MY HUSBAND, MY ENEMY

Bianca # 31
Copyright: Rachel Lindsay
Original title: "Unwanted wife"
Originally published in 1960 (1978)
Scanning / Revision: m_nolasco73

Tanya m was praying in her husband's house pretending to be

her maid! What terrible secret made her suffer so much
humiliation?

Summary: Tanya married at eighteen with Adrian, a rich man,

strong, disturbing blue eyes. The moon-of-honey was a sweet madness,
full of love and pa ixo. But after Adrian abando nou! Years later,
Tanya went looking for the l. New delusion! He despised saying she
was engaged to another woman! But Tanya was not going to give up;
although humiliated, he decided to fight for her husband. Soon realized
that he wanted, m the she wanted more than that: he wanted love, much
love!

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CHAPTER I

Adrian Chesterto n took the pen, leaned forward and eats ou to sign
the final letter. The lamplight emphasized the brightness of his dark hair
and gave his skin, usually pale, a darker shade.
- Ready. - Smiling, he closed the folder and handed the secre tary.
- You can not complain that I leave the service delay.
- You work too much. I do not know how he would get if there
were no burners.
- I would have to get another secretary, good as you. If that is
possible - he said, standing up and walking to the door.
Adrian was a tall, thin man in his early thirties, with a posture that
reminded her an tepassados military. Your Feico noble es showed that
the rumors about the very close relationship of a prince of Scandinavia
with a Chesterton could well be true. A keen observer would notice that
her physical beautiful was full of contrasts. The arched eyebrows, so
well-made that looked carved, contrasted with the sensitive mouth; the
thick cl ios decreased the cold blue eyes and square jaw of a man of
action was opposed to broad forehead of a thinker.
When he reached the drawing room, he found his mother waiting for
him to take the usual appetizer before dinner. Mrs.. Ches terton, a
woman grisal hos hair and stately air, was sen tada in a comfortable
chair, watching the wedding announcements in The Times. Just looked
up quand oo son handed him the glass of sherry and.

- Nigel Lockheed will marry the daughter of Bruce Cardley. This

explains why he was partner Cardley bank last year.
Adrian crossed the room to turn on the radio. As soon as he began to
hear the news, his mother said impatiently:
- Turn it off. Need to talk to you,
- It will not tell me about Diana again, are you? - Impatient, he
lowered the radio but not switched off.
- I do not know what's wrong with you d ois. They are engaged four
ses me and not yet marked the wedding date.
- We have no hurry.
- Anyone di would you not want to marry.
- This is silly. Of course I want.
- You can prove this by checking the date. Or is Diana who are
hesitating?
- None of us is hesitating - he said calmly. - It turns out that we are
not in a hurry.
His mother frowned at forehead.
- You are already living together?
For a moment, the child remained silent. Then he smiled forced.
- No, Mom, we're not. But even if we were, it would not make
unnecessary marriage.

- But explain the lack of hurry. - His silence did not challenge
nimou Mrs. Chesterton. - You're single for so long, that will end up
becoming a monk. J will is time to get married and start a family.
- We will mark the date, after the election. But it will not be a lavish
wedding, Mom. After all, is not my first marriage.
- But it is the first of Diana, and she has a right to expect something
special. As for his other marriage. .. Well, you know what I think of it.
A done deal to measures escon with a foreigner who ...
- Mom!
- Sorry, Adrian, but every time I think of the way she acted ...
- Tanya had no choice. - Still with glass in hand, he walked to the
door. - I have a few more things to do. I see her at dinner.
Quickly, Adrian returned to the library, a large rectangular place,
with movable s mahogany. It was the place where he felt ter. Standing
in front of the window, he looked to the pair manicured lawn, thinking
of the huge fields and pastures that lay beyond. It was all his and he
loved every centimeter of it. Also loved the people who worked there
and for which he was responsible. On one thing your mother was right:
needed a woman to share everything; children needed to grow feeling
the same thing as him, and to continue his work, when he was too old for
that.
The image of Tanya, a tall, slender girl with whom he had been
married eight years Ago, came to mind.

N that time, Tanya was

eighteen, was shy and nervous, with honey-colored hair, golden skin and
violet eyes. Adrian never thought anyone could have eyes that color,
and when he saw them for the first time, found that reflected the color of
her dress. Then he realized it was not so, for whatever the color of their
clothes, her eyes still with that violet-dark tone, so rare.
As everything was far! Those eight years seemed a lifetime. When
she remembered the boy who was at that time, I seemed to be pens walk
into a stranger.

But without d vida, that boy had a right without

elhana with serious man and ma hard now, that had resigned from his
job at the Foreign Ministry to take charge of his father's land. The man
who would soon marry the daughter of Lord Biddell.
Adrian tried to turn their thoughts entirely to the present, but could
not. The image of Tanya, as he had seen for the first time, took over his
mind.
He worked n the Embassy of England in Rov nia, and that beautiful
summer day attended by prim threshing floor instead of a ROV niano
festival. Along with some friends went to the city center observe the
Carnival of Roses, a party so old that no one remembered its meaning.
Not that anyone cared about that. To the youth of Rovnia, any excuse to
have fun was good.
The people danced in the streets, toasting with v assi, a sweet and
light wine of the region, and excitedly cheering the floats passing by car
r egados of roses of all colors and types.

It was only after the tenth car passed Adrian saw the tall, slender girl
with a bunch of kids on the other side of the square. She was the
traditional costume Rovnia, a skirt and a blouse embroidered in bright
colors.

I was not singing and waving to everyone, as her friends.

Thoughtful, watched the passing cars. If the girl was closer, he would
have gone there to find out why she was so sad when all around were so
happy. But the moment that thought crossed-l h and the head, the crowd
shifted and the girl disappeared from view.
Later, after he and his friends ate and drank to von tade, Adrian did
not want to join the people dancing in the street and decided to return
home. The streets were supe rlotadas and frequent mind the people
stopped trying to convince you to have fun with them. It was after he
refused the fifth call and was paving the way towards the road leading to
the embassy, he saw the blonde girl again. She was with a group of
young and seemed to diver tir enough. Soon after, they started dancing
in an increasingly lively and Adrian so realized she was finding it hard
to keep up with others, and tried in vain to get out of the wheel. On
impulse, Adrian reached out and grabbed her waist, when the el passed
him by removing it from the wheel d.
- Are you okay? - he asked, showing once was estran ger, by the
way spoke rovniano.
- Yes I am, thank you. He was very kind to me taking the wheel.

He made a move to leave, and he stepped forward, barring his way.

Adrian was surprised by his gesture because it was not an impulsive boy.
But there was something in that girl who had made her will know her
better.
- I know a quiet restaurant nearby. Let's go have a snack? - He
noticed her hesitation and said: - My name is Adrian Chesterton and
work at the Embassy of England.
- I'm Tanya Kov acs.
He reached out timidly and he shook smiling.
- Now that introduce ourselves - Adrian continued - hopefully to
agree to take a chocolate ice cream with me.
That was the beginning of a friendship that soon turned into a deeper
feeling. Intelligent and well-educated, Tanya was not released as the
other girls. His parents were already middle-aged when she was born,
and the girl had a different way of thinking of the friends, which
sometimes It made her feel strange among them.
- But I would not change anything in my life - Tanya confessed. My father is a historian and I learned more from him than anyone else.
For him, op roast is as real as the pre feels. Sometimes I find it even
more real, and I fear for him.
Adrian did not need to ask what she meant by those words because
he knew what was Rovnia policy. Those who remembered the past, full

of liber ity, could not help but compare l with the present, where even
thoughts were controlled.
But those hot summer days, the Rovnia political situation was not the
most important thing n the head of Adrian. It only con was still thinking
about one thing: making his wife Tanya.

To his surprise, the

ambassador did not try to force him to change his mind, and the
government of Rovnia made no objection to the marriage of a girl there
with a foreigner.

Of course, the fact Tanya's father was a famous

historian worldwide had a lot to do with it. But for Adrian, he could be
a peasant, that would not make any difference. Tanya was that he loved.
It was with Tanya that he wanted to spend the rest of his life.
When they were on honeymoon honeymoon, the political situation in
the country worsened. There was a coup, the prime minister was ousted
a dictator and took over the government. Adrian was called back to
England and ten days after his marriage, Tanya strips if IUD him at the
airport.
- Soon we'll be together, dear - she whispered. - My saporte
country will be ready in a week.
- I will be counting the hours. - Adrian hugged her tightly. None of
them could imagine that they would never see.
At first, Tanya did not go to England because his father was arrested
and she did not want to leave her mother alone. Adrian begged to let
him Rovnia while he still could. He spoke to her twice by phone, but

Tanya became increasingly reticent and he had to accept his silence.

Soon after she wrote to him, telling he had asked permission to take his
mother to England. But the boy's joy was short-lived; permission was
denied, and even worse, Tanya canceled.
Several times he went to embaix ada in London but always con
followed the same information: they were delivering his letters to Tanya,
and she did not answer was because they did not want. Adrian refused
to believe it and continued to fight for the liberation of the wife, even
without receiving a word of it. So the day before with pletarem two
years of marriage, the government of Rovnia announced that all its
citizens married to es reigners had asked anu tion of their marriages.
- I do not think my wife ten ha done it free and ESPON neous will Adrian exploded with the official of the Embassy of Rovnia: - She is
being forced.
Adrian continued to tease the embassy staff, and only when his boss
at the Foreign Ministry warned that he could be hurting Tanya with his
attitude, fo that i realized that maybe esti vesse putting her life in danger.
It was not easy for the boy to accept that their marriage was over, and
over time he began to wonder if her silence, that first year, is to
deliberate. Perhaps Tanya did not want to leave Rov nia. If he wanted,
he would have given a way out. Gradually Adria n convinced of this
and his love by Tanya began to fade.

When his father died, he resigned from his job and returned home,
forgetting his broken marriage. Gradually, the boy settled as a farmer,
rediscovering peace and tranqili ity he thought he had lost forever.
Years passed and six months ago he decided he not only had to take
care of their heritage, but also preserve it for the future. So he asked
Diana Biddell in marriage. She was a girl with dark hair and cold and
elegant manners. Adrian knew from childhood; they g ostavam each
other and their home ment would be based on the interests of both
parties.
Soon after, the representative district in Daqu he mor Parliament
curred, and asked Adrian to apply for the place. As I was very interested
in the farms of r egion accepted. I knew I'd have to fight hard to
overcome his opponent, Roger Poulton, a red-haired boy, whose family
lived in the village for generations. Poulton had worked to be able to
study, and now a professor in the university district.
- I will not be a member of Parliament only in his spare time Poulton used to say, implying that Adrian was very concerned about
their own problems as a farmer, to worry about the others.
Adrian tried to disprove, but Poulton always repeated the attack.
While thinking this, they knocked on the door. A strong guy and tie
racado entered.
- I'm teasing you, Adrian?
- No way. Come have a drink. How is everybody?

Dick Tufton, who was his brother and farm manager, tou sen on a
chair, with your legs extended.
- Grant is complaining about the telhad again. Already we will send
it twice arrum this year. I think that every night the old man up on it, to
make holes.
Adrian laughed.
- It is better to have put away again.
- You are too soft - Dic k said. - That man is a p this.
- Eighty years old, he has the right to up to two pests! Any more
news?
- No. - He grimaced. - And now his sister gave Recla sea that
nothing happens here.
- She must be bored. Why not take her out to dinner tonight?
- I'm too tired. And Betty would be too if I worked all day.
Adrian said nothing. He knew that Dick did not like living with his
wife's family, but thought this was something they had to solve alone.
- Let's take an appetizer - Adrian co nvidou, to change the subject.
D ick accompanied him to the door.
- Diana come here tonight?
- You must be here.
Adrian opened the door of the living room. Diana and her mother
were sitting on the couch and smiling girl looked at him and he leaned

over to kiss her on the cheek. As Diana was beautiful, that dress bluemarin ho so simple! - He thought.
- How about a car back after dinner? - he murmured, excited with
the scent of the perfume she wore.
- Would be great. If you. .. - Diana broke off when the steward
came and stood next to Adrian.
- Excuse me, sir. Chesterton, but have a girl there, wanting to talk to
you.
- At this time of night! - His mother complained.
- Who is Hamford? - Adrian asked.
- She did not say the name. Just said he needs to see you.
- Well, you better send l in. - The butler came out and he said to the
bride: - Must be some voter.
The door opened and a woman, wearing a black coat desele gante
entered. His tousled hair was covered by a bandanna blue and wore
shoes without heels. I n one hand, carried a lsa awkward bo and the
other a bag already well worn, which landed on the mat.
For a moment, the three people who were in the room stared at the
unknown. Then Adrian stepped forward.
- You want to talk to me? - He asked courteously.
The woman looked at him and the soft light of a lamp fell on his thin,
angular features. Co r gray of his face showed it was due to lack of
power, not a physical type. It was hard to guess his age, but Adrian

realized that with good nutrition and some care, she could get a look
much younger.
- Adrian! - His name came out of her lips, with a clear sound q ue
cut through the air like a laser beam.
He furrowed his forehead.
- I think not. .. - The horrible suspicion that has seeped into his
mind made him interrupt. He continued looking mind fixed to the girl,
as if he expected the intensity of his gaze made her disappear. But that
cr lean iatura of mined indeter age, using humble black clothes, not
disappeared. What most impres you onou were her hands, calloused and
red from working so hard, with broken nails, moving the fingers of a
seizure order. He sees those fingers was awakened in him a sense of
responsibility.
- Tanya! - he murmured. - No ... It can not be you, Tanya!
Hearing him say her name, the woman let out a harsh sob and threw
herself into his arms. Awkwardly, Adrian began to pat on her shoulders,
looking p or over your head to Diana and her mother, who fixated
horrified. But nothing could compare to the horror that he himself felt.
- It's mine. .. Tanya is - He said loudly. - She must have escaped ..
and came straight here..
- Oh, my poor Adri an! - The voice of his mother stood. - What are
we going to do?

Chapter II

As much as he lived, Tanya never forget about eria the first time she
was alone with Adrian, in his house.
After the horror of his mother asks, Adrian took the girl to a smaller
room and more intimate that somehow restored his confidence. But that
confidence declined quickly when he pulled back and you indicated a
chair, sitting some distance away.
- You should have warned me of your arrival - he said. - It was a
shock ... ve r you. - He paused, as if unsure how to proceed, then said: He came directly from Rovnia?
- Vim. Not warned him, because I had no time. It was all so fast!
- He was lucky to escape. - His voice was expressionless. - Few
people have achieved.
- Many want to leave. You know my people, Adrian. You know
how they hate that government.
- But they live with this government eight years ago!
- Eight years of struggle. There is still much resistance.
- I read about it. But You never know if it's true or not.
- It's all true! - she said vehemently. - I was part of the resistance.
- Tanya stopped, wondering why they were talking about it when they

had so many other issues to discuss. Adrian was with her husband, the
man she loved with all my heart. His eyes searched his face, seeing how
the weather had changed. The boy said goodbye at the airport it was a
man now. The challenge of air had been replaced by an air of command
and the soft voice was steady.

But basically remained the same.

However, it was obvious that he did not think the smo to her. Adrian
looked as s and he had never seen before.
- When he left Rovnia?
- Three days ago. But even dep ois I crossed the border, I had to be
careful. I was hidden twenty-four hours, and then put me on a train.
- What are your plans?
- My plans? - She looked at him blankly. - Plans that I should
have? I came to find him. You are my husband.
- IM not anymore. You divorced me six years ago.
- What? - Tanya stood to his feet. - Not true! You are lying!
- I'm not. Six years ago, his government warned that all rovnianos
married to foreigners had divorced.
- You should know that I would never do such a thing.
- How would I know? - And he wobbled and a wave of pie ity
caused him to come and help her sit down again gently. - Do not blame
her, T anya. I know you had no choice...
- I do not know anything. All I knew is that you n unca answered
my letters. .. ee u could never get in con tact with you, try as he might.

It was as if dead. Nobody told me anything about the divorce. All the
time we were apart, only lived for the moment when I would see him. ..
They would meet again. ..
Tanya burst into sobs and Ad rian started hitting her bro om,
awkwardly.
- Do not Cry. Now you are safe in England. I'm sorry if I got in a
way kind of cold, but it was a shock to see you again.
A shock. If Adrian was not the faland of it, Tanya would have
laughed. Not only was a stranger in a strange country, as well as the
man she loved did not want more. And even worse, for six years he
thought she did not want more.
Carefully examined his face, trying to figure out what he was
thinking. But Adrian did not show anything, and she felt as if looking at
a stranger. However, he was not a estra mance. He was still the man
she had married the man who wore the ring.
- Of course you will stay here, to decide what to do. If u and can
help with anything. ..
- I want nothing from you! - she exploded. - Nothing!
- You're just saying that because you're bored. I still feel responsible
and want to take care of you.
- I do not want to take care of me - exclaimed. - I want love.
- I think none of us can talk about love. Eight years ago we do not
see us, and changed a lot in that time.

- I do not - Tanya said bitterly. - I'm the same. Youre already

forgotten the past? See me again do not you remember what you felt for
me?
- No, it does not - he said, turning his back. - Six years ago you
divorced me and it changed my feelings. Sorry, Tanya, but there is no
reason for me to hide the truth.
Tanya tried to remain indifferent to pa mines him, but they hit the
ram d and a painful and devastating way.
- You mean you do not love me anymore?
- I am saying that we are two different people the boy and girl who
were married for eight years. We did not separate us, but it happened
and. .. and now we can not turn back time ago.
For a while she was silent, turning the ring on her finger.
- That's why I stopped being beautiful that you do not love me
anymore?
- My God! - The words were forced. - This has nothing to do with
your appearance!
- It does. Now I'm a stranger to you. I know. - Tanya stood up
again and looked in the mirror that stood on the marble fireplace. When I look at myself, I see the face of an old woman. I was old before
their time. - He walked to the door. - No need to say more. I am
leaving.
- Where?

- To London. I'm afraid to go to the Embassy of Rovnia, but there

must be a pension. ..
- What nonsense! We will stay here until we think of something. I
know it's not what you expected, but. .. but let's be sensible.
- Sensible - she repeated. - You too repeats the word. Well,
Adrian, what is the wise thing to want me to do?
- Now I want to go to bed. It is looking exhausted.
- I have not slept since I left Rovnia.
- Then I. .. my mother will show you a room. After a good night's
sleep, everything will be different.

Let's postpone our conversation

tomorrow.
- Very wise. - Tanya spoke calmly, and Adrian per ceived irony, not
shown.
- I'll have to take your dinner to the room.
- I'm not hungry, thank you.
- It may be that you feel like eating something, then to take a shower
and get some rest.
Without answering, Tanya accompanied him to the ha ll. He could
not get into the living room again and stood in the doorway, while
Adrian was talking to the mother. They were too far away to hear what
was said, but Tanya noticed a woman's anxiety when she got up and
walked to the door.

- I think Adrian's right, wanting to go to bed. You must be very

tired after traveling so much.
Tanya nodded and went up the beautiful staircase, behind the mother.
But the woman who walked so straight in front was no longer her
mother in law, she was not the wife of Adrian. It was a stranger in a
strange house. I was not wanted and he knew it. The sooner get out of
there, the better.

The morning sun lit up the room and propped on pillows, Tanya
scanned the room. A bright green carpet covered the floor, res skipping
flowery curtains, which stood out cheerfully against the cream-colored
walls. Upon a esinha m rosewood side of c to love, it was a tray with the
remains of dinner Adrian l he had sent the night before.
Adrian. .. I could not think seriously that man the night before as the
same man she had married. He never forgot him, duran you the long
years of their separation, but the past ceased to exist when it came face
to face with reality.
Was it because I expected him to continue the same mem ho who had
fired? No, she was prepared to find it changed, older and more serious.
What is not expected is that Adrian today do the eight years ago seem a
strange plete with.

That coolly Adrian looked at her! The horror had been disguised
quickly, but not disbelief. And the indi ference with which he held his
shoulders, with no sign of love!
Tanya jumped out of bed and examine u in the mirror of teadeira
pen, seeing a thin face, huge eyes. The skin had no color and her hair
was so opaque that seemed gray. Adrian could not blame for not having
recognized her. Sometimes she herself barely recognized. Sighing, she
began to dress.
I was leaving the bathroom when a maid entered with the breakfast.
- Good morning, Miss. - Col ocou the tray on the mesi nha next to
the bed. - You sleep well?
- I slept, yes. Thank you. - Tanya looked at coffee and boli bours -.
P mean to have breakfast downstairs.
- Mr. Chesterton asked me to bring him here. Also he said he
would like to see her in bi blioteca as soon as you can come down.
- I will now. - Tanya began to walk, but the girl gestured with his
head.
- No need to rush. Take your coffee first. It will do you good.
Tanya hesitated, but recognizing that the girl was right, sat on the
edge of the bed and began to serve. Everything was delicious, but she
could not eat with appetite, thinking about the conversation he'd had
with Adrian. I'd already been all resolved. He forced himself to take

another cup of coffee, then walked to the dresser and without attention,
ran a comb through his hair.
Only in that elegant atmosphere is that Tanya noticed how his clothes
were old and out of fashion. Black denim skirt came almost to her
ankles, and her blouse washed out so many times that the embroidery
bright colors desbot ara. But there was nothing that pu do to improve
them and then to hold the hair in a low bun at the nape, he went to the
library.
Adrian stood up when she entered.
- You sleep well? - he asked politely.
- Thank you. - He sat down without waiting for his invitation. - I
think we have a lot to discuss. The sooner I leave, the better.
- The matter is not that simple. J will received a call from a person
of the village, asking if you got well.
- How?
- You asked several people as he could get here. It turns out that one
of them is the gossip of the village. .. And has an elephant's memory.
She l embrou that was Casad with a foreign girl and. ..
- He guessed that I was your wife? - Tanya interrupted, with bated
breath.
- Not that. But if we do anything suspicious, she might as well put
two and two together. At the moment, this woman ac ha you came here.
.. For. .. - He stopped, as if finding it hard to say what he wanted. Then

I said: - I have to see gonha she married you, Tanya. I want to believe
that.
- If you say. ..
- I mean, yes. - For the first time, there was emotion in his voice. I loved her very much and wish things had been different.
- Thank you. Glad heard it.
For several seconds they stared after Adrian blinked, as if trying to
ward off the past.
- Pre ciso tell you one more thing - he went on. - I am running for
Parliament, and spread out there who have a wife and a bride at the same
time, it can be a disaster for me.
- Why? After all, I'm not your wife.
- I'm not sure of that. Our divorce was given by his government and
not signif ica that is valid in that country. .. Mainly because we ca Samos
in the English Embassy.
- I'm sure it will achieve arrange things the most convenient way for
you, Adrian.
He agreed without comment on the irony of it.
- There will be no enhum problem. I intend to fix the thud, so to end
election.
- I still can not understand why my coming can pre Judica it. My
father was imprisoned and murdered, why not concor gave to the
regime. And I had to leave the country in secret, for the same reason.

- Smart people know this, but not all are inte ligentes and informed.
- That's the only reason I have to hide my identity? I can not speak
your language very well, but I'm not retarded. And last night I realized
that was not the only reason he was so abor recido with my arrival.
- If I'm hiding something - he said quickly - it is not to hurt her.
- I'm used to being hurt. You can speak.
- Do you remember the girl who was sitting on the couch with my
mother? - he said, after a pause.
- A dark-haired? I thought it was his sister.
- No, my sister did not have to scido. The girl you saw was. .. It is
my bride.
Tanya swallowed.
- As you can be engaged if just tells me that er are not sure if estam
divorced?
- I told you, it's just a question of legalizing the situation.
- Too bad you did not do it for six years! Today I will not be
boring!
- You do not bother me. It has been my wife and I have a duty to
look after you.
- I prefer to leave. I'm used to defend myself. My mother was sick
many years after my father died, and authorities have created many diffi
culties for me. Even ami gos were afraid to help us and had to learn to
survive alone.

- Why did not try to escape before?

- I could not help my mother there, alone.
Adrian flushed.
- Sorry. I should know. But now that it's here, I would like to stay
up. ..
- To end election?
- It is. Everyone in the village knows you're here, and if you leave,
will wonder why he left so quickly.
- Tell them that I was a new set and do not serve to the place. - He
flushed and she looked at him sternly. - That's what .. you want me to
pretend to be.?
- No, not that. I want you to pretend to be the nanny of my nephews
s. My mother suggested and ssa output. You can stay here until I
Washers her sea A more appropriate thing.
- I'll stay, but only because I want to not hurt his career. I do not want
anything from you.
- Let's talk about that later. - He avoided her eyes. - Being very
understanding, Tanya.
- Do not thank me. Who is in my situation can not be chosen. And I
can not esco lher even in pro prio my husband's house.
- Do not say that!
Ignoring the anguish he had in his voice, for his was much larger,
Tanya fled away.

