"Don't be ridiculous, boy," Angus boomed from his place at the head of the table. "You know you're welcome here, anytime. Pull up a chair and join us." He motioned to his young servant. "Toby, set a place for Erik, will you?"
"Good evening, Mary Louise, Cooper," Erik said, as he sat down in the chair Toby pulled out for him.
"I'm really glad you're here, Erik," Angus continued. "I wanted to make a formal announcement." He chuckled, "Until you arrived I had no one other than the servants to whom I could announce the news."
"Announcement?" Erik surreptitiously cast a wary glance at Mary Louise.
"Yes, a happy announcement," Angus said jovially. "Toby, see that everyone's wine glass is filled. I want to make a toast."
Mary Louise groaned inwardly, praying to get through the evening. She glanced across the table at Cooper— and immediately wanted to throttle him when he winked at her. Honestly, the audacity of the man! How could he sit there looking for all the world like a normal, happy, bridegroom— to— be when the reason for this dinner was a sham? Her seething contemplation was interrupted when Angus rose from his chair.
"This family," Angus began, "suffered a terrible lost when our beloved Willie succumbed to Yellow Fever. And for a time it seemed we would never find relief from the pain of that loss. Then, by some miracle, we learned of the existence of Willie's child." Angus looked at Annie, seated in Willie's old high chair. The old man's smile held a hint of sadness as he touched the silver— blonde ringlets atop his grandchild's head. "In this sweet child, a part of Willie lives."
Mary Louise sneaked a peek at Cooper but found his expression unreadable as he toyed with his silverware. She wondered what he was feeling as he sat listening to her father talk about Annie being Willie's child. Did it hurt him to have the fact thrown in his face?
Angus cleared his throat and continued his speech. "After learning of Annie's existence, we were led to Cooper Matthews, a fine, upstanding young man..."
Ha, Mary Louise thought. Upstanding, my foot. She wondered what Papa would think of this fine, upstanding young man if he knew that Cooper was blackmailing her into submitting to God only knew what manner of perversions. Her heart skipped a beat at the mere contemplation Cooper's plans for her, and a there was a distinct tingling in her lower regions. In an effort of ignore her body's traitorous reaction, she turned her attention back to her father.
"Cooper has been a wonderful, loving father to my grand daughter," Angus continued, "and for that I shall always be grateful." He looked at Cooper and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Son, from the bottom of my heart."
Cooper smiled at his future father— in— law. "Being a father to Annie has been the greatest pleasure of my life, Angus," he said quietly.
Well, Mary Louise mused, noticing Cooper's loving gaze when he looked at Annie. That much was true. Cooper had been a wonderful father to Annie and she knew that he loved the child more than life.
"After getting to know my grandchild, I didn't think there was anything that could make me a happier man..." Angus looked at Mary Louise and smiled at her.
Oh dear, she thought, here it comes. The announcement. I only hope I can look properly happy when the time comes.
"...but I was wrong. My happiness wasn't complete until I learned that this fine young man and my darling Mary Louise will soon be man and wife." Angus lifted his glass. "And so, I offer this toast: To Mary Louise and Cooper: May the love you have for each other at this very moment be a constant through the remainder of your days."
Wonderful, Mary Louise thought wryly as she pasted on a smile. If Cooper's feelings for her at this moment remained constant for the rest of their days, she was assured of a perfectly miserable existence. The pretense of acting the happy bride— to— be was exhausting and Mary Louise hardly tasted her food. Tonight the smell of Cora's roasted chicken actually made her ill, and the nausea born of guilt threatened to send her fleeing the table.
"Mary Louise, you've hardly touched your supper. Is there something wrong with it?"
She smiled at her father. "No, Papa, it's delicious as always. I'm just not very hungry this evening."
Cooper's smile seemed smug. "Perhaps the anticipation of coming events is affecting your appetite, Mary Louise. Excitement does that sometimes."
Shocked at his audacity, Mary Louise flushed and looked at her plate. "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about, Cooper."
His eyes speared her. "Oh, I think you do."
"No, I most certainly do not," she snapped.
