Chapter 14
They spent Christmas at the main house. Even though it took some persuading for him to even consider it.
“We could spend the day here. You have decorations up and I would rather spend it with just you anyway.”
She was almost tempted to give in, but his mother had expressed the desire for them to be at the house and she had promised. They were getting along now and Janelle wanted to keep it that way.
“I know you hate it there…”
“You don’t know the half of it.”
“But your mother wants us to spend the day with her and I think we should honor that.”
“Suit yourself. “He said tersely. “But don’t expect me to be in the Christmas mood.”
“I promise to make it up to you when we get home.” She whispered and he only grunted.
She took her time getting ready, finding it hard to decide on the mountain of clothes in the closet. She finally settled on a soft blue cashmere dress with long sleeves and snug fitting enough to show her bump. He had given her diamonds for Christmas.
The entire set which included earrings, a stunning necklace and a pair of bracelets. Knee-high boots with low heels completed the ensemble. Her hair was ruthlessly brushed and braided – the thick plait sliding over her left breast, whenever she moved.
Picking out a matching cashmere jacket, she went in search of him and found him out on the porch. Shep was curled at his feet. He was kicked back in the cane embroidered chair, with his feet propped up on the railing.
The chair was tilted precariously on its two back legs, and he had his head thrown back, a cigar clamped between his white teeth. He was wearing all black.
Sweater, jeans, boots, and a knee length jacket opened all the way, and he looked dangerous and unapproachable. There was a hard look on his beautiful face that warned her it was not going to be an easy dinner. His hair was loose, tendrils curling against his neck.
Sensing her there or maybe it was her perfume that alerted him to her presence, he opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her. Laser, like blue eyes wandered over her face and covered her entire body, a look of approval replacing the coldness.
“Very nice. Ready?”
“Yes.” She jammed her hands into the pockets of her jacket and eyed the smoke curling towards the ceiling. “You’re smoking.”
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
“You only smoke when you’re stressed.”
“Stop making a big deal out of it.” Taking it out, he stubbed the cigar out on a tray he had brought out with him and tossed it outside. “All done. Happy?”
“Look, if you don’t want to go…”
“Too late. Mother called and we have cocktails in precisely five minutes. And the opening of presents.” He lunged forward so abruptly, it caused Shep to yelp in surprise.
“Down boy.” Placing a soothing hand on the dog’s collar, he patted him softly, before giving him a nudge inside the house. “Let’s get this over and done with, shall we?”
She didn’t like his tone or the way he looked and had no idea what to do. Placing a hand on his arm as he was about to descend the steps, she forced him to stop.
“Let’s call and tell her that I’m not feeling well. Please.”
His expression softened, and he struggled to get out of the deep depression that was settling over him.
“Trying to take care of me, love?”
“Yes. It’s kind of my job and I happen to take it seriously.” Her hands lifted to touch his firm jaw. “I hate to see you hurting.”
He turned fully to face her, his hands going around her thick waist. “You make it bearable.” He admitted. He felt the flutters and as usual it did something to him. “We’ll do the dinner thing and then come back here for our own brand of celebration. Okay?”
She nodded. “We won’t stay very long. I can tell your mother that I am not feeling well.” He smiled at that and pressing a kiss on her forehead, he closed his eyes and inhaled her scent. God! He could literally feel the tension easing out of him.
Crushing her to him, he held her for a few seconds to gather his strength. “I’m fine.” He whispered in her hair. “You make it all better.”
She felt her own anxiety ebbing as she held onto him.
“It’s what I’m here for.”
“Okay, let’s get this over with.”
*****
The manor was ablaze with lights, with bulbs hanging from the well-manicured shrubberies lining the perimeter walls and the numerous trees dotting the grounds. It was not snowing, but the weather was icy, giving the indication that the prediction of a white Christmas was right on the ball.
The double doors were swept open by a beaming Rosie who was wearing a snowy white apron over a fussy red dress with a big green bow at the waist. Her salt and pepper hair was braided, and she was wearing earrings.
