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at them and then, quite suddenly, she burst into tears. It was so thoughtful, so like him to give her something she’d treasure for the rest of her life, something that would always remind her of his best wishes for her happiness.
    Richard pulled her to her feet and held her tightly. This was the last thing he wanted. He’d hoped his gift would please her, that it would be something special for her to wear on her wedding day.
    “I’ve yet to see a woman react unfavorably to pearls, so I assume something else is upsetting you.” His gentle humor failed to bring a smile. “Please talk to me, Maryse,” he said softly. “Tell me what’s making you so unhappy.”
    “You must forgive me,” she said brightly, smiling as she attempted to brush the tears from her cheeks. “They say all brides are emotional, and I think if I’m any example, they must be right.”
    Richard pulled the handkerchief from his pocket, one of the many Christina had made for him, and offered it to Maryse in place of her own sodden one. He took the glistening strands of pearls from her hand and fastened them around her neck, then turned her to face the mirror, forcing her to confront her image. The pale pearls shimmered against her dark skin in the soft light of the room.
    “You see? Nothing to cry about. They’re beautiful, and so are you.” He kissed the top of her head, breathing in the fragrance of her perfume. The reflection of Maryse’s impossibly pretty lips smiled back at him. “Now, why don’t you get us some brandy?”
    Richard pulled his gold watch from his waistcoat pocket and glanced at the time as Maryse poured the amber liquid into their glasses. He lifted his glass to her in a toast.
    “To many happy years, Maryse, and a warm and loving family of your own.”
    Richard’s eyes were filled with questions, but Maryse’s eyes, now dry, answered none of them.
    “Well, it’s late, I should be going.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, but Maryse’s lips met his. He was surprised but kissed her thoroughly.
    “Richard, stay with me tonight.” Maryse was a little surprised at herself, but she couldn’t bear to have him leave. Not yet.
    “Do you think that wise, under the circumstances?” he asked gently, afraid that what she was asking would later be something she’d regret.
    “You know how important you’ve been to me these last three years. I’d very much appreciate a chance to say goodbye.”
    He took her face in his hands, searching for the truth behind her request. The look in her eyes gave him the distinct feeling he knew what it was.
    “Maryse, are you sure this is what you want?”
    She nodded quickly, feeling her heart skip a beat as she realized he would stay.

    Their lovemaking was bittersweet. Richard knew the situation between them was impossible—and he knew that she knew it. He decided to do his best to distract her, realizing he was no more anxious to face the truth than she was.
    “Maryse, how does a woman feel when she’s in love?” He offered the question lightly, hoping to change the mood.
    “You’re teasing me,” she said, as she snuggled closer to him.
    “On the contrary. If you’d share this ancient secret with me, I’d be very grateful. Afterall, what man has not wished to understand a woman in love?” He gestured expansively with his free arm. “Of course, since no one seems to have mastered it in all these centuries, I don’t hold much hope. Nevertheless, you are about to be married and should have something to tell me on that subject.”
    Maryse said nothing and Richard found himself regretting his choice of subjects.
    “What is wrong, Maryse?” he asked softly.
    Maryse had no intention of opening herself up that discussion.
    “Perhaps you should first tell me: how do you love Christina?”
    Richard couldn’t help but laugh, though he knew she was serious. “My love for Christina is not something that I do , it simply is . She’s not quite thirteen, so I haven’t loved her