Victoria had hoped for a day with no sunshine, but the sun shone bright through the melancholy breeze. The scent of honeysuckle drifted towards her as it clung to a nearby headstone. She did not see the faces of the other mourners, or hear their curious whispers and hushed voices. She’d created a cocoon so that the only emotions she could feel were her own.
Death was no stranger to her, yet its presence always came as a surprise. She knew no one belonged to her, yet felt an anger that her dear aunt would be taken from her so soon.
Victoria didn’t remember when the ceremony ended, or when everyone left. She didn’t care. She stood alone by the burial site, wishing the bright sun could warm the coldness inside her. The one person who had cared about her was gone. How cruel irony was. She could feel so many things, but had not sensed her aunt’s sickness. If only she’d had more warning, but she’d noticed too late. She was always too late.
She kneeled and touched the dirt. All this time of digging and planting she never would have guessed she would end up putting her aunt in the ground. For a moment she wanted to crawl in with her and have it all end. She had no one now No one she belonged to. She was truly alone. There would be no one to scold her, no one to talk to, no one to come home to, and no one to claim her as family. She felt useless.
Oh, that she could turn to dust as well.
“Now that would be foolish.”
Victoria turned at the sound of the low voice and saw a black man standing a few feet away. He had a handsome face of such perfect symmetry she would have mistaken him for an angel had his eyes not been so dark.
“Ms. Janet would not want you thinking such things,” he said.
She rose to his feet. He looked familiar, though she was certain she’d never met him before. “Who are you?”
“JB Braxton.” He held out his hand, swallowing hers when he shook it.
“What are you doing here?”
“Everyone had to return to the house. I promised Robert I would look after you.” He glanced at the ground. “I know how it feels to lose a loved one.” He looked up and his mouth curved with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “So if you’d like to talk...”
She responded to the smile a little ashamed. “I’ve had foolish thoughts before.”
“Many have. The key is not to let them linger. You must find a reason to push them away.”
“What was your reason?”
He looked startled for a moment then his eyes glinted with humor. “I’m not ready to share my secrets yet.” He held out his arm. “Come on. For now pretend the sun is your aunt smiling down on you.”
Victoria took his arm and walked from the gravesite without looking back.
* * *
Although Robert had given her time off, Victoria went to work the next day. She accomplished all her duties like a machine. She walked to Amanda’s room with a load of fresh laundry, but stopped when she heard Nicholas’ voice and Amanda’s loud sobs.
“Quit crying, brat,” he said. “It’s not as though your mother died.”
“It’s not fair.”
“Life’s not fair.”
“She’d always been here.”
“Ms. Janet was a good housekeeper. Uncle will get another one.”
“Go away,” she said in a muffled voice.
“Fine. Waste your tears.”
Victoria stiffened more at the callousness of his tone than his words. She remembered being a child when she had to depend on the kindness of others and usually not getting it. She remembered having no mother or father to turn to. Amanda had an uncle who loved her, but he had little time for her and was totally unaware of life’s little childhood traumas. Victoria felt her grief slowly melt as a new purpose replaced it. She would be the person she wished she’d had as a child. She would be someone else’s strength. That would make her aunt proud.
When Nicholas left Amanda’s room and saw Victoria, he smiled. “Hello.”
She did not smile back. “Hello.”
He held up an object. “I found your earring.”
She held out her hand. “Thank you.”
He clasped it. “How about a fair exchange?”
“I’m not going to give you anything.”
He took a step closer and lowered his voice. “Not even a little kiss?”
“I’d rather eat my own flesh.”
“Too bad.” He pushed the earring in his pocket. “I guess you won’t get this back then.” He walked away.
Victoria watched him leave with mounting anger. She would get her earring back and make him regret the day he toyed with her. She entered Amanda’s room and rested the clothes on a drawer. She sat on the bed where Amanda had buried her head under the pillows. “Amanda.”
The girl turned, her tears glistened on her eyelashes. “I’m so unhappy.”
“I know.” Victoria held out her arms. Amanda fell into them and continued to cry. Victoria gently rocked her. “I know.”
