Chapter 4
“Have you gone mad?” Deidre stared at her daughter, her expression one of acute displeasure. She had seen the photos on the internet as well as prominently featured in several society rags and had fielded the curious questions from a few friends and associates who wanted to know if her daughter was dating Robert Faulkner.
She had called and demanded a meeting. Now they were on the patio of her townhouse where Deidre had instructed the housekeeper to fix a tray for brunch.
“You were the one who wanted me to get married. And gave me a two-week timeline.” Sonya retorted. She had had every intention of telling her mother the news, but the photos had done it for her, and she was not unhappy about that.
“Of all the eligible men who would have loved the privilege of being your husband, you have chosen him. What about Kevin Blagrove?” She threw up one hand in question. “His family owns real estate, and they are old and dignified. Milo Vermont?
David Pettigrove? Allan Smithfield? These men are most suitable and have pedigrees, distinguished ones, I might add. Robert Faulkner is…”
“A very successful and ambitious man who made something of himself.” She interrupted firmly before her mother could voice her derogatory term. Pulling out one of the iron grille chairs, she plopped down impatiently.
She had several meetings with various sponsors and did not have time for this. “Mother, you instructed me – no…!” She shook her head. “You ordered me to find a husband and that’s what I did. Robert is someone I have known for years. We went to school together.”
Deidre glared at her as she picked up her dainty cup filled with her special blend of herbal tea.
“He was not in your league. As I recalled, he was some poor scholarship child.”
“He was, and he is now one of the wealthiest men in the world. That should sit well with you.” Sonya’s mouth twisted slightly, and she felt the shame coursing through her body.
Who was she to judge, she thought wretchedly. Once upon a time, she was that person. Money and status meant a lot to her, and she would never have been caught dead interacting with a poor person. “And Kevin has been divorced twice. Milo is an entitled ass who does nothing but party and live off his parents money. David is gay.”
She almost smiled at the rounded look in her mother’s eyes.
“He is most certainly not.”
“He is gay, mother. It is well-known that his parents are looking for some idiot woman to lend him some sort of ‘respectability’ to cover the fact that he prefers men. I have chosen Robert and next week Saturday, we are getting married.”
Deidre pouted as she stirred her tea. Her daughter was right of course. The man might not be her first choice or any kind of choice, but he had to be admired. He was made of money and everything he touched turned to pure gold, according to several business magazines. And he was not unattractive, if one was into that smoldering, cynical look.
“I suppose he’ll have to do,” she eyed her daughter speculatively. “How did you get him to propose? Rumor has it that he has been very elusive when it comes to matrimony. That women have been chasing him over the years and he has not shown the slightest bit of interest.”
Sonya felt a tug of her heart at the question. Her mother did not know it would not be a marriage at all. Just the illusion of one or that Robert had his reason for agreeing to the farce.
“He thinks it’s time he settled down,” she murmured vaguely.
Deidre nodded. “And it is time you did too. Well, darling, I am looking forward to seeing you tie the knot.” She glanced around her patio where the summer flowers were still in full bloom.
“We could have it right here.”
“That’s actually a very good idea.” Tamping down the guilt she was feeling, she forced a smile. “I will run it by Robert.”
“And when do I get to meet him?”
“Mother, you have known him for years.”
“We have brushed by each other at a few functions, but I have never spoken to him. If he’s going to be part of my family, I would very much like to make his acquaintance.”
Sonya did not tell her about the dinner on Sunday for the very reason that she did not want her mother ruining things.
“I will arrange a luncheon,” she promised.
“All right.” In a change of mood, Deidre clapped her hands in delight, “Well darling, this calls for champagne.”
*****
She dressed carefully, bearing in mind that she would be meeting his sister. She had heard from him yesterday when he was on his way back from New York to say that everything was arranged.
“Is there anything I should bring?”
“Just yourself. I have a very competent housekeeper who is very territorial when it comes to the kitchen.”
