“Because I want to make sure that you’re well, happy, and have everything you need.”

“Thank you, but it seems silly to bother Jim.”

“He’ll enjoy it. Show him your latest paintings, have him for dinner. I trust him.” He looked at his wife with a smile. And she smiled back.

“You can trust me too.” In the eighteen years of her marriage, she had never cheated on Marc. She wasn’t going to start now.

“I do trust you. I’ll call as often as I can. You know where I’ll be. If anything comes up, just call. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible, if I’m not in.” She nodded quietly at his words, and then let out a small sigh. He turned to look at her in the silence of the Jaguar. For a moment there was worry in his eyes. “You’ll be all right, Deanna, won’t you?”

Her eyes found his. She nodded. “Yes. I’ll be fine. But I’ll miss you terribly.”

He was already looking back at the road. “The time will go quickly. If you change your mind, you can always join Mother and Pilar in Cap d’Antibes.” He smiled at his wife again. “Not that you will.”

“No, I won’t.” She smiled back.

“Têtue, va. Stubborn one. Perhaps that’s why I love you.”

“Is that why? I’ve often wondered.” There was a teasing sparkle in her eyes now as she studied the handsome profile next to her in the car. “You’ll take care of yourself, won’t you? Don’t work too terribly hard.” But it was a useless admonition, and they both knew it.

“I won’t.” He smiled at her tenderly.

“You will.”

“I will.”

“And you’ll enjoy every minute of it.” They both knew that was true too. “I hope the Salco case comes out in your favor.”

“It will. You can be quite sure of that.”

“Marc-Edouard Duras, you are unbearably arrogant. Has anyone told you that yet today?”

“Only the woman I love.” He reached for her hand as he took the turnoff for the airport, and she touched his fingers gently with her own. It made her think of the night before and the rare meshing of their bodies that she cherished so much. Ma Diane.… “I love you, darling.” She pulled his hand to her lips and gently kissed the tips of his fingers. “I wish we had more time.”