Alone in the hal l , she looked around, then pushed the door that was
in front of him and entered the room where he had been the night before.
There was the same understated elegance of the rest of the house. Huge
vases of flowers perfumed the air and the French windows, wide open,
gave onto a terrace with stone floors. She cami has emphasized there and
only stopped when he reached the bottom of the stairs leading to the
garden. It was exactly as imagined an English garden should be: welltended, full of flowers and green. Later, Tanya saw a pond, surrounded
by folhage ns silver. His eyes en cheram tears in front of such beauty,
but she dominated. I could not give in to sentimentality and self-pity. I
had to think that everything would be different from the past. I could not
have the love of Adrian, but at least had their freedom.
The branch of a tree brushed her hair and she lifted her head, dazzled
by the beauty of s cherry blossom. Not con followed prevent an
exclamation of joy and, pulling a branch down, put his face in the
flowers.
- They are wonderful, are not they?
Tanya turned and saw a nice girl, with brown hair, about your age.
- You must be Tanya. I am Betty Tufton, the sister of Adrian.
- Adrian has told me about you - Tanya said. - I think I'll take care of
her children.
- It's just to avoid gossip - Betty explained quickly. - Although, for
me, I just tell the truth.

- The truth can hurt Adrian.

- I do not agree. Unfortunately, here nobody cares about me.
Betty did not seem upset by this and Tanya had the impression that
she was not disturbed by anything.
- I guess we can not blame Adrian for not wanting anything to
diminish their chances in the election - Betty continued - but also think it
is too much to want you to take care of my children.
- I'll take care of your children - Tanya said ism way. - This is what
Adrian wants.
- You always did what he wanted? - Betty asked, then laughed,
embarrassed. - No need to answer.
- His brother and I were not together that long, so I can answer that
question.
- I forgot that when Adrian came though, you this vam almost moonof-honey. The separation must have been horrible.
- The last eight years of my life were not even very nice. I think the
better we do not speak them.
It's good to put these things out.
- Sometimes it is safer not to mention them.
- You mean less dangerous, right? - Betty Tufton looked at length. When you smiled at me, just now, I saw the girl with whom Adrian
married. During the first year, after his return from Rovnia, he just knew
how to talk about how you were beautiful.

- This eventually. Today I'm ugly. - Tanya looked at her dowdy

clothes and hands deformed by work. - It's hard for me to accept that I
am no longer his wife. I do not you nha idea of divorce.
Betty was surprised.
- You must have felt a shock when Adrian told him.
- I felt the same. But that too is over and now I am the only care of
their children.
- If I estives s es in place I think I would make a good kick in Adrian.
- If you were in my shoes, I would have learned how much is im
portant hide their true feelings, Betty.
Silently, they continued to walk through the garden toward the house.
- You know, you're still beautiful - the English girl said suddenly. Just need to put on weight a bit and buy some decent clothes.
- I do not mind co m those things.
- As it should. You are free now, and there is no reason to continue
walking around as if he had escaped from a concentration camp.
- But I ran away.
- One more reason to forget that. We are more or less the same size
and will arrange something decent for you to use.
- I can not accept your charity.
- There is no love among minted. Even Adrian legalize divorce, that's
what we are. P ortanto can stop arguing.
Smiling slightly, Tanya shrugged in agreement.

- You do not have a house yours? - Tanya asked.

- No. I live here. When I got married, Adrian was still working at the
Foreign Ministry and Mom could not stay here alone. Dick and I moved
here temporarily and ended up staying until today.
- Not want to live in your own home, with your children and your
husband?
- J will not think about it anymore. Al m to be nice not having to
baked nhar.
- Is your mother cooking?
Betty laughed.
- Mom does not even know har Chef Cook an egg. We have a nheira
baked. But come on, Tanya, let's get your transformation.
And that's exactly what Betty did. With a good shampoo, he returned
to opaque hair golden and bright tone. Then he cuts a few strands in
front, weaving the rest of the hair around the head Tanya.
- Do you have something against makeup?

- Betty asked, and

without waiting for an answer, began to make up Tanya.

She was very skillful and when Tanya looked in the mirror, he could
hardly be recognized. Betty's dress and disguise their thinness, drawing
attention to the soft curve of her breasts, while hiding the base of the
neck, very slim. The skirt concealed his bony hips, highlighting the
slender waist. But the face is that more had changed. It was almost the

same look of yesteryear! And Tanya realized that he could again become
beautiful again, if given a chance.
The face cheekbones were highlighted with a light touch of rouge,
and dark circles disguised with lighter base. The eyes were not painted,
but the past mascara on lashes s meant that you shine without as large
violets growing on the hills of their homeland.
- His appearance will improve in May's still after you engor give a
little. Already a thousand times better than last night. Adrian will not
recognize it.
The pleasure of Tanya disappeared. In compa friendly pany Betty, she
had forgotten their true position. Could not control the tears and cho
preamble, she fled to her room, jo gando on the bed.
How could I live with this family and pretend that Adrian, the owner
of the house, was a stranger to her? How could I forget those few weeks
of love, which had enjoyed together?
But ava precision forget, because if he did, would end the life of
Adrian.
- My God, give me strength to stay - she murmured, her hands
together in an imploring gesture. - And then, give me the strength to I
get out of here.

Chapter III

Over the days, the effect s of good nutrition and des tire began to
appear in Tanya. I did not need more than r ouge coloring her cheeks
and her body began to regain the rounded contours of old.
After the first difficulties began to integrate into the home
environment. She and the children of Betty hit it off from the beginning.
His favorite was being Emma, a little girl of five years old, with blond
curls and a solemn face, that made Tanya remember herself at that age.
Tim, three years, was quite different. Alive and very intelligent, he wore
and ssas qualities to get what he wanted, and it was very difficult to
handle. But Tan ya liked the work that Tim gave him because prevented
think of their own problems and surrender to sadness.
The family treated her very well, and although she want to eat meals
with the children, Adrian not allowed.
- But I prefer to stay with children - she protested.
- And I prefer you to eat with us.
In the end, they came to an agreement: Tanya agreed to eat with them
when The drian was there. When he was away, she would eat with the
cri dren.
Tanya liked meals that made the children. In adults the dining room,
are ava always aware of polide z cold Mrs. Chesterton and Adrian's

efforts to pretend they were friends, trying to forget that one day had
been much more than that.
Betty and Dick were always naturai if teri am happy to take it with
them, q hen went to the local cinema or visit the amig. Tany but never
accepted, it would be very strange they leave with his alleged nanny.
The two eventually agreed with her and left her in peace. Gradually, the
other did the same.
To Adrian, busy with his election campaign, not insisted ma is for her
dinner with the FAMILY, when he was home. They just were in the
Sunday lunch, which children also participate.
Time passed and a summer night, after putting the kids to sleep,
Tanya went for a walk in the garden, breathing the fresh, fragrant air
soon. He sat on the edge of the pond, which was his favorite place, and
dipped his fingers in the water. He leaned forward and his face reflected
on the smooth surface.
- Did not recognize her when I saw her reach - Adrian said after her.
Startled, she turned and saw him walking toward her.
- You are different - he continued, covering his eyes the body
wrapped in a Thread dress the pink cream, bron legs zeadas and wearing
red sandals.
- I changed that much?
- Changed. It is different from the girl I met in Rovnia and woman
who came here.

- You also changed.

Adrian did not answer and she looked back at the lake, seeing his
reflection in the clear water: one figur the tall and slender. Suddenly,
Tanya winced and turned away from him.
- I need to go see the children. They are restless, with this heat.
- No need to take their work so seriously. You are one care for the
stranger s. For the family you still are. ..
He stopped, embarrassed. Tanya Will not had any desire to aju give
it, and stared at him, he was increasingly embarrassed.
- You know what I mean - Adrian continued.
Tanya agreed.
- But I'm not interested in how his fam ily me con siders.
- Just the way I think?
- It is. Ma s'm not angry ith you for it. I en having to my arrival made
things very difficult for you. Had I known that, I would have continued
in Rovnia. Unfortunately, I can not go back there.
- I mean you would, if you could? I thought you hated his
government.
- And hate. But at least in Rovnia I would be with my people. Here, I
am a stranger.
- You will soon f aking friends. She is young and beautiful and is
getting married again.
Tanya stepped back abruptly.

- My future is none of your business.

- Yes it is.
- You think that because you're a bad conscience.
- It can be. - He bit his lower lip. - I found Mrs. Parks. .. the mu lher
taking mail account. .. and she me per guntou the new nanny Betty. I
wonder if v ou was a friend of my wife.
- The people of the town think happened to your wife?
- They know that she divorced me.
- So you need not worry.
- You make things look so simple! And do not believe that I have
consciousness.
- Consciousness? What happened to her when I was in Rovnia?
- Damn! I tried to get you there, but it was impossible. You can not
imagine what I went through - he continued. - I know it's hard for you,
but if you could see things from my point of view. .. We both mature,
that's eight years. We saw dif ferent things, live different lives en the
move away from one another. Quan's your embassy notified you'd div
orciado me, I decided to forget l. I told myself that it was useless to think
in the past when there was so much to be done in the future. I obliga gay
to put aside the love and. ..
- How can you say that when you're engaged to another woman? She exclaimed. - Or are you telling me that does not love her too?

- The way I feel about Diana is different from what I felt for you. She
understands policy and will be a great wife to me.
- But you love her? You want it?
Adrian was silent for so long that Tanya gave up hearing his answer.
Suddenly he said:
- Diana and I have much in common. It is not a demanding woman
and has many interests.
- If this is the kind of wedding that will make him happy - Tanya said
bitterly - you made a blunder by marrying me. It was good of you to the
Left Inner loving me, Adrian. See, agor to which we would never be
happy together.
- If you had come to England with me, everything would be
different. But one can not live on memories, and when we try to rebuild
their lives, automatically takes a different path from the first. Even if we
do not want to, it happens. I know it's hard for you, Tanya, but we need
to get the best out of the situation.
- These feelings are very British to me. I can not get the best out of a
sit uation I hate. I do not want to con tinue here, Adria n. I want to leave
your home. .. I want to build another life for me, a place where you need
not see you.
- As soon as it is safe for you to leave, I. ..
- Safe for me! - she interrupted. - You do not mean safe for you?
You're just thinking of a person, Adrian. Yourself!

A wave of blood invaded his face, causing it to stop cease younger.

- I'm thinking of people who want me ger it to Parliament. If not for
them, I would never have asked her to stay. But since you can not stand
to stay here, I will take it to London and leave it in a hotel. As I l he said,
you are still my respon sibility, wherever you are.
- You are making my trip impossible. If I get out of here and you
lose the election, I feel guilty.
- You could not know what was going on, when you came here. But
if Roger Poulton descob laugh who are you going to use this p ara harm
me.
- Why? I hate the dictatorship of Rovnia. Why you can not tell them
that?
- And my engagement to Diana? What do you think the newspapers
will say? A man with a wife and a bride! That would make me really
well, pear nte my constituency!
- Maybe if you talk to mr. Pou LTON and explain the situation ...
- He would do anything to tarnish my name.
- He's so evil as well?
- This has nothing to do with ma ldade. We are disputing a el eio
and he will use everything you can to defeat me.
- You do the same thing?
- Nope. But I'm not as fanatical about politics and Poul ton is.
- So you want both win?

- Because I gave my word.

Tanya's eyes filled with tears and she remembered again, he had
given his word: when they stood side by side at the Embassy of England
ra and exchanged ment House votes.
- I wish things p udessem be different - Ad rian said hoarsely. - I
never wanted to hurt l, Tanya. Please believe that.
Tanya went to the house without co nseguir answer. From then dian
you took great care pa ra not find Adrian again. There was nothing they
could say to one another r. Es needed to quecer the man she had married
and enc plow it as a tranho es.
Now, everyone in the village to accept as a nanny of the children of
Mrs. Tufton. Even Mrs. Parkins, the gossip that had forced Tanya to get
there, accepted it and said that if she wanted to get a job highest paid,
power would help l. But I knew that if he got out of Adrian's house,
would not be more in touch with the people there.
One afternoon, Tanya left the children with Betty and took the
opportunity to be alone. It was the first time that the sun was shining,
after nearly a week of bad weather, and she r esolveu do a little exercise.
Automatically headed for the woods, as if her somberly matched your
thoughts.
From now on, I would think in a more positive way. The fact that his
English has improved greatly increased her self-confidence. Shy refugee

rovniana had disappeared, to make room for a slim and charming

woman who did not arouse pity in anyone else.
He turned and was about coming back, he saw a man walking toward
him. Her red hair brilhav the sun and his very blue eyes stood out in thin
face.
- What a beautiful day, huh? - Diss him and gently.
Tanya greeted smiling and was leaving when he stopped her.
- You are not from this country, is not it? You are vacationing here?
- I live in Park Gates. I am the nanny Mrs. Tufton.
- Oh, I know. I've heard of you. I'm Roger Poulton.
- My name is Tanya Kovacs. - He started walking and he accom
panhou. - You're the opponent Adrian Chesterton, in the election, right?
- Yes I am. So, ever heard of me?
- In fact, since I arrived only I hear about in this election.
- I do not doubt. And who do you think will win?
Tanya pens or a bit before answering.
- I think it will be a tough match.
- Will even. But I think that elections here are very calm, compared
to their country.
In my country there are more elections - she said bitterly. - But one
day we will still be free.
- I'm sure they will. - His tone was sympathetic. - How did you
escape? Chesterton helped?

- I packed me alone - she answered evasively.

- And why he decided to come to England?
- Because in England people do not ask questions.
- I deserved that answer - Roge r replied smiling. - But not only
curiosity. I'm really interested. Please excuse me.
- Is excused - he said, seriously. - But now, excuse me, I need to go
home.
Tanya walked on thoughtfully. In the future, would no longer walk in
the woods. It was the only way to not meet with Roger Poulton.
However, a few days later, Tanya and the kids were looking at the
window of a pastry shop, discussing the qualities of different types of
bullets, when they heard his voice behind them.
- If I were you, I'd buy the bullets toffee - he advised: - last longer.
Tanya could not help but laugh.
- You hear that, kids? It is best to do as Mr. Poul ton says.
- I want candy toffee and jelly beans - Emma said.
- We have no money to buy both.
- But I want, I want both! - Tim screamed.
Roger intervened quickly:
- I have a much better idea. Why do not buy bullets toffee and then
go with me ice cream?
Tim stopped crying instantly.
- Now - he demanded.

- Now - Roger nodded and looked at Tanya. - Shall we?

- How can I refuse without causing a revolution? They bought the
bullets and then went to the ice cream parlor, where sen Taram at a small
table, tasting the ice cream.
- You understand even children - Tanya said.
- Of course! I Have Feelings Too the four sisters and three brothers!
- And you all live together?
- I have two married sisters, who have left home.
- Are you married?
- I did not have fol ga for it. The policy takes up all my time.
- Your family must be very proud of you.
- I like to think that they have m. What if I win this election ...
- Tany it! - Tim shouted suddenly. - I want another ice cream.
- One is enough, dear. In addition, I promised his mother to buy
some stamps.
Roger Poulton went with them to the post office and there Emma said
she would stay with him while Tanya went to buy stamps.
- You do not care? - Tanya asked.
- Be seen with children is good for my public image. - He smiled and
ruffled the hair of Emma while Tim and Tanya challenge looked inside
the building. Then he said to the girl: - You are a spoiled Miss for
pampering, but it is so beautiful, it makes you forget that.

- I'm not spoiled by pampering. Tanya said that I am very nice. She
never gets angry with me.
- Well, what a good, huh?
- But sometimes she cries - Emma said. - Not because we are led. I
think Tanya feels mother miss her.
- So you should be very good ones for her.
- We are, but to no avail. She cries anyway.
Roger was about to comment when Tanya vol tou, with Tim carrying
a Standing Envelope seals that immediate Emma mind tried to take it.
Again Roger intervened, although this time take a few minutes to restore
peace.
- I feel guilty because we are imposing on you - Tanya said.
- Do not worry. J will it dis: it's good for my image PU Republic. Ask
Adrian and will see how it agrees with me.
- I do not talk to mr. Chesterton on the election.
Roger raised his eyebrows, but u do not comment anything. Soon
they departed.
- I hope you agree with me ice cream, one of these days again Roger said.
- Will leave us spoiled - Tanya protested.
Quickly, she took the two children away. He saw the confused ex
pressure Roger, who observed them until they disappear into the path
leading to the magnificent home of Adrian Chesterton.

Chapter IV

Since the night of his arrival, Tanya had only seen from afar the bride
of Adrian. She would like to know if the girl was doing it by choice or
because Adrian asked. Tanya knew they were always together, because
the bride was helping him in his campaign. But Diana never dined with
them and his name was rarely mentioned.
So Tanya was surprised when he entered the living room one
afternoon and found Diana sitting in an armchair near the j longs.
- Des. .. sorry - Tanya gagu ejou and started to withdraw. - I have not
seen.
- No need to go away - the other replied. - Esto u waiting for Adrian,
but le and will still take a while. Will not you sit and talk to me?
- I think we have nothing to say to each other.
- I do not know why. Even if we can not be friends, we can not be
enemies.
Tanya was confused. As the English es were strangers! How stared m
things practical and cool mode!

- It's hard for me to be friendly with you - answer. I was so nervous, I

could hardly speak English. - You are engaged to Adrian and me. .. I'm
married to him.
- The way you say, it looks horrible!
- How else can I say? What I said is true clears.
- I know, but not quite. You and Adrian are divorced, and. .. and you
were so young when they married!
- But we got married - Tanya said harshly - and we really loved
- I'm sure you - Diana said gently. - And I know that you are in an
awkward position. But it's bad for me too. You know that, right?
- I think you have no heart.
- I have no heart?
- If you loved even Adrian, conse Guiria not be kind to me. You hate
me.
- But I have no reason to hate her.
That calm response was much worse for Tanya's self-esteem than an
angry response would be. Diana was right when it felt safe r. After all,
she knew Adrian now; and Adrian now could never love a woman like
Tanya.
- I do not want to be rude - Diana continued - but I think it is foolish
of us not encararm the facts as they realmen you are.

- You're right - the Tany said with difficulty. - You have no reason
to be jealous of me. But even so, I think if you were in love with mine. ..
Adrian, feel jealous.
- I love Adrian - Diana said coldly - and I understand why he did not
sent her away. If there was a scandal now would be the end of his career.
He stopped because Adrian was coming.
- Sorry I'm late, Diana - he started, but stopped abruptly mind when
he saw Tanya. He blushed a little. - Hi, Tanya. I did not know you were
here.
- I'm leaving.
- N will need to leave by our ca uses. Diana and I have let's go.
Tanya shrugged and walked over to a small table, which picked up a
magazine and pretended to be interested in reading. He heard them
saying goodbye, but did not look up until they leave. Then do not co ns
eguiu avoid going to the window, watching the two walked to the exit.
As they were cool with each other, he thought. Do they always greeted
with a casual "Excuse my delay"? Will not the English couples should
be all the way. So the Tany remembered how Ad rian was in love when
they were together. He could not have changed so much! There must be
a reason for this his attitude.
As if he had realized that Tanya watched, Diana suddenly grabbed
Adrian's arm and leaned nel and. In view of the two close together,
Tanya felt such a jealousy which was quas and as a physical pain. To

escape this vision, she turned around and covered his face with his
hands. How I was wrong, thinking she had supe rado her love for him!
Now, I loved him more than ever.
Knowing that it would be alone crying, she ran to the nursery. Betty
had just bathe in them and sat on the carpet, ready to read a story.
- Also came to hear Peter Pan? - Betty asked smiling.
- I always liked that story. I know by heart.
- These monsters too, but insist that I read to them.
- Children enjoy the security that repetition gives them.
- Adults too - Betty said. Then, realizing the sad expression of Tanya,
she continued: - You look like you could use some animation.
- That's why I came to hear the story of Peter Pan.
At that moment they knocked on the door. It was a maid, who had
gone to warn that they were calling Tanya on the phone.
- Are you sure it's for me? - Tanya asked admired. - I do not know
anyone here!
- He is a man, but he did not name.
Confused, Tanya went downstairs. Was it someone in lowland
Rovnia, trying to force her to go back there? But his parents were dead
and there was May's nothing that the oppressors could do to make her
return r. Even knowing this, his hands were wet with nervous when she
lifted the handset.
- Hello.

- Hello, Tanya - Roger Poulton said. - I was beginning to think you

would not answer.
- I was with the kids.
- How about going out with me for dinner? I know I'm warning you at
the last minute, but only knew he was free tonight, now. I can get it
within an hour.
- One hour? - she repeated, not knowing what to say.
- It is. We can go to the Dragon Alegre. The food is good and is
allowed to dance. You can dance, right?
Tanya hesitated. Was it right to leave it in October ro man, quan was
still the wife of Adrian? But in a rush, he answered yes. Combined time
and they said goodbye.
- Think is right? - Be tty asked when was sa Bendo. - After all,
Roger is the political rival of Adrian.
- But that does not make them enemies.
- Of course not. As children, they used to play together. But that the
presidential election is no joke and. .. well, Adrian might not like.
- Adrian has done many things I do not like - Tanya said and realized
by Betty of expression, that the conversation was over.
As she changed, Tanya thought better of. if he knew where to find
Roger, I would have called him to say that changed his mind.

Nervous, down the stairs and went to the hall, eager to see Roger get.
Thereby could prevent you from pressing the doorbell and, with any
luck, keep the family to see who was coming.
But after all, what did it matter that Adrian noticing it? He did not
care about the fact that she does not like him to leave with Diana. But
Tanya knew that the two things were not equal and already had pangs of
conscience when the dark car stopped in the gravel path outside the
house. Down the stairs to greet the boy.
Roger had a strange appearance, with a dark suit and slicked back
hair, and Tanya felt a little embarrassed. This man was a stranger. Ice
cream with it, accom panied children, it was one thing, but spending the
night with their pany could even be dangerous. But the final, everything
was going dif close than she expected. He sighed and acomodou- better
in the car.
- Sorry the invitation at the last minute - he said, giving him a quick
look. - I am very happy you came.
- I do not have a full schedule of commitments.
- I'm sure it could have if I wanted to. You're a beautiful girl.
Tanya could not help but be pleased with his accomplishment.
- I improved a lot in recent months.
- You can not improve what is perfect.
- All women improve with beautiful clothes and make up on the right
gem.

- Are you telling me that it was not in Rovnia?

- There are many things we have in Rovnia. But what we lack is
freedom.
- That's why so many rovnianos have fled there. There is a legion of
you in London, you know?
- No, I did not know. But I think. .. I would not want to get in touch
with them.
- Why not?
Tanya was silent, sorry for what he had said. It was very likely that
some of his countrymen knew who was the daughter of Professor
Kovacs and to remember that it was married to an English diplo kills.
Hence, it was easy to remember his name, especially if it were splashed
across newspapers. But she did not dare say it to Roger and sought a
way to end your curiosity.
- Not good for a refuge of getting along with others giados refu. If we
do not turn off pletely with the past, not con follows build a new life.
- This happens even though you have hated life in your country?
- I do not hate my country - she said with dignity. - Only the current
rulers.
- Of course. I said nonsense. Excuse me.
- I was nothing.
Roger slowed, when they reached a shamrock, and took the road
leading to London. Soon saw the Dragon Alegre. It was a modern

building and restaurant, although still early, there were many cars parked
outside.
Tanya hoped to find a place for garish decor with loud music and was
surprised by the sober and elegant decoration, and people dressed he saw
as they entered the restaurant.
- How about we take an aperitif in the bar, before we eat? - Roger
suggested.
- I do not AGU then heavy drinking. With a glass of vassi, I get high
already - she apologized.
They were led to a table isolated enough so they could talk freely
without having to yell, but where po diam watching couples dance vam.
Frightened by the huge lanai darity dishes, Tanya asked Roger to pick a
pr act, which he did, after l wonder if he liked to fish.
- But you are going to choose the dessert - Roger said, quan of the
waiter walked away with your request.
- I'm no longer satisfied, I will choose something with cream.
- He is talking exactly like Emma.
- Sometimes, I feel even a child - he admitted - but other times. ..
- No! - He leaned over and took her hand. It was the second time he
did it that night, and Tanya felt strangely comforted.
- No what? - he asked.
- Do not look so sad expression. Gives always to know when you are
thinking about the past. Now, should only think about the future.

- The future can be very sad too.

- Your will not be. It is very young and can do whatever you want.
- This is not always possible. - She looked at him curiously. - What
about you? V there that do lose the election?
- I will not lose.
Tanya was amazed with his safety.
- Adrian is also a hom in very smart. It can give you route.
- I doubt it. - He examined it carefully. - You always call him by his
first name?
- Of course not. Why you asking? - I was scared.
- Because you said the name of le so naturally, I was wondering ...
- You do not need to imagine anything - she interrupted. - Children
speak it perience with FREQU and I'm used to hearing his n ame.
Tanya was relieved when he saw the waiter approx imando with the
first course, and changed the subject with determination. But when and
stavam eating juicy filet Quality and Roger asked, he referred to Adrian
again, so naturali ity, she had no reason pa ra suspect anything.
- Even when we were child diseases, we were always on opposite
sides - told Roger. - And I always knew it would be like, q hen we
became adults I LUT walk for the poor and oppressed, he by big
business.
- He also fights for the poor. He cares about Farmer eiros and rural
workers, as much as you.