“Come in,” she urged, “it’s cold as the dickens out there.” She took their jackets and touched Harry gently on his jaw, dark brown eyes examining his face closely.
“Drinks in the yellow salon. Your mother and a few friends are already there.”
“Friends?” Harry reared back and stood there in the wide hallway. “What friends?”
“The McKenzie’s are here from Ireland.”
His expression turned remote, and Janelle wished she could read what was happening.
“Who are they?”
“Old friends!” He said briefly.
Rosie folded her large hands in front of her and gave him a reproving look before turning to Janelle with a fond smile. “They are more than that. Harry grew up with their daughter.”
“Yes.” He clipped and seemed reluctant to move from where he was standing. Then taking her arm, he followed Rosie along the hallway and into a room that was warm and surprisingly cozy despite its size.
Sunny yellow wallpapers covered the wall and there was a fire blazing in the hearth. She was so intent on admiring the antique furnishings that it was the sound of a squeal of girlish delight that had her noticing the older couple and the stunning redhead who came rushing forward and into Harry’s arms.
He had to let go of her arm to greet the girl and Janelle felt hard core jealousy pierced her heart through at the indulgent look on his handsome face.
She would have stood there feeling foolish and insecure if Madelyn had not glided forward to take her arm and led her over to the man and woman who rose from the deep armchairs, with smiles on their faces.
The man was tall and attractive with white threading heavily through his sandy brown hair. His eyes were blue and seemed to see right through her.
“My dear, this is Ian McKenzie and his lovely wife, Lillian.” The woman was a stunning redhead, with emerald, green eyes offset by the lovely forest green dress she was wearing.
“It’s quite wonderful to meet you.” The Irish accent made it sound as if she was singing. “And that young woman hanging onto Harry is our daughter Gayla.” Her eyes took in Janelle’s protruding stomach. “I understand you’re carrying twins.”
“Yes.” She forced a smile to her lips and tried to ignore the fact that Harry was still with Gayla. She could hear the woman’s excited chatter and his lower voice in the background. The fact that he had not left her side to come and greet the parents made spoke volumes.
“How exciting and scary.”
“Lillian, don’t try and frighten the poor girl.” Ian gave her a warm smile and extended a hand to her. “We just flew in from Ireland and called Madelyn. She told us about the dinner and invited us. You my dear, have that glow about you. It shimmers off you like waves.”
“Thank you.” She decided that she liked the husband. The wife and daughter, she was not certain about.
It was Ian who escorted her into the dining room when dinner was announced because Harry was still occupied with Gayla and seemed to have forgotten about her.
Refusing to let him spoil her time and appetite, she attacked the meal with gusto. The pressed duck, wafer thin roast beef, lobster quiche and orange chicken were a delicious combination and seated at Ian’s right, the man kept her entertained and had her laughing at some of his antics.
He was into tea shops and had several of them spread out in Ireland, London, Scotland, and Wales.
“You should visit Ireland. We live in Adare, a beautiful little village unspoiled and with a relaxing atmosphere.” He glanced over to where his daughter had her head bent towards Harry.
“Please forgive my daughter for monopolizing Bobbly. They grew up together so to speak and were close at one point.” He smiled at her. “I never thought I would see the day when Harry settled down, but then again, I can see the appeal.”
“Thank you.”
“You should have him take you for a visit to our lovely country. We would love to have you.”
She patted her stomach. “I’m afraid I will not be doing any travelling for the next few months.”
He patted her hand. “It’s an open invitation.”
He finally extricated himself after they finished the meal and were having dessert in the living room to find out if she was okay.
“Do you care?” She had promised herself she wouldn’t behave like a jealous shrew, but the anger and jealousy was spilling over.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. I’m fine. You can go back to your friend.”
He gave her a hard look. “Yes, Jan. That’s all she is. A friend and one I haven’t seen in years.” There’s no need to behave like a…,” his voice tailed off and she gave him a stony stare.
“Like a bitch? Just go away.”
“Look!”
She walked away before he could finish the conversation and sat next to Ian.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he contemplated if he should go after her, but Gayla came just then and demanded that he give her the tour.
“Darling, it’s been ages, and we have so much to catch up on.”
