Nephew's Wife, The (4 page)

              Ellen blinked. “I hope I don’t disappoint you or Dolly.”

“I hope
you’re
not disappointed.”

Ellen lifted her brow at him.  It seemed a strange thing to say.  Rand escorted her inside Dolly’s room then excused himself to work in his office, promising to see them at lunch.

“So, Dolly, what plans are you working on?” Ellen asked as soon as Rand left.                                                                                                             

“Sit down, Ellen.”  Dolly patted the bed beside her.  Ellen did as she was told.  Dolly reminded Ellen so much of her grandmother, she was eager to please the woman.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about you since this morning.”  Years had shed from Dolly’s face in that short time.

“I’m sorry for the breakdown, Dolly,” Ellen apologized.  “I won’t let that happen again.”

“You cry around me all you want, dear,” Dolly replied in spirited fashion.  “I wasn’t thinking about that anyway.”

Ellen looked puzzled.

“I think you need a makeover,” Dolly declared, excitedly.

Ellen reared back, stunned by Dolly’s boldness. 

“Don’t be insulted, child.” Dolly smiled. “You’re a natural beauty, but that long hair just drags down your tiny face. A shorter, lighter style would enhance your lovely eyes and high cheekbones. And your clothes are nothing but rags.  A girl with your figure and olive complexion should have a more flattering wardrobe.”

Ellen wasn’t offended.  She’d dreamed of changing her looks and buying new clothes once Paul had passed away as a step toward moving on, but she had neither the chance nor the finances.  She’d been so busy lately, mostly hiding from obnoxious reporters, anxious to get the latest on her.

“Rand gave me an advance—” Ellen froze when she saw the shock on Dolly’s face.  “What, Dolly?”

“You called him Rand.”

“He told me to. Is it being disrespectful?”

Dolly smiled. “No, no, child, you’re not being disrespectful. Rand never allowed the others to be so informal. This is a first.  He absolutely fumed when the other three companions called him by his first name.”

“What were they like, Dolly?  I don’t want to repeat their mistakes.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t.  Randolph trusts you or he wouldn’t be so casual.  He doesn’t trust women these days.  Not after the fiasco with his fiancée. She left him two weeks before their wedding.  The ordeal was so heartbreaking for him. He won’t even think of dating again.”

Ellen dropped her gaze.
At least he’s still alive.

“Maybe he just needs to find the right person.” She glanced up.

“I pray he does and soon.” Dolly sighed as if she’d spoken these words time and time again.  “He’s thirty-five
.
A man his age should have a family. He’d make a good husband and father.”  Dolly pursed her lips in frustration.  “He’s so stubborn.  He won’t even date the women at church, and there are plenty who would go out with him in a heartbeat.”

Ellen wondered what it would be like to truly love someone like Rand Powers or anyone for that matter.  What she’d felt for Paul hadn’t been love.  It’d been infatuation.  He’d promised her so much that she’d gotten carried away by the fantasy of a prosperous lifestyle.  Paul had been so materialistic.  Possessions mattered to him, and Ellen had been one of them.  When it had come down to it, Ellen hadn’t wanted that kind of life. Through prayer, God had led her to the conclusion Paul was not right for her.  Their marriage would not have succeeded, and she would have been miserable.

“Ellen. Ellen, dear.”  Dolly’s soft voice broke into Ellen’s woolgathering.

“I’m sorry, Dolly.” Ellen cleared her head.

Dolly slumped. “I’ve been so insensitive, talking about Rand and his love life when you’ve just buried your fiancé.  I’m the one who’s sorry.”

Dolly’s regret made Ellen’s heart churn with guilt.  Her life was a lie. She was a fraud. Everyone admired her for being so faithful and devoted to Paul, but she knew better, and the secret was slowly killing her. 

“You’ve gone pale, Ellen. Are you alright?”

Ellen nodded.  “I’m fine, Dolly.”

              “It’s going to take a while to get over that kind of loss.” Dolly gazed lovingly at a photo of a man on her bedside table.  “When my Harold died, Randolph’s uncle, I grieved for years.  No one could ever replace him.  I never remarried. I spent the rest of my life, looking after Randolph.”  She turned to Ellen. “You’re young, Ellen. Your heart will mend in time. The grief will slowly fade away.  Make room in your heart for another man.”

If only she could, Ellen thought, sadly. She wondered what Dolly would say if she knew the truth about her.  She’d probably fire her on the spot. 