- You speak as if Adrian was making speeches for you.

- He's a busy man, to worry about ab ab sister.
- God, he must be really snobby.
- The cho I'm giving you the wrong impression. What I meant and
that. .. is that, for him, I'm just another person in the house.
- As a doormat.
- Why are you so dislike for him?
- And why do you stand for? Already knew before coming here?
- What a silly question! How could?
- There s will. It was something that Emma told me.
- Emma? Ing been trying to get a child's information? - Tanya was
so angry that he could not Deix air to raise his voice, and Roger ol hou
in surprise.
- Of course not. But when I est ava waiting for you outside the post
office, she said something that gave me the impres are that you already
knew m before. And he lived in Rovnia for some time.
- That was many years ago. - T anya realized that his Labi the
shaking and squeezed them tightly.
- It was not that long ago. Eight or nine years.
- I was a girl this time. I was eighteen.
- So little ?! You're so serious, I'm always thinking q ue is older.
- That's not a compliment.

- Yes, yes - Roger spoke quickly, then made a sticks as if looking for
the right word. After all, still u: - You are serene. I can not imagine her
as an adolescent and turbulent.
- I've never been turbulent - she admitted. - I grew up in a very
serious people from home.
- So it is time to stop being so serious. It is a new s Wonderland and
must learn to be more cheerful. - Cadeir pushed her back. - And let's
start now.
- Here? - Tanya asked, startled.
- Dancing a little.
- J will forget how to dance. So long since i last dance!
- I teach.
Confident, because of the wine that was not used, she felt a sudden
despreocup ada and was abandoned music in Roger's arms. He danced
very well and soon their footsteps tor nated more complicated.
- You're doing very well - he said.
- It's because of you. - He bowed his head and laughed. But laughter
mor curred in her throat when she saw Adrian and Diana seated at a
nearby table.
The girl greeted her with a slight nod, but Adrian looked at her
coldly.
- What it was? - Roger asked.
- Adrian is here. C om Diana.

- So what? There is no law that prevents us from coming here. Despite his carefree tone, Roger also seemed to be paler. But this could
be just a light effect.
Mutual agreement, returned to his place. The waiters had taken the
table and asked Roger to bring the dessert cart. Afraid that Roger was
referring to Adrian, Tanya told pri meira Deal sa that crossed his mind.
- Diana knows Biddell, too?
- I know, yes. We used to play together as children. Ever heard of the
little Lord Fauntleroy?
- J will - replied, confused - but what does this have to do co m ...
- Well, Diana was the little Lady Fauntleroy. Sometimes CONSEG
uia escape his housekeeper and went to my house. God, i sso should be
the same as going to a slum for it!
- You are no longer friends?
- No. For many years, we see the most. I went to university with a
scholarship, and she went to one of those guys and scolas. - Roger
crumpled napkin. - When will they get married?
- I do not know. Roger. .. I would like to go home. .. I have a
headache.
- You do not have to go because of those two - he said c om
roughness.
- It is not because of them. My headache is real.

At the same time Roger asked for the check. After holding the light of
her arm, she took her to the exit. On the way, they passed by the board
of Adrian, who made a move to get up. Tanya was surprised and startled
by the deep antipathy of look D iana l he launched.
- Diana did not like to see us together - murmured, when they were in
the car.
- Can be q ue not right find an FREQU nanny entar the same places
she.
- I think it's not that, no.
- Maybe she's jealous of Adrian, because of you.
- Do not say that. - Tanya turned violently to it.
- Why not? Youre is beautiful and Adrian is a man. ..
- Who is engaged to Diana.
- You're right. You always have. Forget what I said.
Tanya agreed, but remained tense until he stopped the car in front of
Adrian's house. Roger ignored her comment that did not need to leave
the car, got out and opened the door for her. Then, he escorted her to the
front door.
- You want to go out again, Tanya?
- Only if you do not talk about. ..
- Adrian? - he undermined. - I give you my word of honor that I will
not talk.
- Then we can meet again.

Tanya rushed in and stood in the hall, waiting Roger go. Then he
went to the garden. I was too tense to sleep and went to his favorite
place, the pond. The moon reflected on the water surface and illuminated
white lilies, torn walk them silver. Like that l ugar was beautiful! And so
peaceful! If only your v going to continue the same! By mui to time she
stopped to fi ed l ado water, Thoughtful va. Then he returned home to
slow mind, thinking that would never have peace if you do not leave the
house quela.
Only when it entered the hal l is that saw the light shining underneath
the ioteca bible door, and realized that Adrian was back. Tion with the
heart pounding and trying to pi light of sar, ran to the stairs. But when
was the p irst step, the door yuck librarian is ab laughed and he called.
Slowly, Tanya turned. Adrian was on the threshold of po rta, with
well-arranged air if mpre. However, when el and stepped forward, the el
realized that his hair was combed des, as if he had spent his fingers
through them vari time. He looked troubled. The muscles of the mouth l
ado Were Sleeping am tense, giving it a more aggressive look.
- Enter here, p or favor. I need to talk to you.
Nervously, Tanya went through el ee entered the library. Adri an shut
the door and appro ximou it, examining it in Sile ncio for such a long
time it seemed to her endless. But the mo AGU a firm entou and he
returned his ol har, d ecidida not to speak in the first l stead.
- How long have you known Roger Poulton? - Ask Me tou he finally.

- There is a fortnight.
- Out with and le before?
- I have already met co m Roger a few times when I Were Sleeping
with children, m the day was the first time I went out with el and alone.
- Did you forget who he is?
- No.
- So why the hell u out with him? You know very well that el and is
my competitor.
His anger was such that for a moment felt Tanya Happy z. But then
remembered that he was angry because Roger was whether political
enemy, which had nothing to do with their s feelings for her.
- And why should I not go out with him? I'm living aquatic
babysitting her sister and you have nothing to do with what I do in my
spare time.
- Have you been my wife - he said briefly. - Cool mind is still. If this
means nothing to you, then. ..
- For me? - Tanya exclaimed, surprised and angry. - I came to
England behind you. You do not want me and me ma Ndou away.
- I have not sent away.
- Not being honest. If not for its sacred election, would they sent me
away immediately. But instead, you begged me to stay. He never
stopped to think about how I was ntia. All he cared about was his
precious career.

- I never thought I stay in my house was so hard for you is, Tanya he said quietly.
- Then you are a fool.
Desperate, Tanya ran to the door, knowing that if he was to read one
more minute going to say things that they later regret. The M when his
fingers touched the doorknob, Adrian held her by the shoulders, causing
it to back facing him.
- You can not go out like that. I did not want to hurt her. I Never
Wanted. But not enhum of us to blame what happened.
- I do not blame the past. - Tears streamed down r osto Tanya. - Just
the way you are behaving now. I really want out of your life and rebuild
mine.
He could not continue. Tears flowed faster, and she covered her eyes
with her hands. Adrian went wild with this childish gesture and hugged
her, stroking her hair.
- Do not cry, Tanya. Please, do not cry.
His voice was the same small voice that she remembered in her
dreams. The same voice that whispered words of love, when they lay
together, and had vowed never to kiss her, never touch, never belong to
anyone else. Tanya knew she should get away from him, to stay there
was warm in a fire that could destroy your soul. But I had not the
strength to do so. He was being embraced by the man she loved and this
would be a new and precious keepsake.

- I wish things had been different - Adrian said hoarsely. - I tried to

forget the past. .. was ori the way to go on living. .. But since you came
back ...
Trembling, she began to kiss her lightly, brushing his lips on her face.
Lips moist, warm, when touched it seems ram melt and merge with
them. There was nothing strange in the arms that held in his or her voice
smell repeated his name, between kisses. The years of separation
disappeared, as if they never existed, and answered each other with
increasing passion.
His hands went down by co hese Tanya, approaching Mai's his stiff
body.
- Tanya ... as I wish. I want you now, Tanya, now ...
Those words touched and she put her hands on his neck Services,
tangling his fingers in silky dark hair. Her lips parted and the language
of Adrian, sweet and soft, explored her the boc, becoming bolder when
he realized she was enlouque lished by the same passion. It was as if
they had made love every night, so great was instant and mutual need.
The mouth of Adrian knew how to arouse her, his hands stroking knew
and apesa r try to suppress it, a sensual languor invaded your body.
Since om omentum where it Adrian said goodbye at the airport eight
years ago, Tanya never allowed another man to touch her. Night after
night, lain in his bed, remembering the brief paradise outside your
marriage, know ing that continue Sozi nha as not to meet with the man

she loved. At the medid the years passed, he began to imagine what their
reaction when they finally met again. I was afraid that the Desert jo,
dormant for so long, no matter to awaken.
But the moment he felt his body against his adored, she wished
madly, feeling that she was without Adrian a clock without hands, a lake
without water, without a sea beach!
Suddenly Tanya fell in reality: Adrian belonged to another woman
and let it continue to ab race it was the same as stealing what belonged
to Diana. The memory of having been rejected by him over to your
desire, giving her the strength to push him away.
- How can treat me like this - Tanya screamed. - I'm not a doll, you
can grab and kiss whenever you feel like. I am a woman, Adrian, and I
love. .. not just desire. If you are so desperate to fulfill your desire, look
for Diana.
- Tanya, me. ..
Without waiting to hear what he meant, Tanya fled away. Only when
he reached the top of the stairs is that he stopped and looked back. But, it
was expected that Adrian followed her, was disappointed because the
hall was dark and the door closed library. He had taken his words to
heart. And it was great that he could not hear what the heart of Tanya
screamed because it was the way it had to be, and pretend that reality
could be different was foolish.

Capi TITLE V

Adrian stayed where he was, completely apathetic, long after Tanya

was gone. But gradually, her emotions back. Not the desire that had
made him to lose self-control, but a deep shame for acting as he did.
No wonder that Tanya would be angry. But her anger was nothing
compared to what he felt for himself. Pen'm going after her and
apologize, but then decided not to. Both were still very excited for him
to risk reawaken the passion that consumed such a dangerous way.
Adrian came around the desk and sat down in the chair. For the first
time in many years, he had uncontrolled and was not at all conten you
with that. But there were many other things he did not like in that
situation. And that is that it was the "x" of the matter. After all, it was
your own behavior that did not like.
However, when asked Tanya to stay there, he had seen nothing wrong
in that request. Only now, looking at the situation for her, that he
realized what had been the height of cruelty to want a woman who loved
him, which crossed half of Europe behind it, stay in your home, knowing
he was going to marry another.
Was it as ambitious as well, the point of stepping on the feelings of
others? I had never done that before. The boy who married Tanya

business would never in front of the personal feelings of personal

satisfaction. But after he left Rovnia, Adrian never managed to feel
satisfied. In the last six months is that experienced some peace. A peace
that the arrival of Tanya had destroyed, and he knew he would not
recover, even after she was gone.
As unpleasant as it was, that was the truth and to learn to face it head
on. Even after Tanya left, I could not forget l. Dropping an angry
exclamation, he pushed back his chair and walked to the window. The
pratea moonlight bathed the garden and the beauty of the scenery was so
great that aju give to decrease some of the pain that their thoughts
caused him. If only I could do the v oltar time! But back to where? For
the time when Tanya arrive u in England, or the day the cognitiv was? I
did like that would never have betrayed Ever Meet? Remembering her
gentleness, the young, hot and sweet body, which responded as burning
so his touch, an Adri knew what the answer to that question.
With a closed fist, he gave a mu rro the window. The noise espan tou
birds were nest n vines covering the pa external networks of the house,
and they piaram quietly, almost with challenges ordeal. With a sigh,
Adrian walked away from there. The n will in fact be at peace not give
you the right to disturb the peace of other creates tures. Reflecting on the
ironies of life, he turned out the light and went pa ra your room.
But there also failed to quiet, it was easy imaginary Tanya air a few
metro his, Dormin's with her hair loose and espal hados around his face,

with a golden web. How would you like to involve your body in them,
apri if sionando physically, as a day imprisoned Tanya. That hollow p,
both had been prisionei ros his love, not realizing that they could still
want to escape this time.
In fact, Adrian sa bia that Tanya had never wanted this, and qu and
had continued to love him through the long years of their separation. It
was this knowledge that made c om that hated for having decep tioned
his wife.
However, that night, he felt jealous of Tanya, instead of being happy
for her, to be making new friends. How I could feel r jealous of a woman
when she was engaged to another? Was it a man so possessive, he
wanted to always keep the qu and had been his? This was a disturbing
thought, but that had to be faced. Tanya tried to analyze objectively, ma
s failed. The girl of the past and the present mixed to form a single
image.
Restless, Adrian lit the lamp. It was better read than r tries to sleep,
without sleep, or stay steel rdado in the dark, thinking of things that was
best forgotten. Would face a political struggle dur to and needed to save
all his energy. Later, when the Victory was his, he would have time to
think about his private life. Victory ... That empty word! With another
sigh, he firmly focused on the book he had before him.
Tanya and Adrian did their best to be avoided during the rest of the
week. She continued to take s wo meals with the children, and only went

to the dining room for lunch on Sundays. No re fe rence Roger was

made, and this issue was not mentioned when Ta nya met Diana, one
afternoon.
- J will do time I'm trying to talk to you - Diana said, crossing the hal
l toward Tanya. - It's about Roger Poulton.
- D o not want to talk about it - Tanya said. - He's my friend and I
intend to continue to see it. And I do not believe Roger go undermine
Adrian.
- Of course he will not do it. But not in Adrian I'm thinking. It's in
you.
- In me?
- It is. Roger can hurt her. He has only one concern in life: to achieve
your goal as quickly as possible. Not interested in anything.
- As Adrian.
- Roger is not like Adrian. Ex ISTE a huge difference between them.
If you can not see this then we better stop here.
Beating the heels with RCA fo the wooden floor, Diana entered the b
library atheist the door, leaving Tanya alone in the hall. C the nfusa, the
girl went to her room. Diana had no reason p ara like her, much less to
care about the fact Roger f eri it or not. So why I was so worried about
the friendship they d?

This question has haunted the rest of the afternoon and just when he
was looking for children, at tea time, were you able to get her away from
her head.
- I thought you told her to take the rest of the day off - B etty spoke
when Tanya entered the room of the small.
- I like being with children. Thus, I have to do.
- I am also annoyed if I do nothing.
- You should air're taking care of your own home. - Tanya covered
her mouth with his hand, annoyed at his frankness. - Sorry, I should not
have said that.
- True, you're right.
- But you do not like to take care of home.
- Why do you say that? Just because I do not take care of this house?
Mom t eria an attack if I did that anything here.
- Then change here. Build your own home.
- That's what Dick says. But I have settled here and let things go. You
should be teasing me pa ra do this. Then, who knows ...
- Not like the idea of staying teasing you.
- Why not? You're the closest thing to a sister q ue have and. .. Betty stopped when he saw Tanya's eyes filled tears. - Oh, God did not
make you cry.

- I'm not crying sadness. - Tanya looked for the handkerchief and
wiped her eyes. - That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me, since
I came to England.
Betty hugged Tanya, glancing at Emma and Tim, q ue looked on
wide-eyed.
- Let's go to my room a little, Tanya. Children can stay m kidding
themselves.
Tanya followed Betty and sat in an armchair while ra out if touched
the bed, watching her.
- You were not crying because of what I said. U get upset about
something, right?
- In a way, yes. It is silly of me, but ...
- It has something to do with Roger Poulton?
Tanya agreed with a nod.
- Everyone says it's wrong I continue to see the l.
- I did not say that.
- But agrees with them, right?
- No. You never tell Roger something pudess and harm Adrian,
Roger not expect this from you. Personally, I think you should go out
with him every night, if that's what you want. Do not let my family
dominate her, Tanya. They are well capaze's do this, if you let it.

- I feel unfair - Tanya confessed. - If Adrian had not. .. lost his calm
when he spoke to me about Roger, I have agreed to do everything he
asked me.
- Thank God you do not co ncordou. He is very acostu upon to get
whatever he wants. You are c roasts only because of a legal issue. You
must not forget that. - Seeing sur prey arise in the eyes c violet or, Betty
shrugged. - I'm not being unfair sister, I'm just trying to be honest. ..
- You are very good. - In a rare display of emotion, Tanya rose to his
feet and kissed her sister's face. Then he pulled away quickly when he
saw her blush. - Now I'm going to bathe in children, so you can read a
story to them.
- Before, will promise to go to the movies with me and D ick tonight.
I do not want to see her sad, walking through the corners of the house.
Tanya nodded and swallowed the lump that had formed in his garg
tapir. S ince its fight with Adrian, his nerves were on edge, eq ny
emotion descontrolava.
- I would love - said hoarsely. - Help Best Quality pray my English.
He was in his room if changing when Roger called. Q uerendo not go
to the hall, to be seen by Adrian, she went to answer the q uarto Betty.
- You seem to be kilometers away - R u oger comment on when she
started talking.
- It's because I'm talking about one of the extensions.

- Then I'll be quick. Want to go to dinner with my family, morning to

night?
- I know his family. - Tanya panicked. - And she's so great! I'll feel
embarrassed.
- You will not feel that way when you meet them. - Roger laughed. I assure you.
- So, I really like to go. Do not come get me. I want to walk a little.
Roger was silent and she perc ebeu he was not Believe walk.
- That's right - the boy murmured. - But if it's raining and you want a
ride, be sure to call me.
Fortunately the weather was good, the next night, and Tanya cami has
emphasized content to the village. Roger found at the entrance, waiting
for her. I was a little excited, qu walk came to his house, cons Truida in
the middle of a huge garden, which seemed to be full of seeing hard and
vegetables.
- That's the answer my mother gives to inflation.
Roger smiled when he saw her looking at a huge cauliflower. Then
pushed her through a hall narrow, into a dining room, q ue seemed to be
filled with people. They soon PRESENTED Taram as sisters, brothers
and cun Roger hados. His mother sen tou to the head of the table,
serving all with joy.

- Want a little more cooked, Tanya? - She asked, lap ing another
portion of delicious meat dish on the girl. - It seems to be in need eat
more. They give you enough food, there in their Chesterton?
- More than enough - Tanya assured. - But this is delicious mo
months. And I always heard that English food is bad!
- I think canned food is hotter than fresh - shouted Brian, twelve
years old, the youngest family member, who was born six months after
his father's death. - When oneself is the food, the taste is different if
mpre. But when enla tada, is always the same
- The same crap - Roger said, and raised his sobrancelh the feigning
despair. - Have you ever seen a more hideous boy?
Tanya smiled.
- Tim and Emma are just alike. They enjoy eating the worst sas Deal
that we can imagine.
Everyone laughed is one of the Roger brother started asking so bre
children and she liked the job. Tanya responded in a very discreet
manner and was relieved when Roger the Stopped to announce that I
was going to a rally in Tipton and bring Tanya with him.
- You and your election - his mother said. - Tanya would be much
more fun if he was here with us, gossiping. She'll get bored, listening to
his speech.

Tanya was surprised, seeing Mrs. Poulton talk like that. Adrian's
mother treated the election as if it were a sacred thing. But to the the
Poulton family it was different from Chesterton.
- I will really like to go with Roger - guaranteed. - I never heard of.
It was just a laugh around the table.
- You took the seriously then - said the younger sister of Roger. We could not get him to stop talking.
Roger smiled as he rose, and Tanya followed him to the carr. Then
waved to the family, who had gathered in the garden, pa ra see them
leave.
- You have a wonderful family - said when it away.
- They are not bad - Roger answered and Tanya was surprised once
again with the coldness of the English. It was obvious that there was a
very deep affection between Poulton; However when complimented one
algue m, he received only a casual response.
Tanya sighed and nou imagi to get used to live in England.
Thought about it again, later, when I was listening Roge r speak.
Some in the au dience disagreed with him and continually interrupted,
ma s others did not care, and quan of the rally was over, the two parties
came together and were taking r beer at the nearest bar.
- That would never happen in my country - she said. - S The people
who are part of different political parties not mis Turam, no way.

- Things are getting so here too - Roger said. - M the only in big
cities.
- If you win the election, you will have to live in a city gr walk.
- You want me to win? - he asked smiling.
- You deserve to win. His speech was excellent.
That night, lying on her bed, she thought of Roger and his fa mily and
realized that however you liked them, did not want the guy to win. A
few feet away, separated from it by four p aredes, but much farther
mentally, was the only man q ue wanted to win: Adrian, her husband.
Does he still slept with one arm over his head? During the brief week
that lasted your wedding, Adrian always put oo utro arm over her body,
as if afraid that the onasse Abandon, while sleeping. However, he
thought bitterly, it's that had left her, and she came qua ing behind him,
did not want more.
No, it was not true. Adrian still wanted. Demonstrated this q hen
kissed her. But wanting was not love and Tanya was not sorry for
refusing ae le. Only regretted correspondence gone to his kiss, as this
had acord ado all your wishes adorm ecidos, which now burned nonstop
inside her. Caresses it tran sformaram the embers almost erases the
blazing fire in the p aixo. It did not take more than a brief contact, that
they saw iff now almost begging for his kisses, wanting him to calm
bake the deep desire that tortured his body.
My love !, whispered quietly. My one true love!

Capi TITLE VI

On the afternoon of the next day, Roger v oltou home tired and
challenge nimado. I had a rally in a town that apoiav Adrian Chesterton
and almost everything he said was contested. Tany If he were there, I
would have seen that politicians of England were not t the different
well of Rovnia.
Throwing his hat in support that was on the wall, he walked into the
living room, but stopped when she heard voices inside. He recognized
one of them as his mother, but the other was unknown. He straightened
his tie, opened the door and stopped short when he saw the slender girl
with dark hair, who was sitting on the couch. In the name of heaven,
what Diana Biddell doing here?
- Good afternoon - he said coolly.
- Hi, Roger. - Her voice was calm. - How are you?
- Fine thanks. And time is also very good.
For a moment, Diana seemed to be disconcerted. Mrs.. Poulton rose.
- I'll leave you talking a little while I just spend clothes.

- No need to leave - Roger said briefly, through the eyes of Gucci

shoes and dress of St. Laurent, Diana, to his mother's cotton apron. Whatever it is that Miss. Biddell want to tell me, it can be said in front.
- It can be. - The Mr. a. Poulton walked to the door. - But I really
need to spend some clothes.
Roger pursed his lips and was silent until the door closed.
- Very well - he said. - For a long time you do not honor with his
visit. How long have you had some fifteen years, right? Before their
prejudices begin to manifest.
- The fact that I did not come here anymore Will not the has nothing
to do with pre concept. I was out, finished my studies, and you were in
college. We could not even see us too.
- And the holidays? - Roger asked, his voice expressionless. - I could
have been me see if I wanted to. But I do not blame her for not coming.
Commoners Poulton never been in her father's guest list.
- I'd rather not discuss my father.
- My pleasure. - He shoved his hands in his pockets. - Why did you
come here?
Diana hesitated, Roger realized that she wove his fingers nervously.
-. .. I was because of Tanya. - He stopped, as if expecting him to say
something to Deal, but Roger continued to look at her, relentless. - You
are not torn walk things easy for me, right?

- I've had too many people walk torn things easy for you. Continu and
what he was saying.
- As I told you. .. it is about Tanya. I do not know what to expect to
win, going out with her.
For a moment, Roger went dead. Then said angrily:
- And what a man expects to win, going out with a beautiful woman?
I am not of your social class, Miss. Biddell, but physically there is no
difference between the snob of her fiance and me.
- It is interpreting me wrong, on purpose - Diana replied coldly. You know very well that Tanya is living in Adrian's home and can not
avoid being involved by events. And as he is his rival in this election, I
thought the implication was clear.
- And this implication is that I'm going out with Tanya for ulterior
motives, is not it? - Roger spoke softly, but anyone who knew him well
would have been warned of his nervousness, the white line appeared in
torn out of his mouth. - I have no doubt that that is how the people in
your circle would act, but we workers have a little more self-respect.
- Always have to talk like a Marxist student? - Diana exploded. There may be a little polite to me, while I'm at your house?
- I can say the same for you. What is this to come here to insult me?
Diana bit her lip.
- I think that as well. Tany hoped could convince her that she is
hurting. If it was after the election, I do not laugh importance.

- It does not matter now. You are behaving like Tanya had
knowledge of some state secret. Is the t blinded by their prejudices that
are not able to see the the pont of view of anyone else.
Angry, she got up and walked past him, the wide open eyes
unblinking, as if the slightest movement of pudess eyelids and cause a
flood of tears. Roger muttered something and raised his hand. His ded
the grazed the shoulder of the girl, who jumped back, co mo if his hand
was red-hot.
- Are you afraid that I mess? - sneered.
- Need misinterpret everything I say and do? - she whispered. - Do
not consider him an enemy, Roger. I never considered.
- But also does not consider me a friend.
- I thought you were my friend before.
- When we were children. - Impulsively, he held lh and his head and
put his lips on hers.
For a second she stood there s too urpresa to resist. Then she pulled
away from him and looked at him angrily.
- What was that?
- To remind you to quan I am susceptible to women bo nite. - His
voice was mocking. - You will not slap me?
- I have been reading many cheap novels. Does not surprise me one
bit.

