by Minx Charmer
When her mother entered the room, Valeria screamed with delight as they embraced. Both of them danced together in wild abandon. “Mother can you believe it? He has invited my friends and family! That can only mean one thing. He is ready to ask me to be his wife. Bet you he will do this Saturday. It is important that I look my best.”
Daisy agreed with breathless gasps “Yes you have to and white will suit quite nicely. I already have the outfit in mind. In the meantime get your hair made up, your face and your nails. You must look flawless and get him to give you his word. That way you need not worry ever again. He must agree to marry you and as a gentleman he will honor that pledge. Can you do it? Can you bring him to heel?”
Valeria nodded tongue in cheek. “Of course I can mother. There is no doubt about it.” When her mother left, Valeria glanced at the mirror and noted her flush cheeks and glowing eyes. Julian had to commit and this time she would not take no for an answer.
~~~
Belinda was leaving for Templeton Manor with a look of contentment on her face which caused Molly some concern. “Mother I can’t believe you are going to work there in the gardens of all places. Julian will think I am trying to trick him or something.”
Belinda shook her head and ignored her daughter’s concerns. “Nonsense my dear. I will be as quiet as a mouse and will simply do my work as I have been hired to do. You worry needlessly and if the young man does catch my eye, I will treat him with kindness and respect. There is nothing wrong with, is there?”
Molly did not trust her mother’s innocent expression, but there was no legitimate reason why she couldn’t work at Templeton Manor. “All right Mom, but please don’t anger him in anyway. He is finally looking at me for a change and I don’t want it to end. I really don’t.”
Belinda hugged her daughter and kissed her forehead. Cupping Molly’s face between her soft hands, she cautioned her child as gently as she could “Molly, I don’t want you to get hurt, again. Remember that Julian’s future is pretty much mapped out. Don’t fall so hard that you cannot recover. Promise me that and I will go with a clear conscience.”
Molly’s reply was somber “Yes Mother. I will not fall so hard that I cannot recover.” Then with an impish grin she whispered “But please make him like you, all right?”
Belinda smiled content to see the sparkle return to her daughter’s gaze “Of course I will. As I’ll be living at the estate, I will call you with all of the juicy details. Now be good while I am gone.”
Molly jumped up and glanced at her watch “I have to go myself. Got a nice lunch to prepare today. We’re having visitors for some kind of competition and they will be here for a couple of weeks checking things out. Daisy wants to impress them with my culinary arts as she calls it, so I better do some great cooking. Love you Mom. Take care!”
~~~
It was the perfect day for an outdoor picnic. The sun shone brightly under blue skies, as a gentle breeze flowed across the green grass and the scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air. Rose had arranged for the kitchen to lay out a simple meal of fried chicken drumsticks, potato and lettuce wild salad, topped with tomatoes and green avocados. Desert was pumpkin pie with a dollop of whip cream and slices of strawberry on top.
As the group enjoyed the meal, Julian was happy to note that Valeria was on her best behavior. Dressed splendidly in a white, flared, peasant skirt with a white, ruffled top she seemed every inch the lady of the manor. And yet there was a childlike innocence in her gay laughter and sparkling eyes. Julian sighed deeply. Why couldn’t he commit to this woman? What was holding him back? It was a puzzle he couldn’t seem to decipher and that bothered him. He decided it was time to do something about it and there was no time like the present.
Getting up he walked over to Valeria as she chatted with her friends. Six of them had accompanied her and were busy giggling like schoolgirls over some snippet of conversation he barely caught. Something to do with ‘a red head that didn’t know where to fit in.’
Annoyed for an unknown reason, Julian stopped in his tracks. Changing his mind, he returned to the house in search of Rose. She always had something to talk about and it didn’t include belittling others. As he got to the kitchen he was surprised to find her deep in conversation with a woman he did not know. All of the household staff was known to him so this woman must be new. “Hello there Rose. Can I have a moment?”
When the other woman turned towards him, Julian caught his breath. Molly’s hazel eyes were staring at him from an older face. Surprised he walked forward and held out his hand with a welcoming gesture “Hello there Ma’am…and you are?”
Belinda smiled and shook Julian’s offered hand. At least he had some sort of manners. “My name is Belinda Makepeace. Molly’s mother to be precise.”
Julian nodded “Of course. You do not look like her exactly, but the eyes are unmistakable.”
“Why thank you. My daughter will be pleased to know we have something in common after all.”
Intrigued by her comment, Julian forgot about Valeria and the guests as he sat down with a puzzled expression “What do you mean by that?”
Belinda shrugged lightly “Well my daughter and I are very different as you may have noticed. She is full of life, vibrant, easily happy and just as easily sad. As you may have noticed she wears her heart for all to see. I on the other hand am quite different. More reserved shall we say and not that easily read.”
Julian agreed as his eyes twinkled. “Yes it does appear that way, but I have no doubt you could get quite emotional if you chose to do so.”
