The Last Heroes (Men at War 1)

‘‘I didn’t know about them,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘And I was very close to Chesty.’’

‘‘Good,’’ she said. ‘‘I like Doris, and it would be painful for her if she learned about them.’’

‘‘There is no reason she ever should,’’ Donovan said.

‘‘You know what’s really funny?’’ Barbara asked bitterly. ‘‘I’ve always had the thought in the back of my mind that I would match Jimmy up with her.’’

He patted her shoulder and walked away.

‘‘Bill,’’ she called after him. ‘‘I don’t want her ever to know that I know.’’

Donovan met her eyes and nodded his head.

Then he found his overcoat and hat, put them on, walked down the wide front steps of Summer Place and down the brick walk to the beach.

‘‘It’s time for us to go,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ll say my good-byes to Mrs. Whittaker,’’ Cynthia said. ‘‘My stuff is already in the station wagon.’’

He hadn’t considered that possibility and was embarrassed. Barbara obviously would have preferred not to speak to Cynthia Chenowith again. But he could not suggest to Cynthia that it would be best if she left Summer Place without saying good-bye. Cynthia was both bright and sensitive. She would know that meant Barbara knew.

‘‘All right,’’ he said.

Cynthia walked briskly toward the house. Donovan walked slowly after her, so that he could see both of them in the breakfast room.

They kissed and embraced.

Then Cynthia came out of the front door again and walked with Donovan down the veranda to Douglass’s station wagon.

‘‘May I drive?’’ Cynthia asked.

‘‘Certainly,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘I’ll spell you if you get tired.’’

Forty-five minutes later, as they drove through the New Jersey Pine Barrens toward Philadelphia, out of the blue Cynthia said, ‘‘She knows about Chesty and me.’’

‘‘Yes,’’ Donovan said.

‘‘I’m really sorry,’’ Cynthia said. ‘‘I don’t think I could be so much of a lady, under the circumstances.’’

‘‘Barbara is a fine lady,’’ Donovan agreed.

‘‘I’m not sorry,’’ Cynthia said. ‘‘I’m sorry she knew, but I’m not sorry.’’

"We’re taking over the house on Q Street," Donovan said after a long pause.

‘‘Chesty told me,’’ she said. ‘‘How much time do I have to get out?’’

‘‘Perhaps that wouldn’t be necessary,’’ Donovan said.

‘‘I don’t understand,’’ Cynthia said.

‘‘I’d like you to stay to work for me. For openers, whatever your civil service grade is now, I’ll raise it two numbers. ’’

‘‘I don’t think you’re suggesting you want to take Chesty’s place,’’ she said after a moment. Then she made it a challenge: ‘‘Are you, Colonel?’’

‘‘No,’’ he said, laughing. ‘‘As Barbara said, Ruth would suspect.’’