Before Roger could Standing naked NSAr ma appropriate response,

Diana was. He ran a hand through his hair, then went to the kitchen
where his mother was still ironing.
- Diana gone? - And when he nodded: - Pena. I was going to make
some tea. It does not matter. I will do for us. Co loque the kettle on,
Roger.
- I doubt she accepted tea at this time of day - Roger said, while
doing what her mother had asked. - Always take tea at five, exactly.
- I'm sure she would like to have had tea at five-thirty. - Mrs..
Poulton used the same tone of voice you would use to speak to Brian. She is a good girl and you would see that, unless I involved both with
her father. It's not Diana's fault that he already an old fool and rich.
- But it's her fault, it is a rich and foolish girl. Does not do anything
in life!
- Would you mind if we stop talking? I have a meeting tonight and I
need to put the shirt that she is still going.
Mrs.. Poulton just goes ra shirt and handed it to his son.
- When wearing it in the mirror, take a good look at yourself - said. You may not like what you see. - With that, she left the room, leaving
him to look at her, surprised and confused.
Roge r not tell Tanya that Diana had come to see him, but began to
feel embarrassed. I even imagine Tanya also thought he was dating her

for ulterior motives. Soon to clarify everything, he decided to speak

openly with her.
She heard him in silence, watching it with beautiful green eyes so full
of innocence, which reminded them of a child. But there was nothing of
her child. I had such a maturity, which sometimes surprised him. He was
always able to see the "X" pro lem without sentimentality. In its own
way, Tanya had already helped a lot by analyzing your ideas. Strange
that could speak t will openly with her. Although D iana Standing nsasse
you were dating Tan ya to find out what Adrian was doing, he never
even thought that Tanya could be doing the same as Adrian spy.
- Our friendship is causing a lot of talk - Tanya said, interrupting his
thoughts. - But what matters to me is my conscience, not that of others.
- But others may make things difficult for you. - R oger was serious.
- With you as my friend, step face difficulties.
- You talk as if I was his only friend. - He looked at her curiously. And the Chesterton? You came directly from Rovnia here, did not
come? You should know the l.
It was time that he showed no cur iosidade about his life in Park
Gates, Adrian's house, but Tanya was prepared to answer your
questions.
- Betty left his name with one of the refugee agencies - spoke firmly
- and I liked the idea of working in the field, as resolved what to do with
my life.

- You will not spend much time being nanny of the children of
others, not - he said sure. - Soon she will get married and have your
children.
- I will not marry again.
- Again? We have been married before?
She quickly recovered from the shock he had when u realize what he
had said and replied,
- It was not. .. How do you say. .. so to speak.
- But he was never married - he smiled - why is it so cont ra
marriage?
- I have seen many unhappy marriages.
- You will change your mind, when you find the right man.
- He is talking to his mother. - Tanya laughed.
- Do not tell me she had the same conversation with you.
- She was just trying to make me see that wonderful man you are. Roger was so pa raado Tanya laughed again. - Do not worry about it. I
convinced her that the sound just friends.
He was silent for a long moment before speaking.
- You must think I'm a guy and stranho. You're beautiful and
desirable and I have not tried to make love to you. It's not that I do not
queir a. Just do not want and stragar what we have and think. .. That
promiscuity can. .. Oh, damn, I'm speaking as someone who left the air
Noah.

- Is speaking as a sincere and charming man - to the Garot said

sincerely. - For me, having your friendship is more important than the
Many Voices that have their kisses.
- One day, will have both a man. Friendship and love.
- And one day you will have them a woman.
- No -. It was positive. - I have years of work in Minh forward. If
you do not win this election, I will fight for something else. Vo u be too
busy to think about marriage.
Tanya remembered that when he watched the children playing in the
garden the next day. It was not natural for someone so full of life as
Roger was content to take the life of a bachelor. Instinctively, she knew
that he was or had been in love with al Guem. So passionate, that was
too bitter to think of another such relationship.
His eyes scanned the lawn that stretched to the house. The front door
was open and Tanya saw Adrian get out and walk to your car. He was
too far away to see her watching, but looked away anyway. Then calling
themselves silly, she continued to look at him. How was tall and
distinguished! Even at this distance, I could not help but see his trim
INSTANCE of proud man and indi ent. But it was a superficial
indifference. Basically, he was good and kind. And love too. Despite his
serious demeanor, it was an exciting and inventive lover.
What would have ac ontecido if he had given that night? Will and le
would have ended his engagement to Diana, or after all had roast p, I

would have hated to let the passion take over reason? T anya never know
the answer to that and, unless he wanted Quality and im act to
accompany him for life, needed to stop asking those questions.
A huge ball fell into her lap and she jumped, startled, r going when
Tim threw himself on top of her.
- Come play with us, Tanya - he shouted happily.
Glad to have other thoughts occupying your head, Tanya nodded and
jumped up.

Two days later, she went to visit Mrs. Poulton. Betty and her husband
took the children to spend the day at sea. They invited her to go along,
but Tanya decided that serve the best the couple go out alone co m
children. It could even be that Betty create courage and resolve to build
your own house instead of living in the mother.
His day was spent happily in the judando Mrs. Poulton to engar rafar
almost one hundred liters of jelly. This caused remember other happy
days, while helping the mother to do the same. But he said nothing,
knowing that if he did, would cry. Occasionally Mrs. Poulton looked
carefully Tanya's face and wondered why the huge dark circles her, but
was too discreet to make any comment about it.
Only when they were seated, resting a bit, it was that the woman
spoke about her son and Tanya's friendship for him.

- You've been a good influence on him, Tanya. I would like you to

marry.
- We are not masters am. We are good friends only.
- Too bad, you would be a daughter of charm.
- I'm sure he'll fix you a logo.
- My son has always had a lot of women after him, but none of them
made what Roger is best to manifest ... as you did. With Diana, for
example, he looks like a wounded bear.
Tanya was surprised.
- I did not know they were still visible.
- And not seen. At least, not with FREQU ence. They used to be like
hand in glove, when small. Adrian Chesterton, too. Now, they are not
even friends.
- It's always like in England?
- This is how everywhere in the world. Even husbands and wives can
get away from each other, let alone friends.
Even the Husband and wives. .. Mrs. Tanya felt good. Poulton not
know what they meant, for her, those words spoken in such a casual
manner. Someday even tell you about Adrian but at the time had no
courage.
- You always see Diana? - Mrs. Poulton asked.
- No. Mr. Chesterton fi ca lot of time away from home and ... and
Diana is always with him.

- They form a very united couple?

- There, the Rovnia standards. The English are very closed.
- I would not say that - Mrs. Poulton started to answer, but i fo
interrupted by Brian, who rushed in and asking for tea. Soon the rest of
the family arrived and they sat around a table where there was ham,
salad m ista and several jars of jam re new-made. Roger was the last to
bring en and sat next to the Tany to.
- What do you think of our dinner p Lebbaeus, compared with the
Chesterton?
- I do not think you can make a comparison - it re spondeu slowly. We like the things with which it is used. Where I come from, for
example, we have a lunch with many dishes that l evamos many hours to
eat. .. Two, eg it less. Then at night we have cold meat and salad, or
cheese, wine and coffee. But I'm acostuman's with the way you eat. ..
and I like it.
Everyone laughed and Mrs. Poulton the lhou Roger air caosta.
- There you are, son. In its own way, Tanya is saying exactly what I
said, aque le day that Diana was here. We can not separate types of
people, as you want. Customs eas traditions, are the field or c above
lasses are falling faster than you think.
- What is a good thing - said Louise, the younger sister of Roger.
Tanya was listening distracted, concerned that Diana had been there a
few days ago. It was strange Roger did not mention it. Unless Diana had

come for personal reasons. Roger looked up and saw that he was
watching, as if she knew what she was thinking.
But before one of them could speak, the phone rang. Marjorie, the
eldest daughter of Mme. Poulton, was rushed to the hospital to give
birth, a month ahead of schedule. The novelty away any thought of their
heads.
- I must go there immediately - Mrs. Poulton said, one hand on the
throat.
- No need to get so worried - Roger soothed. - Peter said q ue it is
very well.
- But I want to go there.
- Want me to c om you? - Tanya asked.
- I will also - Louise said.
- No, it will not not. You have night classes - the mother said firmly and Betty have to stay with Brian. I do not like to leave him at home
alone in the evening.
Ai nda speaking, Mrs. Poulton atr av essou rushed the garden, to the
car of Roger. The three settled and left for the hospital, which was in a
town called Little Compton.
- Everything will be fine - Tanya said. - Should be an impatient little
boy to be born.
This does not soothed Mrs. Poulton one bit. Her anxiety decreased
only when, at eleven-thirty, Peter Junior was born.

Tanya had to push back tears as he looked at the babies in the

nursery, through the glass. It was during these times that felt more lonely
and out of place in that country.
- Let's go home. Do you need to go to bed - Roger said, taking her
arm. - Why Screwed women and cry when a baby is born?
Tanya laughed and the moment of sad za evaporated. Roger kept a
light conversation on the way back home. But after his mother got out
and stood alone with Tanya, he referred to Diana.
- You must be wondering why she came to see me, right?
- I had forgotten about that - Tanya responded with sinceri ity. - It
was because of us?
- It was.
- Adrian also did not like s airmos together. He got angry with me.
- Whether we separate ourselves until the election is over?
- No.
- Great. - Roger brecou car outside the Park Gates. - Like us
apaixonssemos each other, Tanya. We would be a formidable couple.
Tanya knew it was too late, quand the entered the house and quietly
went to his room. I was almost there, quand saw Adrian quit it. He tried
to hide in a corner, but he saw and ca Minhou to her, tall and serious in a
navy robe.
- It is delayed. We were worried about you.
- Who?

- I -. He paused. - You never stayed out so late. Poulton was?

- I was with Roger and his family. - Tanya emphasized the last part
of the sentence, but his expression did not softened. - An d the Mrs.
daughters. Poulton had a nen is and I went with her to the hospital.
- She has several daughters podi am to have made him company.
- Mrs.. Poulton wanted my company. - He looked at the challenge
fiante. - You find it so hard to entend er. .. Anyone want me?
His face saddened.
- Why do you insist on discussing r me? Do not think for me ta
mbm is difficult to have you here?
- I do not know what you think - answered wearily. - It is a stranger
to me.
But Tanya knew I was not being honest. There, so close to him, he
could not help but remember the s emotions that Adrian had des pertado
it. Without realizing what he was doing, he leaned slightly toward him,
but soon straighten u, ashamed of her weakness. Adrian just saw how
Tanya moved away from him.
- I would not hate me so much - said softly.
- I do not hate him. - He turned away more. - It's late, Adrian. I'm
going to bed.
He walked her down the hall and stopped in front of po rta of your
own room.
- Have you decided what you will do when you leave here?

- In recent years, I learned to take one step at a time. And out r here
will already be a big step.
- There is no reason for you to leave - Adrian said suddenly. - It may
well be.
- After you marry Diana? - Jealousy to take ua continue: - You want
me to be the nanny of his children?
Adrian flushed.
- Boor that you must think I am. I do not know why I said that. But I
was considering not let you be alone.
- I will not be alone.
- What do you mean?
Tanya had responded without thinking, but now angry, decided m
ago- it.
- I'm saying that I do not intend to suffer for you to res of my life.
You're not the one who will remarry and find happiness.
- Roger Poulton - he muttered. - It did not take long to fall in love
with another man is not, Tanya?
- I should be happy for me. At least I will not be weighing on your
conscience.
- Y ou never bothered my conscience. What happened to us was
beyond our contr ole. You can blame your government. .. Or yourself for
not leaving her parents and followed me. But honestament and I do not
think you can blame me.

Tanya agreed with him and su to anger began to fade, and s ubstituda
by a huge discouragement.
- You're right, Adrian. We'd better not talk more at this time of night.
We both s we say things that we arrepen demos later.
- I do not regret having married you - he continued, softly. - My only
regret did not work out.
Quickly, Tanya went away, wishing he had not said that. His words
chased all night, not leaving her dorm to go. When the day dawned, Tan
ya got up and sat next to the window where he watched the skies
become increasingly clear, illuminating the green fields. That was the t
err in Adrian, where their children would be created and he would live
alongside his beloved wife.
The thought filled her with a deep ache too much to cause tears and
dry eyes, continued looking out the window.

Capi TITLE VII

Try as he might, Roger found it impossible to stop thinking about

Diana. Her visit to her house had awakened long dormant memories of
happy times they shared when they were children. The i dias the girl
acquired, before going to university, is that the split it. It was u ma

unfortunate that, to become adults, some people assume other code with
behavior that was not even them. Usually the brigades were to accept
that other code. .. as was the case of Diana. There was no doubt that her
father, an old bossy and greedy, the most influential in your life.
Adrian continued his friend po r much longer and only the car riers so
different that they have just chosen is away from the two. Diana did not.
Roger tin ha the impression that, almost noi up for the day, she had the
Left Inner to be the little girl who begged to play with him and Adrian,
to become the shy and reserved teenager. What hurt the most is that it
has done nothing to find it, when he left his school in Switzerland.
However, Diana continued ave Adrian ether. This hurt him very even.
Without realizing it, he stopped walking and just as the sun began to
burn his face, that he had seen standing in front of a shortcut leading to
the estate of Lord Biddel l. Shaking his head, conti ued to walk. It was
not his usual walk through the woods this time of day, but suddenly had
sen have needed to be Sozi mance, to escape from the phone Will not
stop ringing.
In the distance, he saw the figure of a woman approaching, and as he
did not want company, has entered a more closed part of the woods.
Unfortunately, she had the same idea and as no longer gave more to flee,
Roger greeted her when she walked past him.
- Hi, Diana. You will not talk to me?
- J will talk enough, the last time we met.

- That is what we wanted to talk to you. I owe you an apology.

- Thank you. - He tried to continue, but he laid it down.
- What's the rush? - He pointed to a fallen log, a few steps away. - If
nte up a bit, to rest.
Silent, Diana followed him into the trunk.
- I do not know who lost it that way with you - he continued
abruptly. - My only excuse is that his visit took me by surprise.
- Y ou demonstrated this very well. Of course you never pas am the
head that was not easy for me to continue to see it, then I grew up.
- I know it s father would not have approved, but. ..
- My father did not t nothing to do with it. - she interrupted. - It was
you.
- I? But how?
- You are five years older than me. We did not impose tance, when
we were kids, but then you went to college, everything changed.
- But made no difference in his friendship with Adrian. You
continued to see the l.
- Because our families are friends. - Ol hou it aside, but quickly
looked away. - You were always so busy with his work and politics,
which made me realize how much I was childish.
Roger was surprised because I had never thought of that.
- I do not care if you believe or not - Diana continued,
misinterpreting his silence. - You always liked to think the worst of me.

- We will not discuss again. My mother already pulled my ears,

because I treated you that way.
- She always hated bad manners. - Diana smiled slightly. - And yet
hates. Remember that time I did you climb the apple tree the old J enkins
to pick apples?
- I will never forget the beating she gave me when he discovered.
- But you climbed trees better kiwi and me. - Roger smiled. - I had
more gas lon legs. - He looked at the pern the Diana, who blushed and
pulled the skirt more. - No need to hide them. They are still beautiful.
They are the only part of you that has not changed.
- I also did not change, Ro ger. You were the one that changed.
- The poor boy became someone - he said bitterly. - Is that what you
mean, right?
- Not quite. I never felt sorry for you, as you did. - Diana heard him
hold his breath and lhou him coldly. - You know I'm right. That is why it
is always in the defen sive me. But the only difference between us is that
you made yourself. You who raised the wrath barre that separated us,
Roger.
- Finished?
- No -. Once started, Diana seemed to have lost all inhibitions. - I can
picture him, in ten years, carrying a cabinet minister, but still using an
old wrinkled suit, as evidence that has not forgotten its humble

beginnings. I hate people who think they have to get past them waving at
the people face.
Roger opened his mouth to say something, thought better of it and
closed it again, with tight lips. The silence between them stretched and
kicked Roger, in a bad mood, a little plants nearby.
- Why are we discussing, Diana? When you were a kid, we used to
be friends.
- But I'm not your enemy now.
- We are on different sides.
- This does not make me your enemy.
- Do you really think I'm going out with Tanya, to stay aware of
Adrian plans? - He asked suddenly.
This time it was Diana who was silent for a long time before
answering.
- It seemed possible a few days ago. But now I do not think about it
anymore - he confessed. - I can understand why he likes to hang out
with her. Tanya is a beautiful woman.
- And it's very understanding, too.
- You mean I'm not?
- I do not mean anything. - He turned to her. - Why do you always
think I'm attacking you?
- Because I feel it is.

- Maybe I'm defending myself - Roger said suddenly, staring at her.

- You are a very provocative woman.
Diana stood to his feet, but he got up at the same time, getting very
close to it.
- You're acting like you're scared of me - Roger said softly.
- Why would I be afraid of you?
- I'll show you - he said huskily, pulling her into his arms.
His kiss was tremendously passionate, co mo if the wish was storag
swim inside it had been released by the lips of the girl. A touch he
Sabore or as a connoisseur, a three-star res taurant. Slowly stroked his
shoulders and the back of Diana, pressing her slender color po against
his lips and slip walk on the eyes, cheeks and temples girl, inhaling her
perfume soon.
- Diana - she whispered shakily. - Diana.
Docile, she continued in her arms, knowing it was useless to fight
with him and without the strength to try. He tried to stay apathetic, but
his body was tremendously aware of it, the hard chest tightens the con
tra her breasts, the rough and warm skin pressed against his face, the
warmth of his breath, mingling their co ma. Slowly, insidiosamen you,
the desire for it awakened in Diana, and apathy who took care of her
mind disappeared, giving a lug air felt heavy ment and is snot who had
never experim entado before. His lips moved under Roger, separating
when he bit her lightly, after giving entirely the urgent pressure of his

tongue. Then she pushed him away with a scream. Roger resisted the
move, but Diana began beating his chest with his fists and he eventually
let go, stepping back. However, his eyes remained in prison: his, glazed,
as if still esti Vessem seeing the surrender of the girl; hers, full of
despair.
- You had no right to do this! - Diana murmured.
- And why not? A mouse can also look for a queen.
- No! - Diana screamed. - Please Roger, no!
Roger stayed where he was, long after Diana ran away, trying
unsuccessfully to evaluate their feelings. What Diana did, which made
her behave so gr Osseria? Would your air "non-touch-me-not me-relay,"
or she aroused in him something deeper and more primitive? It was not
so with the other women. Unlike several times he has been accused of
having too much self-control. Addition, Diana could never accuse him.
Discouraged, he shook his head. J will be owed another apology to her.
But when apologize again, not going to give you cause for complaint.
That night, Tanya was with Roger to a rally. As always, she sat
between audinc was and then told him to impres are that his speech had
caused him.
- I think I spoke better than ever - said, when they were in the car. He explained much better his electoral program and was less. .. Less ...
- Aggressive, says my family. They always accuse me of that. But I
can not help it. Screwed and things strike me pro based, I react intensely.

- It is better to feel things deeply, than not feel at all.

Roger looked at him in askance.
- Is d walk from experience?
- It's better than talking out of ignorance.
He laughed.
- I would like everyone to remember that, including me. - Decreased
the car's speed. - How about taking something? I'm starting to feel
guilty. Each time the invite to go out, I take her to a rally.
- And u like to hear him talk, Roger.
- What do you think of me, compared to Adrian? - With the corner
of his eye, he saw the fright of her reaction and said quickly: - Forget
this question. I tin there is nothing to do it.
- I could respond to it. .. just never heard Adrian make a speech.
- But my! I think he is sure that you will vote for him, listening or not
his speeches.
- I do not vote. It makes no tan to time so I'm here.
They es tavam laughing as they entered the Cap and Bells Bar. It was
the first time q ue Tanya came in such a classy place, since coming to
England, and she looked curiously at the lights low and the polished oak
furniture.
- It's beautiful here. I always thought that the bars had no carpets on
the floor and were very crowded.

- Usually they are like that. But there are bars like that, more quiet
and well furnished. You can find the t a princess, here.
- A Princess?
- Diana - Roger explained, embarrassed.
- Why do not you like it?
- I like, but it is different from us.
- She re spira, eats and sleeps like us.
- I understand what you mean. But Diana is as different from us as
Adrian is.
- You would not say so if viv this in my country. Any feet sounds
that does not approve the government automatically is considered an
enemy and taken to prison. But here, no matter which side you are, they
are all free.
- In a little while you will tell me it does not matter for whom we
vote.
- I do not know whether it is relevant or not. You and Adrian are
both good people.
- I do not like being compared to Adrian.
- Why not? - Tanya asked angrily.
- Because he is arrogant and cold.
- Adrian is nothing like that. He just hides what feels.
- He has no feelings.
- Of course it has. You think I would have married a man who ...

Horrified, Tanya realized what he had said. It was impossible apa gar
his words, while it was impossible to deny them. The truth was
expressed in his face. Desperate, he looked at Roger, knowing he had to
get his promise of silence.
- Please Roger, forget what I said - asked. - I can not reveal a secret
that is not only mine.
- A secret that is not your own. .. - He shook his head, confused. Es're saying is the wife of Ad rian?
- Please. - I was trembling with fear. - Lower your voice. No one
can know that.
Seeing her expression anguished, his softened.
- Do not you think I should con tar the whole story, Tanya? It's the
least you can do.
Tanya nodded and began to think where should start.
- I met him in Rovnia. .. - drawled. - It was the day of the Carnival
of Roses. ..
Roger listened attentively but without any outward sign of emo tion.
Only when she told his arrival at Park Gates, it was that his anger
exploded.
- But dirty way to treat it!
- People do strange things when they are caught in a trap.
- This does not justify behaving ment Adrian! You should not laugh
have never done what he asked!

- I agreed because. .. - Tanya stopped and looked over his shoulder. What was this?
- What?
- I seemed to hear the door opening here on the side.
Roger u eye over Tanya's head.
- There's nobody there. - He turned to her. - I still think it was crazy
to accept the proposal of Adrian.
- But I understand his problem. You should not condemn him
because he married me and then repented.
- It's not the fact that he is arrepe ndido that makes me so zan cattle.
It's the way he tried to get rid of you. .. pretending to be the nanny of his
sister! Damn, Tanya, Adrian deserves everything bad happens to you. If
you let me use this information, I will make him lose the election.
- You can not do that. - She looked at him in horror. - I gave my
word to the drian that would keep secret. If he finds out who betrayed
him. .. Oh, Roger, promise me you will not say anything.
The boy narrowed his blue eyes.
- If that's what you want, I can not say any more. I think it's wrong,
but I respect his will.
- I do not want to respect the min ha will. I want you to try en tend to
situation. You know very well that people change and you can not blame
Adrian that he had stopped loving me. After all, he thought I had
divorced me and. ..

- No need to make excuses for him - Roger said, abrup ly. - I gave
you my word and I will not break l. - Esfre gou hand on chin, with eyes
almost closed. - Diana knows who you are?
- You know.
- So that's why she asked me not to leave with you. It is also a
difficult situation.
- But only until our divorce be fixed in accordance with the law.
After el es will be free to marry.
- I do not understand how you and Diana can still defend him.
- What would you do if you were in Adrian situation? He wants to
win the election as much as you and is afraid to use this infor mation
against him.
- I do not think acted like him - Roger said slowly. - And neither
would have been engaged to another woman without first checking
whether it was legally divorced.
- This is only a technical issue - Tanya said. - As soon as the election
finished, Adrian will take care of it.
- The prince and princess will live happily ever after.
- It is. - The voice of Tanya forced out. - Diana is very reser vada,
but I think I love Adrian.
- You think so? - Roger's tone was so strange, Tanya looked at him.
- Why? Do not you think? - he asked.

- I do not know what Diana feels, but it is not as reserved as he

pretends to be. - He stood up. - You want a beer? I do not know how
you're feeling, but another glass will do me good.
Tanya refused and watched the boy walk away. Roger was always on
the defensive, when he spoke of Diana, as if expecting to be criticized.
Did he think that the girl was his enemy, just because they were in
different political parties? And who cared so much about it? Tanya
continued to watch him as he espe rava the drink. It was not just Roger's
attitude to Diana that was strange, but also her towards him. Still he
remembered well how she and xigira to stop seeing Roger. At the time, I
did not understand az anga the girl, but now eats a va off. Did Diana ...
and Roger. .. they were fighting for a much more basic and emotional
thing that the election? Were they fighting for love?
It was easy to believe in this theory so fantastic. It showed that it was
true. The aggressiveness of Diana with Roger; the bitterness that the boy
felt for Adrian. .. A feeling that Tanya always thought it should have
deeper roots than their different political views.
Roger returned to the table with a glass of beer. He sipped and smiled
at Tanya, but the smile did not reach his eyes. She looked at him as if he
were seeing it for the first time. And, in a way, that was it. Roger was
too thin for their height and despite being usually p Alido, was a color
ACIN zentada as if he had spent many sleepless n oites.

