He stood in the shadows of the entryway between two buildings, his cloak pulled up around his neck and his wide brimmed hat down low to conceal his face. He watched the boy place the basket on the doorstep. He knocked briefly and without waiting, as instructed he returned to the stranger. Athos nodded at him once, before tossing the promised coin his way. The boy grabbed it mid-air and was off like a hare chased by a fox. Athos smiled and made himself comfortable as he watched the doorstep.

A few moments later her front door opened, and she glanced around before looking down. With a frown she picked up the basket and drew back the cover. Her mouth opened and he could almost hear her exclamation of surprise, one hand going to her heart, as she realised what it contained. She closed her eyes, and breathed in the aroma of the sweet pastries it contained. Slowly opening her eyes, she smiled, then stepped forward to look around the crowded streets for her unexpected benefactor. She lingered, trying to spot him, somehow knowing he was there. Eventually she turned, cradling the basket with one last glance around she went back inside. He couldn't help but notice how much she looked like the woman he had married.

He had not been able to secure the exact pastries he had wanted; his cook's secret recipe now beyond his reach, but these were close enough and more importantly; she had known. He could have sent flowers or a note, jewellery or even visited to say thank you, but he didn't trust himself. So instead he sent delicate reminders of the happier times they had shared instead. Aramis had told him everything: of her fierceness and readiness to fight the musketeers when she believed they were at fault; of her standing, knife in hand, ready to protect him against Dufour in the basement, and of the nights she had sat with him, holding his hand and reading to him throughout his fever.

He did not see how they had a future together; but he also did not see how they could have a future apart. Their lives seemed as bound together as their hearts and nothing they tried seemed to break that bond.

He hated himself for his behaviour all those years ago, his jealousy and anger taking him beyond all sense of reason. With the benefit of hindsight, he knew, had it not been his wife and brother he would have handled things very differently. However, what was past could not be changed, no matter what he might wish. Was a future possible? He didn't know; but for now it was enough that she knew, that he knew…