Julie's sister. How wonderful to know you both.”
“She's the lovely one.”
“I find you both enchanting.”
“Dear Walter.”
He looks pensive. “I do love her, you know. She's a marvelous thing, isn't she? An extraordinary woman.”
“You've told her, of course.”
“Oh yes. I'm filled with hope. I can't think of anything else these days. I want so much to be her husband.”
“I'll be pleased to have you as a brother-in-law, provided you continue offering these delicious Italian cakes.”
“I think she'd be the most loyal wife. That's quite important these days, isn't it?”
“Yes, I suppose it is.”
“I want… love from a woman. Surprised, aren't you? You didn't expect that from me.”
“Not really.”
“But it's what I want. That's really what I want. Something that lasts. A great passion. And I think Julie is capable of it. Most women aren't, you know. She's the first woman I've known who I think could rise to it. A great passion.”
“How lovely.”
“I have the feeling I know her so well. Sometimes I think we've met before… in our dreams.”
“Walter, darling…”
“No, don't make fun.”
“I'm not making fun. I hadn't realized how romantic you are.”
“I'm in love with your sister and I intend to marry her.”
“Well, then I suppose you shall.”
“If she'll have me. I do think she'll have me.”
“I think she's quite fond of you.”
“It's as if I've been keeping myself for her. My wife. Oh yes. It's fate, isn't it? She told me that at one point after John was lost she thought of returning to France forever. We'd never have met. I don't like travelling. I'm never comfortable out of England. Too much the Englishman and all that. And how would I find her? So you see, it must something ordered by the stars.”
“How poetic you are.”
“She smiles when I say it. But I can always see in her eyes that she thinks as I do. I can always see it.” He touched his lips. “You must think I'm silly.”
“I certainly don't think that.”
“There are practicalities, aren't there? She needs looking after and I've the means. Quite enough, I suppose. Although of course one never has enough, does one?”
“Perhaps not.”
He laughed softly. “Money is quite important, isn't it?”
“Yes, I should think so.”
“I don't like all this talk against money. All this nonsense about the rich. The rich put order in the world and then nasty names are thrown at them. Well, what can one expect from the rabble? Now they want porters and lift- boys to have weekends. You don't dislike money, do you? It's not French, is it?”
Now it was I who laughed. “I don't think so.”
“Do you mind? Do forgive me. I shouldn't go on like that. Please say you forgive me.”
“I forgive you.”
“You're quite beautiful. If I weren't so madly in love with Julie, I think I should make a fool of myself in pursuit of you.”
We meet again nearly a week later. This time Walter calls at the house for me and we drive in the park in a closed carriage. As before, he talks about Julie. Now he seems convinced she intends to reject him. “I think I see the signs of it. She's always affectionate, but I think I see the signs of it.”
I soothe him. “I know she's fond of you.”
“I don't think she wants me.”
“Perhaps it's too soon after the loss of John.”
“I'm terribly unhappy.”
“My sister is so uncertain about things.”
“Can you help me, Claire?”
“Walter, you must have patience.”
“Please… I beg you.”
“I don't know what I can do.”
“I'm sure you'll think of something.”
How helpless he is. “I'll try, darling.”
He begins to babble about his life. He talks about his loneliness. He talks about how much he needs her. “I think of her constantly. It's rather like a fever. I've never felt like this about a woman before. It's extraordinary. I hadn't thought it was possible. She's become the great passion of my life. I can't bear the thought of not having her as a wife. You will support me, won't you, Claire? She thinks highly of you. She always talks of how much she admires you.”
“You must keep on with it. You must keep after her, Walter. I'm certain you'll have what you want.”
“Do you really think so?”
“Perseverance, darling.”
“Yes, I think you're right.”
“It might be useful to remind her of things.”
“What things?”
“How much she needs you. How much she needs the comforts you can give her. I daresay a gift of some sort would be suitable.”
“A necklace?”
“That's a marvelous idea. Quite perfect. Something elegant and at the same time romantic.”
He beams. “I'll find something.”
“Yes, you must. And I promise I'll talk to her. I'll press your case whenever I see the chance for it.”
He bubbles with gratitude. “Claire, darling… I'll be in your debt forever. How marvelous it is to have your help. I must be the most fortunate man on earth. My life has been blessed by two extraordinary women. Parisian women. I think I'll now consider myself an eternal friend of France.”
“But you must promise to keep trying.”
“Yes of course.”
I tell him he has excellent prospects. Julie needs a husband and he has all the qualities a woman might want in a man. How pleased he is. His eyes shine as he considers his future with Julie. And why not? If she has to marry someone, why not Walter Bramsby? His cheeks are flushed. He holds my hand and proclaims his indebtedness to me. As the carriage rolls on, he inundates me with gratitude. Once again he tells me he would pursue me were it not for his love for Julie. “How lovely you are.”
I smile. “You'll make me blush.”
“Do you really believe Julie will accept me?”
“You're a charming man and she'd be a fool not to.”
“Do you really think so?
“I suspect you're quite capable with women. You are, aren't you, Walter? Oh yes, I can tell.”
He still holds my hand. He flatters me. He says I have the most beautiful eyes. He says I'm one of the few women who have ever understood him. How amusing he is. The way he babbles. I glance at the front of his