"Darling, he's teasing you about your upcoming nuptials," her father said, chuckling. "I'm right, am I not, Cooper?"
After the slightest hesitation that only Mary Louise would have detected, Cooper replied, "Of course."
Damn him! Mary Louise thought furiously. He knew his little innuendos were making her frantic with dread and he was enjoying it. It would serve him right, she thought, if she told her father exactly what Cooper had meant by his teasing remark! Nevertheless, even as she considered exposing Cooper for the cad that he was, she knew she wouldn't. Papa was so happy— happier than she'd seen him since Willie's death and she just could not bring herself to ruin this night for him.
Though she was furious at Cooper's impertinence, it wasn't that which troubled her. Her real concern lay in the fact that she was actually excited by the prospect of going to Cooper's room later tonight. The mere thought of what he might do produced a strange, not unpleasant pulsation in her lower regions that moved up her body like some fast growing vine. Even her breasts were suddenly super sensitive and she could feel their nipples pushing against the fabric of her blouse. She fidgeted in her chair, glanced up, and caught Cooper's gaze upon her. She flushed when she saw the slow, knowing smile move across his face. Had he read her thoughts?
When they'd finished Cora's special black— bottom pie, Angus suggested that they all retire to the second parlor to continue their celebration with an after— dinner brandy. Cooper, acting the perfect gentleman, offered Mary Louise his arm. But as she rose, Erik took her opposite elbow. "I'd like to escort my niece for a turn around the grounds— if, of course, you've no objection?"
Cooper frowned at Erik. "It's rather chilly for a stroll, wouldn't you say?"
"No," Mary Louise said quickly, afraid that the two men were heading for a fight. "Erik and I often take a short walk after supper. I find the cold air stimulating, especially after a heavy meal."
He seemed to study them for a moment. Then, with a wicked twinkle in his eye, Cooper smiled at Mary Louise. "Then by all means, My Dear, take your walk. I rather like the idea of your being stimulated. Had I not already accepted Angus' challenge to a game of checkers, I might even join your little excursion."
His innuendo was not lost on Mary Louise and if his silent scowl in Cooper's direction was any indication, it wasn't lost on Erik, either. "W— We won't be long," she murmured without looking at either of the men.
In the wide front hall, Erik settled a woolen cape over Mary Louise's shoulders. "What was that all about?"
To avoid his gaze, Mary Louise took a moment to adjust her cape. "What was what all about?" She hoped she sounded more nonchalant than she felt at the moment.
"Never mind. Maybe I misinterpreted his remarks. Forget I said anything."
"Certainly," Mary Louise said, feeling profound relief.
As soon as they were in the garden, Erik led her to a wrought iron bench and the two sat down together. "All right, Weezie. What's wrong?" he asked without preamble.
"Wrong? Why, nothing. Why do you always think something's wrong?"
"This is Erik, Mary Louise. I know you too well, and I knew the moment I saw you at supper that something was bothering you. You hardly touched your food and I happen to know that Cora's roast chicken is one of your favorites. So tell me, is it the thought of your forthcoming marriage that's got you in such a state?"
"My marriage? Hardly. Cooper has agreed to my stipulations so I don't foresee any problems from that qua
rter."
Erik frowned. "What stipulations?"
She stared across the darkened garden. "Just that our marriage is to be a business arrangement. Together we'll make a home for Annie, we'll share a house— but that's as far as it will go."
"Explain."
"Cooper will have no control over me nor any of my finances, our bank accounts will remain separate...as will our bedrooms."
Erik stared at her, astonishment clear in his eyes. "Separate bedrooms? Why? For God's sake, Mary Louise, that's insane! That's no marriage. Why would Cooper agree to such an outrageous and unnatural arrangement? For that matter, why would you demand it? It's hardly been more than two days since you told me how much you enjoyed making love with— "
"Don't," she interrupted, covering her ears with her hands. "That's over and done with and I don't want to discuss it."
Erik knelt at her feet and pulled her hands from her ears. "Weezie, tell me the truth. Who's idea was this?"
"It was entirely my idea. I said I wouldn't consider marriage to him unless he agreed to my conditions."
"But why?"