- Why are you looking at me like that? If you are afraid that I
disclose the secret of Adrian, forget it. J will promised I will not do it.
- I was not thinking about Adrian, but you and Diana.
He stopped with his glass halfway to his mouth and slowly replaced it
on the table, as if afraid of spilling the liquid, with a trembling hand
nervously.
- And what I was thinking about me and Diana?
With the frankness of their race, Tanya said,
- I think you love each other.
- For the love of God! This is crazy so great that I will not even
bother to deny it.
- I think good - Tanya said, referring to the last part of his sentence because I'm sure and stou right.
- The mul heres always think that - Roger said, trying to humor.
- When a man loves a woman, there is something in his voice that
denounces when he says her name. You can adm itir or not but love
Diana. I ... - broke off repen you when the bar door opened ue a grayhaired man, middle-aged, entered.
- Hi B ob -. Roger greeted. - I think not yet co terns Miss. Kovacs.
Tanya, this is Bob Edwards, my canvasser.
The man greeted him with a firm handshake and sat down with them.
For half an hour he and Roger talked about politics and quan of the
clock chimed, Tanya stood up, dizen than needed to go home. I thought I

was being disloyal to Adrian, getting sitting there and listening to their
rivals speaks rem as surely, in cer ven the election.
- No need to take me home. You must have many things to talk to
mr. And Edwards. ..
- Our conversation can wait. - He glanced at the canvasser. - I see
him tomorrow at the hall committee.
- Right.
- I do not like much of his canvasser - Tanya said, when they were in
the car. - I do not think an honest man.
- Is no more dishonest than others. You you are not steels tumada
with such people.
- It can be. Only Cognac ci teachers and intellectuals. .. Like my
father.
- Do you miss your life in Rovnia? - Roger asked, referring first to
the story she had told him that night.
- I miss the life I had as a child and in my early teens ... but not today
Rovnia.
Roger alg mumbled something, as if the Will not know for sure what
to say, and Tanya was relieved when got out. I was not afraid that he
broke his promise, but regretted having committed the slide that forced
her to tell the whole truth.
Roger was finding impossve l forget what you Tanya con tare on
Adrian. Despite their different viewpoints, he always respected each

other. But now I felt a certain contempt for the man who behaved that
way with the woman who one day confessed love and it was still his
wife. However, Tanya could not hear a word against him. It was clear
that even the the mava and he could not understand how a woman could
feel that way in relation to the Husband. But women may love men who
least deserve it. As Diana, for example. If Tanya had some es and Diana
loved him ... - But it was impossible. The ale momentary slang she felt
was replaced by anger and Roger pressed the accelerator, forcing the old
car. Only when he reached the village and was forced to slow down is
that reminded again of what Tanya had said about Diana. But that was
nonsense! She did not love him more than he her.
With a grinding of brakes, brecou the car in front of his house. He did
not love any grand thin nose in the air, as Diana Biddell! That idea more
baseless! He slammed the front door shut, without connecting to the
lateness of the hour, his whole being tentan of denying what Tanya had
said.

Chapter does VIII

Two days later, Adrian en trou home angry, slamming the door shut
behind him. The noise caused Diana to leave running the library,
concerned about this behavior that was unusual in it.
- Something wrong, Adrian?
- Everything. The whole country should already be knowing that
Tanya is my wife.
- What? About. .. who told?
- Who do you think it went? - He asked irritably. - Poulton, of
course.
- I do not think Tanya has told you.
- She loves him. That's why said.
- What will you do?
- And what can I do? I can not deny that Tanya is my wife, but the
devil take me, if I let go here. It can pack up and go away.
- If the send away, will do what Roger is wanting.
- And what do you suggest? What I present as my lawful wedded
wife?
- It is what you should do.
Adrian was surprised. Not because the idea was new. I sado what had
pen when he heard the news. The truth is that Diana did not expect to
suggest.
- You think I must admit that she is my wife, when you and I are
engaged?

- No choice - Diana said calmly.

- And you, what will you do?
- Nothing. For now, we have to forget our engagement. It is the only
way out.
Adrian looked at her admiringly.
- You had a wonderful attitude these last few weeks, which were so
difficult, ma s never thought I had to. .. Damn, I could strangle Tanya!
- That would give the election to Roger in his palm. - He smiled
slightly. - It would have been better if we had broken our vado noi when
Tanya arrived.
- Are you saying this because of my career, or why descob laughed
who does not love me?
Diana was taking so long p ara answer, he ap ximou her and put a
hand on his shoulder.
- You do not love me, Diana? I know you're mance been a relapse
groom, but. ..
- I have also been well - she interrupted. - How to love you. .. I do
not know, Adrian. N ever speak of love before. Fi camos engaged
because we both wanted a home and children. And you can not honestly
say you feel for me the same as felt po r Tanya, when they married.
Abruptly, he turned away from her and a few seconds passed before
he answered.
- I'll never feel for a woman I felt for Tanya. I will not feel it again.

- You are speaking as if one could decide whether or not fall in love.
- And I think I can. Maybe not, when people are very young, but
when s atoms slightly older, yes. .. When we have been hurt by love. I'm
sorry I said that, but it's not just you marry me, expecting one thing I can
never give you.
- Why did not you tell me when he asked me to marry?
- At the time, I did not think you would want a feeling like that, on
my part. But now I'm not sure. Had acid esque me that you are still very
young and has a right to expect it of life.
- And you're telling me I can only offer a cold and loveless feeling, is
not it?
Diana spoke in a way so carefree, which surprised him. But it was
better that she faced him that way.
- Your opinion of me was right, Adrian. I always knew you never felt
for me what felt for Tanya. In fact, I would not want to feel, it also never
loved passionately. I think we both know that good; we will have more
chance to be happy. - Unexpectedly, his lower lip co gan to shake and
she bit down hard. - I do not believe in love r so great that make us
forget everything else. You do not want my life upside down because of
an emotion supple ly unnecessary.
- What are you afraid? - Adrian realized that his word ar the had a
deeper meaning. - Emotions have qu and be necessarily destructive.
They can give us great satisfaction.

- Would you rather live without them! Just tell me!

- Why've been badly hurt.
- I think I'm afraid of being hurt, too.
- It may be that you are afraid of life - he corrected with gen tileza. His father always had much influence on you and. ..
- Please! You're the second person to tell me that! I'm beginning to
bore me with a habit of saying that I have fi xing for my father!
Adrian was curious to know who the other SSOA pe, but decided not
to ask.
- I would like to keep talking, but I need to talk to Tanya. - He
walked up the stairs, but stopped when he saw Tanya down, and spoke
coldly: - I was looking for you. I think you know why not? - Tanya
blanched and anger he was trying to control exploded. - The fact that he
had given his word of honor means nothing to you? Want so much
Poulton ven a the election, it took Quebr air his promise?
- I did not broke - she murmured. - He discovered by chance. And he
swore not to tell anyone.
- As he told everyone! Even he thought he would not do that?
- I do not think Roger has broken his promise - Diana interfered.
- Now you also decided to defend it! - Adrian turned to the bride,
surprised.
- You two were friends, to take political parties di ferent. You should
know him enough to know he would not do such a thing.

- We are not discussing how we were, but what we are now. You
know the facts as well as I do. He learned that Tanya is my wife and
spread it around.
- You are wrong! - Ta nya screamed and turned to leave.
- Where are you going? - Adrian asked.
- See Roger.
- You can not. Do not be silly, Tanya.
But she gave him no attention and went out. Adrian called her again
and scared him to follow her, Tanya disappeared into the trees.
He came to the house of Roger encalorada and messed up, praying
that the boy was there. It was he himself who opened the door and then
take a look to upset the girl's face, took her to his office.
- You know? - he asked.
- Yeah. How could you do such a thing?
- I was not me. It was Bob Edwards. Remember when we were
talking in Cap and Bells and you thought he heard the door open?
- I mean it was him?
- It is. He wanted to see me, but when he saw you mention Adrian,
stopped and listened. Then waited a bit outside before entering.
- That's why he was acting so strangely. I did not like him and he was
right.
Roger laughed without mirth.
- It seems that female intuition really works.

- I owe you an apology. I'm sorry if I believed he had broken his

promise.
- Forget it. Anyone would have thought the same thing.
- Diana did not think.
Roger rubbed his face with his hand, but gave no sign of having heard
what Tanya said. The girl sat on a chair, not because it was there to stay
long, but because his legs were too soft to support it.
- What people are saying in Adrian and me?
- Nothing very good - Roger admitted. - Know that you are in
Rovnia and Adrian left shortly after they married.
- He had no choice. He was sent back to England and I could not
come along. Adrian never left me.
- No need to defend it for me - Roger said gently. - You asked me
what people are saying and I told him. Bob wanted discrediting Adrian
and succeeded. We have to admit that Adrian planted what is reaping. It
was a great folly to hide their identity and pretend you was the nanny of
his sister.
Tanya could not deny it, although still see things from the point of
view of Adrian. With a sigh, he got up and walked to the door.
- At Sometimes I even wish he'd never run away from Rovnia.
- You should not talk like that. Logo will remember it all like a bad
dream. She has a whole life ahead of you, Tanya. Should not let the
mistake he made, when he was very young, ruin your entire future.

- My marriage to Adrian was not a mistake. This is what the problem

is. He does not regret marrying. .. not me.
- I'll never understand women - Roger muttered, walking n 'her to the
gate. He had offered to take her car, but Tanya did not accept. - I think
you should despise Adrian, after the way he treated her.
- At sometimes I despise. The M that does not stop me from
continuing to love the l.
- What will happen now?
- I will do what he wants. At least that I owe you.
- I owe you nothing. And if he continues to blame her for what
happened, pack your bags and come here. You can stay with us for as
long as you want.
- If I did that, I'd be giving Adr ian good reason to hate me.
Tanya said goodbye to Roger and returned to Park Gates. He heard
his name being mentioned when passed through the living room and
realized that the family should be discussing the latest developments.
Suddenly, Betty's voice rose above the others.
- I think it's high time to introduce her as his wife, Adrian. It has a
very decent of you and attitude. ..
- And I can not say the same, right? - The voice of Adrian sounded
angry.
- You said that, not me. If your marriage was a mistake, then undo
that mistake. But in an honorable way.

- Adrian! Betty! - Mrs. Chesterton angry. - You are not facing

reality. As soon as the election is over, Adrian can. ..
- The election to go to hell! - Adrian said. - You can not want
people to put their emotions aside m, enquan to solve your professional
life.
- That's exactly what I expect - his mother said - but it is what you
were doing, to the story of your wedding spread around.
- Worst of all is the way I behaved - Adrian spoke softly. - I do not
think Tanya is already responsible for what happen! Sky. In fact, it's my
fault.
There was a momentary silence, then Dick Tufton said:
- Come on, Betty. Let's go up.
Not wanting to caught listening behind the door, Tanya quickly
across the hall and into the living room.
- Oh, you got - Mrs. Chesterton said. - We were talking about you.
- I heard. - Tanya looked at Dick and Betty, who were retreating and
turned to Adrian: - Diana was right. Roger did not break his promise. It
was Bob Edwards, his agent.
Adrian looked at her mother.
- Would you leave us alone, please? - After the mother left, he
continued: - But that does not change the situation I'm in.
- I will do my best to help you.

- Will you? - His eyes were so blue that seemed made of pencil-l
Azuli.
- I will. I heard him say that not blame me for anything, but I blame
myself.
- Let's not talk about blame - Adrian said abruptly. Because of it
stopped, as if esti vesse finding it difficult to continue.
Tanya would have helped if I could, but she did not know what
Adrian meant and stood still, waiting.
- I wish you. .. that vo ce assume its place as here. .. as my wife. We
can say that we keep his arrival secret, because we were concerned about
the safety of the people who helped her escape Rovnia. This is the only
way that can work.
- It may be that to work.
- It does not seem very enthusiastic.
- It is not willing that I care about the success of your career, right?
I'm just helping po r I want to get out of cons clean science.
- All right - he replied in a dry voice. - At least we both know
exactly where we are. The only thing I want to clarify is that my
behavior when you arrived had nothing to do with the fact that I est air
disputing an election. Mes mo that the election did not exist, my
engagement to Diana would still be a barrier between us. You can only
fic air glad you trim acid before my marriage to Diana.

All the anger of Tanya evaporated and, sadly, she recognized the truth
of what he was saying. It was his career that kept them apart, but his
engagement to another woman.
- Forgive me, Tanya - Adrian continued, with expression re morso. I'm always saying that I will not argue with you again, but then you say
some c oisa that pisses me and me. .. I. ..
- Do not worry - she interrupted.
- Do not Like the what is happening, but. ..
- In life, everything changes. That's one thing I learned there are
many strategic time ago.
- It looks like a proverb Rovnia.
- And it is. - With a smile, Tanya left the room.
Adrian continued there a long time, staring at the fireplace apagad a.
Tanya was right. Everything changed. He thought of his marriage and
ine x plicavelmente, in her parents, who never ceased to love. Stop ence
that, if we had enough luck, some things did not change m. Af astando
these thoughts, which led to others who preferred to avoid Adrian
entered the library, where very Job ho waited. That's what ought to
matter to him, their work and their land.
And Diana, of course. Will not he could forget Diana.

CAP TITLE IX

Although officially no longer engaged to Adrian, Diana came every

day to park Gates and then s EIA garnering votes for him. In the
sometimes took Tanya together and, although it is too embarrassed
Diana faced all eyes with incredible dignity.
Tanya could not understand this behavior. Or Diana laughed so hard
Adrian won the election, which was able to go over your own feelings,
or she felt nothing for him. The more I thought about it the more Tanya
was convinced that Diana did not love Adrian.
Tanya also began to accompany Adrian air rallies, and think va
strange to sit on the deck, listening to the air d. He had nothing of Roger
ence eloq s and his speeches were not as inflated mated, but his words
had such a great sincerity, she found exciting. Unlike Roger, who ava
disarm his opponents with intelligent questions, he used his good humor
to it.
- I'll be glad when it's over - Tanya said one afternoon to Diana when
this vam sitting in the library, teak floor, separating pamphlets. - I do
not know if I prefer still or Roger Adrian to win the election. For me, the
two say many good things.
- Because the two are good speakers.
Tanya sat on his heels.
- You think Adrian will win? - he asked.

- I'm not sure.

- Before my arrival, his chances were better?
- They were - Diana replied, embarrassed.

- But do not blame

yourself for that. These things happen.

Tanya was amazed with the control of another, but before he could
ask more questions, Emma and Tim rushed.
- Let's play? - the girl screamed. - We no longer see vo ce.
- I'm just too busy helping his uncle Adrian.
- But before you did not help my uncle.
- I promise to play with you, Saturday afternoon. If you make good
time, we can take a walk there.
- I brought a present for you. - Tim took her hand and put Tanya in
her a goldfish d ourado, more dead than alive.
- Timmy! - Tanya screamed in horror. - Where did you get this little
fish? The poor thing is almost dead! We need to put it in the water.
Tanya went to the desk, took the vase flowers and put the goldfish in
the water. At once he began to swim.
- He took the goldfish garden pond - Emma explained. - I though
said it was evil, but Tim did not ouv me go.
- It was not evil, I do not know! - Tim opened his mouth to cry.
With the presence of mind that only experience gives, Tanya took the
child in her lap, grabbed the pot and went into the pond. After playing
Goldfish in the water, she sat on the grass and fic or olhan of children

playing ball. It did not take long before the two were asked to join ae les.
Tanya agreed, laughing, and the children became increasingly enchanted
with the game, until Adrian, leaving behind a bush, picked up one of the
balls that Emma released. Tall and elegant, he walked toward them and
let the ball fall into the hand of her niece.
- A few more releases like this, Emma - he said - and will be playing
in the England team.
The two children began to ask him, screaming, to join the game and
after a slight hesitation, Adrian agreed. Thereafter, Tanya played very
bad, conscious of Adrian. He was not a little embarrassed and ran across
the lawn, looking years younger than the serious and scowling man, to
which she had become accustomed. As now he was like the boy with
whom she fell in love, so many years ago!
They stopped playing when Betty called for them, from the bedroom
window of children.
- I think Mom wants you to come to tea - Tanya said to the children,
who turned away toward the house, with obvious ill will.
Adrian sat on the edge of the pond and wiped his forehead.
- I'm out of shape. Another year without exercise and will aca fat bar
like a barrel.
- You're not that kind - Tanya said, and conscious of his proximity,
turned away and pretended to be interested in the beauty of the water, it

looked like a mirror. Adrian was still heated by exercise and the girl
could feel the heat emanating from his body.
For his part, Adrian was also aware of the presence of Tanya. She had
changed so much since his arrival! It seemed to lie it was the same thin
and badly dressed creature, who had sought a few months ago! Tanya
This was the same girl whom he ca sara: I had the same charm, the same
body of a golden brown. She was still on its side, and he peered straight
line of his nose, smooth forehead, full mouth curve, with short upper lip
and child. However, those lips had moved under his, Respond endo with
the passion of a woman.
As if he knew Adrian was watching, Tanya moved restless and full
skirt fluttered in the torn it. The dress was the same color of his eyes,
and Adrian remembered that in his honeymoon, she also wore a violet
dress. It was his first day of marriage; They had gone walking pel the
mountains and lay down in June tos, on the grass. Even without closing
his eyes, he could still feel the sweet smell and smooth it.
- I will love you all my life - had said, burying her face in the Tanya's
lap.
Looking at her now, Adrian ntiu almost irresis ible willingness to do
the same, to hug her very strong and glue your lips to hers. He blinked
and sat up quickly. What hap was weaving with him? I should be losing
self-control, to think about those things. How could he want a woman,
was another boyfriend? Of course you could ask how he could be

engaged to another woman when she still wanted the first. He shook his
head. I needed to watch, or would even make the lguma thing which
arrepen Deria later. T was very rabalhando and fatigue m uitas times led
a person to have strange thoughts as well.
Suddenly he said:
- You know that this is the first time we were alone, without
discussing?
- I am learning the art of pretending.
- Do not pretend ever, Tanya. Always I associated with honesty.
Tanya looked at him over her shoulder, unintentionally provocative,
with the sun illuminating her long lashes.
- Tell me about your parents - he asked. - You never heard of the
teacher. .. after that they take you away?
- Only I learned that Dad had died through an influential friend and
got back some of your stuff: a cigarette and a gold tie pin. - His voice
was calm, although sad. - They are the most precious things I have.
Rather mo rrer of hunger than separate myself from them.
- I'm sure we will ever have to separate them.
Tanya shrugged.
- If I sold them, I could get good money.
- You will not need money. I told you I'll take care of you.
- N not want anything, then get out of here - Tanya said firmly. - I
will get a job and take care of myself.

- You will not need to work.

- Yes I will. After leaving here, I do not want to think of you. Never.
Adrian paled.
- I did not know you hated me so much. In recent weeks, I thought
we had become friends.
- We can never be friends - Tanya responded with nection father.
This was the moment he was closer to hate him throughout his life. How
could he talk about friendship? Does Adrian thought her love for him
was as weak as had been his for her?
- When I leave here, I want to forget it completely - signed area. - If
it were possible to get amnesia, I would go to a doctor's office and ask
him to inject me the virus of amnesia. I want to get rid of you. I want to
forget that one day the en contrei.
With fluttering skirt, Tanya travessou the lawn. Adrian es perou until
she disappeared from sight, and started walking in the opposite
direction. I was so lost in thought that neither saw where he was going.
The old-time Tanya would never have blown that way with him. She
was no longer the sweet girl, with whom he had been married, but a
"spit-fire." He tried to remember how Tanya was, but Tanya's now never
left his thoughts, and the more he tried to separate the two, the harder it
became. Until suddenly he realized that the last Tanya and the present
had merged to form one wife.

And when he realized this, Adrian also found that he still loved her.
What he felt for her, eight years ago, it was the same feeling now.
His thoughts were so confused, he stopped walking, as if his mental
state had affected his physical condition. And I had it. I could see it
clearly now. Six years ago, he was so hurt when he learned that Tanya
had divorced him, he used all his rams will to get her out of his life.
Thus, stifled their physical emotions, and thought he had stopped loving
her. He was able to face her like a stranger.
But since Tanya returned to his life, his apathy eat ou to decline and
the pared and indifference that had built around himself began rui r.
Unwittingly began to respond to her presence, the beauty that ava and
kindness that emocio nava thrill. And, more than anything, he was
attracted by the new maturi ity and Esp Tanya rite. However, he had
already indoctrinated so much, he did not realize exactly what was
happening to him, until it was almost too late.
Almost, but not too late. Adrian kicked a stone out of his way and
began to walk. Before you could say what you want something to Tanya,
needed c onversar with Diana. Accredited'm outta her heart would be
broken if they do not marry, but he was moralm being forced to clarify c
oisas with her before. Only after that I could tell Tanya that he loved her.
However, having discovered that he loved her gave him not so much
as p razer had expected. The legria that the d evia be feeling out gada

estra guilt. Adrian felt guilty for being so cruel to her, and was afraid
that this cruelty had killed the love of Tanya for him.
Was it too much to expect her to love him? After all, Tanya still had
love for him as soon as arrived. He tried to analyze it behaves ment in
recent weeks, but found nothing to give him some hope, however small
it was. In contrast, the distant ways woman had increased barrier
between them. What would be the best way to destroy this barrier? If I
told you now that he loved her, she could feel that he was declaring for
convenience. Tanya was smart enough, and should have realized that he
did not love Diana deeply. Because I could think that Adrian would
rather continue with the wedding, just to not have to face the publicity
that a divorce always awake.
Bitterly, Adr ian realized it would need a lot of time and patience, to
prove his love. And as he crossed the cam pos, he swore conquer Tanya
again, no matter how much it would cost you.
Lighthearted, he returned home but when it came to his room, sat
dejected in bed. If only I could go now, as far as was Tanya and tell her
what she was feeling. But the fear of being repudiated not let him leave.
No, your first decision is that was right. Needed to act calmly.
Adrian was late for dinner, and when he entered the living room, has
found his mother and Tanya.
- It is late - Mrs. Chesterton said.
- And does it matter?

- What an extraordinary response. After all, you is it like to be

punctual in this house.
- So I need to stop this.
- After the election, it will have to be even more punctual. ..
Otherwise, you will not have time to do even half of the things you
want.
- I may not win - he said suddenly.
- Of course you will win. It's a shame that I can not figure out any A
bout scandal Poulton. It would help a lot to. ..
- I'm sure there is no scandal in his life - Adrian interrupted - and
even if there were, I do not throw hand a thing.
- I do not know why not. His agent did not think twice before
messing his name.
- This business had nothing to do with Roger. To my knowledge, he
never fought dirty, and I do not intend to be first.
Tanya heard all surprised and happy. His eyes met those of Adrian
and she smiled tenderly. He matched the smile with a sad expression,
she can not help but be confused. It was as if Adrian knew why she was
suddenly so friendly and was feeling unhappy about it.
Dura nte dinner, Tanya almost no part in the conversation. Betty
talked excitedly, and she and her mother discussed the cost of the
children's clothing and Emma should or should not go to boarding

school. Tanya had a well formed opinion about it and ended up making a
comment:
- When a child is sent out of the house, exi ste a breakdown in family
life.
- The boarding school encourages children to become independent Dick said with conviction.
- If a child is happy and loved by parents, will become inde pendent,
of course.
- But it is not always so. Betty See, for example. She's always around
the children, sufocando- them with so much love and attention. And
that's what most parents do.
- Betty is so, because it has almost nothing to do. .. - Tanya broke
off, embarrassed, but Betty did not call.
- You're right, Tanya, and Dick and I have been thinking a lot about
it lately. And now is as good a time as any to talk about this subject. He looked around the table. - We decided to put together a home.
- I thought I had taken this nonsense head, long ago - Mrs.
Chesterton angry.
- Why do you think it is foolish?
- Because you have so much privacy here as they would if they lived
alone. - Mrs.. Chest Erton looked at Tanya tastefully des. - I bet that's
your thing. J will not hurt quite Adrian, to interfere in the life of my
daughter too?

