The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney

Author:Mary Jo Putney [Putney, Mary Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mary Jo Putney

The meal was the most lighthearted they had yet shared. Falconer wondered if his wife was looking forward to spending the evening together as much as he was, then decided that was impossible. Still, she was happier than he had ever seen her.

Though he hadn't realized until now, when the difference was obvious, she had been growing increasingly quiet, her characteristic glow muted. He reminded himself that even self-contained young women who enjoyed solitude needed some companionship. For Ariel, he was the available companion. He would not take her desire to see more of him too personally, but that didn't mean that he couldn't enjoy it.

They retreated to the library for coffee, still talking, tangible warmth between them. Falconer was careful not to strain that fragile web of feeling, for he wanted it to grow stronger.

She took a chair and, gracefully poured coffee from a silver pot. Garbed in a blue silk gown, she looked especially lovely tonight, her delicate coloring as fresh as spring flowers. As she handed him his cup, she said, ''Today I got a letter from my former governess, Anna. Have I ever told you about her?"

When he answered in the negative, Ariel continued, “After leaving Gardsley, she found a position teaching the two daughters of a widower who lives in Hampstead, just north of London."

He stirred milk into his coffee. "Is the man intellectual or artistic, like so many of those who live in Hampstead?"

"Indeed he is. Mr. Talbott designs fabrics and furniture for industrial manufacture and is quite successful with it. He also has the good sense to appreciate Anna. In fact, they married on the same day we did. They went to Italy for a honeymoon and have only just returned. Anna apologized for not writing but said that she's been so busy and happy that she didn't quite realize how much time had gone by. She has invited us to visit her in Hampstead. She says the house is very large." Ariel looked shyly over her coffee cup. "Would you be willing to do that sometime? You'll like Anna, and Mr. Talbott sounds like a wonderful man."

Falconer frowned, but he didn't want to spoil the mood of the evening. "Perhaps someday."

Ariel regarded him thoughtfully, then changed the subject. They talked of other things until the coffee was gone. Then she stood. Falconer feared that she had changed her mind and was going to go upstairs until she said, "I'll read while you do your letter writing." She gave him a bright, rather nervous smile. "I don't want to distract you from your work."

When she was this close, it was hard to think of letters, but obediently he went to his desk and started writing. He had a large and varied correspondence, for letters were a way to be involved with people without having to meet them face-to-face.

Cerberus was pleasantly befuddled by having them both in the room and wandered back and forth, flopping first by Falconer, then ambling to the chair where Ariel was reading.

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