Some weeks later, when we learned of Rifkind’s return, the time had come for the long-delayed confrontation, however little faith we had in it. What else was there? Though, in the end, it came about in an unexpected way; Rifkind having written asking to meet the Bartholomews, with a request passed on from Isabella to see Raphael. Of course, he felt he had little choice but to go, regardless of this request’s provenance. Had Rifkind really found her and brought her back? If so, I pitied her.
I watched them set-off, standing with Sam and Michael on the porch overlooking the stables, a sleeping Paolo in my arms, still feeling the touch of Raphael’s lips on mine. Soon there was only dust in the yard where their horses had been. I hated that he had gone with them.
Michael cleared his throat.
