:uered her g!dd!ness enough to rea%!1e that 2en was groan!ng !n h!s s%eep and toss!ng rest%ess%#) +o he wanted her a(ter a%%! 3!th a war$ e*stas# (%ood!ng her heart and a %a*k o( propr!et# she wou%d ne'er ha'e d!sp%a#ed !( she had had a%% her w!ts a"out her, she s!d%ed out o( "ed) Ha%(.tr!pp!ng on the pa0a$a %egs, she t!ptoed to where he %a#) +he (u$"%ed (or the sheet, and se*onds %ater she was s%!pp!ng !n "es!de the %ong war$ $a%e "od#) +he ro%%ed *%ose to h!$ at on*e and tou*hed h!s (a*e w!th tentat!'e (!ngers) 6t was dren*hed !n *o%d sweat , $ore e'!den*e that set her heart to s!ng!ng, (or !t see$ed to denote to her $udd%ed $!nd that he $ust want her 'er# "ad%#) "2en," she wh!spered) He awoke at on*e, tens!ng, as Tasha wrapped her ar$s around h!s ne*k and "egan to stroke the *r!sp '!ta% ends o( ha!r at h!s nape) "9on't<worr#," she s%urred, "6'$< herenow)" "Oh, he%%," $uttered 2en) He 0erked h!s head upward (ro$ the p!%%ow) H!s (a*e ho'ered o'er Tasha's so that she *ou%d (ee% the war$ *o$e.and.go o( h!s "reath (ann!ng her (a*e) "/ou'%% ha'e to go "a*k to #our own "ed," he sa!d, h!s 'o!*e sound!ng near%# as unstead#as her own )

"6 don't want to<s%eep<a%one<an#$ore," she wh!$pered, sn!((%!ng unhapp!%#) "6'$< d!11#)+o d!11#)" 2en uttered another $u((%ed *urse) 2ut he pu%%ed her (!er*e%# *%oser !nto the spoon o( h!s near.naked "od#) A hand started to stroke her ha!r, eas!ng the %ong strands awa# (ro$ her (a*e and %odg!ng the$ gent%# "eh!nd her ear)Her ear4 One %ast thought penetrated the ha1# p%easant (og o( ant!*!pat!on !n her $!nd) ";# ear," she $u$"%ed, th!nk!ng o( one o( Eu%a.%!e's a*t!ons that 2en had not e&p%a!ned, a%though she had des*r!"ed !t to h!$) "3h#< $#< ear4" 6n the darkness, she (e%t %!ps $o'!ng at her te$p%es, and the s%ow s%!de o( a hand at the s$a%% o( her "a*k) "2e*ause o( #our e#es!ght," 2en$ur$ured, the t!$"re o( h!s 'o!*e unusua%%# th!*k) "+he on%# wanted to !$pro'e #our e#es!ght)" Tasha's e#es "%!nked open as she re$e$"ered d!11!%# that she had not re$o'ed her *onta*t %enses) "2ut< how<)" "6'%% e&p%a!n to$orrow," sa!d 2en husk!%#, sea%!ng her %!ds w!th h!s %!ps) "Now (or God's sake, go to s%eep)" "How<d!dshe<know<)" "Hush," 2en $uttered, pu%%!ng her head *%ose aga!nst h!s *hest, unt!% the an!$a% heat o( h!$ en'e%oped her) Tasha s!ghed *ontented%#, se*ure !n the know%edge that e'er#th!ng wou%d !ndeed "e a%% r!ght "# $orn!ng) O( *ourse Eu%a%!e knew) Eu%a%!e knew e'er#th!ng, e&*ept where to (!nd ;ons!eur 'Hor!oge) And then she (orgot Eu%a%!e a%together "e*ause 2en's $outh was (!er*e !n her ha!r, and "e*ause she (e%t the want!ng !n h!s hard "od#, and "e*ause she heard the thud o( h!s heart %!ke %oud thunder !n her ear)

T!*k to*k, ;r) C%o*k) "2!g<2en," she s%urred, rea*h!ng down to re%ease the pa0a$a t!e on*e $ore) "2!g< "ad< 2en<)"

CHAPTER +E=EN

The (!rst th!ng that !$p!nged on her *ons*!ousness was her e#es) The !ns!des o( the %!ds (e%t %!ke g%ue) Her %ashes (e%t stu*k together, too) +he opened the$ 'er# *are(u%%# and en*ountered d!$ %!ght) Noth!ng %ooked (a$!%!ar) 3!thout turn!ng her head, she d!re*ted her e#es toward the sour*e o( %!ght) The door onto the 'eranda was open, and a ta%% tense (!gure stood there !n s!%houette, "rood!ng out at the $orn!ng) +he rea%!1ed she was !ndeed wear!ng her *onta*t %enses as she re*ogn!1ed the "road shou%ders and the %ong power(u% %!$"s and e'en the $ud.*o%ored e'!'s<) Re$e$"ran*e (%ooded "a*k) +he *%osed her e#es :u!*k%# so that !( he turned around, he wou%d not see she was awake) 3hat had happened %ast n!ght4 +he *ou%d re*a%% noth!ng "e#ond the $o$ent she had s%!pped !nto 2en's "ed) And a(ter that<4 The spe*u%at!on ga'e r!se to a pe*u%!ar t!ng%!ng that started so$ewhere !n the deep reg!ons o( her "od# and tra'e%ed s%ow%# upward to her (a*e, war$!ng her *heeks) ;o'!ng 'er# g!nger%# so that 2en wou%d not hear, she sh!(ted her (!ngers "eneath the *o'ers and (e%t the war$th and s%!ght depress!on %e(t "# another "od#) 6t see$ed to *on(!r$ the worst o( her (ears) The pa%$ o( her hand $o'ed aga!n and en*ountered naked h!p) +o she had s%ept w!th no *%oth!ng whatsoe'er on her %ower ha%( , or was that a pa!r o( pa0a$a "otto$s tang%ed around her th!ghs4 The T.sh!rt was st!%% !n p%a*e, tw!sted un*o$(orta"%# around her wa!st- "ut that was woe(u%%# !nade:uate to prote*t her (ro$ the k!nd o( e$"ra*e 2en had no dou"t su"0e*ted her to !n the n!ght) +he started to stra!ghten the pa0a$a "otto$s surrept!t!ous%#, "ut st!%%ed the $o'e$ent at on*e when she heard sounds o( (ootsteps *o$!ng "a*k !nto the roo$)

Oh, ord) 3hat had happened %ast n!ght4 Or rather, had %ast n!ght rea%%# happened4 The strangeness o( !t a%% swar$ed "a*k !n (u%% (or*e)That odd hut !n the h!%%s)That $#st!*a% sense o( !ne'!ta"!%!t#)That o%d wo$an who see$ed to understand noth!ng and e'er#th!ng)That d!11#!ng 0ourne# through a tunne% o( trees, to (!nd ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge) And !nstead (!nd!ng 2en... 2en) A hot sha$e *oursed to Tasha's *heeks as she re$e$"ered 'ar!ous deta!%s o( her "eha'!or the pre'!ous e'en!ng) A%% the sa$e, !t was 2en's (au%t ent!re%#- !( he hadn't "rought her to th!s !s%and, noth!ng wou%d ha'e happened at a%%) Oh God, what was she go!ng to do4 A(ter a s%!ght pause the (ootsteps *ont!nued !nto the $a!n roo$ o( the hut, *o$!ng !n her d!re*t!on) There (o%%owed another sound as o( a shutter "e!ng opened- th!s *on0e*ture was *on(!r$ed "# the sudden !n*rease o( %!ght penetrat!ng her *%osed e#e%!ds) +he kept the$ deter$!ned%# *%osed) "/ou're awake," 2en stated (%at%#) "9on't "other pretend!ng, "rown e#es) 6 saw #our hand $o'!ng around under the *o'er a $!nute ago) 2es!des, #our*o%or's g!'!ng #ou awa#) 6'$ g%ad to see that sha$e !s one e$ot!on #ou ha'en't (orgotten)" At 2en's taunt Tasha at on*e opened her e#es and put on a haught# e&press!on) +he was da$ned !( she'd %et 2en %ord !t o'er her "e*ause o( an#th!ng that happened the n!ght "e(ore! "6t see$s to $e," she (%ashed "a*k at h!$, "that the person who shou%d "e asha$ed !s #ou)" 2en *o$pressed h!s %!ps and e#ed her w!th a d!st!n*t%# sour %ook)"Oh, rea%%#4 9on't tr# $e, Tasha) 6 had a 'er# hard n!ght %ast n!ght)" "+o d!d6 ," she returned *o%d%#, "*ons!der!ng the wa# #ou took ad'antage o( the s!tuat!on)"

H!s e#es swept her w!th so$eth!ng 'er# %!ke d!sda!n) "5n%ess #ou know so$eth!ng 6 don't," he sa!d a*!d%#, "the on%# th!ng #ou %ost %ast n!ght was one o( #our e#e%ashes)" Tasha st!((ened !$per*ept!"%#) +o noth!ng had happened, a(ter a%%! The know%edge ga'e her a (%ut.ter# (ee%!ng and no part!*u%ar *o$(ort, (or !t on%# $eant that the worst was st!%% to *o$e) To h!de her $o$entar# %a*k o( *o$posure, she tu*ked the sheet *are(u%%# around her $!dd%e and "egan to !n'est!gate her e#e%!ds w!th her (!ngert!ps) 2en pu%%ed up a wooden *ha!r, stradd%ed !t "a*kward and sat there s*ow%!ng at her) "/ou'd "etter take o(( the other one, too) /ou %ook %ops!ded)" The words sounded too $u*h %!ke a *o$$and, and a%though Tasha had "een a"out to #ank o(( the one re$a!n!ng e#e%ash, she a"sta!ned) "9o #ou a%wa#s wear those wret*hed th!ngs4 /ou ne'er used to)" "6 (ee% a%together undressed w!thout the$," she %!ed a!r!%#, and out o( sheer per'ers!t# "egan sear*h!ng the ru$p%ed sheets (or the $!ss!ng %ash) At %east !t kept her (ro$ "e!ng $es$er!1ed "# the wa# the taut (a"r!* o( 2en's %ean.h!pped den!$s $o%ded h!s $us*u%ar th!ghs, t!ghten!ng to an a%ar$!ng e&tent "e*ause o( the wa# he sat astr!de the *ha!r) "9on't "other %ook!ng," 2en grow%ed) "6 threw !t !nto the "ushes (!rst th!ng th!s $orn!ng)" "/ou d!dn't!" Her e#es snapped "a*k !nto dangerous terr!tor#) "9a$n r!ght 6 d!d) 6'd ha'e d!spensed w!th the se*ond one too, "ut 6 d!dn't want to wake #ou up) +o #ou'%% 0ust ha'e to (ee% naked, won't #ou4"

Tasha g%ared at h!$ as !$per!ous%# as poss!"%e, *ons!der!ng the state o( her e#e%ashes) 3hat an arrogant !$poss!"%e $an! 3h# had she e'er thought otherw!se %ong enough to $arr# h!$4 "+peak!ng o( naked," she sa!d tart%#, "$a# 6 p%ease ha'e $# 0eans4 6'd %!ke to get up now)" "No)" Tasha opened her $outh to utter an angr# o"0e*t!on and then thought "etter o( !t) +he (or*ed herse%( to s%ow down and take sto*k o( the s!tuat!on) 6t was *%ear that (rustrat!on had put 2en !nto a 'er# "ad $ood th!s $orn!ng, and *ons!der!ng her own present state o( undress, !t was pro"a"%# "est not to antagon!1e h!$ too $u*h) +he ra!sed her e#e"rows and put on her 'er# "est #ou.*an't."e.ser!ous s$!%e) "/ou *an hard%# e&pe*t $e to go naked (or a who%e week," she sa!d w!th an atte$pt at reasona"%eness) 2en's s*ow% hard%# (%!*kered) "6''e *ons!dered !t," he sa!d uns$!%!ng%#) "/ou're 0ok!ng! E#e%ashes !s one th!ng, "ut, " "Th!s 'a%%e# !s enor$ous%# pr!'ate, Tasha- that's one o( the reasons 6 "ought !t) And #esterda#, when the !s%anders *a$e to greet $e at the "ea*h, 6 $ade a po!nt o( ask!ng the$ to sta# awa#) /ou'd ne'er "e seen "# an#one "ut $e)" Tasha :ue%%ed a "r!e( !$pu%se to h#ster!a, "ut !t was !$poss!"%e to pretend that 2en's words d!d not unsett%e her) Her (!ngers t!ghtened prote*t!'e%# o'er the sheet that was draped around her $!dd%e) "6t o**urs to $e," 2en went on dour%#, "that #ou *an hard%# go runn!ng (or he%p w!thout de*ent *%othes) +o 6'%% $ake #ou a dea%) /ou get #our 0eans "a*k !( #ou pro$!se not to take an# o( #our s!%%# stor!es to the peop%e on th!s !s%and) 6 don't want #ou upsett!ng the$,"

"+!%%# stor!es8 Oh<!" 6( %ooks *ou%d ha'e k!%%ed, hers wou%d ha'e done so at that $o$ent) On*e aga!n, she (ought (or po!se and (ound !t) "No dea%," she $anaged at %ast !n a (r!g!d 'o!*e) "Now w!%% #ou p%ease te%% $e where to get washed up4 6 (ee% :u!te (!%th# th!s $orn!ng , as though 6'd s%ept !n *%ose *onta*t w!th a snake) " 2en's 0aw t!ghtened) A"rupt%#, he stood up and turned h!s "a*k) "There's a strea$ a*ross the *%ear!ng," he !n(or$ed her !n a *urt 'o!*e, "and pr!$!t!'e (a*!%!t!es, too) 9on't "other runn!ng, (or 6'%% "e outs!de, and 6 *an see !( #ou head (or the trees) Not that #ou w!%%) /ou'd ne'er %et #ourse%( "e seen !n pu"%!* %ook!ng the wa# #ou do)" A%% the g%ar!ng !n the wor%d su**eeded !n $ak!ng no d!nt !n those un*o$pro$!s!ng shou%ders) And so at %ast Tasha $ade a nast# (a*e !n 2en's d!re*t!on and set to work gather!ng herse%( !nto so$e k!nd o( de*en*#) +he pu%%ed the pa0a$a "otto$s !nto p%a*e, se*ured the t!e at the wa!st and s!d%ed out o( "ed) E'en though her %egs were %ong, the pa0a$a "otto$s were at %east (!'e !n*hes %onger) 3hen she tr!ed to ro%% the s!%k# (a"r!* to her ank%es, !t d!d not ho%d) 3e%%, she was da$ned !( she wou%d do a Char%!e Chap%!n wa%k a*ross the *%ear!ng under 2en's host!%e e#es! "9!d #ou "r!ng $# $akeup *ase to the hut4" she asked w!th an !$$ense d!gn!t# she d!d not (ee%) "3hat do #ou want !t (or4" "A (resh T.sh!rt," she %!ed, "and so$e soap)" "Good," 2en sa!d rude%#, "!t's a"out t!$e #ou s*ru""ed the rest o( that 0unk o(( #our (a*e)" Co$p%#!ng w!th her re:uest, he *a$e *%ose to the "ed, %owered h!$se%( to h!s haun*hes and s%!d the *ase out !nto '!ew r!ght at Tasha's (eet) 5nw!%%!ng%#, she noted the '!r!%e aro$a o( h!$, a *o$pound o( *%ean s$e%%s that re$!nded her o( new%# turned earth and uns*ented soap) +tra!ghten!ng, he depos!ted the *ase on the "ed "es!de her and stud!ed the ra'ages that s%eep had worked on P!erre's *are(u%

e#e $akeup) 6( the %ops!ded %ook a$used h!$, !t d!d not show !n the !nso%en*e o( h!s e&press!on) "A 'ast !$pro'e$ent a%read#," he sa!d !nsu%t!ng%#) "Good God, #esterda# #ou had so $u*h $akeup on #ou %ooked %!ke an ar$ad!%%o)" +he opened the *ase, deter$!ned not to r!se to h!s "a!t!ng) "/ou do ha'e a wa# w!th words) Need 6 re$!nd #ou that 6 was out on a shoot when #ou so rude%# !nterrupted4 6 don't wear that $u*h e'er# da#)" "3h!%e #ou're around here #ou don't need to wear an# at a%%) There's no"od# to see "ut $e, and 6 pre(er the natu , 3hat the deu*e are #ou do!ng w!th those s*!ssors4" "An a$putat!on, what e%se4"Tasha sa!d sweet%#, dropp!ng part o( a pa0a$a %eg on the "ed) The na!% s*!ssors ad'an*ed toward the other *a%() 2en g%owered, "ut he d!d noth!ng to stop her) The se*ond pa0a$a %eg su**u$"ed to the s*!ssors, re'ea%!ng the %ea( that Eu%a%!e had t!ed !n p%a*e the pre'!ous n!ght) And "e*ause that d!d not %ook 'er# d!gn!(!ed, e!ther, Tasha re$o'ed !t) 2eneath the $akesh!(t dress!ng, the "ru!se was *ons!dera"%# worse than "e(ore- now !t was a dark "%ue purp%e, turn!ng "rown around the edges) +o $u*h (or $ag!*a% $#ster# *ures! "3e%%, d!d #our %!%# sk!n sur'!'e4" asked 2en, who*ou%d not see (ro$ h!s 'antage po!nt) +*orn was !n h!s e'er# s#%%a"%e) Tasha *on*ea%ed her s%ow "urn "# stand!ng up and tak!ng so$e se*onds to arrange 2en's gu!%%ot!ned pa0a$a "otto$s o'er her *a%'es, as *are(u%%# as !( she had "een wear!ng a Par!s or!g!na%) The two %egs were d!((erent %engths and %ooked %ud!*rous) On a %ast thought, she p!*ked up the s*raps o( (a"r!* she had s*!ssored o(( and threw the$ !nto her $ode% *ase, snapp!ng the %!d *%osed as !( !n answer to 2en's :uest!on)

"6 asked," 2en re$!nded her t!ght%#, "whether Eu%a%!e's pot!on had worked)" Tasha tu*ked her toes !nto her e&pens!'e 6ta%!an sanda%s, p!*ked up her *ase and sta%ked a*ross the roo$) "Thanks (or #our *on*ern," she (%ung o'er her shou%der a!r!%#, ""ut 6 th!nk she ga'e $e the *ure (or warts)" "6t's not n!*e to $ake (un o( an o%d wo$an!" 2en shouted a(ter her, e'!dent%# una$used) 6t ga'e Tasha no *o$(ort to hear a "urst o( $o*k!ng %aughter 0ust as she rea*hed the strea$ a*ross the *%ear!ng- she knew !t was d!re*ted at her appearan*e) How 2en $ust en0o# see!ng her !n su*h a d!sreputa"%e state! "6t's not n!*e to $ake (un o( a #oung one, e!ther," she $uttered (ur!ous%# to herse%() "6'%% tea*h #ou, 2en Cra!g)" And she set a"out the "us!ness o( gett!ng read# to (a*e the da#) The strea$ was set !n a grass# depress!on o( %and shaded "# a "r!%%!ant paraso% o( a tree *o'ered w!th da11%!ng red (%owers) A"out th!rt# #ards to one s!de %a# the th!*k woods (ro$ wh!*h she had e$erged the n!ght "e(ore- at an e:ua% d!stan*e to the other s!de %oo$ed the gro'e o( enor$ous *o*opa%$s that had see$ed so awe. !nsp!r!ng "# $oon%!ght) 2ut th!s *o%or(u% tree "# the strea$ , a (%a$e tree or (%a$"o#ant, Tasha %ater %earned , was the on%# %arge tree !n the *%ear!ng, and a :u!*k appra!sa% o( the s!tuat!on *on'!n*ed her she *ou%d not $ake a dash (or "etter *o'er w!thout "e!ng !nter*epted "# 2en) "6( #ou th!nk a %a*k o( *%othes w!%% keep $e here, #ou're $!ght!%# $!staken," she wh!spered deter$!ned%# to no one !n part!*u%ar as she set a"out the $orn!ng's preparat!on)

+he *ounted on 2en's stu""ornness, and !t worked) 6t was a (u%% hour and a ha%( "e(ore he *a$e to (!nd her, and that had a%%owed her t!$e to do e'er#th!ng) 3e%%, near%# e'er#th!ng) +he was st!%% work!ng on her e#e%ashes) 2en *a$e to a ha%t on a grass# kno%% a do1en (eet awa# and sur'e#ed Tasha's $akesh!(t dress!ng roo$ w!th a 0aund!*ed e#e) +he was seated 6nd!an.(ash!on near the strea$, w!th a $!rror propped !n (ront o( her and 0ars o( paste and po$ade spread e'er#where) "6 $!ght ha'e known #ou'd *arr# spares," 2en noted *onte$ptuous%#, wat*h!ng the se*ond e#e%ash go !nto p%a*e) Tasha %eaned (orward and e&a$!ned the (!na% resu%ts $!nute%# !n the $!rror) For 2en's "ene(!t, she *raned her ne*k e%egant%#, %!*ked a (!nger and s$oothed one !$$a*u%ate e#e"row) "6 knew #ou'd "e p%eased," she sa!d) +he gathered up the 'ar!ous too%s o( her trade and tu*ked the$ "a*k !nto the *ase) A%ong w!th e'er#th!ng e%se went a s$a%% e$ergen*# sew!ng k!t she had used to turn 2en's pa0a$a "otto$s !nto a hast!%#.st!t*hed d!rnd% sk!rt) 3!th t!$e and (a"r!* at a pre$!u$, she had not taken t!$e to sew a proper he$%!ne- !nstead she had ragged the "otto$ edge !nto art!st!* and not un(%atter!ng tatters) That wou%d st!(%e 2en's *rue% %aughter! +he snapped the *ase *%osed, then rose to her (eet and posed e%egant%# w!th one hand on her h!p) "No *o$$ent4 Or do words (a!% #ou (or on*e4" 2en's e&press!on%ess ga1e tr!*k%ed down s%ow%# o'er the (!n!shed e((e*t) 3!th %egs p%anted apart and thu$"s hooked !nto h!s h!p po*kets, he $!ght ha'e "een appra!s!ng a ra*ehorse) "/ou do ha'e a wa# w!th pa0a$a "otto$s," he o"ser'ed at %ast, sardon!*a%%#) "6 had no !dea #ou were so ta%ented w!th a need%e and thread)"

"On*e upon a t!$e 6 d!d $ake so$e o( $# own *%othes, ;r) Cra!g) 6t's a$a1!ng what #ou *an a**o$p%!sh on a shoestr!ng)" +he took a (ew de%!"erate%# $!n*!ng steps and preened %!ke a pea*o*k) "6 d!d *ons!der do!ng so$eth!ng w!th (!g %ea'es, "ut, " "Cno*k !t o((, Tasha," 2en grated) "/ou're not on a runwa# now)" "Oh, #ou %!ke !t4 6'$ so g%ad) 6t's the s*ar()" +he (%!pped one end o( the (%oat# s!%k (a"r!* she had t!ed around her wa!st, a Her$Ds s*ar( that was kept !n her $ode% *ase to prote*t her ha!r on w!nd# da#s) ";akes the who%e *ostu$e *o$e together, don't #ou th!nk4 And wou%d #ou "e%!e'e $at*h!ng "!k!n! "r!e(s, underneath4 6t's $# "a*k.to.nature %ook) =er# *rude, "ut then so are the surround!ngs) 6 *hose the $akeup to go w!th !t) Rage +au'age, th!s %!pst!*k !s *a%%ed , 3!%d Rage, to #ou) And the e#e $akeup !s Oe!% ;au'a!s) That's E'!% E#e, !n *ase #ou d!dn't, " "+top !t!" snapped 2en) "6 know da$n we%% #ou're tr#!ng to !rr!tate $e) 9on't #ou e'er th!nk o( an#th!ng "ut #our wardro"e and #our (a*e4" +he s$!%ed sweet%#, tak!ng a '!nd!*t!'e de%!ght !n the know%edge that her "ar"s were (!nd!ng the!r $ark) "+o$et!$es 6 th!nk o( $# sto$a*h, too) 6 ha'en't eaten !n $ore than twent#.(our hours and 6'$ star'ed) 6 thought 6 s$e%%ed *o((ee.... 6s "reak(ast read#4" "An#t!$e #ou want to *ook !t," sa!d 2en *urt%#, and turned on h!s hee% to str!de awa#) Tasha's $o$ent o( sp!te(u% sat!s(a*t!on e'aporated) "6( #ou th!nk 6'$ go!ng to *ook "reak(ast (or #ou, #ou're 'er# $u*h $!staken!" she *r!ed a(ter h!$ angr!%#) 2en ha%ted $!dstr!de and turned s%ow%# to (a*e her aga!n) Conte$pt *ur%ed h!s $outh, and h!s %arge power(u% "od# %ooked (a!nt%# $ena*!ng) "9!d 6 ask #ou to *ook (or $e4 6''e a%read# eaten) 6 d!d *ons!der *ook!ng (or #ou, "ut #ou took too %ong putt!ng on #our (a*e) Now *o$e a%ong and 6'%% show #ou the %arder)"

+o$eth!ng, e!ther hatred or hunger, see$ed to "e "urn!ng ho%es !n Tasha's sto$a*h) 2ut she was not a"out to %et 2en see that he d!stressed her !n an# wa#! "6'$ per(e*t%# *apa"%e o( %ook!ng a(ter $#se%() 6 do know a %!tt%e "!t a"out *ook!ng, too)" 3!th !$$ense hauteur, she p!*ked up the $ode% *ase and headed toward 2en's hut, de%!"erate%# dawd%!ng a%ong the wa#) 2en had trans(erred the supp%!es (ro$ the "oat !nto t!n "o&es, wh!*h were kept !n a %ow *up"oard on the 'eranda) He opened !t and peered !n) "R!*e," he po!nted out)"F%our)+ugar)Co((ee "eans) Co*oa) ent!%s)Pepper*orns)+a%t)Tea) A (ew 'an!%%a "eans !n that t!n, 6 th!nk) +orr#, there's no (!sh %e(t (ro$ %ast n!ght- !n th!s *%!$ate !t s!$p%# won't keep) Eat !t when #ou *at*h !t, that's the ru%e)" No prepared (oods then) No dou"t 2en (ound th!s 'er# a$us!ng! "6s there an# (resh (ru!t around4" she asked w!th a p%easantness she d!d not (ee%) 2en wa'ed at the great outdoors, !n a sweep!ng gesture) "3hate'er #ou *an (!nd !n th!s 'a%%e#," he to%d her, a$!a"!%!t# e'!dent%# (u%%# restored) "6n the +e#*he%%es #ou $ustn't (!%*h th!ngs o(( an#"od# e%se's propert#- noth!ng's %#!ng around (or the tak!ng , e&*ept perhaps "read(ru!t) The peop%e are 'er# poor, and e'er# (ru!t or nut $!ght "e a part o( so$eone's %!'e%!hood) +o !( #ou (!nd a "anana 0ust %ea'e !t hang!ng, un%ess !t's on $# propert#)" 2ananas! Tasha res!sted ask!ng the o"'!ous :uest!on (or (u%%# (!'e se*onds, at wh!*h t!$e hunger o'er*a$e hatred) "3here are #our "anana trees4" she asked !n a *oo% 'o!*e) A %a1# go%den g%ea$ grew !n 2en's e#es, and w!th a wa'e o( !ntense hatred Tasha rea%!1ed that he was "eg!nn!ng to en0o# h!$se%( !$$ense%#, that he was p%a#!ng her a%ong $u*h as he $!ght ha'e p%a#ed a ga$e (!sh) "6 don't ha'e an#," he sa!d)

3!th stra!ned pat!en*e, Tasha (or*ed a *!'!%!1ed s$!%e) "3hat !s on th!s propert#, then4" "2read(ru!t, "ut that takes a %!tt%e t!$e to "ake) +o$e ed!"%e greens 'er# %!ke sp!na*h)3!%d $ustard) Aher" rese$"%!ng th#$e...6'%% po!nt the$ a%% out to #ou) Not 'er# (!%%!ng, "ut the# do add (%a'or) ots o( *o*onuts, o( *ourse)" H!s e#e%!ds drooped re(%e*t!'e%# as !( he were tr#!ng to rea*h so$e de*!s!on) "As part o( a short *ourse !n sur'!'a%, 6'%% e'en !ntrodu*e #ou to thepanga," he o((ered $agnan!$ous%# at %ast) Panga4Cou%d that "e so$e (ru!t ak!n to the $ango4 Tasha's $outh watered) +he pasted a s$a%% d!stant s$!%e on her %!ps and pretended !d%e *ur!os!t#) "6s that a tree4Or a '!ne4" ";ore %!ke a $a*hete," 2en pronoun*ed (!r$%#) "On*e #ou %earn to hand%e the th!ng, !t's not so 'er# hard to open a *o*onut) 9!((erent strokes (or d!((erent k!nds o( *o*onuts, though) A good r!pe one *an usua%%# "e sp%!t !n two w!th a s!ng%e stroke) To open a dr!nk!ng *o*onut #ou approa*h !t as though #ou were sharpen!ng a "!g pen*!%...Oh, !t's not too hard on*e #ou get the kna*k) Then a do1en sw!(t *hopp!ng strokes and, " "Ne'er $!nd," Tasha sa!d, w!th a grow!ng t!ghtness to her 'o!*e) "6'%% st!*k to *o((ee and tea) That strea$ water !s dr!nka"%e, 6 hope4" 2en nodded- h!s e#es g%ea$ed) 6ndo%ent%#, he s*rat*hed h!s *hest where a dust!ng o( ha!r roughened h!s sk!n at the open!ng o( h!s part%# "uttoned sports sh!rt) "3!se de*!s!on, "rown e#es," he *ongratu%ated her) "The green dr!nk!ng *o*onuts don't (a%% an#wa#, and 6 hard%# th!nk #ou're dressed (or *%!$"!ng trees) 6'd "o!% the water, though- #ou ne'er know when so$e"od#'s "een wash!ng upstrea$)"

"A$ 6 supposed to *at*h $# own (!sh, too4" she asked tart%#) "6t's e'!dent that #our short *ourse !n sur'!'a% !n*%udes a hea%th# dose o( star'at!on)" 2en's s%!d!ng ga1e $easured Tasha (ro$ top to toe and apparent%# (ound her want!ng) "No, a*tua%%#, 6'd %!ke to (atten #ou up a "!t) +o 6'%% $ake #ou a dea%) /ou gather the she%%(!sh, and 6'%% "r!ng !n the (!nn# k!nd)" "=er# (unn#!6 wou%dn't know an ed!"%e she%%(!sh !( 6 saw one)" "Th!s a(ternoon 6'%% show #ou where to (!nd te*.te*" he o((ered, $o*k!ng her w!th a *rue% %!(t o( one dark e#e"row) "The# $ake a wonder(u% soup, :u!te a spe*!a%t# on these !s%ands , !( #ou *an $anage to get the sand out o( the$) And !( $# $e$or# ser'es $e r!ght%# a(ter se'en #ears, there are so$e o#sters, too, !( #ou're w!%%!ng to go wad!ng !n the %agoon)" O#sters! Tasha's taste "uds t!ng%ed !n ant!*!pat!on) O#sters were not #our ord!nar# e'er#da# "reak(ast, "ut at %east the# *ou%d "e eaten raw) =!s!ons o( wo%(!ng down a do1en nonstop dan*ed !n her head) "3!%% #ou d!re*t $e to the %agoon then4" she re:uested w!th (e!gned p%easantness) "Just (o%%ow the strea$ through the *o*o.de.$er gro'e," 2en d!re*ted) H!s e#es tra'e%ed down to Tasha's unsu!ta"%e (ootwear and he put on a (rown) "Those aren't e&a*t%# the k!nd o( th!ng 6'd *hoose to use !n the %agoon, though) Howe'er, "etter a wre*ked shoe than r!p #our (eet to shreds on the *ora%) Te%% #ou what- 6'%% $ake #ou a dea%) 6'%% %end #ou an o%d pa!r o( ar$# "oots !(, " "Ne'er $!nd," she !nterrupted taut%#) "6'%% sta# on sand# "otto$) 6'$ sure that's where the o#sters are (ound, an#wa#)" "True," 2en nodded sage%#) "How are #ou go!ng to open the$43!th #our $an!*ure s*!ssors4 The# don't *o$e on the ha%( she%%)"

Tasha paused $!dwa# through the door- that had not o**urred to her) +he turned "a*k to where she had p%a*ed her u"!:u!tous *ase and "egan to ru$$age through !t w!thout de!gn!ng to *o$$ent on 2en's words) "Oh, "# the wa#," he sa!d o((handed%#, "there are so$e other th!ngs #ou shou%d wat*h (or, e'en !( #ou sta# on sand# "otto$) Turke# (!sh, ra""!t (!sh, "ar"e% ee%s, so$e k!nds o( 0e%%#(!sh)" He %ooked at the open.toed sanda%s *r!t!*a%%#) "Perhaps #ou'd "etter wear those an#wa#) The# won't do $u*h good aga!nst sea.ur*h!n sp!nes, "ut the# $!ght he%p !( #ou step d!re*t%# on top o( a stone(!sh) /ou do know a"out stone(!sh, don't #ou4 A"so%ute%# (ata%! =er# we%% *a$ou(%aged de'!%s, toothe# *an hard%# "e seen on the sand# "otto$) 5n(ortunate%# 6 ha'e no ant!.'en!n , not that #ou'd ha'e t!$e to rea*h !t) E&*ru*!at!ng, "ut at %east the agon# %asts on%# a (ew $!nutes) And oh, "# the wa#, !( #ou *ut #our (oot, get out o( the water as (ast as #ou *an) The sharks ha'e a nose (or th!ngs %!ke that, and 6''e seen the$ atta*k !n s!& !n*hes o( water) The#'%% pra*t!*a%%# throw the$se%'es on the "ea*h 0ustto <) 3h#, Tasha, whate'er !s the $atter4" He paused and s$!%ed gen!a%%# at Tasha's rap!d%# pa%!ng (a*e) "3e%%, !s !t a dea%4F!sh !n e&*hange (or she%%(!sh4 6( so, gather enough o#sters (or $e)" Tasha depos!ted her $an!*ure s*!ssors "a*k !n her *ase and $ade a s!%ent w!sh that had to do w!th 2en and an ent!re "ed o( stone(!sh !n !nt!$ate e$"ra*e) 3e%%, r!*e wasn't the "est "reak(ast !n the wor%d, "ut !t was pa%ata"%e) Cons!der!ng her state o( se$!.star'at!on, e'en o%d shoe %eather wou%d ha'e "een pa%ata"%e) "Just show $e where to (!nd the *ook!ng utens!%s," she sa!d through t!ght %!ps) "6 need a pot to (et*h the *ook!ng water," 2en wa'ed !n the genera% d!re*t!on o( the *%osed door that %ed !nto the hut's $a!n roo$) 2ut when Tasha rea*hed (or the kno" he sa!d, "No, not !n there)Out "a*k, "eh!nd the house) And here<)" He tossed her a s$a%% t!n)";at*hes) /ou $!ght as we%% get #our (!re go!ng (!rst) 6t's "een a wh!%e s!n*e 6 ate, and 6 !$ag!ne $# *oa%s are gett!ng *o%d)"

Tasha opened her $outh, snapped !t shut aga!n and headed out !nto the open) 9a$n 2en a%% to "!ts! How %!ke h!$ to (!nd su*h *rue% a$use$ent !n her pred!*a$ent! 3e%%, !( he thought she *ou%dn't %!ght a (!re, he was !n (or a nast# surpr!se! 9!s*ourage$ent set !n at the a*tua% s!ght o( the d#!ng (!re 2en had %a!d ear%!er) An !ron pot hung on a "%a*kened st!*k that was propped on two (orked "ran*hes) 6t st!%% stea$ed and was de$onstra"%# too hot to hand%e) 2ut !( the pot %ooked hot, the (!re d!d not) A (ew s$ok!ng gra# ashes were a%% that re$a!ned, and a pre%!$!nar# !nspe*t!on re'ea%ed that a%though there was a neat%# sta*ked p!%e o( *asuar!na %ogs near"#, there was a"so%ute%# no k!nd%!ng w!th!n s!ght) Perhaps the e$"ers wou%d "e enough to start a (!re4 2ut (!rst, she $ust re$o'e the pot) =a%!ant%#, she gra""ed a stout green st!*k that %a# near"# and atte$pted to snag the !ron pot o(( !ts per*h) +he su**eeded, "ut not w!thout *o%%aps!ng the ent!re stru*ture that had he%d !t o'er the (!re) 6n the pro*ess, the pot dropped, too, sp!%%!ng !ts *ontents) The %ast o( the e$"ers h!ssed !nto sodden death) =e&ed and (rustrated a%$ost to tears, Tasha threw the green st!*k onto the doused (!re and added a $enta% *urse) 2ut she wou%d not g!'e !n to 2en! 6n'o%untar!%#, her e#es (%!*kered toward the woods, tr#!ng to (!nd the path (ro$ where she had e$erged the pre'!ous n!ght w!th Eu%a%!e) ";ake #ou a dea%," sa!d a *oo% 'o!*e (ro$ "eh!nd, and she spun around to d!s*o'er 2en %ean!ng !ndo%ent%# aga!nst the *orner o( the hut, a do1en (eet awa#) 3!th one strong hand strok!ng h!s new%# sha'en 0aw, he %ooked !n(ur!at!ng%# s$ug) And a%so, Tasha (u$ed s!%ent%#, enrag!ng%# we%% (ed) Her toes *ur%ed w!th the e((ort o( $a!nta!n!ng se%(.*ontro%, and she (or*ed her (a*!a% $us*%es !nto a t!ght e&*use (or a s$!%e)

"6 don't %!ke #our dea%s," she pro*%a!$ed w!th a *oo%ness that 'erged on a*!d!t#) "Now !( #ou don't $!nd, 6'%% take that %esson !n $a*hete hand%!ng r!ght awa#)" "Just to get k!nd%!ng46'%% g!'e #oua %!tt%e househo%d h!nt, "rown e#es ) O%d dr!ed pa%$ (ronds work per(e*t%# we%%, and #ou'%% (!nd %ots o'er there !n the *o*o.de.$er gro'e)" He t!%ted h!s head toward the o'ers!1e pa%$s that %a# "eh!nd h!$) "5n(ortunate%# the#'re hea'#, "ut 6 th!nk #ou *an $anage to drag one or two th!s (ar) Or #ou $!ght %ook (or spent *o*onut she%%s) The# $ake a 'er# s$ok# (!re, "ut #ou don't $!nd gett!ng #our (a*e d!rt#, do #ou4 6t's eas!er than *utt!ng k!nd%!ng) And green wood won't do, !n an# *ase)" "Cutt!ng k!nd%!ng wasn't e&a*t%# what 6 had !n $!nd," she sa!d, w!th a sp!te(u% and po!nted g%an*e at h!s throat) +he t!%ted her nose !n the a!r and started a deter$!ned $ar*h toward the gro'e o( pa%$s) "3a!t," 2en *o$$anded, !nter*ept!ng her) H!s (!ngers *%osed author!tat!'e%# o'er her ar$ as she swept past h!$) "Aren't #ou go!ng to %!sten to $# dea%4" There was no eas# wa# to get awa# (ro$ h!$- h!s gr!p was (ar too strong) O'erpowered "# !t, she ga'e !n w!th gra*e and e'en $ade a pretense at ha'!ng stopped o( her own 'o%!t!on) "6( #ou !ns!st," she sa!d a%oo(%#, tr#!ng to %ook "ored, a per(or$an*e she (ound e&*eed!ng%# d!((!*u%t, w!th her sk!n t!ng%!ng where 2en's !ns!stent (!ngers dug !nto the (%esh) "6t's *%ear to $e that #ou're not *ut out (or the Ro"!nson Crusoe %!(e," he draw%ed) H!s e#es, g%!nt!ng w!th $o*ker#, d!re*ted the!r attent!on toward Tasha's !$$a*u%ate %!pst!*k) "+o 6'%% $ake #ou an o((er) 6 d!d !ntend to (eed #ou, "rown e#es, unt!% #ou per(or$ed #our %!tt%e $!ra*%es o'er "# the strea$) 6 had thought the state o( #our wardro"e wou%d keep #ou (ro$ runn!ng) Now 6 *ou%d take awa# the *%othes #ou''e $anaged to (!& up, "ut<we%%, 6'$ !n*%!ned to "e generous..."

"6 ha'en't heard #our o((er," she re$!nded h!$ taut%#) "/ou'%% ne'er $anage to %!ght that (!re, %et a%one *ook an#th!ng on !t) +o 6'$ prepared to do the pro'!d!ng, !( #ou pro$!se not to run , " he paused s!gn!(!*ant%# to %end e$phas!s to h!s ne&t words " , and not to (!ght o(( $# ad'an*es)" +he tr!ed to shr!'e% h!$ w!th a g%an*e , unsu**ess(u%%#) "Can #ou p%ease show $e where to (!nd the sp!na*h4" she asked !n a sa**har!ne 'o!*e) "6'%% eat !t raw, !( ne*essar#)" "6n other words #ou st!%% p%an to run (or he%p at the (!rst poss!"%e opportun!t#4" 2en s$!%ed "road%#, draw!ng her unw!%%!ng attent!on to those strong e'en teeth) The s$!%e d!d not tou*h h!s e#es, wh!*h had now turned hard and assess!ng) " et $e te%% #ou a %!tt%e $ore a"out th!s !s%and, "rown e#es) There's noth!ng $u*h an# o( the !nha"!tants *an do (or #ou, e'en !( the# wanted to) Are #ou go!ng to wa%k up to so$e per(e*t stranger and ask h!$ to house #ou and (eed #ou, 0ust %!ke that4 ;ost o( the peop%e around here ha'e enough trou"%e putt!ng (ood on the ta"%e (or the!r own (a$!%!es, and the huts are 'er# s$a%% , o(ten se'era% peop%e shar!ng a s!ng%e roo$) Chan*es are the#'%% pa# no attent!on to #ou an#wa#) /esterda#, when #ou so !%%. ad'!sed%# ran awa#, 6 to%d the$ #ou were a %!tt%e..." 2en $ade a *orks*rew $ot!on !n the a!r, w!th one (!nger d!re*ted toward h!s own head) "3e%%, (rank%#, a$arr>e was the word 6 used)" "T!ed up4A 'er# good des*r!pt!on!" "6n *r>o%e par%an*e, !t $eans (!&ed up "# a sor*erer) The !s%anders are good Catho%!*s, "ut the#'re superst!t!ous, too- deep down the# "e%!e'e that k!nd o( nonsense) The# th!nk #ou're te$porar!%# $ad)5nder a spe%%, so to speak)" As !( to de$onstrate that she !ndeed was, 2en now re%eased her wr!st, s%ow%#) H!s hand tra'e%ed upward and (or one w!%d $o$ent she thought he !ntended to tra*e

the *ur'e o( her %!ps that see$ed to ho%d so $u*h o( h!s attent!on) +udden%# her %egs (e%t 'er# wo""%# and her (eet !n*apa"%e o( $o'e$ent) 2ut 2en's goa% %a# e%sewhere) He rea*hed !nto the "reast po*ket o( h!s sh!rt, pu%%ed out a *ho*o%ate "ar, (o%ded "a*k the paper wrapp!ngs and n!""%ed thought(u%%# at !ts edge) "3hate'er w!%d stor# #ou te%% now,"he sa!d w!th un*on*ea%ed sat!s(a*t!on, "the#'re %!ke%# to d!s$!ss !t) ;ost o( the$ wou%d do e&a*t%# as Eu%a%!e d!d , "r!ng #ou d!re*t%# "a*k to $e) 3e%%, "rown e#es, wh!*h !s !t4 G!'e !n to $e gra*e(u%%# , or star'e4" 9esp!te her "est !ntent!ons, Tasha *ou%d not wrest her e#es (ro$ the *ho*o%ate) 6n'o%untar!%#, she swa#ed toward !t , and 2en) "3here d!d #ou get that4" she asked (a!nt%#) "Oh, 6 ha'e a (ew read#.to.eats tu*ked awa# here and there," 2en !n(or$ed her der!s!'e%#)"/our "reak(ast, (or one) /es, 6 d!d *ook !t (or #ou) 2ut as #ou see 6'$ st!%% a tr!(%e hungr#- 6'$ th!nk!ng o( eat!ng !t $#se%(, un%ess<)" "/ou're a $onster," she $oaned weak%#) 2en's strong $outh *ur%ed !nto a sardon!* tw!st) The s$!%e was not a (r!end%# one, desp!te the *r!nk%es !t des*r!"ed at the *orners o( h!s e#es) "A $onster o( the (!rst water," he agreed)The *ho*o%ate "ar 'an!shed "a*k !nto h!s po*ket, (o%%owed "# Tasha's %ong!ng ga1e) He *%osed h!s e#es and s!ghed) "Paw.paw," he $ur$ured re(%e*t!'e%#) "+o$e %!tt%e "rown eggs 6 (ound th!s $orn!ng)Co*onut $!%k) And #es, there !s so$e *o((ee %e(t, too<)" The e#es (eathered open aga!n and he added, " ast o((er, Tasha) 6s !t a dea% or not4 And, oh #es, 6 near%# (orgot) 6 $ade so$e wheat*akes, "!g go%den ones) The#'re keep!ng war$ o'er a sp!r!t %a$p, and, " "/ou w!n," Tasha *hoked out)

Gradua%%# 2on's $o*k!ng s$!%e (aded and so$eth!ng sensuous took !ts p%a*e) There were hungers o( a d!((erent k!nd !n that %ast %!nger!ng ga1e) 2ut he thrust the$ as!de a"rupt%# and turned on h!s hee%) "Good," he sa!d) "Co$e on, then) The (ood's a%% %a!d out !ns!de on the ta"%e)" How horr!(!ed ;a& wou!d "e, Tasha re(%e*ted (!(teen $!nutes %ater, !( he had seen what :uant!t!es o( (ood she had $anaged to tu*k awa#! Not e'en 2en's wat*h(u% $o*ker# or the know%edge o( what she had agreed to had !nter(ered w!th her 'er# heart# appet!te) "6 don't know how #ou sta# so th!n," 2en o"ser'ed dr#%# when she had tu*ked awa# the %ast o( a sta*k o( wheat*akes that wou%d ha'e g!'en pause to a ste'edore) He gathered up the d!shes and p%a*ed the$ a%% !n a pa!%) "These *an wa!t," he sa!d *r!sp%#) "/ou *an wash the$ at the strea$ when 6 go to the %agoon %ater on to see to our supper)" "2ut the %agoon sounds so dangerous,"Tas ha sa!d w!thout th!nk!ng) "+ure%# w!th sharks a"out, #ou *an't, " +he "!t "a*k the words, *hast!s!ng herse%( $enta%%# (or tak!ng an# !nterest whatsoe'er !n 2en's sa(et#) H!s e#es der!ded her aga!n) ";ost%# %!tt%e sand sharks," he sa!d, "and not dangerous at a%%) The "!g t!ger sharks and ha$$erheads tend to sta# out (arther !n the da#t!$e- the# don't %!ke to (ee% the ree( "eh!nd the$)Con*erned, "rown e#es4" "6 don't %!ke to "e %!ed to," she sa!d *o%d%#) "6( the %agoon's not dangerous #ou *ou%d ha'e spared $e the des*r!pt!ons)" H!s e&press!on "e*a$e ser!ous on*e $ore) "Ah, "ut !t !s dangerous (or no'!*es) 6 wasn't %#!ng a"out that) 2ut #ou'd "e sa(e !( #ou were to go sw!$$!ng w!th $e and wear a pa!r o( (%!ppers or *an'as shoes on #our (eet)"

"6 th!nk 6'%% pass on that o((er) Need 6 re$!nd #ou 6 don't sw!$4" 2en s!ghed, apparent%# anno#ed "# her tartness) "6t wasn't e&a*t%# an o((er- 6 d!dn't p%an to take #ou w!th $e) Now *o$e a%ong and 6'%% g!'e #ou a tour o( the propert#) A%% on dr# %and, 6 assure #ou)" "6'$ not sure 6 want thatIe!ther," she retorted a!r!%#) Nour!sh$ent had (u%%# restored her se%(.possess!on, and w!th !t her sp!r!t) "6 agreed not to run awa#) 6 d!dn't agree to (o%%ow #ou around %!ke a pupp# dog!" "6 !ns!st,"*a$e the dangerous%# :u!et *o$$and) 2en's e#es g%!ttered as he rea*hed (or her ar$ and pu%%ed her to her (eet) The he!ght o( h!$ and the an!$a% heat o( h!$ see$ed o'erpower!ng !n th!s s$a%% roo$, and Tas ha's heart thudded a%ar$!ng%# , "r!ng!ng "a*k (or one "r!e( $o$ent the d!11#!ng sensat!ons she had e&per!en*ed the pre'!ous n!ght) On%# th!s t!$e, the# *ou%d not "e put down to Eu%a%!e's potent"a**a) "6<6'%% *o$e," she sa!d !n a 'o!*e too unstead# to sound %!ke her own) "/ou don't need to use (or*e)" "6 shou%d hope not," 2en re$arked a*r!d%# as he (reed her ar$ and wa!ted (or her to pre*ede h!$ a*ross the roo$) He %ed her toward the *athedra%.%!ke pa%$s that do$!nated the 'a%%e#, wa%k!ng a %!tt%e ahead and not turn!ng to see !( she (o%%owed) +oon the# were $o'!ng "eneath the ar*h o( trees, past ta%% stra!ght trunks %!ke gra*e(u% p!%%ars stret*h!ng to the 'er# sk#) H!gh a"o'e, there was a so(t !n*essant ratt%!ng sound that had a *ur!ous%# rest(u% e((e*t- Tasha rea%!1ed that !t was *aused "# the gent%e *%ash o( huge, r!g!d (an%!ke (ronds st!rred "# a %!ght "ree1e that d!d not penetrate to th!s dank $oss. %aden p%a*e (ar "e%ow) +weet hea'# s*ents hung !n the hu$!d a!r) Here and there were pa%$s that Tasha took to "e seed%!ngs , a start%!ng s!ght, (or a%though the#

had not de'e%oped the !$$ense%# ta%% stra!ght trunks o( the!r parents, the st!(( sh!n# (ronds appeared (u%%# grown, %!ke treetops spann!ng $an# (eet and spr!ng!ng (ro$ the 'er# earth !tse%() An enor$ous pea*e per'aded the gro'e desp!te the swoop and *hatter o( "!rds d!stur"ed "# the s%ow progress o( hu$an !ntruders) 6n a :u!et 'o!*e as the# wa%ked, 2en po!nted out d!((erent spe*!es) "The +e#*he%%es sun"!rd," he sa!d, !nd!*at!ng a so$"er%# *%ad s$a%% "!rd o( 'er# dark gra#, pro"!ng a (%ower w!th !ts need%e%!ke "!%%)"The to*.to*)The +e#*he%%es (od#) The *o%!"r!<) 6 used to th!nk #ou'd "e (as*!nated "# these "!rds, unt!% 6 (ound #ou weren't stud#!ng orn!tho%og# at a%%) The# %ook 'er# ord!nar# to the e#e, "ut $ost o( the$ are (ound nowhere e%se !n the wor%d) The +e#*he%%es are so$eth!ng o( a parad!se (or "!rd. wat*hers) 6 e'en saw a *ateau no!r , a "%a*k parrot , !n th!s 'a%%e# se'en #ears ago) And the#'re supposed to e&!st !n on%# one p%a*e !n the wor%d , the =a%%>e de ;a! on the !s%and o( Pras%!n)" 2en pronoun*ed the na$e "prah%!n," as ;or%e# had not done) "6t was when 6 spotted that "%a*k parrot that 6 de*!ded to "u# th!s 'a%%e# (or #ou , (or us)" "Oh," sa!d Tasha, (ee%!ng hu$"%ed !n a wa# she *ou%d not e&press) Had 2en rea%%# done that (or her, so $an# #ears ago4 +he (e%t the (!ght and the antagon!s$ e""!ng awa# (ro$ her, %!ke water seep!ng through sand a(ter a h!gh t!de) And when the ne&t wa'e o( (ee%!ng washed through her, !t was 'er# %!ke regret , "As %ooks go, the "%a*k parrot !s noth!ng to ra'e a"out) 3!th #our %o'e o( (!ne (eathers, 6 dou"t #ou'd e'en turn an e#e)" The s*orn(u%ness !n 2en's 'o!*e (oresta%%ed Tasha, 0ust as she had "een a"out to p%a*e a hand on h!s ar$) "6ts song !s the prett!est th!ng a"out !t) A%together, !t's not a 'er# e&ot!* "!rd to %!'e !n the Garden o( Eden) " "The Garden o( Eden4"Tasha repeated !n a nu$" 'o!*e, to h!de the sudden and !ne&p%!*a"%e *o%d that *%ut*hed her) 3hat was !t 2en had sa!d %ast n!ght a"out the Garden o( Eden4

He s:u!nted h!gh !nto the trees and thrust h!s hands deep%# !nto h!s po*kets) 2eneath the (a"r!*, she *ou%d see h!s (!ngers tens!ng and untens!ng) 3!th a pe*u%!ar t!ghtness !n her throat, she %ooked upward at h!s (a*e and %!stened) "Th!s 'a%%e# !s 'er# %!ke the =a%%>e de ;a! on Pras%!n," he to%d her !n an e&press!on%ess $onotone, as !( he had rehearsed th!s spee*h a thousand t!$es) "And that's "een %!kened to the Garden o( Eden) Genera% Gordon *a$e to the +e#*he%%es so$e #ears "e(ore he d!ed !n Chartou$, d!d #ou know that4 3e%%, he was the (!rst to get e&*!ted a"out the poss!"!%!t# that he had (ound the or!g!na% Eden) Others ha'e to#ed w!th the !dea s!n*e, poss!"%# "e*ause !t's "e%!e'ed that the +e#*he%%es were at one t!$e atta*hed to the $a!n%and o( A(r!*a, and East A(r!*a !s known to "e the *rad%e o( a%% $ank!nd, the p%a*e where ear%# $an (!rst appeared) Genera% Gordon's "e%!e( that he had (ound the Garden o( Eden ste$$ed (ro$ h!s e&*!te$ent o'er see!ng the *o*o.de.$er pa%$s) 6( #ou %ook *%ose%#, #ou'%% see the#'re 'er# unusua%, and not 0ust "e*ause o( the he!ght)" Tasha's e#es tra'e%ed upward to where sun%!ght (!%tered through huge gra*e(u% (ronds near%# a hundred (eet a"o'e the!r heads) +he (e%t una"%e to ask :uest!ons, "ut 2en needed no pro$pt!ng) "The $a%e tree and the (e$a%e," he sa!d e'en%#) "Genera% Gordon thought he had (ound the Tree o( !(e and the Tree o( Cnow%edge) /ou *an d!st!ngu!sh the $a%e "e*ause !t's a"out twent# (eet ta%%er, and !t "ears those droop!ng #e%%ow *atk!ns !nstead o( *o*onuts) E'en to the untra!ned e#e !t %ooks %!ke a $a%e- there's an anato$!*a% s!$!%ar!t# #ou *an hard%# $!ss) And the (e$a%e !s 'er# unusua%, too- the nuts !t "ears are %!ke no other *o*onuts #ou'%% e'er see) Ea*h nut takes se'en #ears to $ature, (or one th!ng) ook, 6'%% show #ou at *%oser range)" He turned h!s attent!on to the ground, sweep!ng !t w!th a pra*t!*ed e#e unt!% he saw what he was %ook!ng (or , a $ature (a%%en nut !n good *ond!t!on) The nut was huge, and !t was !ndeed %!ke no *o*onut Tasha had e'er seen) 6t was $ore %!ke a dou"%e nut rea%%#8 two nuts !nd!sso%u"%# 0o!ned)

2en dropped h!s %ong %!$"s to the $oss.so(t earth "es!de the nut, he(ted !t !nto one hand and used the other hand to "rush the e&ter!or (ree o( !nse*ts) O"ed!ent to so$e !nner *o$$and she *ou%d not understand, Tasha %owered herse%( s%ow%# to a *rou*h!ng pos!t!on not two (eet awa#) As !( h#pnot!1ed, she wat*hed h!$ s$ooth the nut w!th (!ngers gent%er than the# had "een on her own (%esh (!(teen $!nutes "e(ore) "The *o*o.de.$er pa%$ grows natura%%# nowhere e%se !n the wor%d," he went on !n h!s %ow %e'e% 'o!*e, "a%though a (ew e&a$p%es ha'e "een grown e%sewhere as showp!e*es) E'en !n the +e#*he%%es !t's (ound on on%# a (ew !s%ands) Or!g!na%%# !t grew on%# on the !s%ands o( Pras%!n and Cur!euse, w!th the stand !n the =a%%>e de ;a! "e!ng the %argest , there are (our thousand trees there, so$e o( the$ e!ght hundred #ears o%d, !t's "e%!e'ed) +o$et!$es #ou'%% hear that 'a%%e# re(erred to as the =a%%e# o( the G!ants) The trees #ou see here are $u*h #ounger) Ear%# sett%ers transported spe*!$ens to a (ew other !s%ands !n the +e#*he%%es, !n*%ud!ng th!s one) Perhaps the# thought the# were go!ng to $ake a (ortune) These nuts, #ou see, were on*e worth a great dea% o( $one#)" Tasha wat*hed 2en's "ent head, the (ore%o*k (a%%!ng o'er h!s $ahogan#.tanned (a*e, the strong hands spann!ng the nut as he turned !t *onte$p%at!'e%#) 6n her heart there was a hea'# du%% a*he) 2en had sa!d !t took the *o*o.de.$er nut se'en #ears to $ature- that per!od o( t!$e hada s!gn!(!*an*e to Tasha that hard%# "ore th!nk!ng a"out, espe*!a%%# !n %!ght o( 2en's *%ear and o(t.stated d!s%!ke o( her) 3hat was !t 2en had sa!d %ast n!ght4 6dou"t e'en the Garden o( Eden *ou%d turn #ou "a*k

!nto the or!g!na% E'e<!t's too %ate (or that ...