Now she was standing in front of the mirror, eyeing her outfit critically. The dress was not very formal, nor was it casual, but somewhere between. The floral colors were displayed on a cream background and flared from the waist to just below her knees. The top was closefitting, with tiny flower shaped sleeves and a scooped neckline.
She stared at the style and wondered fleetingly if it was showing too much cleavage. Her hair was loose, and she had gone to the salon to have it shampooed and treated.
Her make-up was flawless. Even when she was a girl, she had stayed away from cosmetics, because with her skin tone, she did not really need it. The lipstick was a soft-shell pink that outlined her lips and left them shimmering.
Moving away from the mirror, she went to collect her wrap and purse and headed downstairs. Taking a deep breath, she went towards her front door. He had offered to send a car for her, but she had refused. “I will find my own way,” she assured him.
She knew where he lived of course, because he had agreed to have his place photographed for ‘Housekeeping of the rich and famous’. She had found herself admiring the slightly sterile if very luxurious rooms and the fact that he was several miles away from his neighbors, giving him complete privacy.
*****
“You’re early.”
“Is that a complaint?”
“No.” Robert greeted his sister by folding his arms around her petite figure, possessively and completely ignoring the nervous young man standing next to her. “I trust you don’t have a shift today?”
“No.” Cat placed her hands on his solid chest and quirked a brow at him. “You’re all dressed up,” she teased.
“Don’t start,” he muttered, lifting his head to look at the man who was practically wringing his hands.
“You must be Brian.” His expression had turned cool as he sized up the guy his sister was involved with.
“Yes sir!” The man took a deep breath, before sticking out a hand.
Shifting his sister aside, Robert clasped it and was surprised and pleased at the firm handshake and the fact that even though the younger man was nervous, his palms were not moist. “Come on in and dispense with the ‘sir’ - will you? I am not ancient. The name is Robert.”
“Of course!” Brian exchanged a glance with Cat and caught her smile.
“I think he likes you.”
“Let’s not go that far.” Robert warned as he led the way from the wide hallway towards the cozy living room where refreshments were already laid out.
“Help yourselves. I just have to go and see about something in the kitchen. Mrs. Hall left everything organized as well as instructions on what to do.” He strode from the room, leaving the couple alone.
“Well!” Brian eased out a shaky breath and rolled his shoulders as he stared around the elegant room. “That went well. My God! This place is amazing.”
“My brother likes wide open spaces.” She was pleased at his look of admiration. “He grew up living in a shoe box when he was little and was determined to have as much space as possible.” She wandered over to the massive hearth.
“During the fall and winter months, we would cozy up here in the easy chairs and have our meals in front of the fire.” She lifted her head to stare at Brian, a smile touching her lips. “Now that he has approved of you, I think you’ll be included.”
“Does he think I am into you for your money?” He had come up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I am very certain; he had you thoroughly checked out.” She laughed as his arms jolted.
What do you expect?”
“Nothing less,” Brian muttered, “he’s very intimidating.”
“He loves me and as long as you’re not into me because of him, then you have nothing to worry about.”
“You know better than that.” They both lifted their heads at the sound of the doorbell. “That would be this woman he started seeing.”
Brian’s brows lifted at her tone.
“I take it that he’s not the only one who is territorial,” he muttered dryly.
“Was it that obvious?”
“Darling, you are practically vibrating. Try and disguise the fact that you’re not in approval of his choice.”
At the front door, Robert had to tamp down his anxiety before disengaging the lock. But that was before he had his first glance of her. Christ Jesus! He was never going to be able to keep things simple. He wanted to devour her, right here and now.
Forcing a smile to his lips, he stepped aside to allow her to enter and took her wrap and purse. Turning away and making a production of setting her stuff on the entrance table, he had time to compose himself before turning back to face her.
“Welcome.”
“It’s a lovely home.” She smiled at him. “But I have to confess that I did get a peek when I read the magazine just this week.”
Her subtle perfume swamped him and made him dizzy and shaky.
“Does that mean you will not want the tour?”
“Oh, I would love to physically see the place. I also know from the pictures that you have a well-stocked gym and game room.”
