On Tuesday morning, Maggie telephoned Sterling Properties.
Frances Caldwell answered.
“Mr. Sterling's office.”
“Hello, Frances. It's Maggie Bennett.”
A pause.
Then a faintly amused voice.
“Good morning, Miss Bennett.”
“I need to speak to Nick.”
“I'm afraid he's in a meeting.”
“Could you tell him I called?”
“Certainly.”
Maggie hesitated.
“And Frances?”
“Yes?”
“Please don't tell him it's urgent.”
“Is it?”
“No.”
“Then why are you calling?”
Maggie looked at the appointment book on her desk.
“I wanted to tell him something before he heard it from somebody else.”
Frances was silent for a moment.
Then said, “I'll see what I can do.”
Ten minutes later, the telephone rang.
Maggie picked it up.
“Second Chances.”
“Have you bought a dress?”
She smiled before she could stop herself.
“Nick.”
“Frances says you called.”
“Yes.”
“Is something wrong?”
Maggie drew a breath.
“I quit my job.”
Silence.
Then Nicholas said, “What?”
“I resigned yesterday.”
“Why?”
She explained.
He listened without interrupting.
When she finished, his voice had changed.
“Arthur Whitcomb threatened your employment because you attended the foundation reception?”
“Because I prepared an independent proposal.”
“On your own time.”
“Yes.”
Nicholas was silent.
Maggie felt a sudden fear.
“Nick, I didn't call because I wanted you to do anything.”
“I know.”
“I don't want you to give me work because you feel sorry for me.”
“I know that too.”
She exhaled.
“I just thought you should understand why my office number won't work anymore.”
A pause.
Then Nicholas said, “Maggie?”
“Yes?”
“I'm sorry.”
She looked down.
“Thank you.”
“Would you like me to recommend a solicitor?”
She laughed unexpectedly.
“No, thank you.”
“All right.”
Another pause.
Then he said, “Would you like dinner?”
Maggie froze.
“Dinner?”
“Yes.”
“With you?”
“I was planning to be there.”
She closed her eyes.
He continued.
“I'd like to discuss the restoration proposal. And perhaps a few things that have nothing to do with buildings.”
Maggie felt her heartbeat quicken.
“Nick.”