"/ears ago," 2en went on, "*entur!es "e(ore the +e#*he%%es had e'en "een s!ghted "# ear%# $ar!ners, the o**as!ona% *o*o.de.$er nut used to wash up on the shores o( the ;a%d!'es or Ce#%on or 6nd!a) ;en "e%!e'ed that the# were the (ru!t o( a strange tree that grew "eneath the sea- that's wh# the na$e) Pr!n*es and potentates pa!d e&or"!tant pr!*es to o"ta!n the *o*o.de.$er , o(ten, the nut's we!ght !n go%d and

pre*!ous 0ewe%s) Perhaps that w!%% !$press #ou e'en $ore when 6 te%% #ou th!s !s a s$a%%!sh e&a$p%e- the *o*o.de.$er nut *an rea*h (ort# or (!(t# pounds) 6n the ;!dd%e Ages, $en wou%d a%$ost k!%% to o"ta!n one)" A(ter a t!$e Tasha !nter0e*ted a s$a%% "3h#4" !nto the s!%en*e) 2en (rowned at the nut !n h!s hands) "6t wasn't 0ust the rar!t#- !t was part%# "e*ause o( the wa# the nut !s (or$ed) 6( #ou %ook *%ose%# #ou *an see !t rese$"%es noth!ng so $u*h as the %ower ha%( o( a wo$an) The rese$"%an*e grows when the nut !s shu*ked and po%!shed) 2e*ause o( that, $en *a$e to "e%!e'e that the (ru!t was possessed o( great powers) The# *ons!dered !t the $ost potent aphrod!s!a* knownoh, so$et!$es the# used !t as a spe*!(!* aga!nst po!son or para%#s!s, too, "ut !t was as a %o'e pot!on that the *o*o.de.$er nut was rea%%# pr!1ed) +o$e +e#*he%%o!s st!%% "e%!e'e !t's an aphrod!s!a*) Genera% Gordon wasn't !nterested !n the %o'e pot!on o( 6nd!an ra0ahs, "ut he d!d "e%!e'e he had (ound the (or"!dden (ru!t o( the Garden o( Eden) " For a t!$e Tasha turned her e#es up to the trees and stud!ed the patterns o( %!ght and shade that stra!ned through the so(t%# *%ash!ng (ronds) For so$e reason she wanted to *r# "ut knew she wou%dn't , not !n (ront o( 2en) "And do #ou th!nk that, 2en4" she wh!spered at %ast) "That th!s !s the Garden o( Eden4" +udden%# 2en hea'ed the we!ght# nut to one shou%der and hur%ed !t angr!%# at the "o%e o( a tree) A s*ore o( s$a%% "!rds s*attered !nto the a!r, shr!ek!ng !nd!gnant%#) Tasha tensed- the $ood o( a $o$ent ago had "een !rre'o*a"%# "roken) "No," s*ow%ed 2en, "wh# wou%d 6 th!nk a r!d!*u%ous th!ng %!ke that4 6'$ not superst!t!ous, and 6'$ not a 2!"%e (unda$enta%!st %!ke Genera% Gordon) 6 don't "e%!e'e !n Ada$ and E'e, and !( there's an or!g!na% s!n !t's $an's !nhu$an!t# to $an, noth!ng $ore) There !s no Garden o( Eden! Good God, 6'd as soon "e%!e'e !n Eu%a%!e'sgr!s.gr!s!"

A se*ond *o*onut went hurt%!ng through the a!r and *rashed !nto a (eather# stand o( (ern)Tasha re$a!ned 'er# st!%%, g%ad o( the %ong *urta!n o( dark ha!r that swung (orward to h!de her e&press!on) +ens!ng that 2en's sudden 'ehe$en*e *ou%d 0ust as eas!%# "e turned on her, she '!rtua%%# he%d her "reath unt!% the "r!e( (ur# passed) "There !s no Garden o( Eden," he repeated, su"s!d!ng "ut now sound!ng *#n!*a%) Out o( the *orners o( her '!s!on, Tasha *ou%d see the wa# h!s (!ngers t!ghtened, (or$!ng (!sts aga!nst h!s knees) "And e'en !( there were, !t's a parad!se %ong %ost to $an)2ut th!s p%a*e does ha'e a *erta!n pr!$!t!'e *har$, and on*e upon a t!$e, 6 had so$e *ra1# not!on that "# "r!ng!ng #ou here 6 *ou%d sa'e #ou (ro$ #ourse%()" "+a'e $e," repeated Tasha, $o$entar!%# stunned) +he pushed "a*k the %ong sw!ng o( ha!r and %ooked at 2en $ore *%ose%#) H!s attent!on was d!re*ted not at her "ut at an !ns!gn!(!*ant.%ook!ng "!rd o( dra" "rown!sh gra#, per*hed so$e d!stan*e awa# on a %aure% "ush) 6d%# and w!th none o( h!s ear%!er rage, he threw a s$a%% st!*k at the "ase o( the %aure%s) The "!rd w!nged upward !n a%ar$, 'an!sh!ng at on*e (ro$ '!ew) Tasha's throat t!ghtened as the !$pu%se to tears "e*a$e o'erwhe%$!ng%# strong) "Fro$ the k!nd o( person #ou were "e*o$!ng e'en then," 2en went on, h!s 'o!*e on*e $ore (%at and une$ot!ona%) "+ha%% 6 go through the %!st4 +uper(!*!a%, sha%%ow, se%(!sh<)" He d!d not stop there) As she %!stened to 2en's re*!tat!on o( her (au%ts an !*# (!st t!ghtened o'er her heart) Pr!de turned her e&press!on to stone) Not as!ng%e gra!n o(

hu$an!t# %e(t ... 9!d he rea%%# "e%!e'e that4 Oh, Tasha, !t was a%% art!(!*e e'enthen
.... Had he rea%%# thought so "ad%# o( her, e'en then, when she had "een so #oung and so un*erta!n o( herse%(4 "6 was on%# se'enteen," she sa!d at %ast, through (ro1en %!ps) "+e'enteen go!ng on twent#.se'en,"*a$e 2en's sar*ast!* re0o!nder) "6( 6'd known #our age 6 *erta!n%# wou%dn't ha'e had an#th!ng to do w!th #ou)Pure po!son!"

"3h# d!d #ou $arr# $e, 2en4" To her own ears her 'o!*e sounded art!(!*!a%, horr!"%e) "6''e a%wa#s wondered)" Rest%ess%#, 2en sh!(ted on the grass) He propped h!s e%"ows on "ent knees and stared at h!s knu*k%es $ood!%#) "6 w!sh the he%% 6 knew," he sa!d "%eak%#) "At t!$es 6 thought 6 saw tra*es o( so$eth!ng e%se, the k!nd o( war$th 6 wanted !n a wo$an) 6t wasn't unt!% our wedd!ng n!ght that 6 rea%!1ed what a terr!"%e $!stake 6 had $ade) And then<) " H!s 'o!*e tra!%ed !nto a "rood!ng s!%en*e "roken on%# "# "!rd.*hatter, and !t was a (ew $o$ents "e(ore Tasha rega!ned enough po!se to $ake a response) 2# then, a%% de(ens!'e $e*han!s$s were !n good work!ng order- her !n(%e*t!ons were per(e*t%# *ontro%%ed) "3h# on earth," she de$anded w!th an atte$pt at %!ghtness, "wou%d #ou go to a%% th!s trou"%e to renew the a*:ua!ntan*e !( 6'$ so !$poss!"%e4 Rea%%#, 2en, #ou $ake no sense)" He turned to (a*e her aga!n and answered !n no hurr#) There was that host!%e hatred !n h!s e#es aga!n, and so$eth!ng e%se , a dark s$ok# !ntens!t# that she re*ogn!1ed as des!re) A sh!'er s%!d o'er her sk!n, desp!te the trop!*a% war$th) "Ca%% !t re'enge," he sa!d s%ow%#) "Ca%% !t *o$pu%s!on) Ca%% !t so$e k!nd o( satan!* !$pu%se) 6 d!d what 6 had to do, and 6 *an't e&p%a!n !t "etter than that) 6 on%# know that (or #ears now, #ou''e "een under $# sk!n %!ke<%!ke a s%!'er 6 *an't get out) 2# now !t's (estered so %ong !t re:u!res $a0or surger#)" Tasha's pr!de st!((ened her sp!ne) 6ns!de, den!a%s s*rea$ed, and to h!de the$ she 'o!*ed a (a%se %!tt%e %augh) "Perhaps #ou shou%d go to Eu%a%!e (or a *ure," she suggested)

2en's e#es on%# darkened $ore o$!nous%#) "That's e&a*t%# what 6 hate a"out #ou, Tasha) /ou're so da$n super(!*!a% !t's !nhu$an) There's 0ust no gett!ng through that %a#er o( *!'!%!1at!on)" "Oh4" +he ar*hed her "rows sk#ward, $ask!ng her hurt w!th $ore o( the soph!st!*at!on he hated) "6 was *!'!%!1ed %ast n!ght4 That !s reassur!ng) Persona%%#, 6 was a(ra!d 6 $!ght ha'e "een 0ust a %!tt%e "!t hu$an)" "/ou weren't #ourse%( %ast n!ght," he sa!d dark%#) "6n an# *ase that wasn't hu$an!t#, !t was dr!nk) There's no war$th !n #ou, Tasha- 6 d!s*o'ered that on our wedd!ng n!ght) /ou're too wrapped up !n #our w!tt# per(e*t pa*kag!ng) Oh, 6 don't den# #ou ha'e a *erta!n spunk 6 ad$!re) And 6 suppose #ou ha'e the usua% "!o%og!*a% urges , hunger, th!rst, sur'!'a%, se&..." F%!ppan*# see$ed the on%# de(ense aga!nst 2en's hate(u% words) "9o stop! F%atter# $akes $e "%ush)" +he *ou%d pra*t!*a%%# hear 2en's teeth gr!nd!ng) "6s there no wa# o( gett!ng through that she%% o( #ours4" he grated, s$ash!ng the (%at o( h!s hand on the ground) "Oh, !t's not so hard on*e #ou ha'e the kna*k)" Her 'o!*e and her s$!%e were (ar too "r!ght) The "end o( her knees *on*ea%ed (ro$ 2en's '!ew the one hand (!sted !n her %ap, where (!ngerna!%s were d!gg!ng (urrows !n the pa%$) "Rea%%#, !t's no harder than sharpen!ng a pen*!%) A do1en sw!(t *hopp!ng strokes , that !s what #ou''e "een do!ng, !sn't !t4 And, " "Tasha!" he roared, and a s*ore o( s$a%% "!rds s*ree*hed upward to the sk#) "+top !t!" 2ut she *ou%d not stop) 6t was a re(%e&!'e rea*t!on, a ner'ous outpour!ng o( the hurt that *ou%d not "e to%d !n tears) "O( *ourse, #ou use a d!((erent stroke (or so$eone

w!th $eat !ns!de) Fatten $e up w!th a %!tt%e hu$an!t#, #ou $!ght e'en "e a"%e to de$o%!sh $e w!th a s!ng%e, " 2en $o'ed w!th the sw!(tness and strength o( a str!k!ng serpent) 2e(ore the ne&t word was uttered, Tasha (ound herse%( (%ung (%at on the ground and the w!nd kno*ked (ro$ her %ungs) 2e(ore she had t!$e to *at*h her "reath or $ake a s!ng%e out*r#, "ruta% (!ngers se!1ed a hand(u% o( her %ong ha!r and wren*hed !t pa!n(u%%# to ho%d her head st!%% (or h!s ons%aught) H!s (a*e des*ended so sw!(t%# that she re*e!'ed on%# (%eet!ng !$press!ons , the "%a1e o( go%den anger !n h!s e#es, the s%ash o( naked hatred that was h!s $outh) And !n the ne&t !nstant that $outh was on hers , dr!'!ng, pun!sh!ng, possess!ng, pr#!ng her %!ps apart w!th a "ru!s!ng hurt(u%ness) H!s tongue ra'!shed her w!th a *rue%t# and 'ehe$en*e that %e(t her pa!ned %ungs s*rea$!ng (or a!r, and when the !n!t!a% sho*k passed, she started to strugg%e w!th the desperat!on o( a trapped w!%d *reature, un*ar!ng o( the hurt th!s *aused to her !$pr!soned hank o( ha!r) And then sudden%# her %!ps were (ree) 2ut 2en's "road shou%ders and the %ong %eg (%ung o'er hers st!%% p!nned her to the ground) Gasp!ng (or a!r, she *ont!nued to (!ght, her %ong (!ngerna!%s tear!ng at h!s ha!r, h!s e#es, h!s *%oth!ng, unt!% at %ast he re%eased h!s gr!p at her s*a%p) "/ou she.de'!%," he gr!tted through drawn %!ps) 6t ga'e Tasha on%# one $!%%!se*ond o( sat!s(a*t!on to see the a"ras!on on h!s $outh where her teeth had (ought h!s k!ss, (or !n the ne&t $o$ent her wr!sts were se!1ed !n a *rue% '!se and #anked a"o'e her head, e((e*t!'e%# "r!ng!ng her res!stan*e to an end) 2ut she %a# "eneath h!$ gasp!ng, st!%% (!ght!ng h!$ w!th her e#es) H!s "reath was as ragged as hers, h!s e&press!on as host!%e) For a %ong $o$ent the# g%ared at ea*h other, antagon!sts !n a "att%e as o%d as t!$e, and then s%ow%# 2en's gr!p on her wr!sts so(tened) He trans(erred "oth her hands !nto one o( h!s, ho%d!ng her eas!%# w!th the super!or strength o( h!s %ong (or*e(u% (!ngers) Gradua%%# the "%a1e !n h!s e#es ga'e wa# to a s$o%der!ng (!re, and the $outh that had "een so

hard turned sensuous and so(t) 6n h!s %ong %!$"s that were (%ung o'er hers she *ou%d (ee% a :u!*ken!ng, a st!rr!ng that to%d her hatred had #!e%ded to des!re) H!s (reed hand $o'ed downward, %ea'!ng !ts partner to ho%d her wr!sts !n thra%%) 3!th a (!nger he e&p%ored the *ur'e o( her *heek, the !ndentat!on o( her *h!n,the ho%%ows o( her throat) +%ow%# he drew the %!ne o( her %!ps that see$ed to $agnet!1e h!s e#es) "+o "eaut!(u%," he $ur$ured, "so "eaut!(u% and so hard) God knows wh# 6 want #ou<)" And h!s %!ps des*ended w!th none o( the hurt.(u%ness o( "e(ore) +o(t%# the# "rushed aga!nst hers, e*ho!ng the a*h!ng needs she (e%t $ h!s "od#, ask!ng (or a response she d!d not want to g!'e) +he re$a!ned r!g!d, den#!ng h!$ the war$th he asked (or) "9on't (!ght $e, Tasha," he wh!spered aga!nst her $outh) "/ou won't w!n) 6 !ntend to ha'e #ou, to possess e'er# part o( #ou, #ou know that, don't #ou4 9on't (!ght,$# %o'e<don't (!ght and !t w!%% "e r!ght<)" He re%eased her wr!sts and sank h!s (!ngers !n her ha!r, and that, too, was a gent%e tou*h, seek!ng and strok!ng where her s*a%p st!%% t!ng%ed (ro$ h!s ear%!er "ruta%!t#) +he (e%t her sh!rt pu%%ed (ree at the wa!st, and the war$th o( a hand !ntrud!ng !n the spa*e "etween (a"r!* and (%esh) He (ound the so(t round r!se that was h!s goa%, "ut the sk!%%ed gent%!ng o( h!s (!ngers awakened no response8 the wounds o( words were not so eas!%# "rushed awa#) +hestrugg%ed no $ore, "ut she "att%ed h!$ w!th %!ps *%osed and e#es *%osed and heart *%osed, too) At %ast the pa%$ o( h!s hand grew st!%%, *ur'!ng o'er her "reast, "ut !t was a wa!t!ng st!%%ness , as !( h!s (!ngers %!stened (or the pu%se."eat o( her des!re) He groaned and tr!ed $ore urgent%# to part her %!ps w!th h!s , pro"!ng, teas!ng, tou*h!ng unt!% she turned her head as!de and sho'ed at h!s *hest)

"9on't (!ght $e!" he *o$$anded th!*k%#, and h!s (!ngers t!ghtened on*e $ore !n her ha!r) "/ou pro$!sed not to (!ght) God knows, 6 don't want !t that wa#, e!ther)" Tasha ran a tongue.t!p o'er her ra'aged %!ps, "ut the *o%dness o( her e&press!on a%tered !n no other wa#) "9o #ou rea%%# e&pe*t $e to respond to #ou a(ter that "ar"ar!* atta*k4 6 *an't pretend to (ee% an#th!ng (or #ou now)" 2en's 'o!*e grew harsh- h!s hand on her "reast (!r$ed !ts gr!p) "6( #ou *an't respond at %east a*:u!es*e) 9o #ou th!nk 6 g!'e a da$n whether #ou (ee% an#th!ng (or $e , or e'en whether #ou a*tua%%# (ee%4 /ou''e had #our ha%( o( the "arga!n , 6''e (ed #ou) Now 6 want $!ne) Or was that 0ust one $ore p!e*e o( (aker# , a pro$!se to "e "roken at the (!rst opportun!t#4" "No," she $oaned as the pressure o( h!s (!ngers "e*a$e hurt(u% on her n!pp%e) "6 won't (!ght) 6 know what 6 pro$!sed)" "Then ne&t t!$e 6 k!ss #ou 6 e&pe*t so$e $anner o( *onsent," he sa!d rough%#, and une&pe*ted%# he ro%%ed awa#, (ree!ng her "od# a%together) +he wat*hed, tense and sh!'er!ng, wh!%e he rose ta h!s (eet and d!'ested h!$se%( o( h!s sh!rt) +un%!ght dapp%ed through the pa%$s, shak!ng %!ght on the r!pp%e o( s!new "eneath dark%# "ron1ed (%esh) +he knew on%# too we%% that that '!r!%e "od# *ou%d $aster her at w!%%, and perhaps e'en draw (ro$ her the response she d!d not want to g!'e) Her !$$un!t# o( $o$ents ago see$ed shaken a%read#, and she knew !t wou%d not %ast (ore'er) ";ust !t "e here and now4" she asked, tr#!ng to keep desperat!on (ro$ *reep!ng !nto her 'o!*e)"6n th!s p%a*e, !n th!s wa#4 3hen 6 pro$!sed, 6 d!dn't e&pe*t !t to "e %!ke th!s)" 2en's hands paused o'er the (asten!ng o( h!s trou. sers, as he g%an*ed at her !n a wa# that suggested on%# hard d!sda!n) "3hat d!d #ou e&pe*t, a%% the trapp!ngs o(

*!'!%!1at!on4+heets and a proper "ed4+o(t *and%e%!ght and words o( %o'e4 6s that what #ou e&pe*ted4 " A hard hurt %odged !tse%( !n her throat) "+o$eth!ng%!ke that," she sa!d) 2en d!d not de!gn to answer) 3!th a deep s*ow%, he turned h!s attent!on "a*k to the snap at h!s "oard.(%at wa!st) Tasha swa%%owed hard and p%a#ed her (!na% *ard !n a %ast desperate atte$pt to (oresta%% 2en !n h!s !ntent) "6'$ st!%% a '!rg!n, 2en," she sa!d) H!s (!ngers paused aga!n !n the 'er# a*t o( %o*at!ng the ta" o( h!s 1!p) +he *ou%d see the tens!ng o( $us*%e, the sudden st!%%ness o( the "od# that towered a"o'e her) And then there was a harden!ng o( 0aw, as !( her words had on%# $ade h!$ $ore deter$!ned) "That," he sa!d *a%%ous%#, "!s a $atter o( tota% !nd!((eren*e to $e) 6t on%# !$p%!es a *erta!n %a*k !n #ou and one "est re$ed!ed as soon as poss!"%e)" 2ut he d!d not re$o'e the trousers a(ter a%%) 6nstead, he %owered h!$se%( to a so(t $oss# kno%% on the war$ earth, propped h!s e%"ows on h!s knees and took to !nspe*t!ng her $!nute%# w!th narrow%# hooded e#es, as !( de"at!ng h!s ne&t *ourse o( a*t!on) "6 suspe*t #ou're %#!ng," he sa!d) "/ou were (ar too (orward %ast n!ght to "e as untou*hed as #ou pretend) " "Ne'erthe%ess !t's true)" He %aughed s*orn(u%%#) "+e'en #ears o( *hast!t#4 And !n that (ast.%!'!ng set #ou asso*!ate w!th4 =!rg!ns o( #our age went out when the p!%% *a$e !n)" Tasha's %!ps (e%t st!(() "/ou put $e o(( $en #ears ago," she sa!d !n a %ow 'o!*e)

H!s ne&t %augh was d!st!n*t%# nast#) "3h!*h e&p%a!ns ;a&'s appea%, no dou"t)/es, 6 suppose #ou *ou%d "e te%%!ng the truth) 3e%%, !( no one e%se has $ade a wo$an o( #ou #et, ;a& *erta!n%# won't) +o perhaps 6'%% "e do!ng #ou a (a'or) Take o(( #our *%othes)" And when she d!d not at on*e *o$p%# he added *onte$ptuous%#, "6s !t so hard4 6( #ou *an "are #ourse%( (or other e#es #ou *an "are #ourse%( (or $!ne) 6 saw that $aga1!ne *o'er #ou d!d, Tasha) /ou $a# ha'e preser'ed #our '!rg!n!t# (or a%% these #ears, "ut #ou ha'en't preser'ed #our $odest#) Now undress and do !t proper%#)+%ow%# and w!th st#%e)F!rst the T.sh!rt)" "6 *an't!" "/es, #ou *an) 3ou%d #ou rather 6 r!pped the *%othes (ro$ #our "a*k4 6 assure #ou 6'$ *apa"%e)" H!s 'o!*e had "e*o$e so(t w!th danger s!gna%s and she knew he $eant e'er# word) "6s that the k!nd o( !nd!gn!t# #ou want4" +he ha%( turned her head and %et her ha!r sw!ng (orward to h!de the spots o( sha$e that rose h!gh on her *heek"ones) "No," she sa!d) "Then undress #ourse%() 6( !t's eas!er (or #ou, pretend that<that #ou're do!ng a $aga1!ne %a#out as E'e, !n the Garden o( Eden)" The "!tter $o*ker# !n h!s 'o!*e *ou%d not "e $!staken- nor *ou%d the *o$$and !n h!s ne&t words) "Now, Tasha, or 6 won't 'ou*h (or $# a*t!ons) ast n!ght put an enor$ous stra!n on $# se%(.*ontro%)" Pr!de and a k!nd o( gr!tt# pro(ess!ona%!s$ now *a$e to Tasha's res*ue) 3!th a po!se and seren!t# that to%d noth!ng o( the *r!ng!ng sensat!ons !ns!de, she turned her "a*k on 2en and sw!(t%# re$o'ed the sanda%s and then the Her$Ds s*ar( and the T. sh!rt) 6n the str!pp!ng she $anaged to %et her %ong tresses (a%% (orward, so that her "reasts were part!a%%# *on*ea%ed) Her hands $o'ed at on*e to the t!e (asten!ng o( her ho$e$ade sk!rt)

"+top!" sa!d 2en !n the k!nd o( 'o!*e that *a%%ed (or !nstant o"ed!en*e) "Now turn so 6 *an see #ou<that's "etter) +%ow down- #ou're do!ng th!s too (ast) Push #our ha!r "a*k)" "9on't, 2en," she p%eaded, s!*k w!th hu$!%!at!on) "Th!s !s no "etter than torture)" H!s $outh tw!sted !nto a *rue%%# sensuous %!ne)"Torture4 +e%(.torture perhaps) 9o #ou know what !t's *ost!ng $e to keep $#se%( wa!t!ng4 /ou wou%d "e 'er# p%eased, $# prett# te$ptress, !( #ou knew what a pa!n(u% e((e*t #ou're ha'!ng on $e) 6 shou%d th!nk #ou wou%d want to pro%ong $# agon#)The ha!r, Tasha)" +he stood st!%%, not o"e#!ng) And at %ast he rose to h!s (eet and wa%ked to where she stood, the %eashed power o( h!s "od# te%%!ng her that he had spoken no %!es) The hungers !n h!s e#es were naked now) +%ow%# h!s handsrose , "oth o( the$, and pushed the %ong (a%% o( ha!r "eh!nd her shou%ders- s%ow%# the return!ng (!ngers "rushed the ho%%ows o( her throat) H!s knu*k%es gra1ed her n!pp%es , on*e, on%# on*e, !n a $o'e$ent as %!ght as a $oth's w!ng) A"rupt%# he turned on h!s hee% and returned to h!s $oss# kno%%) Th!s t!$e he re$a!ned stand!ng, and Tasha *ou%d not %ook at h!$ at a%%, "e*ause to do so $!ght "e to d!s*o'er that h!s e#es were on the re'ea%!ng tautness where h!s knu*k%es had "rushed her "reasts) "Go on," he ground out $er*!%ess%# at %ast) +he s%!pped :u!*k%# out o( her sk!rt and "!k!n! "r!e(s, and then !t was done) 3!th no $ore wa!t!ng (or d!re*t!on, she %a# "a*k at on*e on her "ed o( (erns and grasses, hearts!*k and w!%%!ng the tre$"%!ng o( her %!ps to stop) +he *%osed her e#es) "6'$ read#," she sa!d) "=er# a$us!ng,"*a$e 2en's der!s!'e 'o!*e) "Now ask $e n!*e%# to $ake %o'e to #ou)"

"6 pro$!sed 6 wou%dn't (!ght) Just do !t,,2en)" "Open #our e#es and sa# p%ease," he d!re*ted *a%%ous%#) 6t was on%# pr!de that ga'e her the strength to answer) "6'%% ne'er do that," she sa!d, tr#!ng to keep her (a*e e$pt# o( an# e$ot!on that 2en $!ght want to see) 3h# was he tortur!ng her so4 "6n that *ase 6'%% 0ust wa!t," he sa!d so(t%#, "(or 6 !ntend #ou to enter th!s re%at!onsh!p w!th #our e#es open) 6 want a w!%%!ng wo$an !n $# ar$s) There's noth!ng 'er# erot!* a"out $ak!ng %o'e to a "oard)" "2en, don't do th!s to $e," she "egged, e'er# pore *r!ng!ng) "Just undress and get !t o'er w!th)" "/ou ha'en't sa!d p%ease," he taunted) "6'%% "e read# when #ou do) 2ut re$e$"er, Tasha, 6'$ wa!t!ng unt!% #ou ask)" There was a rust%e o( (erns and grasses as 2en now $o'ed) 6n her $!nd's e#e she *ou%d see the tanned hand on the 1!p o( h!s *%ose.(!tt!ng *otton e'!'s- *ou%d see the pa%!ng o( (%esh as hard unsunned (%anks *a$e (ree- *ou%d see the '!r!%e strength o( h!$ and the %ong "ron1ed %egs w!th the!r darker dust!ng o( ha!r- *ou%d see the tw!sted $outh and the "urn!ng %o'e%ess e#es "or!ng !nto her as !( he hated her (or arous!ng su*h hungers !n h!$) 6n the %ong $!nutes that (o%%owed she *ou%d (ee% h!s e#es %!ke (!ngers on her (%esh) +he *ou%d not "ear to see those e#es) 6n her !$ag!nat!on she *ou%d (ee% e'er# go%d (%e*k, e'er# (%!*ker o( des!re,e'er# part!*%e o( $o%ten hatred she had e'er seen !n those e#es) And as she %a# there, !t was as !( therewere not one pa!r o( e#es "ut a thousand possess!ng her (%esh , e#es !n the hea'ens and e#es !n the so(t%# *%atter!ng pa%$ (ronds and e#es !n the surround!ng "ushes) 3as th!s 2en's hu$!%!at!ng pun!sh$ent , to $ake her %!e there,so sha$e(u%%# naked as he wat*hed4

6n the hu$!d a!r she *ou%d (ee% her sk!n grow $o!st w!th apprehens!on, pr!*k%!ng at e'er# st!rr!ng o( grass and e'er# *ra*k%e o( tw!g as s$a%% *reatures rust%ed th*ough the (orest (%oor) At %ast, when the s!%en*e had gone on too %ong, and sha$e had sheened her naked "od# so that e'en !n the hot trop!* a!r she had "egun to shudder un*ontro%%a"%#, she sa!d, "2en, 6 "eg #ou, no $ore torture, no $ore)P%ease <) " +he opened her e#es, and (ound she was a%one)

CHAPTER E6GHT

Perhaps as a te$porar# *on*ess!on to Tasha's (er'ent pra#er that she wou%d ne'er e'er ha'e to (a*e 2en aga!n, he was nowhere to "e (ound "# the t!$e she $ade her wa# "a*k to the hut !n the *%ear!ng) The e&per!en*e !n the *o*o.de.$er gro'e had (!%%ed her w!th sha$e and anger and (ut!%!t# and a who%e tang%e o( e$ot!ons that %e(t her s!*k to her 'er# sou%) Oh God, wh# d!d 2en hate her so4 6t was a%$ost as !( he was pun!sh!ng her (or so$eth!ng, so$eth!ng she d!d not *o$prehend) And !( he had $arr!ed her o( h!s own (ree w!%%, wh# had he *hanged h!s $!nd on the!r wedd!ng n!ght4 The answer to e'er#th!ng%a# !n that n!ght, and #et th!nk as she $!ght, Tasha *ou%d not see where she had "een at (au%t) 9!d he p%an to treat her th!s heart%ess%# (or a%% o( the ne&t week4 As !( she were a puppet on str!ngs and he so$e d!a"o%!*a% puppeteer who *ou%d $an!pu%ate her at w!%%4 6t see$ed noth!ng to "e grate(u% (or the (a*t he had not possessed her (%esh, when there were those %ast so(t%# dangerous words to re$e$"er8 6'$ wa!t!ng unt!% #ou

ask)
+he had not e'en !ndu%ged !n the %u&ur# o( tears) +o$ehow she had $anaged to staun*h the stor$ o( tears that threatenedA "# s!tt!ng (or (u%%# ten $!nutes w!th a *on'u%s!'e%# hea'!ng *hest and (!ngers pressed to her %ower %ashes to ho%d "a*k two (at tears that tre$"%ed there) The# had (!na%%# sp!%%ed, to "e (o%%owed "# no $ore, "e*ause "# then she had $anaged to (!& her $!nd on one th!ng on%#8 her deep hatred o( 2en) And pr!de (or"ade return!ng to the hut unt!% her e$ot!ons were we%% under *ontro%, so "# then there were no $ore tears to *hoke "a*k)

A(ter the !n!t!a% re%!e( at d!s*o'er!ng 2en was not around, she "egan to wonder !( h!s a"sen*e was on%# another tw!sted and *a%*u%ated 0oke o( h!s) +he spent her (!rst ha%( hour pa*!ng the hut, (!rst !n rage, then !n despa!r, and (!na%%# , when 2en had st!%% not appeared , w!th the "eg!nn!ngs o( apprehens!on) That she was so utter%# dependent upon h!$ (or th!s ne&t week added to her uneas!ness) Had he gone to the %agoon !n sear*h o( supper4 "6 hope he $eets a ha$$erhead!" =o!*!ng the '!*!ous w!sh tr!ggered a who%e new round o( se%(.re*r!$!nat!on) Tasha was not part!*u%ar%# superst!t!ous, "ut a%% the sa$e, how terr!"%e she'd (ee% !(... +he wrested her $!nd awa# (ro$ '!'!d !$ag!n!ngs a"out the dangers o( the deep) No dou"t 2en was $ere%# *%ose "#, sta#!ng awa# (ro$ the *a"!n "e*ause he had so$e per'erse not!on o( tor$ent!ng her w!th another k!nd o( wa!t!ng ga$e) +he had a (%eet!ng '!s!on o( h!$ e$erg!ng (ro$ "eh!nd a tree, %augh!ng down at her, the *rue% $o*ker# !n h!s e#es gradua%%# *hang!ng to a s$ok!ng, hat!ng, tw!st!ng k!nd o( %ust as h!s s$!%e (aded... 3hat was he pun!sh!ng her (or4 Perhaps !t was true that the #ears had g!'en her a prote*t!'e "r!t.t%eness, a she%% o( the 'er# nature 2en desp!sed) 2ut 2en h!$se%( had he%ped to put !t there) And !t was a th!n she%% , %!ke an eggshe%%, Tasha re(%e*ted "!tter%#8 s$ooth and hard to the e#e, "ut eas!%# *ra*ked, w!th noth!ng 'er# hard. "o!%ed !ns!de) +he (e%t *ra*ked now) 2ut not "roken!she de*!ded (!r$%# a(ter so$e $ore $!nutes had passed) The rest%ess pa*!ng around the hut had restored so$e o( her spunk and sp!r!t, and a%though her she%% was not as !nta*t as !t had "een, !t was st!%% we%% !n p%a*e) +o$ewhat re*o'ered, she de'oted a (ew $!nutes to sear*h!ng (or her "%ue 0eans and %o*ated the$ where 2en had thrust the$ , !n the du((e% "ag (!%%ed w!th h!s own *%othes)Not 'er# we%% h!dden a(ter a%%) +he *hanged !nto the$ :u!*k%#, (ee%!ng so$ewhat $ore se*ure than she had !n the (%!$s# and !%%.*onstru*ted sk!rt)

2r!e(%#, !n an atte$pt to th!nk o( th!ngs other than 2en, she wondered !( she ought to re$o'e her *onta*t %enses !n order to "athe her e#es, wh!*h were "eg!nn!ng to (ee% de*!ded%# stra!ned<) 3as !t on%# !$ag!nat!on, or had 2en sa!d so$eth!ng %ast n!ght a"out her e#es!ght4 +o$eth!ng to do w!th Eu%a%!e, and<and<#es, the %!tt%e tw!st o( go%d w!re !n the ear) Another o( Eu%a%!e's $udd%ed !deas! Th!nk!ng o( Eu%a%!e was a re%!e(, and deter$!ned%# Tasha turned her $!nd to the su"0e*t) 2# da#%!ght, w!th "r!ght sunsh!ne pour!ng !n the w!ndow, a%% thought o( the supernatura% see$ed e&traord!nar!%# (oo%!sh, espe*!a%%# when e'er#th!ng *ou%d "e so %og!*a%%# e&p%a!ned awa#) 2en was r!ght a"out one th!ng8 Eu%a%!e was an add%ed o%d wo$an w!th a good heart)A "!t o( a *ra*kpot, $a#"e, "ut har$%ess) +he had *o$e to Tasha's res*ue !n the dark- shehad put a pou%t!*e on the "ru!se e'en !( !t had *ured noth!ng- she had o((ered to g!'e awa# her own supper- she had tr!ed to %ead Tasha to ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge, whoe'er he $!ght "e- and shehad prepared one o( those %!tt%e pa*kets (or the superst!t!ous, e'en !( Tasha had not a**epted !t) And she had do0!e a%% these th!ngs w!thout de$and!ng pa#$ent o( an# k!nd) The re*o%%e*t!ons a"out Eu%a%!e were sad and (unn# and tou*h!ng and odd%# *o$(ort!ng, %!ke a war$ "ath to the $!nd) A(ter toda#'s e$ot!ona% "%ood%ett!ng the# !nst!%%ed a *ur!ous sense o( pea*e, and Tasha knew that, w!t*h*ra(t or no, she wou%d "e !n no wa# a%ar$ed "# a return '!s!t to the o%d "onne (e$$e d! "o!s) Poor Eu%a%!e, w!th her her"s and her pot!ons and her terr!"%e $e$or#- perhaps she shou%d sto*k her she%( w!th rose$ar# (or re$e$"ran*e! Th!nk!ng o( Eu%a%!e sent Tasha to the w!ndow that o'er%ooked the woods, where she spent so$e $o$ents tr#!ng to p!*k out the e&a*t spot (ro$ wh!*h she had e$erged the pre'!ous n!ght) Perhaps !t was a su"%!$!na% !n(%uen*e o( so$e k!nd that *aused her to d!g her (%attened hands *asua%%# !nto the h!p po*kets o( her 0eans as she stood there, re(%e*t!'e%# ga1!ng through the w!ndow) Her (!ngers en*ountered so$eth!ng s$a%% and un(a$!%!ar !n one po*ket)

"Now when d!d Eu%a%!e put that there4" Tasha $uttered, star!ng at the %!tt%e "rown. paper.wrapped pa*ket that e$erged (ro$ !ts h!d!ng p%a*e !n her 0eans) Eu%a%!e's

gr!s.gr!s, o( *ourse) 3e%%, !( !t was supposed to "e an a$u%et aga!nst ene$!es, !t had
*erta!n%# not ser'ed !ts purpose toda#! No wonder Eu%a%!e's *usto$ers pa!d her !n wret*hed *asto((s! And then "e*ause that thought had !ts sad s!de, too, Tasha had to (!ght down a %!tt%e %u$p !n her throat) There was noth!ng su"%!$!na% a"out the wa# her e#es tra'e%ed to 2en's (our sturd# *ha!rs) He *erta!n%# d!dn't need (our) And !( 2en d!dn't %!ke what she was a"out to do<we%%, she'd (a*e that, a%ong w!th other th!ngs, when she saw h!$ aga!n) ;oreo'er, perhaps !t was "est !( 2en d!dn't (!nd her wa!t!ng there %!ke a wh!pped pupp# dog when he returned (ro$ where'er he was) et h!$ do so$e wonder!ng (or a *hange! Not g!'!ng herse%( t!$e (or se*ond thoughts, Tasha p!*ked up one o( 2en's we!ght# *ha!rs, ho!sted !t o'er a shou%der and $ar*hed out the (ront door) On *%oser !nspe*t!on o( the woods !t was not too hard to (!nd the narrow path- and soon she was trudg!ng uph!%% w!th her unusua% "urden) +he was w!nded and pant!ng aud!"%# "# the t!$e she saw a th!nn!ng o( trees) 9!re*t%# ahead %a# a she%( o( %and *ar'ed out o( the h!%%s!de , a %e'e% area "u!%t up w!th stones to (or$ a k!nd o( rough pat!o) Rea*h!ng !t, Tasha stood at the edge o( the woods, star!ng) Her $outh %!tera%%# gaped, %ess !n surpr!se than "e*ause she st!%% had a rea% need to *at*h her "reath a(ter the strenuous *%!$" w!th the hea'# *ha!r) A%% the sa$e, her e#es sau*ered s%!ght%# to see that she had rea*hed not Eu%a%!e's hut "ut one o( the ho$es she had seen #esterda# (ro$ the shore) The se'era% peop%e stand!ng on the she%( o( %and stared "a*k) There were a nu$"er o( *h!%dren- two #ounger wo$en rough%# dressed w!th "andannas t!ed o'er the!r heads- and a sturd!%# handso$e $!dd%e.aged wo$an w!th a %!ght "rown (a*e and

gra#!ng ha!r) The!r *%othes suggested po'ert# and so d!d the that*hed hut, wh!*h was s*ar*e%# "etter than Eu%a%!e's desp!te the wooden shuttered por*h and *on*rete steps) The (!rst !nk%!ng that the# (ound an#th!ng pe*u%!ar !n Tasha's appearan*e *a$e (ro$ a ha%(.naked "rown *h!%d !n $u*h.pat*hed pants, who po!nted, *o'ered h!s $outh w!th one hand and g!gg%ed) That %oosed a (ew t!tters (ro$ other *h!%dren, one o( who$ ran to h!de ner'ous%# "eh!nd her $other's sk!rts, earn!ng a repr!$and !n the !n*o$prehens!"%e %o*a% pato!s) 3h# were the *h!%dren so a%ar$ed at her appearan*e4 2en's do!ng aga!n, Tasha thought w!th a sta" o( anger) +tand!ng here, pu((!ng and pant!ng (ro$ the e((ort she had 0ust e&pended, wou%d on%# g!'e *reden*e to whate'er he had sa!d a"out her) And then she re$e$"ered the *ha!r) No dou"t !t d!d %ook a %!tt%e pe*u%!ar! 3h# wou%d a stranger to the !s%and "e *arr#!ng a hea'# *ha!r through the woods w!th no apparent good reason4 One o( the #ounger wo$en *rossed herse%( surrept!t!ous%#) +udden%# Tasha (e%t an !nsane !$pu%se to g!gg%e , what a "ad ha"!t that was "e*o$!ng , and desp!te her "est e((orts the !$pu%se won) Another *h!%d went s*oot!ng "eh!nd another sk!rt and peeped out (ro$ "eh!nd !t w!th worr!ed e#es) 3!th e((ort, Tasha stra!ghtened her (a*e , a%$ost) The *hoked.down $err!$ent kept tr#!ng to "u""%e to the sur(a*e, no dou"t *ontr!"ut!ng to the wa# so $an# pa!rs o( e#es were *ont!nu!ng to stare at her) 6t see$ed 'er# (unn# that the!r g!gg%es shou%d ha'e stopped when hers "egan) 3e%%, she had to g!'e so$e reason (or her presen*e there) And she had no !ntent!on o( ask!ng the wa# to a w!t*h wo$an's hut , that $!ght $ake the$ th!nk her rea%%# $ad!

