Secrets of the Heart

by Kelsey MacBride

  Heather seemed lost in thought as she used a hand to fan her face.

  “What do you think?” He waited.

  Heather snapped out of her trance and focused her attention on the winding pathway leading to the left. “What do I think about what? Oh, you mean the garden ... I think it’s beautiful, especially if you add wooden arches over this part of the pathway so the roses can wrap around them.”

  “Yes, an archway with more roses ... that sounds great. I never thought about that. I think it will make this place more secluded. You see, that’s why I brought you here. I knew you would come up with a great idea.” A smile formed on his lips.

  “I’m glad to help anytime.” She pointed toward another section of the garden. “You can also grow some carnations over there. I think that will complement the rose arbor nicely.”

  “Carnations?” Michael pursed his brows together. “How could you mix something so common with such an exotic rose? That’s almost like mixing weeds with your flowers. Do you know how expensive those roots are?”

  “Common? They’re one of my favorites.” Heather tried to hide the hurt in her voice, but she couldn’t help feeling the sting of his words. Carnations had been Nana’s favorite flower.

  “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to offend you, Heather.” He stayed next to her side as they continued silently back to the estate.

  “It’s okay. I know you weren’t trying to offend me.”

  They walked without a word into the foyer, and as Heather started up the stairs to Evelyn’s room, she stopped to turn towards him.

  “I think renovating the gardens would be an excellent idea, and I know that whatever you decide will be beautiful. I appreciate the fact that you valued my opinion.” With an effort, she nodded slightly and gave him a smile before continuing upstairs to check on Evelyn’s studies and to prepare her afternoon medication.

  Michael watched Heather’s back disappear around the corner before returning to his study. Heather seemed different today, but he couldn’t quite figure out if it was something he said or did that had made her uncomfortable around him. He knew he had the tendency to sound like a commanding boss with his staff, but with Heather, it was different. He tried to treat her like a delicate rose that needed gentle handling, something that needed to be nurtured and cared for.

  But it seemed the more he tried to show her how special she was, the more the woman distanced herself. Michael scratched the side of his head as he pressed his lips tightly together. While he knew the romance department wasn’t his biggest strength, he couldn’t help wondering what he had done wrong to upset her.

  He had treated her with respect and tenderness, things he knew a woman desired in a man. But nothing seemed to work for the mysterious woman. Michael shook his head. He couldn’t change what had already transpired between them, but he hoped that with time, Heather would be able to see how special she was becoming to his heart. Michael focused his attention on what he knew best and began inspecting the business documents on his desk, hoping to complete them before dinnertime.

  Chapter 14

  The rest of the afternoon passed uneventfully for Heather as she sat in front of the vanity in her room trying to sort out her feelings over what had happened with Michael. She had hoped that his busy work schedule and frequent trips away from home would have numbed the excitement and anxiety she felt whenever he was around. Or at least the electricity of his touch would have faded to an imperceptible tingle. But it only seemed to get worse each time she saw him. It was as if he had been blessed with the ability to control her mind, and more frighteningly, her heart. A part of her wished Michael wasn’t as jaw-dropping gorgeous or alluring as he was. At least it would have made it easier for her to distance herself and surround her heart with impenetrable walls of granite.

  But Heather couldn’t deny the fact she felt something real for Michael, something she had never felt before with another man, not even for Kevin back at Harbor. The thought of being helpless, spellbound under Michael’s advantage brought feelings of delight mixed with fear, fear of what he would do with her heart. When Michael had touched her hand to inspect her cut, though it hadn’t been his first touch, it still made her knees tremble, and she hoped he hadn’t noticed.

  The attraction between them was getting worse like two magnets drawn to each other, and Heather determined to make it stop before her heart was engulfed with wild abandon. She had no clue how she was going to accomplish it, but she determined to come up with a plan of attack sooner than later.

  Dinner that evening was uneventful, and Michael acted as if nothing had happened between them. They had just sat down at the dinner table with Michael at the head and Evelyn to his right side. Heather was seated next to the girl across from Linda. They chatted happily about the coming weekend with Evelyn doing most of the talking.

  “Oh, and Daddy, I don’t know if we should go by ourselves. I’m worried you may need extra help, don’t you think?” She stole a glance at Heather before focusing her attention back to her father.

  “Why on earth would we go alone, Evelyn? Of course Miss Parks will be there, as will Miss Watson. We’ll have plenty of help.” He gave his daughter a smile.

  “Oh Daddy, I’m so glad you feel that way.” She grinned over at Heather.

  Heather tried to avoid putting herself into an uncomfortable situation. “But Michael, don’t you and Evelyn want to spend some quality time alone?”

  “Nonsense, Heather; I had hoped you weren’t busy this weekend and could join us. I planned on you coming along.” He looked over at Miss Watson who nodded her head in agreement.

  “Do you have plans this Saturday, Miss Parks?”

  “No ... I mean maybe.” She began to fumble over her words.

  Quick Heather, you need to make up some excuse.

