Richard came back through the main doors to find Helen in the entrance hall, still in her wedding dress, thanking the last paramedic. They stood facing each other without speaking for a moment. “Gerald is stable,” he said. “Not a heart attack—dehydration. He’s comfortable.” Helen took his hand. They had to find their way back.
She found Owen at the small table near the garden doors, his water untouched, the envelope back in his jacket. He stood when he saw her. She shook her head — sit down, it’s all right. “He is going to be alright,” Owen assured her. She noted his need to put her at ease. “He’s going to be fine,” she echoed.