* * *
At dinner, Amanda sat at the table red-eyed and quiet. Victoria glanced at Mrs. Lavinia Braxton, a handsome woman who moved with the grace of one raised in privilege. Robert’s other brother Jerome, sat next to her. An attractive man with a rugged, arrogant face and a build that almost made his mother look like a child in contrast. He had none of JB’s reserve or Robert’s impatience. Instead he looked as though he’d prefer speeding down the highway on a motorcycle to sitting in an elegant dining room. Victoria inwardly, winced recalling his handshake.
Victoria could feel Robert’s gaze on her as she served dinner. She ignored him.
“So, Robert,” Lavinia said. “When will you look for another housekeeper?”
Robert shot her a glance. “This is not the time, Mother.”
She had the grace to look embarrassed. “Yes, of course.” She glanced at Victoria. “You can take time off, dear.”
“I prefer working,” Victoria said, placing the dinner in front of her. She looked around the table then said, “I hope you all enjoy your meal.”
Nicholas snapped his fingers when Victoria turned to the kitchen. “You haven’t given me my dinner, yet. I suppose you’re saving the best for last.”
She smiled. “Yes.”
Victoria walked into the kitchen and grabbed his plate then poured the contents in Benjamin’s extra dish. She entered the dining room and placed the dish on the floor in the corner. “There you are. Enjoy.”
The group stared in stunned silence. Finally Lavinia said, “What is going on?”
Victoria sent Robert significant look. “I’m feeding my spider.”
“Your spider? What are you talking about? Robert what is she talking about?”
“He also took my earring.”
Robert sent Nicholas a cool look. “I see.”
“What do you mean took?” Nicholas asked. He held out her missing earring. “I found this under my bed.”
Her face went hot with the implication, aware that all eyes were on her. She picked up the dog dish ready to hurl it at him then caught Robert’s eye and stopped. “That is not true.”
“Why do women have such short memories? Remember you--”
Robert set down his fork in a quick, impatient movement. “Nicholas, give her the earring.” He gave the command in a soft tone, his voice holding the power and resonance of a low thunder.
Nicholas hesitated then reluctantly did so.
“The next time you try to entertain us, make sure you’re funny and tasteful.” He sent a significant look at Amanda who was watching the interaction with puzzled eyes.
“What was Ms. Victoria’s earring doing under your bed?” She made a face. “I bet you stole it.”
Robert said, “Ms. Spenser please take Amanda with you into the kitchen.”
Victoria took Amanda’s hand and her plate of food then left.
“Robert what is going on?” his mother said. “You can’t let her treat poor Nicholas like that. I don’t care if her aunt just died.”
“I’ll handle this.”
“But Robert—”
He looked at her; she fell quiet. He wiped his mouth and laid his napkin down. “Nicholas you have an hour to pack.”
Nicholas leaned back in his chair. “I’m not afraid of you,” he said with a smug smile.
Robert rubbed his chin. “Well, you never were very smart.”
“I was just teasing her.” He glanced around the table. “It was a joke Grandma. Uncle Robert doesn’t get a joke.”
Robert glanced down and folded his napkin in half. “Where did you find her earring?”
“I just told you.”
He crumpled the napkin in his fist. “I knew you when you used to drool on yourself.” His cold dark eyes shot across the table. “So don’t waste my time.”
Nicholas swallowed. “It was in the library, okay?”
“What happened in the library?”
He held up his hands in surrender. “Look, whatever she told you is a lie. She was taunting me. You know how some of them are. They want to be with the boss, so they’ll settle for the next best thing. You’ve got to admit she’s a... Look I’m only a guy. It’s not like I hurt her or anything.”
Rage nearly blinded him as he remembered feeling Victoria’s fear and seeing the bruise on her wrist. “You now have twenty minutes to pack.”
His mother spoke up. “Robert she’s a nobody. You can’t take her word over his.”
“Actually, he can,” JB said. “My own nanny had a few complaints about where Nicholas liked to put his hands.”
