Chapter 10

The two didn’t speak for some time,seemingly content to let the moment pass,and when they finally did,Leslie changed the subject.“I’d love to take your arm and stroll down the village streets,fetch the afternoon post,and then drop into one of those nice teashops along the waterfront.”

“You know we can’t walk about as a couple,”Edward said with what seemed a certain sadness to his voice.“Not yet,at least.Maybe someday…I don’t know.For now,this has to be enough.Can’t we just…be?”

Leslie knew Edward was right.But how can I be content to be your partner only within the confines of these four walls or anywhere else?He was about to say something along those lines when the telephone rang.

“I’ll get it,”Edward said.He picked up the receiver and nodded.“Right,I’ll be there assoon as I can.Yes.”After he rang off,he wrote something down on a small notepad,tore off the sheet,and slipped it in his pocket.Then he glanced over at Leslie.He wasn’t smiling.