With a deep sigh, and a smile on his lips, he leaned his head back, and continued to enjoy the scenery as it sped by. Everything was going his way. And about damn time, too.
****
Heidi studied Clarence from underneath half closed eyelids. How she hated the man. He’d destroyed her life, for money. Money he intended to spend on himself and his mistress. Gloria! The name on her lips made her want to spit. All the time she flirted with Michael, she was nothing more than a whore. Worked in a brothel, and allowed strange men to do to her, for money, what she and Michael had shared.
She’d read in her Bible that the love of money was the root of all evil. If ever an evil couple existed, Clarence and Gloria headed the list. Weariness crept over her. She hadn’t slept much last night, and all the tears she’d shed had given her a tremendous headache and burning eyes.
“Heidi.” Mother’s soft voice murmured in her ear. “We’re here, dear.”
Heidi opened her eyes and stretched. Apparently, she’d fallen asleep on the trip home. Home. Oklahoma City-her parents’ home. Not her comfortable room in Mrs. Wilson’s house, or Michael’s cozy home.
She gazed out the window at the passengers alighting from the train. Did any of them feel as miserable as she did, returning here?
“Come, my dear.” Clarence stood, and tugged on the cuffs of his jacket. He held his hand out, his eyes challenging.
Heidi stood, shook out her skirts and took his hand. They followed her parents down the aisle, and off the train. A light mist fell, matching her mood. She stepped off the train, a sense of unreality washing over her. What am I doing here?
“Heidi, I’m so glad you’re home!” Mrs. Manfred hurried toward them, her arms outstretched. “Clarence wired me you were returning, and I’m so excited to help you and your mother with the wedding.” She beamed brightly, and Heidi’s jaw clenched.
Mrs. Manfred took her arm and dragged her along. “I’ve made an appointment with the dressmaker for tomorrow, so you can be fitted for your wedding gown.” She pulled her closer. “I’m so excited.”
Heidi walked along in a daze. She would be fitted for her wedding gown tomorrow? Apparently, she would have no time to adjust to the idea. She mentally shrugged. No matter. Probably best to get the charade over with, anyway. A sad way for a woman to think of her wedding.
“Mary, you must encourage Heidi to purchase some new gowns. Clarence tells me he wants to honeymoon in Dallas. There will be theaters and dinners to attend, and I understand Clarence has some clients there you will be entertaining.” Mrs. Manfred continued on and on until Heidi wanted to grab the woman by the throat. Instead, she merely nodded, and attempted to smile.
“My dear, I need to check in with my office.” Clarence patted her arm. “I’ll let you go on home with your parents, and I’ll see you in a few days to review whatever plans you’ve made.” He took her hand in his, and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
He turned to the Lesters and nodded. “Have a good evening.” He turned to Mrs. Lester. “I trust you and Heidi will be busy the next few days readying for the wedding?”
Her mother bent her head slightly. “Yes. We will. Good evening to you, Clarence.”
Papa left to arrange for a hackney to return them home.
The sound of Mrs. Manfred excitedly chattering about the wedding, the dress, the arrangements with the church, the flowers, and the honeymoon trip, bombarded Heidi’s senses u
ntil she wanted to scream.
Finally, her papa arrived, the driver having already strapped the luggage to the back of the buggy. They all piled in, and with a slap of the driver’s reins, the buggy started off.
Papa settled back in the seat, and addressed his wife. “Mary, maybe we should stop at a restaurant to eat a little something. I’m sure Cook is not expecting us.”
“That’s not a bad idea, dear.” She turned to Heidi and Mrs. Manfred. “Is that all right with the both of you?”
Mrs. Manfred shook her head. “Oh, I would love to, but I’m having Reverend Zigler stop by this evening. I’d hoped he would be able to squeeze us into the church for the wedding, without too much of a wait.”
Mrs. Manfred continued to babble on until the driver stopped in front of her house. The springs on the buggy groaned as she eased her considerable bulk from the seat, and turned to Heidi.
“I’m so anxious to see how lovely you’ll look in a wedding gown tomorrow, dear.” After a pat on Heidi’s cheek, she turned and took Papa’s arm. She never stopped talking as they proceeded to her front door.
“Mother, I’m not very hungry. Perhaps the driver could drop me off, and you can both enjoy dinner.”
“Heidi, I haven’t seen you eat anything all day. And I must say, there is something…”
Her voice cut off as Papa returned to the buggy and instructed the driver to continue on. She squeezed Heidi’s hand.
“Harold, I’m tired from our day’s journey. I think I would prefer to have Cook fix something simple for our dinner, if you’ve no objection.”
“None at all, my dear. I imagine we’re all a little tired, and we’ll be busy for the next few weeks.” He winked at Heidi and grinned at Mother. Neither woman acknowledged him.