Hesitating briefly, he looked over at Janelle to find her engrossed in conversation with Ian. Shrugging carelessly, he smiled at the woman and led her from the room.
Janelle knew the exact time they left the room together and felt her heart plummeting. Ian had further hinted that Gayla and Harry had been childhood sweethearts. “They were as thick as thieves when they were younger. We thought they would end up with each other. But I suppose it was not meant to be.”
The woman was beautiful. That kind of red hair did not come from a bottle and her skin was white and creamy. She was perfect. And they had gone somewhere to be alone.
She felt as if the weight of the world was crushing her shoulders and wanted nothing more than to go somewhere she could be alone. Ian said something to her, and she forced herself to turn her attention to him.
*****
“You’re not married.”
“No, but from what I hear, you have done the deed twice already.” He said teasingly.
They had finished most of the rooms and were in the library where she insisted on having a drink. He knew he should get back to Janelle, but he was damned if he was going to go running just to soothe her feelings.
She had nothing to be jealous about and he had proven that to her over and over again. Gayla was an old friend- well, she was a little more than that, but that had been years ago.
“Oh Bobby!” She sighed as she took the glass of scotch and touched his arm. “Why didn’t we get married?”
He had poured himself a glass as well and took a sip. “We were children.”
“We were in love.”
He laughed at that. “No, we weren’t. We were dazzled with each other, and we engaged in some heavy petting.”
“We went all the way one summer,” she reminded him with a pout.
“And it was lovely.” He touched her cheek in return. “But it was over a long time ago.”
“Do you love her?”
He took another sip and eyed her over the rim. “I do.”
“Or are you with her because she is pregnant?”
“No. It’s the real thing.”
Gayla sighed and wandered over the heavy rug next to the window. “I came here hoping to start things up between us.” She turned to face him. “You have been on my mind recently.”
“Looking for husband number three?” He asked with raised brows.
“That’s a rotten thing to say. Oh, why didn’t you come back to Ireland?”
“Because it’s not my home.”
“I think I still love you.”
Harry laughed, genuinely amused by her. At one point he had fancied himself attracted and enchanted by her.
She had always been beautiful and tended to flit around like a butterfly who refused to settle. But he could never be in love with someone like her. Her feelings were too close to the surface. “I seriously doubt that. And besides it’s too late now. I am in love with Janelle, utterly and irrevocably.”
*****
“Let me get Harry.”
“No.” Janelle shook her head. “I’m just tired and want to lie down.”
“At least go into one of the rooms, we have more than enough. And besides, it’s cold. My dear you should not be out in this weather.” Madelyn was beside herself. Janelle had left her seat a few minutes ago and declared that she wanted to call it a night.
“I have to walk this off, Madelyn. I will be fine.” She assured the woman.
“My dear…”
“No. Go back to your guests. I am fine.” Before the woman could protest further, she walked out and went to find Rosie to get her coat.
Pressing her lips together, Madelyn made her excuses to her friends and went in search of her wayward son. Men! She thought in disgust as she headed towards the library where one of the maids informed her they were.
She had seen the struggle on Janelle’s face to hide her feelings, but she knew the girl was hurting. Harry had all but ignored her. And now she was walking home in this weather.
Pushing the doors open, she took in the scene and compressed her lips. Gayla was sitting on the edge of the desk, one elegantly shod leg swinging and Harry was sitting behind the desk, a drink in his hand.
“Mother. Everything all right?”
“My dear, could you give me a minute with my son?”
Gayla looked like she was about to protest but thought better of it and flounced from the room.
“What’s wrong?”
“You mean other than the fact that you left Janelle alone?”
His mouth tightened. “I left her with you and Ian and Lillian. I was on my way back. No need to scold me.”
“She left.”
“What?”
“Janelle is right now walking back to the pool house. I tried to get her to go upstairs and utilize one of the bedrooms, because she said she was feeling tired…”
“When?” He pushed out of the chair.
“A few minutes ago.”
“And you let her?” Slamming the glass down, he headed for the doors.
