Instead, his feet planted him several feet from her, his body apparently choosing to fight instead of flight.
When her head finally swiveled toward him, her eyes widened as if stunned to see him.
That had never happened before. But whatever it meant, the surprise was gone with a blink of her fake eyelashes, the normal calculating stare back in place.
"Eddy," she cooed and he resisted bristling. "Rushing off somewhere again, I see."
He certainly wasn't going to mention Elinor, but neither did he want to talk about the fake meeting with Jess. She may know about Jess, but he had no intention of giving her any new information. "Business keeps me busy."
She stepped closer to him, her calculating eyes sharpening. "You're never in this of a rush for business."
"My mother hasn't been too pleased with me lately," was the first thing out of his mouth. "So I thought I'd get something done faster to improve her attitude."
Lucy nodded as if she already knew this information. Then again, she seemed to always know everything about him. Except, apparently, about this trip.
"That's such a good idea," she cooed. "I can't believe how smart you are."
If Elinor had given that compliment, he'd have been on cloud nine. With Lucy, he felt like a stupid toddler.
"If you'll excuse me," he began, edging around her toward the safe car, "I need to continue with that good idea."
She bared her teeth in a glittery smile like an evil queen about to pronounce a sentence. But to his relief, she only stepped back and allowed him to enter the awaiting car. Once inside, he sat like a frozen prisoner until she was no longer in sight, then melted, the anxiety build-up finally released.
His mind couldn't let go of the fact that she had been surprised, however. Nor had she seemed to be waiting for him. Perhaps she was waiting for someone else? Maybe it was the person that kept feeding her all the latest gossip of Edward. Then again, she probably had made several so-called-friends within his mother's business—all to keep tabs on him.
That would also explain why she was surprised since he had told no one of this outing. With no meetings planned for the day, he had nothing to cancel and he had assumed his mother would eventually figure out his whereabouts when she snooped his texts.
The big question, then, was who kept leaking about him. He doubted Lucy had managed to make friends with his icy mother—otherwise, Lucy would have forced him to the wedding altar already so she'd have direct access to the billions she no doubt dreamed about daily. Either that or his mother would have mysteriously died by now, no doubt poisoned by Lucy.
Come to think about it, Lucy probably had plans to somehow get rid of him once the wedding was over. And maybe even Robert and Fanny, to ensure no one would challenge her stolen power.
The heavy thought stayed with Edward until he arrived in New York. As his rental car neared Elinor's house, his spirit rallied. He may not know how to deal with Lucy, but at least he could enjoy a few short hours of perfect bliss and not have to think about the dreaded future.
Yet, as he pulled up to the house, he noticed no moving vans. Or any sign of a family in the midst of a huge move. There weren't even cars in the driveway.
Dread formed in his stomach and he rushed up to the front door, ringing the bell twice as if that would magically make the family appear. But nothing happened.
A quick peek through the front window showed an empty room, the cluttered knickknacks and expensive furniture gone.
They had already left.
The knowledge sunk deep into his bones like an incurable ache. Not only did he fail to help, but he hadn't even managed to see them off. They probably thought he'd forgotten all about them. And he couldn't even send a text of apology since his mother would realize he'd tricked her.
He returned to his car and stared at the wheel, seeing his future extend to the horizon like a bleak desert. Years and years of misery without a break. The idea to just abandon everything and vanish burned within. If he renounced everything, he could be with Elinor.
But he'd also be poor, with no job, no contacts, and no family. What girl would want that?
And besides, abandoning his family would enrage his mother who would punish Fanny and Robert, robbing them of their inheritance and whatever else she could gouge them with.
Not to mention Lucy would still be in the background, ready to pop up when he least expected it.
He drummed his fingers as if that could produce a different option where he could get all his dreams instead of just nightmares, but the action caused the ruby ring to glint. He stared at it for a moment, then started the car.
An hour later found him sitting across from Elinor's aged father, the man staring at him as if he was the TV set instead of a person. Edward wasn't sure why he was there, but this was the closest he could get to Elinor. Not to mention he had formed a connection with the man—something Edward rarely formed with people. And if there was one person Edward could talk to without fearing it being leaked to Lucy or his mother, it would be this broken man.
"Hey, Mr. Dashwood, remember me?"
Edward wasn't sure what to expect—the man barely remembered his own daughter so the fact he'd remember Edward at all was a tall order. Still, he expected some response, even a repetition of his sentence, but the old man didn't even blink. He simply stared, a fog in his eyes as if his soul had left for a short vacation. Or maybe a really long one.
Edward tried a few other phrases—he even turned on the TV and described the action as before—but nothing elicited a response from the man.
Was this what Elinor endured every week? No wonder she cried.
Wanting answers, Edward confronted a nurse with a list of questions.
"No, everything is normal," the nurse said once he explained the man's lack of response. "He'll continue to decline now that he has no family to visit him and they stopped the therapy."
"They stopped the therapy?" That didn't sound like something Elinor's family would do. Not unless they couldn't afford it, but John should be in charge and he wouldn't dare do that, would he?
