“We wish to offer our congratulations,” Momma began. “We were not aware of your intentions to wed.”
He didn’t respond. He couldn’t. What could he possibly say? From the corner of his eye he saw his poppa reach out and touch her hand, cautioning her to change the subject.
“It’s a beautiful ring,” his poppa said.
Alex smiled slightly in response.
“You haven’t spoken with your papa in some time. Have you fallen out with him? I’m sure he misses your visits.”
Papa. Alex had expected his grandfather to treat Elaine with warmth, given what happened with his nana so many years earlier. Nana’s parents hadn’t accepted their relationship and that had disastrous results.
“No, I must visit with him.”
“Go to him. He will welcome your companionship.”
Alex wanted to strengthen communication with this family. He was engaged to Elaine now and he refused to spend the remainder of his life avoiding the people he loved. “I will, Momma.”
Alex left his parents’ bedroom, shutting the door behind him.
* * *
Hearing the tap on the door over the gramophone, Stewart opened his eyes. “Come in.” His heart warmed at the sight of his grandson. Unfortunately, the conversation between them was more strained than it had ever been. When Alex left, Izabella appeared at the outer doorway with Rose a step behind.
“Goodnight, Papa.”
“Goodnight, Rose. Sweet dreams.”
Izabella entered the room and closed the door.
“Alex came for a visit,” Stewart informed her. He followed her into the bedroom. “We talked, but the conversation was an uneasy one. I discovered Alex and Elaine are engaged but they haven’t discussed the future.”
“That concerns me. She controls him, but Alex doesn’t realize it. That’s unfortunate. It’s doubtful that will change once they are married.”
* * *
Alex’s wedding date approached far too quickly for Hope’s liking. After weeks of procrastinating, Hope informed Adam his assistance was required for the Venderkemp/Donovan guest list. He sat at the desk and looked at the short list she had prepared. Adam looked across the desk at her.
“I see you haven’t listed your uncles. Marcus and Joshua and their families.”
Hope buried her head in her hands at the mention of their names. She lowered her hands and looked at her husband.
“To my knowledge, Elaine is not aware of my heritage. I’m not eager to change that.”
“I agree. Can’t you picture Elaine’s mind at work,” Adam responded.
“Unfortunately, yes. The woman will insist they reside in the castle. There won’t be a moment of peace for Uncle Joshua or Uncle Marcus if they allow that woman across the threshold. Elaine would attempt to dictate everything at the castle and give herself royal airs. It would be dreadful.”
“We must speak with Alex in private.”
Leaving the guest list on the dining table, they went to the second floor and knocked on their son’s door.
“Come in.”
They opened the door.
“Alex, your poppa and I are working on the guest list. Do you want Momma’s family—”
“No-o-o. I don’t want more guests than necessary. The very idea of reciting vows in the church is making my stomach queasy. Elaine’s guest list is enormous. I hope Uncle Marcus and Joshua understand. I will visit them in private beforehand to explain, and then afterward to introduce Elaine.”
Hope and Adam walked downstairs. “My wish to conceal the truth from Elaine forever is wishful thinking.”
“Yes. That is our son’s decision, not ours.”
* * *
The following morning, Hope was working on the financial ledgers. The door to the office flung open with no notice. Elaine flounced into the room, unannounced. Infuriated by the intrusion, Hope scrambled to cover the orphanage paperwork. It’s doubtful Elaine would understand any of the numbers, but still. It is none of her business. Elaine is not getting access to the trust fund. Elaine had the audacity to sit down and make herself comfortable. Hope almost foamed at the lips. Elaine retrieved a pad of paper from her purse and reached for the pen and blotter from the desk. Glancing up, Hope noticed Tom at the doorway, looking equally stunned.
“I require your guest list,” Elaine demanded. “It would be advisable to ask assistance from Adam and Stewart so no one is missed. I will write the names as you think of them.”
Having no intention of spending a minute longer than necessary in the company of her future daughter-in-law, Hope took a breath, grateful they had completed their list the previous evening. Opening her desk drawer, she removed a piece of paper and handed it to the woman. Elaine scanned the list, scowled and then looked at her.
“I expected a much larger list, Hope. Our wedding shall be spectacular. There must be more people you wish to invite,” she remarked. She allowed her eyes to drift back to the paper in her hand. “You have forgotten to include addresses,” she added in frustration.
“We have given the guest list a great deal of consideration. As for the addresses, Adam and I plan to personally deliver our invitations.”
“As you wish. The moment I receive the formal invitations, I will bring them to you. I must be off now, there is so much to do preparing for this event.”
Elaine swept regally out of the room. For a young woman in love, she hadn’t spoken a word about Alex, or inquired about his whereabouts. Hope looked out the window and watched Elaine rush to her buggy and drive off.
“That woman will make my son miserable for the remainder of his life.”
* * *
On the day of Alex’s graduation ceremony, Adam and Hope sat in the seats with the graduates’ families. Elaine’s irritating voice alerted her to the woman’s presence. Elaine appeared at the end of the row of seats, resplendent in a glistening blue gown. An older couple followed in her wake.
