Page 31 of The Senator's Wife

She dug her hand into the bag and pulled out a heavy package wrapped in gold foil.

“Careful opening that one,” Whit said.

She peeled the paper back to reveal a book:The Poems of W. B. Yeats. He knew Yeats was one of her favorites.

“It’s a first edition,” he said proudly.

She clutched the book to her chest, tears filling her eyes. How had she gotten so lucky to have another thoughtful man in her life who knew her so well? “I love you,” she said.

“And I love you. Shall I read to you?”

“Yes.”

He opened the book but stopped when his cellphone buzzed. Before Sloane could see the number on the screen, he stood and walked away. He typed something, then came back over.

“Sorry, darling, it’s Fred. He’s moved tomorrow’s meeting up to today.”

Sloane felt her mistrust rise, wondering if it was Fred or Madelyn on the other side of the text. She was not suspicious by nature, but Madelyn’s words still echoed in her ears. Especially the part about Sloane not knowing Whit at all. She didn’t really believe Madelyn, but the old adagewhere there’s smoke there’s firegave her pause. She sat up straighter. This was exactly what Madelyn wanted—to create tension between Sloane and Whit. She smiled at him.

“Of course.”

After he left, Athena brought her lunch. She looked at the packages surrounding Sloane.

“Is it your birthday?”

Sloane shook her head. “No, Whit picked up some things to cheer me up.”

Athena gave her a thin smile. “How nice. Would you like me to move all this so you can have lunch here?”

Did Sloane detect a tone of resentment in the woman’s voice?She arched an eyebrow. “Actually, I’m going downstairs after I finish my tea. I’m sick of this bedroom. Please take my lunch back down, and I’ll meet you there.”

“Sloane, I’m not trying to be difficult, but the senator said you had orders from your doctor to stay in bed.”

Sloane had to get out of her room, if even for a little while. “He said until I felt better, and I do.”

Athena gave her a skeptical look, but nodded. “Why don’t I take the tray down and come back and help you?”

“I’m perfectly capable of getting myself down the stairs.”

“Okay. Whatever you say.”

Was the woman patronizing her? The way Athena said it sounded like a dare and gave Sloane just the extra boost she needed to rise from the chaise and walk to her bedroom door. By the time she reached the bottom of the staircase and walked into the sunroom, she felt a hundred times better. “I’ll have lunch in here,” she said to Athena, and sat at the small table by the Palladian window. How therapeutic to have a change of scenery. She needed to do this every day.

Athena set the tray down. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

Sloane picked at the poached mackerel and spinach and ate a few blueberries before pushing the tray away. She sat for a while, cheered by the sound of birdsong and the warmth of the sun. Later she decided to spend some time in her office going through mail and checking in with Brianna. It couldn’t have been more than two hours before all the activity took its toll and Sloane, ready for a nap, went back upstairs to her room. Before she got into bed, Athena walked in carrying a drink.

“I brought you a protein shake. You didn’t really eat much of your lunch. You need to keep your strength up.”

Sloane accepted the glass and sat down in the love seat, taking small sips. “What’s in this? It tastes a little bitter.”

“I added some greens. I’m sorry if it’s not good. Do you want me to make a new one?”

Sloane shook her head. “It’s fine.” She finished it and gave the glass back to Athena. “I’m going to rest for a bit.”

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