An awkward silence came over the table, but Betty what brou soon
after.
- Of course Tanya has something to do with it. Not so much for what
he said, but by being here. I realized that this is Adrian's house and that
when he marries the Dian, has the right to form a la r without the whole
family around.
- I'm sure Adrian does not think so - Mrs. Chesterton said.
- Think or not? - Betty asked her brother.
- In fact, I never thought about it - and he said, looking at Tanya
realized that'd much rather have her all to himself. - But I think you're
right. People need to have their own homes.
Betty was pleased.
- I will start looking for a house tomorrow.
- So I'll also - Mrs. Chesterton spoke coolly.
- The house is at the end of Pa rk Gates will wander in November Adrian told the mother.
- It's too big for me.
- So maybe we could increase it to us - Betty suggested and everyone
started talking about what could be done.
Tanya was glad when dinner was over and went to the living room.
There she could sit in a chair away, freeing up the proximity of Adrian.
Watching her gracefully walk the carpet, Adrian thought Tanya was
more desirable than ever and felt an urge to expel, with kisses, the

sadness that marked the line of his mouth. But he knew he had to pay for
their previous behavior. And as it was costing him dearly! I had to
pretend indifference all the time, suffocating the desire he felt for her,
nothing mani partying. Perhaps, when it had redeemed all his fault, I
could confess to Tanya how much he needed her.
With effort, Adrian resisted the urge to sit next to her and started
talking to Dick, without imagining that Tanya had inter preted his
gesture of disgust.
Adrian even supports sit next to me !, Tanya thought, full of sadness.
Then he decided to leave the room.
- Where are you going? - Betty asked.
- To my room. Pre ciso and sew some clothes. ..
- Wanna ride with me? - Adrian interrupted.
- I'm too tired.
When he reached the door, he was already there and opened it for her.
- Sure you do not want a ride? - the boy asked, in a voice so low that
no one heard. - The night is beautiful. The moon is shining and there is
not a cloud in the sky.
- A perfect night for lovers - Tanya said, unintentionally.
- It is - Adrian approached it most. - Please Tanya, come on.
- No. You are confusing their wives. Should be doing this invitation
to Diana, not for me.

He stepped back, with his face tense. Tanya walked through the door
and ran upstairs. In her room, she paced restlessly from one side to the
other. A conversation with Adrian tin ha increased their sorrow. J ogo
that he was doing, to suggest that passeassem the garden, in the
moonlight? He will wanted to take her by force? In recent months, he
thought ill of him many times, but never came to regard him as a cad.
He shook his head impatiently. Was agin's a very old-fashioned way.
It c Laro he was trying to make it easy one you tuao very difficult.
Undoubtedly thought a friendly attitude, even affectionate, would help
things to run best among them.
Adrian could suggest it, because they do not feel anything for her, but
she loved him too much to maintain a relationship like that, when he
wanted so ardently something deeper.

Chapter does X

N the morning of the next day, Tanya was at the request of Secretary
of Adrian, to the library of a city nearby, searching some statistics.
Diana, had to do some shopping there, took her car.
As they passed the main street in the red car of Diana, several people
turned to look at them, because the curiosity of the people by Adrian of

history and Tanya had not yet died. As always, Diana seemed to be
indifferent to the stares that followed. It was as if determined to prove he
did not care to talk.
- And then? - Diana asked, his voice cold. - What conclusion arrived
about me?
Tanya could not help but smile.
- I'm being so obvious like that?
- We can say that you are not much of a diplomat.
- Do you like pretenses, then?
- Usually they are needed. It's not always good to say about what
we're thinking. Sometimes the only way to be happy is not facing reality.
This was the longest sentence that Diana had told him, and Tanya felt
unable to agree with her.
- If the We do not face the reali ity, will always live a men strip. And
I thought you were not afraid of the truth.
- I was not talking about me - Diana said, surprised.
- Sorry. You spoke with such feeling, I thought he was talking about
herself.
They continued for some time in silence, until Diana spoke again:
- I think it's understandable curiosity to my respe ito. Afi nal, Adrian
asked me to marry. ..
- It is - Tanya replied with dignity. - I wonder what he found in you
did not find me.

- I was here. .. and you do not.

- You are also very beautiful - Tanya said with effort.
Diana made a gesture of disregard.
- My appearance has not n ada to do. I think Adrian wanted his
second marriage require less of it.
- I never demanded anything from him - Tanya said coolly.
- I do not think I explained myself well - Diana spoke, Faster you. He wanted a wedding that requires less of it emotionally. - The blue eyes
were thoughtful. - You can not deny that is very sentimental, Tanya.
- I feel things intensely - Tanya agreed - but you also feel.
- You really likes to analyze people, huh? It should be a habit of his
people.
Tanya stared at that sentence of Diana as a signal to end that kind of
talk and was quiet. Only they returned to talk when the girl parked the
car in front of the city market.
- How long will you stay in the library? - Diana asked.
- About two hours.
- So let's meet at the Caf Procters, about eleven o'clock.
Tanya shook her head.
- I can bear the climate of England, but the coffee is served in British
restaurants, ever!
Diana laughed.
- Okay, so, we'll meet here.

It was noon when they co mearam the trip back, color laughing so
much that the fields merged in a green blur. L was incrve as Diana
drove well. Looking at his serious face again Tanya sus Peitou that the
girl should have ntimentos deeper than he let on.
- I'm not driving too fast for you, am I? - Diana asked.
- No no. You are a very good driver. He drives like a man.
- I hope that's a compliment.
- Of course it is. You do well everything. Never allow your emotions
to get in the way.
- It's fun when. .. - She stopped talking when the car jumped up,
walked a few meters and then stopped. Diana tried to give the game
several times, but the engine refused to take. After a while, he left the
carr him and went to look at the engine.
Tanya decided to leave as well and joined another.
- You know what's wrong?
- I think not. - Diana leaned more on the engine. When straightened,
was an oil slick on his nose and hair hanging over her face. - I do not
see anything loose, and the wires seem in order.
- Perhaps out of gas.
- The tank was full, when I left home. - He went back into the car
and turned the key in the ignition. - You're right. The pointer is still ind
hoisting the tank is full. .. which it is impossible. We have rolled

enough. We might have to stay here, if not we fix more gasoline. I'll
walk up that post back. It's not far.
- I will - Tanya offered. - You better stay with the car.
After Tanya left, Diana closed the hood and decided to wait outside
the car. It was very hot and she lifted her face to the sun, eyes closed.
- What a strange place for someone to take a nap - a voice said
behind her.
It was the voice that haunted her in her dreams. The girl sat up
quickly and looked at Roger.
- I was out of gas - said coldly, and waited for him to start laughing.
But instead, he stared at her with sympathy.
- The indicator of gasoline broke?
Grateful that Roger not have thought she had forgotten to fill the tank,
which was what most men would have thought, Diana agreed.
- I'm going to a place near here, get some - Roger offered.
- Tanya once was.
- In this case, I will keep you company until she gets back.
- Thank you, but no rushes isa worry. 'm Sen Tindo well alone.
- Alone and untouched.
Furious, Diana turned her back on him. Evil had just done so when
Roger grabbed her and made them turned back to him. The girl was
surprised to see that the boy was not angry, just confused.
- Why are we always fighting, Diana? Previously, we were not so!

- When we were kids you were always polite.

- I could not keep a perfect kid forever - Roger said hoarsely, and
brutally pulled her to his chest, pressing his mouth to hers.
There was tenderness in his kiss, only passion, and she struggled to
get free. But he held her tighter, making impossible the slightest
movement.
- Do not fight me - warned hoarsely. - I'm too strong for you.
- It is iff way it treats women. .. by force?
- It is the only way to treat you. - His mouth pressed her again. Kiss me too, I release him - he spoke baixi mance. - To do this, I will
continue my prisoner.
Knowing that Roger was quite capable of doing what he was saying
Diana raised her head and closed her eyes, showing clearly, with that
gesture, that he had better finish once with it.
- Oh no. So, no. I want you to know exactly who is kissing.
Diana opened her eyes.
- And I think I need to be with open eyes, to know? - He asked
aggressively.
- Maybe not - he said, holding his mouth again with his.
Because he had promised not resist, Diana stood still and the strength
with which he held, d iminuiu. One of his hands or slip gently to the
waist of the girl, while the other stroked the early round of her breasts.
Diana shivered, aware that it was not repulsed. His body was completely

out of control and the muscles moved as if tives without own will, corre
pending on the demands of his body. If us kisses became more pro
funds, as his desire grew. Until that moment, Diana never knew what
was to be desired with so much violence and abandonment, let alone that
could deliver this desire so savagely. She shoved his hands under his
shirt, aca riciando with the fingertips skin soft and the hair matted on
Roger's chest. The fact that she know how excited him made her desire
for him even more.
It was the sound of an approaching car that f z that vol tassem to
reality, and I separate Roger u lips of Diana in bora made no gesture to
release it.
- Only when talk is that irritate each other - he whispered.
- I do not see more than there is. - Diana's voice was weak, but she
was relieved to at least be able to talk the normal mind, when each of u
body molecule still wanted, insane mind, continue in his arms. - You're
an attractive man and me. ..
- Do not tell me that's all. You are not the kind that excites anyone. He paused, then continued: - You querend what I make love to you. US.
- You have in high regard, is not it?
- You also have me.
In response, she raised her hand and slapped him in the face. The
sound of the slap was biting, but not sharper than the look he gave her
when Roger took a step back, with the mark of his fingers on his face.

- You did not tell me that slap a man's face was something cheap
novel?
- Perhaps a man for nothing can only catch a cheap gesture - Diana
replied icily, and with his face expressionless watched him go away.
Trembling, the girl entered the ro car and laid her head in dire tion. It
was so until Tanya's steps approaching.
With a look at the face of Diana, Tanya realized that something had
happened to the girl in his absence. But he did not need to ask anything,
because he had met with Roger on the way back and the mouth of az rap
was all stained with lipstick. Tanya silently watched Diana fill the tank
to start and get out on the dire tion of Park Gates.
- I found Roger - Tanya whispered.
- Me too. He. .. he offered to go get some gasoline.
Tanya waited, and as the other c ontinuou quiet, said abruptly mind:
- I know you will find bad I make you this question, but. .. You love
Adrian?
A long time passed before Diana responding coldly.
- Of course yes. I agreed to marry him.
- I think I should have used the word passion. Nection father feels for
him?
- Actually, Tanya! - Diana did not try to hide his irritation. - I better
stop this conversation. After all, you're still his wife.
- Within a few weeks he will be free to marry you and. ..

- Please say no more. - A rabbit crossed the road and color laughing
the girl pushed the brake.
Tanya had forgotten to put the seat belt, and almost hit his head on
the glass.
- Sorry - Diana said quickly. - I had to avoid killing the poor thing.
They continued their journey in silence. Tanya exami nou, disguised
mind, unkempt hair and a trembling mouth of another.
- Vo u intrude again - whispered - but I think Roger is in love with
you.
- Tanya! - Diana screamed. - Would you please be quiet? Roger and
I did not feel anything for each other. He and Adrian have been part of
my life since I can remember, but with Adrian that I'm getting married.
Now, if you do not want me to stop the car and make it go walking to
Park Gates, it is better change the subject.
- Let's talk about the weather, then - Tanya said. - I think it will not
be able to disagree.
In the days that followed, Diana avoided being alone with Tanya, but
gradually his casual friendship returned. As if to bring that we were not
resentful, the English girl talked a lot about his past and herself. His
childhood was not easy, because after her mother's death was sent to a
boarding school and only came home on vacation. Even ssim, it was
always with tapirs govern.

- You have received much attention - Tanya said one day - but little
affection.
- My father was never a very outgoing man. But he feels things
intensely. He is very proud of his family and he inherited. Until a few
years ago, he used to visit all our relatives, no matter where they lived.
- Who will inherit his title?
- A cousin who lives in Scotland.
- I think he must have the Will not much liked the fact that you are
woman.
- I did not like. - He took a stack of pamphlets, which were on the
desk. - I begin to garner votes at five. I better get going.
Tanya knew that Diana still had plenty of time, and was just using it
with the excuse to end the co nversa.
- I'm glad you do not have to do this. I hate talking to strangers.
- Talk to them is nothing - the other replied. - The hard part is when
they hit the door in the face of people.
Tanya was still laughing when Diana came out. Once she was alone,
she began to think about the conve rsa they had. Does garo ta really
wanted to be born man so concealed his tender nature under a cold
appearance? She did not know Lord Biddell, but knew he was a difficult
man to live with, and it had a lot worse with their illness.
I was still thinking of Diana, when Mrs. Chesterton entered.

- Ah, there you are, Tanya - the woman said, so deza Gentle, Tanya
began to wonder if she also thought, as her son, who was not a bad idea
to take the ca cessing forward. By me in to the Adrian political stabilize.
- I just talked to Lord Biddell - Mrs. Chesterton continued. - It was the
case in Harrogate, and only came home last night. He invited us to
dinner tomorrow.
Tanya considered.
- I'm also included in the invitation?
- Naturally. You are the wife of Adrian.
- It turns out that Diana is his fiancee.
Mrs.. Chesterton laughed, slightly embarrassed.
- At the moment you are the wife of Adrian and all of us. .. we all
expect it to be so treated.
- I guess I would not want to dine with Lord Biddell.
- Do not be silly, girl. It is an important link ep man and Adrian you
need. ..
- Okay - Tanya interrupted. - I'll.
- Use one of their long dresses them, my dear. And in daque les light
tones, that both enjoy. They look great on you.
- You want Lord Biddell see that Adrian has always had good taste?
- Tanya asked.
- Well, he always had, right? - And with that, Mrs. Chesterton
withdrew.

Tanya hoped Adrian comment on something with her, over the dinner
at Lord Biddell. But that night, he went out c edo's house, to speak at a
rally in one of the neighboring cities. And the next day also did not say
anything. Tanya decided then that if he did not feel embarrassed to take
his wife to dinner at the home of his future father in law, it is not going
to feel.
That night Tan ya dressed very carefully and, when looked in the
mirror, was more than satisfied with their appearance. One of the first
things that Adrian did, soon after the presents it all as his wife was
giving him d oney to increase its guar from close range. When they
protested against the luxury and the amount of dresses, Mrs. Chesterton
made to shut up quickly, saying that Adrian's wife could not go on like a
refugee.
Well, no one would take her for a refugee now. The round and
flowing skirt, silk amethyst, gave more time to her slender figure,
wrapping her thin little waist and falling to the ground in soft pleats. A
pink organdy blouse, low neckline and long, full sleeves, completing his
toilet, n a mixture of innocence and sin sualidade that matched his
personality.
There was no one in the living room when Tanya came down, and she
decided to go to the garden. I was about to leave, when he saw Adrian
next to the stairs and before he could retreat, he turned and saw her.

- I'm glad you came down early! I wanted to talk to you. - He

walked toward her, narrowing his blue eyes to see the beautiful picture
she formed. - You look good in that dress. I had not yet seen him.
- His mother bought it for m im, last week.
- You have the perfect type to use these fluttering skirts, fine fabrics.
You should never wear heavy clothes.
- In any case, the heavy clothes are out of style - she said, refusing to
take his comment as a compliment.
- A beautiful woman can make your own fashion - Adrian replied
and, with his hands in the pockets of his tuxedo, he continued to admire
her.
Resolutely, Tanya refused to be thrilled with the expres are his eyes.
But though still firmly looking at her husband's face was tremendously
aware of the shoulders home gos and stiff hips; the proud tilt of the head
smoothed by the sensitive curve of the mouth; the nut jaw line; the thin,
long hands, which had already held and cuddled her. But it was crazy to
think of him in such an intimate way! Tanya would like to be able to
control your imagination as easily as contro lava words saying.
- I wanted to tell you about Diana's father - Adrian interrom peu your
thoughts. - He knows about us ...
- If you prefer that I not go with you, not to impose me to stay.
- Of course you should come with us. You are my wife.
- Not in reality.

- This is something on which we need to talk. J will make time es tou

postponing this conversation, but. ..
But Tanya would never know what he might say, as Mrs. Chesterton
entered the room with royal pose, wearing a red brocade dress, followed
by Betty and Dick.
- Ten minutes later they were in the house of Lord Biddell, built in
style Queen Anne, whose magnificent appearance matched the splendid
furniture. Looking at the hall decorated with dark wood paneling and
elegant living room, Tanya began to understand a little more the
personality of Diana. As was true the phrase saying that no one knows a
person to see that in your own home, he thought, watching the girl,
elegantly dressed in black, come forward to greet the l.
But if Diana matched aquatic environment him, this is not hap wove
with his father, a big, stocky man with harsh and rude features, that
seemed made machad adas. His eyes were the color of months ma
daughter, but much more penetrating, and when he looked at her, Tanya
felt as if he were seeing their midst.
- Now I know why Adrian married you - he said. - It is a beautiful
filly.
In the embarrassed silence that followed, and during which he was the
only person who was at ease, Lord Biddell engaged with a tray of
appetizers, angry murmur walk when not conse Guiu find the ice.

- I swear I'll lay off Tompkins, if he does not improve. - Vi rou to her
daughter. - Ask ice!
Quickly, Diana left the room. Tanya looked surprised for your host.
Does he always spoke with her daughter like that? And the daughter? He
will always obeyed so docile? No one seemed to find nothing strange
and she began to wonder if he was not being very sensitive. But in the
course of the night, he decided it was not because the man continued to
treat Diana like a child. Not only ordered the crooked and straight to her
daughter, as interr om peu several times when she was talking about.
Once, when she made a gesture as if to interrom p him, he raised his
hand and orde nou him to shut up.
Inevitably, the election is over as topic of conversation.
- You do not have to worry about, boy - Lord Biddell said sincerely.
- The people of field still has enough judgment to vote for you, not that
opportunistic Poulton.
Tanya glanced at Diana, but the girl continued to eat as if his father
had not said anything.
But rovniana was made of other material and, putting his fork, he said
to his host:
- Why do you call mr. Opportunist Poulton?
- Because it is. I would put the entire Poulton family out of this
country, the kicks.
Tanya could not control.

- You forgot that the father of Roger fought for this country and died
in Ireland? Or you no longer have any value?
- Of course it has.

- Lord Biddell continued cutting the meat,

unperturbed. - I did not say they are a family of cowards, only that they
should be expelled.
- Just why and les not think like you?
Just at that moment Lord Biddell seemed to notice the kind of
comments she was doing, and fixed her with his hard stare.
- You should not go around defending the rival of her husband, girl.
It's not pretty, you know?
- In my country, we do not consider beautiful attack a man when he
is not present to defend himself.
Mrs.. Chesterton gasped, and Betty and Diana continued to gaze fixed
mind their plates. Only Adrian looked directly mind to Tanya, holding
the cup of the foot so hard that his knuckles were white. But when he
spoke, his voice was calm.
- Lord Biddell was not saying exactly what you heard. When know
better, you'll understand what I'm saying.
- Adrian is right. - The old Lord laughed. - Always expressed my op
inies a very strong way. It's the only thing I can be strong.
The awkward moment passed and Tanya vowed never to act im
petuosamente.

When dinner was over, the men remained on the table, with its port
wine glasses. Mrs.. Chesterton and Betty were straight car makeup,
leaving Tanya and Diana alone in the living room.
- I hope you have not been annoyed with my father - Diana
murmured.
- What he said did not bother me as much as the fact you do not have
defended Roger.
- And why should I defend Roger? Still insists that ridiculous idea
that I love him?
- Let's let love out of it. Just let us remember that you are his friend.
- Roger and I are no longer friends - Diana said flatly.
- That's why you let him kiss her, that day when the car stopped on
the road?
- I could not help it. Roger forced me. He's always doing things like
that.
- So Roger is always doing things like that? And you have the
courage to say he did not love her?
For a moment Diana ran out K EY WORDS p, but then its intelli
gence helped.
- You said that love has nothing to do with passion. And that's what
Roger feels for me. Passion.
- And love - Tanya completed.
- No! Roger is a manly man and if nte attraction to a girl he. ..

- What nonsense are you saying? You can not find Roger go around
kissing every attractive woman he sees. No matter what you say, you are
not so foolish as to think that's true! Or is such a snob, which is not able
to admit how you feel about it?
- I feel nothing for him. - Diana rose to his feet from the chair she
was sitting on and walked to the other side of the room. Pretended to
pack a pillow, then he continued: - I do not feel anything for Roger, and
I wish v ou stop talking about it. If not, I'll start to think you are trying to
create a romance between purpose of us, to stay with Adrian.
Tanya winced visibly, but refused to admit he was wrong.
- I will never do anything to win Adrian again, and keep everything I
said about Roge r. You may not love. .. I will not discuss this, but he
loves her. I'm sure.
Diana opened her mouth, but before he could speak, Mrs.. Ches terton
and Betty entered, followed by the men. Lord Biddell was in a great
mood, and suggested a game of bridge.
- You play? - He asked Tanya.
- No.
- Then Diana and I'll play with Adrian and Mrs Chesterton. Betty and
Dick are just beginners.
- Rather not play tonight - Diana said. - I have a headache.
- It will do you good play.
- But I do not want.

Lord Biddell blushed, and Betty des Viou the attention of others ing
arranges the chairs torn the bridge table and offering to play in place of
Diana.
- Let me play - asked sharply. - My bridge greatly improved.
Then the game started and Diana and Dick sat with Tanya across the
room, trying to teach her how to play the hole. But Tanya could not
concentrate on the cards. I had noticed the attempt to Diana resist the
father and although the revolt was weak, I wonder if he had any hidden
reason.
- Pay attention to the game, Tanya - Dick said. - J will lost two
baskets.
Smiling guiltily, Tanya concentrated on the cards, but then his
thoughts turned aside again, this time to Adrian. As he combined well
with this grand mansion! He was Lord Biddell with the right mix of
respect and good humor, and no doubt would be a brave son in law. And
Lord BIDD ell, with its immense wealth and illustrious me, would be a
great gro so. Yes, Adrian and Diana were destined to get married, and
neither she nor Roger could prevent the l.
Feeling completely miserable, Tanya decided to concentrate on the
cards in his hand. He got ma ravilhada with his own capa ity pretending
int eresse in the game when all he wanted was to run away and hide.

Capi TITLE XI

It was not always that Roger was angry with his family. It had been
so long since I used to Job har with a lot of people in torn his, who had
grown accustomed to not let it affect your concentration. But that night,
the endless chatter of his brethren angered so much that had to esf
budget not to give a slap on Brian, the loudest of all.
Fortunately, Mrs. Poulton always tell when things Were Sleeping am
getting very difficult to AGU entar to his eldest son and, with a few firm
words, took away all the room. Then down the radio volume, poured
another cup of tea and pushed it across the table.
- Drink while it's hot - he said. - It will do you good.
Roger smiled tired and obeyed.
- We had a hard day, my son?
- I've had some worse. Adrian is struggling with value. The match
will be tough.
- I still think you'll win.
- Mother's words. - The doorbell rang and he groaned. - I do not
want to see anyone tonight. Nda up and arrange an excuse which wants
to please.
Meekly, her mother agreed, but when he returned to the room, was
not alone and Roger jumped up when he saw who accom panhava.

- What are you doing here? - He asked rudely.

- Roger! - Mrs. Poulton u speak before Diana could do the l. - What
a way to talk to a visit! - He turned to the girl. - Do not mind him. He is
tired.
- No FIQ ue making excuses for my bad humor, mother - Roger said,
sourly. - I'm sure that Diana did not expect me to be polite.
Mrs.. Poulton left, closing the door behind her, and Roger pointed out
a chair for Diana.
- My mother is certain - he said hesitantly. - I get a horrible mood,
when I'm tired. Sorry.
- It was nothing. In fact, who should I apologize me. That's why I
came.
- Apologize? Why?
- Because I slapped you that day.
For som s moments, Roger seemed to be embarrassed, then grinned.
- I think I deserved.
- I know I deserved - she said coolly. - But a bad deed does not
justify another.
- Did not you say come here to apologize? - Roger asked wryly.
- I said, but you always annoys me, and I end up losing pa science.
- At least it shows that you are human. - He pulled a chair and sat
down at the knight, facing her. - Until you hit me that day always found
calm and cool as a sphinx.

- And it's wrong to be calm?

- Only when the person starts to become too cold.
Diana held her breath.
- You do not mince words, right?
- It's my problem. I always speak before thinking.
- It's a habit that was missed. This could affect his political career.
- You are absolutely right - he teased. - Maybe I'm in need of a wife,
to cure me of my bad habits and turn me into a gentleman. Not to apply
for the job?
- Even if he wanted, I would not succeed. It takes great ability and
willingness to work as a chore.
- You also have not mince words - said, shaking his chair back and
forth. - This scam was very low.
- I think none of us are concerned about the place that blows our
reach. Our co nversas always end in verda deiras wrestling.
- Guilt is both my as its - Roger responded generously. - Stay awhile
and have a cup of tea. Just to prove that we can talk without fighting.
- I can not. Santa is waiting for me for dinner.
Roger raised his eyebrows, already angry.
- Have you thought about disobey him? Or afraid?
- Fear of what?
- To be independent.