“I couldn’t very well stop her.” She followed him out. “I cannot really blame her either, you have been attached to Gayla like a magnet.”
“Bloody hell.” He muttered. “Make my excuses, will you? That bloody fool.”
The forecast had been right. She was halfway to the pool house when she felt the first flakes. And it would have been a thing of joy and wonder to her, if her heart did not feel like stone.
She should not have left. Should not have slunk off like some coward. She had a right to him. She was the woman carrying his babies, the one he slept with, the damn one he was always saying how much he loved, unless he was lying.
How dare he left her like that! Humiliate her like that because of that – that Irish bitch with her flaming red hair and emerald, green eyes and perfect skin and body. Well to hell with him! Ignoring the snow that was now coming down hard, she blinked back the tears.
He was not worth her getting herself into a lather. Stomping up the steps, she headed towards the bedroom, with Shep who had abandoned his comfortable sleeping bed as soon as she walked in and was following behind her.
“If you’re looking for your treacherous master, he’s cozied up with some red-haired bimbo from his past.” Plopping onto the love seat, she sat there staring into the fire and absently rubbed the dog’s soft fur.
She became aware of the throbbing of her ankles and remembered she still had her boots on.
She was taking them off and wriggling her toes and that was how he saw her. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he watched as she peeled her stockings off and rubbed her ankles. Even from where he was, he could see they were swollen.
She looked up as if sensing his presence and her expression rivaled the weather outside. He did not let that stop him from walking into the room.
“Go to bed, Shep.” He shooed the dog out and sat next to her. “That was a bloody stupid thing to do.”
“Why are you not with your girlfriend?”
“It so happens I am with her. I am sitting next to her.” He deliberately misinterpreted her question.
“I am just the woman you knocked up. I’m damn well talking about that bitch.”
“She’s a friend and there is no reason to be jealous. Let me see your ankles.”
“Leave me alone.” She started to rise when the wave of nausea hit her so suddenly, she had to fall back down.
“Baby, what is it?”
“Go away.” She tried desperately to keep the sickness at bay but felt it welling up inside her throat. Pushing off the sofa, she raced into the bathroom and made it just in time. He was behind her, holding her as she retched her stomach out. When she was finished, he carried her to the sink, so she could rinse out her mouth.
Cradling her against his chest, he carried her to the bed and gently took off her clothes. She was too weak to order him to leave and frankly she did not care. She just wanted to go to sleep for a very long time. And she felt like weeping. That pissed her off.
“Let me get you something to sleep in.” His deep voice was quiet, his expression one of remorse and guilt.
She ignored the tugging of her heart. He was not getting away that easily.
His hands were gentle as they removed her bra and slipped the silk nightgown over her head. As if realizing she did not want to talk, he remained silent. Turning her head away from him, she stared at the wallpaper, not even turning around when she felt him easing off the bed.
He was gone for several minutes when he came back into the room with a tray.
“Here.” Putting the tray down, he eased her up on the pillows and put the tray over her lap.
“I don’t need you tending to me,” she told him stonily.
“Tough.” He had made tea and included saltines. “I’m here, deal with it.”
“Just go away.”
“Drink.” Picking up the saucer with the cup, he put it to her lips. “I put some ice cubes in so it wouldn’t be so hot.” His eyes met hers. “Can you stop being mad enough to drink this?”
Taking the cup from him, she took several sips and felt her stomach settling.
He sat there and made sure she finished every drop and ate some of the crackers. Taking the tray away, he rose to undress. Sliding back down, she pulled the covers over her and turned her back to him.
With a sigh, he slid in next to her and turned off the lamp.
“She’s just a friend, baby. Dammit Jan, can you please look at me?”
She remained stubbornly turned away.
Clamping his hands on her shoulders, he forced her to face him, but she refused to look at him. “She wanted to talk and… All right. I was wrong to leave you alone and spend so much time with her. “His fingers touched her chin to turn her towards him. “How can you not believe how much I love you?”
He saw the tears overflowing her eyes and cursed softly. “I’m sorry baby.” Pulling her resistant body into his arms, he crushed her against him. “So bloody sorry.”