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‘No, I don’t think that would help,’ said Max, who had obviously already decided what the solution was ‘I think it would be better if I spent the week in London, and then flew back to be with you at weekends’

Ruth did not think that was a good idea, but she knew that any protest would be pointless

Max flew to London the following day

~

Ruth couldn’t remember the last time they had made love, and when Max didn’t return to Jersey for their second wedding anniversary she accepted an invitation to join Gerald Prescott for dinner

The twins’ old housemaster was, as always, kind and considerate, and when they were alone he did no more than kiss Ruth on the cheek She decided to tell hi with Max, and he listened attentively, occasionally nodding his understanding As Ruth looked across the table at her old friend, she felt the sad first thoughts of divorce She dismissed them quickly from her mind

When Max returned ho weekend, Ruth decided toin the redients for his favourite dish, coq au vin, and picking out a vintage claret to complement it She wore the dress he had chosen for her in Venice, and drove to the airport to ht, but strolled through the barrier two hours later, explaining that he had been held up at Heathrow He didn’t apologise for the hours she had spent pacing around the airport lounge, and when they eventually arrived back home and sat down for dinner, he made no comment on the meal, the wine or her dress

When Ruth had finished clearing away after dinner, she hurried up to the bedroo to be fast asleep

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Max spent olf club, and on Sunday he took the afternoon flight back to London His last words before departing for the airport were that he couldn’t be sure when he would be returning

Second thoughts of divorce

~

As the weeks passed, with only the occasional phone call froether, Ruth started seeing h he never atteand end of their clandestine h, it was she who finally decided ‘the time had come’ to seduce him

‘Will youdressed at six the next

‘But you’re already ently reminded her