Nicholas fell forward in disbelief. “Oh, come on! You don’t have to play her protector. You know what they’re like. They expect it.”
Robert’s voice deepened. “Fifteen.”
Nicholas blinked. “Look if you two have something going on, I didn’t know. The others didn’t seem so—”
“What others?’
He saw his Uncle’s face change into an expression he’d never seen before. It was an expression that scared him. “I’d better go.”
Jerome nodded. “The smartest thing you’ve said today.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, Robert rested against the red corvette as Nicholas put his bags inside. He leaned over the doorframe as Nicholas sat in the driver’s seat. “Make sure I never see your face again,” he warned softly. “I may find the need to rearrange it if I do.” He slammed the door and watched the corvette drive off until it was a red dot in the distance. He turned to Foster who was pretending to water the plants. “Where’s Victoria?”
“I think she went to the greenhouse.”
“Thanks.” He glanced at the hose. “It helps to turn on the water,” he grumbled, marching past.
* * *
Robert found Victoria in the greenhouse holding up an orchid to the light. “Why didn’t you tell me about Nicholas?” he asked without preamble.
She nearly dropped the pot, startled. She set it down hard. “What?”
“Nicholas,” he said slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me about him?”
Victoria turned the pot around to avoid his eyes. “I thought I could handle him.”
“What made that change?”
“He was cruel to Amanda and at that moment I wanted to hurt him.”
“So you know how I feel.” He gently brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “You should have told me what happened in the library.”
She shrugged, trying to be nonchalant. “He tried to kiss me and I stopped him.”
“Did he try any other time?”
“No.” She folded her arms and frowned at him. “I can take care of myself.”
“If someone’s threatening you, you have to tell me.”
“Why?”
“You know why. Don’t pretend you don’t.”
“Your mother.”
“I’ll handle her.”
“Patrice, Nicholas, your mother.” She shook her head. “You can’t handle everyone for me.”
“Why not?”
“Because that’s not your job.”
He searched her face. “You should have told me about him.”
“I couldn’t. Not then.”
“Why not?”
“Because he’s your family and he wanted me for the same reasons you do.”
Robert stared at her as though she’d struck him then shook his head with reluctant admiration. “You really know how to hit your target.”
“I don’t want to hurt you, but if I’m not right then tell me I’m wrong. Tell me that what’s between us is more than sex.”
His eyes caught and held hers. “It’s more than sex.”
“How?”
“I don’t know. It just is.”
She looked away unable to hold his gaze. “What would people think if they found out?”
“I don’t care what people think.”
“Then why are we keeping this a secret?”
He ran a finger along the rim of a pot.
She knew his silence was an answer. “I can’t see you anymore.”
“That’s fine.” It was a lie, but she didn’t argue. He’d never ask her to stay and she understood that even though she felt as though her heart was shriveling in her chest.
“Good.”
“I guess with your aunt gone you have no reason to stay.”
“Yes.”
“Except...”
“Except what?” she asked with a bit of hope.
“Except Amanda would miss you.”
“Only Amanda?”
His gaze fell. “No.”
Victoria hesitated sensing the feelings he would never reveal. “If I stay...”
His gaze flew up. “Yes?”
“It will be complicated.”
“We can make it simple.”
She felt herself weakening. “We can’t keep it a secret forever.”
“I know. We won’t.” He sighed and looked away. “I just didn’t expect...” He shoved his hands in his pockets. He wanted to change the subject to something he was ready to face. He wasn’t ready to face loving her yet. “You know I miss your aunt more than I thought. Ms. Janet had such a presence. She was here when grandfather was ill and my marriage was breaking down and when I was dealing with Amanda. I never pictured this place without her.”
Victoria reached out and held his hand, feeling his sadness, seeing the compassion and strength that reminded her why she loved him. “I don’t want to be someone you’ll welcome in private, but deny in public.”
“Okay.” He nodded and squeezed her hand, but didn’t look at her. “I’ll handle things.”
“What does that mean?”
