Iain Pears - The Last Judgement

Dear Mrs Richards,

I hope you will forgive me for writing, rather than coming to see you in person, to tell you of the outcome of our meeting.

As you may have seen in the newspapers, Jean Rouxel died peacefully in his sleep a few days ago, and will shortly be buried with full honours as befits a man who served his country well. His contributions to France, and indeed to Europe, were immense in almost every field — industrial, diplomatic and political. His courage and vision were an example to an entire generation. They will now continue to inspire others in generations to come.

I was able to talk to him briefly before he died. He told me what you had meant to him, and described the actions he had taken to save you. His feelings for you were unchanged despite the passing of the years, and he had never forgotten you.

I hope you find these words of some comfort.

You suffered enormously, but your sacrifice protected a man who, through your courage, was able to go on and make an enormous contribution to his country. And, at the last, your intervention allowed him to die as he deserved.

With very best wishes,

Flavia di Stefano

She reread the letter, thought carefully, then put it in an envelope and sent it off to be posted. Then she picked up her bag and left, glancing at her watch as she closed the office door.

The appointment to see their new apartment was at three, and she was going to be late. As usual.