/et w!thout ask!ng (or d!re*t!ons o( so$e k!nd, how on earth *ou%d she rat!ona%!1e "e!ng there4 "Ou!4" 6t was the $!dd%e.aged wo$an who stepped (orward and spoke) 9esp!te her po%!teness, she too was e#e!ng Tasha askan*e) At %ast Tasha $anaged to w!pe her e&press!on tota%%# *%ean, "ut on%# "# su*k!ng !n the s!des o( her *heeks and swa%%ow!ng 'er# hard) The deter$!ned%# "%as> (a*e she now su**eeded !n donn!ng see$ed to set no one at ease) The two #ounger wo$en e&*hanged know!ng g%an*es) Tasha re$!nded herse%( (!r$%# that !t was not so 'er# d!((erent (ro$ ask!ng (or d!re*t!ons !n Tra(a%gar +:uare) "Can #ou p%ease te%% $e," she repeated w!th a (!&ed s$!%e and a po%!te tone o( 'o!*e, "wh!*h path 6 take to (!nd ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge4" For so$e !ne&p%!*a"%e reason, that e'oked $ore $u((%ed t!tters, and th!s t!$e e'en the adu%ts see$ed to ha'e d!((!*u%t# !n restra!n!ng the$se%'es) And the# thought

her $ad! Tasha %ooked around, "ew!%dered at the rea*t!on)

+he opened her $outh to e&p%a!n herse%(, de*!ded there was no good e&p%anat!on (or an#th!ng on th!s *%oud.*u*koo.%and o( an !s%and, and (e%t a sudden return o( rage at 2en (or putt!ng her !n th!s !$poss!"%e pos!t!on) At %east that e$ot!on put pa!d to a%% her !nner h#ster!a! 3e%%, !( e'er#one was !ntent upon "e%!e'!ng her *ra1#, she'd g!'e the$ so$eth!ng to th!nk a"out) 3!th *o$pressed %!ps and a stu""orn t!%t o( the *h!n, she stepped (arther onto the she%( o( %and, ho!sted the *ha!r o(( her shou%der, parked !t, sat s:uare%# upon !t and (a*ed down the star!ng e#es w!th an open show o( de(!an*e) "6 was a(ra!d," she sa!d angr!%#, $!nd(u% o( what 2en had to%d her o( *usto$s on th!s !s%and, "that #ou $!ght not ha'e a *ha!r !n #our ho$e to o((er $e and $ake $e we%*o$e) 6 see 6 was r!ght)"

The o%der wo$an so"ered at on*e, and !t now "e*a$e *%ear that th!s was her ho$e) Tak!ng *harge, she turned to the two #ounger wo$en and spoke a (ew words, *%ear%# ask!ng the$ to %ea'e) Then w!th a *%u*k o( the tongue and a wag o( her gra#!ng head, she shooed awa# the *h!%dren, too) Turn!ng to Tasha, she sw!t*hed to hea'!%# a**ented "ut understanda"%e Fren*h) "6 apo%og!1e (or these th!ngs that ha'e happened, $ade$o!se%%e, and 6 we%*o$e #ou to th!s house) /ou are at the ho$e o( Ar!st!de 2ru%eau)" "How do #ou do, ;ada$e 2ru%eau," Tasha sa!d, r!s!ng to her (eet w!th an !$$ense sense o( re%!e( that so$eone was at %ast speak!ng to her as !( she were a sane hu$an "e!ng and not an es*apee (ro$ a $adhouse) +he s$!%ed war$%#, %!k!ng the other wo$an's d!gn!(!ed *arr!age and "r!ght !n:u!s!t!'e e#es) "Not ;ada$e 2ru%eau, 6 a$ a(ra!d," s$!%ed the wo$an) "Ca%% $e 9e%ph!ne, !( #ou w!sh) 6 a$ the $>nagDre o( Ar!st!de 2ru%eau)" Housekeeper4 Perhaps she had rea*hed a househo%d o( so$e *onse:uen*e, a(ter a%%4 Tasha sk!$$ed a "r!e( g%an*e at the sorr#.%ook!ng hut- !t st!%% reeked o( po'ert#) "And 6 apo%og!1e, too, (or the %!tt%e ones, that the# shou%d %augh at #our appearan*e)" 9e%ph!ne p!*ked up Tasha's *ha!r and *arr!ed !t *%oser to the entran*e o( the house- then, s!tt!ng down herse%( on the *on*rete steps, she !nd!*ated that Tasha 0o!n her) "P%ease," she wa'ed, "!t !s *oo%er here !n the shade o( the taka$aka tree) Another t!$e, spare #ourse%( the trou"%e o( "r!ng!ng a *ha!r, (or a%though we are not r!*h, Ar!st!de and 6, we ha'e (our *ha!rs !ns!de , two o( the$ (!ne and g!'en us "# our daughters)" Tasha, who was "# now a %!tt%e *on(used a"out the re%at!onsh!p "etween Ar!st!de and 9e%ph!ne, "%!nked !n $!%d surpr!se as she took her *ha!r) "9aughters4" she asked po%!te%#)

"Those worth%ess two #ou saw) Pah!That the# shou%d ra!se our grand*h!%dren to "e so rude!" Tasha's s%!ght w!den!ng o( e#es d!d not es*ape her hostess's attent!on) 9e%ph!ne's (a*e re$a!ned so%e$n, "ut her e#es tw!nk%ed as she e&p%a!ned) "Th!s sho*ks #ou that we are not $arr!ed, Ar!st!de and 64 Perhaps, !n #our *ountr#, to %!'e en $>nage !s not so *o$$on4" "6t's not, er, unusua% nowada#s," Tasha sa!d, at %ast understand!ng the arrange$ent) "A%though "# the t!$e a *oup%e ha'e grand*h!%dren, the#''e genera%%# de*!ded to $ake !t $ore per$anent) 2ut o( *ourse our *usto$s are d!((erent and, " 9e%ph!ne %aughed, d!sp%a#!ng hea%th# teeth) "The# are not so 'er# d!((erent! Ar!st!de and 6 wou%d $arr# !( we *ou%d sa'e the wages o( ha%( a #ear! The "a**a, the "an:uet, the wedd!ng *%othes< to $arr# w!thout su*h th!ngs wou%d "r!ng great sha$e upon Ar!st!de's head and $!ne) +o, !t !s "etter to %!'e en $>nage) And so$eda#...." There was a tra*e o( w!st(u%ness !n 9e%ph!ne's s!gh, "ut she dropped the su"0e*t at on*e and turned "a*k to speak!ng o( Tasha's e&traord!nar# we%*o$e $o$ents ago) "/ou $ust (org!'e us," she sa!d p%easant%#, ""ut #ou do %ook so$ewhat< d!((erent) 6t !s the e#es and the *heeks) 3e are not used to su*h th!ngs) 2ut o( *ourse, we are un(a$!%!ar w!th what !s the new (ash!on !n #our %and) Rea%%#," she added w!th e&*e%%ent po%!teness, "the "%a*k streaks on #our *heeks are 'er# "e*o$!ng when one grows used to the$) And the e#e s$udges, too)" Tasha's (!ngers (%ew to her (a*e) O( *ourse! Toda#'s e'ents had worked ra'ages on the e#e $akeup she had app%!ed too hea'!%#, !n order to anno# 2en) 6t was a poss!"!%!t# she had ne'er *ons!dered, "e*ause !n the nor$a% *ourse o( e'ents she

wore no e#e $akeup at a%%, e&*ept on $ode%!ng ass!gn$ents and dur!ng pu"%!* appearan*es w!th ;a&) Her %!tt%e %augh was now one o( e$"arrass$ent) "Oh, dear) 6 d!dn't know<and th!s *erta!n%# !sn't the (ash!on !n $# *ountr#! No wonder e'er#one stared! 6 thought !t was "e*ause #ou a%% "e%!e'ed 6 was< we%%, a$arr>e)" 9e%ph!ne *hu*k%ed) "+o 6 was to%d, "ut 6 know !t !s wrong to "e%!e'e !n, " here a $o$ent's hes!tat!on " ,%a $a%(a!san*e) Others $a# "e%!e'e , 6 saw $# (oo%!sh daughter *ross herse%( , "ut 6 ha'e %!stened to the good Father Ju%!en, who te%%s us to put su*h th!ngs "eh!nd us) 3a!t, do not w!pe #our (a*e, 6 w!%% (et*h #ou a %!tt%e $!rror) And a *%oth, perhaps4" 3hen she e$erged (ro$ her house a %!tt%e %ater, she "rought not on%# the wherew!tha% (or Tasha to sa%'age the da$age, "ut two *ra*ked $ugs (!%%ed w!th stea$!ng tea) "3hat a $ess!" Tasha $ade a wr# (a*e !nto the $!rror, (!nd!ng so$e hu$or !n the (a*e that stared "a*k at her) There were great "%a*k s$udges where her (!ngers had "een pressed aga!nst her %ower %!ds ear%!er, and uns!ght%# streaks a%ong her *heeks where she had ru""ed awa# the two re*a%*!trant tears) "And then o( *ourse," 9e%ph!ne noted good.natured%# as she sett%ed "a*k down on the stoop, "when #ou asked (or ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge<we%%, !t d!d see$ 'er# (unn# at the t!$e)" Fa*e now we%% w!ped, Tasha put the $!rror and *%oth on the step and darted a pu11%ed %ook at 9e%ph!ne) The hu$or o( that es*aped her) "6'$ a(ra!d 6 don't understand," she sa!d) 9e%ph!ne s$!%ed !ndu%gent%#) "There !s a sa#!ng !n the +e#*he%!es that has to do w!th the spe*!a% *%o*k !n the "!g *!t# o( =!*tor!a on the !s%and o( ;ane) FF n'a pas 'u

%'hor%oge) 6t $eans ," she knotted her "row, %ook!ng (or an e&p%anat!on " , to see
the *%o*k !s to see the wor%d) 6( a person has not seen the *%o*k, he !s a stup!d "a*kward (e%%ow, unrustre) /ou understand4" "Not :u!te," sa!d Tasha, head sp!nn!ng) "9!d e'er#one th!nk $e a rustre , a "u$pk!n4" 9e%ph!ne's (a*e grew s%!ght%# war# as she answered- !t was *%ear she was tr#!ng not to !nsu%t her '!s!tor) "Oh, no," she sa!d *are(u%%#, "not that) 6t was on%# that the# thought !t odd #ou shou%d not know the d!((eren*e "etween a *%o*k and a $an) And !( !t was a *%o*k #ou were %ook!ng (or, wh# d!d #ou not know !t was on the !s%and o( ;ane, when #ou ha'e 0ust *o$e (ro$ there4 There are no *%o*ks on th!s !s%and)" "2ut 6 was to%d there was a $an o( that na$e<) 6 $ust ad$!t 6'$ so$ewhat *on(used)" And then, "e*ause 9e%ph!ne had "een k!nd and gra*!ous and see$ed understand!ng, Tasha re%ated so$e o( the pre'!ous n!ght's strange e'ents) +he de"ated re'ea%!ng the who%e stor# and ask!ng (or he%p , sure%#, a(ter toda#'s e'ents, a%% pro$!ses to 2en were $ean!ng%ess , "ut !n the end she de*!ded to wa!t unt!% she was sure 9e%ph!ne was *on'!n*ed o( her san!t#) "+o #ou see," she (!n!shed %a$e%#, "6 was rea%%# %ook!ng (or Eu%a%!e to g!'e her the *ha!r) 6 $ust ha'e $!sunderstood her %ast n!ght when she ta%ked o( a *%o*k) 6 thought she $eant a $an, a sort o( %o*a% *h!e(ta!n)" 9e%ph!ne %ooked thought(u% and s!pped at her tea) "6 *an see that #ou $!ght ha'e $!sunderstood Eu%a%!e)" +he s!ghed a w!se s!gh, not un%!ke the sound o( the "ree1e sough!ng through the (at.%ea'ed taka$aka tree o'erhead) "+he !s 'er#, 'er# o%d, #ou understand, so o%d that no one on th!s !s%and re$e$"ers a t!$e when she was not o%d) +he ta%ks o( the *%o*k 'er# o(ten (or she has seen !t, and $an# others ha'e not) 6t !s the de(ense o( an o%d wo$an aga!nst the s*orp!on tongues o( #outh) Perhaps #ou were %augh!ng at her at the t!$e4"

"No," sa!d Tasha) "Ah) 3e%%, #ou see, she ta%ks o( the *%o*k when peop%e %augh at her, as the# so o(ten do...Oh, !t !s sad, "ut peop%e are *rue% and the# poke (un at an o%d wo$an who *annot e'en re$e$"er how to $ake a proper gr!s.gr!s)" Tasha stared !nto her tea, sw!r%!ng the *up as she (ought the "# now (a$!%!ar t!ghtness !n her throat and re$e$"ered that she herse%( had sa!d so$e (%!ppant words to 2en a"out Eu%a%!e's !ne((e*t!'e pot!ons) "And the# %augh, too, at her *%othes) Perhaps #ou th!nk th!s strange, when ours are not so 'er# $u*h "etter4" 9e%ph!ne p%u*ked at the pat*hed and $ended sk!rt she wore and s!ghed aga!n) "2ut #ou see,!t !s d!((erent on +unda#s) Then, Father Ju%!en *o$es (ro$ the !s%and where he %!'es, s!& $!%es awa#, and sa#s $ass) For that, e'er# wo$an o( the !s%and dons her (!ne ro"e %a $esse, her (!ne*hapeau %a $esse<oh, so$e o( the *%othes are 'er#, 'er# grand !ndeed) ;ost wo$en w!%% do w!thout (ood !n the!r "e%%!es "e(ore the# w!%% do w!thout the!r (!ne +unda# dress! Eu%a!!e has no su*h dress and #et she !ns!sts on go!ng to the $ass)" The $enta% !$age was unsett%!ng) A%% the other +e#*he%%o!s !n the!r 'er# "est *%othes, and Eu%a!!e, "ra'!ng %aughter !n that o%d sugarsa*k o( a dress w!th !ts 'ar!egated pat*hes<) "/ou th!nk !t unusua% that a "onne (e$$e d! "o!s shou%d "e a de'out Catho%!*4 Ah, "ut !t !s not so unusua%- the o%d "e%!e(s and the new o(ten $!&) 2ut perhaps, (or Eu%a!!e, !t wou%d "e "est !( she sta#ed h!dden !n her woods) For !t !s on +unda#, the da# o( the $ass, that she "e*o$es a %augh!ngsto*k)" Tasha poked a (!nger at her tea %ea'es, (ee%!ng a%$ost ph#s!*a%%# s!*k (ro$ what she had %earned) "6 don't th!nk#ou %augh at Eu%a!!e," she sa!d :u!et%#)

"No, (or 6 ha'e %!stened to Father Ju%!en, who sa#s !t !s wrong) And Ar!st!de has %!stened, too) He !s k!nd to Eu%a%!e, and so$et!$es takes her p!e*es o( (!sh when he *annot se%% a%% that he has *aught !n h!s p!rogue) And at t!$es we ha'e a %!tt%e r!*e to spare, or an on!on- and when Ar!st!de taps our todd# tree, he takes her a %!tt%e *a%ou) For what other p%easure !s %e(t to the o%d wo$an4 Ah, 6 wou%d $ake her a dress, !( 6 *ou%d (!nd a (ew rupees to "u# so$eaunes o( *%oth<)" ;o'ed "#her own re*!tat!on, 9e%ph!ne took a thread.th!n handker*h!e( (ro$ her po*ket and $opped her (a*e, pretend!ng the $o!sture was *aused "# heat) Her e&press!on then (!r$ed) "2ut on +unda#s, we take Eu%a%!e to s!t w!th us, Ar!st!de and6 ) E'en so, the others %augh at her dress o( pat*hes< $# own grand*h!%dren, too, a%though !t g!'es $e great sha$e to ad$!t su*h a th!ng)" "Ch!%dren don't a%wa#s understand," sa!d Tasha) "The!r parents, too," $uttered 9e%ph!ne, now sound!ng angr#)"There are those who shou%d know "etter who st!%% sn!*ker "eh!nd the!r hands! 3e%%, enough o( sad th!ngs that *annot "e he%ped) 3!%% #ou ha'e so$e $ore tea4 Then we w!%% ta%k o( #ou)" /es, thought Tasha as she handed 9e%ph!ne her *up- sure%# she *ou%d ta%k to th!s s#$pathet!* wo$an, who d!d not see$ to th!nk her *ra1#) Ar!st!de had a p!rogueand !( th!s Father Ju%!en %!'ed on the ne!gh"or!ng !s%and<) +he was st!%% de"at!ng how to e&p%a!n her pred!*a$ent when 9e%ph!ne returned w!th the two re(!%%ed $ugs) +he handed one to Tasha, resett%ed herse%( on the *on*rete step and at on*e turned to her guest w!th a po%!te "ut %!'e%# *ur!os!t# !n her e#es) JJA(ter ta%k!ng to #ou (or a t!$e," she started w!th the ut$ost *!r*u$spe*t!on, "6 *an see that at heart #ou are a wo$an o( great good sense, not rea%%# *ra1# at a%%) +o perhaps #ou w!%% not $!nd !( 6 ask #ou a s!$p%e :uest!on4"

"O( *ourse not," Tasha sa!d, "reath!ng re%!e( that her *o$!ng re'e%at!ons wou%d "e (a%%!ng on re*ept!'e ears) 9e%ph!ne %eaned (orward *onsp!rator!a%%# and %owered her 'o!*e to a wonder!ng wh!sper as !( su*h $atters *ou%d not "e "roa*hed a%oud) "Te%% $e," she sa!d w!th rounded e#es, "as #ou are so sane, how d!d #ou *o$e to "e so "ad%# a$arr>e! Oh, to turn #ou $ad, !t $ust ha'e "een a 'er#, 'er# strong spe%%!"

+o$u*h (or Father Ju%!en's tea*h!ngs! Tasha's thoughts were wr# as she trudged down the w!nd!ng tra!% se'era% hours %ater, w!th re'e%at!ons st!%% un$ade and *ha!r st!%% !n tow) 9e%ph!ne's une&pe*ted words had o**as!oned a (ew $o$ents o( he%p%ess rea*t!on, and no dou"t Tasha's d!s"e%!e'!ng stare had on%# *on(!r$ed the other wo$an's thoughts) 6t was *%ear that "eneath that %a#er o( *o$$on sense, there were so$e 'er# deep%# rooted superst!t!ons! Tasha had ne'erthe%ess en0o#ed the %ong a(ternoon's '!s!t, putt!ng her own trou"%es as!de !n the (as*!nat!on o( %earn!ng $ore a"out !s%and *usto$s) +he had departed on%# when Ar!st!de 2ru%eau , a so%!d%# "u!%t, p%easant $an o( $!dd%e #ears , had returned (ro$ h!s da#'s (!sh!ng) The trop!* sun hung two hours a"o'e the hor!1on when Tasha (!na%%# e$erged !nto the 'a%%e# o( the *o*o.de.$er pa%$s) +urpr!s!ng%#, 2en had on%# re*ent%# returned (ro$ the sea, as !( he, too, had "een a'o!d!ng th!s $eet!ng) H!s ha!r was st!%% wet, the "a*k o( h!s sh!rt so da$p that she knew he $ust ha'e donned !t w!thout tak!ng t!$e to dr# h!$se%( proper%#) He was outs!de s:uatt!ng "es!de a new%# %a!d (!re, *%ean!ng and gutt!ng (!sh w!th an e((!*!en*# and deter$!ned *on*entrat!on that pre'ented h!$ (ro$ spar!ng $ore than one "r!e( g%an*e (or Tasha) On the s%ow downh!%% wa%k, she had *o$e to the *on*%us!on that !t was "est to atta*k the s!tuat!on (ronta%%#) 6t wou%d "e a $!stake to h!de (ro$ 2en or a'o!d ta%k o( what

had happened) 3h# g!'e h!$ the sat!s(a*t!on o( d!s*o'er!ng how thorough%# hurt and hu$!%!ated she had "een4 That, a(ter a%%, was what he wanted! 6t was t!$e to sa%'age what pr!de she *ou%d, and that, Tasha knew, $eant putt!ng on her *oo%est, $ost *o$posed, $ost *!'!%!1ed de$eanor) 3!th the $ost *asua% o( $anners, she stro%%ed toward the (!re) "3h# the *ha!r4" asked 2en) He *ont!nued to s*a%e one (!nn# spe*!$en '!gorous%#, not %ook!ng at Tasha at a%%) +he p%a*ed the *ha!r on the ground near"# and sat down) "6 don't %!ke s!tt!ng on the grass," she sa!d) "3e%%, a*tua%%#, !t was !ntended as pa#$ent (or Eu%a%!e, "ut 6 *ou%dn't (!nd her)" "Oh4" H!s $onos#%%a"%e was dr# "ut suggested no repr!$and) "6 (ound so$e other peop%e !nstead)" "6 see)" 2en's 'o!*e sounded gr!$ and h!s kn!(e paused o'er h!s work) "/ou'%% "e 'er# happ# to know the# a%% thought $e tota%%# $ad)" ThereA that sounded appropr!ate%# "r!tt%e! +he was p%eased to (!nd that th!s pretense was not too pa!n(u%) Perhaps the eggshe%% was st!%% !nta*t! "6'$ sorr# !( #ou were e$"arrassed)" H!s apo%og# was rough, hard%# an apo%og# at a%%) "6'%% te%% the$ the truth at the end o( the week)" "E$"arrassed4" Tasha pretended !n*redu%!t#) "Rea%%#, 2en, #ou underest!$ate $e) 6n $# pro(ess!on 6'$ :u!te a**usto$ed to "e!ng stared at)" At th!s so$ewhat skewed re(eren*e to the ear%!er s*ene !n the *o*o.de.$er gro'e, 2en on%# s*ow%ed $ore !ntent%# at h!s work) He *hopped o(( a (!sh ta!% w!th so$e

'!*!ousness) "6 thought #ou'd "roken #our pro$!se," he sa!d, "and gone runn!ng (or he%p)" "6 do ha'e one or two good :ua%!t!es , honor a$ong th!e'es, and a%% that)" Tasha wat*hed 2en's "ent head (or another $o$ent, re$!nd!ng herse%( o( the $enta% angu!sh he had su"0e*ted her to, s*rew!ng up her *ourage to *ont!nue th!s *on(rontat!on) At %ength she stret*hed ostentat!ous%# and s!$u%ated a #awn) "Odd, !sn't !t, how ha'!ng a nap dur!ng the da# on%# $akes #ou s%eep!er4 6 was so surpr!sed when 6 woke up !n the gro'e and (ound #ou were gone)" 2en g%an*ed up and a pe*u%!ar %ook (%!*kered o'er h!s (a*e, sett!ng a pu%se to "eat!ng !n Tasha's throat) Her "ored s$!%e was a stud# !n d!sse$"%an*e) "6 thought #ou were upset," he sa!d) "Oh, 6 ad$!t 6 d!dn't %!ke !t at (!rst, "ut one gets used to an#th!ng, e'en 'o#eurs) How %ong d!d #ou wat*h4" "9on't #ou know4" 2en sa!d sharp%#, and then, as !( so$e tens!on w!re had snapped !ns!de, he sudden%# threw down h!s kn!(e, a!$!ng !t so that the "%ade s%!*ed !nto the earth s!& (eet awa#, a**urate%# spear!ng a %ea() He stood up and tossed the8 *%eaned (!sh !nto the !ron pot that a%read# s!$$ered o'er the hot (!re, then knee%ed down to wash h!s hands w!th soap !n a water.(!%%ed ena$e%ware "as!n "es!de h!$ , a%% s$a%% r!tua%s, Tasha sensed, to pre'ent 6$$ed!ate d!s*uss!on o( what had happened) +he (e%t a "!ttersweet tr!u$ph at ha'!ng won so$e s$a%% '!*tor# "# tak!ng the o((ens!'e) 2en stood up aga!n and dr!ed h!s pa%$s on the s!des o( h!s pants, a *%ean "ut $u*h worn pa!r o( 'er# (aded "%ue den!$s that hugged the $as*u%!ne *ontours o( h!s th!ghs as though the# had "een poured !nto p%a*e) Tasha a'erted her e#es unhurr!ed%#, want!ng noth!ng to re$!nd her that she had won a sk!r$!sh, not a "att%e)

2en *a$e to stand d!re*t%# !n (ront o( the *ha!r, %oo$!ng o'er Tasha w!th e%"ows "ent w!de and knu*k%es pressed to h!s h!ps !n an att!tude o( e&asperat!on) 3!th the %ower!ng sun, h!s shadow (e%% !n an o"%!:ue s%ant o'er the earth, and !t was th!s that Tasha now stud!ed, so$ewhat ostentat!ous%#, unt!% a sudden *%oud "%o*ked the sun, *aus!ng her to sh!'er !n'o%untar!%# e'en !n the st!%% hu$!d a!r) "6 d!dn't sta# at a%%," he sa!d !n a %ow %e'e% 'o!*e) "6 %e(t as soon as #ou so o"%!g!ng%# %a!d #ourse%( on the ground) 9!dn't #ou hear $e go4" +he re$e$"ered now the rust%!ng no!ses she had heard, when she had thought 2en to "e undress!ng) 3e%%, that d!dn't e&*use an# o( h!s other "eha'!or! +he put on a purpose%# d!stant s$!%e and $et h!s penetrat!ng and un(r!end%# stare) "6'$ a(ra!d not) For the (!rst (ew $!nutes 6 was too o**up!ed !n tr#!ng to drea$ up a good Garden o( Eden pose) 6'$ on%# sorr# #ou d!dn't see !t, parted %!ps and one knee 0ust a %!tt%e "ent<)" At the s!*k %ook that *a$e o'er 2en's (a*e, she ar*hed her e#e"rows de%!*ate%#) "+ure%# that's what #ou wanted4 /ou d!d te%% $e to th!nk a"out "e!ng E'e) +o that's e&a*t%# what 6 thought a"out) As #ou po!nted out, 6 a$ a pro(ess!ona%)" "Another o( #our good :ua%!t!es4"2en sa!d s*orn(u%%#) Tasha $anaged a (a!nt%# a$used %ook) "Oh, there are $ore) 6 ha'e a wonder(u% sense o( hu$or) 3hen 6 (ound out #ou were gone 6 $anaged to ha'e a good %augh at #our sudden show o( *ons*!en*e) 6$ag!ne go!ng to su*h ne(ar!ous %engths to get $e a%one on th!s !s%and, on%# to "e stopped at the %ast $!nute "e*ause !t turns out 6'$ a '!rg!n! That !s wh# #ou wa%ked awa#, !sn't !t4" "6 don't den# !t) 6 to%d #ou, 6 p%an to wa!t t!%% #ou ask)"

"C!dnapp!ng #es, rape no , !s that !t4 Then #ou''e gone to a great dea% o( trou"%e (or noth!ng, 2en) /ou $!ght as we%% take $e "a*k to ;ah> r!ght awa#, (or 6 don't !ntend to ask su*h a th!ng , e'er)" "Oh4"H!s $outh :u!rked *rue%%# and sardon!*a%%#) "/ou'%% ask soon enough) 6'$ not *on'!n*ed, (or one th!ng, that #ou're te%%!ng the truth a"out #our ph#s!*a% state) 2ut '!rg!n or no, 6''e de*!ded !t's "est to wa!t unt!% #ou sa# p%ease)" Tasha's $us!*a% %!tt%e %augh tr!%%ed w!th !$ag!nar# a$use$ent) "And #ou pretend 6'$ the one who's $ad!" 2en's 'ar!egated torto!seshe%% e#es turned "r!e(%# dangerous, "ut he *ur"ed h!s anger at on*e) "/ou'%% ask) 6 saw the wa# #our "od# was "eg!nn!ng to respond th!s $orn!ng) /ou wanted to undress (or $e or #ou'd ne'er ha'e done !t so w!%%!ng%#) Oh, a *har$!ng show o( $odest#, "ut that *ou%d "e pure (aker#) A%% the sa$e 6 want to hear #ou e&press #our w!%%!ngness !n words)" "And that 6'%% ne'er do!" "No4" he sa!d so(t%#) "6 th!nk #ou'%% ask , "# n!ght(a%%) Fro$ the o"%!g!ng wa# #ou %a# down toda#, 6 th!nk #ou $ust "e a 'er# (rustrated #oung %ad#) And !t wou%dn't "e de*ent to des*r!"e so$e o( the ad'an*es #ou $ade %ast n!ght)" At Tasha's enraged e&press!on, 2en s$!%ed w!th "!tter $o*ker# and turned on h!s hee%s to attend to the s!$$er!ng pot) He tested the (!sh and (ound !t done, *ooked a%$ost !nstant%# !n tne hot 0u!*es o( the stew!ng 'egeta"%es he had prepared ear%!er) 3!th *on. s!dera"%# $ore e&pert!se than Tasha had a*h!e'ed th!s $orn!ng, he hooked the pot (ro$ !ts per*h and ser'ed !ts *ontents !nto two huge "ow%s that were !n truth $ere%# *%eaned po%!shed ha%'es o( the *o*o.de.$er nut) He handed one "ow%, w!th eat!ng !$p%e$ents, to Tasha, and then to her surpr!se produ*ed so$e *hunks o( *rust# Fren*h "read) At %ast he %e'ered h!$se%( to the ground and sat *ross.%egged, eat!ng h!s own $ea% !n "rood!ng s!%en*e)

6t was !ron!*, thought Tasha, how he *ontr!'ed to put her !n the wrong, as !( the who%e hu$!%!at!ng s*ene had "een her (au%t! The appet!1!ng and aro$at!* (ood soon o'er*a$e the !n!t!a% !$pu%se to throw the,"ow%"a*k !n 2en's (a*e) 6t was Creo%e *ooker# o( a k!nd that ;a& wou%d ne'er ha'e per$!tted her to eat, a sp!*# and thorough%# de%!*!ous *on*o*t!on o( *hopped on!on, gar%!*, to$ato and (!ne%# s%!*ed green pepper) P%us a dash o( g!nger root, Tasha guessed, as she dug hungr!%# !nto the d!sh) +he was *ur!ous to know the na$e o( the de%!*ate%# (%a'ored (!sh, "ut wou%d not g!'e 2en the sat!s(a*t!on o( ask!ng) Food see$ed to put 2en !n a so$ewhat "etter te$per) He a*tua%%# %ooked sat!s(!ed as he $opped h!s "ow% *%ean w!th a %ast p!e*e o( "read and sett%ed "a*k *o$(orta"%# on an e%"ow) "2ourgeo!s," he sa!d out o( a "%ue sk#) Tasha "%!nked, not understand!ng) "6 "eg #our pardon4" "The (!sh , !t's "ourgeo!s, otherw!se known as red snapper, 0ust to answer #our :uest!on)" "6 don't re$e$"er ask!ng," Tasha *ut)"a*k ) J'An!s%and de%!*a*#,' 2en re$arked, see$!ng%# !nsens!t!'e to her "ar") "E'en "etter !( !t's "aked) Perhaps 6'%% *onstru*t us an earth o'en to$orrow)" "3here d!d #ou "ake #our "read toda#4 Or does th!s !s%and ha'e stores #ou ha'en't to%d $e a"out4" "2ought !t !n ;ah>," 2en sa!d pro$pt%#, draw!ng Tasha's !$$ed!ate and angr# surpr!se) "6 ha'e a *oo% storage "!n under the hut , "o&es and "o&es o( *anned

goods, too) Oh, d!dn't 6 show #ou the rest o( the supp%!es4;ust ha'e "een an o'ers!ght)" The %!tt%e ha%( s$!%e that %!(ted one *orner o( h!s $outh was !n(ur!at!ng, and :u!*k%# Tasha returned her attent!on to her $ea%) "6( #ou hadn't run awa# %ast n!ght #ou'd ha'e seen the$ a%%, "rown e#es, as the# *a$e out o( the "oat)Canned (ru!ts, *anned 'egeta"%es, e'en a *oup%e o( *anned ha$s)" He shrugged !n $o*k apo%og#) "Fa*t !s, 6 don't p%an to spend too $u*h t!$e pro'!s!on!ng th!s week, or 6 won't "e a"%e to keep #ou *o$pan#)" "6 don't re$e$"er ask!ng (or that, e!ther," she sa!d tart%#) "+o 6''e $ade other arrange$ents) Not %ong ago 6 ta%ked to one o( the %o*a% (!sher$en as he was "r!ng!ng !n h!s p!rogue) A $an na$ed Ar!st!de 2ru%eau , n!*e *heer(u% (e%%ow) He's agreed to supp%# us (or the rest o( the week) And !( Ar!st!de has the k!nd o( %u*k he's hop!ng (or, #ou'%% ha'e a *han*e to sa$p%e a rea%%# unusua% (!sh) +ee$s he's "een tr#!ng to harpoon th!s part!*u%ar *reature (or a $onth now, and he's "ound and deter$!ned to su**eed) A rea% honest.to.goodness +e#*he%%esde%!*a*#, and so$eth!ng #ou'%% ne'er (!nd !n e'en !n the (!nest restaurants)" Tasha $anaged to %ook d!s!nterested as she speared a s$a%% p!e*e o( (!sh and *arr!ed !t de%!*ate%# to her $outh) "6'$ g%ad #ou asked $e that :uest!on," 2en sa!d dr#%#, and then pro*eeded not to answer, e&*ept o"%!:ue%#) "Ar!st!de sa#s th!s !s 0ust a s$a%%!sh one, on%# a th!rteen. (oot w!ngspread) 3e%%, 6 dou"t that's $ore than a thousand pounds, horn# (!ns and a%%) 3h#, 6''e seen 'e$ three t!$es that we!ght, w!th $onster "at.w!ngs and $ouths %!ke 0et.a!r s*oops! 3ou%d #ou %!ke $e to ask Ar!st!de !( #ou *an ha'e the ta!%4" Tasha th!nned her %!ps !n an e&press!on that was wasted on 2en, who d!s$!ssed her s!%en*e w!th a wa'e) ondon, Par!s or Ro$e, not

"Oh, 6 know #ou're too proud to ask) +o 6'%% 0ust surpr!se #ou w!th !t , !t'%% $ake a good sou'en!r o( the +e#*he%%es) And #ou don't e'en ha'e to use !t as a rea% wh!p, un%ess #ou want)" 3!ngs4Jet.a!r s*oops4 Horn# (!ns4A ta!% %!ke a wh!p4 6t a%% *on0ured up '!s!ons o( a 'er# strange and a%ar$!ng sea *reature, a Ca%!"an o( the deep, "ut a(ter 2en's sar*as$ Tasha (e%t she *ou%d not poss!"%# ask) +he "!t "a*k her *ur!os!t#) "Ah, we%%," s!ghed 2en, "Ar!st!de pro"a"%# won't *at*h !t an#wa#- the *reature's sh# as a '!o%et) On the other hand, there are so$e peop%e who sa# !t's $ore %!ke a "!g "utter(%# when !t (%aps those gent%e w!ngs) " "'/ou w!n," sa!d Tasha, (e!gn!ng "oredo$) "3hat !s !t, (!sh or (ow%4" Gradua%%# 2en's $o*k!ng s$!%e (aded, to "e rep%a*ed "# an e&press!on 'er# $u*h %!ke one '!sua%!1ed !n Tasha's !$ag!n!ngs ear%!er toda#) "6 0ust wanted to pro'e to #ou," he sa!d !n a so(t and dangerous 'o!*e, "that #ou*an "e $ade to ask)" He shook h!$se%( to h!s (eet and 'an!shed !nto the hut, %ea'!ng Tasha a%one) And !n the shak# a(ter$ath o( that s$o%der!ng ga1e, !t was so$e t!$e "e(ore !t o**urred to her that he had not answered her :uest!on a"out Ar!st!de's e&traord!nar#. sound!ng (!sh)

CHAPTER N6NE

On*e Tasha had :ue%%ed the d!sorder%# sensat!ons resu%t!ng (ro$ 2en's part!ng shot, she de*!ded to attend to the da#'s d!shes) +he added the (ew "ow%s and !$p%e$ents (ro$ supper to the part%# %oaded pa!% 2en had "rought outs!de (or the purpose, and $ade her wa# o'er to the strea$, (rank%# g%ad o( ha'!ng so$eth!ng *onstru*t!'e to do) The *o*o.de.$er "ow%s r!nsed *%ean eas!%# !n the (resh water, and the s!%k# sand (ound at the edges o( the strea$ $ade (or a *red!ta"%e 0o" o( s*our!ng pots) To her surpr!se, she (ound herse%( thorough%# en0o#!ng the ho$e# task) 9ur!ng the past (ew $onths as the Fa"!enne wo$an, she had had (ew opportun!t!es to pra*t!*e the househo%d arts trans$!tted to her %ong ago "# her Fren*h grand$other, a pra*t!*a% wo$an who had "een enor$ous%# proud o( her househo%d and $anager!a% sk!%%s) Th!nk!ng now o( the $e%t!ng *rD$es *ara$D%es and de%!*!ous (%ans her grand$other had on*e taught her to $ake, Tasha (e%t her $outh water!ng) 6t was $onths s!n*e she had "een a%%owed su*h treats) 3hat e&traord!nar# th!ngs ;#st!:ue had done to her appet!te! 6( on%# ;a& Fa"!enne knew! Re$e$"er!ng ;a&, Tasha sudden%# re*a%%ed w!th great '!'!dness the wa# he'd %ooked when she'd %ast seen h!$) +o$e w!*ked !$p *aused her $outh to *ur% !nto a s$!%e) Poor ;a&! How he $ust ha'e hated to %ook (oo%!sh !n (ront o( so $an# peop%e! No dou"t on*e he had re*o'ered (ro$ the sho*k o( (!nd!ng Tasha had "een sp!r!ted awa# (ro$ under h!s 'er# nose, ha%( o( h!s *onsternat!on wou%d re'o%'e around the %oss o( h!s own persona% d!gn!t#) 3hat k!nd o( e((orts was ;a& $ak!ng to (!nd her now4 +he re$e$"ered that he had "een tr#!ng to a*:u!re a %!st o( propert# owners that 'er# (!rst da# at the hote%) And 2en owned propert#) +ure%# that (a*t wou%d "e on re*ord !n the *ap!ta% o( =!*tor!a43h!*h $eant that ;a& and res*uers $!ght arr!'e at an# t!$e)

The thought ga'e her hope) 6( on%# she *ou%d $anage to keep 2en at "a#! And o( *ourse she *ou%d, as %ong as he (u%(!%%ed h!s %atest pro$!se o( wa!t!ng unt!% she asked h!$ to $ake %o'e to her, (or she *erta!n%# had no !ntent!on o( do!ng that) 3hat o'erween!ng arrogan*e on h!s part to th!nk she wou%d e'er !n'!te h!s e$"ra*es a(ter the k!nd o( treat$ent she had su((ered at h!s hands! +he was (ee%!ng :u!te heartened and se%(.*on(!dent "# the t!$e she turned her (ootsteps "a*k to the hut, the pa!% (u%% o( spot%ess d!shes !n her hand) A stor$ appeared to "e "rew!ng- there was a strange wa!t!ng st!%%ness !n the a!r) Great "%a*k *%ouds were gather!ng o'erhead, *o$pet!ng w!th the purp%!sh darkness o( ;#st!:ue's h!gh $ounta!ns) For on*e, no "ree1es st!rred and *%attered !n the tops o( the *o*o.de.$er pa%$s) Tasha turned her (a*e deter$!ned%# awa# (ro$ that d!re*t!on) On an !$pu%se she detoured to the (ar s!de o( the *%ear!ng and spent so$e s%ow $!nutes sear*h!ng $ore *%ose%# (or the path that %ed to Eu%a%!e's hut) Cnow!ng now that !t was not the $ore o"'!ous open!ng !n the trees, wh!*h %ed to the ho$e o( Ar!st!de 2ru%eau, she was a"%e to %o*ate another path ha%(.h!dden "# hea'# o'ergrowth) A $o$ent or two o( *he*k!ng her '!sua% "ear!ngs assured her that th!s was, !ndeed, the spot where Eu%a%!e had a"andoned her the n!ght "e(ore) +o perhaps she wou%d #et "e a"%e to repa# the o%d wo$an's k!ndnesses !n so$e s$a%% wa#) 3hen she entered the hut, 2en was $!dwa# through (o%d!ng "a*k the *o'ers o( one o( the "eds)That done, he du$ped the ent!re *ontents o( h!s du((e% "ag on the other "ed, an o"'!ous d!s*ourage$ent to !ts use) "Too "ad," he noted "%and%#, ru$$ag!ng through the *%oth!ng thus d!sp%a#ed, "6 d!dn't "r!ng a spare pa!r o( pa0a$as) +o !( #ou don't *are (or the '!ew ton!ght #ou ha'e on%# #ourse%( to "%a$e)" Tasha *o$pressed her %!ps "ut $ade no *o$$ent- !nstead she went o'er to the ta"%e and sat down)

"On the other hand, !t on%# $akes us e'en)" 2en stra!ghtened (ro$ h!s task and "estowed a $o*k!ng g%an*e on Tasha) "As 6 re*a%%, %ast n!ght #ou weren't too happ# a"out the !n0ust!*e o( $# ha'!ng pa0a$as when #ou d!dn't) Ton!ght #ou *an re0o!*e) 3e'%% "oth s%eep !n the "u(()" "No, thanks," *a$e her tart re0o!nder) "6'%% use one o( #our sh!rts) As #ou''e %a!d the$ out on $# "ed, 6 presu$e 6 ha'e the r!ght to use the$)" "He%p #ourse%()" 2en wa'ed $agnan!$ous%#) "3hat do #ou p%an to use on #our %ower ha%(4" "Restra!nt," Tasha returned *o%d%#) 2en *hu*k%ed, "ut w!th an arrogan*e and sugges.t!'eness that to%d her he (u%%# e&pe*ted surrender "e(ore the n!ght was through) "That'%% "e a *hange (ro$ %ast n!ght," he $ur$ured unsett%!ng%# as he started to $o'e a"out the hut, (!%%!ng kerosene %anterns (or the n!ght that wou%d soon (a%%) 3!th the %ast %antern (!%%ed, he *a$e to a ha%t and stood %ook!ng down at Tasha !n a thorough%# d!stur"!ng wa#) "At %east #ou'%% go to "ed so"er ton!ght) +o when #ou put the :uest!on th!s t!$e, 6'%% "e a"%e to sa# #es) /ou do re$e$"er putt!ng the :uest!on %ast n!ght, don't #ou4 /ou sa!d p%ease $ore t!$es than 6 *are to re$e$"er) '' 9esp!te her sur(a*e *o$posure, Tasha *r!nged !ns!de) Had she rea%%# "een so a"andoned %ast n!ght as to !ssue an outr!ght and repeated !n'!tat!on4 "/ou $ust ha'e $!sunderstood $e," she sa!d *oo%%#) "6 was pro"a"%# ask!ng (or so$eth!ng e%se, so$e supper, perhaps) 6 re$e$"er 6 was star'!ng)" "+o$e wa# to s!ng (or #our supper,"*a$e the deep%# !ron!* response) "Perhaps 6 shou%dn't ha'e (ed #ou so we%% ton!ght, !( hunger resu%ts !n su*h wanton "eha'!or) At %east ton!ght #ou *an't "%a$e an#th!ng on a %a*k o( (ood) /ou tu*ked !n %!ke a trooper at suppert!$e) That "read 'an!shed as !( "# $ag!*! 6( 6'd known, 6'd ha'e "ought tw!*e as $u*h at that pat!sser!e !n ;ah>)"

Pat!sser!e4At the 'er# word the 0u!*es started (%ow!ng aga!n- '!s!ons o( her grand$other's (%ak# pastr!es dan*ed !n Tasha's head) 6t was hard to "e%!e'e she *ou%d st!%! "e hungr# a(ter the hea%th# $ea% she had 0ust de'oured, so !t $ust ha'e "een nosta%g!a that produ*ed the apparent%# !d%e :uest!on) "/ou d!dn't "# *han*e "u# an# pastr!es, d!d #ou4 " 2en %!(ted h!s "rows :uest!on!ng%#)"+t!%% hungr#4 6n that *ase 6'%% rust%e up so$e dessert "e(ore !t gets dark outs!de and "e(ore that stor$ "reaks) 6t won't take a $!nute)" 3h!%e he was gone, Tasha re(%e*ted on*e $ore on the ra'ages ;#st!:ue had worked on her *are(u% d!et) As a ru%e, she was not too d!s*ontent to o"e# ;a&'s d!*tu$s a"out %!$!t!ng :uant!t!es, poss!"%# "e*ause she pre(erred (oods w!th $ore season!ngs than ;a& was prepared to a%%ow) 3e%%, she was *erta!n%# $ak!ng up (or $!ssed opportun!t!es now! "+orr#, no pastr!es," 2en sa!d when he returned, thus d!sappo!nt!ng Tasha "r!e(%#) "6 d!dn't rea%!1e #ou had a sweet tooth or 6'd ha'e sto*ked up) Not that 6 *ou%d ha'e "rought the per!sha"%e k!nd, w!th no re(r!gerat!on) Th!s !s the *%osest th!ng to a *rea$ (!%%!ng 6 *ou%d *o$e up w!th) 6t's a %o*a% spe*!a%t#)" He was *arr#!ng a tra# w!th a %arge ser'!ng "ow%, two s$a%%er d!shes and a "ott%e o( Co!ntreau) "Hand# ha'!ng that %arder under the hut," he sa!d *heer(u%%#, and Tasha *a$e to the *on*%us!on that he had "een ra!d!ng the supp%# o( *anned goods "rought (ro$ ;ah>) The %arge "ow% *onta!ned a :uant!t# o( a wh!t!sh 0e%%#%!ke pudd!ng) "Aren't #ou go!ng to ask $e what !t !s4" "No," she sa!d, re$e$"er!ng that the %ast t!$e she had asked a s!$!%ar :uest!on 2en had not answered)

H!s on%# *o$$ent was a :u!rk o( one e#e"row) He sat down, spooned a %arge he%p!ng o( the dessert !nto one o( the s$a%%er d!shes and %a*ed !t w!th the %!:ueur) Then, to Tasha's spee*h%ess rage, he s%!d the d!sh !n (ront o( h!s own p%a*e and "egan to eat w!th e&aggerated re%!sh) "He%p#ourse%( ," he suggested a(ter he had taken se'era% $outh(u%s) "6 wou%dn't take too $u*h to start w!th) 6t $!ghtn't agree w!th #ou) And a(ter %ast n!ght, 6 th!nk #ou'd "etter sta# awa# (ro$ the %!:ueur a%together)" "There's a"so%ute%# noth!ng wrong w!th $# d!gest!on," Tasha sa!d sp!r!ted%#, and rea*hed o'er to ser'eherse%( an e'en $ore generous port!on than 2en's) A %!"era% dash o( Co!ntreau went on top) "Per'erse *reature, aren't #ou4" re$arked 2en, h!s e#es en!g$at!* as he wat*hed her put awa# a %arge $outh(u%)"O"st!nate as a $u%e)/ou'%% ne'er "e a"%e to get through that a$ount) 6( 6'd d!shed #ou up a he%p!ng that s!1e, #ou'd ha'e to%d $e #ou *ou%dn't stand the stu(()" The 0e%%# was "%and and sweet!sh, a *o*onut.(%a'ored pudd!ng o( so$e k!nd to wh!*h the Co!ntreau added a p%easant "!te) Ne'erthe%ess, !t was not e&a*t%# what Tasha wou%d ha'e se%e*ted !( she had had (ree *ho!*e !n the $atter) "That shows how wrong #ou are," she sa!d, d!gg!ng !n) "6 %o'e !t)" 2en (!n!shed h!s port!on "e(ore she d!d, and he t!%ted "a*k !n h!s *ha!r to wat*h wh!%e Tasha out o( sheer $u%!shness worked her wa# 'er# near%# to the "otto$ o( her generous%# (!%%ed d!sh) On%# when she was s*rap!ng up the 'er# %ast spoon(u% d!d 2en sa# !d%#, "Cra1#, !sn't !t)that $en used to pa# so $u*h (or a s!ng%e taste o( that stu((4" Tasha's spoon (ro1e !n $!da!r, an !n'o%untar# rea*t!on she *ou%d not *on*ea% (ro$ 2en) The (ru!t o( the *o*o.de.$er! Cou%d !t "e4 6t was so utter%# d!((erent (ro$ an# *o*onut she had e'er eaten)

"/ou tr!*ked $e !nto eat!ng !t," she sa!d angr!%#, putt!ng the spoon down) There was no po!nt pretend!ng now- 2en had seen her hes!tat!on) "9!d 64" H!s (a*e was a stud# !n !nno*en*e) "6 don't re*a%%) +ure%# #ou guessed #ou were eat!ng the (or"!dden (ru!t4" "No)" "Ah) 3e%%, 6 wou%d ha'e to%d #ou !( #ou had asked) 6 do re$e$"er sa#!ng th!s was a %o*a% spe*!a%t#, h!gh%# pr!1ed "# the +e#*he%%o!s e'en toda#) Perhaps #ou''e ne'er tasted the 0e%%# (ro$ an !$$ature *o*onut4 Or perhaps #ou d!dn't rea%!1e "e*ause o( the %!:ueur , !t does *on*ea% the (%a'or so$ewhat)" "/ou're 'er# $!staken, !( #ou th!nk (eed!ng $e an aphrod!s!a* !s go!ng to produ*e the resu%t #ou're %ook!ng (or)" 2en stroked h!s 0aw !n a wa# that !nd!*ated sat!s(a*t!on, and he ra!sed h!s "rows !n $o*k surpr!se) "+ure%# #ou don't *red!t that superst!t!ous nonsense) 6''e eaten the stu(( a hundred t!$es, and..." He paused, and h!s e#es took on a (arawa# %ook, as !( o%d and p%easant $e$or!es were reassert!ng the$se%'es) He a%%owed a re(%e*t!'e s$!%e to *ur'e h!s $outh) "3e%%, $a#"e there's so$eth!ng to !t at that) Now that 6 re*a%%..." Cnow!ng (u%% we%% that he was tr#!ng to upset her, Tasha strugg%ed to rega!n her usua% po!se, w!th so$e su**ess) "O( *ourse 6 know !t's not an aphrod!s!a*) 2ut 6 don't %!ke to "e tr!*ked! " "Then #ou shou%d stop "e!ng so orner#)" 2en stood up, *%eared awa# the d!shes and wa%ked around the ta"%e) There was a predator# g%ea$ !n h!s e#e as he stood there, tower!ng too *%ose, do$!nat!ng her (!e%d o( '!s!on) "6t's too eas# to tr!*k so$eone

who !ns!sts on "e!ng as stu""orn as #ou) +o wh# don't #ou 0ust sa'e a %ot o( t!$e and ask $e to $ake %o'e to #ou r!ght awa#4" Tasha %onged to turn her e#es awa# "ut knew that wou%d "e de(eat o( a k!nd) +%ow%# she d!re*ted her ga1e to h!s "e%t "u*k%e, wh!*h was no $ore reassur!ng than those s$ok!ng e#es) +he was a%ar$!ng%# aware o( e'er# t!n# deta!% a"out h!$ , the wa!t!ng stan*e, the thu$"s hooked !nto the wa!st"and o( h!s (aded 0eans, the ath%et!* th!ghs, the power(u% (orear$s) +he tr!ed to (o*us on the d!a% o( the sturd# e&pens!'e d!'er's wat*h he wore, "ut !t was a strong p%a!n wat*h that ser'ed on%# to re$!nd her o( h!s o'erpower!ng ph#s!:ue) +he (e%t unner'!ng%# *%ose to ask!ng the :uest!on he wanted to hear) "Can #ou hand $e $# $akeup *ase, p%ease4" she re:uested, th!nk!ng to re$o'e her *onta*t %enses) 6t o**urred to her that the n!ght ahead wou%d "e*o$e a great dea% %ess tr#!ng !( she *ou%d not see w!th su*h *%ar!t#, (or e'en though !t was now grow!ng 'er# g%oo$# !n the hut, she knew that 2en wou%d soon "e %!ght!ng the %anterns- and *erta!n%# the %enses $ust *o$e out so$et!$e th!s e'en!ng, an#wa#) "That's the wrong :uest!on," 2en re$arked sardon!*a%%#, "ut he o"%!ged "# "r!ng!ng the *ase o'er to the ta"%e) "6 suppose #ou want to $ake #ourse%( attra*t!'e (or the *o$!ng sedu*t!on s*ene) +o th!s t!$e 6 won't o"0e*t)E#e%ashes, (oundat!on, the who%e da$n works !( #ou want) And %ots o( %!pst!*k, too, (or 6 p%an to re$o'e !t !n the "est poss!"%e wa#)" "Th!s t!$e re'erse ps#*ho%og# won't work)" Tasha (or*ed a %!ght de(ens!'e %augh) "Now that 6 know #our te*hn!:ue, 6 s!$p%# won't (a%% (or !t aga!n)" The %augh returned 2en to s!%en*e, g!'!ng Tasha so$e te$porar# ad'antage) A sudden gust o( w!nd *hased through the hut's open w!ndows, a re$!nder that the stor$ and the n!ght were (ast approa*h!ng) Tasha d!d not open her *ase as #et) +he wa!ted wh!%e 2en, now !n a "rood!ng $ood, attended to %!ght!ng the %a$ps) That done, he set a"out pu%%!ng the shutters *%osed aga!nst the sw!(t%# en*roa*h!ng darkness)

He paused at the se*ond w!ndow o'er%ook!ng the *o*o.de.$er gro'e) Outs!de, the w!nd now wh!pped at the tops o( the pa%$s, toss!ng the (ronds w!%d%# aga!nst a g%oo$# g%ower!ng sk#) The $oan!ng and *%ash!ng o( the treetops $ade an eer!e sound) 2en stood (or a $o$ent w!th h!s hands "ra*ed on the st!%%.open shutters, star!ng out at the aweso$e spe*ta*%e) "6n the +e#*he%%es there's a superst!t!on a"out stor$# n!ghts !!ke th!s," he ru$!nated) "The# sa# th!s !s when the *o*o.de.$er pa%$s $ate) The#'re supposed to $ake %o'e !n the sa$e wa# hu$ans do) A**ord!ng to %o*a% "e%!e(, the $a%e pa%$ a*tua%%# wa%ks o'er to where the (e$a%e stands wa!t!ng (or h!$)" "3hat (oo%!sh nonsense," Tasha sa!d) ";ost %egends are) A%% the sa$e, there are %o*a%s who swear "# !t, e'en though the#''e ne'er seen su*h a th!ng w!th the!r own e#es) The %egend $anages to perpetuate !tse%( "e*ause !t's supposed to "e !n'ar!a"%# (ata%, !( one happens to w!tness the trees %o*ked !n a$orous e$"ra*e)+o, the ne*essar# !ngred!ent o( a%% good %egends , no %!'!ng e#ew!tnesses) And perhaps there's so$e s$a%% kerne% o( truth to the "e%!e( a(ter a%%) 6t $a# 'er# we%% "e on n!ghts %!ke th!s that the *o*o. de.$er pa%$s rea%%#do $ate , a**ord!ng to the!r part!*u%ar (ash!on) The $ethod !s w!nd po%%!nat!on)" "H!gh%# ro$ant!*," Tasha sa!d w!th de%!"erate sar*as$) 2ut !n truth, 2en's re'e%at!on o( the %o*a% %egend had *aused a pe*u%!ar pr!*k%!ng o( the ha!r at the nape o( her ne*k, re$!nd!ng her that she $ust 'er# :u!*k%# don her 'er# thorn!est de(enses (or the e'en!ng ahead) And the *onta*t %enses $ust *o$e out at on*e- she saw 2en's power(u% (ra$e (ar too *%ear%# (or her own good) 2es!des, her e#es (e%t :u!te "urned out) And so, w!th %ow %a$ps %!t and the w!nd $oan!ng "e#ond the shuttered w!ndows, Tasha at %ast re$o'ed the *onta*ts) 2en went to %ounge !n the *ha!r d!re*t%# a*ross

the ta"%e and wat*hed her !n *#n!*a% s!%en*e) 6gnor!ng h!$, she %eaned toward her s$a%% $!rror and de(t%# p!n*hed the so(t %!tt%e "!ts o( p%ast!* out o( her e#es, preparator# to putt!ng the$ !n soak!ng so%ut!on (or the n!ght) ";# God, do #ou go through that e'er# da#4 6 d!dn't know #ou wore *onta*t %enses)" "That's the who%e !dea o( the$) Peop%e aren't supposed to know)" 2en's (a*e was now a "%ur o( h!gh%!ghts and deep shadows that deter$!ned on%# the rough out%!nes and none o( the e&press!on) 2ut h!s 'o!*e sounded !$pat!ent) "Co$e o(( !t, Tasha) +ure%# #our e#es!ght !sn't that "ad)" "Oh, #es !t !s) 3h#, e'en Eu%a%!e not!*ed)" Tasha paused $!dwa# through restor!ng the %enses to the!r s$a%% p%ast!* *arr#!ng *ase, a $aneu'er at wh!*h she was now so pra*t!*ed she *ou%d ha'e done !t !n the dark) "/ou d!d sa# the %!tt%e go%d w!re was (or e#es!ght, d!dn't #ou4 6 see$ to re$e$"er that)" "That's 0ust a %o*a% "e%!e(, not *on(!ned to Eu%a%!e, 6 $!ght add)Another p!e*e o( superst!t!ous nonsense , an a%together *ra1# not!on) " Tasha pondered,then re$e$"ered that Ar!st!de 2ru%eau had a%so worn the %!tt%e tw!st o( w!re !n h!s ear) "6n that *ase the go%d w!re wou%d su!t $e 'er# we%%," she noted dr#%#, "as e'er#one th!nks 6'$ *ra1# an#wa#) A%% the sa$e, 6 wonder how Eu%a%!eknew4 " "Perhaps she d!dn't know at a%%) A %ot o( +e#.*he%%o!s wear the go%d w!re when there's a"so%ute%# noth!ng wrong w!th the!r e#es!ght) Ask the$ wh# the# do, the#'%% answer w!th !nd!sputa"%e %a*k o( %og!* that o( *ourse there's noth!ng wrong w!th the!r e#es!ght , "ut there $!ght "e !( the# re$o'ed the w!re)" "Or perhaps she dete*ted the *onta*t %enses !n $# e#es," Tasha sa!d re(%e*t!'e%#) "+he had the $ost a$a1!ng e#es!ght herse%() +he *ou%d see per(e*t%# !n the dark)"

"And !$putes !t to the w!re, no dou"t," 2en noted wr#%#) "N!ght '!s!on doesn't depend on superst!t!on- !t depends on '!ta$!n A) There'd "e %ots o( that !n the roots and 'egeta"%es she eats)" Tasha s!ghed and tu*ked her %ens *ase awa# (or the n!ght) "6 suppose #ou're r!ght," she sa!d) "3h#do #ou wear *onta*ts, Tasha4 As 6 re*a%% (ro$ the short g%!$pse 6 on*e had, #our read!ng g%asses %ooked :u!te endear!ng on #ou) 6n (a*t, !t was one o( the th!ngs that (oo%ed $e !nto th!nk!ng #ou had #our hu$an s!de) " The "!te !n 2en's words he%ped st!((en Tasha's reso%'e) 3!th so$e anger at herse%(, she rea%!1ed she had "een a"out to re%a& her guard, d!'erted "# thoughts o( the o%d w!t*h wo$an !n the woods) 3e%%, no $ore! How *ou%d 2en d!sp%a# su*h s*orn (or her on the one hand, and on the other e&pe*t her to $e%t !n h!s ar$s4 ong.pra*t!*ed de(ens!'e $e*han!s$s kept her (ro$ "etra#!ng that h!s words had the power to hurt) "6 do ha'e $# hu$an s!de," she sa!d de(!ant%#, (ee%!ng around !n the $akeup *ase (or the ha!r"rush she *ou%d no %onger :u!te see) +he wanted an o**upat!on (or her hands, wh!*h see$ed to "e tr#!ng to tre$"%e) "6 %!ke to see as we%% as "e seen) 2es!des, 6 %!ke to read the $enus !n restaurants)" 2en $ade no *o$$ent on her po!nted re(eren*e to the ear%!er e'ents o( the da#) He wat*hed !n s!%en*e (or a $o$ent as she "egan the "rush!ng o( her ha!r, us!ng %ong s$ooth strokes (or the n!ght%# r!tua% she ne'er neg%e*ted) !*ked "# %a$p%!ght, the ha!r g%ea$ed %!ke "%a*k sat!n- "ut Tasha's !ntent!on was not (or art!(!*e) "6 hear #ou don't e'en ha'e to do that, "e*ause ;a& !ns!sts on do!ng a%% the order!ng (or #ou , spe*!a% d!ets and so (orth)A%though God knows wh# #ou need a

