Private Affairs [antikvár]

CHAPTER 1'Elizabeth and Matthew Lovell,' the minister announced, as if he were introducing them to each other instead of making them husband and wife. 'You may kiss,' he said benignly, but they were ahead of him: their hands clasped, fingers twined, as they turned to each other and their lips touched lightly - a promise for later, when they were alone. Then, shading their eyes against the bright June sun, they turned to greet their guests.Elizabeth's mother hugged her. 'I've never seen you look so happy. Both of you.' She reached up to kiss Matt. 'As if there's not a cloud in the world.''Not one,' Elizabeth said. She looked at Matt, tall and lean, his dark hair unruly in the afternoon breeze, his deep-set blue eyes cool and private until he met her grey ones and then became warm, as if in an embrace. 'How could there be clouds? Everything is perfect.'Her father was there, holding his cheek against hers. 'Where did the years go?' he murmured. 'Just the other day you were the most beautiful baby in the world; suddenly you're the most beautiful bride.' He held her at arm's length. 'At least you're staying in Los Angeles; we won't lose you entirely.''Say it softly,' said Matt. 'My father isn't very happy about' He stopped as his father appeared. 'Dad, I'm so glad you got here!' They hugged each other, Matt a head taller, his dark hair contrasting with the iron grey of his father's as he bent to kiss him. 'I was afraid you wouldn't be here at all.''Couldn't get away yesterday.' His father's voice, like Matt's, was deep and easy, with a faint western drawl. He put his hands on Matt's shoulders and kissed him on both cheeks. 'Made me mad as hell to miss your graduation. Were you impressive?''He was the class star,' Elizabeth said, her eyes shining. 'They kept calling his name for every prize''Except all those Elizabeth won,' said Matt. Gently he3