She had to remember she didn’t want his team of lawyers investigating her marriage to Liam. Not now. If ever. In six months’ time, the lawyer would destroy that letter Liam had written accusing her of blackmailing him into having his baby. Then there would no longer be any written evidence to support her late husband’s “truth” that she’d blackmailed him. And that meant there would no longer be written “evidence” that she’d had an affair with Keith Samuels.
Unfortunately, it still wouldn’t be enough to set her free. Liam had told his brother about her and Keith, painting her an unfaithful wife so that Dominic could use it against her in court if need be. She had no doubt he would.
Seven
The next morning at ten, Cassandra left Nicole with Nesta and had Dominic’s driver drop her off outside one of the beautifully restored shopping arcades in the city. There were a few tense moments when he wanted to wait for her, but she assured him she would be a couple of hours and would call him when the treatment was finished. Then she left via another exit and caught a cab to visit her father. Joe didn’t always recognize her. He did today.
“Cassie, how lovely to see you,” he said, sitting on the bench in the nursing home garden as she walked toward him.
She gave him a hug and a kiss and blinked back silly, soppy tears. “Dad, it’s good to see you, too.”
“What are the tears for?”
“I’m just happy to see you.” She sat down on the bench next to him.
“Me, too. How’s Nicole? You didn’t bring her today?”
“She had the sniffles, so I thought it best she stay home.” Dominic would have been suspicious if he’d learned she’d taken Nicole with her to the “dentist.”
“And Liam? How’s he doing? He must be working really hard. I haven’t seen him for a long time.”
Her heart sank at the clear indication her father wasn’t getting better. She’d already gently explained to him that Liam had been very sick, though she hadn’t yet told him that he’d died. Perhaps in this case there was no need to do that when he probably wouldn’t remember, anyway.
“He’s still working hard. He sends his love.” Liam had always been too busy and had met Joe only a couple of times; once before their marriage and once afterward. Then both men had gotten sick.
Her father frowned. “He does?”
For a second she wondered if he’d heard about Liam’s death on the television or the radio.
“Your mother will be sorry she missed you.”
“Wh-what? You spoke to Mum?” she asked cautiously. This was worse than she thought. “Yes.”
“Where is she now?”
He glanced around and his eyes started to cloud over. “Somewhere.” There was a flare of panic in them. “I don’t remember.”
“That’s okay, Dad.” She patted his twisted hand, which had never recovered from the stroke. “Why don’t you and I sit and enjoy the sunshine for a while. It’s so nice out here.”
He took a shaky breath and nodded.
She stayed to chat for another fifteen minutes, until it was their early lunchtime. Then she walked her father inside and sat him down at the table with the others and said goodbye, her heart heavy. She hated seeing her dad like this. It didn’t seem fair. He’d given so much to the community in caring for foster kids, and then by adopting her and Penny, though he’d always said he and Mum had received so much in return.
She sniffed back some tears as she went in search of the nursing home administrator. As she was walking down the hallway, a sudden noise made her jump and she saw an elderly woman had knocked her tray of food on the floor of her room. Cassandra hurried to move her out of the way before the woman slipped and injured herself.
One of the staff came rushing in. “Thank you so much! I was trying to get back to help feed Rose, but one of the other patients was sick.” She shook her head. “It’s a pity there aren’t two of me here today.”
At that moment a thought clicked in Cassandra’s mind. Was it possible for her to do volunteer work here at the nursing home? Not only would she be able to see her father without Dominic knowing, but something felt so right about helping these elderly people. It felt good.
She left the room, excitement running through her veins as she headed to the administrator’s office. She’d sort out the money problem, then ask about volunteering.
“Mrs. Roth,” the administrator said, getting to her feet as Cassandra entered her office. “I’m glad you’re here. I was going to call you.”
Cassandra put up her hand to stop her before she said anything further. “I know what you’re going to say, Jane. I’m late with this month’s payment.”
Jane Clyde gestured for her to take a seat. “Yes, and I’m sorry to bring it up right now, Mrs. Roth, but it’s my job to make sure no one gets too far behind in their payments. It makes it difficult when we have to deal with the problem in a somewhat…harsh way.” She gave a sympathetic look. “Is there any way I can help?”
Cassandra swallowed hard. With lawyers and wills, it could be months before the money was all sorted if she didn’t put pressure on them to hurry it up. She had to speak to Dominic as soon as possible.
“Jane, I’m sure you’ll understand that it’s been a traumatic time for me, but I assure you that my late husband’s estate is being finalized as we speak. I should be getting the money very soon,” she said, crossing her fingers.
Jane smiled with relief. “That’s fine then, Mrs. Roth. And by the way, I want to congratulate you on your new marriage.” Her face turned serious. “And of course I want to say how sorry I am about your late husband.”
Cassandra became conscious that her hurried remarriage must look peculiar to this woman, yet there was nothing in Jane’s demeanor to reflect anything but good wishes.
“Thank you. And please, I’ve told you before to call me by my first name.”
Jane merely smiled. “Thank you, but I couldn’t.”
