Revelation of Hearts (Stacey and Shane Mcleod, #3) (23 page)

Miles and Shane were standing and watching.  Miles asked, “Does your wife know about Miranda and you?”

“I’m not sure. She did overhear a voice mail from Miranda when we were first married.  She may have forgotten about it. She hasn’t asked about Miranda and I’ve been reluctant to bring up my past liaison.  Last August, we ran into Tiffany and Rodger Blair.  That’s a situation I would rather not repeat.”

Miles smiled and shook his head. “You know Shane; I’ve known Miranda most of my life. We grew up together.  Our fathers were best friends and associates the same as she and I are, however, she has this attitude, that she must be the one to end a relationship. I know it makes no sense, but that’s Miranda.”  Miles, thought about telling Shane, that perhaps he should discuss Miranda with Stacey, however, there was a part of him that wanted to help pick up the pieces ( they being Stacey ) if his marriage fell apart.

After being seated on the sofa, Miranda asked, “Did you have a good ride this Morning?  I’m sure you must miss the wide open spaces now that you are forced to live in the city.”

“Yes, of course, I miss the ranch, but my life with Shane is more important to me than where I live.  It’s too bad you weren’t able to make the ride this morning. The Oxford countryside is just beautiful.”

“You mean horse back riding?  Oh no, I detest those smelly beast.  I never go near them.” Miranda sat with a cynical smile while talking to Stacey, “Or you enjoying yourself?  Has everyone been kind to you?”

“Yes, everyone has been cordial and polite to me.” 

“I know how shallow and snooty some of these people can act; however, you must not take it to heart.  I’m sure Shane will amend and sort you out.”

Stacey put her hand on the back of the sofa and leaned close to Miranda and said, “Oh, you mean like, which fork to use, which glass to drink from with the appropriate beverage.”  Stacey hand was itching to slap her into next week, but she didn’t want to embarrass Shane. “Well, Miranda, you’ll be pleased to hear that, we country folk started using utensils a few years ago. But you can bet your boots I won’t need Shane to teach me how to deal with a conniving, sarcastic little witch like you.  My advice is, don’t push me to far, little lady, I haven’t forgotten our first meeting.”

Miranda was surprised, that Stacey had laid down the gantlet.  She thought, because Stacey was young that she could be intimidated her. Well, she was in for a rude awakening.

After his conversation with Miles, Shane looked to the sofa, but Stacey was no longer there. As he was looking around for her, he saw her coming down the stairs, alone.

He kissed her cheek and asked, “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

She nodded her head as he escorted her to the dining table. After they were served a glass of Champaign, Doctor Fein stood up to make an announcement. “I don’t have permission to do this, he said,  “but I think of this young man as a son, so I want to share with all of you the good news, that Doctor and Mrs. McLeod are expecting a baby.  I’m not sure of the date, but I believe sometime in June.”

Shane and Stacey both were surprised.  A select few people were privy to this information.  Shane took Stacey’s hand and kissed it, then stood up and thanked everyone for their good wishes. “My wife and I are very pleased with this turn of events and I would like to state here and now that I take full responsibility.” There was much laughter at the tables. 

After dinner, Miles and Miranda disappeared.  When Stacey had a chance, she asked Molly how they knew about her pregnancy. “I’m not sure, but I think Miranda told Donald.  He was under the impression that Shane wanted it announced.  Did we do wrong, Stacey?”

“No ma’am, you did beautifully. Thank you very much and thank you for inviting us to your lovely home. Everyone has been very kind.”

Molly stood for a minute or two with her hand on Stacey’s arm. “My dear, I wonder if I might ask you a very delicate question.”

“Yes ma’am, I will answer you as best as I can.”

“It’s about your aunt and Sir Richard. Could you tell me why they didn’t attend, or even send a RSVP?  I was truly looking forward to getting to know your aunt better.”

“Yes ma’am, I can tell you why. They didn’t receive an invitation.  They wondered why they were excluded. Richard contributed highly to the neurology wing.”

“I swear to you, I sent them an invitation. I put the invitations in the post myself. I don’t know what could have happened to it. Lord Farnsworth didn’t reply or attend either. Donald and I will be round in a day or two and set things straight with your aunt and Richard.  Perhaps I should ring Lord Farnsworth too. Thank you dear, for being candid with me. If I can ever help you in any way, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Chapter-36

Memories and Mr. Chen

Shane was shaving when Stacey brought him a cup of coffee.  She stood watching him, lost in thought.  Shane noticed she was someplace else and said, “Penny for your thoughts lass.” 

