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That sooner or later, we would have to change. One of us. Or both.
How soon?
Two months.
She flinched. How long have you known?
A week.
Is that why we ve done our annual weekend early this year?
Yes.
She tried to smile. At least the timing was not indicative of more than expediency.
You ve accepted their proposal?
43
Cerise DeLand
Darling. You knew they wanted me to consider a change last winter and I
refused.
She nodded, feeling the reassurance of his arms wind around her, but knowing he
had not answered her question. Well, then, for all they were to each other, best to
address these issues slowly, calmly. The time wasn t good.
I agree. He combed her hair with his fingers. Is it better now, do you think?
Was it? Her mind was awhirl with how her life must change to keep him. Ah, yes,
but to keep more than that. To keep her view of the world, so changed by his élan. His
positive outlook. For a lonely only child, she had believed for so many years that she
would never find any man who could amuse her or enrapture her for longer than a
month or two. She had believed herself so self-sufficient before she met him. So whole.
But her sense of order had never included a joie de vive that infused her every day she
was with him.
She cupped his jaw and kissed him. Yes. The time is much better now. I am best
with you. Shall you take me to dinner and we can talk about the details?
He caught her close and hugged her to bits. You re quite serious?
Laughing, she rolled her eyes at him and gave him her imitation of his British
accent. Quite, milord.
Would you like to see an apartment?
You ve picked one out?
One I prefer to three others I ve seen. He looked like a small boy, eager to share a
secret. After all, I have been here since Tuesday, darling.
True. Well, does it have a view?
Of Montmartre? What else would I buy for you?
She caught her breath. You are serious.
Never more so.
She ran a hand through her hair, overwhelmed. Does it cost a small fortune?
44
Me and Mr. Jones
For an office for you, a nursery for the twins and a room for the au pair, oui,
Madame, the place sells for the price of the Queen s jewels.
Or your family inheritance. She clasped her hands together. You d better show
me.
Very well. The sooner we go, the faster you can tell me if it s suitable and if you
agree to the change in our lives.
* * * * *
The apartment Ian had chosen sat on the top floor of a sturdy old stone building in
Montparnasse. With a view to the east of the tip of the Eiffel Tower and view north of
Sacre Coeur, the spacious flat could hold their little family.
We can remodel the kitchen if you like, Ian told her as she stood before the
picture window looking out from the living room. I d hate to inhibit you in your
cooking.
The stove is an antique and the refrigerator sounds like it s made of tin! I am so
used to our big kitchen in New York.
He came to stand behind her and hug her to him. Does this mean you are agreeing
to come with me, Mrs. Campbell?
I am. She spun in his embrace. I couldn t stand my days without you. What is a
job, anyway, if you ve got no one to come home and complain to at night, hmm?
His green eyes danced. That s the way I ve felt whenever I was somewhere at
some dinner or gathering without you. Especially since the birth of Jamie and Karen. I
want to see them more. Also, I miss you more each time I go away.
She traced a fingertip over the outline of his lips. You ve been so good about
traveling between New York and London and Paris. I m glad it s over for you.
His brows shot high. So you have no second thoughts on how this move would
affect your own career?
45
Cerise DeLand
She tipped her head. I d be lying if I said it won t be a challenge for me. To be in a
new city, a different country and try to work from here. I ll have to brush up on French.
And how to be a partner 24/7. But I ll figure that out. You did. My turn now to do the
giving. But I have a feeling, she winked at him, a transition won t be too much of a
hardship on me.
You always did love Paris.
I want to see more of it with you!
He cupped her cheek and kissed her. Then let s go to dinner. I ll show you more.
He took her to a small café along the Right Bank, famous for its outrageous chef, its
haute cuisine and its clientele of French movie stars and producers.
Seated at a quiet little table in a far corner, she was surprised when Ian did not sit
but excused himself to talk with the maître d .
What is your secret now? she asked him when he returned.
Ah. He widened his eyes at her. Look in your purse and open Envelope Number
Five.
As the waiter came and opened a bottle of champagne, Corin tore open the note to
read, Ask to be directed to Table Fourteen.
What is this? she grinned at Ian.
Directions from Mr. Jones. Do it.
You re looking very pleased with yourself.
Mmm. Perhaps. Tell me if I should be after you go to Table Fourteen.
She took a sip of her champagne and put down her napkin, then rose. That s a
very nice champagne, darling, so I assume you expect me back to help you finish it.
He inclined his head. You d better hurry, Corin. I want you back soon. Mr. Jones is
not the kind to wait too long. Besides, you have one more envelope to open when you
return.
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Me and Mr. Jones
I do, don t I? She brushed her hands down her trousers and leaned over to kiss
his lips. I love you, Mr. Campbell.
Striding toward the maître d s station, she smiled at the man and asked for
directions. He nodded, expecting her request, and then led her around a corner toward
a table where a gentleman dined alone.
Maurice! My goodness! she greeted the producer who last year had offered her
the opportunity to design his sets for the movie to be filmed here in Paris. How are
you? She spoke to him in English and her rusty French.
He was kind, gracious and asked her to sit with him. Please, Corin, here, next to
me.
I can stay only a moment, but my husband sent me over to you.
Of course. I know. The short, sturdy little producer gave her a hearty smile.
I suppose you do. When did you meet him?
He is my new banker.
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