Page 10 of The Way We Were

He straightened away from her in surprise. “That is not true. I cannot believe Miss Fournier would say such a thing.”

“She did not…in so many words.”

“Her father knew what was best for her, what kind of man would suit her and see her secure in life. And to be honest, you don’t know her at all, not like I do.”

He regretted the words the moment he said them, for she stiffened.

“So you spent a few weeks on a steamer with her and you’re an expert on her deepest needs and desires?”

“You don’t need to make it sound sordid. We are friends. Nothing she said convinced me to ignore the wishes of the man who loved her most, her own father.”

“But you’re fine ignoring her wishes, just like you’re ignoring mine.”

“You know there’s no comparison—you’re my wife, and I’m hardly ignoring your wishes.”

But she was already putting their half-eaten meal back in the basket. She rose to her feet and tried to pull on the blanket, looking pointedly at him when he didn’t move.

“Lucy, we’re not done with this conversation,” he said quietly.

“I think we are. And my head aches. I wish to return to the hotel.”

He stood up, bringing the blanket with him. This was simply one battle, not the war. He was not about to surrender to the shell of a life she thought she wanted.