Nephew's Wife, The (8 page)

“Life has a way of getting complicated.”  Rand’s remark was weaved inside a long, dark tone.  He stood next to a window and gazed at the bay, peeking through the branches.  “I’m not crazy about this dinner party tonight, Ellen.  I know why Aunt Dolly is throwing it. I’ve checked the guest list. The women outnumber the men.  She’s hoping I’ll find a wife among the bunch.”  He shot a disapproving glance at Ellen. “I’m surprised you went along with it.”

His wariness confused Ellen. He sounded hurt.

“Helping Dolly is part of my job,” Ellen said, flatly. She’d not apologize for it.

Rand snickered. “I was hoping you’d take my side on this issue.”

“I’m not taking anyone’s side, Rand,” Ellen countered with a strained voice. “I realize you’re a grown man, capable of finding your own wife. Honestly, you don’t need any help from outsiders. You have plenty of worthy qualities—” her voice trailed off when she saw him lift his brows at her.

“What would those be?” Rand prodded just to see Ellen’s cheeks turn into rose petals.

“Uh—well,” Ellen stammered, embarrassed.  “Obviously, you’re—very handsome and smart.  You’re wealthy and successful.”

“That’s it?” Rand folded his arms across his chest and propped himself against the wall. He knew a woman like Ellen wasn’t swayed by those things.

“No,” Ellen answered, truthfully.  “You’re a faithful person, a spiritual person. You’re kind and respectful. I see that every day in the way you treat Dolly and the staff.  You’re considerate and sensitive. You’re giving and extremely selfless.”

“Are you sure?”

“You wouldn’t be going to this party tonight if you weren’t.”

Rand nodded, but her claim was false.  He was going to the dinner to be close to Ellen even though she still grieved Paul.  To him, that was very selfish. Even now, he couldn’t focus on his next breath.  Ellen consumed him. He turned away from her and gathered his bearings. She couldn’t know his feelings. His aunt was right. Ellen needed time to get over Paul.

“I have to get back to the house.” Ellen put her feet down and slid them in her sandals.  Without thinking, she patted Rand’s shoulder on her way out.  “You’re a good nephew, Rand, to do this.  God will reward you one day for being so patient with your aunt.”

Rand watched Ellen until she disappeared from sight before touching the spot on his shoulder. It had taken everything in him not to have grabbed her hand and caressed it. The thought made him nervous.  How could he keep up the charade?

God, if there is a reward for me, let it be Ellen.
His prayer sounded selfish and flimsy, but it came from the depths of his heart.

He loved everything about Ellen.  She’d brought him face to face with his vow never to love again.  Ellen had made him rethink himself. Slowly he was replacing dark memories of Lana with thoughts of Ellen, but always with his aunt’s caution at the center.  He’d not tread on Ellen’s grieving period.  He’d wait a lifetime for her to get over Paul if he had to. 

“Care for a moonlight walk?” Rand asked Ellen as they left Dolly’s room later that evening.  “I need some fresh air after all this entertaining.”

Ellen chuckled. “So do I. I didn’t realize all the work involved. Dolly enjoyed herself, but I think it overtaxed her.”

“Don’t worry about Aunt Dolly. She thrives on this kind of stuff. Me? I could live without it.” Rand pulled off his tie and jacket then draped them over a chair in the sun room. As they headed to the door, he rolled up the sleeves of his white, dress shirt.

Ellen’s insides twirled like a whirligig at the sight of him so casual and polished at the same time. He’d been as patient as they came that night, laughing in all the right places, engaging in witless conversations, and complimenting to the hilt. Dolly was ecstatic, but Ellen knew Rand’s behavior was all an act.  He could have cared less about the four single women who’d joined their elderly relatives for a chance to swoon over Rand.

Ellen had secretly glanced in his direction several times during the evening when he thought no one was looking. His expression displayed boredom and annoyance, but he never once let on. A gleaming smile, interested eyes, and a jovial tone covered his true feelings.

“You were a good sport tonight, Rand,” Ellen complimented as they settled in the gazebo. Magnolia buds perfumed the warm night air. 

“I’ve had plenty of practice,” he said with a ho-hum.  “This isn’t the first dinner of its kind.  I doubt it’ll be the last.”

Ellen heard his frustration.  Her heart went out to him. Why couldn’t he be left alone?