Fren*h *he( (or a "reak(ast o( so(t."o!%ed eggs and grape(ru!t , or a $enu, (or that $atter)" Tasha's ha!r"rush *a$e to a sudden ha%t as so$eth!ng 2en had sa!d got through the top %a#er o( her *ons*!ousness) +he stared at h!s !nd!st!n*t (eatures) "How do #ou know what 6 eat (or "reak(ast4 And how do #ou know ;a& does the order!ng4" "6 hear th!ngs)" "/ou pa!d so$eone on the hote% sta((!" "Not :u!te," he sa!d) The dr# $o*ker# !n h!s 'o!*e was *%ear to hear) "2ut the hote% "e%ongs to an o%d (r!end o( $!ne , the $an who ser'ed as $# guard!an, !n (a*t, dur!ng $# grow!ng.up #ears) Oh, he doesn't know e&a*t%# what's go!ng on) 6 to%d h!$ #ou and 6 wanted a week together as we were *onte$p%at!ng pat*h!ng th!ngs up, "ut ;a& was $ak!ng th!ngs d!((!*u%t "e*ause o( so$e *ontra*t #ou had s!gned) He was :u!te *on'!n*ed he was a!d!ng the *ause o( true %o'e) Now do #ou get the p!*ture4" Poor '!s!on d!d not pre'ent Tasha (ro$ see!ng the "road wh!te gr!n that had grown o'er 2en's (a*e dur!ng th!s re*!tat!on) Her e#es w!dened,then narrowed aga!n) "+o that's how #ou arranged th!s who%e th!ng!" "+!$p%!(!es $atters, doesn't !t4 Ah, Tasha) 6 was kept !n(or$ed e'er# t!$e that e%egant "o#(r!end o( #ours %!(ted a (!nger) !kes to keep peop%e on h!s toes, doesn't he4 Natura%%#, the hote% $anager was !nstru*ted to "e $ost *ooperat!'e) 3hat the House o( Fa"!enne wants, the House o( Fa"!enne gets! " 2en !n*%!ned h!s head !n a $o*k "ow and (aked a Fren*h a**ent)"A *harter "oat,$ons!eur! 2ut o( *ourse!A p!%ot49'a**ord , the 'er# "est! One who knows these waters !nt!$ate%# and *an %ead #ou to the per(e*t spot! A $an *a%%ed *o$p%e&!on<)" e Rouge, wh!*h!s a(ter a%% on%# a %o*a% e&press!on $ean!ng a Creo%e o( not too dark

"+o that was #ou, too," she e&p%oded) 2en !gnored her !nterrupt!on)"A %!st o( the propert# owners4 Ah, we sha%% do e'en "etter! 3e sha%% pro*ure (or #ou a %!st, o( e'er#one o( the age to 'ote! =er# o((!*!a%, #ou understand, and not at a%% do*tored, "ut a (ew #ears out o( date , when the e%us!'e ;r) Cra!g was not %!'!ng here at a%%) A ,what !s #our Eng%!sh e&press!on , a ro%%!ng stone..." "9a$n#ou, 2en!" "Oh,and there's $ore," 2en went on der!s!'e%#) "A 'an to use on the da# o( the shoot4 Ah,ou!, $ons!eur, a 'an that *an a%so "e used as a dress!ng roo$) And !( so$e $anner%ess (e%%ow th!nks to "reak the door, the owner w!%% not e'en *harge h!$) And what e%se4A *op# o( the %atest "ook o( ;r) Cra!g4 ;a!s ou!! An autographed *op#, !( #ou w!sh! No "ook 0a*ket o( *ourse, (or !t *o$es (ro$ a %ad#'s persona% %!"rar#) F%#%ea( !ns*r!"ed 'To 9!ana dar%!ng, w!th %o'e (ro$ 2en)' The sear*hers shou%d ha'e an a$us!ng t!$e %ook!ng !nto $# a$orous e&p%o!ts, h$$4" 2# now Tasha had grown a**usto$ed to 2en's %atest surpr!se- she returned to the "rush!ng o( her ha!r w!th a renewed '!gor that e&pressed so$e o( her anger) "O( wh!*h 9!ana !s on%# one, need%ess to sa#," she sa!d through her teeth) There was so$eth!ng s*orn(u% !n the d!$ dark poo%s that were 2en's e#es) "6 ha'en't "een as *e%!"ate as #ou," he ad$!tted w!th a shrug o( h!s "road shou%ders) "Nature d!dn't "u!%d $e to "e a $onk) There ha'e "een a (ew en*ounters o'er the #ears) 2ut as (or 9!ana, aren't #ou go!ng to ask $e whether she's a rea% person, or 0ust a red herr!ng4" "6 don't th!nk 6'%% ask that :uest!on," Tasha sa!d w!th an o"st!nate t!%t o( her *h!n) "6 don't want to know a"out #our se&ua% pre(eren*es, herr!ng or otherw!se)"

Th!s t!$e 2en *hu*k%ed (%eet!ng%#, a deep, !nt!$ate, '!"rant sound that he%d a $o*k!ng :ua%!t#) He %eaned (orward and propped (o%ded ar$s on the ta"%e, "r!ng!ng h!s (a*e $ore d!re*t%# !nto the %a$p%!ght) +t!%%, !t was on%# the "road strokes o( h!s e&press!on that Tasha *ou%d see , the rugged 0aw, the strong we%%.de(!ned *heek"ones, the $outh w!th !ts tug o( a$use$ent) "9e'!%(!sh, "he sa!d) Tasha's ha!r"rush paused !n $!dstroke) "6 "eg #our pardon4" she sa!d w!th a "%!nk) "9e'!%(!sh) That's the answer to the :uest!on #ou asked outs!de) /ou d!d want to know a"out Ar!st!de's "!g (!sh, d!dn't #ou4 The %o*a%s *a%% !t de'!%(!sh) 6t gets !ts na$e (ro$ !ts %ooks, not (ro$ !ts nature) 6n sp!te o( !ts s!1e, !t runs awa# (ro$ danger) Perhaps #ou're $ore (a$!%!ar w!th !ts rea% na$e , $anta ra#) Great gra*e(u% *reatures, and 'er# good eat!ng)" "6t was on%# a rhetor!*a% :uest!on," sa!d Tasha, (!n!sh!ng her hundredth stroke and popp!ng her "rush "a*k !n the *ase) +he *ons!dered *rea$!ng her (a*e s!$p%# to !rr!tate 2en, de*!ded aga!nst !t and *%!*ked the *ase *%osed) "6'$ not a*tua%%# !nterested) Now to answer #our :uest!on , no, 6 don't)" 2en's dark "rows went up a not*h- she *ou%d see we%% enough to d!st!ngu!sh that) "6 don't re$e$"er ask!ng an#th!ng)" "3h#, a"out sou'en!rs o( $# sta# !n the +e#*he%%es," she sa!d $o*k.!nno*ent%#) "The answer !s no) 6 want noth!ng to re$e$"er !t "#)" Tasha's unth!nk!ng%# pro'o*at!'e taunt and 2en's response o( utter s!%en*e awakened a new so$eth!ng !n the a!r "etween the$) 6t grew as the# sat antagon!st!*a%%# star!ng at ea*h other a*ross the ta"%e, ene$!es !n oppos!ng *a$ps e&*hang!ng word%ess $essages) Tens!on *ra*k%ed !n the a!r- and "oth re*ogn!1ed that a%% the words that had passed "etween the$ were on%# pre%!$!nar!es (or the

p!t*hed "att%e a"out to "e 0o!ned) Or was !t a "att%e4 The $essages see$ed not so host!%e now<) At %ast 2en "roke the s!%en*e, "ut so :u!et%# that !t d!d not d!srupt the e%e*tr!*a% *urrent that ran "etween the$) "6sn't !t t!$e," he sa!d !n the so(test o( 'o!*es, "that #ou asked the :uest!on that's rea%%# on #our $!nd4 /ou do ha'e a :uest!on, don't #ou4 The one 6 to%d #ou to ask)" Tasha's prote*t!'e %a#er o( "r!tt%e soph!st!*at!on see$ed to ha'e deserted her now) +he was $es$er!1ed "# the deep shadows o( h!s e#es, as !( he were a h#pnot!st and she under h!s spe%%) "/es, 6 ha'e a :uest!on," she sa!d !n a %ow 'o!*e, not "reak!ng the tran*e, ""ut 6 don't th!nk #ou<know what !t !s<)" "6t has to do w!th $# $ak!ng %o'e to #ou," 2en $ur$ured, and the wa# he sa!d the words was another wa# o( $ak!ng %o'e) "6 knew what #ou wanted when #ou *a$e "a*k toda#) /ou d!dn't ha'e to *o$e "a*k toda#) /ou know that) 6 know that)" And !n that $o$ent she knew !t was true) +he *ou%d ha'e asked 9e%ph!ne (or he%p, and !( she had not done so !t was "e*ause she had not rea%%# wanted to) 9e%ph!ne was superst!t!ous "ut not *a%%ous- sure%# she wou%d ha'e g!'en Tasha she%ter) 6t was 2en who had drawn her "a*k8 2en, %!ke the pu%% o( the t!de- 2en, %!ke a (%a$e to a $oth- 2en, %!ke a %odestone to a *o$pass need%e) +he had *o$e "a*k "e*ause she wanted to *o$e "a*k< or perhaps "e*ause 2en, %!ke a *on0urer o( the $!nd, had w!%%ed her to *o$e "a*k... "Ask $e to $ake %o'e to #ou," he *o$$anded) 9!stur"ed, she tr!ed to (!ght the $agnet!s$ o( h!s attra*t!on, tr!ed to den# the *o$pe%%!ng (or*e o( her own senses) "No," she $ur$ured !n a 'o!*e so %ow !t *ou%d hard%# "e heard) "No..."

And #et !n th!s w!t*h!ng hour her protest was too (ee"%e) +%ow%#, not "reak!ng the $ood o( the n!ght, 2en rose to h!s (u%% he!ght and *a$e around the ta"%e) The %a$p%!ght *ast h!s %ong and *hang!ng shadow around the dusk.d!$ roo$, o'er the wa%%s, o'er the rough p%ank (%oor, o'er the (o%ded."a*k sheets o( the "ed) He%p%ess%# she su"$!tted to the (!ngers that *%osed o'er her upper ar$s, draw!ng her to her (eet) O"e#!ng the s%ow *o$$and o( h!s hands, she swa#ed toward h!$, st!%% ga1!ng !nto those g%oo$.*ar'ed e#es) 6t was a $o$ent to destro# a%% Tasha's *are(u% de(enses , perhaps "e*ause o( what the %a$p%!ght re'ea%ed !n that sensuous uns$!%!ng $outh- perhaps "e*ause o( the an!$a% heat o( that ta%% *%ose $as*u%!ne "od#- perhaps "e*ause o( the drugg!ng so(tness o( h!s words) "6 want #ou," he $ur$ured husk!%#, and she *ou%d sense the wa# h!s e#e%!ds had grown hea'#, s%u$"erous w!th des!re) "/our %!ps, #our "reasts, #our h!ps, e'er# part o( #ou<to see, to tou*h, to k!ss, to possess..." And there were other words, woo!ng words, want!ng words, a %!tan# o( so(t %o'e words as he %ed her a*ross the roo$) +he surrendered to the ar$s that %a!d her gent%# a%ong the "ed, "e*ause she *ou%d not he%p "ut surrender) He str!pped her o( her *%othes s%ow%#, ardent%#, "ath!ng her !n k!sses as he re$o'ed ea*h gar$ent, unt!% a%% o( her %a# "ared to h!s '!ew , the so(t rose.t!pped swe%% o( "reast, the s%ender *ur'e o( wa!st, the s$ooth (%are o( h!p, the %ong, s%!$ shape%# %egs) ;odest# (orgotten, she shuddered "eneath h!s tou*h) A tre$u%ous awareness o( her own wants and h!s ro""ed her o( w!t and reason) He%p%ess to res!st, she "ent to the power and the pass!on o( those $aster(u% hands that were d!s*o'er!ng her go%d. t!nged (%esh< *ours!ng s%ow%# o'er her, and she w!th no w!%% or w!sh to stop the$) 6n un*harted reg!ons o( her "od#, sh!'er!ng sensat!ons rose %!ke w!nd.st!rr!ngs "e(ore a ga%e) And e'en as h!s hands "roa*hed (or"!dden %ands, he $ur$ured husk!%# o( what he w!shed to do and "randed her heated sk!n w!th war$ e&pert k!sses)

"How so(t #ou are) =e%'et and sat!n, and "reasts %!ke peta%s< $ade (or a $an to k!ss<) " H!s parted %!ps $o'ed (ro$ the s!%ken (urrow "etween her "reasts, unt!% the# *%a!$ed the!r tre$"%!ng tautened goa%) F%ushed, (e'er!sh w!th des!re, she *ou%d on%# #!e%d to the s%ow and sk!%%(u% (eather!ngs o( h!s tongue) And a%% the wh!%e, h!s hands "%a1ed tra!%s e%sewhere, strok!ng and seek!ng and (!nd!ng other goa%s w!th a %eashed ardor that turned her "ones to %!:u!d and her "%ood to (!re) And #et, when h!s tou*h grew too !nt!$ate, she $ade a (ee"%e e((ort to turn (ro$ h!s hands) "9on't tw!st awa#, $# %o'e<#ou want to "e tou*hed<%!ke th!s<)" 9eep w!th!n her, a great need grew, a we%%!ng swe%%!ng want!ng need that *ou%d hard%# "e den!ed, unt!% her so(t $ean!ng%ess $oan!ng to%d h!$ that she tre$"%ed on the "r!nk o( so$e $ag!*a% $ar'e%ous d!s*o'er#) 9rugged w!th des!re, she d!d not at (!rst understand when 2en drew upward on her "od# and $ur$ured the !ns!d!ous words aga!nst her $outh) "The :uest!on," he wh!spered husk!%#, "6 ha'en't heard the :uest!on)" Her da1ed e#es *a$e open and she ga1ed at h!$ through a "%ur o( '!s!on, at (!rst *o$prehend!ng noth!ng) Gradua%%# !t penetrated her awareness that 2en was st!%% (u%%# *%othed, desp!te h!s own potent arousa%) Aga!nst her naked h!p, the roughness o( den!$ $o%d!ng power(u% th!ghs to%d her h!s urgen*# was st!%% "e!ng he%d !n *he*k (or the $o$ent o( her surrender) "6 ha'en't heard #our :uest!on," he re$!nded her !n a s$ok# 'o!*e, tra*!ng her $outh w!th a (!nger) "6 pro$!sed 6'd wa!t (or !t) +a# !t now) /ou do ha'e a :uest!on)" The $ag!* o( the n!ght e&p%oded !n a pu(( o( s$oke, as !( !t had "een no $ore than the !%%us!on o( a $aster $ag!*!an) Tasha wren*hed herse%( awa# (ro$ h!s hands and snat*hed a sheet to *o'er the nakedness that sudden%# see$ed hu$!%!at!ng)

"/es, 6 ha'e a :uest!on!" Her e#es were %arge and de(!ant, her "od# shak!ng a%% o'er !n '!o%ent rea*t!on to the !nterrupt!on o( pass!on) "3h# do #ou hate $e so4" 2en eased h!$se%( s%ow%# awa# (ro$ her and sat on the edge o( the "ed, *onte$p%at!ng her w!th narrowed e#es) The s!%en*e see$ed !$$ense, desp!te the we!rd $oan!ng o( *%ash!ng (ronds outs!de !n the dark n!ght) At %ast, as !( rea*h!ng so$e de*!s!on, 2en stood up and wa%ked ha%(wa# a*ross the roo$) He stood there w!th h!s "a*k turned and h!s (!sts *%en*h!ng and un*%en*h!ng at h!s s!des, "etra#!ng strong !nner tens!ons) "3h# do #ou hate $e, 2en4" Tasha repeated !n a %ow (!er*e 'o!*e) "3hat d!d 6 do on our wedd!ng n!ght4" "6 thought 6'd ne'er d!s*uss that n!ght w!th #ou," he sa!d !n a re$ote e$"!ttered wa#) "2ut perhaps, !( 6'$ to get what 6 want (ro$ #ou, 6 w!%% ha'e to te%%<)"

CHAPTER TEN

2en's $e$or!es o( the!r wedd!ng n!ght were not so 'er# d!((erent (ro$ her own, "ut h!s perspe*t!'e was d!((erent) +!tt!ng there !n the d!$ pr!$!t!'e hut and %!sten!ng to h!s drone o( re*o%%e*t!ons, Tasha (e%t nu$"ed that h!s read!ng o( her "eha'!or shou%d "e so 'er# (ar re$o'ed (ro$ the truth) And how *ou%d she de(end her a*t!ons when e'en now, se'en #ears %ater, she *ou%d not see where she had "een at (au%t4 The *ottage the# were to use (or the (!rst n!ght o( the hone#$oon, "e(ore tra'e%!ng to a dest!nat!on 2en had not at that t!$e re'ea%ed, had "een %oaned "# a good (r!end o( Tasha's (ather) 6t was !n +urre#, and a(ter the wedd!ng 2en had dr!'en the d!stan*e !n a (or"!dd!ng s!%en*e that Tasha had not "roken "e*ause o( the *o%d s!*kness *ur%!ng !ns!de her, a s!*kness that "e*a$e a*ute as she wat*hed 2en's knu*k%es *%en*hed o'er the steer!ng whee%) 3!th her new *onta*t %enses (!r$%# !n p%a*e and her horn.r!$$ed g%asses (ore'er d!s*arded, she *ou%d see th!ngs now that she had ne'er seen "e(ore , the sens!t!'e %!nes at the edges o( h!s t!ght $outh, the "rood!ng tens!ons !n h!s e#es and the dark *!r*%es "eneath, the *ontro%%ed (%are o( h!s nostr!%s, the hard set o( h!s 0aw) 3as he that angr# a"out "e!ng trapped !nto $arr!age4 He was not dr!'!ng 'er# we%%, a $atter that see$ed to *on(!r$ her guess that he had taken a (ew dr!nks to "o%ster h!$se%( (or the wedd!ng) And #et, "e!ng 2en, !( he (e%t so strong%# a"out "e!ng trapped, wh# had he g!'en !n to her (ather's pressures4 The *ottage was se*%uded, no $ore than a shadowed shape !n the darkness that had (a%%en so$e two hours "e(ore) The s*ent o( roses and 'er"ena was strong !n the a!r)

The $other%# wo$an who was there dur!ng the da# wa!ted on%# %ong enough to %et the$ !nto the %ow.t!$"ered dwe%%!ng) "P'e %e(t so$e *o%d supper, though 6''e no dou"t #ou ate at #our re*ept!on) 6 won't "e "a*k to$orrow, "ut !( #ou need $e 0ust *a%%) 6''e %e(t $# nu$"er "es!de the te%ephone," she had added w!th a sw!(t and unrewarded s$!%e !n 2en's d!re*t!on) +he a'erted her ga1e sw!(t%# as !( she, too, sensed that so$e 'o%*an!* e$ot!on was "ott%ed !n that (ore"od!ng (a*e) "Can we g!'e #ou a %!(t so$ewhere4" Tasha had asked a(ter so$e "r!e( !nstru*t!ons had "een !$parted) "6 %!'e on%# a :uarter $!%e (ro$ here) 2es!des, 6'$ used to the wa%kA and !t's a starr# n!ght) 2es!des, #our hus"and $ust "e..." 2ut 2en had a%read# 'an!shed !nto another part o( the *ottage, and Tasha *ou%d hear the sounds o( water runn!ng) +he *o%ored, then $u$"%ed so$e e&*use, and the wo$an $ade a sw!(t e&!t, pretend!ng not to not!*e2en ' s rudeness) The awkward $o$ent had %e(t Tasha (ee%!ng $!sera"%e and thorough%# a%one !n those un(a$!%!ar surround!ngs, w!th a $an who see$ed to ha'e turned !nto a tota% stranger) And she was sure that 2en's "%a*k $ood *ou%d "e *aused "# on%# one th!ng) 3hen 2en reentered the !nt!$ate%# %!t %!'!ng roo$, he was $opp!ng h!s (a*e w!th a towe%, and that ga'e Tasha a *han*e to put on a "ra'e "r!ght e&press!on) Her soph!st!*ated *%othes he%ped, too, g!'!ng her a 'eneer that to%d noth!ng o( the s!nk!ng sensat!ons !ns!de) "Can 6 get #ou a dr!nk4" she o((ered) ";rs) +!$$s showed $e where the supp%# !s kept)"

"No, thanks)"+o$eth!ng a"out h!s 'o!*e, though $u((%ed "# the towe%, d!s*ouraged *o$$un!*at!on o( an# k!nd) +!*k at heart, Tasha tr!ed to s*rew up her *ourage to *on(ront the pro"%e$ d!re*t%#) "2en< we *an *a%% a ha%t to th!s r!ght now," she sa!d !n a stra!ned 'o!*e) "There's st!%% t!$e to get an annu%$ent)" As the towe% *a$e awa# (ro$ 2en's (a*e, she saw that h!s $outh he%d a "!tter tw!st, as !( se%(.*ontro% were d!((!*u%t !ndeed) He (o*used h!s e#es on Tasha a%$ost as !( he had "e*o$e aware o( her (or the (!rst t!$e toda#) "6s that what #ou want4" she pressed, agon!1!ng as she wa!ted (or h!s answer) "6<what4"H!s strong (!ngers, not so stead# now, ran ragged%# o'er the *r!sp ha!r at the "a*k o( h!s ne*k) "Perhaps #ou'd "etter %ea'e $e a%one," he sa!d th!*k%# and none too po%!te%#) "6'$ !n no $ood to d!s*uss an#th!ng ton!ght) 3e'%% ha'e !t out to$orrow)" Tasha swa%%owed) "To$orrow $a# "e too %ate (or d!s*uss!ons," she sa!d) +he %o*ked her hands together !n a gesture des!gned to g!'e her se%(.*on(!den*e) Her knees were pra*t!*a%%# kno*k!ng, "ut thank goodness, 2en wou%d not "e a"%e to dete*t that) "6 don't want to go through w!th<ton!ght< know!ng #ou're not w!%%!ng) 3e shou%d ha'e d!s*ussed !t "e(ore the wedd!ng, "ut as there wasn't an opportun!t#...." "9o we ha'e to ta%k a"out th!s now4" He s!ghed hea'!%#) "O( *ourse 6 was w!%%!ng) 6 sa!d the words, d!dn't 64" "Oh, 2en, when #ou a%$ost d!dn't turn up (or the wedd!ng, 6 was sure that #ou weren't *o$!ng) 6, "

"6 won't d!s*uss $# reasons (or "e!ng %ate," he *ut !n *urt%# and w!th un$!staka"%e (!na%!t#) Tasha "egan to (ee% desperate) "2ut we ha'e to ta%k! 6 know #ou're (ee%!ng trapped, and< that's not what 6 want)" "Oh, (or God's sake, Tasha, 6'$ not the t#pe to get trapped) /ou''e "een around enough to know that)" Tasha took a deep "reath and wondered whether th!s was the t!$e to te%% h!$ the truth a"out herse%( and her age) 2ut 2en "egan to pa*e the (%oor, (oresta%%!ng an# !$$ed!ate d!s*%osure) H!s "!g "od#, usua%%# so %!the and panther!sh, was tensed !n a wa# that suggested not energ# "ut rest%ess e&haust!onA 9esp!te a %!nger!ng th!*kness o( 'o!*e, he sounded :u!te so"er now, and angr# "e*ause he was "e!ng (or*ed !nto a d!s*uss!on he d!d not want) "Good God, Tasha, shotgun $arr!ages are stra!ght out o( another *entur#) +ure%# #ou $ust know 6 had other reasons (or go!ng a%ong w!th the who%e th!ng)" And Tasha was sure she knew what those reasons were) 2ut she a*hed (or 2en to te%% her !n so $an# words that he had not $arr!ed her $ere%# "e*ause o( the pressures her (ather had "een app%#!ng) "Other<reasons4" she pers!sted, "egg!ng (or the words o( %o'e he had ne'er sa!d) "9o #ou $ean #ou were p%ann!ng to propose an#wa#4" "To "e honest<no)"He *ont!nued to prow% the roo$, rak!ng h!s ha!r) "6t wou%d ne'er ha'e o**urred to $e- 6 had !ntended a (ew $ore #ears o( (reedo$ "e(ore sett%!ng down) Oh, there was a spontaneous *o$"ust!on "etween us, 6 don't den# that) 6 wanted 'er# "ad%# to take #ou to "ed, "ut that's as (ar as !t went) 6n nor$a% *!r*u$stan*es, 6'd ha'e $ade %o'e to #ou, and< wa%ked out) " Tasha's 'o!*e grew unnatura%%# h!gh) "6n other words #ou were trapped!"

2en ha%ted %ong enough to %ook at her w!th d!s*on*ert!ng%# narrowed e#es) "6 wasn't *on*erned a"out #our honor, !( that's what #ou $ean," he sa!d s%ow%#) "A wo$an goes to "ed when she's read# and w!%%!ng, and that's that) 6 suppose 6 was trapped, "ut not !n the wa# #ou th!nk) /our "a*khanded proposa% took $e "# surpr!se- 6 hadn't e'en *ons!dered $arr!age at that po!nt) And 6 took $#se%( "# surpr!se when 6 agreed) 6 opened $# $outh to te%% #ou to go to he%%, and< so$eth!ng e%se *a$e out) ;a#"e !t was "e*ause 6'd seen #ou w!th #our ha!r and #our de(enses down, and those s!%%# g%asses per*hed on #our nose) /ou %ooked< hu$an)=u%nera"%e)" Tasha's *h!n t!%ted de(!ant%# and her e#es grew 'er# "r!ght) "2e%!e'e$e, #ou d!dn't ha'e to $arr# $e 0ust "e*ause #ou (e%t sorr# (or $e!" 2en's rest%ess pa*!ng *a$e to a ha%t, and he stared at her w!th shuttered dark. r!$$ed e#es) "6 d!dn't (ee% sorr# (or #ou," he sa!d %e'e%%#) "/ou're a grown wo$an, :u!te *apa"%e o( tak!ng *are o( #ourse%() 6 $arr!ed #ou "e*ause 6 wanted to)" Her (!ngerna!%s dug (urrows !nto the pa%$s o( her hands) He was %#!ng, o( *oursee'er# !nse*ure "one !n her "od# to%d her so) "6( that were true, #ou'd ha'e sa!d so$eth!ng a"out %o'e! " H!s %ong s!%en*e was unner'!ng and so was the "rood!ng wa# he %ooked at her) 3hen he spoke, h!s 'o!*e was dangerous%# :u!et) "6 to%d #ou 6 d!dn't want th!s *on'ersat!on now) There are so$e th!ngs a $an %!kes to sa# !n h!s own wa#, !n h!s own t!$e, w!thout "e!ng pushed) 6'%% sa# those th!ngs when 6'$ read#)" "And 6 won't "e%!e'e the$ !( #ou do! 6 happen to know #ou $arr!ed $e "e*ause #ou were pressured !nto !t, "e*ause #ou want #our "ook pu"%!shed)" There, !t was out, the terr!"%e (ear that had "een %!ke ga%% and wor$wood !ns!de her) And $ore than an#th!ng, she wanted 2en to den# !t)

"6s that rea%%# #our op!n!on o( $e, Tasha4" he asked, h!s e#es de*!ded%# *o%d) "As !t happens #ou're wrong)" 3arr!ng e$ot!ons tugged Tasha e'er# wh!*h wa#) 2en's den!a% %e(t her ha%(. re%!e'ed, ha%(.d!s"e%!e'!ng- and h!s un(r!end%# $anner (!%%ed her w!th ado%es*ent despa!r) /et none o( those th!ngs showed !n the aggress!'e t!%t o( her head, !n the too "r!ght e#es) "6n that *ase, 2en Cra!g, stop "eha'!ng %!ke a *ornered to$*at! " H!s %ong "od# tensed !nto a death%# st!%%ness, and (or a $o$ent so$e naked and haunt!ng e$ot!on (%!tted through h!s e#es) Then sudden%# he turned h!s "a*k and h!s strong shou%ders hun*hed, shutt!ng her out) He see$ed to ha'e *reated a wa%% around h!$se%( !n that !nstant) "Take $# word (or !t, Tasha," he sa!d (!na%%# !n a (%at un!n(%e*ted 'o!*e, "6 $arr!ed #ou o( $# own (ree w!%%) 6 !ntend to go through w!th !t, too) Now do #ou $!nd4 6'd %!ke to "e a%one (or a wh!%e)" And at %ength, a(ter a (ew $ore unrewarded e((orts to "rea*h that wa%%, Tasha $ade her wa# to the "edroo$, e&pe*t!ng 2en to (o%%ow !n t!$e) He had de*%!ned the o((er o( *o%d supper, and Tasha herse%( had no appet!te whatsoe'er) +he was st!%% d!stur"ed "# 2en's un*o$$un!*at!'eness, "ut what *ou%d she do4 He pers!sted !n sa#!ng he had $arr!ed her w!%%!ng%#, and !t *ou%d "e true) And sure%#, a%% wou%d "e r!ght on*e he *a$e to her !n "ed... The n!ghtgown was "%a*k, transparent and 'er#, 'er# sensuous) The soph!st!*ated s!%k sk!$$ed her "reasts and her h!ps, s%!d!ng o'er sk!n and *%!ng!ng where !t shou%d *%!ng) +he %ooked at her re(%e*t!on !n the (u%%.%ength $!rror on one wa%% and was reasona"%# sat!s(!ed w!th what she saw) 3ou%d 2en "e sat!s(!ed too4 Her "reasts were not 'o%uptuous as she w!shed the$ to "e, "ut the# were 'er# de(!n!te%#there, and n!*e%# shaped, too) The so(tness o( the (!%$# (a"r!* re'ea%ed that the %ong s%ender %!$"s had (!na%%# %ost the gang%!ness o( teenage #ears and rounded !nto $ore

wo$an%# *ontours) And soon, !n 2en's ar$s, she wou%d "e*o$e a wo$an (or on*e and (or a%%) +he sh!'ered, not unp%easura"%#, w!th $e$or!es o( the e&pert k!sses that had aroused her so sk!%%(u%%# on*e "e(ore) Then, "e*ause she e&pe*ted she wou%d ha'e no opportun!t# to do so %ater, and "e*ause her e#es were grow!ng t!red, she re$o'ed the new *onta*ts and put the$ !n the!r *ase (or the n!ght) At %ast she s%!d "etween the sheets !n the "!g o%d.(ash!oned (our.poster) A(ter a $o$ent's re(%e*t!on she *%!*ked o(( the "eds!de %a$p so that 2en wou%d know she was read#) And so "egan the %ong wa!t) How %ong had she wa!ted4Two hours, three4 6t had see$ed a %!(et!$e) At %ast, when apprehens!on turned to a *o%d hard "a%% o( angu!sh !n her "reast, she turned on the %!ght aga!n, pu%%ed a w!sp# neg%!gee o'er her n!ghtdress, and padded a*ross the now (u11!%# de(!ned roo$) 3hen she opened the door that %ed d!re*t%# !nto the %!'!ng roo$, she ha%( e&pe*ted to (!nd that 2en had "een dr!nk!ng) The s*ene was d!$, %!t on%# "# the %ong sha(t o( %!ght ta!%!ng through the "edroo$ door, and one $u*h %ower %!ght that "urned near the entran*e) +he saw we%% enough to d!st!ngu!sh that 2en was stret*hed on the *ou*h, st!%% (u%%# dressed, w!th one ar$ propped o'er h!s (a*e) "2en<" she started so(t%#, th!nk!ng he $!ght "e as%eep) He at on*e %e'ered h!$se%( to h!s (eet and wa%ked to the (!rep%a*e) He propped h!s hands on the $ante% and stood there "rood!ng !nto the *o%d ashes %e(t "# so$e %ong. ago spr!ng (!re) "6 thought #ou were as%eep," he sa!d, sound!ng *o%d so"er) "As #ou see, 6'$ not)" +he paused, wa!t!ng (or an answer, and when none *a$e, she added, "Aren't #ou< *o$!ng to "ed4"

+he w!shed desperate%# that she *ou%d see h!s (a*e, "e*ause the unearth%# s!%en*e that greeted her words to%d her noth!ng o( h!s (ee%!ngs) 9esp!te e'er#th!ng, she wanted 2en to des!re her- to $ake %o'e to her) And so, w!th trep!dat!on !n her heart, she s%!d her neg%!gee (ro$ her shou%ders and wa%ked a*ross the roo$, de%!"erate%# $o'!ng !nto 2en's %!ne o( '!s!on, w!th her shou%ders pressed aga!nst the $ante% and one hand tentat!'e%# tou*h!ng h!s s%ee'e) He tensed per*ept!"%#, "ut $ade no $o'e to retreat) "6t's our wedd!ng n!ght, 2en," she re$!nded h!$ so(t%#) +%ow%#, h!s head turned) +he knew he was %ook!ng d!re*t%# at her now, a%though to her una!ded s!ght noth!ng o( the e$ot!on !n those g%oo$.*ar'ed e#es was '!s!"%e) H!s $outh was stra!ght, tota%%# de'o!d o( e&press!on) 3hat was !t he wanted4 3hat was he wa!t!ng (or4 9!d he not th!nk her a%%ur!ng enough4 3!th her heart !n her throat, she %owered the shoestr!ng straps o( her n!ghtgown, tr#!ng to %ook sedu*t!'e) "For God's sake, Tasha, grow up," he sa!d !n a "!tter angr# 'o!*e) "Th!s !sn't the t!$e (or that) 6 ha'e so$eth!ng e%se on $# $!nd)" Her (!ngers t!ghtened o'er the straps 0ust !n t!$e to pre'ent the n!ghtgown (ro$ (a%%!ng) "+o$eth!ng e%se4" she sa!d (a!nt%#, not understand!ng) 2en's shadow.hooded e#es st!%% re'ea%ed noth!ng, and th!s t!$e h!s 'o!*e turned de%!"erate%# (%at) "6 was th!nk!ng a"out a *ornered *at," he sa!d e&pres.s!on%ess%#) For %ong se*onds Tasha stared at that "%urred en!g$at!* (a*e) 3as 2en tr#!ng to te%% her that he was not w!%%!ng a(ter a%%4 6t see$ed a d!re*t re(eren*e to her ear%!er words, a $arked%# *rue% *rush!ng o( her #outh(u% hopes and drea$s) Or was !t 0ust 2en's !dea o( a 0oke4 6( so, !t was a "ad one) To he%p her through the

awkward $o$ent, she %aughed, a ner'ous art!(!*!a% %augh that was pure%# de(ens!'e !n nature) The sudden "%!nd rage that se!1ed 2en then took her tota%%# "# surpr!se) H!s $outh tw!sted !nto a snar% and h!s hands a"andoned the support o( the $ante% to d!g (ero*!ous%# !nto the so(t (%esh o( her upper ar$s) +tunned, she *ou%d on%# gasp as he shook her angr!%#, as !( she had "een no $ore than a rag do%%) Her n!ghtgown sp!%%ed downward, e&pos!ng her "reasts) ";# God, what !s !t #ou want o( $e, Tasha4;# guts< as we%% as $# heart and $# sou%4 " "6 don't want an# o( #ou!" she so""ed, her ha!r strea$!ng o'er her (a*e as the words were shaken (ro$ her "od#) "6( th!s !s #our !dea o( $arr!age, 6''e had enough! 6'$ not read# (or $arr!age, e!ther , at %east not to a<a "rute %!ke #ou! 6 %!ed to #ou, 2en Cra!g! /ou to%d $e to g.grow up, and #ou're< r!ghter than #ou know! 6''e ne'er "een w!th a $an) 6'$ a '!rg!n, 2en, and 6'$ not twent#.(our, 6'$ on%# se'enteen! 6nstead o( th!nk!ng a"out a<a *at, #ou $!ght th!nk a"out that! " Her re'e%at!on "rought none o( the $er*# she hoped (or) H!s (!ngers seared e'en $ore "ru!s!ng%# !nto her ar$s, and he spat a %ow and ug%# *urse through *%en*hed teeth) "/ou sha%%ow %!tt%e "!t*h," he grated harsh%#, "#ou $a# not ha'e %ost #our '!rg!n!t#, "ut #ou''e %ost e'er#th!ng e%se) Ha'e #ou no sens!t!'!t# at a%%4 9on't #ou g!'e a da$n a"out an#"od# e%se's (ee%!ngs4" "No!" she *r!ed) "6 *are a"out $!ne! /ou're hurt!ng $e, 2en, hurt, " H!s $outh *a$e o'er hers %!ke an e&p%os!on, dr!'!ng the un(!n!shed word "a*k !n her throat) There was pun!sh$ent !n that possess!on, "ut no %o'e) 6t was a tra'est# o( a k!ss, an !ntrus!'e, "ruta% e&press!on o( rage and hatred) 6t was as !( so$eth!ng !ns!de 2en had snapped) +he had a%wa#s known that a pr!$!t!'e part o( h!$ e&!sted,

%urk!ng not (ar "eneath the sur(a*e, "ut she *ou%d ne'er ha'e guessed how *rue% he *ou%d "e, how '!o%ent, how hurt(u%, how !nd!((erent to her strugg%es) 6gnor!ng her (%a!%!ng %!$"s, he had wren*hed her !nto h!s ar$s and swept her toward the "edroo$, h!s hands s*or*h!ng her "reasts and her th!ghs, h!s tongue ra'!sh!ng her $outh w!th a (ero*!t# and thoroughness that $ade !t !$poss!"%e (or her to *at*h a s!ng%e "reath) +he (e%t herse%( drown!ng, su((o*at!ng !n that e&p%os!on o( hatred<) +he %ost *ons*!ousness !n the !nstant he (%ung her "od# on the "ed, and when she *a$e out o( the (a!nt, naked and sh!'er!ng, 2en was gone) +he was sure she had "een raped) +he had "een too sha$ed to te%% her (ather, or an#"od#, $u*h o( what had happened- and so !t was so$e t!$e "e(ore she d!s*o'ered the truth) Her (ather, not know!ng the (u%% stor#, had de(ended 2en) "9on't push !t, Tasha," Char%es ;ontgo$er# had sa!d $!%d%#) "Not o'er so$e %!tt%e %o'ers' spat! 6 ha'e a (ee%!ng so$eth!ng was trou"%!ng 2en- he s!$p%# wasn't h!$se%() Truth !s, 6 %!ke the $an, and a%though 6 don't ho%d w!th h!s *ourtsh!p $ethods, 6 *on(ess 6 was p%eased "# the out*o$e) Now pro$!se $e #ou won't tr# to put an end to the $arr!age w!thout g!'!ng !t a (a!r tr!a%! " "Fa!r tr!a%4"Her despa!r!ng %!tt%e %augh he%d no a$use$ent as she *ast her e#es to the *e!%!ng to pre'ent an out"urst o( tears) "9on't #ou see, papa, 2en wou%dn't g!'e !t a tr!a% e'en !( 6 were w!%%!ng, wh!*h 6'$ not) He phoned th!s $orn!ng to sa# he was %ea'!ng the *ountr#)" "2ut he d!dn't $ent!on d!'or*e4" There was a hope(u% note !n her (ather's 'o!*e) "No, and when6 d!d, he<he 0ust swore so(t%# and hung up on $e) Oh, papa, wh# d!dn't #ou %ea'e we%% enough a%one4 2en wou%d ne'er ha'e $arr!ed $e w!thout #our !nter(eren*e)"

Char%es ;ontgo$er# %ooked at her strange%#) "9!dn't #ou know, Tasha4 6 don't den# 6 tr!ed to e&ert so$e pressure, (or 6 d!dn't %!ke to see #ou so unhapp#) 2en's on%# answer was a *a"%egra$ te%%!ng J!$ Arthur to go to he%% , we%%, not those words e&a*t%#, "ut that was the genera% dr!(t o( the $essage)" 3h!*h was wh#, Tasha supposed now, she had not sought a d!'or*e !$$ed!ate%#so$e su"*ons*!ous part o( her had hoped 2en wou%d reappear) 6t was not unt!% so$e $onths %ater, when she at %ast (ound *ourage to put an outr!ght :uest!on to the (a$!%# do*tor, that she %earned she had not "een '!o%ated at a%%) 2# then, 2en's wherea"outs were a tota% $#ster#) Cnow!ng she *ou%d se*ure an annu%$ent whene'er she w!shed, Tasha $ade no $o'e to seek a d!'or*e) The $arr!age had !ts use(u% s!de) 6n the !nter'en!ng $onths, $en had "e*o$e so$eth!ng o( a pro"%e$- *onta*t %enses had turned the ug%# du*k%!ng !nto a "eaut!(u% swan) "/ou$!ght ha'e wa!ted around %ong enough to $ake sure 6 *a$e out o( the (a!nt!" Tasha a**used now) "6 d!dn't e'en know #ou had (a!nted," 2en responded w!th not a :u!'er o( re$orse) He was stand!ng "# the w!ndow near the (oot o( the "ed) He had opened the shutter a (ew !n*hes and stood w!th h!s hand propped on !ts edge, "rood!ng out !nto the stor$.%ashed *o*o.de.$er gro'e $u*h as he had "rooded !nto the (!rep%a*e on thatn!ght so %ong ago) "/ou $ust ha'e suspe*ted so$eth!ng o( the k!nd when 6 a**used #ou o( rap!ng $e, "Tasha sa!d t!ght%#) "2ut when 6 $ent!oned that and spoke o( d!'or*e, #ou s!$p%# hung up) /ou $!ght ha'e de(ended #ourse%()" "3h#4" 2en shrugged and turned to %ook at her) "6 wasn't !nterested !n #our good op!n!on) As (ar as 6 was *on*erned, our $arr!age was none&!stent) 2ut 0ust to $ake sure, when 6 sa!%ed around the wor%d 6 took a s$a%% s!de tr!p and se*ured a ;e&!*an d!'or*e, "e*ause 6 *ou%d hard%# pro'e grounds (or annu%$ent w!thout #our *ooperat!on) And 6 was da$ned !( 6'd ask (or that)"

"+o that's where #ou got the d!'or*e!" "Ku!*k and not too t!d#, 6'%% ad$!t) 2ut at that po!nt, 6 on%# wanted to "e r!d o( #ou as speed!%# as poss!"%e)" Tasha %ooked at the ta%% out%!nes o( h!s "od# and w!shed she had not re$o'ed her %enses ear%!er) +he *ou%d see %!tt%e $ore o( h!s e&press!on now than she had "een a"%e to see on that %ong.ago n!ght- !t %e(t her (ee%!ng at a d!sad'antage) +he a'erted her (a*e s%!ght%#, sure that he was su"0e*t!ng her to a sensuous s$ok!ng s*rut!n# o( the t#pe that he%d detestat!on as we%% as des!re) +he tr!ed to 'o!d her (a*e o( e&press!on) "/ou st!%% ha'en't to%d $e wh# #ou hate $e," she sa!d) "2e*ause 6 had reason to "e upset that n!ght)/ou see$ed !nsens!t!'e, to sa# the %east)" "/ou $!ght ha'e to%d $e what #ou were upset a"out)" "3ou%d !t ha'e *hanged th!ngs4" H!s 'o!*e was *a%%ous, !nd!((erent) He ra!sed h!s shou%ders tense%# and then the hun*h *hanged !nto a shrug) "Oh, 6'd ha'e to%d #ou !n t!$e, !( 6'd (ound one gra!n o( the war$th and understand!ng 6 wanted !n #ou)Perhaps not that n!ght, e'en !( #ou'd "een re*ept!'e) 6t was hard%# a top!* (or a wedd!ng n!ght) And !t was too *%ose, too hard to ta%k a"out)" "Te%% $e now) 6t $!ght he%p $e to understand wh# #ou atta*ked $e<wh# #ou wa%ked out on our wedd!ng n!ght)" "5nderstand4" He ga'e a harsh un(ee%!ng %augh) "Frank%#, 6 don't suppose #ou'%% tru%# understand now, an# $ore than #ou understood that n!ght) 5nderstand!ng !s not one o( #our strong po!nts)" Then, rak!ng a hand through h!s ha!r, he added

rough%#, "2ut #es, 6 *an ta%k a"out !t now) 3h# not4 6t's t!$e #ou %earned that the who%e wor%d doesn't re'o%'e around #our (a*e and person) 6t a%% *a$e a"out r!ght a(ter 6'd *o$e to !nspe*t th!s propert#) 6t was a"out a week "e(ore our wedd!ng<)" 2en had returned to ;ah> w!th the (or$er owner o( the *o*o.de.$er gro'e, !ntend!ng to $ake *onne*t!ons on a regu%ar outward (%!ght to ;o$"asa and then*e to ondon) 9e%a#ed "# so$e aggra'at!ng red tape to do w!th sa%e and trans(er o( the propert#, he had $!ssed h!s (%!ght) "6t happened that 6 *ou%dn't get another (%!ght !$$ed!ate%# , those (%!ghts aren't an e'er#da# th!ng, and (or so$e reason the "ook!ngs were hea'# that week) 6 wanted to %ea'e $# ket*h !n ;ah> (or use on our hone#$oon, so that $ethod o( tra'e% was out, too) 6 d!s*o'ered that there was a down.at.hee%s tra$p s*hooner "ound (or ;o$"asa and %ea'!ng that sa$e da#) 6t was to de%!'er so$e stores to an !s%and !n the A$!rantes group , those are %ow *ora% ato%%s that (or$ part o( the +e#*he%%es , "ut a(ter that !t wou%d "e head!ng d!re*t%# (or the east *oast o( A(r!*a and shou%d get $e there !n t!$e to *at*h a (%!ght (or ondon) 6t wasn't a regu%ar passenger sh!p , none o( the *o$(orts o( ho$e , "ut 6 "ooked on) "A s$a%% (a$!%# group had a%so taken passage on the o%d s*hooner8 a grand$other, $other and two *h!%dren, one o( the$ a "a"# st!%% !n ar$s, a%% o( East 6nd!an e&tra*t!on) The# were on the!r wa# to 0o!n the (ather o( the (a$!%#, a shopkeeper who had de*!ded "e*ause o( assorted (!nan*!a% d!((!*u%t!es toe$!grate to ;o$"asa, where he had re%at!'es) The (ather had gone on ahead to esta"%!sh h!$se%(- the rest o( the (a$!%# were (o%%ow!ng !n %e!sure%# "ut 'un%u&ur!ous (ash!on, w!th a%% the!r wor%d%# possess!ons) "6t was a st!nk!ng o%d tra$p that s$e%%ed o( !od!ne and *opra) The *apta!n, two ;a%agas# nat!'es (or *rew, the (!'e passengers and an o%d one.e#edg!nger torn , one o( those (!er*e%# !ndependent sh!p's *ats that's $ore at ho$e on sea than on %and)"

The *at, o( *ourse)2en had "een th!nk!ng a"out that *at, the $e$or# no dou"t tr!ggered "# Tasha's own words on the!r wedd!ng n!ght) There was no need to ask 2en !( so$e d!saster had "e(a%%en- the !nst!n*t!'e know%edge '!"rated through Tasha's "onuses) "6t was wret*hed weather, $ean seas, and !n that stret*h o( water, the *urrents *o$e at #ou (ro$ two *ont!nents, e'en at the "est o( t!$es) At so$e po!nt dur!ng the (!rst n!ght the eng!ne *onked out a%together, %ea'!ng us w!th sa!% power on%#) 6 wasn't *on*erned at the t!$e- 6'd seen worse seas) And 6 was "us# "e%ow w!th the East 6nd!an (a$!%#, who were hudd%ed !n the (o'*'s%e *a"!n, $!sera"%# seas!*k) The "a"# was "aw%!ng, and the others were too prostrated and terror.str!*ken to do $u*h "ut hudd%e !nto the!r "unks and wh!$per) The# were a%% near%# out o( the!r w!ts, (or the#'d ne'er "een at sea "e(ore) 3e%%, at that po!nt, what was happen!ng up top was the %east o( $# worr!es) +o 6 d!dn't d!s*o'er unt!% %ater that the *apta!n had taken to the "ott%e that n!ght due to persona% pro"%e$s) The ;a%agas# nat!'es were 'er# hand# w!th the sheets, "ut ne!ther o( the$ had a $aster's t!*ket to sa!% !n those dangerous shoa%!ng ree(s- on%# a s$a%% hand(u% o( $en do) 6 $!ght ha'e he%ped !( 6 had known, "ut..." 2en sat down hea'!%# on the end o( the "ed) He see$ed a%$ost to ha'e (orgotten Tasha's presen*e- !t was as !( he was re*ount!ng the ordea% to h!$se%() H!s 'o!*e was (%at, une$ot!ona%) "The seas grew *a%$er dur!ng the n!ght) The 6nd!ans s%ept and 6 d!d, too, 0ust *ur%ed !n a *orner on so$e o%d gunn#sa*ks, "e*ause the o%d grand$other "egged $e not to %ea'e the$ a%one) 3e stru*k the *ora% ree( 0ust at dawn)R!pped us open %!ke a g!ant *an opener) The *ora% kept us (ro$ s!nk!ng at on*e , we were !$pa%ed on !t , "ut that was a te$porar# s!tuat!on- one wa'e and we'd "e done (or) 6 herded the (a$!%# up top) That took a (ew pre*!ous $!nutes, and "# the t!$e 6 got the$ a%% onto that s%!pper# de*k, the *rew had a%read# swung the %!(e"oat out on !ts da'!ts< and so$ehow the da$n th!ng had %anded ups!de down, hurt!ng one o( the *rew !n pro*ess) He wasn't un*ons*!ous, "ut he was "%eed!ng "ad%#)

"There wasn't $u*h *ho!*e, "e*ause the ne&t wa'e su*ked up the wre*k and there we were, a%% !n the water) The 6nd!an (a$!%# *ou%dn't sw!$, "ut the *apta!n had so"ered so$e, and "etween us we got the$ a%% to the %!(e"oat , the "a"#, too) The wounded ;a%agas# $anaged to $ake !t on h!s own, "ut the other *rew$an 0ust< 'an!shed !nto the seas)" "And the *at4"Tasha sa!d !n the %owest o( 'o!*es, when 2en (e%% s!%ent w!th h!s own pa!n(u% re*o%%e*t!ons) "The *at $ade !t, too< so$ehow) He had a strong !nst!n*t (or sur'!'a%, and *ats *an sw!$ when (or*ed) +o there we were , se'en o( us and a ha%(.drowned *at) 6t was a 'er# s$a%% %!(e"oat, and ups!de down, "ut at %east !t was (%oat!ng, and (ree o( the *ora% , a "!g, 0agged, dangerous ree( we *ou%dn't poss!"%# take the %!(e"oat o'er) There was a %ow *ora% !s%and w!th!n '!ew , we *ou%d see the tops o( the *o*opa%$s as the dawn "roke through) 3e d!dn't know !( !t was !nha"!ted or not) And !( there were !nha"!tants, the# *ou%dn't know we were there on the other s!de o( the!r "arr!er ree( un%ess the# had a %ookout !n a treetop) "Our on%# hope was to (!nd a *hanne% through to the %agoon, and that $eant *!r*%!ng the ree() 3e had no oars , the#'d "een %ost !n the *on(us!on , and we knew we had to k!*k our wa# through the water) 2es!des, there wasn't roo$ (or e'er#one to *rowd on top o( that t!pp# "oat "otto$) The 6nd!an(a$!%# were on the kee%, a%% hun*hed o'er !t %!ke dr!pp!ng sa*ks o( potatoes, a%ong w!th the wounded ;a%agas#) That wasn't "e*ause he was !n*apa"%e o( he%p!ng- !t was as a pre*aut!on , a (ut!%e one, as !t turned out) The *apta!n and 6 sta#ed !n the water) "Two $en k!*k!ng and a t!pp# "urdened use%ess "oat w!th a "un*h o( (r!ghtened peop%e who *ou%dn't sw!$ *rou*h!ng on top...2# %ast %!ght, we st!%% hadn't (ound a *hanne%, e'en though the !s%and %ooked so *%ose) 2# then there were *r!es o( th!rst , not (ro$ the $other or the grand$other, "ut the *h!%dren) The $other nursed the