She wiped her eyes. "He doesn't love me, Erik. He wants to marry me because he needs a mother for Annie."
"But there are plenty of women he could marry who could be Annie's mother and a proper wife as well. Why on earth would he chose to marry you under these terms. It doesn't make any sense."
Mary Louise smiled ruefully. "It would make sense if you understood how devoted he is to Annie. Another woman might resent Annie, or, if they had other children, she might favor her own child over Annie. Cooper knows how much I love Willie's child and that I will always love her no matter what. He's going through with this sham marriage for the love of Annie." She sighed and looked across the moon— swept yard. "At least I'll be able to keep the promise I made to Willie and that makes any sacrifice worthwhile. Besides, I love Annie and I'll enjoying mothering her."
"You love Cooper Matthews, too."
Mary Louise looked away and when her lower lip trembled, she clamped it with her teeth. Finally, she said, "Yes, I love him." She sighed and then lifted her chin defiantly. "But he doesn't love me and I won't give myself, body and soul, to someone who sees me as nothing more than a means to an end. I do have some pride, Erik."
"And Matthews has actually agreed to this business arrangement?" Erik's tone was skeptical.
She nodded. "He didn't like it, he put up quite an argument against it, but in the end, he agreed to it." She didn't, of course, disclose that his agreement hinged on a condition.
"And you're certain this is what you want?"
She sighed again. "Of course it's not what I want. I never wanted to marry, you know that. But if I must, I'd rather wed a man who loves me. However, that isn't possible so I've accepted this arrangement. But I will not share a bed night after night with a man who doesn't love me— it's demeaning and I won't spend my life that way— not even for Annie."
Erik sighed and stood up. "I wanted more for you, Weezie. You deserve better. You deserve a man who appreciates you."
She pressed her cheek to the back of his hand. "I had hoped to find a man who is compassionate and honorable— like you, Erik."
He smiled and pulled her to her feet. "You only see what you want to see in me, Weezie. Believe me, I'm hardly a candidate for sainthood."
She chuckled then, and her tears, for a while at least, were forgotten. "St. Erik— I rather like the sound of that."
Erik laughed. "Perish the thought!" He put his arm around her. "Are you cold? Shall we go back inside?"
"No, let's walk a while. The moon is bright and the night so clear, let's enjoy it while we can."
THE HOUSE was quiet at last. In his room, Cooper considered all that had taken place that night. After Erik and Mary Louise's return from their stroll, he had been uncomfortably aware of the questioning glances Erik sent in his direction and he wondered, as he prepared for bed, just how much Mary Louise had divulged to her uncle regarding their upcoming marriage. He was fairly certain she hadn't told him everything. If she had, Cooper was sure Erik would have called him out by now— if not to duel, at least for a round of fisticuffs.
Cooper removed his shirt and shoes and then stretched out on the large tester bed. He stacked his hands at the nape of his neck and stared up at the pleated satin canopy. His pocket watch lay on the bedside table and when he had checked it a few moments ago its hands had been at nine forty— five. In little less than fifteen minutes he'd know once and for all if Mary Louise intended to keep her part of their unholy bargain.
Cooper blew out a long breath. He'd known his demand was scandalous and must seem unconscionable, but he'd had good reason for it. Not, as he was sure Mary Louise believed, to punish her. Nor was it made simply as a means of slaking his lust while he could— although admittedly, he relished the thought of making love with her. His motive for the outrageous condition had not so much to do with the intimate act itself, but with the possible results of it. Cooper wanted another child— a brother or sister for Annie. He loved Annie and nothing would ever replace her in his heart, but he wanted a child that was a part of him, too, one who, when he looked upon its face, he might possibly find a small piece of himself. He knew if he agreed outright to Mary Louise's marriage of convenience, the odds were that he would never be given the opportunity to create a child of his own flesh and blood.
So he decided to up the odds.
Until he was forced to practice total abstinence— or find release in other, less appropriate, ways— Cooper would sow his seed at every opportunity and, if all went as he hoped, Mary Louise would conceive a child by the time they spoke their vows.