“I’ll speak to Dolly for you Rand,” she offered, suddenly.  “You shouldn’t have to go through something like this.”

Rand feigned skepticism.  “I thought it was part of your job to find me a wife.”

“I’ll make Dolly see how unfair it is to you,” Ellen replied.  “She may not like it, but she has a great capacity for understanding and sympathizing.  She’s motivated by a deep love for you, Rand.  If she knows how upset all this makes you, she’ll leave you alone.”

“Thanks, Ellen, but don’t wear yourself out trying to convince her.”

              Ellen smiled. “You have to admit it was a pleasant evening, those silly women aside. The caterers did a nice job, the food was delicious, and seeing Dolly so perky was worth all the trouble.”

“Not enough to repeat it every month,” Rand sighed. He gazed at Ellen with love stirring in his heart.  Soft light spilled on her from above, creating a halo affect around her silky hair.  He’d had a tough time keeping his eyes off her all evening. She outshined the others without much ado. Her natural beauty needed no help, but the light coat of makeup enhanced her feminine features.  The dark blue dress she’d worn had just enough sequins in it to be labeled a party dress, but its simple, sleek style gave her a classy look.  She was worlds apart from the other women who were overdressed, overly made up, and overly self-absorbed.

While Ellen sat quietly and listened, the others tried to out one each other in the achievement department, bragging about all their accomplishments.  Not one asked Ellen about the recent death of her fiancé or mentioned her nine years spent working at the care center just to be near him.  Rand suspected Ellen didn’t mind the slight. She preferred not to be the center of attention. 

Rand and Ellen talked a little more about nothing then strolled back to the house, each with thoughts of the other.

The Monday following the dinner party, Rand came home, carrying the mail as usual. Ellen was waiting in the entrance hall for Dolly’s.

“Umm, you have a letter, Ellen.” Rand handed her a white business-sized envelope. “Aunt Dolly doesn’t have anything today.”

Ellen examined her letter with dread.  There was no return address, but the post mark indicated it was mailed in Tampa.  Fear erupted from a dark hiding place inside her.  Thankfully, Rand was too busy studying his own mail to notice her nerves unraveling.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” Rand asked moments later when Ellen hadn’t moved.

Ellen shrugged. “It’s probably nothing.”

They both headed upstairs.  Rand always visited his aunt whenever he returned home.  When they reached outside Ellen’s door, she turned to Rand with her hand on her head.

“I’m not feeling well, Rand,” she said.  “Would you tell Dolly I’m going to lie down for a while?”

“Of course, Ellen,” he said with concern in his eyes.  Alarm bells went off inside him when she disappeared inside her room without another word.  Rand wondered if the letter had anything to do with her sudden sickness.  He didn’t like seeing her so troubled.

              Ellen waited until she heard Rand shut Dolly’s bedroom door before glancing at the letter in her hand.  It looked menacing. Her heart pounded inside her chest.  No one other than her insurance company knew her address.  Dread overwhelmed her.

Both her hands trembled as Ellen took several deep breaths then ripped open the envelope.  She pulled out a neatly folded sheet of typing paper.  Slowly, she unfolded it and read the feminine writing. 

                            Ellen,

                            I know what you’ve done! You can fool everyone else, but I know you were not in love with Paul when he died.  You’re masquerade as the suffering fiancée is over! Paul called me after you broke up with him. He was devastated and too upset to drive. You can pretend all you want that you stayed by his side because you loved him, but I know better.  It’s your fault he’s dead. You killed him!

                            I’m prepared to tell the press the whole truth.  If you don’t want me to go to Robin Davenport with what really happened the night of the accident then meet me in the parking lot on the west side of the public library, next Monday evening at six. Be there or I’ll call Robin at 6:15 PM. 

It was signed,
from someone who knows about your deception.

Ellen collapsed on her bed in tears.  The day she’d dreaded had come.  She trembled all over.  Nausea overwhelmed her.  She ran to the bathroom and threw up in the toilet. 

This can’t be happening!
She told herself. 
Pull yourself together, Ellen.  Dolly is waiting for you. You have to get control of your emotions or she’ll know something’s wrong.

Ellen shook with sobs.  There was no way she could face anyone that evening. She called Dolly and told her she was too ill for dinner.  She was going to bed and didn’t want anyone to disturb her. Dolly was shaken, but Ellen assured her she would be better by the morning.