"Yes, his son didn't see the need for it since he wasn't progressing fast enough." The nurse wrinkled her nose as if she had a very different opinion of the son but was striving to keep it to herself.
Edward curled his hands into fists. Though John may have given the order, Edward knew Fanny was behind it. Not only was Fanny robbing her in-laws of their money and home, she was also going after the father, probably hoping to accelerate his passing. It was like Fanny was morphing into an older version of a Lucy.
He tightened his fists—but the action reminded him of the father's ring. He stared at the glinting ruby as if it was a rose blossoming in the bleak desert that represented his future. He might not ever see Elinor again, but he could make sure her father didn't have as bleak as a future as Edward.
"Would you object if I came to see him?"
The nurse's nose immediately smoothed out and a big grin curved her lips. "We would never deny special visitors like yourself. Elinor would be glad to hear you've come."
"Uh, actually, I don't want her to know." He had already failed to see them when they left. She might think he was turning her father against her or something.
"You want to tell her yourself?"
"Yes," was all he could think of saying.
She slid her finger over her mouth as if zipping it up. "Your secret is safe with us."
"Thank you." He bid her farewell, then pulled out his phone as he headed for his car, a plan formulating in his mind.
"Ed?" Jess' voice came over the line. "Don't tell me you were actually expecting me to show up."
"No, that's not why I'm calling."
"Did you get ditched?"
"No, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind doing this once a week for a couple of weeks."
"Hmm...maybe if you'll tell me who you're actually seeing?"
"No one important."
"Hey, you know where and why I'm goin
g. Can't you return the same courtesy?"
"All right. I'm seeing an old friend who is in a residency. His family no longer visits him and I don't want him to rot away without contact."
There was a long pause on the other end. "You're doing all this just to see some old guy about to die?" She finally said, the disbelief evident in her tone. "What does your mother have against that?"
"She's not very understanding of compassion."
"Yeah, you could say that again. That meeting with your mother a few weeks back, it was like trying to talk to an iceberg. That woman has no soul." After a pause, she added, "Sorry, I probably shouldn't have said that."
"It's okay. My mother can be...difficult."
"I'm so glad she's your problem and not mine."
"Uh, thanks?"
"So, why only a few weeks? The stiff going to be dead by then?"
"No, I'll be overseeing a business transition in the area."
"Which will be your new excuse." She sighed. "Well, if you really want to see some old guy, I guess I can continue fake seeing you."
"Thanks."
Chapter 20
The next time he arrived to see Elinor's father, he was armed with a stack of books and folders, all detailing ways to help stroke victims. While the first week was as depressing as the previous one, Edward felt progress was made by the second week. The man actually looked at him when Edward spoke and seemed to want to participate in the drills Edward was giving.
Edward couldn't wait for the third week and although he now had to complete the transition and work with Frank, he determined to see Mr. Dashwood an hour before he had to go to Norland. Since his mother had scheduled him to be in New York for the whole week, Edward was on the first helicopter available that morning.
Less than an hour later and he had exited the car rental, flipping the car keys around his fingers, a jaunty tune whistling through his lips.
But that all changed when a voice called out, "Eddie!"
He froze, recognizing that overly sweet voice. All joy seeped out of him as he turned to face Lucy. She stood by the line of rental cars, dressed in a cream off-the-shoulder top and dark pants tailored to accentuate her curves, looking more like a model from a magazine than a conniving witch here to destroy his day.
"What a surprise to run into you today!" She said it with a smile but her narrowed eyes spoke like a spider speeding toward a trapped fly. "I didn't know you liked New York City so much."
He doubted any of this was a surprise—someone must have told her of his weekly visits—but he could tell by her last statement that she had yet to figure out why he came. That must mean she hasn't yet learned about Elinor's father. The thought brought some relief.
"I'm here for work," was all Edward said out loud.
"So am I! What a coincidence, don't you think? To meet here of all places?" She flicked her manicured nails toward the long row of cars. He noticed she displayed no keys in her hands. Then again, he doubted she had bothered to rent a car.
She stepped toward him and Edward fought the urge to recoil. "Do you think we should celebrate?" She slid a hand around his arm like a vice. "It's been such a long time since we've been able to chat." She blinked her fake eyelashes at him like an innocent little girl, a movement that had once instilled compassion and pity in him, but now it only produced disgust.
He wished he could rip his arm from her grasp but he was sure she'd somehow make it look like he had hit her or something. With her dressed like that, every guy in the car rental agency must have noticed her by now and, with the right pout, they would all be on her side and not his.
"I have work," he decided to stay instead.
"Businesses don't open up for another hour," she purred. "Plenty of time for a chat."
Well, at least she didn't know about the residency's hours.
She tugged on his arm when he failed to move, then formed a slight pout with her painted lips. "Don't you want to chat with me?"
She knew the answer wasn't going to be positive but he also knew the question was a warning. She had something to say and he wasn't going to get away this time. Not without consequences. And with the blackmail she had on him, it could ruin all of his family.