He lifted her hand to his lips for a featherlike kiss that offered a silent promise. “It means trust me. I won’t let you down.” He released her hand and walked to the door.
“But what are you going to do?”
He opened the door and called over his shoulder. “Trust me, Victoria. Just trust me.”
She watched him go, not knowing whether to worry or feel relieved. She spent a few more minutes in the greenhouse before returning to the main house. She entered through the kitchen.
‘You’re only hurting yourself,” Dana said. “And don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about,” she warned when Victoria turned to her surprised. “I see how you look at him. I’ve seen it before. Every girl thinks that they’re the first. But they’re not. Do you think he doesn’t know his appeal? Women have been falling at his feet since he could crawl.
“I can’t blame you,” she continued before Victoria could argue. “If I were younger I might be cockeyed too, but take this from someone who knows. You’re like a shiny new toy to him, but your shine will fade.” She covered a container and placed it in the fridge. “Remember that.”
* * *
Robert locked himself in his study, feeling a mixture of anger and relief. Victoria would stay, but she’d compared him with Nicholas. How could she have compared him to that spineless, useless nephew of his? He was different. He tapped an angry beat on his desk. Then why was he so upset? Why did a part of him think she was right? What had he promised her that his nephew hadn’t? He shook his head. No, he was different. What he felt for her was different. He wanted her for more than just to satisfy his lust, but what more was there? He certainly didn’t want to get married again.
Robert swore, when someone knocked on the door. “I’m not here.”
His mother entered the room. “What’s going on between you and that woman?”
He leaned back in his chair, tired. He wasn’t in the mood for a fight, but from the look on his mother’s face it became clear that she was. “Not today, Mother.”
Lavinia sat and crossed her legs at the ankles. “I deserve to know what’s going on.”
“No, you don’t. So leave it alone.”
“I want to have a talk with her. Bring her to me.”
He sat up, angered by her demand. “Don’t make orders. This is my house and—”
“No, this is your father’s house. I doubt you’d be able to afford it on the salary you get playing fire chief.”
A stab of hurt pierced him. His mother was good at hitting his soft spot—his father’s money. Reminding him that he didn’t have his father’s drive. That he hadn’t earned any of his wealth, but had inherited it. He kept his voice neutral, however, used to her careless remarks. “I’m an arson investigator.”
“Does it matter?”
“I’m not the only one with a career.”
“There are many ‘gentleman professions’ that you could have selected. You’re not like other people. When will you figure that out? And don’t tighten your jaw like that. You know there are gold diggers out there. You’d think one wife would have taught you that.”
It was a familiar topic he didn’t feel like addressing. His voice fell flat. “Is there anything else?”
She smoothed her hair, a ruby ring caught the light. “I want you to get that maid of yours and bring her to me.”
“No.”
“Okay.” She slowly rose to her feet. “Since you won’t follow my wishes, I’ll do it myself.” She turned to the door.
His voice hardened. “I told you to leave her alone.”
She spun around and glared at him. When she spoke, ice laced her words. “You watch your tone and remember to whom you are speaking. I have been a Braxton longer than you and if there is one thing this family has in common, it’s doing and getting exactly what we want.”
* * *
Victoria walked to the sitting room with building unease. When Katherine informed her that Mrs. Braxton wanted to have a word, the slight superior grin on Katherine’s face warned her that this wasn’t for a casual chat. Victoria found Mrs. Braxton seated on a couch near the window. She chose the loveseat facing it. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes.” Lavinia didn’t speak for a long moment then said, “I would like you to tell me about yourself.”
Victoria hesitated. “There’s not much to tell.”
“I doubt that.” Her eyes swept Victoria in one assessing glance. “Amazing how much you don’t look his type at all. Not that you’re not very pretty, but he usually goes for tall leggy types. Not such a well...” She was too polite to finish her uncomplimentary statement and let it drop. “He dated this one woman who I swore didn’t have a torso, just legs. But men have a right to their preferences.” She shrugged, dismissing any other thoughts. “Since, you work for him, I’m sure you know. He has had his share of women like most men. I expected him to start settling down in his mid-thirties. Everyone was shocked when he married Rosalind. They hadn’t dated long and suddenly he announces she was to be his wife. I was worried, naturally. He was still a baby, in his twenties, and only just started taking care of Amanda. I thought he was rushing into marriage to give Amanda a mother, but when I confronted him about it he told me he was in love.” She sighed and shook her head.