MARY LOUISE, dressed in her nightclothes and wrapper, paced her bedroom, glancing at five— second intervals at the small, porcelain clock on her bureau. Her hands shook and her heartbeat quickened when she thought of Cooper waiting in his room at the far end of the hall. She was distressed, but her disquiet had less to do with Cooper's demands and more to do with her own feelings in the matter. She knew she should be furious at what she was being forced to do. However, the very thought of what awaited her stirred her in ways she was ashamed to admit even to herself. Each time she glanced at the clock, images of the night in her hotel room flashed through her mind: Cooper's work— hardened hands caressing her body; his lips, soft and firm, nursing at her breast; his questing tongue touching her in places....
"Oh, my stars!" Her whole being trembled as a slow heat moved up her body to leave a tingling sensation in its wake. Her flesh prickled with goose bumps. She glanced at the clock again and swallowed nervously. Ten o'clock. It was time!
Cooper raised his head and stared across the room. At ten minutes after ten he'd assumed Mary Louise wasn't coming. Had he only imagined the nearly imperceptible tap at his bedroom door?
No, there it was again, a little louder this time. He strode to the door and opened it.
"You're late," he drawled when he saw Mary Louise waiting in the hall. He grasped her arm and pulled her into the darkened room. "I thought maybe you'd changed your mind."
She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. "I couldn't come until now. When I was leaving my room I saw Papa coming up the stairs. I had to slip back inside until I was certain he was in his room for the night."
Cooper frowned. "I thought he'd gone to bed hours ago."
She nodded, and her gaze flitted over Cooper's bare chest and then to the floor as if she were disturbed by his state of undress. "He probably went to the kitchen for a bicarbonate of soda," she said. "He does that sometimes when his stomach is bothering him."
Cooper let his hand slide down her arm until he was grasping her icy fingers. "Come and sit down," he gently coaxed. "Your hands are cold. Would you like a little brandy to settle your nerves?"
She allowed him to lead her to the small, satin covered chair near the hearth. "Yes, I think I would like a brandy."
Cooper retrieved a small silver flask from inside his coat pocket,
and poured some of the liqueur in a water glass. He smiled when he handed her the drink. "Since you have the only glass, I'll drink from the flask if you don't mind."
"By all means, help yourself."
As Cooper tipped the silver flask to his lips he covertly studied Mary Louise. She was so damned beautiful it almost hurt to look at her. He'd doused the lamps shortly before her arrival so now the room's only illumination came from the small fire burning on the hearth. Silhouetted in that flickering light, her hair falling over her shoulders in a silver cloud, her dark— blue eyes large with uncertainty in her pale face, Mary Louise appeared almost ethereal— like some being from a distant star.
He waited patiently for her to drain the last of the brandy from the glass, and then he took it from her cold fingers and set it on a nearby table. "Better?" he asked.
She licked her lips and nodded. "Yes, thank you." Though she spoke in a whisper, Cooper could hear a slight tremor in her voice.
He stood and held out his hand. "Come here, Mary Louise."
She looked at him expectantly. When he made no move toward her, she asked, "What do I have to do?"
Cooper frowned. She was acting as if she were about to be sacrificed on an altar and he didn't like it. He wanted her to be as she had been that night in her hotel room: warm and willing, exciting, passionate, and innocently provocative. He bracketed her face with his hands and kissed her. When she didn't respond he drew back to gaze into her eyes. "Is that the best you can do?" he asked, only slightly amused.
She arched a brow. "Our agreement was for me to submit to you. There was no mention of my responding."
He might have been discouraged by her reply had he not heard the faintest bit of breathlessness in her voice and hadn't seen the tell— tale flutter of her pulse at her throat. He sat down on the edge of the bed, crossed his arms and smiled. "So that's how it's to be? I'm to use you however I wish while you simply...submit?"
"Yes."
He shrugged. "Fine." He took her hand and pulled her to him until she was standing between his spread knees. "However," he said as he began to peel the wrapper from her shoulders. "I believe that before I'm through you'll feel differently." He dipped his head and kissed the tiny pulse point at her throat. "I'll even go so far as to wager that before you leave here tonight, I'll hear you beg."
For the Love of Annie Page 23