"a"#, and that he%ped) Oh< 6 don't th!nk #ou want to hear the rest) Perhaps #ou *an !$ag!ne !t)" "P%ease te%% $e," sa!d Tasha :u!et%#) "The sharks *a$e 0ust "e(ore sundown) T!gers , not "!g ones, "ut '!*!ous) That's when the *apta!n went) 3h# h!$ and not $e4 6 don't know) 6 was wear!ng dark trousers, and perhaps that he%ped) He 0ust<went<w!th a sho*ked %ook on h!s (a*e, and then there was (resh "%ood !n the water, so... "6 *%!$"ed on the kee% w!th the others- there's a d!((eren*e "etween *ourage and sheer (oo%hard!ness) None o( us *ou%d s%eep that n!ght (or (ear o( s%!pp!ng (ro$ the "oat) 2# dawn the t!ger sharks had gone) And so 6 went !n aga!n) 3e%%, !t had to "e done, d!dn't !t4 The "a*kwash o( the t!de had pu%%ed us (arther (ro$ the ree(, and the others were "eg!nn!ng to su((er (ro$ e&posure) 6 rea%!1ed "# then that 6 shou%d ha'e stru*k out (or shore the pre'!ous da# , 6 *ou%d ha'e $ade !t o'er the ree( on $# own , "ut "# th!s t!$e, 6 d!dn't know !( 6 had the strength to $ake !t to the !s%and and "a*k aga!n, shou%d !t turn out to "e un!nha"!ted) +o 6 stu*k w!th the "oat- 6 had strength enough to hang on and k!*k) "6t ra!ned so$e that $orn!ng and that he%ped- at %east no"od# went $ad w!th th!rst) At noon the wounded ;a%agas# went !n the water, too- he was no %onger tra!%!ng (resh "%ood, and he *ou%d see 6 was gett!ng nowhere $u*h on $# own) That da# !t d!dn't happen unt!% $!da(ter noon)" "The ;a%agas#4" wh!spered Tasha when the s!%en*e had stret*hed to "reak!ng po!nt) "F!rst !t was the East 6nd!an "o#, the n!ne.#ear.o%d)" 2en's 'o!*e was "%eak and "%ank now, de'o!d o( e$ot!on ent!re%#) "6 guess he (e%% as%eep and dragged h!s (oot !n the water, and< who knows wh# sharks atta*k one th!ng and not another) F!rst th!ng we knew, he was !n the water, s*rea$!ng) 6t was a s$a%% ha$$erhead that

t!$e) 6t *!r*%ed (or another atta*k) 3e got the "o# out o( the water, "ut the "%ood "rought $ore ha$$erheads, and $akos, too) The# got the ;a%agas# , he was too weak (ro$ h!s wounds to $o'e 'er# (ast , "ut 6 $anaged to get out o( the water) "The "o# d!ed that n!ght, and the grand$other, too, (ro$ e&posure) 6 th!nk !t was that n!ght, or, or<6 don't know<) 6 %ost tra*k o( t!$e) 6t on%# *o$es "a*k !n (%ashes) And then !t was $orn!ng aga!n<6 th!nk !t was $orn!ng) 6 re$e$"er the sun hot on $# head and $# "od# water%ogged and sa%t *aked on $# $outh) The "a"# *r!ed a %!tt%e , he was the on%# one w!th strength to do so, (or h!s $other had nursed h!$ o(( and on, and he had "een a"%e to s%eep !n her ar$s) 6 d!dn't atte$pt to push the dead "od!es !nto the water , not "e*ause o( sharks "# then, "ut "e*ause 6 0ust< d!dn't *are) 6 sat there (or a %ong t!$e, do!ng noth!ng) And then<6 %ooked up and 6 saw that g!nger torn) He was %ook!ng at $e w!th that one e#e , 0ust %ook!ng at $e, !n that a**us!ng wa# *ats ha'e, as though he e&pe*ted $e to do so$eth!ng)" "+o #ou got "a*k !n the water," wh!spered Tasha, know!ng) "+o$e"od# had to do !t," 2en sa!d du%%#) "2# then 6 d!dn't *are a"out sharks) 6 on%# *ared a"out s%eep) 6 th!nk 6 d!d s%eep, too, hang!ng there !n the water, k!*k!ng out o( sheer re(%e&) 3e ne'er d!d (!nd the *hanne%) The# to%d $e %ater that 6 passed r!ght "# !t, and that's when so$e"od# spotted us (ro$ a *o*o.pa%$) The !s%and was "e!ng worked (or *opra, and there were $en !n the trees , we'd (!na%%# rea*hed the !nha"!ted s!de "# *!r*%!ng the ree() 6 0ust re$e$"er wak!ng on the wa# to shore !n a p!rogue) The wo$an and the "a"# were !n the "oat, too) And the one.e#ed torn) "There was a rad!o on the !s%and, and the# *a%%ed (or he%p, a (%#!ng "oat) The $other d!ed "e(ore !t arr!'ed) 6 rea%%# don't re$e$"er $u*h o( what happened a(ter that, e&*ept %!tt%e snat*hes)9e%!'er!ng the "a"# to !ts (ather !n ;o$"asa , that was the worst) Cat*h!ng a (%!ght to ondon<) 6 shou%dn't ha'e tr!ed, 6 suppose, "ut 6 was work!ng on sheer ner'es "# then) 6 knew 6 had to "e so$ewhere, and 6 *ou%d hard%#

re$e$"er wh#) 6 was nu$", too- the horror hadn't stru*k $e #et) +o$ewhere 6 a*:u!red a "ott%e o( pep p!%%s, and that kept $e go!ng) 6 took hand(u%s o( the th!ngs)" "Then #ou hadn't "een dr!nk!ng)" "No)" "Oh, 2en, !( #ou'd to%d $e that, an# o( that, 6'$ not !nhu$an, 6'd ha'e, " 2en's (!st s$ashed !nto the so(t sur(a*e o( the "ed, o"%!terat!ng her words) H!s 'o!*e turned thunderous, too) "3hat d!((eren*e wou%d !t ha'e $ade4 3hat the he%% d!((eren*e4 /ou d!dn't wa%k out on $e) 6 wa%ked out on #ou, re$e$"er4" Tasha p%a*ed tre$"%!ng (!ngers to her $outh, as *o$pass!on (or those %ong.ago su((er!ngs warred w!th a great *o%dness *aused "# the un(org!'!ng anger !n h!s words) 2en d!d noth!ng to $ake the $o$ent eas!er (or her) He stood up, %ea'!ng the "ed, and returned to a $ood# *onte$p%at!on o( the stor$."attered *o*o.de.$er gro'e "e#ond the w!ndow) "2en," she wh!spered at %ast, w!th hurt !n her heart and !n her throat, "p%ease< p%ease $ake %o'e to $e now)"

CHAPTER E E=EN

He *rossed the roo$, %!the, strong, s!%ent , and stood tower!ng "es!de the "ed, %ook!ng down at where she sat, a sheet st!%% *%ut*hed to her "reast) 6n h!s 'er# s!%en*e was *onte$pt) Outs!de, the w!nd how%ed and the great (ronds *%ashed, "ut here there was no sound sa'e the w!%d "eat!ng o( Tasha's heart) A hard hand rea*hed down, "ron1e aga!nst the wh!te sheet, and p%u*ked !t awa# (ro$ her (!ngers) +he d!d noth!ng to h!de herse%( now) 2ut when h!s s!%ent s*rut!n# went on too %ong, she turned her head s%!ght%# awa# toward the wa%%, %ett!ng her dark ha!r sw!ng (orward a %!tt%e to *on*ea% her angu!sh) He rea*hed (or her then, pu%%!ng her to her (eet unt!% she stood naked "es!de h!$ !n the %a$p%!t hut, her ta%% s%ender "od# $at*hed and dwar(ed "# h!s greater he!ght) H!s hands ran s%ow%# o'er her "reasts and her h!ps, a word%ess pro*%a$at!on o( possess!on that she d!d not tr# to den#) And then, %ea'!ng her stand!ng, he shed h!s own *%othes and thrust the$ as!de, re'ea%!ng the '!r!%e "od# !n a%% !ts !nt!$ate deta!%) 3hat Tasha w!th her d!$.s!ghted 'e%'et e#es *ou%d not see, she *ou%d !$ag!ne , the $e$or!1ed te&tures o( roughness and s$oothness and hardness that had su*h power to d!stur") +tand!ng *%ose on*e $ore, so *%ose that she *ou%d (ee% the war$th o( h!$ e'en where the!r "od!es d!d not tou*h, he !ns!nuated h!s (!ngers !nto her ha!r) Tak!ng h!s t!$e, he started at her ears and *o$"ed h!s wa# down the %ength o( the dark tresses, unhurr!ed%#, %ett!ng h!s (!ngers %!nger a%ong the wa#) And then, he wound a s!%k# ske!n around h!s wr!st, !ssu!ng a s!%ent *o$$and w!th h!s hand that (or*ed her nakedness to $e%t aga!nst h!s and her (a*e to t!%t upward toward h!s s$ok!ng %o'e%ess e#es)

"Open #our %!ps," he *o$$anded rough%# as h!s $outh des*ended to *%a!$!ts pro$!sed due) Th!s t!$e there were no so(t phrases o( %o'e, no gent%!ng w!th words o( pra!se) H!s tongue took her w!th a deep $aster#, e&tra*t!ng her su"$!ss!on w!th a k!ss that d!d not end e'en when he pu%%ed her down to the wa!t!ng "ed) 6t took no $ore than h!s hands surg!ng o'er her "reasts to turn her taut as a "owstr!ng, no $ore than a nudge o( h!s knee to read# her (or the!r un!on) +he *%ung, $oan!ng, un*ar!ng that he $ade %o'e w!th h!s hands and not w!th h!s heart) "+o #ou weren't %#!ng," he $ur$ured !n that po!sed $o$ent "e(ore he $ade her h!s) H!s (a*eho'ered *%ose, !n*hes *%ose, so that she *ou%d d!s*ern the th!*k separate %ashes, the te&ture o( h!s sk!n) Aga!nst her "ared "reasts %a# the heat and the we!ght o( h!$, the rough $a%e hardness o( h!s *hest) 6n her ha!r h!s (!ngers were tw!ned, ho%d!ng her !n read!ness (or h!s ons%aught) "6 wasn't sure "e(ore) +hou%d 6 sa# 6'$ g%ad there's "een no $an "e(ore $e4 Then 6'%% sa# !t) 6'$ g%ad<)" 2ut was !t on%# another wa# to hurt4 H!s sensuous $outh *rushed down o'er hers to st!%% the so(t !n*oherent *r# that parted her %!ps) There was pun!sh$ent and pass!on !n the wa# he took her then , ardent%#, urgent%#, !$perat!'e !n h!s needs) The '!r!%e strength that p!nned her to the "ed *ared on%# (or !ts own appease$ent) And #et, when h!s hands *oursed o'er her "reasts, when h!s deepen!ng tongue p%undered her $outh, when h!s $a%e "od# dro'e to possess her (%esh, she (orgot a%% e%se "ut the r!s!ng rapturous ens%a'e$ent o( her senses) He *ared (or h!s p%easures, not hers) The !%%us!on o( %o'e was there !n the *o$$and!ng %!ps, the de$and!ng hands- and #et he had "rought no part o( h!s heart to "ed) +he knew !t was so, and #et she (orgot as so$e pr!$!t!'e part o( her answered the sa'age surge !n h!$) And !( !t was an !%%us!on !t was a sweet one, r!s!ng %!ke a true strong song w!th!n her, unt!% she (ound the $ag!*a% $o$ent that she sought, shudder!ng w!th e*stas# !n h!s ar$s...

3!th pass!on s%aked, 2en's "od# at %ast grew st!%5 Tasha %a# *%asped !n h!s e$"ra*e, $o'!ng her hands s%ow%# o'er h!s $us*%ed shou%ders, not want!ng the $o$entnor the !%%us!on to end) 5nth!nk!ng%#, she wh!spered what was !n her heart) "6 %o'e #ou, 2en)" And !n that $o$ent she knew !t was true, that !t had "een true (or $an# #earsthat !n her heart she had ne'er stopped %o'!ng h!$ at a%%) 2en ra!sed h!s head (ro$ the ho%%ow o( her throat, unt!% he *ou%d see !nto her e#es) "Te%% $e how $u*h #ou %o'e $e," he $ur$ured w!th those %!ps that had tortured her so e&:u!s!te%#) "Te%% $e) 6 want to hear)" Perhaps the tw!st o( h!s $outh shou%d ha'e warned her, or the s$ok!ng !ntens!t# o( h!s ga1e) 2ut Tasha was as possessed !n sou% as she had "een !n "od#- she wanted on%# to p%ease) "6 th!nk 6''e a%wa#s %o'ed #ou," she wh!spered) ";ore," *o$$anded 2en) "Te%% $e $ore)" "6 %o'e #ou w!th e'er# "reath !n $# "od#," she tre$"%ed, (ear(u% o( her own 'u%nera"!%!t# e'en as she sa!d !t) "Aga!n," he d!re*ted) 2ut she had ad$!tted too $u*h a%read#, and so she re$a!ned s!%ent th!s t!$e, s!*ken!ng !ns!de as the *rue% tw!st deepened on h!s $outh, and the "od# that had spent !ts pass!on on hers at %ast ro%%ed awa#) He *a$e to a se$!.re*%!n!ng pos!t!on "es!de her, %a$p%!ght g!%d!ng h!s %ong naked "od# to a pagan "ron1e, g%ea$!ng on the hard *ord!ng o( $us*%es and the %ean $as*u%!ne (%anks whose power she now knew so we%%)

3!th h!s (ree hand he (or*ed her (a*e to turn to h!s) For a t!$e he %a# !n s!%en*e, stud#!ng her, rak!ng her w!th *onte$ptuous e#es) " o'e, Tasha4 For a%% #our (!ne words 6 don't "e%!e'e #ou're *apa"%e o( su*h (ee%!ngs)" H!s 'o!*e was harsh, h!s words hate(u%, h!s !ntent hurt(u%) 6t was as !( he, too, had "een possessed, "ut "# so$e de$on that wanted to wreak 'engean*e (or the past) "9es!re, arousa%, ph#s!*a% pass!on, $at!ng !nst!n*t, se&ua% (u%(!%%$ent< *a%% !t what #ou want, "ut don't pretend #our e$ot!ons were !n'o%'ed !n what 0ust happened "etween us) 9on't *on(use %o'e w!th #our pr!$ar# "!o%og!*a% urges) " +o$e 'est!ge o( pr!de kept the tears (ro$ tre$"%!ng to Tasha's e#es, "ut that was her %one de(ense) 2en had penetrated the she%% too we%%- there was no go!ng "a*k to the "r!tt%e art!(!*!a% e&ter!or that had prote*ted her (or so %ong) "6 was a '!rg!n, 2en," she wh!spered, "egg!ng (or so$e *o$pass!on (ro$ that re$orse%ess (a*e) "+o 6 re$arked," he noted *a%%ous%#) "Aren't #ou go!ng to thank $e (or $ak!ng a wo$an o( #ou4 +a# so$eth!ng %!ght and *%e'er, *ha%k!ng !t up to e&per!en*e4 +ure%# !t a$uses #ou to %ose #our *hast!t# to the $an who used to "e #our hus"and! Co$e, Tasha, %augh at %east- show $e how sha%%ow #our (ee%!ngs are) /ou're not rea%%# *apa"%e o( %o'e, are #ou4 6( #ou were, there'd "e tears)" "2en, p%ease<!" Perhaps so$e note o( $!ser# !n her p%ea rea*hed h!$ then) +udden%# the g%!nt o( s*orn 'an!shed) H!s 'o!*e so(tened, and h!s e&press!on, too) "Cou%d !t "e that 6''e "een $!staken a"out #ou4" he $ur$ured) H!s hand "egan to to# w!th a %ong strand o( ha!r that %a# aga!nst the p!%%ow- he tou*hed an ear%o"e (%eet!ng.%#) "Poss!"%# #our (ee%!ngs are :u!te genu!ne) 6( so, 6''e done #ou an !n0ust!*e) Can !t "e #our e$ot!ons are true<4"

He %eaned (orward and h!s %!ps "rushed aga!nst hers so(t%#, s%ow%#, te$pt!ng%#, unt!% w!th a s$a%% so" deep !n her throat she responded, *%!ng!ng w!th re%!e( that h!s s$a%% *rue%t!es had *o$e to an end) +ure%#, now, he had had h!s 'engean*e4 "9on't #ou rea%!1e," 2en $ur$ured a(ter a t!$e, "that 6 *an't trust $#se%( to ad$!t how 6 (ee% unt!% 6'$ sure o( #ou4 /ou're so !n'u%nera"%e, $# %o'e, so *apa"%e o( destro#!ng a $an w!th that "r!ght %aughter o( #ours) +ure%# now #ou *an understand how 6 $ust ha'e (e%t that n!ght)" "/es, oh #es," she wh!spered, happ!ness s!ng!ng !n her heart) +he stroked the nape o( h!s ne*k, te%%!ng her %o'e w!th her e#es) "Then #ou st!%% %o'e $e, !n sp!te o( e'er#th!ng 6''e sa!d4 6t takes genu!ne (ee%!ng to sur'!'e su*h "!tter words)" "/es, 6 do)" "Then te%% $e so," he $uttered, *%os!ng her e#es w!th a tra!% o( tender (!er# k!sses) "6 %o'e #ou, 2en- 6 a%wa#s w!%%<)" H!s k!sses *a$e at on*e to a ha%t and he deta*hed h!$se%( (ro$ her ar$s) "Good," he s$!%ed $o*k!ng%#) "6 to%d #ou 6 wanted to hear !t on*e aga!n)" Tasha stared at h!$, du$" w!th horror at her own %a*k o( per*ept!on) Her heart *ontra*ted w!th the *o%d know%edge o( how $u*h she had put herse%( !n h!s power"ut now, there was no tak!ng "a*k what she had ad$!tted , on*e too o(ten) "Forg!'e $e !( 6 don't return #our (ee%!ngs) 9o #ou e&pe*t $e to 'ow und#!ng %o'e, 0ust "e*ause #ou''e put #our heart , what there !s o( !t , !nto $# keep!ng4 9o #ou th!nk 6 *are (or #ou at a%%4 Or that 6 e'er w!%%4"

There was no re(uge (or her now "ut the pretense that h!s words d!d not wound) +o$ehow she $anaged to e$pt# her (a*e o( e$ot!on as she %!stened to those words, ea*h one a kn!(e tw!st!ng !n her heart) "6 wanted #ou ph#s!*a%%# and 6 took #ou , ph#s!*a%%#) 6'd ha'e done the sa$e (or a%$ost an# wo$an who asked) And #ou d!d ask, 0ust as #ou'%% ask aga!n, ne&t t!$e 6 de*!de 6 want #ou) Just as #ou'%% te%% $e #ou %o'e $e when that's what 6 want to hear) A 'er# a$us!ng s!tuat!on a%together..." "9o #ou hate $e so $u*h4" she wh!spered, her (a*e a (ro1en $ask) "Hate4"He %aughed so(t%#, s$ok!%#, and "ent h!s head to her "reast) +he tr!ed to tw!st awa#, tr!ed to h!de the :u!*k response o( her (%esh, "ut !t was too %atea%read# h!s hand was seek!ng and strok!ng and arous!ng her anew, and she was gasp!ng w!th needs she *ou%d not hope to *on*ea%) "9oes th!s (ee% %!ke hate4" he $uttered husk!%#, as h!s tongue teased and a trea*herous n!pp%e sprang to the tou*h) "6t's on%# des!re, $# sweet)6%%!*!t des!re) The (or"!dden (ru!t o( the Garden o( Eden..."

Eu%a%!e $ater!a%!1ed%ate the (o%%ow!ng $orn!ng) O'er "reak(ast 2en had "een s!%ent and "rood!ng, and short%# therea(ter had 'an!shed !n sear*h o( the (!sher$an Ar!st!de, %ea'!ng Tasha rest!ng a%one !n the hut to nurse a thro""!ng heada*he) The heada*he was the a(ter$ath o( a poor n!ght's s%eep) #!ng "es!de 2en !n the darkness o( n!ght, s!*k at heart and wake(u% %ong a(ter h!s rh#th$!* "reath!ng to%d her that he s%ept, she had re%!'ed e'er# agon!1!ng $e$or# a thousand t!$es) Cnow!ng now o( the terr!"%e n!ght$are he had %!'ed through so %ong ago, she (ound !t eas# enough to e&*use h!s past "eha'!or) 2ut wh# d!d he (!nd !t so !$poss!"%e to e&*use hers4 3h# d!d he st!%% hate her4 +he knew that no p%eas and protestat!ons wou%d a%ter h!s *onte$pt- he wanted to hate her)

And she wanted to hate h!$, !( on%# "e*ause hatred wou%d "e a de(ense aga!nst $an# th!ngs) /et !n the n!ght, desp!te h!s !ntent!ona% *rue%t!es, she had %onged to *%!ng to h!$, to *r# out the sorrow !n her sou% and the hurt !n her heart< "ut how *ou%d she e&press su*h e$ot!ons to 2en, who had "een the *ause o( the$ a%%4And so th!s $orn!ng she, too, had taken re(uge !n s!%en*e, not want!ng 2en to know the depth o( her (ee%!ngs) +he was %#!ng on the "ed, (u%%# *%ad, when the sensat!on o( "e!ng wat*hed "e*a$e 'er# strong) +he opened her e#es, and there was the wr!nk%ed ra!s!n o( a (a*e, peer!ng at her through one g%ass%ess w!ndow where the shutters had "een opened to ad$!t the war$ hu$!d a!r o( a $orn!ng where stor$s were on%# a $e$or#) "Oh, oh, oh," $oaned Eu%a%!e sad%#, shak!ng the w!sp# ha%o o( wh!te ha!r that was (ra$ed "# the w!ndow, aga!nst a "a*kdrop o( trees) "To see #ou $akes an o%d wo$an weep)" Tasha o'er*a$e the $o$ent o( !n!t!a% surpr!se and strugg%ed to a s!tt!ng pos!t!on)"Eu%a%!e! P%ease, won't #ou *o$e !n4" +oon the# were s!tt!ng at the rough ta"%e, shar!ng the *o((ee 2en had %e(t war$!ng o'er a sp!r!t "urner) Eu%a%!e ran a %o'!ng hand o'er the *ha!r Tasha had pu%%ed out (or her) "The wood o( the taka$aka tree," she sa!d !n a tre$u%ous w!st(u% 'o!*e, "$akes a 'er# (!ne *ha!r)" "6 tr!ed to (!nd #ou #esterda#," Tasha to%d her, "to g!'e #ou one o( these !n pa#$ent (or #ourgr!s.gr!s)" "Gr!s.gr!s4''Eu%a%!e %ooked 'ague (or a $o$ent) "9!d #ou ask $e (or a gr!s.gr!s4 6 (orgot to "r!ng !t) /ou see, !t !s so %ong s!n*e an#one has asked, "

"/ou a%read# ga'e $e one," Tasha re$!nded her :u!*k%#) The o%d e#es turned *ra(t#) "2ut #ou $ust "e $!staken," she wa'ered, "or perhaps #ou are tr#!ng to $ake (un o( th!s o%d "onne (e$$e d! "o!s4 6( #ou had agr!s.gr!s #ou wou%d not ha'e the e#es o( sorrow) Or..." Her (a*e *ru$p%ed a %!tt%e and her e#es started to wander as she tr!ed to re*o%%e*t) "Or< !s !t that 6 ga'e #ou a gr!s.

gr!s and !t d!d not work4For 6 *an see that !t d!d not work)"
Eu%a%!e's e&press!on o( se%(.dou"t tugged at the heartstr!ngs, and Tasha answered *are(u%%#, tr#!ng to "e truth(u% and k!nd a%% at on*e) "/ou wanted a p!n*h o( sand (ro$ so$eone's (ootpr!nts," she sa!d, "and as 6 *ou%dn't pro'!de !t, #ou $ade thegr!s.gr!s w!thout) +o rea%%#, !t's $# own (au%t)" Eu%a%!e %ooked enor$ous%# re%!e'ed) +he patted the %ap o( her pat*hed dress as !( to re$!nd herse%( that she was st!%% there and sa!d, "Oh, o( *ourse) Now 6 re$e$"er) 3e%%, g!'e !t "a*k to $e and 6 w!%% (!& !t (or #ou) And th!s t!$e, 6 $#se%( w!%% (!nd the p!n*h o( sand, (or 6 saw the ta%% $an go!ng toward the "ea*h) Oh, oh, oh, !t w!%% "e a goodgr!s.gr!s then)" "6'$ sorr#, Eu%a%!e, 6<%ost !t," Tasha euphe.$!1ed, "and rea%%#, 6 don't need a gr!s.

gr!s at a%%)"
"Nogr!s.gr!s%" Eu%a%!e %ooked d!sappo!nted a%% o'er aga!n) "3e%%, then, 6 *annot<)" +he e#ed the *ha!r %ong!ng%# and (ought a '!s!"%e "att%e w!th herse%() "6t's #ours an#wa#," Tasha sa!d) "No, no, no)"Eu%a%!e shook her aged head e$phat!*a%%#) "F!rst, we so%'e #our pro"%e$)"

"6 don't ha'e the k!nd o( pro"%e$ an#one *an he%p $e w!th," Tasha sa!d, despa!r!ng) "6t's 'er# good o( #ou, Eu%a%!e, "ut, " "Oh, oh, oh)9o #ou th!nk there !s no w!sdo$ !n th!s o%d gra# head 0ust "e*ause $# $e$or# !s gone4" +he *onte$p%ated Tasha, "%!nk!ng and s!gh!ng p%a!nt!'e%#) "Oh, #ou need he%p) 6 ha'e seen #our e#es o( sorrow and 6 know) To$orrow 6 w!%% $ake #ou a propergr!s.gr!s, sa# so$e spe%%s perhaps, and !( #ou w!%% on%# %et $e p!er*e #our ear< oh, that w!%% "r!ng happ!ness to #our e#es) " ";# e#es are (!ne," Tasha protested, "eg!nn!ng to (ee% trapped) "6t's 0ust that 6 ha'e a heada*he) 6 don't want $# ear p!er*ed and 6 don't want another gr!s.gr!s) 6 ha'e no des!re to destro# an ene$#)" Eu%a%!e %eaned (orward and peered pro"!ng%# !nto Tasha's (a*e) "3h# do #ou pretend to an o%d wo$an4" she asked, her 'o!*e tre$"%!ng) "3hen #ou asked (or the (!rstgr!s.gr!s !t was not to "r!ng down an ene$#, "ut to *apture the heart o( a $an) /ou are tr#!ng to *on(use $e)" Oh, ord, thought Tasha, (ee%!ng h#ster!a and despa!r r!s!ng !ns!de) How *ou%d she "e k!nd to Eu%a%!e w!thout a**ept!ng her o((er o( he%p4 "Oh, oh, oh, #ou th!nk $e an !nter(er!ng o%d wo$an) 2ut !t !s on%# "e*ause 6 w!sh to see #ou happ#) 9o #ou th!nk 6 know noth!ng o( %o'e4 6 w!%% te%% #ou a stor# 6 on*e heard, and then #ou w!%% understand<)" Eu%a%!e *%osed her e#es and "egan to ro*k "a*k and (orth, *roon!ng and *ur'!ng her (ra!% ar$s !n (ront o( her pat*hwork dress a%$ost as !( she were *rad%!ng a *h!%d) 3hen she spoke her 'o!*e was a s!ngsong, her words *hosen $ore sure%#, as so$et!$es happens when the 'er# o%d speak o( the past) 6t was as !( she had tra'e%ed to so$e other t!$e and spa*e !n her $!nd)

"+he was so s$a%%, that %!tt%e "a"#, so s$a%% and so he%p%ess) 3h# d!d her rea% $other %ea'e her there !n that "asket wo'en o( pa%$ %ea'es at that %!tt%e hut !n the woods4 6t was a poor %!tt%e hut w!thout a *ha!r, "ut perhaps so$eone knew that the wo$an who %!'ed a%one had %o'e !n her heart to g!'e) Oh, she was a w!t*hwo$an and not too #oung e'en then) ;an# thought her $ad, "ut !( she was $ad !t was on%# w!th %one%!ness, and "e*ause she %onged (or a *h!%d o( her own) And oh, how she %o'ed that %!tt%e "a"#, as !( !t were her own daughter<)" 3!th a *erta!nt# as *%ear as !( Eu%a%!e had spoken !n the (!rst person, Tasha rea%!1ed that the o%d wo$an was speak!ng o( herse%() How $an# #ears ago had these th!ngs happened4 Eu%a%!e was a 'er#, 'er# o%d wo$an and #et, odd%#, !t was not hard to '!sua%!1e her !n her $!dd%e #ears, %a'!sh!ng a (ound%!ng w!th %o'e) "+he %e(t her own p%ate e$pt# to (!%% the "e%%# o( the *h!%d) And when the *h!%d grew, she *ut up her ownro"e %a $esse to $ake a %!tt%e dress, so that the g!r% *ou%d go to s*hoo% w!thout wear!ng rags) Oh, she wanted her daughter to read and wr!te so that she wou%d not "e !gnorant, too) The o%d w!t*hwo$an e'en sto%e at t!$es, though she knew !t was 'er# 'er# w!*ked<oh, oh, oh<"ut perhaps the sa!nts w!%% (org!'e that s!n, (or d!d she not do th!s (ro$ %o'e4 6t !s hard to see a *h!%d go hungr#) And she taught the *h!%d th!ngs, too $an# th!ngs, a"out the roots and her"s she kept !n the hut) Oh, !( she had not taught those th!ngs..." Eu%a%!e wrapped her ar$s around her "od#, as !( *o$(ort!ng herse%(, and spent so$e $!nutes $oan!ng so(t%# "e(ore she resu$ed her narrat!'e) Tasha's throat %u$ped w!th s#$path#- (or the t!$e "e!ng she was not th!nk!ng o( her own pro"%e$s) "As the *h!%d grew," Eu%a%!e went on at %ast, "she "e*a$e 'er# %o'e%#, unt!% $an# o( the #oung $en o( the !s%and %ooked upon her w!th %ust) There were none who w!shed to $arr#, (or who wou%d want the daughter o( a "onne (e$$e d! "o!s who had not a s!ng%e *ha!r !n her ho$e and who *ou%d not a((ord a wedd!ng4 2ut there were so$e who wanted her to %ea'e her $other and %!'e en $>nage) Oh, her $other warned her) 2e!ng a poor g!r%, !( she w!shed to (!nd a hus"and, she $ust re$a!n a '!rg!n) For what

other reason wou%d a $an take her to the *hur*h4 Oh #es, her $other warned her! 2ut she was s!&teen, and she had gone to s*hoo%, and<ohsoh)oh< 6 th!nk she was a %!tt%e asha$ed o( her !gnorant $other the w!t*hwo$an<) "One da# the g!r% saw a (!ne ta%% $an e$erg!ng naked (ro$ the sea, wrest%!ng a %arge turt%e) He was a #oung $an "ut a $an (u%%.grown, not %!ke the %ads who had *ourted her unt!% then) The water shone on the strong #oung r!pp%!ng "rown o( h!s ar$s and %a# !n "eads on the hard (%at "e%%#, and these th!ngs (!%%ed her w!th des!re) +he wanted h!$- "ut !n that $o$ent she re$e$"ered the words o( the w!t*hwo$an who was her $other and w!th a hea'# heart she turned her (ootsteps awa#)" Eu%a%!e's e#es now *a$e open, wear!ng a (arawa# and rue(u% %ook) "2ut the $an saw her and wanted her, too) Oh, she was "eaut!(u%, w!th her ha!r so %ong and "%a*k and sheened %!ke a pear%< %!ke #ours..." Here, Eu%a%!e rea*hed (orward and tou*hed Tasha's ha!r on*e, %!ght%#) "Oh, #es, #ou re$!nd $e o( her, w!th her %!$"s so stra!ght and s%ender and her "reasts so proud! 6s !t a wonder that he wanted her4 Oh, oh, oh< and "e*ause he was (!%%ed w!th des!re, he (o%%owed her and spoke to her o( a %o'e he d!d not (ee% !n h!s heart) He took her then, and aga!n, and aga!n at other t!$es<) Oh, oh, wh# d!d she not te%% her $other, who *ou%d ha'e g!'en her w!se pot!ons o( %o'e to w!n h!s heart4 +he $!ght ha'e "een sa'ed !( she had to%d) "For at on*e, when the# had %a!n together that (!rst t!$e and she had %ost that part o( herse%( that a%% $en want !n a w!(e, she knew that the $an's words were no $ore than the wh!sper!ngs o( the w!nd, and that h!s hand on her heart was no $ore than the pu%se o( h!s own p%easure, and that the %o'e$ak!ng o( h!s "od# was no $ore than the *rash!ng o( a wa'e on a %one%# ree() 9oes a wa'e *are where !t *rashes4 9oes the w!nd *are where !t "%ows4" The par*hed e#es had *%osed aga!n, and Eu%a%!e spoke as !( !n a tran*e, w!tha poetr# !n the :u!'er!ng *aden*e o( her words that added to the!r haunt!ng sadness)

"+o$et!$es, a(ter he had taken her, she wou%d *r# :u!et%# !n h!s ar$s) And #et, when he k!ssed her tears awa# and to%d her to $eet h!$ aga!n, she (orgot that he had not o((ered $arr!age<oh, oh, oh) And she to%d none o( these th!ngs to her $other unt!% !t was too %ate) One da# the $an de*!ded to go to ;ane, and he asked the g!r% to go w!th h!$) 3hat was she to do4 +he wou%d ha'e (o%%owed h!$ to the ends o( the earth, to the (our *orners o( the w!nds) +he "ore the seed o( one $onth !n her wo$", and she d!d not want her $other to know) +he went w!th the $an and she d!d not e'en sa# good"#e to her $other) Oh, oh, !t "roke the o%d w!t*hwo$an's heart)" Eu%a%!e's re*!tat!on *a$e to a ha%t as so$e $e$or# appeared to $o'e her deep%#) "9!d she ne'er *o$e "a*k4" Tasha asked :u!et%# at %ast) Eu%a%!e *a$e out o( her tran*e%!ke state, "%!nk!ng w!th *on(us!on) "3hat4 Oh<#es) The w!t*h.wo$an sto%e so$e $one# and went to ;ah>, too, and (ound her daughter) The $an had deserted her to take a 0o" on a sh!p) And !t was then that the "onne

(e$$e d! "o!s %earned o( a%% that had gone "e(ore) +he "rought her daughter ho$e,
sorrow!ng !n her heart) Oh, the gr!s.gr!s and the !n*antat!ons then! 2ut !t was too %ate) For who *an w!n the heart o( a $an when the $an *annot "e (ound4" Eu%a%!e's purse o( a $outh tre$"%ed w!th e$ot!on) "Too %ate the g!r% %earned that there !s so$et!$es $u*h w!sdo$ !n the words o( an !gnorant w!t*h.wo$an) And too %ate the w!t*hwo$an %earned that there !s so$et!$es %!tt%e w!sdo$ !n tea*h!ng a g!r% the arts she !s not read# to know) For, !n the s!*kness o( her heart, the g!r% wa!ted unt!% she was a%one !n the hut one da#, and then she took so$eth!ng that her $other had taught her wou%d start the *ra$p and (!n!sh the %!(e that grew !n her wo$")The po!son !n the "ark o( the a'o*ado4Ergot4 /es, 6 th!nk !t $ust ha'e "een ergot, (or there was a %!tt%e ergot !n the hut unt!% 6 threw !t out a(terward, a%ong w!th e'er# other po!son 6 *ou%d (!nd) Oh, oh, oh, !t !s so hard to re$e$"er, !t !s too sad to re$e$"er..."

Had Eu%a%!e's daughter d!ed4 6t see$ed a pa!n(u% "ut !nes*apa"%e *on*%us!on) Ergot *ou%d k!%%) 6n the;!dd%e Ages $an# thousands had d!ed, and $an# $ore thousands had "een dr!'en $ad, dur!ng ep!de$!es o( ergot po!son!ng *aused "# d!sease !n gra!n) That $u*h Tasha re$e$"ered (ro$ o%d Fren*h h!stor# %essons- e'en !n th!s *entur# there had "een an out"reak o( ergot!s$ !n the south o( Fran*e) And no dou"t Eu%a%!e "%a$ed herse%( (or her daughter's death) +he was wr!ng!ng her hands now and $oan!ng so(t%#- and !n the tra*er# o( wr!nk%es on her (a*e, there was a 'er# rea% pa!n) "Oh, oh, oh, 6 th!nk she wanted to d!e, (or #es, she had tru%# %o'ed her (a!th%ess %o'er< and #ou th!nk 6 *annot understand a"out %o'e4" Eu%a%!e's %ash%ess o%d e#es were rheu$# w!th tears, and a *%aw o( a hand *%ut*hed at Tasha's s%ee'e) "9o #ou th!nk 6 ask (or pa#$ent !n *ha!rs4 6 wou%d g!'e a%% the *ha!rs !n the wor%d !( 6 *ou%d undo the great e'!% that was done that da#) 9o #ou wonder that 6 w!sh to see a %o'er happ#4 Oh, oh, oh, 6 a$ an o%d, o%d wo$an and !t !s a%% 6 ha'e %e(t to g!'e) To $ake a %o'er happ#, that !s a%% 6 ask< and when 6 see the %ook !n #our e#es 6 see< those %ong.ago th!ngs<)" +he shook her head as !( to stra!ghten her thoughts and see$ed to "r!ghten at on*e) "A goodgr!s.gr!s w!%% he%p #ou," she sa!d hope(u%%#) "+ure%# #ou w!%% not re(use !t now, as a (a'or to an o%d wo$an4 P%ease, sa# #es)" Tasha nodded her a**eptan*e, unw!%%!ng to trust herse%( to spee*h) At the $o$ent she *ou%d ha'e re(used Eu%a%!e noth!ng, not e'en the p!er*!ng o( an ear) Eu%a%!e's (a*e *r!nk%ed !nto a p%eased s$!%e) "Th!s t!$e #ou $ust not %ose !t," she warned) "And when !t works<we%%, perhaps one %!tt%e *ha!r...Oh, oh, oh, wh# are #ou upset "# the ra$"%!ngs o( an o%d wo$an4 6t was on%# a ta%e to%d to $e %ong, %ong ago, when 6 was 'er# #oung....6 th!nk<#es, perhaps $# $other to%d $e< or d!d 6 !$ag!ne !t a%%4 /es, perhaps 6 !$ag!ned!t, !t !s not rea%%# true..."

3hen Eu%a%!e took her %ea'e a (ew $!nutes %ater, Tasha threw herse%( on the *ot and !ndu%ged !n a good *r#)

CHAPTER T3E =E

2# n!ght she su((ered the pra*t!*ed *rue%t!es o( h!s %!ps, and "# da# the *aust!* "!te o( h!s *onte$pt) Tasha p%u$"ed the depths o( $!ser# and soared to the he!ghts o( pass!on) +he *ou%d not sa# h!$ na#) +he had tasted the (or"!dden (ru!t o( the Garden o( Eden, and the taste had "e*o$e an add!*t!on, a drug to her senses , as !( the (ru!t o( the *o*o.de.$er was !ndeed the aphrod!s!a* $en had on*e "e%!e'ed !t to "e) 2etween those t!$es he *%a!$ed her, !t was on%# the re$nants o( a pr!de stret*hed too th!n that kept her head h!gh and her e#es dr# !n h!s presen*e) 6t was as though he wanted to hurt her, to hu$"%e her, to destro# her) 3hen the# %a# tw!ned together !n the n!ght she *ou%d den# h!$ noth!ng) Those were the he!ghts , when h!s (e'ered k!sses s*or*hed her (%esh and h!s war$ "reath $!ng%ed w!th hers and h!s strong ar$s (or*ed her to su"$!t on*e $ore) And !t was (or*e o( a k!nd8 not the (or*e o( super!or ph#s!*a% strength, "ut the (or*e o( a %o'e she *ou%d not h!de (ro$ herse%( or (ro$ h!$) The need to know 2en's e$"ra*e was %!ke 0ung%e dru$s pound!ng !n her "%ood) At one tou*h o( those $aster(u% hands, her pu%ses %eaped w!th des!re, her (%esh tre$"%ed w!th ardor,her "od# $e%ted and *r!ed out (or *o$p%et!on) And #et, !n those dark n!ghts were a%so the depths) "9o #ou th!nk," he $ur$ured on*e, as she dr!(ted !nto s%eep !n h!s ar$s, "that "e*ause 6 en0o# $ak!ng %o'e to #ou 6'%% ne'er %et #ou go4 Oh, $# sweet, #ou're wrong) 6 turned $# "a*k on #ou se'en #ears ago and 6'%% do !t aga!n , as soon as 6''e had $# (!%% o( #ou) 2ut 6'$ not sated #et) Turn th!s wa#,Tasha, 6 want to k!ss #ou aga!n..."

H!s k!sses were w!ne, h!s hands %!ke "rands,h!s %!ps %!ke !nstru$ents o( e&:u!s!te torture) And she soared on*e $ore, rea*h!ng the he!ghts , on%# to "e dashed to the ground) "There ha'e "een other wo$en, "ut then, #ou know that, don't #ou4 +o$e that p%eased $e $ore than #ou)+trange that (or a%% #our soph!st!*ated a!rs, #ou're so na!'e !n "ed) Co$e, 6'%% show #ou what p%eases $e..." He see$ed to ha'e *ontro% not on%# o'er her "od# "ut o'er her $!nd, o'er her sou%, o'er her 'er# "e!ng) How *ou%d she want to p%ease h!$4 And #et she d!d) The %!tt%e de(!an*es o( the (!rst two da#s see$ed %!ke !$potent gestures now- the art!(!*es o( her other %!(e were put as!de)Other %!(e4 ;a& see$ed a $!%%!on %!ght. #ears awa#- !t was he who now see$ed unrea%, and the otherwor%d%# "ew!t*h$ent o( the %!(e she %ed the on%# rea%!t#) +he %onged (or the week to end, and #et she dreaded !t w!th e'er# (!"er o( her "e!ng) How *ou%d she %ea'e 2en , %o'er and torturer, *aptor and *on0urer, whose 'er# tou*h set her tre$"%!ng (%esh on (!re4 +he %o'ed h!$, and a%% the unhapp!ness !n the wor%d *ou%d not *hange that) +he %onged to put herse%( "e#ond the rea*h o( 2en's dark !n(%uen*e, and #et, and #et<) Eu%a%!e had de%!'ered anothergr!s.gr!s as unsu**ess(u% as the (!rst) For three da#s Tasha, un.superst!t!ous though she was, kept !t !n her po*ket) 3h# not, as noth!ng e%se see$ed to penetrate 2en's !ron*%ad a((e*t!ons4 And then one $orn!ng when the week neared !ts end, she *ru$p%ed the "rown paper !nto a s$a%% "a%%, (%ung !t !nto the d#!ng *oa%s o( the "reak(ast (!re and wat*hed !t "urn w!th a hurt!ng heart) "3hat was that4" asked 2en, e$erg!ng (ro$ the hut !n t!$e to see the gesture and the hungr# (%ar!ng up o( (%a$e that %!*ked and de'oured the use%ess *har$)

"A pa!r o( e#e%ashes," Tasha %!ed) "Cou%d !t "e," 2en sa!d $o*k!ng%#, "that #ou're tr#!ng to p%ease $e4" "6 don't th!nk that's poss!"%e)" "/es, !t !s)" He stood %ean!ng aga!nst the wa%% o( the hut, ta%%, des!ra"%e, e&ert!ng h!s '!r!%e attra*t!on w!th no ph#s!*a% *onta*t at a%%) O"e#!ng an unuttered *o$$and, Tasha turned her head unt!% her e#es %o*ked w!th h!s) He t!%ted h!s head !n the s$a%%est o( "e*kon!ng gestures) "Co$e here," he sa!d !n a husk# !$perat!'e 'o!*e that see$ed to tra'e% to the roots o( Tasha's "e!ng and %e(t her he%p%ess to d!so"e#) And when he had parted her %!ps !n a deep k!ss and run h!s hands o'er her "od# !n a 0ourne# that pro*%a!$ed her h!s on*e $ore, he $ur$ured, "/ou p%eased $e %ast n!ght)" ";ore than, " 2ut she "!t "a*k the :uest!on- she d!d not want *o$par!sons w!th other wo$en) +he "ur!ed her (a*e aga!nst the roughness o( ha!r !n the = o( h!s sh!rt) "How we%% d!d 6 p%ease #ou4" she wh!spered, a*h!ng (or a *o$p%!$ent) "3e%% enough that 6'$ *ons!der!ng keep!ng #ou a(ter a%%)" H!s *asua% words awakened a :u!*k 0o#, as d!d the !d%e wa# h!s hands asserted ownersh!p o( her "od#) Then, w!th the stud!ed *rue%t# that had "e*o$e a part o( the "!tter ga$e he p%a#ed, he added, "/ou''e "e*o$e an a$us!ng p%a#th!ng, Tasha, now that #ou''e (a%%en !n %o'e w!th $e)" "6 ha'en't," she tr!ed to %!e, despa!r!ng) "Can #ou den# !t now4 /ou to%d $e so aga!n %ast n!ght< and aga!n, and aga!n...."

"On%# "e*ause #ou<to%d $e to sa# those words)" "Ha'e #ou no $!nd o( #our own4" he taunted, %!(t!ng her *h!n to %ook !nto her (a*e) H!s e#es were dark%# der!s!'e, s*orn(u%) "On%# a (ew da#s ago #ou were a%% tart tongue and "r!ght de(ense)" H!s $o*k!ng s$!%e (aded and he *o$$anded, "Te%% $e now) 6 want to hear !t on*e aga!n) " "2en, don't," she sa!d, su((er!ng and tr#!ng to h!de th!s w!th the droop o( her %ashes) "Te%% $e and then 6'%% de*!de whether to keep #ou)" "6 %o'e #ou," she sa!d !n a %ow 'o!*e, know!ng !n ad'an*e that there wou%d "e no %!ke response (ro$ h!$) "How $u*h4" ";ore than !s good (or the sa(et# o( $# sou%," shesa!d, her 'o!*e "are%# aud!"%e) "9o #ou want to sta# w!th $e4" "/es," she sa!d, *r!ng!ng !nward%# e'en as she $ade the ad$!ss!on) "Good , "e*ause then #ou'%% "e !n a**ord w!th $# p%ans)" H!s 'o!*e turned *o%d, de%!"erate%# hurt(u%) "/es, $# %o'e, 6 th!nk 6 w!%% keep #ou a %!tt%e %onger)Not 'er# %ong, "ut %ong enough)" Tasha pu%%ed r!ght awa# and turned, pu%ses pound!ng, so that he *ou%d not see her (a*e) 6t was terr!"%e, the power he had o'er her) Terr!"%e, the wa# he *ou%d ra!se her hopes and then dash the$ a%% at one t!$e) " ong< enough4" she sa!d, tr#!ng to sound *asua%)

"A $onth, two4"2en's hands *a$e (ro$ "eh!nd and *aptured her wa!st, pu%%!ng her "a*k aga!nst h!$) H!s "rown (!ngers spread possess!'e%# o'er the ho%%ow o( her sto$a*h)" ong enough to *on(!r$ that $# seed !s grow!ng !n #ou) And !t w!%% "e soon, !( !t !sn't a%read#) 6t a$uses $e to th!nk o( #ou "ear!ng $# *h!%d, t!ed to $# *h!%d, " "2en, p%ease<)" He "ent h!s head to tanta%!1e an ear %o"e) "Oh, #ou *an pretend (or #our s$art ondon (r!ends that the *h!%d !s ;a&'s, that #ou and he ant!*!pated #our 'ows)" He $ur$ured the words so(t%#, as !( the# were %o'e words !nstead o( daggers !n her heart) "That shou%d $ake an !ntr!gu!ng p!e*e o( goss!p) Or #ou *an te%% the$ the truth , that $!ght "e e'en $ore a$us!ng) 6 *an !$ag!ne #ou %augh!ng a"out #our %o'e *h!%d w!th that "r!ght soph!st!*ated %!tt%e %augh o( #ours) 3h# don't 6 hear !t now4 augh, Tasha)" +he %onged to %augh !( on%# to *on*ea% the power he had to hurt her) 2ut the *apa"!%!t# (or su*h (aker# had "een destro#ed da#s ago, when 2en had $ade her h!s) "Aren't #ou en*hanted "# the !dea o( a %o'e *h!%d<$# *h!%d4" +k!%%(u%%#, h!s hard hand $an!pu%ated the 1!p o( her 0eans, a%%ow!ng h!s spread (!ngers to !ntrude aga!nst "ared (%esh) "A %!tt%e $e$ento (or when 6 wa%k out o( #our %!(e , as 6 w!%%) augh, Tasha)" "2en, don't! 6 don't (ee% %!ke %augh!ng)" And #et, she see$ed !n*apa"%e o( pre'ent!ng h!s !n'as!'e (!ngers (ro$ ha'!ng the!r wa#) H!s other hand $o'ed to e&p%ore the agon!1ed (a*e he *ou%d not see) "Tears, then4 No4 /ou ne'er *r#, do #ou4 The (ee%!ng s!$p%# doesn't go that deep)" +he shou%d ha'e (ought h!$ then, "ut w!th h!s hands ro'!ng so !nt!$ate%# and h!s %!ps %a#!ng $o!st erot!* patterns !n the ho%%ows o( her throat, !t was hard to th!nk-

espe*!a%%# when he was a%read# %ead!ng her toward the hut, and the who%e wor%d was wh!r%!ng !n a 'orte& o( (ee%!ng, too $u*h (ee%!ng<) Perhaps !t was true that she wasa$arr>e) For what "ut a spe%% *ou%d a**ount (or the (a*t that she *ou%d not stop h!$ when he undressed her, and k!ssed her "reasts, and took her on*e aga!n4 "9o #ou th!nk we $ade our %!tt%e %o'e *h!%d toda#4" he $ur$ured a(ter !t was done) "2ut then, !t won't tru%# "e a %o'e *h!%d, w!%% !t4Just a "astard) For 6 don't %o'e #ou at a%%, $# sweet, and 6 ne'er w!%%)" +he tr!ed to tw!st awa#, "ut 2en's hands trapped her !n su*h a wa# that he *ou%d wat*h her (a*e) "2en, don't ta%k o( a *h!%d as though< as though !t were a "ad 0oke)" "A "ad 0oke," he agreed w!th a "!tter tw!st to h!s $outh) H!s hands dug hurt(u%%# !nto the (!st(u% o( ha!r he had se!1ed !n order to pre'ent her head (ro$ turn!ng) The "rood!ng hatred he had on*e tr!ed to h!de now darkened h!s e#es w!th no atte$pt at *on*ea%$ent)";# 0oke<%!'!ng !n #ou)"

6t was at noono( that sa$e da#, when 2en had gone !nto the pa%$ gro'e to *o%%e*t *o*onuts and k!nd%!ng (or %ater use, that she (!na%%# sought he%p) 9r!'en at %ast to desperat!on "# the *rue% e&*hanges o( the $orn!ng and (!nd!ng so$e strength !n 2en's a"sen*e, she (%ed the 'a%%e# o( the *o*o.de.$er) Eu%a%!e *ou%d not he%p, "ut perhaps 9e%ph!ne *ou%d) Tasha had '!s!ted 9e%ph!ne on two other o**as!ons dur!ng the past (ew da#s, "oth t!$es w!th !ntent!ons o( ask!ng (or he%p) +o$e deeper power had a%wa#s pre'ented her (ro$ sa#!ng the words, poss!"%# "e*ause !n her heart she had not rea%%# wanted to %ea'e 2en) The '!s!ts, howe'er, had ser'ed to *on(!r$ a grow!ng (r!endsh!p- and Tasha had taken *o$(ort !n 9e%ph!ne's k!ndness, opt!$!s$ and war$heartedness)

Toda#, "e*ause Tasha was too desperate to e&p%a!n her reasons or trust to s#$path# a%one, she *arr!ed w!th her se'era% one.hundred rupee "anknotes she had sto%en hast!%# (ro$ one o( 2en's po*kets) 9e%ph!ne's e#es rounded at the s!ght o( so $u*h $one#) "2ut that !s $ore than Ar!st!de $akes !n a #ear) /ou w!%% pa# h!$ so $an# rupees to take #ou to see Father Ju%!en th!s a(ternoon, when Father Ju%!en w!%% "e here on th!s !s%and to$orrow4 No person that !s !n her r!ght $!nd wou%d<) " 9e%ph!ne "!t her %!p and e#edTas ha's w!%d and haunted e&press!on, %ett!ng s!%en*e ser'e (or what she was too po%!te to sa#) "P%ease ask Ar!st!de," "egged Tasha) "He'%% "e ho$e soon, won't he, (or %un*h4" "6t !s not r!ght to take $one# (ro$ a person who does not understand what she does," sa!d 9e%ph!ne, res!st!ng the hand that tr!ed to thrust the "anknotes upon her) "9e%ph!ne!3!th th!s $u*h $one# #ou and Ar!st!de *an $arr#) And #es, 6 do understand what 6'$ do!ng) 6'$ not *ra1#, rea%%# 6'$ not) Oh<)" Tasha's sense o( hope%essness "e*a$e a*ute as she rea%!1ed that her "%and!sh$ents were not work!ng) +ee!ng the stu""orn and d!s"e%!e'!ng %ook on 9e%ph!ne's (a*e, she sw!t*hed ta*t!*s) Cou%d she p%a# on 9e%ph!ne's superst!t!ous nature4 "3e%%, perhaps 6 a$< a %!tt%e)2ut< "ut< 6 ha'e so$e $ag!* power too)" 6t was no $ore than a "%u((, "ut !t k!nd%ed a s%!ght%# d!((erent e&press!on, one o( $!%d awe, !n 9e%ph!ne's e#es) Tasha :u!*k%# tr!ed to (o%%ow through on her "r!e( $o$ent o( ad'antage) "3!th the power that !s !n $e," she de*%ared, "#ou *an't re(use $e<an#th!ng!"

