Part 15 (1/2)

No. And there is certainly no Danielli family in Poglio. However, others in the village have longer memories than mine. And no one can hide in such a small place. He looked at them hesitantly for a moment, as if making up his mind about something. Who told you he came here?

Another rabbi-in Livorno.” Dee realized the priest was desperately curious to know why they were interested in the man.

He hesitated again, then asked: Are you related to him?

No. Dee looked at Mike, who gave a quick nod. ”We're actually trying to trace a picture which we think he had.

Ah. The priest was satisfied. Well, Poglio is an unlikely place to find a masterpiece; but I wish you well. He shook their hands, then turned back into his church.

The couple walked back toward the village. A nice man, Dee said lazily.

”And a nice church. Dee, shall we get married in a church?

She stopped and turned to look at him. Married?

”Don't you want to marry me?

You only just invited me-but I think you made a very good choice.

He laughed, and shrugged his shoulders in embarra.s.sment. It just kind of slipped out, he said.

Dee kissed him affectionately. There was a certain boyish charm about it, she said.

Well, since I seem to have asked you ...

”Mike, if its anyone, its you. But I dont know whether I want to marry anyone at all.

Theres a certain girlish charm about that, he said. One all.

She took his hand and they walked on. Why dont you ask for something a bit less ambitious?

Such as?”

Ask me to live with you for a couple of years to see how it works out.

So you can have your evil way with me, then leave me without any visible means of support?

”Yes.”

This time he stopped her. Dee, we always turn everything into a joke. Its our way of keeping our relations.h.i.+p in an emotionally low key. Thats why we suddenly start talking about our future together at a crazy time like this. But I love you, and I want you to live with me.

”It's all because of my picture, isnt it? She smiled.

Cmon.

Her face became very serious. She said quietly: Yes, Mike, Id like to live with you.

He wound his long arms around her and kissed her mouth, slowly this time. A village woman walked by and averted her face from the scandal. Eventually Dee whispered: We could get arrested for this.

They walked even more slowly, his arm around her shoulders and hers about his waist. Dee said: Where shall we live?

Mike looked startled. Whats wrong with South Street?

Its a scruffy bachelor pad, thats what.”

Nuts. It's big, its right in the center of Mayfair.

She smiled. I knew you hadnt thought much about it. Mike, I want to set up home with you, not just move into your place.

Mmm. He looked thoughtful.

”The apartment is knee-deep in rubbish, it needs decorating, and the kitchen is pokey. The furniture is all odds and sods-”

So what would you like? A three-bedroom semi in Fulham? A town house in Ealing? A mansion in Surrey?

Somewhere light and s.p.a.cious, with a view of a park, but near the center.

I have a feeling youve got somewhere in mind.

”Regent's Park.

Mike laughed. h.e.l.l, how long have you been planning this?

”Didn't you know I was a gold-digger?” She smiled up into his eyes, and he bent his head to kiss her again.

You shall have it,” he said. ”A new place-you can get it decorated and furnished when we get back to town-”

”Slow down! We dont know if therell be a flat vacant there.

”We'll get one.

They stopped beside the car, and leaned against the hot paintwork. Dee turned her face up to the sun. How long ago did you decide ... about this?

I dont think I decided at all. It just gradually grew in my mind-the idea of spending my life with you. By the time I noticed, I was already too far gone to alter it.

”Funny.”

”Why?”

It was just the reverse with me.

When did you decide?

When I saw your car outside the hotel at Livorno.

Funny that you should ask me so soon afterward. She opened her eyes and lowered her head. ”I'm glad you did.

They looked at each other silently for a minute. Mike said: ”This is crazy. Were supposed to be hot on the trail of an art find, and here we are looking cow-eyed at each other.