Jake and Mrs. Gage were sitting on the veranda sipping tea and watching the evening sun play on the water of the Mediterranean. Both seemed content with the silence between them. It had lingered for several minutes when Jake spoke.
“Gabrielle, are you happy?”
Mrs. Gage turned slowly and looked at him. Her expression was unreadable. She cleared her throat.
“Well, I suppose I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about that.”
“Why not?”
She turned her head away and looked out over the water. She shook her head and spoke softly. “I don’t know. I guess I thought I could never be happy again, so I just went on living.”
“Doing what?”
“It is not my intention to be mysterious, Jacob. I have others to consider so I have to weigh any revelations I make very carefully.”
“Don’t you trust me?”
“Oh, Jacob, of course I do but this is not about me and you.”
“But it is safe to say, you are not what you seem.”
“I’m not sure I like how that sounds.”
“It is hard for me to know what to think when you withhold so much of yourself from me.”
“I’ve never been in a relationship that required complete honesty.”
“Not even in your marriage?”
“Especially in my marriage. Let’s just say he valued other things. He was much older than me and considered me a trophy wife. Imagine me as a trophy wife.” She laughed humorlessly. She went on as if to herself. “He met me in Istanbul. I was young and had adopted a complete disregard for life. He found that oddly appealing and pursued me until I decided to take advantage of what he was offering me.”
“And what was that?”
“Extensive wealth to finance my personal endeavors.”
“And he wanted?”
She looked away, “To fulfill his appetites.”
“Why did you stay with him?”
“I had taken a vow.” She answered simply. “I have done many things in my life that I would not want anyone to post on a billboard. But I do take my promises very seriously.”
“How long has he been gone?”
“It has been almost 40 years and, God forgive me, I never shed a tear or grieved one day of his passing.”
“Has there been anyone else?”
“I have had many lovers, Jacob.”
“That’s not what I am talking about.”
She sighed, “I had one love. We joined the resistance movement against the Communists in Hungary. We were both so young and determined to fight for our right to freedom. When they opened fire on us in Liberty Square, he shielded me with his body. He was so full of life and hope, I never felt right being fully alive ever again.”
“But Gabrielle, you are the most vibrant person I have ever met.”
“I have been so many people for so many reasons and put on my face for so many years, I’m not sure if I’m even in there anymore.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“I’m sorry, Gabrielle. I’m probing where I have no business.”
She shook her head as if shaking off something unpleasant.
“Oh, Jacob, you really are a dear and decent man. I don’t deserve your friendship.”
“Of course, you do, and you shall have it no matter what. No strings attached.”
She smiled a sad little smile. “Thank you.”
She left Jake a few minutes later to turn in. As she passed the sitting room, she was delighted to hear Judy’s deep, throaty laughter drift out to her. Andy was feigning indignation over something. He had obviously taken Jake’s warning to heart and was treating Judy gently. She fervently hoped they had the opportunity after this was over to explore their feelings. She paused on the landing and gripped the railing. They were heading right into the lion’s den. This adversary was larger and more organized than any she had ever faced and when she thought of those who would be going into this battle with her, she realized she had so much to lose. Her knuckles were white.
“Please God watch over and protect us.”