“Perhaps it is my lot.” Stephen made his way to the window and lifted the pane, letting in summer’s breeze. Two stories below were the green hills of the palace grounds. An oasis amid the concrete city. “I was getting on fine until my injury—until you came round with that marriage certificate. I can’t explain it, Nathaniel. But I was over her until I saw her. Then she showed up here and I’m less over her every day.”
Because at the end of it all, Corina Del Rey was the love of his life.
“Has she signed the annulment?”
“Not yet.”
“All right, well, try on this idea. Susanna suggested a midweek retreat to Parrsons House, Wednesday through Friday morning. We’d go on the weekend but we’re booked.”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
“We thought we’d make it a family event. Mum and Henry are packing in with us. Perhaps you . . . and Corina . . . could come along?”
Stephen laughed. “Invite Corina on a family getaway? After the debacle at dinner?”
“Susanna thought she deserved another chance. As do I. Mum’s crazy about her. Consider yourself duly warned.”
“Invite her out to what end? This is the exact opposite of filing for annulment. Is this you getting back at me for meddling in your affairs with Susanna?”
“Certainly not, and if anything, I’m in your debt for your trickery. I suppose I see two options with bringing Corina out to Parrsons. One, you’ll realize, as you’ve already indicated, that you’re not over her and—”
“It doesn’t matter if I’m over her or not, Nathaniel. Why can’t you see that?”
“Or she’ll sign the papers quickly and you’ll be done with it.”
“Not going to happen, Nathaniel.”
Nathaniel moved toward the door with his usual air of authority. “Think on it. We’re leaving in the morning.”
When he was alone, Stephen stared at the muted telly screen—Madeline and Hyacinth were rather comical without sound—the predicament of his heart rolling out before him.
Being with Corina awakened the dormant part of his life, the part that yearned for more. Rugby only exercised one emotional muscle. But what of the rest? Surely he must be a bit lopsided in his strength.
Nevertheless, he could manage. Carry on. Stephen pictured Corina, lovely Corina, handing him a set of signed annulment papers. The idea plunged his soul, and instead of feeling relief and freedom, he felt alone, lost, and aching to shed the bonds of his invisible shackles.
The six o’clock cathedral bells pealed through the city, electrifying the misty evening with an ancient song.
Corina glanced up, an image of Stephen breaking through her thoughts, loose strands of her hair blowing across her face. “Is it six o’clock already?” Her interview with Clive had gone much better than expected. For four hours, he sat with her in the back corner table, watching the rain, chain smoking, and sharing about his life
“I love the bells. Makes me want to do something profound. Charge a hill or kiss a beautiful woman.” Clive gazed at her as the choreographed bells resounded against the concrete and glass of downtown.
“The bells make me want to kneel in prayer.”
Clive laughed. “Well, if that didn’t douse my passion flames.”
Corina dusted her fingers together. “My work here is done.”
Clive grinned, dashing out his latest cigarette. After maneuvering the rough patches of Clive’s personality, Corina and the star-actor-philanthropist hit a friendly stride that had them talking about everything from his career to babies to politics.
He was a much richer, deeper, kinder man than he let the public see. He shared about his impoverished childhood. His middle-grade teachers who recognized his brilliance. The patron who sponsored his Oxford education. His first love, who introduced him to the theatre.“I never looked back.”
The sixth chime rang out, the song of the bells vibrating in the rain-soaked air.
“I think I’ll never tire of the syncopated bells.”
“If we think this is beautiful, imagine what heaven must be like.” Corina collected her things, reaching for her messenger bag.
“Heaven? Huh, never consider it much,” Clive said. “But what an incredible force. Seven cathedral bells ringing in unison.” He tapped another cigarette from the crumpled pack until he saw the overflowing ashtray. He raised his eyes to Corina. “We’ve been here awhile.”
