She raised her chin. “Very well. I will do as you ask.”
“Good.” He nodded. “Now let’s pack up.”
“No.” She took the paper from the table, folded it, and stuffed the document into her purse. “I’m willing to do this, but I will not leave until I see Michael one more time.”
He shrugged. “Fine. Pack up tonight, and tomorrow you can say goodbye to your savior, and we’ll head for the train.”
Say goodbye to her savior. Her knight in shining armor. The ache in her heart increased with every beat it took, until it choked her.
“Just tell me one thing, Clarence.” Her voice shook as she fought tears. “Why do you want to marry me so much? You don’t even like me.”
“Very astute, my dear. No, I don’t like you. You’re weak, sickly, and dull.” He waved his hand in dismissal. “Oh, you’re pleasant enough to look at, and you’ll be a good decoration at the end of my dining room table when we have guests. But, your biggest attraction is your rich father.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Papa?”
“Yes, my dear. He intends to hand over his businesses to the man who marries you. Businesses that generate a great deal of income.”
“You’re willing to destroy an entire family for money?” She spoke through dry lips.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. Money I plan to have, and use. Money to pay for good liquor, a fine house, and most of all, to keep my mistress happy.”
“Gloria.” She whispered.
“Yes. Gloria. The woman, by the way, who worked with Rosie Cochran, lived with her, and listened to her ramble on about the wonderful son she bore then she’d raised in a brothel. Do not doubt for one minute Gloria won’t sit down with both newspapers and provide them with her story.”
The room tilted, and Heidi grabbed her middle. “I’m going to be sick.” She pushed away from the table, and stumbled to the ladies restroom.
Chapter Twenty-One
Clarence stood as Heidi ret
urned to the table. “Are you ready, my dear?”
She nodded and swept past him to the door. He took her arm as they left the restaurant. She tugged it back. He smirked, and waved her through.
Heidi regarded him. “I would like to speak with Papa.”
Clarence bowed his head. “As you wish.”
She turned and backed away.
“Wait, I’ll walk you over.” He reached for her arm.
“No thank you, anyway. I’d rather be alone right now.” She darted away.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she walked past the dark stores, then turned onto the street where The Saratoga Hotel sat. The lights from the lobby and several of the rooms were a beacon in the night. But there would be no beacon in the darkness that had descended on her.
Heidi stood outside the hotel for a few minutes, to catch her breath, and calm herself. Papa was not the only person she had to convince of her charade. Then Mother, and lastly Michael. A sob escaped, she covered her mouth. Oh my God. Michael.
She took a shuddering breath, and pushed open the glass door.
Papa occupied a high back chair in front of the fireplace, the newspaper he’d been reading folded across his lap. He’d pulled his spectacles off, and rested his head against the back of the chair, his eyes closed.
Heidi studied him for a minute. Papa, how could you betray me like this? Put such a high prize on my head that Clarence would blackmail me to marry him?
She reached out and shook him lightly on the shoulder. “Papa?”
He opened his eyes, a smile breaking out on his face. “Hello sweetheart.” He sat up and shifted to glance behind her. “Is your mother with you?”