The Substitute Wife

The doctor tells me I have six months while I am on the phone choosing Lawrence's third-anniversary watch.

The salesman at Shreve, Crump & Low is warm.

"Mrs. Wentworth, the Patek I set aside — Mr. Wentworth will love it."

I look down at the pathology folder in my lap and laugh, a small dry sound.

I already know the answer to whether Lawrence will love it.

He has never loved a thing I picked.

I love Nantucket fog blue. He gives me ivory.

Because Cordelia wears ivory.