Proserpina

Lunch was a great affair. Lucien turned up late and so we waited for him. Schwartz arrived with Aiyana Laughing Water well on time. I welcomed them to my home joyously. I was thrilled for Schwartz.

Aiyana was a taciturn person, so Schwartz spent his time dominating the conversation. She had aquiline eyes and high cheekbones, with a wide mouth, unsmiling and alert. her long black hair had a natural sheen to it. Unlike most couples, there was no handholding and stolen kisses. Schwartz and his companion behaved as sedately as if they had known each other for centuries. But there was a warmth between them that made me...