“I thought my son had taste until I met that woman. Anyone could see from a mile away that she ate men’s hearts for supper. But she was beautiful and clever.” She twisted the ring on her finger. “Poor Robert was the last one to know.”
Victoria hesitated not understanding Mrs. Braxton’s sudden chattiness, but intrigued nonetheless. “What didn’t Ro—Mr. Braxton know?”
“A lot of things. Too many to count. He’s smart when it comes to books, but when it comes to women he’s out to sea. I blame his brothers for not preparing him better, but then again they too have made some strange choices. I have told them to find women like me: intelligent, attractive, smart, and modest.”
Victoria began to laugh until she noticed Mrs. Braxton was serious. She smothered a grin. “Yes, of course.”
“It seems they are determined to do the complete opposite. Fortunately, they handle their love lives well. When JB’s wife died, he was sad, but he didn’t suffer as much as Robert. Robert was crushed when he had to file for divorce. I was relieved. The family was relieved, but we had to scrap him off the floor.
“I don’t think I breathed until those divorce papers were signed. I was so thankful those two didn’t have children. I did not want that woman to be the mother of my grandchildren. I believe family should handle themselves accordingly. You certainly made an interesting impression with your little altercation with Nicholas.” She paused. “Robert’s response surprised me even more. It is not like him to take the side of someone outside the family.”
“It wasn’t—”
Lavinia waved her hand. “Please don’t explain. It doesn’t matter. Robert has been looking after his nieces and nephews long enough anyway. He’s a pushover when it comes to family and everyone knows it. Have you met the triplets yet? No? Well, you will eventually. They are precious. Robert loves them. He will make a good father when he settles down.”
“He has done well with Amanda.”
“We will see,” she said in a low voice. She touched her necklace then said. “I’m taking you out tomorrow.” She stood and walked to the door. “So try to find something appropriate.”
Victoria remained seated confused by Mrs. Braxton’s behavior. At least now she had some information about Robert’s ex-wife. She now had a name: Rosalind. And she knew he hadn’t wanted to divorce her. That fact tore at her, but she pushed it aside. She had to accept what was.
***
That evening at the carriage house, Victoria sat on the couch. She hadn’t ventured to other parts of the house yet. Places where she’d smile at her aunt, catch her straightening a picture or checking her hat in the mirror. The past surrounded her, reminding her that she was alone again. The living room felt the safest.
A place where the warm memories of her aunt made the house feel less big and empty. Victoria rested her head back and closed her eyes against building tears. If her aunt were here she would know what to do. She would know how to handle Mrs. Braxton and JB and Jerome’s curious looks. She felt like such an outsider. She felt ashamed that her feelings for Robert were so obvious for others to see.
When someone knocked on the door, she didn’t move. The knocking persisted growing more demanding. She sighed and answered. Robert leaned against the doorframe. Behind him she saw an orange sun melting into the distance, brushing the lawn gold and inviting the flowers to close their petals. A hawk glided on the horizon, a silhouette in flight.
His eyes searched her face. “How are you doing?”
“Your mother doesn’t like me,” she said answering his silent question.
He came inside and closed the door. He held open his arms; she went into them. “Fortunately, I do.” He whispered holding her close. “I like you very much.”
She rested her head on his chest. She may be one of many women who have been a part of his life, but now she was the only one in his arms. “I miss her.” She couldn’t say her aunt’s name without her throat closing.
“I know,” he said into her hair.
“It feels so lonely here without her.”
“Tonight, you won’t be alone.” He sealed his vow with a kiss, his warm mouth growing more demanding as his hands slid up her blouse. She clung to him not wanting the kiss to end. He pulled away his eyes questioning.