“Was he your husband, Dolly?” Ellen gestured toward the photo.

“Yes, he was my beloved Harold.” Tears shined in Dolly’s eyes.  “I still miss him after all these years.  You understand how I feel.  You loved Paul deeply, too.”

Ellen gulped.  To agree would be a lie.
I never loved Paul deeply.
The idea saddened Ellen. A well of tears opened in her eyes, but she held them back.

              “I’m not doing a very good job my first day here.” Ellen stood abruptly and started fluffing Dolly’s pillows.  “I should be lifting your spirits, not dragging you down.” 

“You’re not dragging me down, dear.  I enjoy your company.”

“What would like me to do for you, Dolly?” Ellen focused on her new position.  She wanted to prove herself up to the responsibilities and worth every cent Rand Powers was paying her. She straightened Dolly’s bed covers then walked over to the vanity and came back with Dolly’s hairbrush.

“There is something I’d like you to help me with.”  Mischief skittered through Dolly’s tone.

“Sounds mysterious.”  Ellen arched her brow as she brushed Dolly’s curly, gray hair into place. 

“It’s more sneaky than mysterious,” Dolly quipped. “I want you to help me find a wife for Randolph.”

“What?” Ellen gasped, holding the brush in mid-air.

“I knew when I saw you that you’d be the perfect one to help me.  I could tell you weren’t self-absorbed like those other girls. You have a heart for others.”

“Dolly, I wouldn’t even know how to go about this.”

“Surely you know some Christian ladies who’d enjoy going out with my nephew.”

“No, I’m sorry Dolly, but I don’t have any close girlfriends.” Ellen took the brush back to the vanity.

Dolly’s spirits deflated.  “I’ve been insensitive again.  Here I am, wanting you to play matchmaker when you’re dealing with a broken heart.  I’m so sorry.  You have too much on your plate now.” 

Ellen regretted her negative reaction.  Why not help Dolly find someone for her nephew?  How hard could it be when the subject was so—
perfect?
Besides, it could be fun, and she needed a distraction from her dismal problems.  It meant so much to Dolly, Ellen relented.

“Okay, Dolly, I’ll be happy to help you find a wife for your nephew, but I really don’t have any single girlfriends.  I didn’t socialize much the past nine years.”

“I knew I could count on you, Ellen.” Dolly’s wrinkles fluttered under her infectious grin.  She tossed her covers aside.  “I feel like getting up.  Bring me my chair, please.”

Ellen helped Dolly dress in a velour warm-up suit then wheeled her down the elevator and onto the stone patio.

“Finally!” Celeste had a fit when she saw Dolly outside.

“Oh, hush!”  Dolly chided, playfully.

Celeste called her husband Edward over from a flower bed he was weeding to share in the excitement. 

“You must be some miracle worker, Miss,” he exclaimed to Ellen. 

“I’ll bring your lunch out here.” Celeste marched off in a cloud of joy.

Ellen parked the wheelchair by a glass-topped table and helped Dolly into one of the floral-cushioned chairs then draped the throw she’d brought over Dolly’s legs. They sat quietly, taking in the tranquil scenery.  The breeze off the bay, clean and refreshed from yesterday’s rain, was on the warm side.  In the distance, several private yachts floated on the satiny smooth waters like play toys while noisy seagulls soared overhead in search of food. Ellen felt a lift in her spirits.

“I forgot how lovely the bay is.” Dolly’s eyes glistened with tears as she scanned the property.  “God’s blessed us with so much.  I’ve been terribly ungrateful lately, Ellen.  It’s a good thing I worship a forgiving God. I haven’t liked myself these past months.  Being home all the time has brought me face to face with Randolph’s stubborn desire to stay single.  He’s underfoot on his days off.  He should have a family to take care of and spend time with.  I see hope for him now.  I’ve got you to help me.  One way or the other, Randolph’s going to find a wife.”

Ellen scooted her chair closer to Dolly and wrapped an arm around the older woman’s sagging shoulders. They felt bony under the soft jacket. Dolly leaned her head on Ellen’s shoulder.

“I’m glad you understand, Ellen, and don’t mind consoling a weepy old woman.”

“A very wise lady told me recently that crying is healing,” Ellen said, giving Dolly a squeeze. If she couldn’t be with her own grandmother, this was the next best thing.

Dolly sniffled. “Sounds familiar.”

They stayed that way until the door opened behind them, and Rand stepped out, gaping.

“I can’t believe it!” He looked at Ellen. “You haven’t been here a full day and you’ve managed this!”