Cassandra shook her head in exasperation. It was because of the family name. People tended to think that because she was a member of the Roth family, she should be afforded some sort of deference. As if Roth and royal were synonymous. She grimaced inwardly. Of course, in Australian society circles they were.
And now they had that out of the way…
“Jane, I was wondering. Do you need any volunteers here at the nursing home?”
The other woman’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Are you talking about yourself?”
“Yes. I’d love to help out here a couple of days a week. I can clean, cook or do anything you need.”
Jane’s face filled with uncertainty. “We’d love to have your help, Mrs. Roth, but I couldn’t have you doing any of the physical work. Perhaps you could read to the patients or write letters for them?”
Cassandra gave a twisted smile. “I’m not precious, Jane. I know how to get my hands dirty.”
“Thank you, but I’d have a staff riot on my hands if you did their jobs for them, not to mention a riot from the unions.”
Cassandra inclined her head. “Yes, of course.” Then she smiled. “I’m happy to take you up on your suggestion.”
“Well, that would be acceptable.”
Cassandra’s enthusiasm bubbled over. “Wonderful! Not only can I be around my father, but also it will be nice to do something productive again.”
“Good. Anytime you want to start, just let me know,” Jane said, a hint of speculation in her eyes, which made Cassandra decide to be more careful in how she phrased things. It was one thing to know she needed to do something of value, and quite another for others to see she needed it.
Nevertheless, she left with a good feeling, though once in the cab heading back to the city to be collected by Dominic’s driver, she could feel her nerves tensing again and her fears returning. Perhaps she should wait a few more weeks, until after Christmas, before speaking to Dominic about the money? But then Jane might give her only so much grace. And what if someone inadvertently contacted Domin
ic or another member of the family about the outstanding bill?
Her shoulders slumped as quickly as her thoughts, her mind going full circle. She couldn’t risk Dominic finding out about Joe. If he learned about her father…if he realized some of her money was going to the nursing home and had been all along…if there was just the slightest hint of him reaching a decision to investigate further…
If. If. If.
If she didn’t stop thinking so hard, she was going to go crazy!
Mercifully once she returned home, she had Nicole to keep her busy. She even asked Nesta about babysitting Nicole sometimes during the week, and the housekeeper admitted she’d been fretting about not being able to look after her one-year-old granddaughter a couple of hours a week now that her own daughter had gone back to work. So Cassandra was happy for Nesta to bring her granddaughter here, and they soon came to an agreement that the housekeeper would babysit both infants.
Midafternoon, Cassandra telephoned her sister. Penny and the kids were sick with a stomach bug, so she didn’t talk long and promised to call back another time. Her sister hadn’t mentioned the marriage to Dominic or her upcoming birthday, but Cassandra understood why Penny hadn’t been so talkative.
Yet as she hung up, she had tears in her eyes. Even though she didn’t share too many confidences with Penny, all at once she felt like she had no one to turn to. And that was a horrible feeling.
That evening after he came home from work, Dominic played with Nicole then helped feed her and put her to bed. He was so good with the little girl that Cassandra couldn’t help but think what a terrific father figure he was for her daughter.
And for any future children they might have together.
The thought warmed her through, then scared the living daylights out of her when she thought about not even being able to keep the child she had now. Oh, God.
“How was your dental appointment?” he asked once they were seated at the dining table and Nesta had served the soup.
Cassandra was prepared for that question. “Not bad, as far as dentists go. I’m having some work done on a tooth that’s been aching a bit. It’ll probably be quite a few visits,” she said, covering herself for a little while longer, but underneath she was beginning to feel a touch of remorse. Another necessary lie. Another guilt trip. Where was it going to end?
His eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What sort of treatment?”
“Painful,” she said flippantly, aware of what he was thinking. Did he really think she might take a lover?
He didn’t smile. “I’ll get you in to my dentist.”
“No!” She swallowed. “I mean, I’ve been going to this guy all my life. I trust him.”
He seemed to scrutinize her response, then nodded. “Okay, but let me know if you change your mind.”
“I will.” She continued eating her soup, but it tasted like drain water now. Could he actually have accepted her comment so easily, or was he just trying to get her to let her guard down? More than likely the latter, she decided. And that meant time was running out for her.
“By the way, Dominic,” she said as casually as she could. “My dentist was telling me about them needing someone to do volunteer work at a nursing home where his mother lives.” She let that sink in. “I thought it might be a good idea for me to help out a couple of times a week.”
His eyes probed, but with a different look in them than a moment ago. “Is Nicole too much for you?”
“Of course not! But that doesn’t mean I don’t need a break now and then.”
His brows jerked together. “You’re bored?”
“Not at all, but I will be if I don’t keep busy.” At least he seemed to be taking this at face value.
“You didn’t do volunteer work when you were married to Liam,” he pointed out.
“I know. I wish I had,” she said, then wanted to bite out her tongue lest he think it was the reason she’d had an affair. “I mean, Liam was always holding parties and entertaining guests. I didn’t have time for anything else.” She took a breath and hated herself for using Liam’s illness like this. “And then he got sick.”