Victoria answered by undoing his belt and lowering his zipper.
Robert lifted a brow and unlatched her bra.
She smiled and unbuttoned his shirt.
“I can undress you faster,” he said.
“ We’ll see.” They fell on the couch and stripped each other, letting clothes land haphazardly about the room.
“I win,” Robert said waving Victoria’s panties like a flag of victory.
Victoria lay back on the couch and opened her thighs to receive him. “Congratulations.”
He swallowed, his body tightening at the ready invitation. “I bought my own hat this time,” he said slipping on a condom. He came down on top of her, his penetration swift and without grace. He swore feeling embarrassed. “I’m always like this with you.”
“Am I complaining?” She tightened around him and arched taking him deeper. His thrusts stoked the fire within her exploding in a climax. She cried out, amazed that she could feel such pleasure after her heart had endured such pain.
He wanted to tell her how glad he was that she’d stayed. How much she had become a part of his life. She wanted to tell him, how much she wanted to belong to him, how he made her feel less alone. How much she loved him. But neither felt the need for words. They were both hurting and trying to heal, needing each other more than they would admit. They lay still once it was over, exhausted.
“This couch is too small,” he grumbled.
“I like this couch.”
“I’d like it even more if it were bigger.”
Victoria traced a circle around his nipple. “When do you have to go?”
“I don’t. They know where I am.”
She lifted her head, startled.
He began to smile. “It’s okay. You were right. We can’t keep this a secret forever.”
She sat up and began to gather her clothes. “Everybody knows?”
He watched her amused. “Yes, I told them.”
She pulled on her top. “What did you tell them?”
“That I can’t keep my hands off of you.”
Her eyes widened. “But—”
“I was more tactful of course.”
“So Dana and Katherine...?”
“Yes, they know. I’m not ashamed of what I feel for you.”
That was true. He lay naked on the couch and what he felt for her presently was quite obvious.
Her eyes slid away before she became tempted to undress again. “Your mother is taking me out tomorrow.”
“If you don’t want to go, I will—”
She bit her lip then looked at him determined. “No. I will go. I’m curious as to what more she has to say.”
He sat up and looked at her suspicious. “What has she said so far?”
“Just how talented and clever Rosalind was.”
A shadow of pain crossed his face. “Yes, Rosalind.”
Victoria’s heart twisted, hearing the depth of sadness in his voice. She changed the subject. “She also told me how you like tall, leggy women.”
He lifted a mocking brow. “Seems my preference has changed.” He held out a hand. “Come here.”
She sat beside him but kept her distance.
“Are you cold?”
“No.”
He tugged on her shirtsleeve. “Then why do you have this on?”
“You should go home.”
“Oh,” he said feigning hurt. “I see. You just use me for sex then toss me out into the cold. I can’t even spend the night.”
“That’s not—”
“Then what’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy.”
“I am happy, but—”
He kissed her before she could say anymore. “Good.” He stood. “Let’s go to bed.” He walked to the stairs.
“I’m not really tired,” she said.
He turned to her. “You’re not?”
A smile pulled at her mouth. “No, but you’re heading in the right direction.”
They made love again. Victoria fell asleep soon after; Robert stared into the darkness. This was right. He didn’t care that he preferred the small carriage house to his own. He wanted to be with her and away from disapproving glances.
Dana, Katherine, and Foster couldn’t say anything because they were in his employ, but he knew his family would have something to say. He’d left before giving them a chance. His feelings were still too new for him to discuss with others.
He skimmed his hand along Victoria’s side amazed that he’d ever wanted anything less than this. Her body was a constant fascination—the soft curves, the taut nipples. He felt himself grow hard and redirected his thoughts. It would be unfair to wake her just because he couldn’t get enough. When would he get enough? Would he always feel this way? Would he always have this desire to be with her?
A shiver of panic raced through him. No man should ever be that attached to a woman. It was dangerous. Victoria could leave. He knew how it felt and wouldn’t let himself be that vulnerable again. He’d do the letting go, not her. He rubbed his chin. He’d just have to convince her to stay until he was ready to let her go. What did women like? What would impress her? He thought for a few moments then came up with an idea.