Since he had a hunch what she wanted to talk about, he withheld a sigh and dutifully led her to his car and took her to the same restaurant he had once taken Jess. However, he kept his responses to a minimum as Lucy detailed her activities for the past couple of days, highlighting her time helping random people in their time of need. In the beginning of their relationship, he had been impressed by her impulsive need to provide charity, but now he knew that even if her stories of help were true, it was only to ensnare them, so Edward pitied every person unfortunate enough to accept her acts of charity.
"I'm so glad," Lucy began once the waiter brought their food. "That you made time for me today. Lately, I've been feeling like perhaps you've been trying to avoid me."
Lucy knew full well he was always trying to avoid her. "My mother has kept me busy."
"On what?" She asked, eyes wide as if truly interested in such details.
"The usual," was all he said.
"Oh, Eddie, why so vague? You used to tell me all about your days, remember?"
He remembered all too well. Four years ago, he used to tell her everything, enlightened to finally find someone who, despite not quite understanding it, at least seemed to enjoy listening to his love of numbers. Until he learned she only listened for ways to enrich herself, like figuring out which stocks to buy because she got him to detail the businesses his company was about to take over. Worse, she recorded those conversations to prove that he willingly providing insider information.
"I don't like boring you," was his now usual excuse. She may have already made millions off of him, but he had no intention to let her earn another dime if he could help it. Besides, he had a hunch she already heard about the Churchills acquiring the Dashwood businesses. She probably already had bought the needed stocks to make a fortune. Her only goal now was to ensure he took the fall for the insider trading instead of herself.
"Oh, Eddie, you're so sweet. Always so thoughtful." She reached out to pat his hand, but since his hand held a fork, he moved his hand out of her reach and toward his plate instead. The movement, however, caused the ruby ring to glint.
"Oh, what a pretty ring!"
He resisted yanking it off and hiding it, telling himself it was too big and masculine for her. She shouldn't want it.
But dread formed in his stomach when she held out her hand, indicating with her fingers to bring his hand within her reach.
"Where did you get it?" She asked when he finally complied, her cold fingers encasing his hands. He tried not to shiver.
"My father had one like it," he decided to say. He didn't want to drop any hints that would somehow lead Lucy to Elinor.
"Oh, yes, I remember! You so badly wanted it. But your mother was so mean, refusing to give it to its rightful owner. But, Eddie, I didn't know you would go and get one yourself. Why didn't you tell me? I would have loved to have gotten one for you! To celebrate our long friendship!"
"It was a spur of the moment decision."
Her eyes narrowed for a second before widening with her fake surprised look, a gasp even included. "You, spontaneous? I didn't know you had it in you!"
He had been very spontaneous when he believed to be in love with her, constantly showering her with gifts. She must have conveniently forgotten that detail.
Except she didn't.
"You should give it to me!" She grasped the ring as if knowing he was about to rip his hand free. "Just like the old days!"
Every fiber in his being screamed against it, but he managed to keep his voice bored, "It wouldn't suit you."
"But it would be a representation of your love and that always suits me."
It would be a better representation of his hate. "Diamonds would suit you better," was the only thing he could come up with on the spot.
&nb
sp; A fiery glee lit up in her eyes. "Diamonds?"
He instantly regretted the suggestion, but it was too late.
Lucy entwined her icy fingers amongst his own. "Edward Ferrars, are you proposing, finally, after all these years?"
Technically, this would be the second time he had proposed. Or at least, said words that she could construe as a proposal. The first time, he hadn't been against it. This time around, he'd rather go to jail first—except he wanted to make sure she came with him. Then he wouldn't have to worry about her wreaking havoc on who he loved. But, she probably had several law enforcement trapped in her web as well, ensuring she never had to fear of finally being caught and tossed into prison.
"I believe a ring is needed to make it official." That had been his previous excuse to getting out of the first forced engagement. That and his mother's severe disapproval. Lucy might have enslaved the police, but she had yet to curb the punishment his mother could put in effect.
"But, we have a ring." She tugged on his ruby one.
"My mother still wouldn't approve." His last resort. Luckily, it still worked since the glee in her eyes died and Edward resisted breathing a huge sigh of relief.
"It's such a pity," Lucy began, her fingers still encased around the ruby ring, "that your mother is so controlling. Just think of how happy we could have been by now!"
He was pretty sure he'd be dead in that scenario, somehow removed by Lucy so she could have the full reins of the company and the money.
"Well, at least I'll have your ring." She didn't tug on the ring, but simply batted her eyelashes at him, the arrogant smile on her lips telling him he had no choice in the matter.
He frantically tried to come up with an excuse—any excuse to keep her grubby hands off the ring, but he knew if he kept resisting, it would only encourage her to decipher why he loved it so much. And he was sure, with whoever she used as a contact in his company, she'd quickly learn he didn't buy any ring. And that would lead her to hunting down Elinor. And the last thing he wanted was Lucy anywhere near her.
Smitten With Sense: A Modern Sense And Sensibility Retelling (Pemberley Estates Book 4) Page 15