“Momma, Poppa. These are Alexander’s parents. My future in-laws. Adam and Hope Venderkemp. That is his grandfather and grandmother sitting behind.”
Hope and Adam both nodded to acknowledge her presence. Elaine and her entourage found seats and applauded loudly as Alexander Stewart Venderkemp accepted his diploma.
When the official ceremony ended, Elaine joined Alex and his friends. Not wishing to appear rude, the family suffered through small talk with Elaine’s parents.
“Like mother like daughter,” Hope whispered quietly to Adam.
When they arrived back at the orphanage, Elaine handed Hope a box.
“These are the invitations to the wedding,” Elaine gushed enthusiastically. She opened the container. “Aren’t they simply beautiful. They are printed on the best quality paper available. I have forgotten the term used, but you’ll notice the intricate calligraphy. You must be as excited as I, Hope. I only wish I possessed the time to personally deliver these to guests. I’m envious you will get to see your guests’ expressions as they open the envelope.”
“Yes,” Hope admitted wryly. “I’m grateful for the free time Adam and I have while running this business.”
The underlying message went completely over Elaine’s head.
“Then I will assume the invitations will be delivered first thing tomorrow.”
That is simply ludicrous. You have no idea. Hope simply smiled, unable to comment.
Six weeks before the wedding, the ladies of the family converged at Valentines to choose outfits for the grand affair.
“These gowns are the most beautiful I’ve ever seen,” Rose gloated, extending her arms and twirling. “We shall outshine the bride and her attendants. I find myself looking forward to seeing the expression on Elaine’s face.”
Her cousin Tessa and Matt’s wife Carolyn chuckled.
Chapter Twenty
Three weeks before the wedding, Alex received a telephone call, inviting him to dine with Elaine and her family at the estate.
“I will not be home for dinner,
Momma. I’ll be eating at the McClaire’s.”
Alex walked out of the office and rushed up the steps. Five minutes later, he saddled his favourite mare and set out for his fiancée’s house.
Elaine greeted Alex at the door in an elegant yellow gown.
“You’re stunning, as always,” he remarked. He kissed her cheek.
The candelabras illuminated the dining room as the light reflected off the large mirror hanging on the wall. The table was set for four. Alex took his place across from his fiancée.
During the meal, Elaine provided idle chit chat until the plates were removed and the brandy was poured.
“I have spoken with Poppa,” Elaine began.
Alex stiffened. This was how he and Elaine became engaged. Alex turned his attention to her father, praying for something positive.
“Now that you are to be a member of our family, I would like to offer you a position with my company. In the accounting department,” Mr. McClaire informed him. “Your degree in business will be an asset within my company.”
Stunned and speechless, the details of the position did not interest him. Alex would never step foot inside her father’s company. Never once in his life had he considered an existence that did not include the orphanage. He had been born there and planned to die in the building. Elaine was making plans without consulting him, again. He took a deep breath, refusing to get angry in the presence of her parents. In all fairness, he and Elaine hadn’t discussed their future. He took full responsibility for that. Alex had listened as Elaine rambled, but he never mentioned his plans or his dreams. It had never occurred to him that Elaine would have other plans for their future. “I’m honoured by the offer, sir, but I must decline,” Alex responded. “Since childhood, I have aspired to manage the orphanage. I plan to relieve my parents of their duties within a few months.”
Elaine’s smug smile disappeared. It was replaced with a venomous glare. Alex had never seen such anger in her expression. Apparently, she expected him to be thrilled by the offer and go along with her plans for him. Mr. McClaire turned and scowled at his daughter.
“Alex, whatever do you mean by refusing Father’s generous offer?” Elaine questioned angrily.
Ignoring his daughter, Mr. McClaire turned his attention back to Alex.
“I admire your decision, Alexander. I was under the impression the position had been discussed with you and you were eager to join the firm. It is obvious I was mistaken. Perhaps the two of you should speak in private.”
Elaine rose and stalked out the door leading to the back garden. Following her, he would explain how important the orphanage was to him, and she would understand. He would explain Elaine’s role once she moved in and joined him there. Alex closed the door behind him.
* * *
“Uh-oh. Alex. You are far too naive,” Keeghan lectured. “You’re going to get hurt. Don’t give in. Please don’t give in to her. Your life will be hell if you do.”
“Find your pants, Alex. Head of the household. Don’t give up, don’t give in,” Will warned.
Of course, Alexander didn’t respond. He simply directed their attention back to the screen.
* * *
The door clicked shut, and Alex turned to face Elaine. He never had the opportunity to take a breath.
“You must return and inform Poppa you would be pleased to accept his offer.”
She expected him to do as she wished, as he always had. The conversation wasn’t going the way he hoped. For the first time since meeting her, he had to stand his ground. He could not, would not make concessions. He would manage the orphanage, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There was no room for bargaining on that point. Alex crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“I will not,” he stated, defiantly.
“Alex, you don’t understand. Under Poppa’s guidance, you shall excel in the company and be compensated with a substantial income. Together, we will enjoy the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed. Please tell me you were not planning to continue working at the orphanage.”