9e%ph!ne "a*ked awa# a (oot or so and %ooked at Tasha's s%ender wa!st%!ne, $easur!ng !t) +he pursed her %!ps, and shook her head know!ng%#) "2ut #ou do not %ook as though #ou are w!th *h!%d) 6t !s true that, !( #ou are w!th *h!%d, !t wou%d "e 'er# "ad to re(use, no $atter what #ou asked, !n *ase #ou *aused $e to "reakout)" 3as there so$e +e#*he%%es superst!t!on !n'o%'!ng pregnan*#4 6n her desperat!on, Tasha had no :ua%$s a"out $!srepresent!ng her ph#s!*a% state) +he poun*ed on the opportun!t#, e'en though she was not sure what k!nd o( an out"reak she was supposed to *ause) "2ut 6 a$ e&pe*t!ng a *h!%d," she %!ed, "e'en though #ou *an't see !t #et) And !( #ou re(use $e, 6'%%<6 w!%% *ause #ou to "reak out, #ou and Ar!st!de 2ru%eau, too!" "Oh," $oaned 9e%ph!ne, wr!ng!ng her hands) Her honest (a*e %ooked unhapp# "ut as stu""orn as e'er) "A%% the sa$e, we *annot a**ept #our $one#, not e'en to pre'ent the p!$p%es) " "3hat !s th!s ta%k o( p!$p%es4" *a$e a deep%# $odu%ated $an's 'o!*e !n understanda"%e "ut a**ented Fren*h, de(err!ng to Tasha's presen*e) Tasha turned to see the we%%.kn!t (!gure o( Ar!st!de 2ru%eau e$erg!ng (ro$ the trees, the $orn!ng's *at*h !n h!s hand) He s$!%ed and nodded p%easant%# at Tasha, then handed the str!ng o( (!sh to 9e%ph!ne) "Now, what !s th!s (oo%!shness4" o**as!on de$anded) "+he !s pregnant," sa!d 9e%ph!ne, her nor$a% *heer(u%ness (u%%# restored) "And she w!%% g!'e us p!$p%es !( we re(use to he%p her!" "6 o((ered $one#," Tasha !nserted :u!*k%#) !ke $an# Creo%es, Ar!st!de spoke a +e#*he%%es

pato!s $ost o( the t!$e "ut was *apa"%e o( sw!t*h!ng to trad!t!ona% Fren*h when the

Ar!st!de turned h!s attent!on (!rst to 9e%ph!ne) "Foo%!sh wo$an!" he s*o%ded her stern%#) "6 wonder that th!s (!ne #oungda$e does not %augh at #our ne'er.end!ng nonsense! 6 re(used #ou $an# th!ngs #ears ago when #ou were w!th *h!%d, and 6 ne'er had a s!ng%e p!$p%e) " "That !s "e*ause 6 a%wa#s (orga'e #ou "e(ore the# had t!$e to appear," 9e%ph!ne sa!d *o$p%a*ent%#) "Pah! 6t !s a s!%%# superst!t!on!" "/ou *a%% !t superst!t!on toda#, "ut %ook !n the $!rror to$orrow! '' "And !( 6 see a s!ng%e p!$p%e," warned Ar!st!de, "6 w!%% throw #ou out the door and (!nd a$>nagDre who has put su*h nonsense "eh!nd her! Now, wh# ha'e #ou re(used to he%p4" "6( she had 0ust asked (or he%p 6 wou%d ha'e sa!d #es," returned 9e%ph!ne, su%k!ng a %!tt%e at Ar!st!de's repr!$and, ""ut she o((ered so $u*h $one# (or #our ser'!*e that 6 thought !t was on%# the$a%.(a!san*e speak!ng) Re$e$"er, she !s $ad)" Ar!st!de ro%%ed h!s e#es to hea'en and turned to Tasha) "Forg!'e $# s!%%# wo$an) 6t !s she who !s a %!tt%e $ad, when $one# !s so s*ar*e! Now, what !s th!s ser'!*e (or wh!*h #ou w!sh to pa#4" The p!rogue was an*hored$ sha%%ow water, a"out twent# (eet (ro$ shore) 6t see$ed $arked%# prone to t!pp!ng, and that Tasha *%a$"ered !n at a%% was perhaps a $easure o( her need to es*ape) As a non.sw!$$er, she *erta!n%# shou%d not ha'e done so w!thout a %!(e0a*ket) 2ut at th!s $o$ent !n t!$e, the tor$ents to wh!*h 2en had "een su"0e*t!ng her see$ed potent!a%%# $ore destru*t!'e than an# dangers o( the deep)

Ar!st!de pu%%ed !n the great stone, noosed w!th rope, that ser'ed as an an*hor- the p!rogue ro*ked a%ar$!ng%#) Tasha *rou*hed !n the "otto$ o( the "oat and hard%# not!*ed when so$e water s%opped o'er the s!de- her 0eans %egs and sanda%s were a%read# thorough%# soaked (ro$ wad!ng through the sha%%ows) "How %ong w!%% !t take to rea*h Father Ju%!en's !s%and4" she asked an&!ous%#) "Not too %ong," sa!d Ar!st!de *heer(u%%#) "True, there !s %!tt%e w!nd toda# to push $# sa!%s, "ut there !s a%wa#s the padd%e) And as #ou see, 6 a$ a $an o( strong ar$s) 6 ha'e padd%ed that d!stan*e and $ore $an# a t!$e)" Tasha *ur%ed %ow !nto the p!rogue, too $!sera"%e w!th her own thoughts to pa# $u*h attent!on to the *ourse Ar!st!de was sett!ng) As he had pred!*ted, the sa!% was o( %!tt%e use) He re$a!ned !n the %agoon, a!$!ng northward !n order to round the !s%and o( ;#st!:ue- the se*ond !s%and *ou%d "e rea*hed through a *hanne% on the (ar s!de) There were se'era% *hanne%s through the ree( surround!ng ;#st!:ue- that had "een e&p%a!ned "# 9e%ph!ne who !n the %ast ana%#s!s had o'er*o$e her !n!t!a% re%u*tan*e to he%p, perhaps "e*ause o( Ar!st!de's sar*ast!* "ut a((e*t!onate suggest!on that !( a wo$an were !ndeeda$arr>e, she *ou%d do worse than *o$$!t herse%( to the good ausp!*es o( Father Ju%!en) 3h# was 2en tr#!ng to destro# her , !( not !n "od# then sure%# !n sou%4 6nst!n*t!'e%# Tasha knew that h!s hatred ste$$ed (ro$ that (a%se %!tt%e %augh she had uttered so %ong ago on the n!ght o( the!r wedd!ng) And #et, !( he had g!'en her an# *%ue as to the th!ng that had trou"%ed h!$ that n!ght, she wou%d ne'er ha'e %aughed) E'en now, know!ng the (u%% stor#, !t see$ed !n*ongruous that he shou%d ha'e "een th!nk!ng o( a *at that sur'!'ed when so $an# peop%e had d!ed) True, !t was the *at that had sent 2en "a*k !nto the water, and no dou"t he had "een re%!'!ng that horrendous e&per!en*e, "ut how *ou%d she ha'e known4

O**up!ed w!th her own thoughts, she d!d not at on*e rea*t when Ar!st!de's strong strok!ng o( the padd%e *a$e to a sudden ha%t) A(ter a (ew $o$ents, the *anoe "egan to %ose !ts (orward !$petus, and !t was then, on%# then, that Tasha st!rred herse%( (ro$ her trou"%ed re'er!e and ra!sed her e#es) The# were st!%% w!th!n the %agoon, !n %!$p!d $!rror.st!%% water) Pu11%ed, she %ooked at Ar!st!de) He was po!sed and wat*h(u%, h!s attent!on r!'eted "# so$eth!ng "e#ond Tasha's head) The padd%e was a%read#"a*k !n the "oat, dr!pp!ng o'er a naked *a%%used (oot) E'en as she wat*hed, Ar!st!de's hand, a%$ost '!s!"%# !t*h!ng as he (%e&ed h!s s:uare "rown (!ngers, !n*hed toward a "%a*k $eta% harpoon) On h!s (a*e there was an e&press!on that re$!nded Tasha o( the wa# 2en %ooked at her at t!$es , an o"sess!'e, possess!'e %ook) On%# !n Ar!st!de's *ase !t was d!re*ted at the $!rror sur(a*e o( the %agoon "eh!nd Tasha's "a*k) +he turned, (o%%ow!ng the d!re*t!on o( h!s *o'etous ga1e) Her heart stopped (or (u%%# a se*ond) "9e'!%(!sh," wh!spered Ar!st!de, "ut she had not needed to "e to%d) The *anoe was s%!d!ng no!se%ess%# toward the %argest sea *reature she had e'er seen) +he he%d her "reath , not !n a%ar$ now, "ut *erta!n%# !n awe) 2en had sa!d the $anta ra# was not dangerous) 6t was !$poss!"%e to do an#th!ng "ut ad$!re the *reat!ne's eer!e s!%ent "eaut#, the s%ow gra*e(u% $ot!on o( the "%a*k.and.wh!te shape g%!d!ng through the %!$p!d tur:uo!se water d!re*t%# ahead o( the p!rogue's prow) "No, Ar!st!de," she "egged, d!s:u!eted %est he shou%d "e sedu*ed "# h!s own *up!d!t# to *apture th!s *reature he had "een sta%k!ng unsu**ess(u%%# (or so %ong) "Hush," $ur$ured Ar!st!de, "6 ha'e ne'er "een so *%ose)" "Ar!st!de, #ou *an't, not unt!% a(ter, "

6n the ne&t $o$ent the harpoon s%!*ed unerr!ng%# through the water) Tasha's (!rst !nst!n*t was horr!(!ed p!t# as the "eaut!(u% ra# %ur*hed, (%apped (rant!*a%%# and then p%unged toward a *%ear%# '!s!"%e sand "otto$ starred w!th "r!ght sea ane$ones) The harpoon rope un*o!%ed and s%!thered !nto the sea at a (r!ghten!ng pa*e, then *ont!nued to un(ur% as the *reature rea*hed "otto$, %e'e%ed and swer'ed toward the ree( w!th a%% the $!ght# strength o( wh!*h !ts w!ngs were *apa"%e) The s%a*k was taken up !n se*onds, and the harpoon rope pu%%ed taut where !t was atta*hed to the p!rogue) Tasha gasped and gr!pped the gunwa%es o( the "oat as the ra# pu%%ed the *anoe *o$p%ete%# around and started to tug !t toward a *hanne% !nto the open sea) Ar!st!de had *o$e to a *rou*h !n the stern o( the p!rogue, and he was roar!ng w!th tr!u$ph and %aughter) "9own !n the *anoe!" he shouted at Tasha) "2ut he's pu%%!ng us out to sea!" she s*rea$ed) "And who *ares !( he pu%%s us out to sea4 3e *an a%wa#s tow h!$ "a*k) Ha! He on%# th!nks he *an es*ape! He !s dead, that de'!%(!sh, as sure as $# na$e !s Ar!st!de 2ru%eau! " "2ut #our pro$!se to $e, " "6 w!%% ha'e #ou to Father Ju%!en "e(ore the da# !s through! Ho! 2ut he !s a w!%d one) Ha! 2ut %ook how (ast he pu%%s us) He wears h!$se%( out, and !n $!nutes now, he w!%% d!e!" The $anta ra# was no %onger w!th!n the range o( '!s!"!%!t#) 6ts progress was strong and stead#, not :u!te the (r!ghten!ng 0o#r!de Ar!st!de's e"u%%!ent and g%ee(u% re$arks suggested) Nonethe%ess, !t headed sw!(t%# and sure%# toward !ts es*ape

route, and soon the p!rogue was *ours!ng at a stead# s!& knots o'er the so$ewhat *hopp!er waters o( the open sea) Tasha's (!rst pre$on!t!on o( terror, rea% terror, "egan the $o$ent the p!rogue %e(t the prote*t!on o( the %agoon) The se*ond pre$on!t!on *a$e so$e $!nutes %ater when the tow!ng rope went sudden%# s%a*k) At that s!gn, Ar!st!de gr!pped a se*ond harpoon and *a$e to a stand!ng *rou*h, read# to p%a*e a se*ond "ar") Tasha turned her horr!(!ed ga1e to the po!nt where h!s e#es were (!&ed, r!ght "es!de the p!rogue) And there !n the sea was the g!ant shape, %oo$!ng upward, st!%% thrash!ng, (ar too *%ose to the "oat) Terr!(!ed, she %eaped to her (eet and heard Ar!st!de's angr# oath<) And !n the ne&t !nstant her s*rea$ was drowned "# the sea) 6nst!n*t *%osed her $outh and her e#es and set her %!$"s to (%a!%!ng) 6t a%% happened too sw!(t%# to sort out the se:uen*e unt!% %ater8 the s*rea$ she *ou%d not 'o!*e- the great pa!n as Ar!st!de se!1ed her %ong (%oat!ng ha!r- the pu%% upward- the (!nd!ng that her head was (ree o( water- the *hok!ng- the he%p!ng hands- the warn!ng shouts) "+ta# awa# (ro$ the %ash o( the ta!%! 9!a"%e! Can #ou not sw!$4 Hurr#, onto the "oat<here, 6 w!%% push<ho%d on<don't s*rea$! That was h!s %ast %ash...Can #ou not see, the de'!% !s dead4" +he was a sorr#.%ook!ng (!gure !ndeed "# the t!$e Ar!st!de had pushed, pu%%ed and %ad%ed her onto h!s o'erturned p!rogue) "+!t st!%%," he *o$$anded (ro$ the water)";on 9!eu, where !s $# padd%e4 The ta!% $ust ha'e tossed !t awa#< who wou%d ha'e thought the o%d s!nner wou%d ha'e so $u*h %!(e !n h!$ then4 +!t st!%%! 3ou%d #ou (a!nt now when #ou are per(e*t%# sa(e4" Ar!st!de re$o'ed h!s sh!rt, s%apped !t o'er the (ar end o( the p!rogue and then spent se'era% $!nutes sw!$$!ng around the *anoe, %ook!ng (or h!s %ost padd%e) At %ast, g!'!ng up, he d!'ed "eneath the sur(a*e (or se*onds on%# and *a$e up w!th a

%oop o( rope o'er one shou%der) He *%!$"ed onto the o'erturned p!rogue !n so$e haste, s:uatted at the (ar end H!ndu.(ash!on, and %ooked at her w!th a sad a**usat!on !n h!s e#es) "3h# d!d #ou stand up4" he sa!d so(t%#) "The p!rogue !s no $ore than a %og, dug out to $ake a "oat) 6t upsets 'er# eas!%#) " "6 thought< the $anta ra#..." Her words *a$e out !n great spas$s, "etween gu%ps o( restorat!'e a!r) "6 thought<!t<was go!ng to<upset<the "oat<)" Ar!st!de s$!%ed wan%# and (ata%!st!*a%%#) "Ah, we%%, perhaps !t wou%d ha'e) 6t happens so$et!$es w!th a s$a%% p!rogue %!ke $!ne) +o perhaps !t was $eant to "e)" "6'$<sorr#)" "3hat !s done !s done," he sa!d rue(u%%# "ut ph!%osoph!*a%%#, and set h!$se%( to pu%%!ng !n the rope to ensure that h!s *at*h was st!%% !nta*t) "3e are %u*k# a(ter a%% that there !s so %!tt%e w!nd) And 6 do not th!nk !t w!%% start to "%ow- !t !s not !n the a!r) Ha'e *ourage! Res*ue w!%% *o$e "e(ore dark)" "9.dark4" repeated Tasha (a!nt%#, her teeth *hatter!ng (ro$ ner'es) "There !s no worr#, #ou w!%% "e sa(e," Ar!st!de reassured her) "True, others on the !s%and *annot see us now, "ut the t!de !s w!th us) +oon enough we w!%% dr!(t "a*k to where the houses are) 2ut 6 a$ a(ra!d, 'er# a(ra!d," he added w!st(u%%#, as h!s e#es skated toward the water where he had "rought the de'!%(!sh near%# to the sur(a*e, "that "# then, 6 w!%% ha'e no *at*h at a%%)" And that was when Tasha %ooked and saw the sharks)

Howdo #ou $easure true terror , !n se*onds, !n *entur!es, !n %!ght.#ears4 For to Tasha !t see$ed end%ess, and #et !t ended, to "e rep%a*ed "# a nu$"ness that stret*hed through the %ong a(ternoon hours o( hudd%!ng on top o( the *aps!1ed p!rogue) Perhaps the nu$"ness "egan short%# a(ter Ar!st!de prodded her w!th h!s *a%%used toe and warned her not to *%ose her e#es) "2e*ause then perhaps #ou s%eep, heh4 And that !s not good) To wat*h the sharks(eed, that !s noth!ng) 2ut to "e the!r $ea%<)" And at %ast h!s repeated !$portun!ngs rea*hed her enough that she opened her unw!%%!ng sho*k.d!%ated e#es) +he had not wanted to wat*h the sharks !n the!r (eed!ng (ren1#- and #et on*e she d!d so she *ou%d not wren*h her ga1e (ro$ the "o!%!ng o( water around the "od# o( the $anta ra#) At that po!nt, w!th pure terror st!%% possess!ng her $!nd, !t had see$ed %!ke a "ad drea$ *o$e true, ea*h n!ght$are (a*et o( the s*ene d!st!n*t and separate and $a*a"re "e#ond !$ag!n!ng8 the s%!pper# "oat "otto$ %apped "# s$a%% wa'es- the padd%e (%oat!ng out o( rea*hAr!st!de shak!ng h!s (!st and *urs!ng, not the (ates, "ut ea*h and e'er# ha$$erhead and $ako that tore at h!s %ong.*o'eted pr!1e) "Cursed th!e'es!" he *r!ed (ro$ h!s $!sera"%e per*h) "Can #ou %ea'e a $an noth!ng o( h!s *at*h4 2# n!ght(a%% there w!%% "e noth!ng %e(t o( $# "eaut#...Oh, that a $an shou%d "e so un%u*k#..." Tasha wat*hed the sharks, h#pnot!1ed, horr!(!ed) The %!tt%e wash o( wa'e%ets was rh#th$!*, ro*k!ng,*rad%e%!ke ) Haunt!ng snat*hes o( 2en's des*r!pt!on o( h!s e&per!en*e *a$e "a*k, %!ke prophes!es o(her own %!'!ng n!ght$are) 6t was the"o#, 6

guess he (e%% as%eep< 6 %ost tra*k o( t!$e< "# then 6 d!dn't *are a"out sharks, 6 *ared a"out s%eep ...
+%eep4 How *ou%d a person s%eep4 6t was when Tasha rea%!1ed that she had 0erked herse%( "a*k (ro$ a h#pnot!* tran*e that so$e nu$"ed part o( her $!nd took o'er)

Nu$"ed4 Perhaps s!$p%# o"0e*t!'e- the $!nd was *apa"%e o( a"sor"!ng on%# so $u*h horror) Now her "ra!n see$ed tota%%# *%ear, *apa"%e o( reason) +he re*ogn!1ed that the p!rogue "otto$ was not so s%!pper# a(ter a%% as !t dr!ed !n the sun- that !( an#th!ng !t was %ess unsta"%e now than !t had "een r!ght s!de up- that res*uers were sure to *o$e, pro"a"%# "e(ore n!ght(a%%, espe*!a%%# as the dr!(t o( the sea see$ed to "e tak!ng the$ "a*k toward the part o( the !s%and where the# $!ght "e s!ghted "# other !nha"!tants- that the sharks, though *%ose and (ren1!ed, were not atta*k!ng the p!rogue- that the# were !nterested !n one th!ng on%#, the de'!%(!shand that the de'!%(!sh was dead) The sharks tear!ng at the *ar*ass *ou%d e'en "e wat*hed w!th a deta*hed and *%!n!*a% ad$!rat!on (or the e((!*!en*# o( the!r strea$%!ned pr!$e'a% des!gn, one o( the ear%# $ar'e%s o( genet!* e'o%ut!on) At what po!nt !n that %ong a(ternoon d!d she "eg!n to e:uate the de'!%(!sh w!th 2en4 6t was a strange trans(eren*e , or poss!"%# !t was not so strange) Perhaps !t o**urred "e*ause she had on*e !n anger w!shed a s!$!%ar (ate (or 2en) Perhaps !t was "e*ause she now knew that 2en had on*e near%# su((ered su*h a (ate !n waters not so $an# hundred $!%es (ro$ here) Perhaps !t was "e*ause o( the $anta ra#'s s!1e and power and un*ons*!ous gra*e, :ua%!t!es 2en, too, possessed) And perhaps !t was "e*ause, o'er these past da#s, she had "egun !n her su"*ons*!ous to th!nk o( 2en as the de'!% !n*arnate, wh!sper!ng te$ptat!ons and tor$ents !n her ear<) The de'!% !s dead,Ar!st!de had sa!d- and Tasha wat*hed !t "e!ng de'oured w!th a "enu$"ed o"0e*t!'!t# that %e(t no roo$ whatsoe'er (or e$ot!on) On%# when the %ast o( the de'!%(!sh *ar*ass had "een torn (ro$ the harpoon and the %ast o( the sharks s*attered d!d Tasha rea%!1e how e&hausted she was) T!red, t!red, t!red,wear# to the 'er# "one)

The sun had %ong s!n*e "urned her sk!n and dr!ed her ha!r and turned her *%othes to sa%t.*aked st!((ness, and these th!ngs *ontr!"uted to her (at!gue) 2ut the t!redness she (e%t rea*hed deeper than her $arrow- !t rea*hed !nto her 'er# sou%) 6n one d!re*t!on stret*hed an unend!ng '!sta o( "%ue *a%$ water) 6n the other d!re*t!on %a# the %u$p!ng shape o( the !s%and o( ;#st!:ue) The sun had s%!pped "eh!nd the !s%and's upper$ost peaks, ad'ert!s!ng the sw!(t ad'an*e o( n!ght(a%%) 2# now the p!rogue had dr!(ted *%ose enough that the tops o( the ta%% *o*o.de.$er pa%$s were per(e*t%# '!s!"%e !n the *up o( the 'a%%e# that 2en owned) The sun to%d her that she and Ar!st!de were due east o( the 'a%%e#) The !s%and no %onger pu%%ed the senses as on*e !t had) 3!thout e$ot!on Tasha turned her e#es awa#- the pea*e o( the "%ue e&panse he%d $ore appea%) +he d!d not tr# to (!ght the "one wear!ness that assa!%ed her- she we%*o$ed !t) How !ron!*, she thought $!%d%# as that great pea*e washed !nto hersou%, that the# shou%d "e east o( the 'a%%e# o( the Garden o( Eden) For east o( Eden %a# the %and o( Nod<)

CHAPTER TH6RTEEN

+he opened her e#es and 2en's de$on!a*a%%# %!t (eatures *a$e !nto (o*us, %ean!ng o'er her) For a d!sor!ented $o$ent she "e%!e'ed she had rea*hed her own persona% hea'en, or he%%) 3h!*he'er !t was, !t was a *ur!ous%# pea*e(u% p%a*e) +he (e%t tota%%# serene, as !( '!ew!ng e'er#th!ng (ro$ a s$a%% d!stan*e, a deta*hed spa*e !n her head) And then she rea%!1ed she was on*e aga!n !n the hut) There was Eu%a%!e !n the "a*kground, "u11!ng worr!ed%# !n her un*o$prehens!"%e pato!s- here was the so%!d "ed- there was the so%!d p%ank (%oor- a*ross the roo$ were the so%!d *ha!rs and the so%!d ta"%e- and !n 2en's hand was a %!ghted %antern, and that was what was *ast!ng those strange upward.s%ant!ng shadows on h!s (a*e) 3!th a deta*h$ent de'o!d o( e$ot!on !t *a$e to her now8 2en had arr!'ed at the *aps!1ed p!rogue 0ust at the %ast $o$ent o( purp%e %!ght) +he re$e$"ered Ar!st!de ad'!s!ng her that he%p was on !ts wa#, and that th!s had st!rred her "r!e(%# out o( her unuttera"%e e&haust!on and the dangerous %etharg# !ndu*ed "# the nar*ot!* rh#th$s o( the wa'es) +he had "een *ons*!ous "ut grogg# at that $o$ent 2en pu%%ed h!s ket*h a%ongs!de the p!rogue) 3hat had happened a(ter that4 "/ou (a!nted," 2en sa!d now :u!et%#- and she rea%!1ed that there was so$eth!ng !n h!s (a*e she had ne'er seen "e(ore) There was an ash.gra#ness a"out h!s $outh, desp!te the go%d *ast o( the %!ght e$anat!ng (ro$ the kerosene %a$p, and h!s e#es he%d no $o*ker#, no *rue%t#,no hatred now- on%# *on*ern) +he knew that 2en was wrong) +he had not(a!nted, she had $ere%# gone to s%eep) 2ut !t see$ed too $u*h trou"%e to te%% the truth- %et h!$ th!nk what he w!shed)

Tasha %!*ked her %!ps) The# tasted %!ke tears- had she "een *r#!ng4 3!th a $!%d sense o( re%!e( she rea%!1ed !t was on%# sea sa%t) That was as !t shou%d "e, (or she *ou%d not *on*e!'e o( a%%ow!ng e$ot!on to !ntrude !nto the p%easant%# nu$"ed and prote*ted rea%$ o( her $!nd) 6t was odd that (or the (!rst t!$e !n da#s she (e%t no des!re to *r#) +ho*k.!ndu*ed or no, the $ood o( o"0e*t!'!t# o( the a(ternoon had stood her !n good stead, and !t st!%% pers!sted) 6t was as though the n!ght$are e'ents o( the da# had "een a *athars!s o( so$e k!nd, *%eans!ng her o( the tur"u%ent e$ot!ons o( the past week) E'en the h#pnot!* "ond that had "ound her to 2en see$ed snapped) Perhaps there had s!$p%# "een too $u*h e$ot!on (or the $!nd to ass!$!%ate- she st!%% (e%t nu$") Her e#es turned toward Eu%a%!e s%ow%# and :ues.t!on!ng%#) 3hat was she do!ng here4 6t was odd how Eu%a%!e %ooked d!((erent, too, seen w!th new une$ot!ona% e#es)A 'er# o%d wo$an !n a pat*hed dress- not so $u*h to *r# o'er) 3!th a sense o( d!spass!onate wonder$ent Tasha rea%!1ed that desp!te her %a*k o( superst!t!on she had ha%( "e%!e'ed !n Eu%a%!e's $ag!*- or perhaps she had 0ust wanted to "e%!e'e) "How are #ou (ee%!ng4 '' "=er# we%%," she sa!d p%a*!d%#) "9e%ph!ne (et*hed Eu%a%!e a(ter we *a$e !n)" 2en's 'o!*e was st!%% %ow and *on*erned) 6t stru*k Tasha as 'ague%# !n*ongruous that he shou%d "e *on*erned when he hated her so, "ut the thought see$ed too un!$portant to pursue) The !nner work!ngs o( 2en's $!nd were o( no part!*u%ar !nterest now, e&*ept as a $!%d *ur!os!t#) He was not the 9e'!% !n*arnate a(ter a%%- he was on%# a $an) He *ou%d hurt her !n no wa# "e*ause she (e%t too %!tt%e to "e hurt) 6t was odd8 the rea%!1at!on that she *ou%d not "e hurt shou%d ha'e $ade her happ#, e&*ept that happ!ness was an e$ot!on, too, and there(ore "e#ond the rea%$ o( Tasha's *urrent *apa"!%!t!es)

"9e%ph!ne sa#s Eu%a%!e has a 'er# good pot!on (or sett%!ng the ner'es)+o$eth!ng to $ake #ou s%eep) Take !t now- #ou'%% (ee% "etter !n the $orn!ng)" "6 (ee% 'er# we%% now," Tasha sa!d *a%$%#, "ut she $ade no de$ur when 2en supported her w!th h!s ar$ and ra!sed her to a s!tt!ng pos!t!on) 3!th so$e part o( her $!nd she noted that she was wear!ng 2en's pa.0a$a top- she $ade no e((ort to *on0e*ture what was on her %ower ha%() +he s!$p%# d!dn't *are) For on*e "od# *onta*t w!th 2en a((e*ted her !n no wa#) 6t on%# *on(!r$ed what she had so o"0e*t!'e%# known8 he *ou%d not tou*h her now, not rea%%#) +he shou%d ha'e (e%t grat!tude (or th!s !$per'!ousness, "ut grat!tude was too strong a word (or the neutra% rea*t!on she was e&per!en*!ng) As Eu%a%!e approa*hed w!th her pot!on, Tasha's a**ept!ng s$!%e had a (a!nt%# etherea% :ua%!t#) 3h# d!d the# th!nk she needed so$eth!ng to sett%e her ner'es4 +he had no ner'es at a%%, or !( she d!d the# were a%read# n!ne.tenths deadened) 6t wasa her"a% tea o( so$e k!nd, or perhaps an !n(us!on o( "arks) 6t tasted $ust# and not unp%easant, and Tasha drank !t o"%!g!ng%#) Eu%a%!e's $utter.!ngs as she urged the war$ *%ear %!:u!d down Tasha's throat see$ed !n*onse:uent!a%, and the# penetrated that sense o( (%oat# deta*h$ent 'er# %!tt%e) "Oh, oh," Eu%a%!e worr!ed, "what happened to $# gr!s.gr!s%6t was a goodgr!s.gr!s, !t shou%d ha'e worked<) Oh, 6 trou"%ed so hard to $ake that gr!s.gr!s%+ure%# 6 $ade no $!stake th!s t!$e4" "6 "urned !t," sa!d Tasha $!%d%#, (ee%!ng noth!ng "ut an o"s*ure re%!e( !n te%%!ng the truth) Eu%a%!e's *ru$p%!ng e&press!on *aused no e$ot!on whatsoe'er, not e'en re$orse) How n!*e !t was to (ee% no e$ot!on) There had "een too $u*h e$ot!on (or too %ong , too $u*h agon#, too $u*h e*stas#, too $u*h des!re, too $u*h despa!r)

"Oh, oh, oh," $ourned Eu%a%!e, w!th the wr!nk%es around her e#es "un*hed as !( to pre'ent tears) "And #ou wonder that #ou near%# d!ed4 6 sha%% ha'e to $ake #ou another) To$orrow< #es, to$orrow 6 w!%% "r!ng !t) Or !s to$orrow the da# 6 go to $ass4 6 a$ *on(used now, 6 (orget<)" "To$orrow !s +unda#," 2en re$!nded her :u!*k%#) "Then the da# a(ter that," Eu%a%!e wa'ered) "The th!rd gr!s.gr!s w!%% work, 6 pro$!se !t) 2ut th!s t!$e #ou $ust not treat !t so %!ght%#! /ou $ust "e%!e'e, #ou $ust ha'e (a!th..." Eu%a%!e stood up to go, st!%% $oan!ng worr!ed%# at Tasha) 2en pressed a kerosene %antern !nto her shr!'e%ed hands desp!te Eu%a%!e's protests that she *ou%d see her wa# !n the dark) "6 ha'e good e#es," she sa!d, tugg!ng her go%d.w!red %o"e and *ast!ng a %ast %ong!ng %ook at Tasha's ear) And then she was gone, st!%% $utter!ng to herse%( as she 'an!shed !nto the n!ght) "3h# !s she $ak!ng a gr!s.gr!s (or #ou4" 2en asked !n a :u!et 'o!*e, *o$!ng "a*k to s!t on the "ed "es!de Tasha a(ter %ett!ng Eu%a%!e out the door) "Oh<6 re$!nd her o( so$eone<6 th!nk<" Tasha sa!d !n a 'ague un*on*erned 'o!*e) "6t wasn't $# !dea) +he wants $e to "e happ#)" "Are #ou unhapp#4 " "No," she rep%!ed w!th tota% truth(u%ness) 3hat was unhapp!ness4On%# a trap (or peop%e who had (ee%!ngs) And to th!nk she had on*e "een hurt "e*ause 2en a**used her o( ha'!ng no (ee%!ngs) Ha'!ng no (ee%!ngs was a state o( $!nd and heart de'out%# to "e w!shed)

2en (rowned, "ut w!th *on*ern not anger) "/ou $ust ha'e had so$e reason (or runn!ng," he sa!d, pro"!ng her e&press!on w!th odd%# !ntent e#es) How s!%%# he was to "e *on*erned, when she was no %onger to "e p!t!ed) +he rewarded h!$ w!th a d!stant %!tt%e s$!%e) "6 don't %!ke #ou," she sa!d) And wh# d!d that s!$p%e state$ent *ause su*h a *hurn!ng o( *on(%!*t!ng e$ot!ons to *ross h!s (a*e4Poor 2en) He hadn't %earned not to (ee%) For on*e, he was $ore 'u%nera"%e than she, and had she not "een anesthet!1ed aga!nst (ee%!ng she $!ght ha'e e'en (e%t a re$ote sense o( p!t# (or h!$) "Tasha, 6'$ sorr# (or<)" There was a %ong *hok!ng pause, as !( h!s words *a$e w!th d!((!*u%t#) H!s pertur"at!on %e(t Tasha una((e*ted- she wat*hed w!th a po%!te "ut *%!n!*a% !nterest, unt!% he re*o'ered h!s e:u!%!"r!u$ and h!s 'o!*e) "6'$ sorr# (or<de%!"erate%# sett!ng out to hurt #ou) /es, 6 ad$!t !t<and<good God, !( 6 *ou%d take "a*k so$e o( the th!ngs 6''e sa!d, 6 wou%d) 3hen 6 (!na%%# went %ook!ng (or #ou< when 6 s!ghted that *aps!1ed p!rogue (ro$ up on the h!%%< when 6 thought a"out what *ou%d ha'e happened out there< what near%# happened<)" "3h# d!d #ou worr#4" she $ur$ured !nd!((erent%#) "/ou don't %!ke $e, e!ther)" For so$e !%%og!*a% reason, her words *aused 2en to "ur# h!s head !n h!s hands) Tasha *ou%d see a (urrow d!gg!ng a deep groo'e "etween h!s "rows, and the swa%%ow!ng $us*%es work!ng !n h!s throat) To her !t see$ed !rrat!ona% and a %!tt%e po!nt%ess (or h!$ to rea*t so strong%# to a state$ent that was 'er# patent%# the truth) +he wat*hed w!th untou*hed e#es and saw e'er# deta!% o( h!s "ent head w!th great *%ar!t#, 0ust as she had seen the sharks !n the!r (eed!ng (ren1#) At %ast 2en ra!sed h!s head- h!s e#es %ooked haunted) "Tasha, #ou ha'e to understand) 6t was the wa# #ou %aughed that n!ght) 6t hurt<oh, God, !t hurt) For se'en #ears 6''e "een !n so$e k!nd o( purgator#, a%% $udd%ed up w!th that %augh)

5nt!%< th!s week< 6 used to wake up !n a *o%d sweat e'er# n!ght) And a%wa#s !n $# n!ght$ares was that *at's reproa*h(u% e#e, and #ou, ho'er!ng so$ewhere near, %augh!ng that "r!tt%e %!tt%e %augh..." "On%# "e*ause #ou $ent!oned a *ornered *at," she sa!d w!th tota% *a%$ness) "6t see$ed< po!nted)" 2en "a%%ed a (!st and pressed !t !nto the pa%$ o( h!s other hand, !n a too !ntense gesture) 3hen he spoke aga!n h!s 'o!*e was (or*ed%# *ontro%%ed, una**u.sator#) "3h# d!d #ou %augh4" "6 *ou%dn't th!nk o( an#th!ng e%se to do)"Re$arka"%e how e'en that o%d $e$or# had %ost a%% !ts pa!n, 'er# $u*h as !( a shot o( no'o*a!ne had "een ad$!n!stered) "/ou $!ght ha'e...Oh, what d!((eren*e does !t $ake now4 2ut 6 was upset a"out the *at that n!ght) 6 had 0ust re$e$"ered what happened to the *at) The $e$or# had "een "ur!ed- 6 th!nk 6 was !n sho*k a(ter the res*ue) Or perhaps 6 was 0ust too e&hausted to re$e$"er) 2ut the $e$or# *a$e "a*k that n!ght, tr!ggered "# #our words) And so$ehow< !t see$ed to *r#sta%%!1e a%% the horror)" "Oh4" sa!d Tasha out o( po%!teness, not *ur!os!t#) +he *ared a"out a *at no $ore than she *ared a"out Eu%a%!e, or 2en, or an#th!ng e%se) How po!nt%ess !t was to su((er (or a *at) And #et, 2en's (a*e and 'o!*e suggested su((er!ng e'en now, se'en #ears %ater) "The# drowned the *at," he sa!d !n a %ow strang%ed 'o!*e)"The *opra workers on the !s%and) The *at k!%%ed one o( the!r *h!*kens) The# *ornered !t and *aught !t) And then the# put !t !n a sa*k and drowned !t)" "Oh,"sa!dTasha)

"6 *ou%dn't (orget that , the wa# !t had %ooked at $e w!th that one e#e) 6t sa'ed $# %!(e) And then, 6 *ou%dn't sa'e !t< (or God's sake, 6 d!dn't e'en tr#) 6 0ust< wat*hed<too nu$" to do an#th!ng) 6 wat*hed !t d!e, no $ore a"%e to sa'e !t than 6 had sa'ed an#one e%se) Can't #ou see how #our "r!ght %!tt%e %augh was 0ust the %ast straw4 6 a%$ost wanted to k!%% #ou that n!ght< and then toda#, 6 a%$ost d!d, "# dr!'!ng #ou awa#)" He passed h!s hand o'er h!s e#es and then pressed thu$" and (ore(!nger o'er the "r!dge o( h!s nose) "Oh, God," he sa!d th!*k%#) "6t doesn't $atter)" !st%ess%#, Tasha *%osed her e#es) +he knew she shou%d re$o'e her *onta*t %enses, "ut her (!ngers (e%t p%easant%# para%#1ed) An !$$ense torpor was stea%!ng through her %!$"s) +o$e ana%#t!*a% port!on o( her $!nd *on*%uded that Eu%a%!e's s%eep!ng pot!on, at %east, was e((e*t!'e) "Noth!ng $atters, rea%%#<)" +he *ared ne!ther one wa# nor another when she (e%t 2en's war$ pa%$ *%ose o'er her "enu$"ed (!ngers) Her %ast thought "e(ore she s%!pped !nto s%eep was8 A t %ast the de'!% !s dead, tru%# dead<)

Twe%'e hours o( s%eep*ured the para%#s!s o( %!$"s, "ut not the para%#s!s o( e$ot!ons) +he re$a!ned apathet!*) 6t see$ed $!%d%# !ron!* that 2en's des!re to hurt her appeared to ha'e e'aporated a%ong w!th her a"!%!t# to "e hurt- "ut the tra!n o( thought was too !rkso$e to pursue) +he was as !nured to h!s s#$path# as she wou%d ha'e "een to h!s s*orn) "Co$e (or a wa%k w!th $e, Tasha<!nto the *o*o.de.$er gro'e) Or do #ou (ee% up to !t4"

3h# not4 The "od# was (un*t!on!ng per(e*t%# we%% toda#, and so were the re(%e&es) +he had dressed herse%( w!th no trou"%e at a%%, us!ng a (resh sh!rt and the ho$e$ade sk!rt, "e*ause the 0eans were too en*rusted w!th sa%t) +he had e'en $anaged to wash the 0eans !n the "rook wh!%e 2en prepared "reak(ast) +he had a%so r!nsed the sa%t (ro$ her "od# and her ha!r, a%though (or on*e she (e%t too %etharg!* to use sha$poo) And she had eaten "reak(ast) A%% the r!ght *hew!ng $us*%es had worked- e'en her appet!te had "een nor$a%) 3h# not a wa%k !n the *o*o.de.$er gro'e4 6t he%d no (ears (or her now) "A%% r!ght," she sa!d %!st%ess%#) Th!s t!$e the *athedra% gro'e stru*k no part!*u%ar *hord !n her heart) 6t was "eaut!(u%, #es- "ut seen w!th th!s o"0e*t!'e deta*h$ent o( wh!*h she now see$ed *apa"%e, !t awakened no sense o( awe) 6t was $ere%# a stand o( unusua%%# ta%% pa%$s w!th unusua%%# %arge nuts) The so(t "ree1e that *%attered the (ronds was %!ke "ree1es e'er#where, and the sun%!ght s!(t!ng through was the sa$e sun that shone !n ondon) And the "!rds were hard%# worth a se*ond g%an*e) 2en wa%ked s%ow%# to a%%ow (or her %aggard%# pa*e and *a$e to a ha%t "e(ore the# had penetrated the gro'e too (ar) 6t was not the sa$e p%a*e the# had stopped on*e "e(ore) "+!t down, Tasha," he !nstru*ted, "we ha'e so$e ta%k!ng to do) /ou (ee% up to a ta%k, don't #ou4" "O( *ourse)6'$ :u!te re*o'ered," she rep%!ed) +he %owered herse%( o"ed!ent%# onto a $oss# (a%%en %og and spent a $o$ent arrang!ng her sk!rts, a s%ow and gent%e o**upat!on that p%eased her as $u*h as she was *apa"%e o( "e!ng p%eased)

2en h!$se%( re$a!ned stand!ng, %ook!ng down at her, h!s hands 0a$$ed !nto h!s po*kets) "A%% the sa$e, #esterda# $ust ha'e "een a terr!"%e sho*k to #our s#ste$) 6 don't want to t!re #ou out, "ut< there are th!ngs to "e sa!d, and 6 don't want to put o(( sa#!ng the$) There are so$e $atters that $ust "e put to r!ghts) 6 don't want #ou to "e unne*essar!%# upset a"out< th!ngs 6 sa!d #esterda# $orn!ng)" "6'$ not upset," she sa!d tran:u!%%#) "2ut #ou were at the t!$e4" H!s e#es were on her, pro"!ng) "3as 64" Her 'o!*e was po%!te%# d!s!nterested- past states o( e$ot!on were o( no $o$ent now) "6 th!nk #ou $ust ha'e "een) 3hat 6 sa!d a"out (or*!ng #ou to sta# w!th $e<6 won't do that, "ut<oh, God, 6 th!nk there's "een a de$on !n $e e'er s!n*e that (!rst t!$e we ta%ked on the te%ephone, %ong d!stan*e)" 2en ran tanned (!ngers around the "a*k o( h!s ne*k !n an angu!shed gesture, and spent so$e $o$ents %ook!ng up !nto the *o*o.de.$er trees as !( (or strength or !nsp!rat!on) "Perhaps !t's "est !( 6 start (ro$ the wa# 6 (e%t that da#," he sa!d) "6t's un!$portant, rea%%#)" +he wanted to *ons!der h!s past e$ot!ons no $ore than she wanted to *ons!der her own) To a'o!d %ook!ng at that ta%% tense "od# that spoke o( too $u*h e$ot!on, she p%u*ked a p!e*e o( (ern and started to denude !t o( !ts %!tt%e %ea'es, 'er# s%ow%# and 'er# $ethod!*a%%#) "/ou sa# 6 *an go, 2en) That's a%% 6 want to know) /ou don't need to e&p%a!n)" "2ut 6 do) Hear $e out, Tasha, that's a%% 6 ask, and then<$ake #our de*!s!on)" "9e*!s!on4"Another %!tt%e %ea( (%uttered to the ground) "3hether #ou'%% go< or sta#)"

"6 a%read# know," she sa!d *a%$%#) "6'%% go)" "Just %!sten," he sa!d w!th an !ntens!t# that see$ed (a!nt%# %ud!*rous) "Hear what 6 ha'e to sa#, that's a%% 6 ask) And then !( #ou st!%% want to go #ou *an)" +he was a%read# wear!ed o( h!s suppressed pass!on, "ut too apathet!* to res!st %!sten!ng) "Ta%k then," she s!ghed, p!n*h!ng another s$a%% %ea( (ro$ the sta%k o( the (ern) He took h!s t!$e, pa*!ng the (orest (%oor, ru$!nat!ng (or a wh!%e "e(ore he started h!s persuas!ons) 3hen he *a$e to a standst!%% h!s "a*k was turned to Tasha, h!s s!new# %ength taut w!th tens!on) "9o #ou re$e$"er enough o( %ast n!ght to re*a%% what 6 to%d #ou< a"out the *at4" "/es)" "Good," he nodded) "6 was a(ra!d #ou $!ght "e !n a state o( de%a#ed sho*k- !t so$et!$es happens)A k!nd o( nu$"ness o( $!nd)" "6 was per(e*t%# rat!ona%," she sa!d, n!pp!ng awa# another t!n# %ea() +he was do!ng !t !n a 'er# order%# (ash!on, a%ternate %ea'es on a%ternate s!des, *reat!ng a s#$$etr!*a% and p%eas!ng pattern on the sta%k) "Then perhaps #ou understand wh# so$eth!ng that happened se'en #ears ago st!%% a((e*ts $e so strong%#) 6<ha'en't spent se'en #ears drea$!ng o( re'enge, "ut< when #ou %aughed on the te%ephone when 6 returned #our *a%%, that 'er# sa$e art!(!*!a% %!tt%e %augh 6 kept hear!ng !n $# n!ght$ares, 6 , " the shou%ders hun*hed h!gher " , !t was as !( so$eth!ng !ns!de $e snapped) 6 knew then that 6 had to e&or*!se #ou (ro$ $# $!nd !( 6 was e'er to e&or*!se $# n!ght$ares) 6 wasn't sure at that $o$ent how 6 wou%d do !t, "ut 6 knew !t re:u!red a turn!ng o( ta"%es) 6 (e%t a *o$pu%s!on to see #ou upset, and then to %augh at #ou as #ou on*e %aughed at $e) 9oes that sound heart%ess4"

"No," she rep%!ed, %!(t!ng her e#e"rows a (ra*t!on o( an !n*h) "6t sounds 'er# %og!*a%)" "Then #ou do understand the<the $ot!'es "eh!nd $# "eha'!or4 And #ou *an (org!'e that $u*h4" +he re(%e*ted a $o$ent, so"er%# and w!th a per(e*t *%ar!t# o( $!nd) "/es," she sa!d at %ast, "6 *an (org!'e that $u*h)" 2en nodded, te$porar!%# sat!s(!ed w!th that (!rst *on*ess!on) "6nst!n*t!'e%# 6 sensed that th!s wou%d re:u!re %ur!ng #ou to $# ho$e terr!tor#) 6 knew that surrounded "# a%% the trapp!ngs o( *!'!%!1at!on #ou'd "e !$$une) 9oes that $ake sense, too4" "/es," she agreed p%a*!d%#, know!ng that she was !$$une now, e'en w!thout those trapp!ngs) 2en turned at %ast so that he *ou%d see Tasha, and then "e*ause her (a*e was "ent a %!tt%e !n *on*entrat!on o'er the %ea(, he dropped to the ground near her (eet and sat *ross.%egged, wat*h!ng her !ntent%#) "6 used the (!rst th!ng that o**urred to $e on short not!*e)" H!s words were s%ow, as though he wanted to gauge her rea*t!on) "/ou see$ed to want that proo( o( d!'or*e prett# "ad%#) The "a!t !s rea% enough , 6 ha'e the papers !n a sa(e.depos!t "o& !n ;ah> , "ut 6'$ not sure !t's 'a%!d !n Eng%and) 6 th!nk !t !s, "ut 6 don't know) ;e&!*an d!'or*es aren't re*ogn!1ed e'er#where)" "Oh," she responded w!th a rea*t!on too pa%e to "e surpr!se) "9on't #ou *are4One wa# or the other4"

"Not part!*u%ar%#," she sa!d !nd!((erent%#) ";a& w!%% arrange so$eth!ng e%se, !( ne*essar#)" "Tasha!" 2en e&p%oded) "Hear $e out "e(ore #ou sa# th!ngs %!ke that, w!%% #ou4" "6( #ou !ns!st," she agreed, "ut w!th a tota% a"sen*e o( enthus!as$) "3hen 6 saw #ou arr!'!ng at the a!rport at ;ah> #ou see$ed so *oo%, so !n'u%nera"%e,so unapproa*ha"%e, so<prote*ted "# #our pha%an& o( *!'!%!1at!on) And !t was then that the rest o( $# p%an took shape) 6 knew 6 *ou%dn't rea*h #ou, rea%%# rea*h #ou, un%ess 6 got #ou awa# (ro$ ;a& Fa"!enne and h!s hu$an wa%%) ";ak!ng %o'e to #ou wasn't part o( $# p%an at (!rst- that was pure *on0e*ture on #our part) That part!*u%ar< o"sess!on d!dn't ar!se unt!% #our (!rst n!ght here, when #ou were drunk and $ade so$e ad'an*es that were , " h!s 'o!*e t!ghtened w!th the re*o%%e*t!on " , 'er# hard to re(use) 6 wanted #ou "ad%#, and 6 de*!ded to ha'e #ou) +o 6 tr!*ked #ou !nto agree!ng) 6t d!dn't o**ur to $e then that #ou'd "e a '!rg!n st!%%- that k!nd o( !ne&per!en*e d!dn't (!t w!th what 6 knew a"out the 0et.set %!(e #ou %ed) Perhaps !( 6'd known that at (!rst, 6'd ne'er ha'e gone so (ar..." +he %!stened w!th no part!*u%ar !nterest wh!%e he re*a%%ed so$e o( the happen!ngs o( th!s past week (ro$ the po!nt o( '!ew o( h!s own e$ot!ons, h!s own $!sg!'!ngs, h!s own $ot!'es) How *%ear%# she saw h!$ now)The dark (ore%o*k (a%%!ng o'er the w!de "row)The ho%%ow :uest!on!ng e#es)The $outh, un.$o*k!ng now)The khak! sh!rt, sweat.da$pened, ru$p%ed, as though !t had "een worn !n s%eep)The unpo%!shed te&tures o( (a*e and hands and ha!r) 3h# had these th!ngs e'er $o'ed her4 He was a $an, no $ore, and a (a%%!"%e one at that) "P%ease *o$e to the po!nt, 2en," she !nterrupted wear!%#) "6'$ :u!te aware o( the (a*t that 6 !n'!ted #our e$"ra*es)" "Te%% $e, Tasha) 9!d #ou (a%% !n %o'e w!th $e< a %!tt%e4"

"/es," she ad$!tted unenthus!ast!*a%%#, "e*ause pre'ar!*at!on wou%d ha'e !n'o%'ed too $u*h !n'ent!on) "6 was 'er# !n(atuated, a%though now 6 *an't th!nk wh#) /esterda# :u!te *ured $e) Now 6 want on%# to %ea'e)" "Tasha<*an't #ou understand4 Th!s !s hard to sa# a(ter a%% 6''e put #ou through< "ut<6'$ ask!ng #ou to sta#)" "3h#4" she asked w!th a wan show o( !nterest, %!(t!ng her e#es (%eet!ng%# (ro$ the near%# denuded (ern sta%k) 2ut the !ntens!t# o( 2en's ga1e and the work!ng o( h!s 0aw were too (er'!d (or her %!k!ng, and so she turned her attent!on "a*k to her task) "2e*ause 6 need #ou<and<*an #ou den# !t's "een good !n "ed4" "/ou sa!d !t's "een "etter w!th other wo$en," she re$!nded h!$ out o( a $!%d !nte%%e*tua% *ur!os!t# to know the truth) 2en had the gra*e to drop h!s head, and !t was a t!$e "e(ore he spoke) "That was a %!e," he sa!d !n a th!*kened 'o!*e, "perhaps the worst %!e o( a%%) 6''e ne'er wanted an# wo$an as 6 want #ou) /ou're an o"sess!on,a $adness , a po!son!ng !n $# $!nd) 6t's wh# 6 to%d #ou #esterda# 6 wou%dn't %et #ou go)" He %aughed harsh%#, re$orse(u%%#) "6t wasn't "e*ause 6 had an# rea% !ntent!on o( $ak!ng #ou pregnant... Oh he%%, perhaps that's not true) +o$ewhere deep !n $# su"*ons*!ous 6 th!nk !t $ust ha'e o**urred to $e that a *h!%d $!ght "!nd #ou to $e) And 6 do want to see #ou "ear!ng $# *h!%d so$eda#);# *h!%d) 6 $ade !t sound %!ke a pun!sh$ent, "ut< da$$!t, Tasha, *an't #ou see4 ;# rea% $ot!'es go (ar deeper than the $ot!'es 6 ta%ked o( #esterda#)" "6t doesn't $atter," Tasha sa!d, not *ar!ng to hear an# $ore) A"stra*ted%#, her (!ngers p!n*hed awa# another %ea()

"2ut !t does," 2en sa!d too (!er*e%#, %ook!ng up aga!n) "6 d!d a %ot o( se%(.e&a$!nat!on %ast n!ght) 6t's a sad (a*t o( %!(e that !t so o(ten takes a near *atastrophe to $ake a $an see how he rea%%# (ee%s) 6 want #ou (or $# w!(e) 6'$ ask!ng #ou to sta# o( #our own (ree w!%%< to $arr# $e aga!n)" 9a!nt!%# she p%u*ked o(( another %ea( to "a%an*e the e$erg!ng pattern o( the (ern)He %o'es $e not) 6t %ooked %!ke a ske%eton now, the s%ender sp!ne w!th on%# a (ew s#$$etr!*a% %ea'es re$a!n!ng) 6t sat!s(!ed her aesthet!* sense, that str!pped. to.the."one %ook) "A%% the"etter to hurt $e4" she $ur$ured *ontented%#) "6t won't work an#$ore, 2en)" "Tasha! That's a%% done w!th now , those de$ons that were r!d!ng $# "a*k) The#'re e&or*!sed) 6 don't want to hurt #ou an#$ore)" Her (!ngers !d%ed at #et another %ea( and p!n*hed !t o(() He %o'es $e) +he g%an*ed up, her e#es untou*hed) "9oes th!s $ean #ou're !n %o'e w!th $e4" she asked un*on*erned%#) A s%ow (%ush rose o'er 2en's (a*e, and he answered re%u*tant%#) "6'$ sorr# #ou asked, Tasha, (or 6'$ tr#!ng to ha'e done w!th %!es) 6 th!nk %o'e wou%d *o$e) At the $o$ent 6 on%# know that the prospe*t o( a %!(e w!thout #ou !s a 'er# e$pt# one) " "Then #ou don't %o'e $e," she *on*%uded une$ot!ona%%#) Another %ea( (e%%) He %o'es

$e not)
"6 d!dn't sa# that, e!ther) 9a$$!t, 6 0ust don't know! 6'$ st!%% wrest%!ng w!th the :uest!on) Perhaps 6''e spent too $an# #ears hat!ng #ou, hat!ng the k!nd o( wo$an #ou are) Fro$ hate to %o'e !s too $u*h o( a 0u$p) 6 *an't *hange o'ern!ght)" "Then !t see$s #our %ow op!n!on o( $e hasn't *hanged, e!ther," she re$arked d!spass!onate%#) 6n truth 2en's op!n!on o( her no %onger *on*erned her at a%% e&*ept

as a $atter o( tr!'!a% !nterest, e'!den*e that wh!%e h!s $!nd was "eha'!ng !rrat!ona%%#, hers was not) 2en stud!ed a "%ade o( grass too !ntent%#) "6 d!dn't sa# that," he rep%!ed w!th a (or*e(u%ness that d!d not see$ *a%%ed (or) "Perhaps 6'$ $!staken a"out #ou) There $ust "e war$th so$ewhere "eneath that "eaut!(u%, *%e'er, !*# sur(a*e o( #ours) Perhaps 6 *an %earn to<take $ore p%easure !n the :ua%!t!es 6 ad$!re) And #es, there are so$e) There's ph#s!*a% pass!on, and that's a start)A good start) 3e're good together, Tasha) Can #ou den# #ou en0o# $# %o'e$ak!ng4" "No, 6 don't den# that," she sa!d serene%#, "e*ause to %!e wou%d ha'e "een (ore!gn to her *urrent $ood o( o"0e*t!'!t#) "6 (!nd !t :u!te a p%easant past!$e)" "Past!$e<!" 2en tore h!s e#es awa# (ro$ the "%ade o( grass and regarded her w!th a thunderstru*k %ook that gradua%%# (aded, to "e rep%a*ed "# a guarded e&press!on) "6 don't th!nk th!s !s the t!$e (or soph!st!*ated o"ser'at!ons," he sa!d at %ast !n a dr# *ontro%%ed 'o!*e) "6'$ ask!ng (or a de*!s!on that a((e*ts "oth our %!'es) For the %o'e o( hea'en, "e ser!ous, Tasha)" "6 a$ "e!ng ser!ous," she po!nted out ser!ous%#, w!th her (!ngers po!sed at the se*ond.%ast %ea() "And 6'$ *ons!der!ng #our o((er ser!ous%#, too, (ro$ a %og!*a% po!nt o( '!ew)" "6 don't want to push #ou !nto !nstant de*!s!ons," 2en sa!d *are(u%%#swat*h!ng her (!ngers and not her (a*e) "And 6 want #ou to understand what's !n'o%'ed !n $# o((er) 6 *an't %a'!sh #ou w!th the th!ngs ;a& *an g!'e , the (urs, the 0ewe%s, the pr!'ate 0ets) 2ut 6'$ not a poor $an, e!ther) There!n"e weekends !n Par!s and Ro$e, !( that's what #ou want) 9es!gner or!g!na%s, !( that's what #ou want)Nann!es and pr!'ate s*hoo%s (or our *h!%dren, !( that's what #ou want) 6'd %!ke to sett%e here , 6 ha'e a $!nd to put down so$e roots) 6'd "u!%d a proper "unga%ow, o( *ourse- 6 wou%d ha'e done so #ears ago !( our $arr!age hadn't gone awr#) 2ut...."