Grief flashed in Dominic’s eyes for a second, before he had it under control.
There was a pause before he spoke again. “What sort of nursing home?”
He sounded open to the concept and excitement rose in her. “It’s for the elderly. And they’re seriously short staffed. I’ll just be reading to them or writing letters, but I’m told my services would be really appreciated.”
“Where is it?”
She kept calm. “In the northern suburbs, about an hour’s drive away. I don’t mind traveling that far. Your driver can take me,” she added to sweeten the deal.
Another pause. “What about Nicole? Shouldn’t she be interacting with other infants her own age?”
Her heart softened at his concern. “I’ve already thought of that.” She explained about Nesta’s granddaughter. “I think it would be a good idea for her to bring her here for a couple of hours each week. Then Nicole and Emma could spend time together. They’re a bit too young to play with each other, but it will still be good for them to have that interaction.”
He slowly nodded. “Okay, that all sounds good. Just don’t wear yourself out.”
His comment wrapped her in warmth, even though she knew he was thinking about Nicole. “I won’t.”
Right then, Nesta came in with their main course, telling Dominic that his cousin, Logan Roth, wanted him to call him back urgently.
There was a flash of impatience in Dominic’s eyes. “I’ll take it in the study,” he said in a clipped tone, then stood up and strode from the room, his mind clearly on the issue at hand.
Nesta turned to Cassandra and frowned. “Perhaps I should have waited to tell him about the call?”
“It’s probably best you didn’t. It sounded important.”
Nesta looked at the plates of food in her hands. “Do you want to wait until Mr. Roth comes back to eat?”
Cassandra shook her head. “No. He could be a while.” She didn’t feel at all hungry, but she’d try and eat some of it.
Nesta gave her an approving nod, then hurried back to the kitchen. Cassandra sat there for a few minutes without moving, remembering Liam saying that Logan and Dominic got on well. “Almost like brothers,” Liam had said with what she thought was a hint of jealousy.
And now it seemed there was friction between the two men.
If ever she’d needed to be reminded that Dominic could be friend or foe, it was now. If he believed the best thing for Nicole was to shut her mother out of her life, then he would do it. No hesitation.
Cassandra spent the next day at home, lazing about with Nicole, taking a leisurely bath and generally trying to relax. The bath helped, as it always did, and she felt more at peace now that she knew she had volunteer work ahead of her. She knew she was being a coward in avoiding mentioning the money to Dominic, but talking about money to a man who thought she was a gold digger was paramount to admitting he was right about her.
Yet there was nothing for him to be right about.
Then Thursday dawned. It was her birthday and she wasn’t going to mention it to anyone. Nor was she going to think about the money. That would be her birthday present to herself.
So after Dominic left for work, Cassandra took Nicole outside for some fresh air and sunshine. She chatted to her daughter as she carried her around the garden beds and stopped to smell the flowers. Then she let Nicole crawl around on the lawn, allowing the sun to do its magic.
After a while Nicole began to get a bit whiny, and Cassandra took her back inside.
“Mrs. Roth,” Nesta said as soon as they came through the patio doors. “Mr. Roth telephoned before. He wanted to ask me if I was available to babysit tonight. He said he’s taking you out to a party.”
Cassandra’s heart jumped. Could he know it was her birthday? She could imagine he might have tasked his PA to keep tabs on such things. “Did he say whe
re the party was or what it was about?”
“No. Just that he wanted to give you plenty of time to make yourself beautiful,” Nesta said with a smile.
Cassandra managed to say something appropriate, then she took Nicole upstairs to bathe her before her mid morning nap. But she couldn’t help wondering. Had Dominic arranged something for her birthday? A family party? She couldn’t imagine he would bother, or that his family would want to be involved. Of course, Laura was a stickler for doing the right thing—even though she disliked her daughter-in-law.
After that, Cassandra spent the rest of the day trying not to get her hopes up, but there was still a little piece of her that thought he might have actually arranged something special.
She was dressed in an iris-purple cocktail dress that was stylish but comfortable and was putting the finishing touches to her hair when Dominic walked in the bedroom.
He stood and looked at her, his eyes darkening with desire. “God, you look beautiful.”
The breath hitched in her throat. “Thank you.”
He looked some more. “I’d kiss you, but I don’t want to mess you up.”
She hid her surprise—and disappointment. It wasn’t like him not to take what he wanted from her lips.
He tilted his head. “There’s something about you tonight. You look…keyed up.”
“I do?” She didn’t mean to be. If he was taking her out for her birthday, she didn’t want to spoil the surprise. And if he wasn’t…
He tossed his jacket on the bed. “Give me ten minutes.” He strode into the bathroom. “I’ll meet you downstairs. We’re taking the Porsche tonight. The party’s not far. It’s one of those society things.”
Her bubble didn’t burst, but it was slowly leaking.
“Sorry about the short notice,” he said once they were in the car. “I need to show my face on behalf of the family.”
High-Society Secret Baby Page 9