Was there such a thing as pretending too well? Julia hadn't intended to fool anyone into thinking Marcellus was an abusive wife-beater except for just one person - Antonia. Yes, it was dishonest, and yes, under ordinary (and most extraordinary) circumstances, she would never have resorted to such tactics. But this was the only way to gain her trust; she'd been burned by too many deceptive, hypocritical people offering false help and hope, and Julia had to show her that she could be trusted.
The idea had come when Marcellus had entered the villa in the early morning three days ago, staggering and careening from wall to wall in his intoxicated state. It was the day after Julia had met and sat with Antonia, following the death of her husband just prior, and she too was exhausted. While pass
