Heidi walked up behind her, and touched her hand. “Is everything all right?”
Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “Mrs. Wilson is a lovely woman, but she told me today I needed to find somewhere else to live.”
Guilt washed over her. Mrs. Wilson had kept Heidi from having to tell Mother the very same thing. She should be distressed at her mother’s misery, but she wanted her own space back. “I guess you’ll have to return to the hotel, to Papa?”
Her mother raised her chin, determination in her eyes. “I will not speak to that man until he apologizes, and allows me my opinion.”
He
idi hadn’t heard Michael’s approach until his deep voice rumbled behind them. “Mrs. Lester, if you are sure you want to continue this disagreement with your husband, you may move into my house. I could use a temporary housekeeper.”
Her mother’s hands flew to cover her mouth. “Oh, thank you so much. You are such a wonderful man.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?” Heidi asked. She didn’t want to even imagine her papa’s reaction.
“Yes, I’m certain.” She took Heidi’s hand in hers. “My dissatisfaction has been coming for quite some time. I’ve always accepted what your papa said without question. He insisted on you staying closed up in the house, and convinced me you would have an early death if we didn’t follow the dictates of the doctor he admired so much. Fool doctor that he is,” she snapped.
“Despite my fear and anger when you left, you have no idea how much I enjoy seeing you happy and healthy.” She patted Heidi’s cheek before turning to Michael. “I have you to thank. My little girl has grown up since she’s been here.” Pinching her daughter’s chin between her index finger and thumb, she added, “and your medicine has helped so much.”
“Mother, what about your clothes? You can’t keep wearing mine.”
She pulled herself up, and nodded. “You are correct. I will go to the hotel right now, and gather my belongings.”
The three of them rode the short distance to the hotel. Heidi placed her shaky hands in her lap, twisting them so tightly, they ached. The last confrontation with her papa hadn’t ended well. She’d never been afraid of him in her whole life, but so many things had changed since she’d left home. How could she predict how he would react to his wife arriving to pack her clothes and move into Michael’s house?
Heidi turned to Michael. “I think it’s best if you stay here.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to create more difficulties, but perhaps I should speak with your father before this situation goes any further.”
“My mind is made up, Michael,” her mother said. “Until my husband allows the women in his family to decide how to run their lives, I will not return to his bed.”
“Mother!” Heidi gulped, the heat rising in her face.
Mrs. Lester patted her hand. “Sorry, dear, that just slipped out.”
Mr. Lester sat in the lobby of the hotel, reading a newspaper. He peered over the top of the paper at the sound of Heidi and her mother speaking.
He viewed his wife as she crossed the lobby. “Have you come to your senses, Mary?”
“No, Harold, I have not come to my senses, I have come for my things.”
He leapt from his seat, crushing the newspaper in his hands. “What the devil does that mean?”
She sailed past him, dragging Heidi along with her. “I have a job.”
“What!” His face turned a deep shade of red, leaning toward purple.
“Papa, calm down.” Heidi touched his arm.
He turned to her, his hands fisted as his side. “Calm down? Calm Down? My wife of almost thirty years has announced she has a job. And she’s come for her things.” He swung in the direction of his wife, wagging his finger in her face. “Mary, if you continue with this foolishness, I may have to take steps.”
“Take whatever steps you wish, dear. Now if you will excuse me, I have packing to do.”
Mr. Lester’s shoulders slumped, and he collapsed into his chair. Heidi sat across from him.
“I don’t know that woman anymore. Hell-excuse me my dear-I don’t know either one of you.” He sighed. “Can I at least know where she’s going?”
Heidi cleared her throat. “She’ll be working as a housekeeper for Michael, and living in his house.”