- If I wanted to be independent, could s er. But it turns out that I

prefer to do what my father wants.
- Why?
- Because I owe you that.
- You owe him that? What do you mean? - He was perplexed.
- I owe obedience and. .. - He hesitated. - Obedience and love. I am
all that Dad has. If he had othe children. .. If he had a son. ..
- My God! It seems that you are in need of a psychologist. - Roger's
tone was that of one who could not believe his ears. - Do not tell me you
have guilt complex, for not having been born a man?
- Is it so hard to vo ce, understand? Can not ima ginar like Dad felt
when he discovered that my mother could not have more children after I
was born? He wanted desperately to have a child. .. to inherit his title.
- The title will not go away - Ro ger said, still amazed. - I can not
understand that his feeling. It's so out of our time.
- It's because you were educated differently than I was. Even to me,
it's natural to feel it. It is logical.
- It is not logical - he corrected. - It's an emotional way to feel.
- At least you admit that I am able to feel emotions.
Roger's eyes landed on her mouth and she knew right away that he
was remembering how he had reacted to his kisses. Diana examined
quickly, seeing how much was spent and how his face was pale and

marked by lines of tires Office. Does your hair had always been so
rebellious? That wanted to run his fingers through them. ..
Suddenly, Diana stopped thinking, sorry to have followed the urge to
come up there. Tanya is that was the culprit. Tanya is he was trying to
make her fall in love with someone else, and let Adrian. However, Diana
had never loved Adrian. He was never able to excite her as Roger did.
Eat your heart ou to pound, and Diana was afraid that Roger saw the
artery pulsing in his neck.
- I must go - whispered.
Silently, he walked her to her car.
- He never wanted to fight for something that accredited tasse? - he
asked, as she sat behind the wheel.
- To date, no. But now I decided to fight for something.
- I know for what?
- My freedom - Diana replied slowly. - The di Reito to do exactly
what I want.
There was so much sadness in his eyes, that Roger felt a Huge will
and get her out of the car and hold l. I was making so much effort to
control himself, that when he spoke his voice was hoarse and rough.
- If you really want your freedom, you should fight for it.
- No read gar who I might hurt?
- You can not make an omelet without breaking eggs.

- I hate omelets - and said angrily, stepping hard on the accelerator,

he went away.
With a sense of futility, which rarely happened to him, Roger went to
his room, the only place where he could stay without being disturbed.
See Diana was becoming an increasing torment and he regretted the day
he had kissed her for the first time. So far, he had not yet discovered
why he had done it. I only knew that when Diana walked toward him,
there in the woods, slender and indifferent, had felt as excited as a
teenager. It'd be surprised if he found out that since I was a boy, he was
already lost in love with her.
- But now, no - Roger murmured. - I have better things to do than
waste my life wanting a woman who is afraid to admit that sympathizes
with me.
Squaring her shoulders in a gesture fight your canvasser would love
to have seen, Roger went to his office. I had many things to do, and
maybe at work found some peace.
The next morning, Tanya was the way to town when he saw Roger
out of the mail. They were not since the night he had gone to his house, l
tell he that his identity outside des covered. I was wondering whether to
evi're him, when he saw her and cami has emphasized to her. Up close,
Roger looked pretty tired: his face was full of worry lines and hands
shuffled restless with a lot of brochures.
- Long time no see her - I said.

- I've been very busy.

- Ensuring the victory of Adrian? - She blushed and he put his hand
on his arm. - Sorry, Tanya. I spoke without thinking. Let's have a
coffee?
- You think it does not matter us to be seen together?
- And if he had? You me is more important as a friend than a
political career.
Tanya accompanied him to a nearby bar, where they had already been
a the time. After the clear liquid that English is called coffee was placed
in front of them began to examine his face.
- You are not looking good. Roger. It is because of D iana?
- What does she have to do with it?
- Vo ce in love with her. I. ..
- For the love of God! - he exploded. - Will you stop this m artrio?
- You and Diana who are torturing.
- Do not tell me that spoke to her lice. - Ro ger was furi oso. - Damn,
Tanya. You need to stop interfering in the lives of others.
- All right. - Tanya looked ahead, unblinking. - Continue fin gindo.
You and Diana. Life is so short and meaningless, not t in importance if
they pass it represents.
- No -. His voice sounded distressed. - You know I do not believe it.
But. .. - He shook his head. What good c ontinue LUT walk with her
feelings? Of course I loved Diana. And I love her all his life. - You're

right. But what good is that to me? Diana and I can never be happy
together.
The beautiful Tanya's eyes filled with tears.
- You must try. Diana loves him too. He never admitted it to me, but
I know.
- You're wrong, it is a worthy daughter of Lord Biddell. Even q ue iff
like me. ..
- She loves him.
- But he loves even more her father.
- Perhaps the love as much as you - Ta nya granted - but no more.
That's why you need to show her the way.
- Show her the way?
- Tell him how you feel.
- Still, she never f aria something that could abor recer father.
- I asked you to marry vo ce?
- Are you crazy?
- So whatever Diana let the father? She is waiting for her to ask in
marriage?
- You want me to make a fool of himself? And you know as well as I
that unless Diana decided to face Lord Biddell, we would never have a
chance to be happy.
- You need to give you a reason to face his father.
- I have no intention of making the first move.

Tanya raised his hands to the sky

- You're stubborn as a mule! You pr Ecisa make the first move. .. she
rushes isa make the first move. .. Nun ca heard both moving with all
stopped world. - Tilted if nou to him. - If you encourage a little Diana. ..
the suficient and for her to know what is in your p ensamentos, I'm sure
she will find the courage to face his father.
- I can not talk to Diana. She would laugh in my face.
- Poor little boy! - Tanya teased, being cruel for the first time since
she had known. - I had not realized the quant you are a coward.
Roger's face was as red as his hair.
- Let ess and matter aside - said tensely.
Tanya agreed.
- I will not have breakfast. He is too weak.
- Me neither. - He left some coins on the table left with her coffee.
- Still friends? - Tanya asked, his voice abafad a.
Without hesitation, he held his shoulders.
- Always, Tanya, always.

Chapter does XII

- Diana, where are you?

The voice of Lord Biddell resounded so loudly in the hall, the heads
of v eados, which decorated the walls, seemed to shudder.
The girl, who was at the front door, turned to his father.
- That is, Dad?
- Come to the library. I need to talk to you.
- I'm already output. Can not you wait?
- No you can not - the father shouted. - Come here.
Shrugging, she obeyed. Lord Biddell was sitting behind an oak desk,
massive, with a cigar in bo ca. It seemed that nothing in the world could
sweep the expression sa tisfao your face rude features.
- I hear you're walking with that guy Poulton - entered firm in the
matter. - Is it true?
- No, it's not.
- Someone saw you coming out of his house.
- I went to see him - she replied. - But that does not mean I'm going
with him.
- Well, whatever it is, I do not want to know. You heard?
- It is impossible not to hear it, with you screaming like that.
The father was surprised.
- What's with you, young lady? It has changed a lot, about time's
here.
- Maybe I'm growing.
- Growing up? What nonsense is this? Already a grown girl.

- I am master of surprise have realized.

- Not fa a de smartass with me. If I. .. - he interrom peu when the
housekeeper came in, carrying a huge bouquet of long-stemmed roses
and a bunch of violets. - What the hell is that?
- These are for Miss. Diana, sir.
Looking surprise to his father, Diana took the flowers and pulled out
an envelope the card attached to the bouquet.
"Do not be like violets, which grow best in the shade, m the like
roses, which are open to the warmth of the sun."
Below the message, it was the signing of Roger. Diana's faces showed
up stained, as she headed for the door.
- Who sent these flowers? - the father shouted behind her.
- Roger Poulton.
- And he r, sending flowers to you?
- Why should he not have? It's one of my friends.
- You do not get to him in year's! - Lord Biddell growl u. - Is that
foreign girl who's making you think that. The wife of Adrian. I am
always be that nothing good could come out of To him marriage.
- And why should not I be friends with Roger? - Diana blow u. - I've
known him since childhood and he's very intelligent.
- I know he's smart. J will hear one or two of his s speech. The boy
knows how to convince people that their view is right. .. even if it is

wrong. But intelligence is not everything, min ha expensive, and need to

stop seeing the l.
- I have not seen him.
- Why not? Did you go to his house!
- Well, I. .. - Diana could never tell verda of his father, and was
forced to lie. - I used to go there when er and the child. .. And I wanted
to see him again.
- For what? You are no longer a child. She is a woman and should
behave as such.
- I would like you to treat me as a woman. Unhappy mind, always
treats me as if I fo iff a child. Keeps telling me what to do, what I wear,
who I see. - His vo z was muffled by tears. - At same is with whom I
married.
- Things have changed it. .. I think Adrian ended up falling in love
again by his wife.
- Lucky for him if he fell in love. He'd be a fool if mandass and
away.
- Now I'm sure you're crazy.
- Why? Why I do not intend to marry Adrian?
- Because of Poulton?

- father roared. - Do not tell me that

adventurous mean anything to you!

- It means everything! - Diana and stava so angry that perce evil beu
what he was saying. - And the the call adventurous. I love him, you
know? I love him.
A long silence fell between them. It was hard to tell who was
surprised ma is: Diana or father. But Lord Biddell recovered prim eiro
and when he spoke, his voice was almost gentle.
- You know what you're saying, Diana?
-. I .. I did not know. I did not know until the time when the said murmured. - So far, I. .. I m ne knew it was true.
- Of course it's not true! - Lord Biddell leaned on cade anger, trying
to look like a kindly uncle. - Is exhausted, young lady. And iff all the
Adrian thing is left like that. And of course youre is proud and do not
want to admit you're hurt.
- I am not hurt because of Adrian. Now I do not ca saria with him,
even if he was free. I do not love. I never loved.
- Maybe yes, maybe not. But this is not the couple time to solve it.
All I want now is to get you to see lte to normal. Maybe you should take
a cruise. .. Go to America or the Bahamas. You'll feel much better after
changing am ronment.
- J will'm feeling much better. For the first time in life, if io I want, if
m no one need tell me.
- I just want the best for you - his father continued. - You're like a
son to me. ..

- That's wrong, Dad. I'm not a child and I can never be. And iff is
that it was always the problem. I tried to be the son that you n unca had
and because of that, I failed as a woman. We both paragraphs were
deceiving and we must stop it. I can not charge your nom and forever,
and even if I give him a grandson, it can not car watering it, too.
The face of Lord Biddell torn or darkened.
- And you expect me ta sin cheerful with a grandson nickname and
Poulton?
He passed a mo ment, Diana before responding.
- Ca nun thought about it until now, but. .. why not?
- This guy to love? - Lord Biddell asked suddenly.
- And why should he? I never encouraged him.
- Men like Roger Poulton not need encouragement. - He saw the
gleam in her eyes and continued quickly: - From m enos, he has more
sense than you. S abe what his place, even if you do not know q ue.
- We all have a place in the world - Diana said angry - and you're no
more important than anyone else.
Without giving the parent a chance to answer, he opened the door and
ran. Leaving the bouquet on top of one of the tables h all, with the mind
in a jumble, he opened the door of the house and eat ou walking
through the woods. Only when he saw the gates of Park Gat es, it is that
he realized he had gone looking for Tanya.

Tanya was the only person with whom he could speak freely. Tan ya
was the only one who realized his true q vidual felt ments before herself
know that. Breathless, Diana stopped in front of the door of the house at
the time Tanya and Adrian went out.
- Hi - Adrian said. - I will do a rally in Little With p ton. Want to
come along?
- I can not. - He looked at Tanya. - Goes with it?
- I will. I was wanting to talk to me?
- We can not take - Adrian interrupted. - Already estam the arrears.
- I'll call you as soon as I get back - Tanya said.
- D o not know if I'll be home. I better call you.
Diana walked across the lawn toward the shortcut that you used
geralmen, when he came from his home. Tanya watched her until she
sumi r in the woods, then he turned to Adrian.
- I have cert eza that something is very wrong. I think qu and I stay
and talk to Diana.
- Now there's more. Diana should already be far away.
They went to the site of the rally in silence, and Tanya could only u
forget Diana and watch her husband when u sit behind him on the
platform. Adrian was very pale, and she realizes u he had also noticed
the hostility of the audience. That would be r a very tough rally.
Tanya was worse than expected. Adrian could only speak po r a few
minutes, before being stopped screaming. He did his best to control the

service and when the cry rose, looked toward Tanya. She knew Adrian
was waiting for her signal to leave, but es tava determined not to let her
husband escape criticism. If he really believed what he was saying, I
would find the strength to convince the people of his sincerity. Did a
very fast and light nod, the boy straightened his shoulders and turned to
face the audience.
The talk continued, but Adrian raised his voice and then some people
co mearam to watch what he said. Gradually, the atmosphere changed
and he could bounce ideas and be heard.
The applause he received when he finished, one mei offset the start
time. As they were leaving, Adrian grabbed Tanya's arm.
- Thank you for making me stay. I would have gone, if you were not
with me.
It was the first time that Adrian recognized that his presence est ava
helping, and Tanya was the angry with herself because of tern ura she
felt for him.
- I am happy to serve the l.
- I guess I should not use that word.
Tanya did not respond and Adrian dropped his arm. On the way igh
vo, he was more distant than ever, responding to their rguntas Standing
kindness, but coolly. After some time, T anya was silent. Was glad only
missing two days p ara the election. After that, he would be free to leave,
free to air becoming rancid Adrian of his life, forever.

When they entered the house, missing more than an hour for dinner
and T anya stopped at the hall.
- I think I'll see Diana - she said.
- If he had said before, I Poderi to have left you there. Wait a minute,
I'll take it.
- No need. I am looking to take a walk.
Their eyes met across the hall. The it were serious, and his lips were
pressed together in such a fine line, Tanya thought he fos losing control.
Then, with a shrug, Adrian turned and entered the library.
Refusing to think of it, he went to Diana's house.
- Miss. Diana is not at home - the girl who answered the door said. Lord Biddell is also waiting for her.
- It is you, Diana?
Tanya jumped when the voice of Lord Biddell echoed in the hall and
the man appeared, leaning on a stick.
- Ah, it is the wife of Adrian. Come in, come. I thought it was Diana.
D o not know where this girl can be. Already spent a lot of time already
ntar. She never arrived so late.
- You know where she was?
- No. My daughter left here crying like a washerwoman, but not will
say where he was going. It's getting very independent.
- At least she is showing that has a will.
- I think I owe it to you, right?

- I never told su daughter how he should behave.

- But he has given examples. I do not know what is happening! Is
everyone crazy! Well, since you're here, do not you have dinner with
me?
- I'm sorry, but I can not. They're waiting for me in Pa rk Gates.
- So you better go - Lord Biddell said, acompanhand oa to the door if not all going late dinner.
Tanya could not help but smile and was surprised when he Retriever
uted your smile.
- I wish Diana had some of his clearance and independence.
- Just now Mr. di iff she was very indepen dent and that you did not
like it.
- I hate to remind me what I said. That's the problem co m women
always remember what we said.
Tanya could not help but laugh. In small doses, Lord BIDD ell until it
was fun! But she understood why Diana had tan to his fear and also why,
lly thin, eventually rebelling against his father.
The family was already seated at the table when it came to Park
Gates. Quickly sat next to Adrian, and was grateful when and le asked
him if he had seen Diana. After dinner, when enca minhavam into the
living room, p ara coffee, he stayed t ha s, clearly showing that wanted
to talk to Tanya alone.
- Diana managed to find?

- She was not at home and the father did not know where could this r.
- Do you think they fight?
- I'm sure. I wish I had not gone to the rally. Diana Were Sleeping
need to talk to me.
- It's silly you feel guilty. And I think that is preocupad to wonder.
Diana is not the type to do foolish things. Es're probably annoyed for
having uncontrolled and was calm talking co m any friend. I'm sure it
will soon come home.
There was logic in that Adrian was saying and Tanya u agree with
him.
- I think you're right.
- It is the first time I admit I can be right in someone bad thing.
There was no humor in Adrian's voice, only a bitterness she could n
will understand. What right el and had to be bitter when she is who was
suffering, it is that out wrong?
- I go to my room, Adrian. I do not want coffee.
Adrian accompanied by the beginning of the stairs.
- I will not let that keep running away from me, Tanya. S afraid to
talk about many things, but we will leave the ISS until after the election.
Tanya agreed and went Esca of. I had no intention of disc utir
anything with Adrian, either before or after the election. But if d issesse
it now would precipitate an argument, and she was already at the end of
his patience. When not needed it most there would pack up and go away.

Chapter does XIII

The sun entering the room through the curtains Tanya awoke the next
morning. Before dressing, called Lord Biddell. But Diana had not
returned, and no one knew it.
- You talked to the police?
- No - he shouted. - Diana left a bad mood home, and will come
back when you have calmed down. I know my daughter.
Tanya had to control not to tell you that, according to him, Diana had
never done it before.
- She may have suffered an accident, or have felt bad. Perhaps if you
call the police. ..
- If one of these things had happened, I would already know. And it
would be foolish to call the police.
Tanya hung up, very worried about Diana. It was almost on the stairs,
when she remembered Roger. Did Diana had gone looking for him? It
was not the kind of c oisa that the girl would ordinary mind, but she was
beside herself. Running, Tanya went down the stairs, but stopped on the
top step, when Adrian left the room where Dressmaker MAVAM have
breakfast. Just a l eve raise eyebrows we trou his surprise when he saw

her dressing gown. It was the first time she left the room without being
fully dressed.
- Arrived in time to have breakfast with me - he said.
- I did not come down for breakfast. I need to call Roger to see if
Diana is there. She may have gone looking for him after all the two love
each other.
Only once said, it is that Tanya remembered that Adrian had no idea
what Di ana and Roger felt for each other. He po day well think that the
Wife had encouraged a novel then re both on purpose, to take Diana's
way.
- Are you telling me that Diana Poulton and are in love with each
other?
- I know Roger loves Diana, and I'm sure she loves Tamb mo.
- She said that?
- No, but I think you're trying ing hide his feelings. Po r that's what I
want to call Roger.
- If Diana is hiding his feelings, I think you d evia respect your
wishes. And if she was Poulton and wanted q ue noticing it, I would
have called you.
- So what should I do?
- Nothing for now. Let's have coffee.
He grabbed her arm, and Tanya sent iu the warmth of his hand atrav
s silk robe. This aroused in her a tremendous will and played in his arms.

Instead, he walked away, abruptly and went into the parlor. Adrian
followed her in silence. Tanya watched him and ncher a cup of coffee,
cut and buttering a roll, and extend them to her.
- Coma - he said gently. - It will make you feel m el hor. How long
you know they are in love?
- Some time ago. Diana is still fighting, but Roger j you admitted
what you feel.
Adrian looked at her carefully.
- Poor Tanya! You have not been lucky in love, right? Roger. ..
- But I never loved Roger - she interrupted, determined to not eixa d r
he felt sorry for her. - He was. .. and still is my friend. - In his eyes, she
saw the doubt. - I'm not interested in me c roast with anyone for now.
And when you do, it'll be with a man who can not remember my
relationship with you.
The blood rose to Adrian's face showed that Tanya had convinced she
did not love him or not Roger.
- Speaking again to Diana - he said, his voice without expres are - I
think she must have gone somewhere, to think about peace.
Tanya felt calmer with these words, but after Adrian came out, his
fears returned. Diana was a sensible girl, but any woman can do
something stupid, when you love and think is not matched. On impulse,
she ran to Roger's house. The door was opened by himself, he was quite

surprised when he saw her. Since Adrian had introduced her as his wife,
Tanya never came to him.
- But what a pleasant surprise! It's a social visit?
- It is. Can I come in? - Tanya asked quietly.
- Of course yes.
- I would like to talk to you alone - said, when he saw that he took
her to the living room.
- Certainly.

- He opened the door to his office.

- What f hi

happened?
- It's about D iana. She is here?
The Roger in amazement could not be more sincere, and Tanya's
concern for the safety of Diana rose.
- Why the el should be here? If this is another of his Idei them to
approach us. ..
- I have nothing with i sso, but Diana was gone. She quarreled with
his father yesterday and disappeared. No one saw her.
- And why do you think she could have come here?
- Because you were the cause of her fight with Lord Biddell.
- Listen, Tanya, you're inventing this story. ..
- It is true. It was her father who told me.
Roger began to pace back and forth impatiently.
- Are you sure that no one knows where she is?

- I have. And when I asked the Lord Biddell to draw the Polici, he
said he was not worried.
- It's too selfish, pa ra to worry about someone that n will be kind to
himself.
- He said Diana had fled in a fit of temper and would be back soon to
calm down. He may be right.
- And you may be wrong. I am going there. If Diana has not tiv er
arrived and he did not want to call the police, I'll call.
- You want me to go along?
-. It is better not to get involved.
Not knowing if he had done the best, Tanya let Roger levass and even
Park Gates. From there, he went to Diana's house.
It was an extremely ca lmo man stopped in front of vaninha Bible
Scripture Lord Biddell.
- Come try to get my vote? - The old man asked, sar Castio.
- I am here because of Diana. I'm worried about her.
- Is it? What right have to worry about my daughter?
- Right of a man who cares about the safety of a friend. I know that
Diana did not come home last night and. ..
- It was that stranger who told you that?
Roger has not lost control.
- I think you should call the police. If you do not call, I c hamo.

- You what?

- Lord Biddell roared.

- As if at the reve interf

ANAGING the problems of my family? I can kick him out!

- I expected that you would say that - Roger Answered me with
contempt. - He is so concerned about their social position, q ue cares
little for the safety of your child!
The face of Lord Biddell was so red that Roger thought q ue he were
having an attack.
- If you do not get out of here in two seconds - screamed - I myself
will j Oga it on the street.
- Daddy!
The two men turned and looked surprised to Diana, which is stava
standing in the doorway.
- Where the hell have you been? - the father shouted.
Without answering, the girl looked at Roger.
- Why did you and Dad were discussing?
Roger was still ol hando for her, as if there acr enactment in s selves
eyes.
- Where have you been? All right?
- Of course I'm fine. But I wonder what's acont ecendo here.
For Roger, her voice sounded unbelievably calm, as if Diana had left
a few minutes to stroll, instead of having gone for almost twenty-four
hours. He lost his temper.

- Nothing happened. Nothing, unless Tanya is worried sick because

of you, and I came here, trying to convince his father to call the police.
Diana paled.
- The police? But I. .. p There ensei someone were to price cupar me!
- I was really amazed.
- Because you do not have feelings. It is very like his father! The
next time you leave the house, have the decency to warn Tanya. I do not
know how you feel about that girl, but she likes you very much. - With
violence, he pushed her out of the way, and slammed the door.
Diana did not move from where he was, until Roger's car noise is lost
in the distance.
- I'm waiting for an explanation, Diana.
- I left, to think a little. I wanted to be alone.
- And I was here, AGU entando this adventurer. No one ever talked to
me like that! - He stopped, amazed at the expression of her daughter. Why are you so happy?
- Too bad I did not hear Roger arguing with you.
- Where have you been?
- In the house's cousin Margaret. I did not warn you, because I do not
want it to be behind me, not calling to stay there. I wanted to decide
some things and quiet. - He faced it head on. - I will leave the house. I
want to live my own life.

- Do not even think about it! This is their home and this is where you
will stay. I bet those ideas that are foreign. Or are Poulton?
- Of either. It is my decision.
- And where you want to move in?
- In Margaret's house. At least until I decide what to do with my life.
- As you will have to decide very quickly. The moment you walk out
that door, do not give you a penny more.
- I thought I would not give it. - Di ana's hands trembled, and she hid
the dress pockets. - But it will not make me change my mind. I will
work.
- Only if the floor cleaning.
- It is a work as honest as any.
- I knew - Lord Biddell shouted. - Roger Poulton is that's making
you think that.
- This has nothing to do with Roger. - Diana's face was tense, but his
manner was decided. - Peja first time ever, I made a decision alone. I do
not expect you to believe in what I say, but I want you to know that I
still love you, Dad, and do not intend to hurt you, unless you can not
avoid. But I have to live my own life.
- J will see that I will not make you change your mind - he said after a
long silence. - Well, try to get a Empre go. Try to stay alone. He will
run back here, soon.
- Never!

- Will do. Do not know what it is to live on a budget.

- I go to learn. It can be hard, but I will learn.
Diana looked at him, wanting him to understand what he was trying
to do. But he returned his gaze coolly, before sitting down with
difficulty because of arthritis. It was then that Diana wanted to run to his
father and tell him never leave. But if mastered it: if he did, he would be
lost. With a sigh, he went out and closed the door.
In your room, put some clothes in a suitcase and, before leaving,
Roger looked at the flowers, which were on the comb coolest. I would
show him that was no violet. But then what? F or Roger, she was always
represent a way of life he d esprezava. Even if he could live by herself,
for the el Roger would always be a little rich girl, b rincando to be
independent. El and, for sure, would have a political career full of
success, co m a sensible wife, able to help you. A woman came the same
type of family that enten that their way of thinking and conco rdasse
with him.
But she was not doing it because of Roger. I was making p or herself.
I could not forget it, ever.
In Park Gates, Tanya waiting va a nsiosa the call from Roger, the m
was Diana who called.
- Sorry, Tanya. I did not think you'd be worried.
- We saw Roger?

