Both women were startled at the statement.
Abbey looked at her husband, who obviously was very upset.
She looked back at Sister Margaret, who reflected Jed's anxiety.
More curious than ever, she pressed ahead.
"Sister, I would love to know why you remember my husband so well."
Abbey could tell Jed was nervous. But she needed to know.
Especially based on their reactions.
Sister Margaret took another sip of water and turned to face her former student.
"Mr. President, I'm so glad to see you. It has been too many years."
"Yes. It has." He laid a gentle kiss on her wrinkled forehead. The fifty or so years had been gentle to her.
Jed sat down at the table and sent his wife a visual message not to go any further.
Abbey saw and understood the visual stop sign, but continued anyway.
She waited until the main course had been served. Then she continued the quest to find out what the big secret was.
After another sip of wine, Abbey asked Sister Margaret to continue on with her story.
A quick glance at her former student told Sister Margaret that there was nothing more to say.
"No. If your husband wants to tell you, that's fine. But no more from me tonight."
Abbey was disappointed. What possible secret between Jed and Sister Margaret would be so threatening, so frightening that neither one of them could speak about it?
Eventually, she would find out.
Maybe not tonight, but at some point she would have to know.