Ellen reread the letter again and again.  It reminded her of another letter.  She grabbed her purse and pulled out Vivian’s letter.  Confused and scared, Ellen stuffed it in the drawer of her night table.  She couldn’t handle reading whatever cruel things Vivian had to say.  Anger got the best of Ellen.  She yanked the drawer back open and snatched the letter.  Gripping it tightly in both hands, Ellen was seconds from tearing it into shreds, but something stopped her.  She tossed it back in the drawer and slammed it shut.

Ellen buried her face in her pillow to drown out her sobs.  She stayed that way through the dinner hour.  Darkness swallowed her room.  Rand entered her thoughts, squeezing more tears out of her. Exhaustion finally led to sleep, but her dreams were dark and sinister.  A faceless person chased her down shadowy back alleys onto empty streets that turned into desolate woods.  When she was finally cornered and forced to confront the stalker, she was shocked to see Paul, leering at her. “
YOU KILLED ME, ELLEN!”
He had screamed in her face. 

She woke with a start in a cold sweat. Her pulse was racing and her throat was parched.  Ellen glanced at the clock on her bedside table.  It glowed two AM.  She sat up and listened. The house was quiet.  Thirst overpowered her.  She longed for a glass of cold water.  Still in the clothes she’d worn the day before and looking disheveled with tangled hair, damp with tears, and eyes, swollen and red, Ellen opened her door quietly and stepped into the hallway.  With the help of dim nightlights along the walls, she made her way slowly down the stairs, careful not to make a sound.

She tiptoed to the kitchen. Soft light spilled into the room from a nightlight above a counter.  Ellen retrieved a glass from the cupboard and turned toward the fridge.

“Ellen!” Rand stood inches away.  His eyes were wide with fright and concern as they traveled over Ellen’s rumpled appearance and puffy eyes.

The glass slipped from Ellen’s quivering hand.  It hit the tile floor with a noisy crash and smashed into jagged pieces.

“Don’t move!” Rand cried, but Ellen didn’t hear.  She had fainted.

Rand moved quickly.  He flipped on the overhead lights then lifted Ellen off the floor and carried her into the den next to the kitchen and laid her on a sofa.  Thankfully, she had suffered only a small cut on the side of her foot.  Rand ran back to the kitchen for a dish cloth to stop the bleeding. 

“Ellen, Ellen.” He roused her gently when he returned. “Wake up.”

Ellen stirred and moaned.  “Rand.”

“I’m here Ellen,” he said.  He wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but reason held him back. 

“Water,” Ellen whispered in a raspy voice. 

Rand hurried back to the kitchen and returned with a glass of cool tap water.  Ellen had moved into a sitting position, her hand held the towel over the cut on her barefoot.  She gulped down the water Rand gave her then put the glass on the coffee table in front of her.

“I’m so sorry.” She turned to him with teary eyes.  “I didn’t mean to break the glass.  I’ll clean it up.” 

Rand sat down beside her.  He was worried.  His aunt had told him Ellen was too sick for dinner and didn’t want to be disturbed, but seeing her made him wonder.   Something else was at play here.  A thought came to him.  He voiced it.

“Does this have anything to do with the letter you received yesterday?”

“Why would you ask that?”  Ellen sniffled back tears.  It suddenly dawned on her that she must look frightful.  She raked a trembling hand through her knotted hair.

              “Just a minute.” For the third time Rand disappeared from the room.  This time he returned with a box of tissues.  He handed it to Ellen. 

“Thanks.”  She took out several and blew her nose.

“I don’t understand Ellen,” Rand perched on the coffee table.  He rested his arms over his thighs and linked his fingers together.  The look he gave her was bold and steady. “You’re obviously very upset about something.  It seemed to come on very suddenly.  My instincts tell me it has something to do with that letter you received.”

Ellen shook her head.  “Please, don’t worry about me, Rand.  Everything’s fine.  I just had a bad moment, that’s all.”  The lies got bigger and easier to tell.  Waves of shame and guilt washed over Ellen.  The tremors under her skin wouldn’t stop.

“Is it Paul?  Are you thinking about him and what happened?” 

Ellen bowed her head and wept.  It had to do with Paul, but not the way Rand assumed.  She felt like scum not telling him.  He was so good and decent.  Her heart was breaking into a million pieces.  God had to be disappointed in her.