2en (rowned down at h!s (!ngers and (%e&ed the$) "6 *an (or*e $#se%( to adapt to a "!g *!t# so$ewhere , !( that's what #ou want)" "6 see," sa!d Tasha thought(u%%#, *ons!der!ng h!s o((er w!th tota% o"0e*t!'!t# and a *o$puter%!ke *%ar!t# o( $!nd) The se*ond %ast %ea( su**u$"ed to her (!ngerna!%s and (%uttered to the ground) "And 6 *an g!'e #ou so$eth!ng 6 don't "e%!e'e #ou'%% get (ro$ ;a&, so$eth!ng 6 th!nk #ou''e *o$e to need desp!te #our %!tt%e<0oke o( a $o$ent ago) +e& !s a 'er# "as!* dr!'e, and there's a spark "etween us that turns to (!re 'er# eas!%#) 9o #ou rea%%# want to %!'e a %!(e w!thout that (!re4" +he thought a"out (!re- and she thought a"out 2en's (a*e %a$p%!t "# (%a$e as !t had "een %ast n!ght- and she thought a"out a *oo% gra#.suede e&!sten*e) "And !( 6 de*!de to go4" 2en's knu*k%es wh!tened per*ept!"%# and the t!nge o( gra#ness returned around h!s $outh) "6( that's what #ou de*!de<6'%%<take #ou "a*k to ;ah> to$orrow)" "The %aw w!%% "e %ook!ng (or #ou there," she $used) "A"du*t!on !s a 'er# ser!ous *harge)" "6''e a%wa#s known that," he returned !n a %ow %e'e% 'o!*e) "6t was a r!sk 6 took) 6 *ou%d ask #ou to sa# #ou *a$e w!th $e w!%%!ng%#, "ut 6 won't) 6( #ou de*!de to go "a*k to ;a&<we%%, 6 suppose #ou''e earned the r!ght to so$e k!nd o( 'engean*e)" +he *ons!dered that, too, w!th a%% the %og!* at her d!sposa%) "=engean*e takes too $u*h e((ort," she de*!ded w!th a s$a%% s!gh) "6'%% te%% ;a& 6 agreed to a tr!a% reun!on)"

"9on't de*!de now," 2en !nterposed :u!*k%#, perhaps sens!ng so$e de*!s!on !n her words) "Th!nk a"out !t- take #our t!$e) 3e'%% d!s*uss !t aga!n ton!ght)" "6 don't need t!$e) There's on%# one rat!ona% de*!s!on)" Her (!ngert!ps *%osed da!nt!%# o'er the 'er# %ast %ea( and p!n*hed !t (ro$ !ts ste$) He %o'es $e not) "No, thank #ou," she to%d 2en w!th !$$ense *!'!%!t#) "6'd rather "e $arr!ed to ;a&)"

CHAPTER FO5RTEEN

"6 st!%% (!nd !t hard to "e%!e'e," ;a& sa!d, "that #ou went w!th the $an o( #our own (ree w!%%)" "9o #ou4" Tasha $ur$ured un*on*erned%#) Truth(u%%# she was !nd!((erent as to whether ;a& "e%!e'ed her or not, and she had no !ntent!on o( e%a"orat!ng on her %!es) 6t had "een an e((ort to %!e at a%%, and !( she had done so !t was on%# "e*ause !n th!s !nstan*e te%%!ng the truth re:u!red (ar $ore e((ort) A!ded "# (a'ora"%e w!nds, the ket*h had arr!'ed "a*k at ;ah> se'era% hours "e(ore, !n ear%# a(ter., noon) 2en had de%!'ered Tasha d!re*t%# to the hote% and %e(t at on*e "e(ore an#one noted her presen*e) 3!th!n $!nutes there had "een a sw!r% o( *on*erned (a*es and e&*!ted :uest!ons (ro$ se'era% $e$"ers o( the entourageand soon ;a& h!$se%( had arr!'ed on the s*ene w!th ;or%e#)+ooth!ng un(%appa"%e ;a&) 6t was w!th re%!e( that Tasha had a%%owed herse%( to "e %ed awa# (ro$ the others) +o%!*!tous as a%wa#s, ;a& had asked (ew :uest!ons at that t!$e- !nstead he had es*orted Tasha d!re*t%# to her own roo$) He had !ns!sted on an !$$ed!ate and thorough $ed!*a% e&a$!nat!on, wh!*h Tasha had "een too ener'ated to re(use) The pre'!ous da#'s $ood o( apath# pers!sted- she wanted on%# to "e %e(t a%one !n pea*e) Perhaps sens!ng th!s, ;a& had de*reed an a(ternoon's s%eep) For d!nner, he had ordered a s$a%% *are(u%%# *hosen $ea% to "e ser'ed !n the s!tt!ng roo$ o( the *ottage the# shared) The# were seated now at an !$$a*u%ate%# %a!d ta"%e, on wh!*h sat p%atters w!th g%ea$!ng s!%'er %!ds opened to re'ea% $orse%s o(

th!s and that , e&:u!s!te%# *ooked, "ut $orse%s ne'erthe%ess and not a%% o( the$ to Tasha's taste) "Ca%'es' %!'er," ;a& urged as she re(used one *ourse espe*!a%%# prepared (or her, "!s 'er# good (or stress)" Tran:u!%%# Tasha wa'ed the d!sh awa#)"No, thank #ou, ;a&) 6 don't %!ke !t "ro!%ed, and 6 don't %!ke !t w!thout sa%t) 6 %!ke !t s$othered !n "a*on and on!ons) 6' L6 eat so$eth!ng e%se)" To Tasha's $!%d surpr!se ;a& d!d not !ns!st) He put the %!'er on h!s own p%ate and he%ped Tasha to so$e *rea$# Co:u!%%e +t) Ja*:ues that had "een !ntended (or h!s own *onsu$pt!on) "6 re*o$$end that #ou return to d!et!ng to$orrow," he repr!$anded $!%d%#) "/ou''e ga!ned two pounds, Natasha $# dear) 6 wou%d ha'e guessed !t e'en w!thout see!ng the do*tor's report) A%% !n a%%, the report was good, desp!te that uns!ght%# sun"urn on #our nose) 6t see$s #ou''e not "een $!streated, a%though 6'$ *on*erned to see two (!ngerna!%s "roken) And the re$a!ns o( a "ru!se on #our %eg! 9!d #our %out!sh e&.hus"and *ause that4" "6 (e%% aga!nst a ro*k) 6''e to%d #ou, ;a&, 6 went w!th h!$ w!%%!ng%#)" "H$$," sa!d ;a&, w!th a t!n# %!(t o( one s$ooth "row) "/ou d!d not appear so w!%%!ng at the t!$e, (ro$ what 6 *ou%d see o( #our (a*e) And !t !s not %!ke #ou, Natasha, to "e so< unpro(ess!ona% as to 'an!sh dur!ng a work!ng sess!on) +o< sha%% we sa#, !n*ons!derate4 6 *on(ess, $# dear, that #ou %e(t $e !n a so$ewhat, ah, d!((!*u%t pos!t!on)" "6'$ sorr#, ;a&) 6 know !t's "een 'er# e&pens!'e to keep the *rew !d%e) /ou''e "een pa#!ng $e we%%, and 6 ha'e $one# put awa# now) 3ou%d #ou %!ke $e to re!$"urse #ou4 "

"Re!$"urse #our own (!an*>4" he *h!ded gent%#) "+ure%#, $# dear, #ou know $e "etter than that) Or perhaps #ou ha'e (orgotten that we p%an to "e $arr!ed4" A%% at on*e Tasha's appet!te e'aporated) 6t wou%d "e too strong to sa# that ;a&'s words upset her- she was st!%% "e#ond the rea*h o( su*h e$ot!ons) 2ut h!s s%!ght%# sar*ast!* re$!nder had "rought to $!nd that there were th!ngs she had to re'ea% a"out the happen!ngs o( the past week) +he put down her (ork, patted her $outh w!th a snow# napk!n and (a*ed up to !t) "There are so$e th!ngs 6 ha'e to te%% #ou," she sa!d *a%$%#) "Perhaps, ;a&, #ou won't want to $arr# $e when #ou hear the$) " Other than a %ook o( (a!nt reproa*h that *on'e#ed so$e d!sappo!nt$ent !n her, ;a& d!d not see$ o'er%# a%ar$ed to %earn that 2en and Tasha had "een %!'!ng as hus"and and w!(e) Nor d!d he see$ surpr!sed to %earn that the d!'or*e, though e&tant, $!ght present so$e d!((!*u%t!es) 2# the t!$e Tasha's stor# was to%d, the# had ret!red (ro$ the d!n!ng ta"%e to $ore *o$(orta"%e *ha!rs !n the %arge s!tt!ng roo$, and ;a& had a%%owed Tasha a th!$"%e(u% o( pa%e *hartreuse , a %!:ueur he *ons!dered to "e a%$ost $ed!*!na% !n nature) H!s e#e%!ds drooped re(%e*t!'e%# when he had heard a%% o( Tasha's une$ot!ona% re'e%at!ons, wh!*h !n*%uded an a**ount o( her own w!%%!ngness) "6 *on(ess a $!%d surpr!se, $# dear, that the !n'!tat!on to, er, !ndu%ge *a$e (ro$ #ou) 6t $akes $e wonder !( #ou rea%%# w!sh to "e*o$e ;rs) ;a&!$!%!en Fa"!enne) P%ease understand that th!s puts a new *o$p%e&!on on our re%at!onsh!p)" That repr!$and, too, %e(t Tasha !nd!((erent) "6 e&pe*ted #ou $!ght want to "reak !t o(( under the *!r*u$stan*es) 6 understand, o( *ourse) ;or%e#'s ho%d!ng #our r!ng- 6 ga'e !t !nto her keep!ng on the da# o( the shoot) /ou *an get !t (ro$ her)" "/ou see$ unpertur"ed," $ur$ured ;a&, "that #ou $a# ha'e 0eopard!1ed #our (uture as $# w!(e)"

"6t *an't "e he%ped now," Tasha responded ha%(hearted%#) Rea%%#, what d!d !t $atter4 ;a&'s re0e*t!on $o'ed her no $ore than 2en's entreat!es had done) ;a& s$!%ed !n that gent%e sooth!ng wa# he had)"Ah, Natasha) 6 *on(ess 6 was *ur!ous to see #our rea*t!on) 2ut 6 ha'e no !ntent!on o( a%ter!ng $# p%ans !n an# $ater!a% wa#) The de*!s!on to $ake #ou $# w!(e was taken !n the "e%!e( that #our $arr!age had "een *onsu$$ated $an# #ears ago) And #ou te%% $e that th!s past week was !n the nature o( an e&per!$ent #ou do not w!sh to repeat- that #ou ha'e, !n (a*t, re(used a%% suggest!ons that #our (or$er $arr!age "e renewed) Perhaps !t !s "est that #our, er, e&per!$ent *a$e pr!or to our e&*hange o( 'ows and not a(ter.... Jea%ous#, $# dear, !s (ore!gn to $# nature) 6 st!%% p%an to pro*eed)" "6 see," sa!d Tasha w!th no $ore enthus!as$ than "e(ore) ;a& went ons$ooth%# )" 6( deta!%s o( th!s past week "e*o$e known to the press, !t !s eas# enough to put !t down to an atte$pted re*on*!%!at!on re:uested "# #our e&. hus"and) /ou wou%d announ*e, o( *ourse, that #ou de*!ded !n $# (a'or) /es, 6 "e%!e'e that w!%% do 'er# we%%) 6n (a*t 6 $a# see to %eak!ng the stor# $#se%() 6t w!%% do as we%% as an#th!ng to a**ount (or the de'e%op$ents that ha'e taken p%a*e !n #our a"sen*e) " "9e'e%op$ents4" ;a&'s nostr!%s (%ared s%!ght%#, a s!gn o( unusua% e$ot!on (or h!$) "6 need to g!'e so$e rat!ona%e to a**ount (or the (a*t that #ou are no %onger the Fa"!enne wo$an," he sa!d !n a 'o!*e st!((er than was h!s wont) And then, "e*ause the announ*e$ent put no :uest!on $arks on Tasha's (a*e, he added, "/es, Natasha, (or #ou that part!*u%ar ro%e has a%read# *o$e to an end) Are #ou not surpr!sed4"

"6 suppose 6 a$ surpr!sed) 6 thought we'd'ha'e to start shoot!ng aga!n soon) 3hat are #ou go!ng to do a"out #our photographs4 /ou $ust ha'e dead%!nes to $eet)" "The shots (or the 9ren*hed ook are a%read# done," ;a& announ*ed through t!ght %!ps) "3e (!n!shed the$ #esterda#)" "/esterda#4" "3!th !sette," ;a& sa!d) That d!d surpr!se Tasha) " !sette4" she asked w!th a (a!nt%# wonder!ng e&press!on) ;a& nodded w!th a 'ehe$en*e Tasha had ne'er seen !n h!$ "e(ore) "Aston!sh!ng, !s !t not4 6 ad$!t 6 was enraged at (!rst at the !dea o( us!ng that< that...." For on*e words see$ed to es*ape ;a&- he took a hea%th# swa%%ow o( h!s %!:ueur "e(ore he *ont!nued, *%ear%# !n a *o%d (ur#, " ass!ter's $!stress !s not $# !dea o( what the Fa"!enne wo$an shou%d "e) And now, (or the (!rst t!$e !n $e$or# 6 (!nd $#se%( sadd%ed w!th a Fa"!enne wo$an not o( $# own *hoos!ng)" " !sette," $ur$ured Tasha aga!n) "2ut wh#, " "6 pre(er not to d!s*uss the deta!%s," ;a& sa!d *o%d%#) " et !t su((!*e to sa# that Jon ass!ter was !n possess!on o( so$e, er, $ater!a% that 6 d!d not w!sh to see pu"%!shed) The $ater!a% was not e&a*t%# da$n!ng, "ut had !t *o$e to %!ght !t wou%d ha'e tended to $ake $e %ook %ud!*rous)" Tasha pu11%ed "r!e(%# and then re$e$"ered the *and!d photographs Jon had "een snapp!ng w!th su*h de%!ght on the da# o( the shoot) ;a& $!nus the toupee) +o Jon had had so$e k!nd o( re'enge (or ;a&'s *r!t!*a% words- and !sette had a%so had her wa#) 5nder nor$a% *!r*u$stan*es the who%e s!tuat!on $!ght ha'e a$used Tasha, "ut her sense o( hu$or, %!ke e'er#th!ng e%se, see$ed deadened) "6 suppose #ou $ean "%a*k$a!%4" she !n:u!red po%!te%#)

;a& dru$$ed h!s $an!*ured (!ngerna!%s on the we%%.padded ar$ o( h!s *ha!r, the sound $uted "# the so(t upho%ster#) "Perhaps the ter$ !s too strong," he ad$!tted, "!n '!ew o( the (a*t that Jon !ns!sted on%# on $ak!ng so$e tr!a% shots) No dou"t !sette put h!$ up to !t) As the*rew were !d%e 6 a%%owed h!$ to pro*eed) And desp!te $# !n!t!a% o"0e*t!ons , $# *ont!nu!ng o"0e*t!ons to her $ora% turp!tude, 6 $a# add , 6 had to ad$!t, on*e 6 saw the *onta*t sheets, that ass!ter was r!ght) The tro%%op photographs e&*e%%ent%#) 6 a$ not p%eased, "ut 6 a$ an o"0e*t!'e $an, a rat!ona% $an) 6 ha'e *o$e to the unw!%%!ng *on*%us!on that 9ren*hed d!d)" "6 apo%og!1e (or that," sa!d Tasha) "6t !s as we%% to d!s*o'er !t now) ;# new per(u$e, Fa"!enne Nude, re:u!res "e!ng photographed !n dark s!%houette , 'er# taste(u%%#, o( *ourse, "ut nude ne'erthe%ess) Oh, 6 a$ res!gned to !sette's tenure as the Fa"!enne wo$an- perhaps she represents the new $ora%!t#) 2ut (or the (!rst t!$e !n th!rt# #ears 6 (!nd $#se%( w!th a Fa"!enne wo$an 6 *an not "r!ng $#se%( to *ourt, e'en (or pu"%!* *onsu$pt!on) Perhaps #ou understand now wh# 6 w!sh to *ont!nue w!th our arrange$ent, desp!te the happen!ngs o( th!s week4 6n (a*t, 6 !ntend to $arr# #ou as soon as poss!"%e , as soon as $# %ega% ad'!sers deter$!ne whether #our d!'or*e !s re*ogn!1ed)" Tasha "%!nked s%ow%# and wondered how she *ou%d ha'e "een so stup!d) "6 (orgot to ask 2en (or the d!'or*e papers," she sa!d, worr#!ng a %!tt%e) How *ou%d she ha'e neg%e*ted su*h a th!ng4 That sense o( (%oat# deta*h$ent, she supposed< and #et, !n e'er# other wa# !t see$ed to ha'e *%ar!(!ed her th!nk!ng pro*esses) ;a& d!s$!ssed her $o$ent o( *on*ern w!th a s$a%% wa'e) "The# arr!'ed "# $essenger th!s a(ternoon) The $an a%so sent a short note de*%ar!ng h!s !ntent!on o( sta#!ng at ;ah> (or so$e t!$e !n *ase the $atter presents d!((!*u%t!es) He !sette !s per(e*t (or the ook, "etter e'en than #ou wou%d ha'e "een) ;oreo'er, she has no

trou"%eso$e reser'at!ons a"out $odest#) Frank%# 6 was aston!shed to (!nd that #ou

pro$!ses h!s *ooperat!on shou%d !t "e ne*essar# to se*ure a $ore "!nd!ng d!'or*e) Not that we need the $an's *ooperat!on now) 6n seek!ng h!s wherea"outs dur!ng th!s past week, $# !n'est!gators *a$e a*ross se'era% e'!den*es o( !n(!de%!t#8 an Austr!an d!'or*>e, a Par!s!an *a"aret s!nger who ho%!da#ed here (or a season<)" "Oh," sa!d Tasha, (ee%!ng noth!ng) +he knew that ;a& was wat*h!ng her *%ose%# (or s!gns o( an# rea*t!on- there were none) "6 *on(ess so$e p%easure !n see!ng that #ou are not upset "# these !n(!de%!t!es," ;a& noted s$ooth%#) "6'd hard%# *a%% the$ !n(!de%!t!es *ons!der!ng the *!r*u$stan*es) 2es!des, 6 e&pe*ted as $u*h)" A%though ;a&'s re'e%at!ons $ade no !$press!on on the nu$"ness !ns!de, Tasha (e%t sudden%# e&hausted) +he %!stened w!th no rea% !nterest wh!%e ;a& re*ounted a (ew other !te$s o( news, $ost%# to do w!th the House o( Fa"!enne and the!r return to ondon, p%anned (or the (o%%ow!ng da#) "As soon as the do*tor assured $e #ou were !n e&*e%%ent shape to tra'e%, 6 !nstru*ted ;or%e# to $ake the arrange$ents) No dou"t !t's "een done) 6n th!rt# #ears ;or%e# has ne'er %et $e down- an ad$!ra"%e wo$an a%together) A%though 6 wonder that she has not seen to return!ng #our engage$ent r!ng- !t's not %!ke, " ";a&," !nterrupted Tasha w!th no pre*on*ept!on o( what she was go!ng to sa#, "p%easek!ss $e)" +he *ou%d hard%# "e%!e'e her own ears- and (ro$ the %ook on ;a&'s (a*e !t appeared that he *ou%d not "e%!e'e h!s, e!ther) Gradua%%# h!s start%ed e&press!on (aded) "6 th!nk #ou ha'e "een $ore a((e*ted "# th!s past week than #ou *are to ad$!t," he $ur$ured at %ast) "/ou surpr!se $e, Natasha)" "6 *an't th!nk wh# 6 sa!d that) 5n%ess<)" +he paused, tr#!ng to sort out the reasons (or her !$pu%s!'e re:uest w!th the sa$e k!nd o( deta*hed %og!* she had "een

app%#!ng to e'er#th!ng e%se) Certa!n%#, !t had noth!ng to do w!th want!ng to e&per!$ent w!th ;a&) +he %ooked at h!$ *ons!der!ng%# (or a t!$e and saw h!$ w!th the sa$e *%ar!t# and o"0e*t!'!t# w!th wh!*h she had seen 2en and Eu%a%!e) A %!ka"%e ag!ng per(e*t!on!st who was not the dash!ng othar!o he w!shed to pro0e*t)Ego*entr!* and de$and!ng, "ut st!%% *ons!derate !n $an# wa#s) A%% !n a%%, she %!ked h!$) 2ut desp!te what she had to%d 2en, d!d she rea%%# want a %!(e o( "e!ng $arr!ed to ;a&4 "5n%ess 6 was g!'!ng #ou a %ast *han*e to take "a*k #our o((er," she (!n!shed s%ow%#) "/ou see, ;a&, there's one :uest!on #ou ha'en't asked $e s!n*e 6 returned) /ou ha'en't asked !( 6 st!%% want to $arr# #ou)" ;a& steep%ed h!s (!ngers, %eaned "a*k !n the so(t *ha!r and *%osed h!s e#es t!red!#) He %ooked as !( he (e%t 'er# o%d at th!s $o$ent, and a %!tt%e sad, and a %!tt%e re$orse(u%) "Perhaps 6 ha'e "een a(ra!d to ask !t," he $ur$ured) "6 a$ too t!red to do an# $ore %ook!ng, an# $ore pu"%!* ro$an*!ng) And #et, 6 *on(ess the need o( a *o$pan!on (or the #ears to *o$e)" "6( #ou want a *o$pan!on," Tasha sa!d, surpr!s!ngherse%( aga!n, ";or%e# wou%d "e a "etter one)" ";or%e#4" ;a&, too, %ooked surpr!sed, as though he had ne'er *ons!dered su*h a th!ng) And #et, thought Tasha, wh# not4 The re%at!onsh!p "etween ;a& and ;or%e# was p!aton!*, "ut !t was a strong "ond) og!* to%d Tasha that her !ntu!t!'e suggest!on was a good one) A(ter th!rt# #ears o( work!ng (or the sa$e $an, o( *ater!ng to h!s e'er# wh!$, o( putt!ng up w!th h!s !d!os#n*ra*!es and s$ooth!ng e'er# d!((!*u%t# !n h!s path, ;or%e# knew ;a& a%$ost "etter than he knew h!$se%() And she was de'oted to h!$ !n a wa# that Tasha wou%d ne'er "e) ";or%e#," sa!d ;a& dr#%#, "!s not e&a*t%# the !$age o( the wo$an 6 ought to $arr#)"

Tasha s!ghed) "No, 6 suppose not) 2ut 6 wasn't th!nk!ng a"out #our !$age- 6 was th!nk!ng a"out #our *o$(ort)" ;a& sat sw!r%!ng h!s %!:ueur !n !ts t!n# g%ass, s!%ent (or a t!$e as he *onte$p%ated the %!:u!d "ead!ng on the *r#sta%) To Tasha, he %ooked$ore unsure o( h!$se%( than at an# t!$e !n her $e$or#) "6 *on(ess 6 ha'e no des!re to "e re0e*ted," he $ur$ured at %ast !n a so(t wr# 'o!*e) "Ne'erthe%ess 6 repeat $# proposa%, !( 6 $ust) 6s !t so $u*h to ask4 To te%% the truth, 6 a$ a %one%# o%d $an) And perhaps the #ears w!%% "e (ewer than #ou e&pe*t) /ou see, $# dear, 6 %!ed to #ou a"out $# age)" ;a&'s ad$!ss!on was a %!tt%e pathet!*, "ut pathos was at that $o$ent "e#ond Tasha's ken) 6( her e$ot!ona% re(%e&es had "een !n good work!ng order, she $!ght ha'e thought !t was p!t# that d!*tated her answer) 2ut the# were not, and there(ore !t $ust ha'e "een her %og!*a% $!nd that produ*ed her response) "A%% r!ght, ;a&, 6'$ w!%%!ng) Now do #ou $!nd !( 6 go to "ed4 6'$ 'er#, 'er# t!red)"

"/our guess !s per(e*t%# *orre*t,"the Har%e# +treet spe*!a%!st *on(!r$ed a (ew weeks %ater) ";oreo'er, #ou see$ !n e&*e%%ent hea%th) 6 presu$e there's "een no trou"%e w!th nausea4 /ou see$ to ha'e ga!ned a (ew pounds, a**ord!ng to #our *hart)" "6''e "een eat!ng a %ot) And no, 6 ha'en't "een s!*k 'er# o(ten) 6''e "een eat!ng a *rust o( dr# "read "e(ore 6 get up !n the $orn!ng)" "And #ou''e "een s%eep!ng we%%4" "A%% the t!$e, !t see$s)Ten or twe%'e hours a n!ght , and a(ternoons, too)Another three or (our hours e'er# da#)"

The do*tor's "ush# "rows %!(ted no $ore than a :uarter !n*h) "3e%%, !t does see$ a %!tt%e e&*ess!'e," hes$!%ed, ""ut no dou"t #our "od# needs !t) Nature has a wa# o( te%%!ng us these th!ngs) Perhaps #ou were under so$e stra!n pr!or to #our pregnan*#4 And #et 6 take !t the pregnan*# was a p%anned one, (or F see #ou stopped work!ng around the t!$e o( *on*ept!on) 3e%%, we%%) 6t's a%wa#s n!*e to "e the "earer o( good t!d!ngs!" ;a& was as de%!ghted a"out Tasha's *ond!t!on as !( he h!$se%( had "een the (ather) He !ns!sted that she $o'e !nto h!s ;a#(a!r $ans!on at on*e, and Tasha agreed w!thout enthus!as$, $ost%# "e*ause she *ou%d th!nk o( no good reason not to) 6n her state o( e$ot!ona% and ph#s!*a% torpor, !t was p%easant to "e *osseted) ;a& *erta!n%# d!d that) He showered Tasha w!th ad'!*e and g!(ts , per(u$es, (%owers, 0ewe%s, "askets o( (ru!t, an ant!:ue Fren*h *rad%e purported to ha'e "e%onged to a 2our"on pr!n*e, an e&:u!s!te %a#ette that *ons!sted o( a great dea% o( hand$ade 2russe%s %a*e) He !$$ed!ate%# %aun*hed !nto p%ans (or nurser# :uarters, prospe*t!'e nann!es,(uture s*hoo% enro%%$ents) No deta!% es*aped h!$) To Tasha's un"orn *h!%d, he trans(erred a%% the attent!ons he d!d not w!sh to %a'!sh on the *urrent Fa"!enne wo$an) P%ans (or the wedd!ng pro*eeded, too, a%though the *ere$on# *ou%d not "e per(or$ed as soon as ;a& w!shed) The ;e&!*an d!'or*e had presented so$eth!ng o( a pro"%e$8 a%though !t was re*ogn!1ed !n *erta!n *ountr!es !t was not re*ogn!1ed !n Eng%and) Tasha *ou%d ha'e re$arr!ed !$$ed!ate%# "# (%#!ng to ;e&!*o w!th ;a&- "ut that was so$eth!ng he wou%d not hear o( , not on%# "e*ause o( Tasha's *ond!t!on, "ut "e*ause !t wou%d %ea'e her *h!%d !n a %ega%%# a$"!guous pos!t!on) 6( Tasha re$arr!ed outs!de o( Eng%and she wou%d not "e *harged w!th "!ga$#, "ut a se*ond $arr!age wou%d not "e o((!*!a%%# re*ogn!1ed !n Eng%and, where a**ord!ng to %aw she was st!%% $arr!ed to 2en) 6n order to pre'ent (uture *o$p%!*at!ons, ;a&'s "atter# o( "arr!sters set a"out pro*ur!ng a se*ond d!'or*e that wou%d "e "e#ond :uest!on, us!ng e'!den*e gathered

dur!ng the sta# !n the +e#*he%%es) The de%a# see$ed to trou"%e ;a& $ore than !t trou"%ed Tasha, poss!"%# "e*ause he was an&!ous (or the d!'or*e to "e se*ured "e(ore Tasha's *h!%d was "orn) H!s thoughts re'o%'ed a%$ost !n*essant%# around the !$pend!ng "!rth, and he a%read# ta%ked o( the *h!%d as he!r to h!s *os$et!*s e$p!re , a *!r*u$stan*e that Tasha wou%d on*e ha'e (ound rather tou*h!ng and sad, "e*ause !t re'ea%ed *erta!n #earn!ngs !n ;a& that the #ears had ne'er (u%(!%%ed) "Goat's $!%k , that's the th!ng," ;a& de*!ded) "6''e arranged (or a (resh supp%# to "e de%!'ered e'er# da#) /ou w!%% dr!nk !t, h$$4 6 *on(ess #ou do %ook we%% w!th those (ew e&tra pounds , not photogen!*, "ut "%oo$!ng, Natasha, "%oo$!ng! 6''e *hosen so$e "ooks (or #ou to read) 6t's 'er# !$portant, $# dear, to (or$u%ate the $!nd o( an un"orn *h!%d)Ku!et, %o'e%# %!terature, noth!ng "ruta% or upsett!ng) 6 re*o$$end #ou a'o!d wat*h!ng te%e'!s!on a%together, espe*!a%%# the news) 3e want noth!ng untoward !ntrud!ng upon #our (ra$e o( $!nd, h$$4" Noth!ng d!d) Tasha's *ont!nu!ng deta*h$ent, so$eth!ng that $an!(ested !tse%( !n a good dea% o( da#drea$!ng as we%% as s%eep!ng as she rea*hed the end o( the se*ond $onth, d!d not see$ to a%ar$ ;a&- he *ons!dered !t a su!ta"%e (ra$e o( $!nd (or a pregnant wo$an) Tasha herse%( was $!%d%# *on*erned) +he was not as tota%%# !$$une to (ee%!ng as she had "een so$e weeks "e(ore, "ut there was st!%% a nu$"ness !ns!de her that %e(t her wonder!ng, !n a pure%# !nte%%e*tua% wa#, whether she wou%d ha'e the a"!%!t# to $other a *h!%d) ;a& a%so *on*erned h!$se%( w!th p%ans (or the wedd!ng !tse%(, wh!*h was to "e reasona"%# s!$p%e "ut "# no $eans se*ret)On*e Tasha $!ght ha'e "een a$used, "e*ause !t was *%ear that ;a& :u!te (an*!ed h!$se%( wa%k!ng a pregnant "r!de to the a%tar) "3ou%d #ou %!ke to see the sket*hes (or the "r!da% gown4" he asked one e'en!ng near the start o( the th!rd $onth) He handed a shea( o( sket*hes to Tasha, who was re*%!n!ng at ;a&'s !ns!sten*e on an e%egant Re*a$!er *ou*h !n the s!tt!ng roo$ o( the :uarters she had "een ass!gned) "6 *o$$!ss!oned !deas (ro$ se'era%

des!gners, "ut th!s !s the one 6''e *hosen) As #ou see !t's "een sket*hed (ro$ se'era% ang%es) +o$ewhat $ed!e'a% !n appearan*e, don't #ou th!nk4=er# *%e'er, those (o%ds o'er the (ront, h$$4 3h!te won't "e su!ta"%e, o( *ourse, so 6''e *hosen a pa%e she%% p!nk, !n 'e%'et , pure s!%k 'e%'et, espe*!a%%# wo'en !n Fran*e) =e%'et !s an unusua% tou*h, 6 th!nk, (or a wedd!ng dress! 3!th the seed pear% e$"ro!der# !t shou%d "e a%together stunn!ng) The e$"ro!der# (or the "od!*e and the s%ee'es !s to "e started r!ght awa#, "ut the (!na% (!tt!ngs w!%% ha'e to wa!t unt!% *%oser to the date) 3e%%, are #ou p%eased4" Tasha $anaged an appropr!ate show o( !nterest and handed the sket*hes "a*k) As !( sens!ng an under%#!ng %a*k o( enthus!as$, ;a& stud!ed her thought(u%%# (or a t!$e through narrowed e#es) F!na%%# he sa!d, "6 *on(ess a *erta!n *ur!os!t#, Natasha) 3hen 6 entered #our roo$s th!s e'en!ng 6 not!*ed an en'e%ope on the es*r!to!re) 3ou%d #ou %!ke to te%% $e a"out !t4" "6 suppose #ou're ta%k!ng a"out the %etter w!th the +e#*he%%es sta$p," s!ghed Tasha) "6t's not (ro$ 2en)" "6 hard%# thought so," ;a& sa!d) "The handwr!t!ng !s tre$"%# and rounded, (ar too *h!%d!sh (or a $an) 6 $ust assu$e !t !s (ro$ so$e other person #ou $et dur!ng #our sta# on ;#st!:ue) 6 th!nk #ou $ent!oned an o%d wo$an4" "6t's not (ro$ her, e!ther)" Tasha atte$pted a s$!%e that "are%# *ur'ed her %!ps) "6t's (ro$ another wo$an 6 $et) 6t's an !n'!tat!on to a wedd!ng that's tak!ng p%a*e 'er# soon, !n a %!tt%e $ore than two weeks to "e e&a*t) 6''e wr!tten a %etter o( regrets) Perhaps #ou *ou%d $a!% !t (or $e4 6t won't arr!'e "e(ore the wedd!ng, 6'$ a(ra!d- the $a!% rea*hes the !s%and on%# when a "oat happens to *a%% there)" 6t was 9e%ph!ne's wedd!ng to Ar!st!de, o( *ourse, wh!*h had "een $ade poss!"%e "# the $one#Tasha had !ns!sted the# keep) +o so$e good had *o$e o( her sta# !n the +e#*he%%es- Tasha had "een $!%d%# p%eased to %earn that) The *are(u%%# penned %etter had not $ent!oned 2en, "ut through ;a&, Tasha knew that 2en was st!%% on

;ane, ha'!ng re$a!ned true to h!s pro$!se to $ake h!$se%( read!%# a'a!%a"%e !n order to e&ped!te $atters) Through ;a& she had a%so %earned that 2en had put the *o*o. de.$er gro'e up (or sa%e at a sa*r!(!*e pr!*e, apparent%# w!sh!ng to r!d h!$se%( o( !t as soon as poss!"%e) Not that Tasha wanted to th!nk a"out 2en... +he turned her thoughts "a*k to the $atter o( 9e%ph!ne's approa*h!ng nupt!a%s) "6'%% ha'e to send a g!(t," she sa!d) 'T!% attend to that," ;a& o((ered pro$pt%#) "6t's "est !( #ou re$a!n awa# (ro$ the stores, h$$4 One doesn't want to run the r!sk o( "e!ng 0ost%ed) 6 ha'e no w!sh to 0eopard!1e the he!r to the House o( Fa"!enne! Ha'e #ou an# suggest!on as to what g!(t $!ght "e appropr!ate4" "A pa!r o( *ha!rs)"Th!s t!$e, Tasha's s$!%e he%d a s$a%% degree o( spontane!t#) "2ut 6'd %!ke to p!*k the$ $#se%(, ;a&) And 6'd %!ke to pa# (or the$ $#se%() Ca%% !t a %ast gesture o( !ndependen*e)" "As #ou w!sh)";a&'s "rows d!dn't %!(t a not*h) "2ut as to go!ng !n the stores, no) /ou *an $ake a pre%!$!nar# se%e*t!on (ro$ photographs, and then 6'%% ha'e the a*tua% *ha!rs de%!'ered here on appro'a%) 6'%% ha'e ;or%e# see to the deta!%s) 3hat t#pe o( *ha!r4'' "Not upho%stered, "ut handso$e%# *ar'ed) A*tua%%#, 6 want s!& *ha!rs a%together) Four o( the$ are (or so$eone e%se , the o%d wo$an 6 to%d #ou a"out , and the# shou%d "e rea%%# spe*!a%)" Tasha's "row knotted "r!e(%# as she *ons!dered a new pro"%e$) "Oh, dear, 6 suppose the sh!pp!ng w!%% take $onths) And she's so 'er# o%d, ;a&) 6 want her to ha'e the en0o#$ent o( the$ (or as %ong as poss!"%e) Cou%d we $ake spe*!a% arrange$ents4 6'%% pa# (or that, too)" "Cons!der !t done," ;a& sa!d so(t%#) "6'%% phone ;or%e# r!ght now and ask her to attend to e'er#th!ng- poss!"%# she *an start $ak!ng arrange$ents ton!ght)"

"That wou%d "e wonder(u%, ;a&) And *an #ou te%% her pr!*e !s no o"0e*t4 6 !$ag!ne !t's the 'er# %ast t!$e 6'%% ha'e a *han*e to spend $# own $one#)" ";or%e# knows pr!*e !s ne'er an o"0e*t,"*a$e the s$ooth rep%#)"Now rest, Natasha) Rest and read, wh!%e 6 $ake the phone *a%%) Ha'e #ou started that "ook o( poetr# 6 "rought #ou #esterda#4 6 th!nk #ou'%% (!nd Cah%!% G!"ran an e&*e%%ent *ho!*e (or a rest(u% ha%( hour or so) The %anguage !s :u!te "eaut!(u%- thought pro'ok!ng, too) There's a (!ne passage on *h!%dren, the (ourth se*t!on, 6 th!nk) Now, where !s that *op#4 Ah, here<)" 6t was a (u%% ha%( hour "e(ore ;a& returned (ro$ h!s *on'ersat!on w!th ;or%e#) He started to sa# so$eth!ng as he *a$e through the door, *he*ked h!$se%( at on*e when he saw Tasha, and *rossed the roo$ to where she %a# on the *ou*h, the *op# o(The Prophet droop!ng open on her %ap) ;a& pu%%ed a *ha!r *%ose to the *ou*h, $u*h as a do*tor $!ght ha'e, and p%u*ked the "eaut!(u%%# !%%ustrated "ook (ro$ her ner'e%ess (!ngers) H!s e#es ran down o'er the page she had "een read!ng) "6 see #ou got no (urther than the se*ond se*t!on," he $ur$ured) H!s 'o!*e was so(t, reassur!ng,nona**usator# )"A 'er# "eaut!(u% passage, the words o( the prophet on %o'e)" He (o%ded the "ook o'er a (!nger to $ark the p%a*e and "egan to :uote (ro$ $e$or#8 "2ut !( !n #our (ear #ou wou%d seek on%# %o'e's pea*e and %o'e's p%easure, "Then !t !s "etter (or #ou that #ou *o'er #our nakedness and pass out o( %o'e's thresh!ng. (%oor, "6nto the season%ess wor%d where #ou sha%% %augh, "ut not a%% o( #our %aughter, and weep, "ut not a%% o( #our tears)" As he (!n!shed :uot!ng the passage, ;a& rea*hed !nto h!s "reast po*ket and e&tra*ted the !$$a*u%ate%# (o%ded $onogra$$ed handker*h!e( that had peeped (ro$ !ts edge) 3!thout *o$$ent, he handed !t to Tasha) 6t was on%# then that she "e*a$e aware o( the unhurr!ed s%!de o( tears o'er her *heeks) The# had "een gent%e tears, s%ow tears) +he d!d not part!*u%ar%# *are !( ;a& saw the$, "ut she

w!ped the$ awa# o"ed!ent%#) New tears oo1ed "a*k to rep%a*e the o%d) 2ut "e*ause the# were not a%% o( her tears, the# soon *a$e to a ha%t) ;a& wat*hed her gra'e%# (or a t!$e, h!s e#es thought(u%, and then he rep%a*ed the "ook :u!et%# on her %ap) He %e(t the roo$ w!thout another word)

Photographs o( a s*ore o( *ha!rswere a'a!%a"%e "# the (o%%ow!ng da#) ;a& appeared !n Tasha's :uarters !n %ate a(ternoon, at an hour he was nor$a%%# at the House o( Fa"!enne, and presented the$ w!th a s$a%% (%our!sh) He sat "a*k !n s!%en*e wh!%e Tasha r!((%ed through the pr!nts !n %e!sure%# (ash!on) +he was !n a p%easant%# nu$"ed state, st!%% ha%(.drugged (ro$ her %ong a(ternoon nap) "3hat's th!s4" she asked, e&tra*t!ng the en'e%ope that d!d not "e%ong !n the p!%e) 6t "oreher own handwr!t!ng and 9e%ph!ne's address) "6 thought !t had gone !n the $a!%)Oh, dear)" "Open !t," ;a& pro$pted so(t%#, draw!ng Tasha's attent!on to the (a*t that so$e person had a%read# (reed the en'e%ope's (%ap) 6ns!de, the %etter had "een shredded !nto s$a%% "!ts) "6 took the %!"ert# o( tear!ng !t up) 6 de*!ded !t was "est (or #ou to attend th!s wedd!ng and de%!'er the *ha!rs !n person) Then there w!%% "e no trou"%e o'er sh!pp!ng de%a#s, h$$4" For a $o$ent, 0ust (or a $o$ent, Tasha's "ra!n sw!r%ed w!th sensat!ons o( %!ght. headedness) And then the nu$"ness returned) ";a&, 6 won't go "a*k to the +e#*he%%es," she sa!d w!th a pos!t!'e gesture) "2ut $# dear, 6 $ust !ns!st) A%% tra'e% arrange$ents ha'e "een $ade) ;or%e# and 6 !ntend to go, too) +he has *hartered a %arge #a*ht out o( ;adagas*ar, and 6 !ntend

to spend two weeks *ru!s!ng !n the 6nd!an O*ean) Ca%% !t a $u*h needed rest) 9o #ou know how %ong !t has "een s!n*e ;or%e# or 6 ha'e had a ho%!da#4 6t w!%% "e eas# enough to arrange our s*hedu%e so that we an*hor o(( ;#st!:ue (or a (ew hours wh!%e #ou attend the wedd!ng)" "Then we wou%dn't "e go!ng to ;ah>," Tasha sa!d thought(u%%#) "No)" "2ut what !( 2en<4" "He w!%% not "e return!ng to ;#st!:ue," ;a& assured her "%and%#) ";# sour*es te%% $e h!s 'a%%e# has "een so%d) /es, he (ound a "u#er) 9!d 6 (orget to te%% #ou that4" "+o%d4" Tasha repeated nu$"%#) "Then so$eone e%se !s< %!'!ng there4 " "3ho knows4Perhaps not #et) The transa*t!on, 6 a$ to%d, !s a (a!r%# re*ent one) 2ut e'en !( there !s a new owner !n res!den*e, !t shou%d not pre'ent #our attendan*e at a wedd!ng)" "2en $!ght "e attend!ng, too," she sa!d) ;a& steep%ed h!s (!ngers, and a s$a%% s$!%e p%a#ed o'er h!s %!ps) "9!d #ou th!nk su*h a th!ng wou%d not o**ur to $e, Natasha4 6 a$ aware that #ou are not an&!ous to see h!$) There(ore, when ;or%e# $ade p%ans, she a%so had $# %ega% (!r$ !n ;ah> *onta*t ;r) Cra!g and set up a $eet!ng (or the 'er# da# o( the wedd!ng on so$e prete&t or other to do w!th the !$pend!ng d!'or*e) He agreed) 6 suspe*t, $#dear, that he has no des!re whatsoe'er to return to th!s< en*hanted !s%and)" Tasha $u%%ed o'er the th!ngs ;a& had to%d her) +he st!%% had *o$e to no de*!s!on when ;a& added, so(t%#, "+ure%# #ou $ust know 6 *ou%d not poss!"%# w!sh #ou to see

the $an) 6 want noth!ng to !nter(ere w!th the s$ooth progress o( #our pregnan*#) 2ut 6 do w!sh (or #ou to attend the wedd!ng)" "3h#, ;a&4" asked Tasha, %ook!ng at h!$, a s$a%% pu11%ed (rown trou"%!ng her "row) "3h# do #ou *are4" "Ca%% !t a wh!$)" ;a& was s$!%!ng gent%#, "ut desp!te that h!s e#es %ooked sad and o%d !n a wa# he se%do$ a%%owed others to see) "Perhaps 6 w!sh #ou to see the s*ene o( #our sedu*t!on, !n order that 6 $a# assure $#se%( #ou rea%%# w!sh (or on*e and (or a%% to< enter the season%ess wor%d) "

CHAPTER F6FTEEN

"+o<the !s%and o( ;#st!:ue," ;a& $ur$ured s$ooth%#) 9ur!ng the approa*h, he had not e'en st!rred (ro$ the *anop!ed de*k *ha!r where he %a# stret*hed, w!th ;or%e# seated at h!s r!ght hand tak!ng d!*tat!on so that he *ou%d *at*h up on h!s 'o%u$!nous persona% *orresponden*e) Nor had ;a& *o$$ented on the !s%and unt!% the #a*ht, a %arge and %u&ur!ous one, had rea*hed that part o( the %agoon where !t wou%d we!gh an*hor, not 'er# (ar (ro$ where 2en's ket*h had on*e "een $oored) "6 th!nk!t's "est," ;a& d!re*ted now, "that we see to the de%!'er# o( #our g!(ts !$$ed!ate%#, h$$4 3!th the wedd!ng th!s a(ternoon, to %ea'e !t unt!% %ater toda# wou%d on%# *reate *on(us!on) One o( $# $en w!%% a**o$pan# #ou ashore !n order to do the *arr#!ng) Natura%%# #ou w!%% ha'e to d!re*t h!$)" "3on't #ou *o$e ashore, too4" There was a s!1a"%e "oat "e!ng %owered o'er the s!de o( the #a*ht (or the tr!p to shore) 6n the d!stan*e, a*ross a spark%!ng e&panse o( tur:uo!se water, Tasha *ou%d see a p!rogue resett!ng sa!%s !n order to approa*h the new*o$ers to the !s%and , dr!'en "# *ur!os!t#, no dou"t) +ure%# not Ar!st!de's "oat when toda# was h!s wedd!ng da#4 ;a& e#ed the !s%and askan*e and shuddered s%!ght%#) "6 th!nk not," he sa!d) "The surround!ngs are a %!tt%e too pr!$!t!'e (or $# %!k!ng) 6 pre(er to sta# here)" "And #ou, ;or%e#4" asked Tasha, turn!ng to the o%der wo$an)

"6'd pre(er to sta# w!th ;a&," de*!ded ;or%e#, w!th a s$a%% wat*h(u% s$!%e tra!ned on Tasha) "/es," *on*urred ;a&, *%os!ng h!s e#es) H!s (a*e was tota%%# serene) "/es, that !s as !t shou%d "e) ;or%e# w!%% keep $e *o$pan#)" The $an who a**o$pan!ed Tasha *arr!ed one pa!r o( *ha!rs, wh!%e the (our *ha!rs (or Eu%a%!e were "e!ng (err!ed ashore on a se*ond tr!p (ro$ the #a*ht) Not "e!ng (a$!%!ar w!th a%ternate routes through the !s%and's dense growth, !t was ne*essar# (or Tasha to tra'erse the *o*o.de.$er gro'e and the *%ear!ng on*e owned "# 2en !n order to rea*h the path to 9e%ph!ne's hut) 3a%k!ng through the 'a%%e# tr!ggered no part!*u%ar e$ot!on, nor d!d the s!ght o( the t!d# dwe%%!ng she and 2en had on*e shared) Had su*h pass!on and su*h pa!n rea%%# e&!sted "eneath that 'er# ord!nar# that*hed roo(4 The $e$or!es see$ed re$ote, unrea%, no $ore than a drea$ on*e drea$ed and ha%(.(orgotten) 9e%ph!ne we%*o$ed Tasha w!th an e((us!'eness that !n (or$er da#s wou%d ha'e war$ed her heart) "2ut #ou d!d not need to "r!ng su*h a g!(t!" she protested, a(ter e&*%a!$!ng w!th de%!ght o'er the two hea'# and handso$e *ha!rs) 'That Ar!st!de and 6 w!%% "e a"%e to $arr# at a%% a(ter so $an# #ears, that!s g!(t enough! Ah, and on%# "e*ause #ou !ns!sted that he keep the $one#, (or so$eth!ng he d!d not e'en do) 6( 6 had not %earned "# then that #ou were not a$arr>e at a%%, 6 wou%d ha'e $ade h!$ return !t)" On 9e%ph!ne's !nstru*t!ons, ;a&'s $an *arr!ed the *ha!rs !nto the hut) Tasha then d!s$!ssed h!$ a(ter arrang!ng to $eet h!$ "a*k at the *o*o.de.$er *%ear!ng, where he was to wa!t w!th the (our *ha!rs to "e de%!'ered to Eu%a%!e) "LL6 on%# "e a (ew $!nutes," she to%d h!$, th!nk!ng that 9e%ph!ne wou%d "e too "us# (or an e&tended '!s!t) "+ure%# #ou *an sta# %onger than that4" 9e%ph!ne asked as the $an departed through the trees) +he spent so$e t!$e ooh!ng and aah!ng o'er the Par!s or!g!na%