* * *
Victoria woke up to the sound of banging pots and masculine swearing. She walked into the kitchen and found Robert at the stove.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Good morning,” he said cheerfully. “You’re just in time for breakfast.”
She stared at him with a feeling of dread. “You’re cooking breakfast?”
“Yes. Sit down.”
She pulled out a chair. “That’s very nice of you, but you didn’t have to. I could have cooked something.”
“It’s no trouble.” He placed a bowl in front of her.
Victoria looked down. Gray mush reached the rim of the bowl. She covered her mouth to keep from gagging. “What is this?”
“Oatmeal,” he said simply, oblivious to her gasp of horror. “Would you like orange or apple juice?”
“Apple.” When he turned to the fridge, she looked around to see where she could dump the contents of her bowl.
Robert handed her a glass and sat down with his own bowl of mush. She grabbed his wrist, as he brought a spoonful to his mouth, afraid he might poison himself.
“When was the last time you had to cook for yourself?” she asked.
He frowned and scratched his head. “I don’t remember.”
“Which means never.”
“Why?” He raised his spoon again.
She snatched it away.
He looked at her, startled.
“What did you use to make this?” she asked.
“Regular oatmeal, milk, cornstarch—”
Her mouth fell open. “Cornstarch?”
“Yes, I heard it’s a good thickening agent. My oatmeal came out a little watery, so I—Hey what are you doing?” he cried when she gathered up the bowls and emptied them in the trashbin. She lifted a plate on the counter and saw scrambled eggs with specks of eggshell, and a side of blackened buttered toast. She threw those away as well.
“What a disaster.” She put the dishes in the sink. “Promise me you’ll never cook for anyone again unless you want them to suffer a slow and painful death.” She opened the fridge. “Go watch something while I make breakfast.”
“Okay.” He left. A few minutes later she smelled something burning. She raced into the living room and saw Robert holding an iron.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
He scowled. “This iron is broken. It burned my shirt.”
She covered her mouth to keep from laughing at the expression on his face. “Just put it down and step away.”
“But—”
“Put it down. I’ll...” She stopped when she heard a loud whirring sound. She briefly closed her eyes as though in pain. “What is that?”
“I saw your hamper was full and put some clothes in the washing machine for you.”
Victoria darted into the cupboard and stopped the machine. She opened it and pulled out a shirt that had shrunk two sizes. “No wonder you employ people,” she said exasperated, taking more clothes out of the machine. “You’re completely useless without help.” She stopped when she realized Robert had become very still beside her She looked at him and regretted her words. “I’m sorry.”
He shrugged. “It’s okay.”
But it wasn’t. She’d hurt him by ridiculing all his efforts. “Robert—”
He backed away from her touch. “I said it’s okay. I’ll be in the living room. Call me when breakfast is ready.”
He didn’t speak throughout breakfast. Though she had made his favorite scrambled eggs with spring onions and red peppers and cinnamon muffins.
Victoria pushed around her food. “I didn’t mean—”
“This tastes good.”
The fact that he didn’t want to talk about it made her feel worse. She searched the kitchen for a way to make up to him.
“There are a lot of dishes in the sink,” she said.
He scooped up his eggs.
“It would be nice to have some help,” she said. When Robert didn’t respond, she nudged him.
He glanced up uncertain. “What?”
“Could you help me with the dishes?”
He was quiet a moment then pushed himself from the table. “ I’ll wash and you dry.”
She stifled a groan. That hadn’t been her plan. “Okay.”
She chewed her bottom lip as she watched him add too much soap to the running water. Bubbles rose up, cascading down the front of the sink. He scooped some of the soap up and threw it away.
She turned and grabbed a dishtowel. “I’m sorry about what I said.”
“Don’t worry...you’re not the first person to say it.” He handed her a plate that hadn’t been completely rinsed off, a thin film of soap still clung to it. She dried it anyway.
“That doesn’t mean it’s true.”
