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me?”
    â€œDoes she pay you for services other than gardening?”
    â€œMrs. Ridge is a family friend. She's been like a grandmother to me. So keep your voice down.”
    The woman had turned to look and Maddy saw that she was an elderly woman, a very beautiful English lady, hardly a rival.
    Mrs. Ridge began to rise from her chair, concerned. Paul grinned and waved. “This will just take a minute,” he assured her.
    He took Maddy's arm and led her back through the conservatory. There were yellow and brown orchids in a row and majolica pots filled with ferns.
    â€œMrs. Ridge has been responsible for a great deal in my life, including my education. She's part of our family. She has no children of her own and she dotes on me. I'm crazy about her as well. I don't expect to be followed to my visit with her.”
    â€œI didn't know,” Maddy said.
    â€œYou know very little,” Paul said dismissively.
    Maddy turned and ran. What had she done? He wasn't even worth caring about. He was selfish and horrid, just as he'd warned. She ran out of the house, twisting her ankle on her way down the steps. She walked all the way to the park, limping, and paused by the side of the road. When Paul came by in a taxi she was in tears.
    â€œGet in,” he called through the window. They stared at each other. “Get in and don't make a fucking scene.”
    Maddy climbed into the taxi and closed the door.
    â€œI told Mrs. Ridge you were a lunatic business associate,” Paul said. “She suggested I fire you.”
    â€œGreat. Lovely.”
    â€œWe did something desperate, my girl. Agreed?”
    Paul seemed exhausted. Maddy noticed he had a terrible cough; he'd probably been sick when they were together. She would surely come down with whatever he had. She deserved it.
    Paul leaned in close. He smelled like soap. “We made a stupid mistake. I know why I came over that morning, but I never thought you'd open the door for me. I was a little surprised how ready you were to betray her.”
    â€œTo hell with you. You were a party to it.”
    â€œI felt sure you'd turn me down and then go running to Allie and tell her I'd propositioned you.”
    â€œYou wanted me to say no?” Maddy was mortified. She didn't understand.
    Paul's shirt was wrinkled now; the fabric was linen, the color of the sky, pale and fresh and new. He'd left his suit jacket behind. “Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have involved you. I truly apologize.”
    They'd reached their destination and had pulled over to the curb. Maddy didn't notice they had arrived until there was a tap on the taxi window. She nearly jumped out of her skin. Paul rolled down the window. It was Georgia, just leaving after dropping Allie at her flat.
    â€œWhat do you know,” Georgia said thoughtfully.
    â€œI saw her on the street and thought I'd give the poor girl a ride.” Paul opened the door. “Go on,” he said to Maddy. “Your chariot has brought you back. Good to see you, Georgia.” He shut the door and the taxi pulled away and that was it. He was finished with her. She had served her purpose, whatever it was.
    â€œI detest him,” Georgia said.
    â€œReally?” Maddy turned to go inside. For once they agreed. “So do I.”

    A FTER SHE GOT back to New York she said nothing about what had happened. When she spoke to Allie on the phone, she questioned her about Paul. She hated him in some strange, greedy way. She couldn't stop thinking about their single encounter. Maybe she would stand up at the wedding and announce what had happened. Why shouldn't she? She'd be doing both Allie and herself a favor. It would be best to reveal him to one and all, even if that meant she'd have to reveal herself as well.
    Maddy grew depressed. Her work suffered and one of the partners asked if she'd had a death in the family. Usually she was busy all weekend; now she slept till noon and avoided going out. When her