  “I ... I had planned to help Pastor Avery do some repairs on the church. I’ll find out from him tomorrow.”

  Michael gave her a scowl. “Why bother with that relic of the past. That church is dying and won’t be around long. In fact, if my deal closes on time next month, the nuisance will be gone.”

  Heather lowered her brows at him. “What, you never told me you were getting rid of it. Surely, you must have some remaining ounce of respect for the place of God. I’m sure some of the residents here enjoy its charm and the spiritual light it brings. You can’t get rid of it.”

  Michael opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say a word, Reagan entered the room and interrupted him.

  “Mr. Robbins, Miss Wilson has arrived.”

  Michael lifted his brows. “Miss Wilson? She never told me she was coming by. Yes, Reagan, by all means, don’t keep the poor woman waiting.”

  “Yes, sir.” Reagan said as he scurried out of the room.

  Minutes later, Cynthia Wilson made her entrance like a movie star on the red carpet. Heather’s and Linda’s jaws relaxed as they gawked at the high society woman. Cynthia was the epitome of high fashion. She had curled auburn hair cascading around her shoulders. The clothes she wore resembled something straight out of a Paris fashion show, and even Heather couldn’t help being mesmerized by the way she looked. Tall and sleek, she wore a black pant suit with matching spiked heels. She completed the outfit with striking red lips and moon colored pearls.

  “Michael darling ... I’ve been so worried. I thought you were sending a car for me.” Her lips puckered into a pout as she stopped next to him at the table. “I had to drive here on my own.”

  Michael stood and smiled with an effort as she embraced him like lovers who had been separated for years.

  “I apologize my dear; I’ve been spending a lot of time going over the landscape plans for the renovation of the west gardens. Time must have slipped away from me, and when I realized what time it was, I figured you were already on your way.”

  Heather bit her lower lip. So the whole time they were in the gardens, Michael had known she was coming. She felt a nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach as she slu
mped into her chair.

  How could I have been so foolish to think he was really interested in me?

  Michael drew out his hand toward the impeccably dressed woman. “Everyone, this is Cynthia. I wanted to use this dinner as a way of introducing you formally to her. As you know, we’ve been seeing each other for some time and . . .” Michael hesitated before speaking, “I wanted to let you know that we’re ... engaged to be married.”

  Linda sucked in her breath. She steadied a hand on the table as her body lost its balance.

  Michael maintained a serious expression as he gazed at the others. He saw shock and confusion on Evelyn’s face and sadness on Linda’s, but nothing registered on Heather’s face.

  Heather couldn’t ignore the sick feeling spreading like wildfire in her stomach. How could Michael have proposed to the woman when he had secretly shared with Heather his reservations about marrying the woman? Had he lied to her? Or was it some sick joke he had played just to torture her emotions? Somehow, Heather couldn’t believe Michael could be so cruel.

  Whatever his motives were, they were causing her a rollercoaster of emotions that needed to stop. At that moment, Heather made a silent vow that nothing Michael did in the future would soften her heart again. She silently scolded herself for being so weak and sentimental with him. In a moment of passion, she had let her guard down, and now her feelings were hurt.

  She gazed at Evelyn and saw the wetness in the girl’s eyes. No, there were more important priorities in life that needed attention like helping Evelyn get better. She knew she had to be strong for the little girl’s sake, and that meant she needed to stay focused on the reason why she was there in the first place. Heather drew in a breath.

  “Congratulations to you both.” She extended a hand to Miss Wilson who hesitated momentarily before greeting her as if she had emerged from the bathroom without washing her hands.

  “You must be Linda.” The woman gave her an overly smile.

  “No, actually I’m Heather. This is Miss Watson.” Heather gestured toward Linda who continued to stare at her bowl of soup.

  “Oh, I do apologize; you just seemed older than Miss Watson, so I simply deduced ...well, anyhow ....” Her head flipped back to Michael and she gave him a smile as she wrapped her arm tightly around his as if she were preventing him from deserting her.

  Heather leaned in toward Evelyn and whispered. “It’s OK to be upset, Evelyn.”

  “How do you know I’m upset?”

  Heather could tell the girl was holding her breath.

  “I know you, Evelyn. Just remember to breath and try to relax. We can talk about this later.” She squeezed Evelyn’s arm reassuringly.

  Reagan and Miss Archer began serving the food, and dinner proceeded as planned. Miss Wilson’s voice droned on for most of the evening as she pored over every detail of the wedding and reception. Heather nodded and smiled politely, but everything the woman said passed through one ear and out the other. The tension in the air grew thicker when the arrogant woman made strange demands on Reagan or Miss Archer about the food. Either it was too cold or too hot or under- seasoned. It was obvious to Heather the spoiled woman was used to getting her own way.

  “So Miss Parks, what are your duties here?” Miss Wilson said before taking another bite of her strawberry cheesecake.

  “I’m Evelyn’s nurse, and I try to help Linda whenever I can.”

