She might destroy herself in the process, but she was determined to do it for the princess. As she picked up the phone, Charlie remembered Christmas Eve their sophomore yean The memory was clear: the stocking for Pop, the sapphire and diamond ring stuck inside the toe, the humble gesture of a princess that had saved her family. Charlie took a deep breath and dialed Peter’s number at Harvard. “I thought I’d never hear your voice again,” Peter said. Charlie’s hand began to tremble. His voice sounded the same, as though they had spoken only yesterday. “I …” she started to speak, but was stopped by surprising tears. She had no business calling him. He was probably seeing someone else by now, someone better suited to the Hobart family, someone who would not flee from the pressure of Elizabeth Hobart. Then Charlie thought of Marina again and clutched the receiver more tightly. “I miss you, Peter.” The silence lasted a moment, vet seemed an eternity. Finally, Peter moaned.
