Effie

John tended to get the mail at home and had recentl been concerned with how much personally addressed mail Effie was getting. There were card envelopes and long white envelopes and today there was a large yellow envelope that was stamped PHOTOS and he could feel a cardboard backer in it to keep it rigid. She'd not said anything about the mail to him, was as blithe and lovely as ever, though he thought he saw her bite her lips and fingers in worry and he found it odd she threw the things in the garbage so quickly.

There wasn't time tonight to discuss the contents of the photo envelope. A ssoon as Effie got home from the studio she had to change and then they were off to dinner. John had made reservations at Lis d'Or, having carefully saved to treat Effie to a fine and decadant meal. Oysters, champagne, the chef's own menu du jour...he'd been looking forward to this all week.

They were seated with chilled champagne and immediately served caviar with creme fraische on toast points to whet their appetites.

"Effie, darling, are you alright? You seem on edge..." he said gently.