Tasha had worn (or the wedd!ng , a *oo% (%oat# s!%k !n shades o( taupe and "rown, draped o'er a (%atter!ng (u%%ness o( "reast that was the on%# s!gn o( Tasha's pregnan*#) 9e%ph!ne herse%( st!%% wore her e'er#da# dress , "ut then, as the wedd!ng was not unt!% the a(ternoon, that was on%# to "e e&pe*ted) "Go$e !ns!de and s!t on one o( #our (!ne presents, and we w!%% dr!nk so$e tea together wh!%e 6 te%% #ou o( the wedd!ng p%ans) '' "Rea%%#, 9e%ph!ne, #ou $ust "e (ar too "us# toda#) 6 won't, " "2us#4 Pah!" Re(us!ng to take no (or an answer, 9e%ph!ne urged Tasha !nto her a"ode) 3h!%e the o%der wo$an "ust%ed to and (ro $ak!ng tea, Tasha %ooked around the t!d# spare !nter!or and re(%e*ted that 9e%ph!ne see$ed to "e !n a'er# unprepared state, *ons!der!ng that the wedd!ng was to take p%a*e w!th!n a (ew hours) 2ut perhaps the $arr!age (east was "e!ng set up e%sewhere , poss!"%# at the ho$e o( one o( 9e%ph!ne's daughters4 "+o, #ou re*e!'ed the %etter," 9e%ph!ne noted w!th sat!s(a*t!on as she sett%ed herse%( on one o( her new a*:u!s!t!ons) "6t !s good that #ou ga'e $e #our address "e(ore #ou %e(t! 6 a$ hop!ng that #ou w!%% "e a"%e to attend)" "O( *ourse 6 w!%%)" Tasha's (a*e re(%e*ted a tou*h o( pu11%e$ent) "That's wh# 6'$ here) 6 won't get !n #our wa#, 9e%ph!ne) 6 !ntend to go and '!s!t Eu%a%!e unt!% the hour o( the wedd!ng) 6t !s a%% r!ght !( 6 attend w!th her, !sn't !t4" 9e%ph!ne %ooked "r!e(%# pu11%ed, too) "2ut that w!%% "e a 'er# %ong '!s!t !ndeed," she *hu*k%ed, "when the wedd!ng !s not to take p%a*e (or $onths!" ";onths4"Tasha "%!nked at 9e%ph!ne !n d!s"e%!e( and then "egan to ru$$age !n her ou!s =u!tton hand"ag (or the %etter o( !n'!tat!on) +he (ound !t and *on(!r$ed that !t *onta!ned toda#'s date) "2ut there $ust "e a $!stake) ook, r!ght here) ;# %etter sa#s toda#)"

9e%ph!ne was nonp%ussed (or a $o$ent and then "urst !nto a pea% o( %aughter) "There !s no use to show the %etter to $e! Oh, !t !s Eu%a%!e's do!ng) +he has got th!ngs wrong aga!n) 6 do not read or wr!te, #ou see, and so 6 to%d Eu%a%!e the words 6 w!shed to sa#) 6 was 'er# *are(u%, and 6 to%d her se'era% t!$es) Oh, dear) The wedd!ng !s not (or s!& $onths)" "+!& $onths4" Tasha repeated !n d!s$a#) "Ah, to p%an a wedd!ng, that !s the work o( ha%( a #ear) That 6 sent word so (ar !n ad'an*e !s on%# "e*ause the "!g "oat *a%%s here so se%do$) 2ut 6 a$ g%ad to know #ou w!%% "e attend!ng)" Then, $ore an&!ous%#, "/ou w!%% st!%% *o$e4" "+!& $onths! No, 6 won't "e a"%e to attend a(ter a%%," Tasha sa!d regret(u%%#) "6'%% "e (ar too *%ose to $# t!$e "# then)" "Then #ou are st!%% e&pe*t!ng a *h!%d4" 9e%ph!ne paused de%!*ate%#, sound!ng so$ewhat surpr!sed) Now Tasha re*a%%ed that the Creo%e wo$an had "e%!e'ed her to "e pregnant dur!ng the!r %ast $eet!ng) How !ron!* that !t had !ndeed "een so! "/es, 6 a$," sa!d Tasha) "And #et #ou are st!%% so s%!$, so prett#! 6 was sure !t wou%d ha'e "een %ost on that dread(u% da#<and then when the ta%% $an *a$e "a*k and to%d us that #ou were no %onger together, and that the 'a%%e# o( the *o*o.de.$er was to "e so%d, we thought perhaps !t was "e*ause #ou d!d not w!sh to return to the s*ene o( su*h traged#)" "6 heard the 'a%%e# was so%d," Tasha sa!d, want!ng to turn the *on'ersat!on awa# (ro$ !ts $ore persona% aspe*ts) "9o #ou ha'e an# !dea who "ought !t4"

9e%ph!ne (rowned and *%u*ked her tongue) "There ha'e "een peop%e to see !t on%# on*e, so 6 suppose the# are the "u#ers) The ta%% $an o( #ours, when he returned that t!$e so $an# weeks ago, !t was to show the 'a%%e# to so$e (at $en !n su!ts) Ar!st!de, he sa#s the# were (ro$ a %and *a%%ed<)" 9e%ph!ne paused, re(%e*t!ng, then *a$e up w!th the na$e) "Ger$an#) /es, Ger$an#) Ar!st!de heard the$ ta%k!ng a"out *utt!ng down so$e o( the trees to $ake roo$ (or sw!$$!ng poo%s and rows o( that*hed *ottages) +o 6 suppose the#)w!%% "u!%d a "!g hote% so$eda#)" "Oh)" The t!n# wren*h o( (ee%!ng was not rea%%# regret, Tasha to%d herse%( , on%# a "r!e( d!sappo!nt$ent that 2en wou%d se%% the 'a%%e# to entrepreneurs) "2ut enough o( su*h unhapp# $atters)6 a$ sorr# that #ou w!%% not "e a"%e to *o$e (or the t!$e o( the wedd!ng) 3hen !s #our *h!%d e&pe*ted4" "A"out two weeks a(ter #our wedd!ng)" Tasha *hanged the su"0e*t) "Now te%% $e, how !s Eu%a%!e4 6 take !t she's as *on(used as e'er)" 9e%ph!ne s!ghed hea'!%#) "Oh, she !s "e!ng 'er# d!((!*u%t) 6t !s hard to ta%k sense to her) Perhaps #ou w!%% ha'e $ore su**ess than 6)" "6 dou"t that," s$!%ed Tasha) "3hat's she "e!ng d!((!*u%t a"out4" "3!th so$e o( the $one# #ou ga'e to Ar!st!de 6 pur*hased so$e aunes o( *%oth weeks ago, when the "!g "oat *a$e to *a%%) 6 $ade Eu%a%!e a dress (or e'er#da#, and a%so a (!nero"e %a $esse , oh, 'er# n!*e, !n a prett# "%ue *o%or, w!th (!ne e$"ro!der#) 6 took the$ to her hut, "ut she keeps the$ !n a "o& under her "ed and re(uses to wear the$ at a%%)" "3h# on earth wou%d she do that4" "Oh, that Eu%a%!e!"9e%ph!ne *ast her e#es to hea'en) "Her5p tre$"%es and she te%%s $e that 6 a$ %!ke the others, that 6 $ust ha'e "een %augh!ng at her dress o(

pat*hes a%% a%ong) +o o( *ourse 6 ha'e to te%% her that !t !s not so, that her own dress !s 'er# (!ne !ndeed) +o, sa#s Eu%a%!e, !( her own dress !s so 'er# (!ne, wh# ha'e 6 $ade her others4 6 *ou%d not !ns!st too $u*h (or (ear o( !nsu%t!ng her) Perhaps #ou *ou%d ta%k to her4 +he see$s to ha'e a spe*!a% (ee%!ng (or #ou) +he ta%ks o(ten o( the %ad# w!th the %ong "%a*k ha!r)" "6 *an tr#," Tasha agreed du"!ous%#) "There $ust "e so$e wa# o( *on'!n*!ng Eu%a%!e w!thout upsett!ng her) 6 don't %!ke to see her unhapp#)" "5nhapp#4" 9e%ph!ne s!ghed aga!n, too hea'!%#) "Eu%a%!e !s not unhapp# $ost o( the t!$e) +he %o'es her p%ants and her roots, and she %o'es the "!rds and the s$a%% *reatures that %!'e around her hut) 3!th these th!ngs to keep her *o$pan#, she !s not %one%#, as a sane person $!ght "e) +o, #ou see, there !s so$e good !n "e!ng $ad) " Tasha was surpr!sed at 9e%ph!ne's use o( the ad0e*t!'e) ";ad4 Oh, 6 know she's o%d and (orget(u%, "ut<)" 9e%ph!ne wagged her head !n a 'er# pos!t!'e wa#) "Oh, #es, she !s :u!te, :u!te $ad) 9!d #ou not rea%!1e4 Eu%a%!e has a%wa#s "een %!ke that) ;# own grand$other used to ta%k o( Eu%a%!e's *on(us!ons when 6 was 0ust a %!tt%e g!r%) And that !s (ort# #ears ago) 3h#, 6 *an te%% #ou a stor# a"out the t!$e $# great grand(ather went to Eu%a%!e w!th a spra!ned wr!st and got treated (or (a%%!ng ha!r !nstead) 6s !t an# wonder that she $!stakes a s!$p%e wedd!ng date4" 9e%ph!ne's $us!ng and un$a%!*!ous re*o%%e*t!ons went on (or so$e $!nutes and were !nterrupted on%# "# the arr!'a% o( Ar!st!de 2ru%eau) A(ter a "r!e( e&*hange o( *!'!%!t!es, he sa!d to Tasha, "A $an on the "!g "oat to%d $e #ou were here, when 6 took $# p!rogue to see what new th!ng was arr!'!ng at our !s%and) Ah, 6 was !n (ear that !t $!ght "e the $en o( Ger$an# *o$!ng "a*k to %a# *%a!$ to the 'a%%e#! 2ut !t see$s 6 had noth!ng to (ear) The $an o( (!ne $anners and so(t tongue ga'e $e a $essage (or #ou)"

";a& Fa"!enne4" "He d!d not te%% $e h!s na$e)" Ar!st!de had the p%eased %ook o( a $an who was the "earer o( good t!d!ngs, de%a#!ng the te%%!ng o( the news !n order to sa'or !t $ore (u%%#) "He asked $e to "r!ng #ou a $essage, "ut he to%d $e not to de%!'er !t unt!% 6 had done a task (or wh!*h he pa!d $e we%% , wh!*h was on%# to de%!'er so$e *ha!rs to the hut o( the"onne (e$$e d! "o!s, whose na$e he d!d not know) And that task !s now done) Eu%a%!e has the *ha!rs, wh!*h he sa!d to sa# were (ro$ #ou) +he see$ed 'er# p%eased, a%though 6 had a %!tt%e trou"%e to get the o%d *ha!rs awa# (ro$ her to $ake roo$! +o now, 6 ha'e *o$e to #ou w!th the $essage (ro$ the $an on the "oat)" Tasha strugg%ed w!th a tw!nge o( anno#an*e at ;a&- she had wanted to de%!'er the *ha!rs herse%() 2ut !t was not Ar!st!de's (au%t, and at the $o$ent the honest (!sher$an was %ook!ng so p%eased w!th h!$se%(, (a!r%# "urst!ng w!th good news, that !t see$ed wrong to *o$$ent on ;a&'s un!%atera% rearrange$ent o( p%ans) "3hat was h!s $essage, Ar!st!de4" "He sa!d 6 was to te%% #ou that the *o*o.de.$er gro'e now "e%ongs to #ou," Ar!st!de announ*ed tr!u$phant%#) "The $an sa!d he h!$se%( "ought !t through an agent !n ;ah> and had !t trans(erred to #our na$e)" Tasha stared) 3h# wou%d ;a& do a th!ng %!ke that4 "6 don't "e%!e'e !t," she sa!d) "The $an sa!d one other th!ng 6 d!d not understand)" Ar!st!de's (a*e grew $ore so"er now and "etra#ed pu11%e$ent) "He $ade $e repeat !t, so that 6 wou%d get !t r!ght) He sa!d one week shou%d "e enough (or #ou to de*!de whether #ou w!shed to %augh a%% o( #our %aughter and weep a%% o( #our tears)" "One week<4" As the deeper $ean!ng o( Ar!st!de's words penetrated, Tasha stood up w!th a hast# apo%og# and hurr!ed outs!de to the terra*e, (ro$ where the $oored

#a*ht wou%d "e '!s!"%e) One g%an*e *on(!r$ed her guess8 !t was $o'!ng s%ow%# toward the *hanne% and wou%d soon %ea'e the %agoon) Ar!st!de and 9e%ph!ne had (o%%owed her out the door) "The $an asked $e to see that #ou were we%% %ooked a(ter (or the week," Ar!st!de re$arked p%easant%#) As Tasha's e#es were st!%% turned seaward, he d!d not note her e&press!on, wh!*h was *ons!dera"%# $ore e$ot!ona% than an# she had d!sp%a#ed (or so$e t!$e) How dare ;a& desert her %!ke th!s! "He ga'e $e so$e other th!ngs, too, wh!*h he asked $e to p%a*e !n #our hut) +upp%!es, a 'er# (!ne s$a%% *ooksto'e w!th spe*!a% (ue%< and there was a su!t*ase, a%so, w!th an en'e%ope atta*hed) Perhaps !t was addressed to #ou4 6 *ou%d not te%% "e*ause 6 *annot read, and so 6 %e(t !t !n the hut) 6( #ou w!sh, 6 w!%% go there w!th #ou now) " Ten $!nutes %ater, ha'!ng re(used Ar!st!de's o((er and sa#!ng a hast# good"#e to 9e%ph!ne, Tasha was "a*k at the *o*o.de.$er gro'e, a%one) The en'e%ope d!d !ndeed *onta!n a $essage (ro$ ;a&) 6t read8 P%ease (org!'e the de*ept!on) 6 *on(ess the $ot!'at!on !s se%(!shness, pure se%(!shness on $# part) Frank%#, 6 a$ a%ar$ed at s!gns that #our pre'!ous '!s!t to th!s p%a*e $a# ha'e a((e*ted #ou !n a $anner un"e*o$!ng to the wo$an who !s to "e $# w!(e) 6 sensed that #ou shou%d return here (or a t!$e !n order to re(%e*t on whether or not #ou *an *o$e to ter$s w!th the (uture we ha'e p%anned) 6 knew #ou wou%d not *o$e here a%one,nor w!thout so$e !nter'ent!on on $# part) 6 "e%!e'e #ou w!%% (!nd that ;or%e# has pro'!s!oned #ou ade:uate%# (or a week o( rough!ng !t) 9o not (ee% 6 ha'e a%together deserted #ou- 6 w!%% return !n se'en da#s) 6n the $eant!$e ;or%e# and 6 w!%% en0o# a $u*h needed ho%!da# *ru!s!ng around these !s%ands , #es, that $u*h was true) Cons!der we%%, Natasha, and re$e$"er that #ou w!%% "e %ett!ng $e down on%# !( #ou per$!t $e to $ake an un(ortunate and !rrepara"%e $!stake) ;a& Fa"!enne *annot a((ord to $ake $!stakes)

The %etter was t#pewr!tten and uns!gned) 6t had "een d!*tated to ;or%e#, who had added !n her own no.nonsense handwr!t!ng as a posts*r!pt8 9on't %et ;a& (oo% #ou, he's not as se%(.*entered as he pretends) 9o what's "est (or #ou) No $ore now, ;a& !s *a%%!ng $e) Good %u*k! ;or%e#) Tasha *ou%d not ent!re%# agree w!th ;or%e#'s est!$ate) ;a& $ust "e do!ng th!s (or h!s own sake, (or he was *erta!n%# not do!ng !t (or hers! No dou"t he had gone to a great dea% o( trou"%e and e&pense to pur*hase the *o*o.de.$er gro'e and p%an the *ru!se, "ut so$ehow she (a!%ed to (ee% grate(u%) 6t took Tasha 'er# %!tt%e t!$e to rea%!1e that ;a& $ust ha'e "een p%ann!ng th!s de*ept!on (or a%% o( the past two weeks) The su!t*ase *onta!ned *asua% *%othes, $an# o( the$ "rand.new, wh!*h Tasha had *erta!n%# not pa*ked herse%() The propane sto'e, a%ong w!th a nu$"er o( other p!e*es o( e:u!p$ent, st!%% "ore tags (ro$ a (a$ous ondon supp%!er) ;oreo'er, the e%egant%# pa*kaged prepared (oods , 0ars o( preser'es, *a'!ar,*anned goat's $!%k , were a%% (ro$ Fortnu$ M ;ason's) ;a&'s !dea o( rough!ng !t !n st#%e, thought Tasha w!thout e'en "e!ng a"%e to ra!se a s$!%e) Certa!n%# !t was :u!te a departure (ro$ the down.to.earth (oods she had eaten dur!ng her past sta# on ;#st!:ue) ;#st!:ue)3h# had the na$e e'er he%d su*h a $ag!*a% (as*!nat!on (or her4 9ur!ng her pre'!ous sta# on the !s%and, Tasha had had a strong sense o( the (ates tak!ng o'er, "ut th!s t!$e she was under no su*h !%%us!on) 6t was ;a&, auto*rat!* ego*entr!* ;a&, who was rearrang!ng her %!(e aga!nst her w!%% , w!th a %!tt%e unw!tt!ng he%p (ro$ an add%ed o%d wo$an who had not e'en "een a"%e to get a wedd!ng date stra!ght) 3h!%e thoughts o( Eu%a!!e no %onger wren*hed her heart as on*e the# had, Tasha st!%% e&per!en*ed so$e (ee%!ngs 'erg!ng on po!gnan*# as her re(%e*t!ons turned !n that d!re*t!on) As she to#ed w!th a *o%d %un*heon o( *anned prawns,$e%"a toast and goat's $!%k, Tasha $used on the pro"%e$ 9e%ph!ne had presented) +ure%# there

$ust "e so$e wa# to get the o%d wo$an to d!s*ard her an*!ent sugarsa*k w!thout hurt!ng her (ee%!ngs) There was noth!ng wrong w!th Tasha's ana%#t!*a% pro*esses, wh!*h perhaps a**ounted (or the speed w!th wh!*h she *on*o*ted a p%an) 3!th!n $!nutes she was on the path to Eu%a!!e's, wear!ng a straw."e%ted s$o*k that was so$ewhat $ore e&penda"%e than the e&pens!'e des!gner s!%k she had !ntended to wear to 9e%ph!ne's wedd!ng) A%% the sa$e, !t *aused so$e tw!nges o( re$orse when she stopped "# a thorn"ush a%ong the wa# and de%!"erate%# snared the s$o*k on the pr!*k%# "ran*hes) Tasha was not destru*t!'e "# nature, "ut her s!$p%e p%an re:u!red a ru!ned dress) 2# the t!$e she rea*hed Eu%a!!e's hut, she *erta!n%# had that) The s$o*k was !n tota% tatters, and se'era% %arge pat*hes o( *otton had "een %e(t "eh!nd on the thorn"ush) Eu%a!!e was s:uatt!ng outs!de her hut, *o$$un!ng w!th a nondes*r!pt "!rd, wh!*h was per*hed on one (ra!% (!nger, eat!ng (ro$ Eu%a%!e's hand) 6t w!nged awa# !n a%ar$ at Tasha's approa*h) "Oh, oh, oh," wa'ered the o%d, o%d 'o!*e, "and 0ust when he agreed that 6 *ou%d p%u*k a (eather (ro$ h!s ta!%) 3e%%, no $atter, he w!%% *o$e "a*k< 6 th!nk<)" Her (a*e, %!ke a dr!ed "err#, turned to Tasha, !ts ha%o o( sparse ha!r snow# aga!nst the wr!nk%ed "rown) +he rose to her (eet and shu((%ed s%ow%# *%oser) +he "%!nked at Tasha's (a*e and $oaned so(t%# to herse%(- then %ooked downward at Tasha's he$%!ne) "6 had an a**!dent," Tasha sa!d, e&pe*t!ng so$e *o$$ent on her ru!ned *%othes) "6 re$e$"er,":uaked Eu%a%!e 0ust as !( she had seen Tasha on%# #esterda#) "9!d #ou th!nk 6 had (orgotten4 6 to%d #ou there wou%d "e no "ru!se "# toda#) Oh, oh, oh) And #ou thought o%d Eu%a%!e's *ure wou%d not work! /et see, there !s not a s!ng%e

$ark on #our %eg) Oh, *o$e !nto $# hut) /es, do *o$e !n) 9!d #ou *o$e to return $# p!e*e o( str!ng4" "6<%ost !t," Tasha sa!d, enter!ng the hut a pa*e ahead at Eu%a%!e's urg!ng) The (our new *ha!rs o**up!ed pr!de o( p%a*e, and Eu%a%!e stopped sto*k.st!%% !n her own doorwa#, "%!nk!ng at the$ un*erta!n%#) "Oh, su*h %o'e%# *ha!rs," the o%d wo$an e&*%a!$ed !n a 'o!*e that tre$"%ed w!th genu!ne p%easure) "How d!d #ou *arr# the$ up the path4And #ou, who shou%d "e *arr#!ng noth!ng so hea'#) 6t !s enough that #ou *arr# a (!ne %!tt%e g!r% *h!%d !ns!de) 3here d!d #ou put $# other *ha!rs4 Oh, no $atter<#ou *an keep the$ !( the# $ake #ou happ#) Oh, oh, oh)And to do so $u*h, 0ust "e*ause #ou %ost $# %!tt%e p!e*e o( str!ng)" "6'$ g%ad #ou %!ke the$," Tasha sa!d, !gnor!ng a%% Eu%a%!e's $!s*on*ept!ons) 6t no %onger see$ed strange that she *ou%d "e so *on(used a"out so$e th!ngs and so per*ept!'e a"out others) No dou"t Eu%a%!e had noted the s$a%% e'!den*es o( !$pend!ng $otherhood , the (u%%ness o( "reast, the ga!ned pounds,the g%ow!ng *o$p%e&!on , that 9e%ph!ne had $!ssed) And there was no po!nt te%%!ng Eu%a%!e !t was !$poss!"%e to guess the se& o( the *h!%d at th!s po!nt !n t!$e! "Or are the *ha!rs "e*ause o( $# th!rd gr!s.gr!s=*a$e the tre$"%!ng and so$ewhat trou"%ed :uest!on) C%ear%#, Eu%a%!e's $!nd was $o'!ng "a*k and (orth !n t!$e, w!th a (!ne d!sregard (or the a*tua% se:uen*e o( e'ents) "6 d!d $ake a th!rd gr!s.gr!s< 6 th!nk... 9!d 6 g!'e !t to #ou4" "Er..." "Oh, oh, now 6 re$e$"er) 6 *ou%d not (!nd #ou) Now where d!d 6 put that gr!s.gr!s4" +he padded o'er to her she%'es and "egan a (ru!t%ess sear*h) "Oh, #es, !t was a 'er#

(!negr!s.gr!s, that one) 6 re$e$"ered what 6 had (orgotten the (!rst two t!$es) 6t was a %o*k o( $# own ha!r) Oh, not th!s th!n wh!te ha!r #ou see toda#) 6 ha'e "een sa'!ng that %o*k (or $an# #ears, so $an# #ears that on%# the "!g *Ddre *an re$e$"er<) 6 *ut !t (ro$ $# head when 6 was a #oung g!r%, 0ust to $ake the gr!s.

gr!s (or #ou..."

Eu%a%!e's pro"!ngs through o%d t!n *ans and *h!pped 0ars turned up noth!ng that *ou%d poss!"%# pass (or one o( her paper.wrapped *har$s) "O.o.oh," she $oaned to herse%( at %ast, sound!ng tota%%# heart"roken) "3h# ha'e 6 %ost !t, 0ust when she *a$e to get !t4 Oh, !( 6 do not (!nd !t she w!%% th!nk $e $ad<she w!%% th!nk 6 (orgot to sa'e her the %o*k o( ha!r<)" "6'%% get thegr!s.gr!s another t!$e," Tasha sa!d :u!*k%# !n an atte$pt to d!stra*t Eu%a%!e) "6 *a$e (or so$eth!ng e%se toda#) " Eu%a%!e stopped her sear*h!ngs !$$ed!ate%# and *a$e "a*k a*ross the (%oor) "+o$eth!ng e%se4" she :uaked un*erta!n%#) "A (a'or," Tasha sa!d) "There's so$eth!ng 6'd %!ke to "orrow) 6 hope #ou don't th!nk !t's an !$pos!t!on)" "O.o.oh)"Eu%a%!e %ooked at her new *ha!rs w!th un$!staka"%e regret, s!ghed (ro$ her 'er# sou% and s:uee1ed her e#es *%osed as !( she *ou%d not "ear to see) "Take the$, then," she tre$"%ed out)"A%though 6 *annot th!nk wh# #ou "rought the$ here, e&*ept to "reak an o%d wo$an's heart)" "No, no, Eu%a%!e, 6 don't want #our *ha!rs) 6< #ou see, 6''e had a 'er# "ad a**!dent w!th $# dress) 6 r!pped !t on a thorn"ush and 6 ha'e a"so%ute%# noth!ng e%se to wear)" Tasha *rossed her (!ngers, $enta%%# !( not %!tera%%#) +he knew that a(ter the %!e, she wou%d "e una"%e to wear an# o( the *%othes ;a& had pro'!ded, (or the ne&t (ew da#s at %east) Cnow!ng th!s !n ad'an*e, she had *%osed her su!t*ase to *on*ea%

!ts *ontents "e(ore *o$!ng to Eu%a%!e's hut) "6 wonder !( 6 $!ght, er, "orrow a dress4" she (!n!shed p%easant%#) The an*!ent e#es *a$e open and !n'est!gated Tasha's tatters, as !( see!ng the$ (or the (!rst t!$e)"Oh, oh, oh) 3h# d!d 6 not th!nk at on*e4 6 w!%% g!'e #ou one o( the dresses that so$eone $ade (or $e) Now where d!d 6 put the$45nder the "ed4 /es, under the "ed) +he knee%ed and pu%%ed out a sa%'aged wooden pa*k!ng *rate w!th a (ew possess!ons !ns!de) The dresses were *are(u%%# (o%ded !n paper, as though the# had "een put awa# %o'!ng%#) "Oh, #es, su*h prett# dresses) 3h!*h one wou%d #ou %!ke4" Tasha swa%%owed, s$!%ed and sa!d p%easant%#, "Those are 'er# n!*e, Eu%a!!e, "ut the# %ook too s$a%% (or $e) 2es!des, 6''e a%wa#s ad$!red the dress #ou ha'e on)' "Oh! Eu%a!!e *h!rped !n a surpr!sed p%eased 'o!*e) "3h# d!d #ou not sa# so at on*e4 And #ou do not need to return !t) Oh, oh, oh) 9o #ou rea%%# %!ke $# dress4'

Tasha tra'e%ed the downward paths%ow%# and re(%e*t!'e%#, s*u((!ng at roots w!th the pra*t!*a% %ow.hee%ed shoes she had worn (or the '!s!t to Eu%a!!e's hut) The pathos o( the s*ene had not tou*hed her 'er# deep%#- nor had the r!d!*u%ousness o( (!nd!ngherse%( wear!ng Eu%a!!e's $u*h pat*hed dress) 6n an# *ase she was aware rat!ona%%# that w!th the add!t!on o( the straw "e%t (ro$ her wre*ked out(!t, and w!th her he!ght and her (%a!r (or wear!ng *%othes, the %oose dress no %onger %ooked so $u*h %!ke a %ong sugarsa*k) +he knew that three $onths ago she wou%d ha'e "een unuttera"%# $o'ed , e!ther on the 'erge o( tears, or on the 'erge o( %aughter, or perhaps "a%an*ed so$ewhere "etween) How %!tt%e 2en had understood her) How %!tt%e o( her true se%( he had seen) 2ut then, !n the gr!p o( h!s warped hatreds, he had not wanted to see) And now that true se%( had gone- she pre(erred the gra#. suede e&!sten*e)

+he wa%ked a*ross the *%ear!ng, !d%# re$e$"er!ng that (!rst t!$e she had done so "# $oon%!ght, "ut re*aptur!ng none o( the $#st!*a% sense o( !ne'!ta"!%!t# that had gr!pped her then) +%ow%# she $ounted the steps, *rossed the 'eranda and opened the door) As she entered, the ta%% (!gure "ent o'er a du((e% "ag stra!ghtened- then (ro1e !nto a death%# st!%%ness) Tasha re*o'ered her se%(.possess!on (!rst) "2en! 6 d!dn't e&pe*t to see #ou)" "Tasha," he $uttered, h!s %!ps s*ar*e%# $o'!ng as the# (or$ed the word) H!s (a*e had turned utter%# gra# "eneath the tan- h!s e#es were haggard w!th dark *!r*%es "eneath) 6n h!s hand he he%d so$e *harts he had "een a"out to thrust !nto the du((e% "ag- e'!dent%# he had *o$e to *%ear out h!s possess!ons) "2en..." Con*ern washed through her, surpr!s!ng her "e*ause !t was "# (ar the strongest e$ot!on she had (e%t (or so$e t!$e) "Ha'e #ou "een !%%4 /ou don't %ook we%% at a%%)" 2en $ade o"'!ous e((orts to rega!n h!s po!se) "No, 6....3hat are #ou do!ng here4On ;#st!:ue4" Tasha hes!tated, wonder!ng how she *ou%d e&p%a!n) ";a& and 6 are on a *ru!se through these !s%ands) He *hartered a "oat so 6 *ou%d *o$e to 9e%ph!ne's wedd!ng, "ut !t turns out there's no wedd!ng at a%% , at %east not toda#) There was so$e *on(us!on, and so$ehow 6 got the wrong date)" "2oat46 d!dn't see a "oat) 3here !s ;a&4" Tasha s!ghed- there s!$p%# see$ed no wa# to a'o!d te%%!ng 2en a"out ;a&'s trea*her#, desp!te the (a*t that she was not an&!ous to do so) +he ga'e the sket*h!est o( e&p%anat!ons and (!n!shed, "+o #ou see, 2en, 6 *a$e ashore a%% read#

to attend a wedd!ng, th!nk!ng !t wou%d "e on%# (or an a(ternoon) And now 6 (!nd ;a& won't "e "a*k (or a week)'' "/ou *an't<sta#)" 2en sounded stra!ned) ";# agents ha'e so%d th!s propert# to so$e Eng%!sh (e%%ow) 6 was to%d on%# #esterda# that 6'd ha'e to *%ear out $# "e%ong!ngs w!th!n the ne&t *oup%e o( da#s) 6 thought these th!ngs %#!ng around $ust "e%ong to the new owner... Oh,God, the#'re not #ours, are the#4 6'$ a(ra!d the#'%% ha'e to go)" Tasha s$!%ed) "9on't #ou see, 2en4 ;a& !s the $an who "ought #our propert#) He "ought !t (or $e- !t's !n $# na$e now)" 2en turned wh!ter, !( that was poss!"%e) "A wedd!ng present, 6 suppose4 Then #ou and he..." "No, we won't "e *o$!ng here together) Can #ou p!*ture ;a& !n th!s sett!ng4 He on%# d!d !t "e*ause he wanted $e to "e 'er#, 'er# sure) And that's wh# he's arranged that #ou'd arr!'e, too) Oh, 2en) He's throw!ng us together (or one %ast t!$e , 0ust to $ake sure that 6 don't har"or an# regrets)" 2en was s!%ent and so$"er (or a t!$e, re(%e*t!ng on the !$port o( her words) "6 don't know :u!te how to take that state$ent," he sa!d s%ow%#) "9oes !t $ean #ouha'e "een har"or!ng regrets4" "No, 6 ha'en't, "ut ;a& see$s to ha'e so$e s!%%# not!on) 6 assure #ou none o( th!s was $# !dea)" "Then #ou ha'en't *hanged #our $!nd4" "No) 9o 6 %ook as though 6''e "een p!n!ng4" H!s e#es pro"ed her (a*e,then tra'e%ed s%ow%# to her (eet, and "a*k up aga!n) A "r!e( pa!n ghosted through h!s e#es, to "e rep%a*ed "# a k!nd o( "!tter anger) H!s $outh tw!sted w!th a *rue% !ron# and no hu$or) "No) /ou %ook re$arka"%# we%%, e&*ept (or the out(!t);# God, Tasha) 6s that #our !dea o( a s$art ondon 0oke , to attend an !s%and wedd!ng !n a *op# o( Eu%a%!e's wret*hed dress4 /ou d!d sa# #ou

*a$e ashore read# to attend a wedd!ng) Oh, 'er# *%e'er%# done- (%atter!ng enough to #ou, #et so, so *rue% to her)" On*e, 2en's s*ath!ng assu$pt!on wou%d ha'e "een un"eara"%# hurt(u%) Now !t on%# sent Tasha's *h!n stu""orn%# h!gh) "For #our !n(or$at!on, 2en Cra!g, th!s !sn't a *op#- !t's the or!g!na% !te$) Eu%a%!e ga'e !t to$e)" "/ou *an't e&pe*t $e to "e%!e'e that!" "6 don't g!'e a da$n whether #ou "e%!e'e !t or not)" 6n a de(!ant gesture, she 0a$$ed her hands !nto the po*kets o( the 'o%u$!nous pat*hwork dress) The (!ngers o( one hand at on*e en*ountered an o"sta*%e and *%osed o'er !t) Tasha drew the o"0e*t (ro$ the po*ket, know!ng e'en "e(ore she saw !t e&a*t%# what the %!tt%e pa*ket was)The th!rdgr!s.gr!s) 6t was so$ewhat %arger than the two Eu%a%!e had pro'!ded "e(ore) Tasha "egan to un(o%d the wr!nk%ed paper, hard%# hear!ng the suppressed (ur# !n 2en's words) "6t's one th!ng to d!re*t #our %aughter at a $an %!ke $e , 6'$ "!g enough to take *are o( $#se%() 2ut $# God, Tasha, whatk!nd o( tw!sted hu$or *an #ou (!nd !n $ak!ng an o%d wo$an the "utt o( #our 0okes4At a gather!ng %!ke a wedd!ng4 /ou ha'en't *hanged, Tasha, #ou'%% ne'er *hange<)" H!s words hard%# penetrated) Tasha was star!ng at the opened pa*ket !n her hands and the %o*k o( ha!r)Eu%a%!e's ha!r) 6t was %ong, stra!ght, g%oss#- !t $!ght ha'e *o$e (ro$ Tasha's own head)Oh, she was "eaut!(u%, w!th her ha!r so %ong and "%a*k and

sheened %!ke a pear%, %!ke #ours< )

9rop%ets o( $e$or# tre$"%ed on the sur(a*e o( Tasha's $!nd %!ke ra!nwater on a w!ndowpane) And then the drops "egan to (or$ new patterns as the# s%!d s%ow%# out o( p%a*e, (or$!ng new r!'u%ets , 0o!n!ng th!ngs sa!d toda# w!th th!ngs sa!d $onths ago- and together the# see$ed to %ead to a *on*%us!on 'er# d!((erent (ro$ the one Tasha had rea*hed on*e "e(ore)

Oh, the w!t*hwo$an wanted her daughter to read and wr!te so that she wou%d not "e !gnorant, too)And Eu%a%!e had wr!tten the %etter (or 9e%ph!ne) And a**ord!ng to 9e%ph!ne's grand$other Eu%a%!e had "een $ad s!n*e< when4 Ergot4/es, 6 th!nk !t $ust ha'e "een ergot, (or there was a %!tt%e ergot !n the hut unt!% 6 threw !t out, a(terward, a%ong w!th e'er# other po!son 6 *ou%d (!nd) 3ho had d!ed and who had %!'ed4 Ergot was a ha%%u*!nogen- !t d!d not a%wa#s k!%%) 6t *ou%d as eas!%# ha'e "een the $other who had d!ed so $an# #ears ago , (ro$ sho*k or (ro$ gr!e(, or (ro$ natura% *auses) 3as !t Eu%a%!e herse%( who had on*e wept !n her %o'er's ar$s4 Eu%a%!e who had wanted to d!e when her (a!th%ess %o'er deserted her4 Eu%a%!e who had dr!'en herse%( not to death "ut to $adness w!th se%(. ad$!n!stered ergot49o #ou th!nk 6 know noth!ng o( %o'e4 Oh, 6 wou%d g!'e a%% the

*ha!rs !n the wor%d !( 6 *ou%d undo the great e'!% that was done that da#) 9o #ou wonder that 6 w!sh to see a %o'er happ#4 6 a$ an o%d, o%d wo$an and !t !s a%% 6 ha'e %e(t to g!'e ....
And a%% these thoughts *oursed through Tasha's $!nd !n so (ew se*onds that she %ooked up !n t!$e to see the snar% on 2en's (a*e as he ground out the words, "And to th!nk 6''e "een !n a"so%ute he%% o'er #ou (or these past weeks) /es, !t's true) On*e !t was on%# purgator#, and now!t's he%%, pure he%%) 6''e "een o"sessed w!th #ou, de'oured "# thoughts o( #ou n!ght and da#..." +udden%#, Tasha's (ee%!ngs we%%ed up %!ke an underground spr!ng too %ong *onta!ned) The *orked.!n e$ot!ons *hoked to the sur(a*e , knott!ng her throat, tear!ng at her %ungs, st!ng!ng at her e#es) 3!th her (!ngers st!%% *ur%ed around Eu%a%!e's *har$, Tasha tra!ned one tortured %ook at 2en, turned, and (%ed) +he hard%# knew where her (rant!* (ootsteps were tak!ng her unt!% she stu$"%ed o'er a *on*ea%ed stone !n the *o*o.de.$er gro'e and sank, so""!ng, to the ground) Tears "%!nded her e#es) +he "ur!ed her (a*e !n her hands and ga'e !n to wren*h!ng, sou%.deep so"s)

2en had "een on%# pa*es "eh!nd) "Tasha , wh# don't #ou %ook where #ou're go!ng4 Oh, God!" The e&p%os!on o( h!s words a**o$pan!ed the hands that now se!1ed her shou%ders (ro$ "eh!nd !n an !ntense gr!p) "6'$ sorr#...6 swore 6'd ne'er ta%k to #ou %!ke that aga!n...6 %o'e #ou, Tasha) 6 %o'e #ou)" Cnee%!ng *%ose, he turned her !n the *!r*%e o( h!s ar$s and she a%%owed !t, a"andon!ng herse%( he%p%ess%# to the *hoked.up $!ser!es w!th!n) 3!th (!ngers spread aga!nst the (!r$ war$ "u%wark o( h!s *hest, she wept wh!%e he ra!ned tender, (!er*e (!er# k!sses aga!nst her tear.streaked *heeks) "God knows no one o( us !s per(e*t<) 6 %o'e #ou, Tasha, a%% o( #ou, the good and the "ad, and $ost o( a%% #ou...6( 6 *ou%d take "a*k those th!ngs 6 sa!d, 6 wou%d) 6 d!dn't $ean to $ake #ou *r#)" !t was a t!$e "e(ore 2en's urgent $ur$ur!ngs o( %o'e s%owed the angu!shed so"s enough that Tasha *ou%d speak) "6'$ not<*r#!ng<"e*ause o( #ou," she *hoked out at %ast) "6'$ *r#!ng "e*ause o(<Eu%a%!e) 6 wasn't $ak!ng<(un o( her<e'er) Oh, 2en, 6'$ sorr#< 6 *an't stop<)" He drew h!s (a*e a %!tt%e awa# (ro$ hers and %ooked at her wonder!ng%#, h!s (!ngers tra*!ng the tears that st!%% *oursed down her *heeks) "/ou were *r#!ng o'er Eu%a%!e4" he $uttered d!s"e%!e'!ng%#) "6<*an't e&p%a!n....6t's as !(<6''e "een sa'!ng< a%% o( $# tears< (or her)" And through a new wa'e o( weep!ng Tasha "egan to %augh, a rue(u%, se%(.depre*at!ng %augh that soon *hanged to one "order!ng on h#ster!a) 2en sh!(ted h!s hands to her shou%ders, gr!pp!ng the$ as !( to stead# her) "Oh, 2en<th!s !s so s!%%#) 6 *ou%dn't *r# a"out $.$#se%(, "ut<oh<#ou *an't understand, *an #ou< 6 d.don't suppose #ou''e e'er<*.*r!ed !n #our %!(e)"

+udden%# 2en's who%e "od# went st!%%, on%# the (!ngers d!gg!ng deep%# !nto her upper ar$s "etra#!ng h!s tens!on) "3hat d!d #ou sa#4" he asked) H!s 'o!*e was death%# :u!et) "6 sa!d<#ou don't know what !t's %!ke...;en %!ke #ou< n.ne'er *r#) " A%% at on*e Tasha's tears and h#ster!a stopped and she "egan to shake a%% o'er w!th rea*t!on) "Oh, 2en, ho%d $e< p%ease) Ho%d $e t!ght)" And when he had (o%ded her *%ose aga!nst h!s *hest on*e $ore, she sa!d !n a tre$"%!ng 'o!*e, "6'$ s.sorr#) 6 th!nk 6''e "een !n so$e sort o( sho*k e'er s!n*e< e'er s!n*e that %ast da# on ;#st!:ue) " 3hate'er e$ot!on 2en was e&per!en*!ng, !t see$ed to "e one he *ou%d e&press on%# "# "ur#!ng h!s (a*e !n her ha!r and t!ghten!ng the ho%d that en*%osed her !n h!s war$ '!r!%e ar$s) And at %ast, there !n the *!r*%e o( h!s e$"ra*e, Tasha's '!o%ent shudder!ng *eased) Gradua%%# a great pea*e des*ended, (or she knew she was where she was $eant to "e) "6 wasn't %augh!ng at Eu%a%!e, 2en," she wh!spered a(ter a t!$e) "Th!s rea%%# !s her dress) 9e%ph!ne $ade her so$e dresses she wou%dn't wear, and 6 wanted to get th!s awa# (ro$ her, so 6 r!pped $# own....6 *ou%dn'tth!nk o( another wa#)" "6'$ sorr# 6 e'er dou"ted #ou," 2en sa!d !n a husk# unstead# 'o!*e) "6 %o'e #ou, 2en," Tasha sa!d, g%adness r!s!ng "e*ause she knew that th!s t!$e 2en wou%d answer !n k!nd) Hadn't he sa!d he %o'ed her4 And that was what she had a%wa#s wanted to hear) "O( *ourse 6'%% sta# w!th #ou<!( that's what #ou want) Here or an#where) 6'%% (o%%ow #ou to the (our *orners o( the earth !( that's what #ou want) 2en, k!ss $e<!( that's what #ou want...2en4 "

The :uest!on !n her 'o!*e was "e*ause he had sudden%# sh!(ted pos!t!on, and now he%d her a %!tt%e apart, %ook!ng !nto her e#es st!%% sh!n!ng (ro$ her tears) "/es, !t's what 6 want)" The t!$"re o( h!s tone was %ow, !nt!$ate as a *aress) "2ut (!rst there's so$eth!ng 6'd %!ke to know) 6t's !$portant) Te%% $e e&a*t%# how "ad #our e#es!ght !s)" "6''e to%d #ou) 6t's terr!"%e) 3!thout $# *onta*ts 6 *an't see proper%# s!& !n*hes !n (ront o( $# nose)" Tasha's (a*e took on a pu11%ed %ook as 2en spent so$e $!nutes stud#!ng her !n a war$, !ntent s!%en*e) "And 6 suppose #ou d!dn't ha'e #our *onta*t %enses !n on our wedd!ng n!ght," he asked at %ast thought(u%%#) "No, 6 took the$ out," Tasha rep%!ed) Gradua%%# a ger$ o( susp!*!on "egan to grow !n her $!nd) "2ut wh# does !t $atter4" "2e*ause 6 thought #ou *ou%d see $# (a*e< and 6 thought #ou %aughed at what #ou saw)" 2en's 'o!*e was %e'e%, *onta!ned, re'ea%!ng %!tt%e e$ot!on) "A $an $a# *r# on%# on*e or tw!*e !n h!s adu%t #ears , and (or $e, that was !t) 6 was under stra!n, 0ust *o$!ng out o( sho*k) The (u%% horror h!t $e that n!ght) 6 d!dn't want #ou to see !n the (!rst p%a*e, and then, when #ou d!d, " "Oh, 2en)"+he "ur!ed her (a*e !n her hands) "That $ust ha'e "een aw(u% (or #ou) How #ou $ust ha'e hated $e) 6 understand e'er#th!ng now) /ou don't need to e&p%a!n) P%ease (org!'e $e, p%ease) 6'$ so asha$ed)" "Asha$ed<4" 2en !ssued a *ontr!te hu$or%ess %augh) "6'$ the one who shou%d "e asha$ed, (or a thousand th!ngs) 6t see$s #ou''e done 'er# %!tt%e to "e asha$ed o() Poor e#es!ght !sn't e&a*t%# a s!n)"

Tasha ra!sed her head and $anaged a shak# s$!%e) "6 wonder !( Eu%a%!e knew a%% that," she sa!d) "+he a%wa#s see$ed so *on*erned a"out $# e#es!ght)" 2en %aughed aga!n, th!s t!$e '!"rant%#, a((e*t!onate%#) "+ure%# #ou're not "eg!nn!ng to "e%!e'e !n her $ag!*)" "O( *ourse not)"2ut she paused, and added w!th so$e wonder$ent, "And #et, !( 6 hadn't started to *r# a"out Eu%a%!e, we'd st!%% "e "a*k at the hut, trad!ng nast# words) " "3h# d!d #ou start to *r# a"out Eu%a%!e4" 2en asked so$"er%#) Tasha re(%e*ted (or a $o$ent) +he thought o( Eu%a%!e, o( what the "onne (e$$e d!

"o!s had known or had not known, o( what she had "een or had not "een, o( what
she had done or had not done) E'er#th!ng *ou%d "e e&p%a!ned so rat!ona%%# and #et< was an# part o( %!(e *o$p%ete%# rat!ona%4 ;an# o( the thoughts were po!gnant and "!ttersweet, and Tasha knew th!s was not the t!$e to te%% Eu%a%!e's sad stor# to 2en, an# $ore than !t was the $o$ent to te%% h!$ a"out her own pregnan*#) "6 started *r#!ng "e*ause o( her th!rd gr!s.gr!s," Tasha sa!d s!$p%#) "6t was su*h a sad %!tt%e *o%%e*t!on o( *har$s that *ou%dn't poss!"%# work)' 2en re$a!ned s!%ent, wat*h!ng her as !( see!ng her (or the (!rst t!$e- and perhaps !ndeed he was) Tasha sensed he needed that s!%ent $o$ent to shed the $!s*on*ept!ons o( the #ears, and so she respe*ted !t, ta%k!ng no $ore (or the $o$ent) +he %ooked up at the *o*o.de.$er pa%$s, see!ng the !nd!st!n*t and st!rr!ng patterns o( %!ght and shade, tr#!ng to keep a new round o( read# tears (ro$ spr!ng!ng to her e#es) 2en %o'ed her now- sure%# the t!$e (or tears had passed4 The sun%!ght "reak!ng through the (ronds h!gh a"o'e see$ed to sa# !t had) And #et, when a "urst o( s!%'er# "!rdsong sounded, (%ood!ng the sun.dapp%ed gro'e, she (ound her (a*e tear.wet on*e $ore)

+ee!ng the tears, 2en *%osed the s$a%% d!stan*e "etween the$ and gathered her *o$(ort!ng%# !nto h!s ar$s) "9on't *r# a"out Eu%a%!e's gr!s.gr!s," he soothed, strok!ng her ha!r) "+o$ehow, 6 th!nk she'd "e 'er# happ# to know we worked th!ngs out , (or whate'er reason)" Tasha s$!%ed and spent the 'er# %ast o( her tears aga!nst the th!n *otton o( 2en's sh!rt) +he ru""ed her (a*e aga!nst the %!tt%e roughness o( ha!r pr!*k%!ng through) "6 know) 6 wasn't *r#!ng a"out Eu%a%!e that t!$e<or a"out us) 6t's that "!rd, the one w!th the "eaut!(u% song) 6 ha'e a (ee%!ng !t's the one 6 saw toda# at Eu%a%!e's hut, (eed!ng out o( her hand) And oh, 2en, th!s !s s!%%#, "ut 6 ha'e the odd not!on that she sent !t to $ake sure th!ngs were work!ng out)" "The "!rd that's s!ng!ng !s a "%a*k parrot) 6t wou%d ne'er (eed (ro$ a person's hand) " Tasha %aughed shak!%#) "Then o( *ourse !t *an't "e the sa$e "!rd, (or Eu%a%!e's %!tt%e (r!end *erta!n%# wasn't "%a*k) He was gra# and 'er# ord!nar#, 0ust %!ke a "!rd that (%ew awa# one da# not so 'er# (ar (ro$ here, when #ou threw a st!*k at a %aure% "ush) 6 a%$ost *r!ed that da#, too)3h!*h shows #ou what a s!%%# ro$ant!* 6 a$) " 2en pu%%ed a (ew !n*hes awa# and *aught Tasha's (a*e !n h!s (!ngers) He spent a $o$ent ga1!ng at her !n a wonder!ng wa#, strok!ng her *heeks w!th !n(!n!te gent%eness) "Are #ou4 /ou 0ust des*r!"ed a "%a*k parrot e&a*t%# , and #es, !t was a "%a*k parrot we saw that da#, too) 6 to%d #ou !t wasn't $u*h o( a %ooker to !nha"!t the Garden o( Eden) 6 d!dn't th!nk #ou'd e'en seen that %!tt%e "!rd)" Gra'e%#, he tra*ed the %!ne o( her tre$"%!ng %!ps and stud!ed the s!gns o( e$ot!on that had a%wa#s "een h!dden to h!$ "e(ore) "6 w!sh #ou had *r!ed that da#) 6 $!ght ha'e $ade the atte$pt to understand #ou $onths ago)" He paused "r!e(%#) "9o #ou know, the "%a*k parrot !s 'er#, 'er#sh#) /ou're %u*k# to ha'e seen one) There's an o%d +e#*he%%es superst!t!on that sa#s #ou'%% now ha'e a %ong, %ong %!(e)"

Tasha $anaged a tre$u%ous s$!%e) "Then that shou%d !n*%ude #ou, too," she sa!d) "2ut 6 thought #ou weren't superst!t!ous)" "6'$ not, "ut that's one superst!t!on 6'd %!ke to "e%!e'e !n) 6 th!nk 6'$ go!ng to need a %ot o( #ears to $ake up (or the hearta*he 6''e *aused)" u$!nous w!th %o'e, Tasha "ur!ed her (a*e !n the *rook o( h!s ar$) "Oh, 2en, #ou a%read# ha'e," she wh!spered) "9o #ou know, 6 ha%( "eg!n to "e%!e'e !n Eu%a%!e's $ag!* a(tera%%) " "+!%%# wo$an," he $uttered, pe*k!ng a %!ne o( %!tt%e k!sses a%ong her "row) "6t's a%% nonsense)" "A%% the sa$e, !( she hadn't %ed $e to #ou that (!rst n!ght, when 6 thought she was tak!ng $e to ;ons!eur 'Hor%oge<)" 2en's *hu*k%e he%d a '!"rant a((e*t!onate depth) "+o that's wh# #ou kept *a%%!ng $e 2!g 2en," he sa!d) Tasha (ro1e)"6<what4" "2!g 2en," he repeated) "6s that so odd4Espe*!a%%# !( #ou had *%o*ks on the $!nd) Eu%a%!e *erta!n%# does! That n!ght we res*ued #ou and she ga'e #ou the s%eep!ng pot!on, 6 spent so$e t!$e tr#!ng to as*erta!n !ts *ontents) +he *ou%dn't re$e$"er) 6 suppose she thought 6 was tr#!ng to "a!t her- she kept te%%!ng $e she had seen the *%o*k on ;ane) At %ength 6 de*!ded to take 9e%ph!ne's word that the stu(( was har$%ess)" "A%% the sa$e," sa!d Tasha wonder!ng%#) "Oh, 2en, do #ou th!nk<4"

"No, 6 don't)" As he pu%%ed her down to the earth "es!de h!s %arge (ra$e, 2en's 'o!*e he%d a war$th Tasha had ne'er heard "e(ore) "At the $o$ent 6 don't want to th!nk a"out an#th!ng "ut #ou) Oh, dar%!ng, 6 %o'e #ou $ore than 6 *an te%%) And there's no spe*!a% $ag!* to that) " Tasha wound her ar$s around h!s ne*k and %et e'er# part o( her sou% show !n her %!:u!d e#es) "/es, there !s," she wh!spered (ro$ the (u%%ness o( her heart)"A 'er# spe*!a% $ag!* !ndeed)" And then the "%a*k parrot (e%% s!%ent, and e'en the so(t%# *%ash!ng (ronds h!gh a"o'e see$ed to hush the!r sound) And !t was as !( a thousand e#es were wat*h!ng, e#es !n the hea'ens and e#es !n the surround!ng "ushes and e#es !n the tower!ng pa%$s, wh!%e a%% *reat!on wa!ted, "reath%ess, (or the 0o!n!ng o( the!r %!ps)