I turn it over. “Stanford 941, please.”
She writes something on the card as she’s placing the call. A few words to the other operator, then she hands me the receiver. “Be quick or I’ll ’ave to charge ’ee extra.”
I nod and hunch over the worn counter. Mr. Gould’s voice crackles over the connection. I nearly cry with relief. “Mr. Gould, it’s Merryn Forsy—Winthrop. Merryn Winthrop.”
“What’s happened? Ansel. Has he—”
“AJ’s well. Listen, there isn’t time for all that.” I start with the easy question. “Tell me, if you please, what you know about Isabella de Montfort.”
A pause. “My wife coerced me into seeing her at the theater once. Is this truly worth a call on thetelephone?”
“It is if she’s my mother.”
“Well done, you. Are you remembering?”
“Nothing new yet. Mr. Gould, how’s Cecil?”
“See…who?”
“Cecil.Lady St. Laurent’s grandson.”
“Oh. The boy.” He’s forgotten Cecil. Everyone does. “Well enough, I suppose. Morose little chap.”
Because he’s staying with Sabine, likely about to be shipped off to boarding school.
“And the case. How’s the case progressing?”
A sigh. “It isn’t good, Mrs. Winthrop. Miss St. Laurent is petitioning the judge to hear the case without you present. She claimed erratic behavior.”
“How utterly ridiculous!”
“You vanished. Left the boy behind. You married a man you’ve known little more than a fortnight.”
I sigh. “What’s next?”
“Youmustreclaim your memories. I’m afraid you don’t stand a chance without them.”
“And my wit? My cleverness—”
“Is no match for Sabine St. Laurent. The judge trying probate is a former suitor with whom she’s renewed her acquaintance.”
“But that’s—”
“Not worth discussing. There’s precious little we can do to stop her. Now do what you can to find your past.Beforethe final hearing.”
“One other question. Mr. Gould, what happens if a woman marries, then realizes she’s married before but…she’s forgotten it?”
A groan comes across the wire. “Oh, Merryn. What have you gotten yourself into?”
I blink at the use of my Christian name. This must be quite serious. “Just tell me, Mr. Gould. Which marriage would be valid? The first or the second?”
A pause. “Well, the first.”
“Even if she cannot recall it? And if she’s desperately in love with the second man?”
“Do you know, I’ve practiced law for thirty-six years and I’ve never encountered anyone requiring such advice. But yes, the first marriage would stand, regardless of a person’s memory. Now bear in mind, this person would also be facing charges of bigamy.”
I swallow hard. “What sort of punishment might that receive?”
