“And that’s the whole of it? A stray comment in a conversation prompted your proposal?”
“Dr. Madison’s comment presented itself as a solution to the problem of Victorine Headley, but that doesn’t go to the heart of your question. The truth is, Mrs. Salt, I find you intriguing. I have from the first time I saw you in church. You sat in the last pew, your children on either side of you, and there was such calm about your person. Then I saw your smile, just a slip of a thing really, but it—are you familiar with a da Vinci painting called theMona Lisa? Perhaps seen a reproduction of it in an art book?”
Lily shook her head.
“Well, she’s famous for her smile, and the way you looked in church put me in mind of her. You don’t smile nearly enough, but the hint of it sometimes hovers at the corners of your mouth, and I find myself wondering what secret amusement you’re hiding.” Roen lifted an eyebrow as Lily set her teacup down and pushed back in the rocker. “Ah. I think I’ve made you skittish.”
“You haven’t.”
“True, you haven’t tried to bolt, but do you want me to go on?”
“I’ve heard enough.”
“Then you don’t want to know that I genuinely like you.”
“No.”
“Or that I think you’re attractive.”
She touched her left temple. “I have gray hair here.” She moved her hand to her right side. “And here.”
“Silver wings.”
Lily let her hand fall away. “That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s poetry.”
“You’reridiculous.”
“I might be, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re smiling right now.Almostsmiling.”
She rolled her lips inward, suppressing that almost smile, and shook her head. “I don’t know what to make of you.”
“I know.”
“I have my children to consider. You could be good for them, but what will it be like when you leave?”
“You brought up divorce,” he reminded her. “I didn’t.”
“What’s the alternative? You meant for this to be a temporary arrangement.”
“Did I? I don’t recall saying that.” Roen saw Lily blink. “If it suits us, it doesn’t have to be. When my work takes me to other locations, there’s no reason you and the children can’t come.”
“Like gypsies, you mean?”
“If you like. I was thinking you’d enjoy seeing the country outside of Frost Falls. Ben said the former sheriff here took his wife to Paris, so folks do get out.”
“You don’t work in Paris.”
“You know you’re being too literal. My point is that people leave Frost Falls to visit other places. Why can’t you?”
Lily leaned forward, and asked earnestly, “Are you remembering all of my conditions?”
Roen ticked them off. “A marriage certificate. No church ceremony. No ring. You require that I assist in providing for care of the children and show you respect in front of them. I will also show you respect when they’re not around, but that’s what I expect of myself.”
“You left something out.”
“I did.”
