He didn't make it home until after lunch but Lydia didn't seem offended by his tardiness.

"Where is Isabelle?" Alexander asked when he finally made it into the library where Lydia was waiting.

"Wedding planning."

"Whose wedding?"

"Her own, I'm assuming," Lydia said.

Alexander smiled to himself. He sat down next to Lydia and took a deep breath.

"How far along are you really?"

"Three months," Lydia said. Unlike last night, she betrayed no emotion.

"So we'll say the baby came early, and we'll keep you and it under careful watch here. No visitors, no family except immediate ones. We'll say you've fallen ill as well."

"And the doctor?"

"We just have to hope he keeps his mouth shut. Will-- will the baby's appearance be an issue?"

"No," Lydia said. "He looked quite a bit like you. Black hair, tall--"

"Good, good," Alexander said. "We'll stay on course for the wedding next month."

Lydia nodded. "How do you know Magnus?"

"He used to work here. He made it big in New York at an office we just happen to have dealings with."

"But you two are more than just business. Anyone can see that," Lydia insisted.

"Oh?"

"His eyes are always on you. He watches you like you are the sun that his entire world revolved around," Lydia said. "Don't tell me you've never noticed. Besides, Isabelle told me that's where you were this morning."

"I'm to join him at the opera tonight," Alexander said. "Should I ask for a car to take you home or will you stay here again tonight?"

"Well if you're leaving and Isabelle is out having fun, I suppose I should return home," Lydia said. She glanced over at him and bounced back to the previous subject. "I won't tell anyone."

"I suppose I have to trust you."

"Trust is the foundation of a good marriage, you know." She elbowed him. "Don't look so miserable, Alexander," Lydia said, standing. "You're far more attractive when you smile."

..........

"I am so sorry," Alexander whispered as he entered Magnus' box. Magnus turned around, with a soft smile. "I was caught up at the house."

"I understand," Magnus said. Alexander took the chair beside him and Magnus dismissed the usher who had guided Alexander in.

The stage was empty but a cello below was playing a mournful melody.

"I don't remember the last time I was at the opera," Alexander said.

"This is Thais," Magnus explained. "It's the story of a monk, who tries to change the heart of an Egyptian courtisian. He thinks he's working in the name of God, but in reality, he's fallen in love with the concubine. He wants to save more than just her soul now."

"And what happens?" Alexander asked, as the cello sped up, faster and faster, reaching the peak of it's song.

"Well, it's a story of a romance that cannot be. They're from two different worlds and religions."

"So?"

"So she dies."

The curtains rose as the cello faded away, revealing an elaborate backdrop, and an actor who swept onto stage with gusto. The orchestra struck up in full.

Alexander reached over, taking Magnus' hand.

He kept his eyes on the stage but he could feel Magnus watching him.

..........

"So when is the wedding?" Magnus asked as they walked back to Magnus' hotel from the opera house.

"Exactly one month from now," Alexander said.

"Is Lydia anxious?"

"We both want it over with, I suppose. The sooner it's over, the sooner we can find some sort of normal."

The streets were mostly empty. Gas streetlights flickered casting the two men's shadows against the cobblestone. Alexander watched their shadows move as they approached the hotel.

"Alexander," Magnus said, pulling him back to reality. Alexander shook his head and looked back at Magnus, who was standing in an empty alley. Alexander stepped inside and the two walked a few paces in.

"Maybe it's best if I go for awhile," Magnus started. "To leave you and Lydia to work this out."

"If you want to go, Magnus, just say so." The words were far more acidic than he had intended.

"I don't want to go. But I meant what I said this morning. I'll overcomplicate things for you. I always have."

"It's different now-- we're older--"

"The world hasn't changed, Alexander. A shipwreck and a world war hasn't changed anything for us. The facts remain the same."

"So what happens next then?"

Magnus shrugged, though it seemed heavy and painful. "We'll see."

"You're going back to New York."

"My job is there--"

"And I'm here."

"Ive always hated London, you know." Magnus stuck his hands in his pockets. "A horrid city, really." Magnus smiled at him-- an unbelievably beautiful smile, but tainted with sadness. "Goodnight, Alexander."