Jesse rested his bent elbow on the arm of his chair, and tapped his mouth with his index finger. “What did he hope to accomplish?”
“He assured Heidi if your constituents knew your background, you would be disgraced, and in turn, the whole family dishonored.”
Tori snorted. “What nonsense.”
Michael grinned. “Not to a young woman who’s been sheltered her whole life.” He shifted in his seat. “He managed to terrify her enough she agreed to marry the bastard-sorry Tori-even though he intends to keep his mistress, and has no liking for Heidi whatsoever. And told her so.” The last words came out in a growl.
“What’s your involvement, son?” Jesse spoke in an odd, yet gentle tone.
Michael stood and walked to the window, resting his forearm on the window frame. “I can’t allow Heidi to marry Clarence.”
“Why not?” Jesse prodded.
He turned, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Because I love her. The morning after he pulled this stunt, I had planned to ask her to marry me.”
“Ah.” Jesse nodded. After a moment, he added, “So what do you plan to do?”
Michael ran stiff fingers through is hair. “Go after her.”
“Sounds like a good plan. Then why are you standing here in our library?”
Michael flung himself into the chair in front of the desk. “It’s not so simple. Suppose Clarence carries out his threat, and sends this to the newspapers, and even has Gloria provide an interview?”
“Do you think I really care if the whole world knows about my background? Don’t you think your aunt and I have a certain amount of pride in the fact that I rose above my circumstances?”
“I know we’ve always thought so, but what about Priscilla, and Ben, Paul, and Henry?”
“We’ll all survive, and I think you know that. If you’re looking for our blessing, then I have one thing to say. Go after your woman.”
Michael’s heart soared, and relief flooded him. Grinning broadly, he hugged Tori and shook Jesse’s hand. He strode to the door, and yanked it open. Priscilla tumbled into the room.
She smiled up at him from her position on the floor. “I told you something wonderful would happen.”
“Priscilla Cochran,” Tori admonished.
“Pris, you have no idea.” Michael stepped around her, and headed for the front door.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Heidi’s eyes popped open as a jolt of panic raced from her stomach to her heart. Oh God, today is the day. The beaded white wedding dress hanging over the door of her wardrobe mocked her. As a bride, this should be the happiest day of her life. Instead, misery flooded her.
A wave of nausea drove her to the chamber pot, where she retched while tears ran down her face. After rinsing her mouth out, she sat back on her heels, her shoulders slumped. Doubts assailed her. Should she have told Michael about Clarence’s threat? And the baby?
Her child, the one she made with Michael, would never know its father. Since Clarence intended to have her as wife in name only, the baby would be a bastard in his eyes, and he would most likely treat the child as one.
Wearily, she wiped her eyes and stood. She wandered to the window, amazed at the sun shining so brightly, on her day of gloom. Two cardinals perched on a branch of her favorite elm tree, their heads raised to the warmth of the sun. More spring buds had broken through the red earth, waving in the slight breeze.
She turned at the sight knock. “Come in.”
Mother entered, her eyes bright, and much more cheerful than Heidi would have expected. “Good morning, dear.” She moved further into the room, her flowered dressing gown floating behind her. “I’ve brought you a cup of tea. The warmth may help settle your stomach.”
She placed the cup and saucer on the table next to Heidi’s bed. “How’s your tummy this morning?”
Heidi shook her head and shrugged into her dressing gown, then tied the belt into a bow. “I like being sick each morning. The nausea reminds me of the one pleasant thing in my life.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek.
“Now, dear. You mustn’t trouble yourself.” She patted her hand. “Have some of your tea, and in a little while I’ll run your bath.” Mother crossed to the doorway, the sound of her slippers smacking against her feet echoing in the room. She turned and winked, then closed the door behind her with a soft click.
Well, that encounter was strange. Heidi had assumed Mother would be as glum as she. Instead, absolute joy radiated from her.