“I had almost forgotten how beautiful it is. It broke my heart to see it again, but I could never stay there now. I just couldn’t do it. And it was always Matthieu’s, not mine or ours. It was such a loaded subject for him, and so meaningful. I never really felt at home there. I think it’s best to sell it. I’m going to list it with a realtor.” She looked sad as she said it, but it sounded right to him too, given what had happened there.

“Do you think de Vaumont and his client will try to snap it up the minute you list it?” he asked her.

“I doubt it. He was very eager to see it before I listed it. His client may not be respectable at all, and Pierre doesn’t want to lose part of his commission to a realtor. He wants it all for him. For Matthieu’s sake, I hope someone buys it who treats it well and loves it. I would never sell it to de Vaumont and his client now.”

They lay in the bed side by side, talking quietly until the doctor came in at almost noon and told her that her bloodwork was satisfactory and she could leave. She already had her little bag packed, and her car and driver were waiting outside. Daniel was due to be discharged an hour or two later. His girlfriend was picking him up, and he was coming back to work after the weekend.

She and Mike drove home to her apartment, and they retreated to her bedroom. He was gentle with her, not wanting to wear her out since she’d been sick, but their lovemaking escalated rapidly to what it had been when he last saw her. They couldn’t resist each other.

“What do you suppose it is with us?” she asked as she lay in his arms after they made love, feeling sleepy and sated and alive again. It was as though they shared their life force with each other and became more by being together.

He laughed at the question. “I think they call that lust. Pure raw passion.”

“I’ve never had anything like that before, with anyone.” He was an extraordinary lover, and he thought the same of her.