“I like to relax when I am not working. My sister and her boyfriend are already here.”
He saw when she drew back a little. “Oh, I thought it would be just her.”
“I am just meeting him for the first time.”
She let out a startled laugh. “I can just imagine how terrified he is.”
“That’s how I like it.” His smile came easily, and he preceded her through the wide hallway where she spent time admiring the silk wallpaper and the paintings mounted there.
“Sonya, meet my sister Catherine and her friend Brian.”
The young man was staring at her in admiration, but it was the cautious look in his sister’s eyes that caught her attention. That and the stunning décor of the living room.
“Ms. Beaumont.” Cat moved forward to size her up, reluctantly admiring the woman’s stunning beauty. Her complexion was flawless, and her confidence was evident. This was not one who was easily intimidated, and Cat could understand why her brother was smitten. And he was, she realized grudgingly.
“Please call me, Sonya.” With an easy friendly smile, she offered a hand that was reluctantly clasped. Brian came forward, a slightly dazed expression on his attractive face.
“I recognize you of course. You have been featured in the papers countless times. You were instrumental in getting that free clinic up and running downtown. Cat and I offer our services there twice a week.”
“And we thank you for that,” she gave Brian a warm, engaging smile that had him blushing.
“Would you like something to drink, before we go to dinner?” Robert took her elbow and steered her away firmly.
“How about a glass of white wine. Oh Robert, this is lovely!” She wandered over to the window with its massive pane of glass overlooking a garden bursting with flowers.
“The view is spectacular.” She turned to take the glass from him, before looking back at the scenery. “Is that a pond?”
He had come up behind her. “It is.”
“And those are water lilies. Oh, how enchanting.”
“We could take a walk as soon as dinner is over.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him and her smile was dazzling, sending hot flames throughout his loins. “I would love that.”
*****
Robert reluctantly agreed to have his sister give her the tour of the house. After supper, which consisted of succulent duck and tender veal, completed with delicious wild rice, a vegetable mixed with baby potatoes, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes. For dessert they had homemade chocolate crème Brulé.
“Do you normally eat like this?” She asked after finishing the dessert and coffee.
“No,” he sent her an easy smile, happy to see that she was relaxed and seem to be at home in his space. “This is a special occasion.”
Now he was entertaining his sister’s boyfriend, while anxiously hoping that his sister wasn’t giving her a tough time.
“Scotch?”
“Yes, sir. I mean, Robert.” Brian was nervous. The dinner had gone well, until the man had started grilling him about his life. “I want you to know that I really like Catherine.” He murmured thanks when the glass was handed to him.
They were in Robert’s den, a large book lined room with a massive desk and comfortable chair. He had a distinct feeling that the man had chosen this room because it afforded a view of the path his sister and the beautiful Sonya had taken.
“And this is not just an opportunity to get anything from you. Not that I was ever thinking that.” He added hastily as he was pinned by inscrutable hazel eyes. “I would never dream of it. Your sister loves you very much.
You are her hero.” He took a nervous sip of his drink, eyes widening as it slid smoothly down. Everything about the man was impressive. The fact that Robert Faulkner had remade himself and was now a multi-billionaire was pretty damn awesome.
“Am I?” Robert asked mildly as he wandered over to the window. His eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at the two women standing by the pond and wondered what the hell they were talking about.
“I love my brother.” Cat knew that she sounded defensive, but she couldn’t help it.
“I don’t have a sibling, but that’s admirable.” Sonya knew the girl resented her but did not let it bother. She was not really in a relationship with Robert. But the girl would not know that.
“I want him to be happy. He deserves it.” Cat continued fiercely. “He works so hard, and, in the past, he went through hell. He deserves a woman who is not into him for his money.” She stared at Sonya as she said it. “You went to the same school.”
“Yes,” Despite the situation, she went still.
“You were one of those who looked down their noses at my brother.”
“Catherine…”
“No.” The girl held up a hand. “I want to have my say, if you don’t mind.” When Sonya nodded, she plunged on. “I want someone for him. He told me you have changed, and you were not like the others, well, I wasn’t there, so I don’t know. He needs some sort of stability in his life.”