Belinda’s lips lifted in a genuine smile. He was such a charmer. No wonder Molly was crazy over him. “Perhaps I can young man, but right now I have a job to do and your father will not pay me for loitering about. Another day we shall talk again, if you wish to do so. Rose thanks for everything. You know where I’ll be if you need me.”
As he watched her depart, Julian turned to Rose with an inquiring look. Her face was deceptively blank which raised his suspicions that something was up. “Care to tell me exactly what is going on around here?”
Rose raised her hands and shook her head “My dear boy, I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Please leave the kitchen as you have found it. Talk to you later.”
Julian was left alone with a stunned look stamped upon his face. It was clear that he needed some kind of advice to deal with the females in his life. With a wry grin he returned to the picnic. No doubt Valeria would be looking for him. She seemed to get in a virtual panic attack, if he wasn’t around at all times. Life was certainly getting more complicated by the day.
~~~
The dinner was finished and Molly was relieved that it had gone well. When Daisy came to the kitchen to tell her they wanted to meet the chef, Molly was honored, but she was dead on her feet. “Mrs. Trenton, I am really tired and can barely string two sentences together. Can I take a rain check and meet them another day?”
Daisy’s eyebrows shot to her hairline as her eyes widened in apparent horror “Of course not! That is the most ridiculous notion I have ever heard of. It is not every day that we get some international, chili competition group in Sunnyvale young woman. This could put our little place on the map so to speak. So you will come and meet with them. Fifteen minutes is not going to kill you. Get going now. Quickly! These people do not know how to wait. It is simply not in their vocabulary.”
With a frustrated sigh, Molly removed her soiled apron, washed her hands and face and tried to make herself presentable. She saw tired lines around the corner of her eyes and mouth, but there was nothing to be done. Duty called and to duty she would have to respond. Hopefully it would only take a moment to greet them and then she would make her exit as quickly as possible.
~~~
A group of seven people that sat around the table rose as she approached and Molly greeted them as warmly as a tired soul could. After meeting each one and receiving their congratulations for a great meal, the organizer who
introduced himself as Ethan Brommel offered to take her home. With a grateful smile Molly accepted. She really needed to get into bed as she had no energy to make her customary walk home.
Ethan appeared to be a nice man and kept her entertained. He was the same height as Molly, with sandy hair and sky blue eyes in a handsome face. He was not nearly as handsome as a dark haired devil who lived at Templeton Manor, but he was handsome enough.
Shaking her head to get the impression of Julian out of her mind, Molly focused on Ethan’s words. He spoke to her about his travels, the importance of organizing the competition, what the event truly meant and how much it could change the life of the winner. “Winning a competition is no small thing, especially if you compete against the best. It gives you a degree of confidence you can’t get from anything else. I think you should participate. Will you? Your cooking is the best I have ever tasted.”
Molly smiled self consciously. She did not know what to make of his complement and the way it was given. It seemed to her he was talking about more than just a simple meal. When he left her home the impression became stronger. “Hey there Molly, it was really nice to meet you. I have to meet with Mr. Chambers about the competition, but perhaps we can get together tomorrow evening? How about I take you out for some dinner? I am sure you would love to enjoy a meal you didn’t have to prepare hmmm?” She agreed and they settled on a time. Eight o’ clock and the restaurant was the Bay View Inn.
That night, Molly reflected on the evening as she prepared for bed. Perhaps it was time to broaden her horizons and enjoy herself for a change. Julian certainly wouldn’t mind. Her mother had called from the manor and told her that Valeria and her family had enjoyed a fabulous picnic at the estate, just a few days before. “I think he’s really going to ask her to marry him Molly and you have to prepare yourself, just in case.”
Feeling as though the floor had fallen out from under her feet, Molly felt woefully unprepared. That and the pain in her heart resulted in sleepless nights and gloomy days. She had been living on the clouds of happiness ever since Julian had requested that she cook for him, but realistically he had given her no other indication that he was interested in her in any other way. Perhaps it was time to wake up and smell the roses. Living on dreams was an empty way to exist and she was tired of living and dreaming about Julian. It was time to move on.
~~~
Julian watched Belinda work with a degree of pride. He was amazed at how well the Templeton gardens were blossoming under her capable hands, in such a short time. Her working skills were exemplary, especially the way she organized the plants, shrubs and blooms in various shades and colors. At the moment she was working around the outermost wall of the house. Curious, Julian wandered in her direction to see exactly what she was up to “Morning Ma’am. How are you doing today?”
Belinda smiled in response. She had grown to admire Julian’s way of dealing with others, but she still had some degree of reservation. “I am working with the creeping rose and I intend to plant them in such a way that they will run up the sides of the walls. It will be quite beautiful after it’s all done. Not to worry.”
Julian held up his hands with a twinkle in his eyes “I am not worried. Even I can see you know exactly what you are doing, but what is a creeping rose?”
