I was quiet for a moment, remembering. “We aren’t close friends, Rose. But we certainly aren’t enemies.”
She chewed and swallowed. “Aren’t you hungry? I think I can probably order something for you.”
I shook my head.
“I was. When peace comes at last, it finds us with an empty stomach.”
I said, “Please eat. Don’t mind me.”
For half a minute or so she did. Then, “Care to tell me how you got here, Ern?”
“If you wish. The doctor’s wife checked me out. She wanted to consult me, but didn’t want—just then—to leave her home. She sent Chandra to fetch me. I assume you know that the Fevres have a daughter?”
“Of course. I take it she’s not here.”
“Correct. She’s at home with her mother as far as I know. With Dr. Fevre’s wife, in other words. Did you know he was married?”
“Yes. She’ll be shocked to find me alive.” The thought made Rose smile.
“Perhaps not. My guess is it will depend on her cycle. Her emotions rise and fall. You must know about that.”
Rose nodded. “So do yours and mine. It’s true of everyone.”
“Then let’s say it’s more marked—much more marked—in her than in most of us.”
“I suppose.” Thoughtfully, Rose paused. “I can only hope she’ll be pleased.”
22
UNBURIED TREASURE
When Audrey came in at last, she didn’t remember me. “You look terribly disappointed Mr.…”
“Smithe.” Devastated, I forced a smile. “That’s Smithe, with a final E. I—we were lovers, Audrey. Another copy of you, of course. This lonely copy of me.”
“You’re not much taller than I am.”
I made an effort to stand straighter. “Needlessly, I’ll acknowledge that you’re correct. I’m not. I won’t force the matter, force in love is always pointless.” I made myself draw a deep breath. “Once we stood together at the railing of the Three Sisters to look out at the sea. That was another copy of you, I realize; but this lonely copy of me. I love you still. If I were to meet a thousand copies of you, I might go mad for joy.”
“You’re sincere.” Audrey sighed.
“If ever in my life I have been entirely, utterly, sincere, this is it. All my life, ever since I was published, I have dreaded the Fire. Now I dread losing you.”
“To the flames.”
I nodded.
“Death takes many forms, Mr. Smithe.” Though she spoke to me, Audrey’s gaze was fixed on the green box.
Thinking to safeguard both this Audrey and the box, I stood up. In that I was nearly too late. Audrey grasped it too; I had to snatch it from her.
I triumphed, and reality reeled.