“There is an important reason that I bring her, my child. I have prayed, and the good Lord has shown me the way”—that’s right, Vladek, lay it on thick—“our family must heal, and it must know the truth. And the sad truth is that, long ago, I betrayed your mother, the love of my life. Judy and I are both here to beg her forgiveness. Just as I forgive her for giving up all hope of me. We must both live with the fact that another has possessed our spouse. But we can forgive, go on, and be a family again.” He turned to Sophie. “I am hoping you will introduce me to that old priest ... Père Sabin. . . . I want to start going to church as we rebuild our marriage.”

“I do apologize,” Judy said. “I was young. . . .”

Sophie saw no sincerity in her eyes; the woman was barely suppressing her mirth. A stab of hatred shot through her. Pierre was talking about God? He intended to tie her down.

Still, she said nothing.

“But Judy and I are friends. We have fifteen years as close friends, before we ever slipped as lovers, and I will not betray that. When you are alone in a prison cell you learn what’s important. We’ll remain friendly, and Judy will be a guest of this family.” Pierre’s eyes, confident, commanding, settled on Tom. “You will resign tomorrow from the firm and give up your place at Oxford. I will select a position where you can work, under me—nothing too senior, you understand. You must learn from your error in selling the shares. Maman—my dear.” He turned to Katherine. “You must give up all the shares I had allocated to you, for you see, I can no longer trust your judgement. Since your grasp of financial matters seems a little hazy, I will start to have the accounts of the dower house audited. For your own good. And you, Sophie.” He turned to her last. “I love you, and you know we are obliged to forgive each other’s infidelities. I expect you to stay home and to try to repair your reputation.” He reached out, and traced a fingertip across her collarbone. “I intend that we shall regain our marital passion.”

Pierre smiled. “You see? It is as if no time had passed. Everything shall be what it was.”

“No,” Sophie said.

She surprised herself; her voice was clear and calm.

“What do you mean, no?” he asked, with soft malice.

It didn’t impress Sophie. To his fury, she ignored him and turned to their son.

“Tom,” Sophie said. “I am sorry, dearest, but I think we should get some things straight at the outset. It will be better for the family that way.”

“It’s all right, Maman.” Tom had brushed off the tears, and nodded at her. “I agree.”