Stacey smiled and said, “I was just remembering when I was little and would watch my dad shave in the mornings.  I remember looking up at him he always looked so tall.  He would pick me up and sit me on the counter between the sinks. I remember I wanted to shave too.  He would dab a bit of lather on my nose as he explained, that pretty little girls don’t shave.  I would have a million questions and he would patiently answer them all, no matter how trivial.  Many times, he would give me a piggyback ride downstairs to the kitchen.  Our lives always seemed to revolve around the kitchen.  Mr. Chen would take charge of me as Mom and Dad both drove away.”

“Do you feel, you missed out, with both your parents working?” Shane asked.

“Oh no,” Stacey said. “I had Mr. Chen, but I always knew I was loved.  Mom and Dad gave me lots of attention when they were home. I was such a rambunctious child, they had to love me or dump me in the river.” 

Shane put his arms around her, held her tight and said, “Thank god, they loved you and kept you for me to love.  I’m quite anxious to meet the wee one you carry inside you lass.  I’m looking forward to making memories of our own.”

On Friday, before Thanksgiving week, Mr. Chen arrived in London.  He caught a taxi to the apartment and when he rang the doorbell, Mrs. Wyatt answered. 

“How-do-you-do ma’am, I am Mr. Chen.  My little daughter is Mrs. McLeod.  I believe I am expected.”

Mrs. Wyatt looked him over and said, “To be sure, Mrs. McLeod ain’t said nothing about you being no Chinaman.”

“Well Madame, one would think the name alone would give you a clue.  May I enter?” 

“No, you may not,” Mrs. Wyatt said. “Not until I get an okay from Mrs. McLeod. 

I’ll ring her right away.”

“Permit me Madame,” Mr. Chen said. “I have her cell number right here.” He punched in the number and waited.

Stacey was in class when her cell phone vibrated, when she saw it was Mr. Chen’s number she leaned over and answered quietly. Mr. Chen said, “I am at your apartment, however, your cleaning lady will not permit me entrance.” 

He handed Mrs. Wyatt the phone. When she finished the conversation, she opened the door for him to enter and handed him back his phone, as she informed him, “I’m not a cleaning lady, to be sure, a housekeeper.” 

Feeling he had been castigated, he told Stacey, “Finish your classes little daughter.  Do not hurry; I will visit Aunt Lora and Sir Richard.”

When Stacey finished her conversation and sat up straight, Professor O’Neal was watching. “Was that call so important it could not wait, Mrs. McLeod?” 

“Yes it was, as a mater of fact,” Stacey said. “My housekeeper wouldn’t let my... ah...my... my nanny enter.”  The other students were chortling. 

Professor O’Neal said, “You Americans must employ your nannies much longer than we Brits do.”  The students were chortling at all this.  Professor O’Neal said, “Shall we continue now, that is if you are ready to join us Mrs. McLeod.”

Stacey gave him a look of pure venom.  He said, “I see your eyes speak volumes Mrs. McLeod, however, do you think you might wait until the end of class to chew me up and spit me out.”

Very calmly, Stacey said, “Yes, Professor O’Neal, I will try. Perhaps I will have lost my appetite by then.”  The other students were chortling hard.  Professor O’Neal ducked his head and put his hand over his mouth to stifle a chuckle.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chen had deposited his piece of luggage and took a taxi to Sir Richard’s town house.  When he rang the doorbell, Wilkes the butler answered the door. 

Mr. Chen asked, to see Sir Richard or Lady Heath.  Wilkes left him in the foyer while he went upstairs to inform Sir Richard that there was a person of Asian decent asking for him or Lady Heath.  I believe he said his name is Mr. Chen. Wilkes, almost didn’t move fast enough to get out of the way as Lora and Richard headed downstairs, as fast as they could.

There was greetings of laughter and hand shaking.  Wilkes told his wife later, “Sir Richard is becoming more like these boisterous Texans everyday.”

“Does Stacey, know you’re here?” Aunt Lora asked over tea. “I know they weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

Mr. Chen chortled and said, “Yes, I had to call her. That harridan of a housekeeper wouldn’t let me in until Mrs. McLeod gave her permission.  I was hoping to surprise them.”

Lora smiled and said, “Yes, Mrs. Wyatt is a force to be reckoned with, but she is devoted to Stacey and Shane.”

