章 17: Chapter 17

“—we talked of this and that, and she happened to mention the stuffed duck your Uncle Chas had given her. She had to keep it hidden so it wouldn’t be discarded. Seems it was tattered and falling apart.”

“I remember Jemima. Pamela’s had her since she was born, and for years she carried her with her wherever she went. You found her another Jemima?”

“I chanced upon an acquaintance who was familiar with the book and who was able to make one up for me, complete with real feathers, a blue bonnet, and a fine, pink shawl.”

“She loved that duck, you know, and she’s going to love you.”

Jeremy looked at me through his lashes. He opened his mouth, then seemed to think better of what he’d been about to say.

“I’ll start translating page 264, shall I?”

“Yes.” I walked toward the bedroom, still feeling at a loss, which was foolish. What did I expect, after all? An avowal of undying love?