“Unfortunately, no.” Above the pristine folds of his cravat, his lips curved in a rueful smile. “But hopefully my research will compensate for my lack of memory.”
The fact that he’d made such an effort made her insides melt like a Gunter’s ice on a hot summer day. His “research” extended to the rest of the meal, she soon discovered. The first course was also one of her favorites: a bite-sized golden coquette of potatoes and shallots, topped with a spoonful of caviar and a dollop of crème fraiche.
The pairing of the crispy, melt-in-the mouth potato with the salty pop of roe was divine. Noticing the intent way Adam was watching her eat, she blushed.
“This is delicious,” she said. “Thank you for arranging such a lovely supper.”
“You’re welcome. I have something else for you.” He placed a flat velvet box on the table. “A small token.”
Now this was the Adam she knew. Her husband had always been generous when it came to material things. And she’d appreciated his gifts because they were symbols of his affection for her.
“How kind of you, but you needn’t have,” she said, lifting the lid. “Oh.”
She couldn’t help but gawk at the stunning diamond bracelet. The gems were set in white gold and fashioned to resemble a glittering vine. The detail in the metalwork showed flowers in various stages of bloom.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
“The craftsmanship is exquisite,” she breathed.
“Let me help you with it.” Lifting the piece, he draped the diamonds over her wrist. The bracelet was a cool contrast to his warm touch as he secured the clasp. “There you are. It suits you very well.”
His expression reminded her a bit of Max’s when he’d read a sentence aloud by himself. He looked so boyishly pleased with himself that she had to smile.
“Thank you ever so much,” she said.
“It is I who should be thanking you for your care this past month.”
“As your wife, it is my duty to care for you.”
“Duty?” he murmured. “Is that why you’ve tended to me?”
Her heart thumping, she said, “Well, no…not only that. I mean to say, I am your wife. Obviously, I…”I love you, I’ve always loved you…but do I know you?“That is, my feelings go beyond mere duty.”
“Our relationship is something I want to discuss with you,” he said smoothly. “You’ve been most patient and obliging with my many questions. I hope you will forgive me for asking more. These being of an intimate nature.”
Reaching for her champagne, she took a nervous gulp. “Yes, of course.”
He took the bottle from the ice-filled silver bucket and refilled her glass. “Were we happy?”
She blinked at the unexpected query. “Yes, of course we were. Very happy.”
“And we were comfortable with one another?”
Her cheeks pulsed with sudden heat. Comfortable wasn’t a word she’d ever apply to her husband, then or now. It was hard to be entirely relaxed around a man who was so accomplished and commanding…somale. Compared to him, she felt as insignificant as a pebble next to a mountain. The recognition struck her: as much as she adored her husband, she’d never felt like she was his equal.
“Is everything all right?” Adam was looking at her, his brow furrowed.
Her throat tight, she was saved from answering by the arrival of the soup, which was her favorite…of course. Even with amnesia, Adam was flawless.
“Lobster consommé.” She fixed her gaze on the clear broth. “How wonderful.”
“Gabby, did I say something wrong?”
“You called me Gabby.” She lifted her head in surprise. “You’venevercalled me that.”
“Right…I don’t like pet names. I forgot.” He ran a hand through his hair—another mannerism that didn’t belong to the husband she’d known. “It’s the damnedest thing, not remembering who I used to be.”
His obvious frustration filled her with empathy. As confusing as all this was for her, it must be even more so for him not to recall anything of their past.