Shane arrived home before Stacey did.  Aunt Lora had left a message on his mobile, telling him that Mr. Chen was at their home.  Shane dropped by and picked him up.  He and Mr. Chen were having tea when Stacey arrived home. She was in Mr. Chen’s arms in an instant.  She was so happy to see him and so sorry about Mrs. Wyatt’s attitude.

They had a wonderful week of visiting.  Mr. Chen was happy to hear Stacey’s pregnancy was progressing with no problems.  He could not derail her firm conviction that the child she was carrying was a boy.

Stacey came home early one afternoon in order to visit with Mr. Chen. When Stacey asked about Su Ling and the kids, Mr. Chen told her, “They are well and send their regards to you and Doctor McLeod.” 

“I know it’s none of my business, but is everything okay, between you and Su Ling?” 

“Yes, little daughter,” Mr. Chen said. “Now, things are very much, as you say, okay.  Su Ling has become engaged to Edwin Harrington. He is a teacher at Darren’s school.  I find him to be a most agreeable gentleman.” 

“What happened?” Stacey asked. “I thought you and Su Ling..., I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but we all thought...”

With a smile Mr. Chen said, “Yes, I know what you all, thought. Are you very upset or disappointed?” 

Stacey hugged him and said, “No, not at all.  I’m very selfish where you are concerned, but I do want you to be happy.” 

“I assure you, little daughter, I am very happy,” Mr. Chen said. “I would not have made Su Ling a good husband.  I have, how is it you say, itchy feet or gypsy blood? I prefer to come and go as I please and not be accountable for my time.” 

“You have always been there for me,” Stacey said. 

Mr. Chen patted her hand and said, “Yes little daughter, and I always will be, because that is where I want to be.”

The week sped by quickly. Mr. Chen insisted Stacey attend her classes.  He told her he wanted to investigate the museums and other spots of interest.  In the evenings we can visit.  They had dinner one night with Aunt Lora and Richard. On Thanksgiving Day, they had dinner at two p.m.  Stacey cut half-day classes that day.  Shane and Hugh had made no appointments for that afternoon. Aunt Lora, Richard,

Annie and Hugh were all invited to Thanksgiving dinner. After dinner with stomachs’ full, Hugh announced he was very much in favor of this holiday.  Wasn’t there someway to make it universal. 

Stacey told him he was welcome to share it with them each year.

On Friday night, Mr. Chen took the over-nighter to Edinburgh to spend a couple of days with Shane’s family before he flew back to Texas.  He and Mrs. Wyatt had learned to co-habituate.  Actually, Mr. Chen charmed Mrs. Wyatt into thinking that she and women like her are the foundation that holds the British Isles together.  The funny part is, he may not be far from right.

Chapter-37

The athletic club

It was a Wednesday, afternoon of the first week in December. Shane and Hugh had finished working out at the athletic club and were now sitting at the bar having a beaker of ale.  Annie being six months pregnant didn’t feel like getting dressed to meet Hugh for supper, therefore Hugh told her he would bring supper to her.

Sharon Lawson, is an antique buyer from Liverpool.  She had been in southern England on a buying trip.  She had stopped off in London for a day or two of rest and relaxation. She always stayed at the athletic club, a couple of days before returning to Liverpool.  She had just walked into the bar when she spotted two very handsome men at the bar.  They both had on wedding rings, but Sharon had never before let that stop her. Actually, she preferred married men to the singles ones.  Married men usually, didn’t become possessive. They accepted a little tryst for what it was.

The bar at the club was ‘L’ shaped and Sharon could see them quite well. Neither had looked her way, so she was thinking how to initiate a conversation when the bartender asked, “Doctors, would you like for me to top those off for you?” 

So, they are doctors Sharon, thought, to herself.  Hugh told the bartender, “Not for me Martin, I must get home to the little mother. She is tired and hungry.”

Shane, declined also and told Hugh he would see him tomorrow.  The handsome, dark haired doctor didn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave so Sharon decided he would be the one.  Hugh had ordered carry out food from the kitchen.  As he was leaving a, gorgeous young woman, came in the door.  She was dressed in jeans, a dark turtleneck sweater, gray high-heeled suede boots and a jacket to match.  When the, young woman saw the brown haired doctor, she put her hand on his arm and said something to him. 

He laughed and shook his head, ‘no.’

Sharon couldn’t believe her eyes.  Was she soliciting?  She felt sure the club didn’t allow that. A man blocked her view as he came to sit on the bar stool just down from the doctor. When Sharon could get a clear view again, the young woman was standing with her back to the bar right beside the dark haired doctor.