The fuller truth was messier.

He had already fallen in love with the idea of recovering the family he abandoned.

PART 22 — DID HE LOVE ME?

I hated myself for asking.

Then stopped hating myself.

Of course I needed to know.

Arthur’s private journals contained the answer, if journals can answer anything.

Early entry:

Evelyn is Julian’s widow. I must not confuse gratitude, guilt, and affection.

Good.