“I do intend to work at the orphanage,” he replied in a cold, angry tone.
“No-o-o.” She pouted. She folded her hands together, willing him to agree to the offer. “You cannot.”
“I was born, raised, and plan to die in that building.”
“No-o-o,” she whined. “You are to work for Poppa. I have it all arranged.”
The woman he planned to share his life with did not share his dreams. He reached for her hands and held them.
“I love you, but my life is tied to the orphanage. I studied child psychology so I could follow in my father’s footsteps. I don’t want any other life.”
“You’re simply overwhelmed, and you’ll see things differently once you think about it. You will realize the wonderful opportunity you have been offered and what it will mean for us.”
For the first time in their relationship, Alex saw Elaine for who she really was. A self-centered, narcissistic woman. His dreams and hopes meant nothing to her. Although he hadn’t been totally unaware of her faults, his love for her had allowed him to overlook them. The orphanage was his life, and he would not allow Elaine to take that away from him.
“A wonderful opportunity for us, or for you?” he questioned softly.
“You will be happy working with Poppa,” she continued, seeming certain he was going to come around to her way of thinking. “We will have contacts in the upper echelons of society, money in our pockets, and our children will have private schooling, as I did. How is it possible you could fathom another life for your children knowing how you were raised?”
The meaning behind her words penetrated into his brain. He was speechless. How could she dismiss something that was so important to him as if were of no consequence?
“Upper class contacts are of no importance to me, nor is money. I have been raised with a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and a full stomach. I am proud of my parents and the generations before them for the sacrifices they made. It is my plan to continue the work they began,” Alex responded, raising his voice slightly in anger.
“I assumed you loved me.”
Alex took a deep breath. This was their first real conversation in almost a year. It was a topic that should have been discussed a long time ago. “I do love you, but I will not abandon the orphanage. It is my home, my salvation. It is my life.”
“Once we were married, did you expect me to move into the orphanage?” She widened her eyes in disbelief.
Suffocating, he struggled to get oxygen into his lungs. She broke his heart, crushing it into a million particles. The fact Elaine would not want to follow his family’s tradition never crossed his mind. Momma would never have considered suggesting Poppa work for Papa Stewart’s business. Izabella never complained about living at the orphanage. Her only concern had been space and the addition provided plenty of privacy. He had spent his entire life preparing to manage the Venderkemp Orphanage. Alex would make that dream a reality, with or without Elaine by his side.
“I will manage the business and live the remainder of my life there,” he stated. “It is your choice whether you join me.”
“Alex, please,” Elaine pleaded. Tears ran down her cheeks. “I love you, but I can’t live in an orphanage. Poppa and I looked at houses today. I fell in love with a beautiful home and Poppa spoke with the owner. It was our plan to show it to you tomorrow. We can move into the house once we return from our honeymoon.”
Infuriated, internal heat rose in his body. His cheeks and torso burned. Alex glared at his fiancée. He no longer saw a woman whose beauty captivated him, but a spoiled child who wanted her own way all the time. She did not value or care for his opinion. Christine’s words from so long ago came to mind. ‘Elaine is not capable of making you happy.’ He also took heed now of Rose’s words that he had disregarded up to this point.
“I was not aware we were seeking a home,” he responded angrily. “You don’t feel the need to consult
me with important decisions. I am intelligent, and I have an opinion. I accepted your apology for the presumed engagement as I was certain that after we spoke you understood the need to communicate your wishes before you fulfilled them. Obviously I was mistaken to believe you value my opinion. You are attempting to guide my life and dictate my career path for your personal gratification. I will not allow it. You have made the last decision that concerns us, that concerns me.”
It was the first time he had ever raised his voice to her. Elaine stood bug eyed and speechless.
“I was blinded by your physical attributes. I was unable to see your true nature, but my vision is becoming clear as glass,” he continued. “I’ve opened my eyes and ears and do not have an appreciation for what I have discovered. You’re not capable of making me happy, and I’m certain I’m not capable of giving you the life you desire. You will find contentment with a brainless, spineless fool and your poppa’s money. It is my hope both you and your father enjoy your new home.” He turned on his heel and went to collect his horse.
“Alex,” she yelled. “Do not walk away from me.”
Alex turned his head and looked at her. Scared and confused, his broken heart ached, but somehow, it felt right.
“I believe it would be appropriate for you to keep the ring that you received complements of your poppa. From this day forward, I’m not expecting our paths to cross.”
Somehow, Alex managed to keep his voice calm and steady. What did I just do? I cannot believe I did that. I stood up to her. I’ve never stretched myself so far out of my comfort zone. Filled with an urgent need to escape Elaine’s property, Alex turned and began walking as fast as his legs would allow. Once he was certain he was out of her view, he ran toward his horse. Throwing himself onto the mare’s back, he urged her to a gallop. Tears filled his eyes and raced down his cheeks. His chest hurt so bad he thought he was going to die. Thankfully, his mare knew the way home. The entire journey was a blur.
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