Belinda laughed “Oh actually that is not the name. It’s the Alchymist rose. Nice solid scent and the blooms are a beautiful yellow, actually rather golden if you wish to be more fanciful. But it is a strong climber and will adorn the walls very nicely. And I intend to mix it with the Spanish Beauty, another lovely bloom in a vibrant, variation of pink. It grows strong and tall. Both of them will make a nice combination, don’t you agree?”
Julian nodded with a surprised look. “Absolutely! I am glad that you are here with us. I am afraid that we neglected the gardens over the years. It was my Mother’s hobby and after she was gone, no one could do it quite the same way.”
“Thank you Julian. That is most kind of you to say and I am honored by the reference to your mother. And you? What you are off to this morning if I may be so bold.”
“Actually I have to meet with the head of the Chili competition as I have a few questions and some small details to iron out. I’ll keep you posted on that. I am thinking that we will include a floral exhibition in the competition as well to show off your magnificent skills. What do you think about that?”
Belinda was suddenly at a loss for words. Even though the offer was made in a matter of fact way, just the thought of someone, other than her daughter, appreciating her efforts warmed her heart. Feeling her eyes moistened she nodded slowly.
Julian was amazed at the reaction. He could not believe that such a simple offer could produce such an emotional response, but he was glad that he had made it. With a small wave he left Belinda staring at him with hope in her eyes.
~~~
Yolanda and Molly met at the Inn for some hot chocolate and strawberry pancakes.
“I only have a moment Yolanda, but at least we can enjoy our pancakes before the morning rush begins. I am so glad that you are back. Did things go well with you in the city?”
Her friend shook her head with a wry expression “Nah! It was horrible, but I know I am a small town girl and I was glad to come back. Looks like you feel the same way. But that fancy cooking class you went to really helped right? I mean now you have a great job and all these people know how you can steam things. Fascinating I say.”
Molly made a face “Cook things silly, not steam things.”
Yolanda waved her hand in a dismissing gesture “Ridiculous difference. Steaming and cooking are near enough that I can use any one of the two to make my point, which is when you put something on the stove, it comes out good. How’s that for an explanation?”
Molly agreed to disagree. It was either that or get Yolanda riled up for the rest of the day with her dramatics. “Well then, tell me about yourself. Anything new I need to know?”
“No way girl! We are not talking about me. We are talking about you and specifically how things are going with you know who?”
Molly’s bright mood suddenly dimmed and she sighed deeply. Yolanda saw her expression and grimaced “That bad eh?”
“Well sometimes I feel like a yo-yo, you know? Up and down and all around? I didn’t even get to send the pie the other day as I had planned to.” With a sigh Molly put her hands under her chin “Sometimes I think Julian does notice me and other times it is though I don’t exist. I am tired of waiting for him. I just can’t take the seesawing emotions anymore. Does that make sense to you or am I giving up too soon?”
Yolanda was horrified if her gaping mouth was any indication “What! Your problem is you have waited way too long to end this, but now that I am here you are going to get that man once and for all, do you hear me? No excuses!”
Molly’s slight giggle made Yolanda smile in return “There, there now. See, you are happy again. Don’t make this get you down my girl. It is time for some action. Now fill me in on that Ethan fellow you were seen with a couple nights now. Who is he and what is the deal going out with him?”
Molly shrugged “Well I thought that I could enjoy myself with someone else instead. I can’t wait on Julian forever, but I must confess that these couple evenings have been a bit of a bore. Ethan is nice, yes, but I feel….well actually I could not stop comparing both men and it spoiled any opportunity I could have had for a nice time. Ethan obviously did not feel the same way as he is calling on me to go out tonight again.”
Yolanda was intrigued “Well now, things are finally looking up. I do think you need to go with him, but I think you should time the outing more accurately.”
Molly was puzzled “What do you mean by that?”
“Well do you know if Julian is going to be anywhere in your vicinity at the time?”
“No of course not. The only place we might remotely see each other is at the house party for that new family this weekend, on Saturday I think. They moved to Sunnyvale about
a week ago. The Sanderson’s or something like that.”
Yolanda jumped up and danced around the table with a cry of delight “Molly, that is the key! That is exactly what you need. Tell Ethan you can’t make it tonight, lots of work, dead on your feet, can’t breathe, only one lung functioning, yadda, yadda, yadda…you know what I mean. And then we will arrange for you to visit the party this Saturday and this time you are going to make an impression on that man.”
“On Ethan? I think he is already impressed”
Yolanda’s look of horror was a balm to Molly’s soul. “Molly, please do not insult my intelligence. All of this work is not and I repeat not for this Ethan chap. This is strictly for Julian. It is time to see if your efforts are worth pursuing any longer, or if you need to leave this man once and for all. Now get up, we still have a few minutes before your clients start to arrive and we need to plan. Move girl!”