“I didn’t do anything,” Ellen said, shrugging.  “It was Dolly’s idea.”

Celeste came out, pushing a loaded cart. “I don’t care whose idea it was, I’m just tickled pink to see you outside, enjoying this nice weather, Mrs. Powers.”

“Don’t make such a fuss over it, Celeste! I have been outside the past few months.”

“And you screamed and hollered the whole time until someone took you back inside!” Celeste set placemats on the table. 

“Can I help you, Celeste?” Ellen needed something to do to hide the sudden case of nerves she got when Rand appeared.

All three looked at Ellen with bewilderment. 

“If you’d like, Miss Todd,” Celeste answered, graciously.

After Celeste left, Rand said a blessing and they ate.  Ellen felt awkward in such a grand setting, but Rand and Dolly went out of their way to put her at ease. 

“Ellen’s going for a makeover tomorrow.”  Dolly announced in the middle of the meal.

“I—am?” Ellen choked down a bite of strawberry.  Her face blushed with embarrassment when she saw Rand raise an eyebrow at the news.

“I’ll make all the arrangements when we get back inside,” Dolly added.  “A new job, a new place to live calls for a whole new look, don’t you think Rand?”

Rand couldn’t see anything that needed changing in Ellen’s pretty looks, but he agreed wholeheartedly with his aunt anyway.  “I certainly do.  I’ll take care of the expenses.”

“No, dear, this is my treat.”  Dolly gave Ellen a cheerful smile.  “It’s my gift to you, Ellen.”

Tears sprinkled Ellen’s eyes.  It was almost like she had become part of the family, not just part of the staff.

Chapter 4

Ellen returned from the salon the next afternoon at the same time her things arrived from her apartment. 

“Mrs. Powers is about to have a cow, Miss Todd.”   Celeste met her in the entrance hall.  “She’s dying to see your new look.”

Ellen fluffed her short locks.  “What do you think, Celeste?”

“It’s very flattering.” The housekeeper smiled.

“You’re not paid to be complimentary all the time, are you?”  Ellen chuckled.

Celeste shook her head.  “Absolutely not! You’ll soon find out, we all speak our minds here.  The Powers are sticklers for the truth.”

Ellen worried over Celeste’s words as she flew up the stairs.  The truth was still buried deep inside her.  If Dolly and Rand knew what she had done to Paul, she’d be out in no time.  One day she’d have to admit she caused Paul’s horrendous accident.  The media wasn’t letting up.  She was still a global sensation.  Ida had called her earlier in a tizzy. 

“That Hollywood producer just called again about the documentary.”  Ida was fit to be tied.  “I’m losing my patience, Ellen.  She tried to bribe me.  Honestly!”

“I’m so sorry for putting you and the care center in this position,” Ellen had apologized.  “I’m going to stay under the radar as much as possible.  You’ll be happy to know I’m finally getting that makeover I talked about. Maybe no one will recognize me.  I’m being very careful while out. I feel like a spy, sneaking around.”

“None of this is your fault, Ellen.” Ida had told her in a kind, patient voice.  “The world loves a sad, romantic heroine.  Right now, you’re its darling.”

“Well, I don’t want to be!”

“I know.  I’ve got to go. Congratulations on the makeover!  You deserve good things to happen to you for all you did for Paul.  No one else would have stayed by his side for nine years the way you did. It really is a beautiful story when you think about it.”

Ellen had cringed at that last remark.  There wasn’t anything beautiful about what she’d done to Paul.  Remaining with him hadn’t come close to paying him back for what she had done.

When Ellen reached the top of the staircase, she pushed aside painful memories and fixed a smile on her face.  She turned down the hallway. Dolly’s door was opened, and Ellen could clearly see the petite woman seated in a chair by the window.

“Hello, Dolly!” Ellen swirled inside the room. “How do I look?”

Dolly gaped at Ellen’s lighter, shorter hairstyle with wispy bangs.  “I hardly recognize you.”

“Good! Maybe the masses won’t either.”

“Come over and let me get a better look.” 

Ellen plopped down on the velvet bench at the foot of Dolly’s four poster bed.  Dolly appraised Ellen’s layered, chin-length hair.

“Your hairstylist said it gave me a more sophisticated, chic look.”  Ellen swung her head from side to side.  “It feels much lighter.  Thank you Dolly!  This has boosted my spirits considerably.”  Ellen just wished the new style would take away her deep guilt.  It didn’t come close.