The Nephew's Wife Read online

  Ellen knew Dolly was wrong. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the woman rounding a corner, heading toward them.

  “We won’t have to wait. Edward’s here!” Dolly announced to Ellen’s relief. Ellen pushed the automatic door button then rolled Dolly outside. Edward had parked in a handicapped spot like before, and Ellen pushed the wheelchair over to it. A nonchalant glimpse over her shoulder confirmed what she had suspected. The strange woman had reached the doors and was watching their every move.

  Ellen tossed her bags in the trunk while Edward helped Dolly into the car. As they drove off, Ellen slid a casual sideways glance toward the mall door. The woman was still there, and she had a scowl on her face.

  Even though Dolly made sure the rest of the afternoon was pleasant, Ellen couldn’t shirk the feeling that something bad was about to happen to her.

  Chapter 6

  Ellen’s fears dissipated after three weeks passed and nothing out of the ordinary happened. Things had settled into such a routine, she barely gave the mysterious woman a thought. She chalked her dread up to an overactive imagination. For all Ellen knew, the woman’s focus might have been Dolly.

  Things seemed to be dying down in the press, too, which allowed Ellen to relax her guard even more. Ida called less and less with less and less news about reporters and other interested parties searching for her.

  “I think they’re finally losing interest,” Ida had told her during their last phone call. “They realize you’re not seeking fame and fortune so they’ve moved on to another subject. There’s plenty of publicity hounds out there wanting their fifteen minutes of fame. They’ve probably latched on to one of them.”

  “I hope you’re right, Ida.” Ellen had felt relieved and bolstered by Ida’s assessment. She turned all her attention to Dolly.

  It was the beginning of her fourth week on the job, and she and Dolly were having lunch in the sun room.

  “Randolph needs a wife!” Dolly slapped her small hand on the glass table. “I’m tired of him moping around this house, looking like he’s lost his best friend.”

  “Rand’s focused on his work, Dolly,” Ellen told her. “He’s not interested in finding a wife. He’s told me several times, he enjoys the single life.”

  “I don’t pay any attention to that.” Dolly whipped the air with her hand. “Rand has always been and will always be a romantic at heart. He enjoyed sending flowers and cards and going to candlelight dinners in quiet, romantic places. He just has to find his way back, and that’s where we come in, Ellen. We have to find him a wife. Rand was made to love someone.”

  Ellen secretly agreed. She wished she was the someone. Lately, she and Rand had become closer than Ellen had intended to be with her boss. They’d made a ritual of engaging in long conversations after Dolly retired at night. At first, it was a just a time set aside for Ellen to go over Dolly’s progress. Somewhere along the way, the nature of their discussions changed and expanded into much more than reports on Dolly.

  Ellen found Rand easy to talk to. They stayed away from painful subjects like his illness and disastrous engagement and her life with Paul. Everything else was free game. Most evenings, they’d end up in the gazebo, discussing faith issues. Rand’s knowledge of the Bible impressed Ellen. Whenever she mentioned a spiritual area she was weak in, he’d quote Scripture to help her. When she’d return to her bedroom at night, she’d reach for her Bible and turn to the passages Rand had given her.

  He had a lot to do with her faith growing stronger. Her prayer life had grown, too. It had become more than just a recorded message for God, planted in her heart for Him to listen to daily. Ellen started pouring her heart out to God each night, seeking redemption for hurting Paul and for living as a fraud. It was all thanks to Rand. He truly cared for her spiritual battles even though she’d never confessed them to him.

  The next phase in restoring her faith would be harder though. God was convicting her to be honest, to tell the truth about what had happened the night of Paul’s accident. Ellen had tried on several occasions, but each time she had lost courage. Something she couldn’t put a finger on was holding her back. The more she prayed about it, the more Ellen became convinced that there was more embedded in the night of Paul’s accident than she’d ever considered. It started out as an itch then spread into a nagging rash inside her head. Something about that night had her tangled in confusion.

  Ellen wondered if she was just looking for justification. Paul had run the stop sign because he was distraught and heartbroken. It was her fault. That was all there was to it. End of story. One day, she’d admit it to someone and then deal with the consequences. Only then would she have peace and closure even though she’d never have Paul’s forgiveness.

  Ellen turned her thoughts back to Dolly and the lovely day. A bright blue, late winter sky, filled with hope and promise, covered the bay. Ellen felt inspired by it. Dolly was right. Rand deserved a loving wife. Ellen had no chance whatsoever with him. Too much baggage and confusion eliminated her from any list of would-be wives. If she couldn’t have him then she could at least help his aunt find a good wife for him. Her decision came at the right moment.

  “I have an idea, Ellen,” Dolly’s bubbly voice scattered Ellen’s thoughts. “I think we should have a dinner party next Saturday night. I’ll invite several of my closest friends and have each bring an eligible lady in their family.”

  Ellen cocked her head. “Won’t Rand be suspicious of the guest list and run for cover?”

  “He’ll be too thrilled about my giving a party to even notice,” Dolly said, swishing a hand in the air. “I used to give dinner parties all the time. He’ll just see this as another sign I’m getting better. I am, thanks to you. Planning a social affair will be fun and very therapeutic.”

  “I’ll do whatever you want, Dolly.”

  Ellen made good on her word. Organizing a dinner party was new to her, but she managed to pull it off without going insane. All the busy work kept Ellen’s mind off Rand and the eligible women he’d be entertaining. She just reminded herself over and over that she couldn’t have him, and he deserved to have someone. By the day of the dinner, Ellen’s emotions were trudging a fine line. She wanted to help find Rand a wife, but her heart was no longer in it.

  Rand was taking the whole affair in stride, but Ellen sensed he knew what his aunt was up to and wasn’t that pleased. On the afternoon of the party, Ellen found him moping in the gazebo.

  “The magnolias are budding early this year,” he said when Ellen strolled inside and plopped down on a chair. “You should smell this place in the spring and summer.”

  “I can’t wait.” Ellen slipped off her sandals and put her bare feet on another chair. “I love magnolias. They’re actually my favorite flower. Whose idea was it to plant so many trees around the estate?”

  “Probably my great-grandmother. These trees have been here since the house, but you didn’t follow me out here to discuss magnolia trees.” His crooked grin told her he knew why she was there.

  Ellen smiled. “No, but I’m enjoying it. I wish all my conversations could be about God’s beautiful handiwork.”

  “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 drea
ded 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.