“And you’re not certain I am right for him.” Sonya intuited quietly. “I cannot blame you for being protective. I just want you to know that I admire your brother and am very proud of his accomplishments.”
“You grew up wealthy.” It was said like an accusation.
“I did and was spoiled and entitled. Now I am trying to make a difference.” She forced a smile. “You do not know me and there is no reason to believe me, but I am not the person I was before.”
The girl stared at her for a few seconds, before responding. “We’ll see.”
*****
“What are you doing?”
Robert stared at the glowing tip of his cigar as if contemplating the question. “I am smoking and having a drink.”
“You were supposed to quit.” Cat slid into the room, and he had to tamp down an impatient sigh. After seeing Sonya off and torturing himself with the scent of her, he had come straight in the den to try and forget that his bed was decidedly lonely, and he was going to have a hell of a time sleeping.
“Yes, mother. What are you doing up? I thought you had an early shift tomorrow?”
“I came to check on you.”
He shot her an amused glance and propped his feet on top of his desk. “That’s not your job.”
His sister shrugged self-consciously as she took a chair in front of the desk. “I am worried about you.”
His brows shot up. “Why?”
“You really like this woman.”
“Her name is Sonya, and I might as well tell you that we are getting married next weekend. Nothing fancy, just an intimate ceremony at her mother’s place.”
Cat stared at her brother in shock. “You cannot be serious.”
“I am very serious. We have decided we suit each other and figured there is no need to wait.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because I want to.” He sighed at the look on her face and hated that he was deceiving her.
“Look darling, I know you think you have my best interests at heart…”
“I love you and want you to be happy!”
“I will be.”
“You like her that much?”
He smiled a little grimly at the understatement. Each time he saw her it was as if his emotions were galloping through the gate. He was in love with her and somewhere between now and the time when she decided to stop the charade, he was hoping to convince her to stay with him. “I like her that much,” he confirmed.
“And does she feel the same way?” She demanded. “I spoke to her earlier and the only word that came out of her mouth was admiration of your success. Not love or like or anything that should justify you marrying her.”
“I can live with that for now,” he told her mildly as he picked up his glass and took a sip.
“She is too beautiful.” Cat muttered, rolling her eyes at the amusement lurking in her brother’s hazel eyes. “Brian was tongue-tied the entire time, and I caught him staring at her several times during dinner.”
Robert’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not something you should be telling me.”
“Oh, he is not lusting after her, I get that. But you cannot help but stare. Is it the fact that she is so beautiful?”
“That’s part of it,” He told her quietly, “she is an intelligent woman and her confidence is inspiring. And she is a particularly good conversationalist.”
Cat was trying to understand why her usually sensible and pragmatic brother was rushing into marriage.
“Was it what I said before? About you needing someone?”
He shot her a retired look as he took a drag on the tobacco. “Darling, I am doing this for me. You should be happy for me. I thought you would be.”
“If I thought you were doing this for the right reason, I would be dancing around the room.”
“I am doing this for the right reason. Trust me on that. Now,” he continued briskly, “do I have your support?”
“Of course you do. If she hurts, you…”
“Stop.” He ordered quietly. “I am thirty-five years old and have been pretty much on my own since I was sixteen. I have fought hard to be who I am right now. I always know what I want. And I want her. I would like you to respect my decision and be happy for me.”
She backed down, reluctantly. He was right. He had worked so hard and even now with all the fortune he had accumulated, he still went to his company each day at the crack of dawn and most days did not leave until everyone was gone. She wanted more for him. A wife, children, a family of his own, other than her.
She would often think about him here in this lovely apartment and wished he had someone to share things with. But she had her doubts about that girl and could not forget that she had been a part of his misery during his childhood. She was afraid that Sonya Beaumont is going to hurt him.
“Okay,” she told him quietly. “I am behind you as always.”
“Good, now come and kiss me goodnight. I have to prepare for a meeting in the morning.”