“What of his mind, Aurelia?Is he an intelligent man?”Marianne asked.
“He is—he’s very smart.And he’s well-read, even if I don’t like most of the books he reads.”
Marianne nodded encouragingly.
“He gets carried away with his work,” Aurelia continued, “and he seems to like me, but he can also be a bit closed off sometimes.”
“You have cataloged his faults, but I warn you, your heart may betray you.I was categorically determined not to fall in love with my husband, but he proved himself to be worthy of my love twice over.”
“I believe Marianne astonished herself and Colonel Brandon with her change of heart,” Elinor added.
“Indeed.I am ashamed to think of the many times I scoffed at his attentions, only to now find myself seeking them out and cherishing each kind word and thoughtful gesture.Perhaps the same may be true of you and this Oliver?”
“Perhaps,” Aurelia said uncertainly.She was growing self-conscious despite the fact that she’d thought about that very possibility herself.
Elinor, apparently recognizing Aurelia’s discomfort, suggested that they join Laurie and Cuff, who were upstairs on the mezzanine—relieving Aurelia from having to say anything more about Oliver.
Overall, the night had reset her relationships with the characters.She’d been so focused on Vronsky’s story for so many months that it was good to have a night of reconnecting with the rest of her friends.And when they disappeared at dawn, she didn’t feel sad.Instead, she felt a deep satisfaction knowing she’d be seeing them all again that night.
44
AlthoughitwasaSunday, Aurelia woke earlier than she’d planned or hoped.As the sun made its way through her blinds, Fezz took this as a sign that it was time to encourage her to get out of bed.
Once she had her cup of tea in hand and an album playing softly on the record player, she settled herself in the armchair overlooking the square.Looking at the clock on the wall, she decided David would certainly be awake by now.
Almost as soon as she’d said hello, he asked, “Are you calling to tell me how swoony Oliver is?”
“David!”she scolded.“No, in fact, that’snotwhy I’m calling.”
Aurelia had forgotten that David knew she was working with Oliver and would want to discuss him nonstop at the first opportunity.
“Let’s pretend it is.How is he?Are the sparks flying this time around?”
“I’ll hang up if you keep at it.”
“Oh, come on.You ought to know I’m going to tease you mercilessly about this.”
“No, David, please.I’m not up for it this morning,” Aurelia said in her most petulant voice.
“What’s wrong?James said Oliver’s in his mad editor mode—is he editing your book into oblivion?”
“He is, a bit.But I can’t get a read on him.”Aurelia paused, debating how much to share before deciding she needed David’s input—even if it would overexcite him.“We had dinner the other night and I think he was hinting he’s open to a relationship.”
“Well, he is.”
“Isn’t he trying to get over his ex-girlfriend?”
Aurelia couldn’t bring herself to mention the other issue—the fact that he’d once told her in no uncertain terms that he didn’t want to date her seemed to contradict his hinting.
“That was months ago.The last time I saw him at one of James’s work things, he mentioned something about being ready to move on.”
“Hmm,” Aurelia intoned noncommittally.She wasn’t sure what to do with that new information, so she tried for a change of topic.“What are you and James up to today?”
“We’re heading out to see his parents, but we’ll be home for dinner.Do you want to come round?”
“Will you be in the kitchen again?”
“No, we’re doing takeaway.James begged for a break from my ‘historically weird culinary arts,’ as he’s now calling it.”