- Vi. He was with my father when I arrived. But already left. I will
leave the house - continued. - I'm staying with a cousin, to get a job.
Tanya was speechless. It was not what I wanted to Roger and Diana.
What was with them, they could not see that would only be happy
together? Tanya kept looking at the phone long after he bid farewell to
Diana, wishing he were the neck of Roger so he could twist it. Why did
not he confessed he loved Diana and asked her to Wedding nto?
Trembling, he entered the library, teak, but turned to leave when he saw
Adrian there.
- Did not know you was back - she said.
- You need to go? - he pergu ntou holding her arm.
- I'll wash my hair.
- He's so beautiful.
- Talk to me about something in particular?
- You can not even pretend to like me, right?
Tanya almost laughed. Like it! What a weak word to describe the
wave of love that invaded whenever the find!
- If you want to talk to me about the election - she said coldly - okay.
But if it is to talk about the past, I'm leaving.
- I'm not interested in the past. Only in the future.
- My future will start on the day I get out of here.
Without answering, Adrian reached for a silver box of cigarettes.
- Not smoking too much? - Tanya asked.

- I will stop after the finish election.

- What will you do if Roger win?
- I will continue to take care of my crops lands. And I'll never mess
with p olicy.
- Why he agreed to apply?
- I would find that I am a weak, if I told you that I left to the persons
around me influence me?
- People around always influence us. But pers oa matured of taking
their own decisions. As Diana. - Mud or purpose of issue. - She'll sa go
home and get a job.
- And she decided it alone, without your help?
- He decided. We can influence but not take the decision will be.
Diana is that resol veil leave home and go to work.
- But she can not do anything!
- Diana is strong and has two hands. It's no nha Vergo use it for a
living. That's what I'm going to do.
- You will not need. .. - He broke off when I saw the look in her eyes.
- Sorry, Adrian, but I really need to wash the head. See you soon.
With imagination, Adrian secu iu Tanya to her room and obser going
to get undressed. Does it still folded all co m care, leaving only the semi
j ogadas on the floor? His lips parted naked m smile and her eyes filled
m of tenderness when Tanya imagined dropping her golden hair that fell
to her waist in a cloud. Stop cia impossible that had ado Believe that his

love for her had! Now, Adrian knew he was trying to defend himself
when I force ua get her head when she forced herself to forget the
woman who AMAV to and who had divorced him. Only because I
thought it was true, that tried recons truir your life with someone else.
Now, I knew this was nonsense. No matter who and el lived, Tanya
image would haunt him forever.
I can not d eix her go, she thought. Nothing will have the lowest
value, unless you can share everything with her.

Capi TITLE XIV

On election day, Tanya accompanied Adrian to where the vote was

being made. All his supporters were confident in their victory, and she
had to remember that the same happened with Roger supporters. For
them, there was no doubt that Roger was going to win.
If only the two could win! Tanya would be felt deep mind if Adrian
lost, and knew it was not because they thought he was lying when he
said he would rather take care of their land, instead of doing politics. It
was because they did not want any other man win. It showed how much
she still loved him!
At s seven hours they returned home for a light dinner. After Tanya
asked Adrian if he wanted her to be with him again for the local election.

- After all, within an hour the vote will be finished, and the fact that
I'm not or you will not make a difference.
- But I wish it was me. If you followed me so far, it's just that with
me at the last moment.
In silence, Tanya went to the bedroom to get ready. Needed escon
give their feelings a little longer. The farce would be over soon, and
would no longer need to pretend in front of others that were a perfect
couple.
At nine o'clock the vote is over, and Adrian and Tanya went to the
Hall of City Hall expect the resultad. Adrian seemed to have completely
free of his restlessness, and sat in a chair, his arms crossed, calm and
relaxed face. Strangely, there seemed tired, and his mouth firmly
expressed, as if well prepared p air to face the result of the presidential
election will.
Realizing that Tanya was watching, Adrian dragged his chair closer
to her. For a moment, his head blocked the rest of the viewing room, and
Tanya had there mpresso that were supple ly alone. Trembling, she
waited for him to speak, but his vras visor could not have been more
banal.
- You look tired, Tanya. You want me to arrange a whiskey for you?
- No, thank you. - He felt that sank in the blue of her eyes, and tried
to control. - The result further delay?

- Few hours. I think. .. - He takes ntou a jump when he saw a tall girl,
dark hair, which was approaching. - It Diana - she muttered, and went to
greet her.
- The i, Adrian. I could not help but come to wish you good luck said with a slight smile.
- I am very glad you came, Diana. You worked as anyone in my
campaign.
They continued looking, a little embarrassed, and Tanya approached.
- Good to see you, Diana - said Tanya sincerely.
- J will was for me to be here, but I missed the train and had to wait
for another.
- So even went out of his father's house? - Adrian asked.
- About time, huh? - Diana replied.
- If you need anything. .. If quise r I talk to Lord Biddell. ..
Quickly, Tanya went away. It was just that Adrian and Diana pudes
without talking alone. His attempts to bring it closer to Roger had come
to nothing, and had to prepare for the case of Diana settle back to
Adrian. It was not difficult to guess how s eria their lives: a relationship
without high or low, but it was probably what they preferred.
In a few months will already have forgotten that I exist, Tanya
thought, discouraged.

Alone with Adrian, Diana did not know what to say. I had no cer
tainty if he knew of his fight with his father and was embarrassed to
discuss his feelings for Roger.
- I want you to let me help you if you need money or conse children.
- Adrian said firmly. - Although not serve to give advice. Not made my
life a success.
- Do not be silly. Not to blame for what happened between you and
Tanya.
- But I am to blame for what happened in recent months.
- At the time, you did what you thought was right.
- And I became two unhappy women. You and Tanya.
- I do not. Let's not pretend about us.
- His father always threw me on top of you as the ideal husband and
this prevented you knew what she felt.
- I was very IMAT ura. It took me a long time to grow.
- And now it has grown, what will you do?
- I do not know. My motto is take one step at a time. - He looked
around, but saw Tanya. - And you, Adrian? Will let Tanya go?
Adrian narrowed eyelids, but decided not to conceal the view ity.
- Until today, I was determined to fight for Tanya but in the last few
hours, I thought if it will not be happier free of m im.
- Of course not. I'm sure she loves him. - He checked his watch. - I
must go. Say goodbye to Tanya for me, yes?

Diana hurried and only realized it was raining, when he was on the
street. He stumbled twice with your high heels on the wet pavement, and
once came to fall in the mud. Soon, her hair was plastered to the head,
and water wires down over his face, mingling with the tears running
from her eyes.
He had gone to the town hall in hopes of seeing Roger too, but
informed him that he would be at the headquarters of his own electorate,
to get out the result. But what would have won, seeing him again? A
declaration of love? If he wanted to make one, I would have had much
time in the day that she went home packing up to leave. He had even
forgotten his pride and said to the housekeeper that if Roger phoned, was
to give you your new address. But he had not sought, and if I tried to
believe it was because the boy was too busy with the election, could not.
If Roger really loved her, nothing would prevent him from her t
elefonar.
Diana stop u to get the wet hair from her face and, upset, he realized
he was on the wrong track. I was already back when he saw what was in
front of Roger electorate seat. The windows were full of posters with the
boy's face and his recollection struck with such intensity, q ue she
stopped, panting. Im a pulse, she opened the door and entered the room
full of people and smoke cigarettes. Everyone turned to her that, his face
completely expressionless, looked for the man she loved. Not seeing him
anywhere, he turned to the door, ready to flee.

- Diana! What are you doing here?

Roger was opening way through the crowd toward her. In fluorescent
light, his skin was of a greenish white and his hair redder than ever. His
face was covered with power lines, red eyes and huge dark circles, tired.
Seeing him like that, a wave of love for him and invaded his heart
contracted, full of tenderness.
- What do you want here? - he repeated harshly.
- See ... see you before the result is announced - ga guejou, and for
once was not in control.
Roger continued staring at Diana, wishing she had not chosen that
night to go there. Es I was way too tense and tired, seeing it was a
torment that reminded him of everything he wanted to forget: the
softness of her skin; s I breath warm and fragrant, the touch of your lips.
As it had been foolish, sending l h those roses and hoping part of the
answer it!
Remembering the calm with which Diana entered the library that day
when he was talking to Lord Biddell, Roger felt disgusted. Probably
Diana had gone to London to be with one of his friends from high
society, and should have a lot of fun with your concern. Determined not
to show her feelings again, he said coldly:
- It's very kind of you to come to wish me good luck, Diana. Or came
to give me condolences, in case I lose?
- He wants to give you condolences?

- I do not want anything from you. - He looked over his shoulder,

quan of someone behind him called.
Diana took this moment, opened the door and fled. Unfortunately, he
went out to a dark hallway and stood there, hating that weakness that
had come in search of Roger. Basically, I hoped that if she made the first
move, he would do the latter. Now, I knew that was wrong. Roger did
not care about it. Deci dida, started looking for a way to get out without
going through the main room again. He opened the door that stood to his
left and gave a canteen. The girl behind the counter looked at her in
surprise.
- The tea is over - he said.
- I'm just trying to find my way to the street.
- I'll show you - Roger said at rs it. He pulled her to run pain, u open
another door and Empu rrou it unceremoniously into an empty office.
Looking at it more closely, Roger felt the mus cles of his throat
contracted re m. Her eyes were swollen and her blurred the whole
makeup. His hair was plastered to the head and forehead, and his
impeccable air was gone. Only his mouth still beautiful as ever. In fact,
more beautiful still, he was pale and trembling, soft and vulnerable.
Conscious of his gaze, Diana pushed the coat around the body,
wincing as the wet collar touched her neck.
- You're soaked - Roger said.
- I will not melt.

- Not even? - Saw insecurity appear on her face, and ten tou fight his
urge to comfort her. - His father will not approve his coming here. - It
was not what he meant, and Ginou ima Roger if your life would not
ruining, because of his thoughtless words. - Sorry, Diana. You came
and I'm glad for that.
- You will not show me the way out? - she asked.
- You want me to show you?
- What would you do, if I answered him not?
- This! - And Roger hugged her. Feeling the trembling body of the
girl en contro his, the boy lost co mpletamente control. Until that night,
he had only shown the Diana his anger and desire, but now showed his
urge to it. It showed clearly that, without it, no victory was worth no
more disastrous defeat was the loss of his love. - It will not be easy for
us. Run for an election will be child's play, compa rado with the fight I'm
going to have to face, so you come to be mine forever, Diana!
- I'm already your - Diana said. - I left home, Roger, and I can come
to you when I want.
- I only want one way: open and honest. And that means you must
return to his father's house, before coming to me.
- Are not you afraid that I change my mind?
Roger's response was pasting his lips to hers, covering her body with
caressing hands, pressing it against her thighs. Diana went limp with

desire and he had to and mpurr it against the wall, man taking her there
with her weight.
- As I want - she exclaimed. - And you, Roger, do you love me like I
love you?
- This is the answer to your question - he said. - And that's why qu
and, with you by my side, I'm not afraid of anyone.

CHAPTER XV

When Tanya looked at Adria n again, Diana had gone and he was
alone. Quality and knowing he was distracted, obser will it at will. He
was much more thin, and she wondered if it was because of his presence
or because of the election. However, despite being t the angry and
annoyed, Adrian has always tried to be deli cate with it. Too delicate. If
your relationship was normal, he would have downloaded it some of its
tension.
Adrian turned to talk to someone and Tanya realized that he was
doing a tremendous and sforo to stay calm. Most people thought he was
one hom in enigmatic, but she always understood easily. Even at
eighteen, he realized that his reservation was actually timidity,
indifference es ua a defensive mode.

Suddenly, Tanya realized that was not there anymore and went to the
street. It was raining hard, and she walked aimlessly until they see in
front of Roger electorate seat. Several people were coming out of there,
and she was about to leave when Diana called her:
- Tanya! What are you doing here?
- I wanted to see Roger.
- He just left. He went to the city hall.
-. It .. es're telling me he won?
- He won. Sorry. It was a v itria by only eight votes.
- Oh, poor old Adrian!
- You do not want to go to the pr efeitura? I'm going there.
- No, I can not. - Hasty, Tanya went away. Adrian had lost his fault.
Until she arrives, all relied on his victory. El and should be full of hate
for her. Well, Adrian would not have to see is her again. Would keep his
word and leave the house immediately.
Ignoring the rain, he took a taxi and within twenty minutes were in
Park Gates. The cas seemed to empty. They should all be in prefei ture
with Adrian. Tanya smiled bitterly. The family on one side, it on the
other. Alone, always alone.
It was well over midnight when Adrian came home. Tired, he entered
the library and poured himself a whiskey. Then he went into the living
room, behind Tanya.

- Someone saw Tanya? - Standing rguntou when did not see her
there.
- Probably he went to bed - his mother said. - You must be feeling so
guilty that. ..
- I will not admit blame Tanya so - Adrian spoke harshly. - My
defeat had nothing to do with it. I may have lost some votes at first, but
after Tanya began campaigning with me, I gained more votes than lost.
The people liked her. They could talk to her as an equal.
- It seems that in love with her - her mother said.
- Glad lady have finally realized.
Mrs.. Chesterton turned to her daughter in amazement.
- Did you know that?
- I knew. And I think great. Tanya is a person of charm.
Unable to continue listening to the discussion of his wife, Adrian
went up and stopped in front of Tanya's door. He would hit when it
remembered the hor and decided to let her rest.
The next day, at seven-thirty, he was already waiting for Tanya in the
hall. At s half past eight, decided to go have breakfast. I was in second
cup when the maid entered.
- Excuse me, sir, but you know where Mrs. Tanya is?
- She's not in her room?
- No, not slept there. His bed was not messed up, and half of her
clothes disappeared.

- What ?! - Without waiting any more, he climbed the two stairs two
steps. As the servant had said, half of Tanya clothing was not in the
cabinets and the bed was made. Quick mind, he searched for a ticket, but
found nothing. Roger !, thought suddenly. She must have gone to Roger!
Without thinking twice, Adrian took the car and left, driving like a
robot. Only came to life when he stopped in front of rival's home. He
slammed the door, and when Roger answered, said:
- I've come Tanya.
- Here?
- I know she's with you. He did not sleep at home yesterday and his
clothes disappeared.
- Tanya is not here, but I wish it were.
- My God, you have courage!
- Because then we would know where she is. We have no emotional
involvement, to know.
-. I .. I know. Sorry, but I have to find her. She must have gone with
Diana.
- Diana was not home yesterday. He was here.

- A little

embarrassed, Roger continued: - We got engaged. My mother insisted

she spend the night with us.
Adrian was speechless. He dropped into a chair and buried his face in
his hands.
- Now, I do not even know where to start looking for her.

- Tanya should be as far as possible here - Roger said flatly. - She

told me she would go away as soon as the election was over. And when
he learned that you had lost, he decided to go immediately.
- As Tanya must hate me - Adrian said bitterly.
- . Not Tanya loves him, Adrian - Roger replied. And seeing Adrian's
expression of surprise: - Do not tell me you did not know! For God's
sake, man! Tanya never stopped loving him. Why do you think she
agreed with everything you offered him? If there was a hint of pride,
Tanya would have gone Daqu i long ago. Only stayed for the love, and if
left now is because lost hope to win it again.
- It can not be true. Several v ezes I tried to tell her he loved her, but
she always avoided me.
- Maybe he was afraid of you want to stick with it for convenience.
Adrian groaned, remembering all the times he had used the same
expression, talking to Tanya. No wonder she Duvid bake your feelings.
- I love my wife, and want to start again. If I have to leave England
to stay with her, I go out. - He paused, then continued: - She can not
disappear. He had no money, and should have gone to one of these
refugee associations, for help.
Adrian got in touch with all the refugee organizations had in the
country, but none could help him. Not even me ter London detective
agency was able to locate Tanya. He smiled less and less frequ ence, and

worked more and more. She became very depressed and whitened his
temples. Tanya was like a fever in his blood.
A few months later, Adrian received a call from her Lawyer cattle, dr.
Truscott, who told him that Tanya had phoned to see if there was some
difficulty with the divorce and had to sign a paper.
- So you have her address - Adrian shouted, full of joy. - Where is
she?
- I can not tell you. She wrote to me in confidence.
- You're my lawyer, not hers. And you're talking about my wife, you
know? My wife! - He paused and continued, calmer: - You know that
long'm trying to find my wife. I want to start my new marriage, and keep
me from seeing her, will be acting against the law. The law expects you
to do everything to gather a couple.
- Not quite the s im, sr. Chesterton, but I understand you. I hope I
never regret T er told him that Mrs.. Ches terton is in the Scilly Isles.
- What the hell is she doing there?
- I do not know.
- Well, thanks for the help. I will not forget ever.
Hours later, Adrian was about to leave for the Isles of Scilly.

Chapter does XVI

The plane cut the air and Adrian impatiently wished he'd rented a jet.
At that speed, even they would take an hour to stick rissar. Only Diana,
who had taken him to the airport, I knew where he was going.
- Today is a lucky day even! - she said. - You will get Tanya, and
my father agreed to receive Roger.
- Well I told him he could not dance on their wedding day, but dance
in the baptized grandson. Or granddaughter.
- This will happen within eight months - confessed. - You are the
first to know. I am so happy.
J will was late when the plane landed in the capital of the largest of
the Scilly islands, Santa Maria. It was a small town where there were
almost no cars. Peace er total, and bitterly Adrian wondered if that was
why q ue Tanya had come there to find the peace that had not been with
him. When he reached the center of town, he walked into a bar to
quench their thirst. A tanned skinned woman served him.
- You came to vacation here? - she asked.
- . No - Adrian hesitated, then telling the truth: - I came back my
wife. We discussed and she ran away from home.
- When did this happen?

- He asked the clerk with yes

cardiomyopathy.
- Last fall. But I have her address. He must have arranged a job
because he was penniless.

- You should go talk to Mrs. Tregar. It is the largest Deira speaks of

this island, and always knows everything. If you want, I can take you
there.
Adrian paid the soda and the left is. Two blocks therefore came to
Mrs. store. Tregar.
- This young man is looking for his wife - the cou expli woman to
Mrs.. Tregar. - It is foreign and should be working right here, on this
island.
- She has green eyes and a blond and long hair, which uses stuck in
the neck - Adrian said.
- Of course I remember it. A very pretty girl. Work is lhando a farm
on the other side of the island, Mayfield.
Praying for the woman be right, Adrian left for Mayfield. When it
went through a grove and saw the farm, he thought he was in a land of
fairy tales. There were flowers everywhere, a real rainbow over the
earth. It could see that the Mayfield owners vam cultivate flowers, and
could understand why Tanya was working there.
Tanya. Within a few minutes he would see and what to say? He ran a
hand through his shirt collar, and realized her skin was damp. The aroma
of flowers began to hurt him, and he wished he had been eating Qu or
before coming. That adian tava run across half England in search of the
wife, to fall unconscious at her feet, when he found?

Then Adrian looked up and stopped. Walking toward him was a girl,
carr egando a huge bouquet of tulip country, as golden as her hair. His
eyes were fixed on the flowers tucked to the chest, with if they were a
child. The gar ganta Adrian contracted, and at that moment he would
give everything he had to see Tanya car watering a child in her arms. ..
his child.
Adrian called softly, and she looked up, but did not stop until you get
close to it.
- I should have known I could not trust your lawyer.
- He just told me where you were threatened after the death. - His
voice sounded calm.
- Why did you come here?
It was easy to answer this question, but right now Adrian failed to tell
her he loved her. What would you do if Tanya r isse? How would face
life without her?
- I must put these flowers in a vase. Let's go over that stove. We can
talk there.
- Talk?
- About the future. Is that why you came, right?
Silently, he followed her into the greenhouse and observed to
accommodate the flowers. Tanya pointed to a wicker chair.
- Sit down. - Then he continued when he saw the forehead of
porejada su or husband: - Prefer that we go outside?

- I prefer. .. Not. .. heck, I do not know.

- It is behaving in a strange way, Adrian. You are looking at me like I
was a ghost.
- So long I'm pr ocurando for you, not con Following I believe I
found it. I keep thinking that you will disappear.
- I'm as real as the flowers.
- But the flowers are picked and sent to another place, and if you
disappear again, I. .. - Then Adrian lost control. - How can I find bad
look for you? For months I've been looking for all women sw r I meet on
the street, hoping to see her! D o not know the hell I have lived since
leaving me. I tried to find it by all means poss veis, and this morning
when Truscott told me where you were, I came straight here.
- I was in such a hurry assi m to see me? - She asked, baixi mance.
- You did not think I was? - And xaminou her face imagi nando if
Roger was right when he said that Tanya loved him. She had shown no
al egria to see him. But then, how could the quan he had received so
poorly on the night of his arrival in Park Gates?
- Not prec i sava come here. Everything could be fixed by dr.
Truscott.
- I came here to ask you to start all over again.
- No, thank you. I do not care.
There was no hesitation in Tanya response. She did not months mo
pretended to think a little. Adrian was so shocked that Will not the sabi

what says er. Where was the love you already encased sense for each
other? That wonderful and lively emotion which transformed two people
of different nationalities and positions in one? But they were now
separated, and this sep plowing increased more and more.
- If you do not want to come back to me, I have nothing more to say.
- I feel I have come here for nothing, Adrian.
She turned her back on him and water start accommodate some naked
flowers ma wooden box. Adrian blinked, trying to withdraw the Lagri
but, and walked to the door. He tried to open it but could not, poi s was
warped. She pulled her violently, and when she gave in, his finger
bumped into a piece of metal, cutting yourself.
- Damn! - A trickle of blood ran down the injured finger, and with
the other hand, Adrian took out his handkerchief.
- Did you get hurt! - Tanya said, and reached for the hand of his
scarf.
- Do not touch me - he said harshly
- Sorry. I did not know you hated me so much - said, pale.
- Hate you? - Adrian laughed. - If only I could! Do not you know I
love you, Tanya? That's because the desire so much, I can not bear to
touch me?
- Do you love me ?! You want me ?!
- What an irony of life, right? First, I rejected it, and now you do the
same with me.

- I did not know. .. I never thought. .. Why do not you tell me, when I
was in your house?
- For you to think that I was declaring me because of the election? He remembered the many ve zes that had tried to tell him. - I was
hoping all the cabasse. .. but then you disappeared.
- I thought. .. when I saw him now. .. That I wanted back by Diana
married Roger.
- And what difference does it make?
- It is easier for you to continue the comig than look for another
woman.
- My God! What kind of bastard think I am? I know I behaved mance
you like a but. ..
- Do not say that. - Tanya put her hands in the Standing ito it. - A
woman does not like to speak ill of the man she loves.
His eyes sparkled, as if they were full of electricity.
- I said. .. the man you love?
- The man I always loved. Even when I spoke to hated him, he was
lying. I'll never love anyone else, Adrian, even if not stay together.
- I will never leave her - he groaned, and without losing more time
with words, sought to Tanya's mouth passionately, showing him how
much he had missed her. However, when she began to match the kiss, he
pushed her away.

- If we start now, I will not be able to stop - said sharp mind. - I do

not know what your boss would say if come here and meet us smashing
their beautiful tulips.
- The only person who can come here at this time of day, is the old
George, who makes the flowers packages. And we pay for the damaged
flowers - she said.
- I have a better idea. If we leave now, we can hire a helicopter. ..
And then I make a few phone calls, we will be ready to go.
- Go to where?
- Everywhere you q ueira. To continue honeymoon that will never
end.
Tanya looked at him showing great tenderness.
- If you had given me some demo about how he felt, we would not
have lost so many months.
- I do not know. You can not imagine the number of times I wanted
to get into your room and make love to you, a violent way! - He pulled
her closer, pressing his body to hers. - Sometimes was so tormented, I
could not sleep. Used to walk from one side to the other, cursing myself
for having so little control.
- On the contrary, too much control. .. - said Tanya, serious, half
teasing.

- At the moment, my control is ac very quickly abando - said an Adri

seriously. - Do not be looking at me like that. I do not know the evil that
makes me!
- I had a great idea.
A ne mutual cessidade increased its sejo. Your boc joins the ram, and
his passion difun IUD, intensifying even torn air an open flame within
them.
With a savagery that surprised and thrilled, Adrian opened the Tanya
dress, making the jump buttons. The silky skin of her body was
discovered at him, and she surrendered sensually at his touch, putting his
arms around his neck and pulled him to the bottom of the greenhouse.
His hands slid down her husband's body until shyness prevented her
from continuing. Muttering under his breath, Adrian took her hand and
pulled her into his manly and warm skin.
- Hold me - asked. - I want you to feel me. .. Tanya.
Walking on the outside of the greenhouse, the old George and Tanya
saw a tall, dark-haired, disappear behind some falls xotes that protected
the bottom of the greenhouse. - It's a good thing that the greenhouse is
not all glass - he comment on u laughing and rubbing his beard. - If it
were, I would be seeing one or two things that are not to my eyes!

END

Original Portuguese text:

Suas fei es nobres mostravam que os boatos sobre o relacionamento
bastante ntimo de um prncipe da Escandinvia com uma Chesterton
podiam muito bem ser verdadeiros.

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