He stopped then rested his hands against the sink. “Actually, it is true.” He shrugged. “I know I’m not domestic. I can afford not to be.”
“True.”
He handed her another soapy plate. “At least I can wash dishes.”
She smiled weakly. “Yes, at least you can do that.” She scooped up a handful of soap bubbles and pressed them against his face. “But stick to what you know.”
He grabbed a dishtowel and wiped his face then whacked her on the behind. “Gladly.”
Once the dishes were washed she said, “Now you have to leave so that I can find something to wear.”
“No, I don’t.” The doorbell rang. Robert answered and signed the delivery carrier’s electronic clipboard then handed Victoria a stack of boxes.
“What is this?” she asked walking to the couch with her load.
He wiggled his brows mysterious. “Open and see.” She did. Inside she found a lavender silk pant suit, pearl earrings and black shoes.
She ran her hand over the soft material. “It’s beautiful.” Robert smiled pleased. “Now you’ll fit in wherever my mother decides to take you.”
* * *
Lavinia decided to take Victoria to Mellor Mansion for teatime. Victoria found herself sitting on a grand veranda with white tablecloths billowing like white sails in the breeze. Lace napkins lay on the table before her with an elaborate tea setting and a three tier tray of delicacies: chocolate covered strawberries, fruit tarts and cucumber sandwiches and pastries that looked like white stones. She emulated Mrs. Braxton’s every move, dreading the moment when she would spill her tea or drop her scone and be labeled an outsider. Fortunately, it never happened.
“It is amazing how unlike Rosalind you are,” Lavinia said, adjusting the napkin on her lap. She looked out at the great expanse of lawn. “I expected you to be more talkative. Not that I mind you quiet. If someone has nothing to say, it is best to keep your mouth closed.”
“I am enjoying myself so much I have little to say.”
She inclined her head. “A sensible reply. Has he told you much about Rosalind?”
“No, he doesn’t like to discuss her.”
“I thought he had gotten over it,” she said regretful. “He loved that woman so much it made my heart ache to watch. The Braxton men really know how to love.”
I wouldn’t know. Victoria took a sip of tea.
“She was an artist he met in New York. I told him to stay away from those city women, especially artists. They like to live by their own rules and most of them are plain indecent. But when I spoke to him he was so happy, so I pushed away my prejudices. I flew up there to meet her and attend one of her art shows. She did stain glass things. I call them things because I never quite figured out what they were. They were dazz1ing and beautiful, but that is all I can say. I bought one and displayed it in my living room. I had to sell it after the divorce, naturally. Robert could not stand to look at it when he came to visit. I could not blame him. I was getting tired of visitors and family asking me what it was.” She chuckled. “I tell you, it takes a clever woman to sell something no one can identify. But she was not just talented and clever.”
Lavinia poured more tea and added cream and sugar. “She was a shrewd business woman and made money so fast you would have thought she had a machine in her apartment. I liked that best about her. I didn’t want some woman marrying my son because of his money” She took a sip. “ I did hope things would work out between them. They made such a beautiful couple. Any time they stepped into a room the crowd stared. She was so tall and regal, and he refined and handsome. She had been asked to model once, but she said art was her true passion.” She sighed at the memory. “Poor Robert. He loved her so much. If only he had been a little wiser the divorce would not have hurt him so much.”
Victoria set her cup down, feeling such envy she wanted to throw it. She envied Rosalind. A woman she’d never known and probably would never meet. She envied her because she had been fortunate enough to hear Robert say, “I love you.” She had possessed his love and had hurt him. She envied her regal stature and talented skill. How ‘lucky’ she was to have once had Robert’s love. Perhaps she still had it. Perhaps in the back of his mind she still lingered in his thoughts.
Suddenly Lavinia said, “I’m sure you realize why I’m telling you this. I believe that you are a good sort of woman, but I don’t think you’re the right one for my son.”
I wouldn’t have guessed, Victoria thought. “Is it because I’m not talented or clever?”
Her eyes turned to stone. “No. It’s because your father killed my husband.”