  “Oh yes, that reminds me ...” She turned toward Evelyn and patted her head as she gave her a smile. “We shall spend some time together and become best friends, you and I.” Miss Wilson leaned back and studied the girl as if she needed a makeover. “Perhaps a shopping spree together; I’m sure your father wouldn’t mind.” She batted her lashes at Michael.

  “Of course not. But I’m not so sure that’s something Evelyn is up for . Right, Dear?” Michael glanced over at Evelyn who began squirming in her seat.

  “Oh, of course she is,” she railed. “Every girl loves to shop; no one wants to wear the same ole thing every day. I certainly don’t.” Miss Wilson’s gaze bounced between Linda’s and Heather’s clothes.

  Heather could no longer contain her concerns. “I’m sure Evelyn would love shopping, but we have to be careful not to tire her out and keep her away from germs that might cause an infection.”

  “Oh, nonsense. How could she get sick from a short trip to the mall? Maybe she could wear one of those . . . what do you call it? You know, those things the doctors wear around their face.” Her face twisted with concentration. “Masks, yes I meant facemasks. Surely that will protect her.” She turned to Evelyn. “How about we give it a try tomorrow afternoon, my dear.” She gazed intently at Evelyn as the girl remained silent.

  Michael could sense the sudden change in Evelyn’s attitude. He had hoped she would be overjoyed about his engagement. For a long time she had told him how much she missed having a complete family, and he thought the news would bring a smile to her face. But his announcement seemed to do just the opposite, and he wondered what was going through her mind.

  “Cynthia dear, Evelyn already has a busy schedule for tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps some other time.” Heather recognized the tone of his voice, one that meant the matter was decided and trying to argue the point would be futile. But it was obvious to Heather that Miss Wilson paid little attention to the people in the world around her.

  “Michael, Evelyn is a big girl. Certainly she can decide what she likes.” She leaned over toward Evelyn and gave her a smile, hoping to gain her favor.

  “I get tired in the afternoon.” Evelyn managed to force the words out.

  “Maybe you could nap before we go? I know this cute boutique with the cutest dresses you’ll die for. You must see it.”

  Evelyn shook her head. “No thanks. I’ve been feeling kind of tired lately, and I think I should get more rest.” Evelyn turned to her father. “Daddy may I be excused? I’m not feeling well.”

  Michael looked at her as if the cancer had spread. “Sure, sweetie. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

  Evelyn nodded silently.

  “Okay, then I’ll come say good night when it’s your bedtime.”

  Linda quickly excused herself from the table, mumbling something to Michael about how she didn’t feel well as she wheeled Evelyn back to her room.

  Heather dug into her dessert like a child forced to eat a plate of spinach. She couldn’t ignore the steely look from Cynthia’s eyes that told her she was an unwanted guest at the dinner table. Cynthia continued to bombard Michael with questions about the daily menu, the need for a new cook once they were married, and how dreadfully depressing his library was.

  “I think we need to sell those old-fashioned paintings and replace them with some more contemporary ones. Where did you get that hideous painting with a lifeless tree and town? Surely the artist could have found something more interesting to paint?”

  Michael raised a brow. “That picture is of Arles, France. And for your information, it’s the same town Van Gogh used in one of his famous paintings.” There was a stern sound to his voice.

  Heather couldn’t help keeping her gaze fixed on Michael as they exchanged glances. It seemed his attention was focused more on her than on the woman rambling next to him.

  “Michael, do you hear anything I’m saying?” Cynthia said with an angry tone in her voice. Michael blinked his eyes and turned toward her.

  “Of course, darling. I’m taking in all of your concerns.”

  Cynthia gave him an exaggerated pout before pressing her arm against her forehead. “Michael, I’m not feeling so well. I seem to have a headache coming on, and I must be going.” Her eyes narrowed as her gaze bounced to Heather and back to her fiancé.

  Heather watched the woman give her a deceptive smile. “It was nice to meeting you ... I’m sorry, what was your name again?”

  “Heather.”

  “Yes that’s it, the nurse. I’m sure we’ll get to know each other much better as the wedding gets closer.” She squeezed
Michael’s arm. “Promise me, dear, that everything will go according to schedule.” She pecked Michael lightly on the cheek as her eyes remained locked on Heather.

  “I’ll do my best,” Michael said with an obedient voice as he escorted her out to the entrance where Reagan had her things and her car waiting.

  Heather felt tightness in her chest, and it felt as if she were sucking air through a straw. There were a myriad of emotions battling inside her. Hurt, anger, and fear. Fear that Michael was teasing her with something she couldn’t have. She desperately wanted to be somewhere, anywhere where she could be alone, away from the painful reminder that true love was like a gag birthday present, something that looked beautiful on the outside, but only brought disappointment and emptiness in the end.

  Heather fumbled with her plate and scurried over to the kitchen where she left it on the counter next to the sink.

  “How was dinner?” Miss Archer said as she loaded a plate into the dishwasher.

  “Everything was wonderful.” Heather gave her a polite smile as she continued toward the side door.

  “Where are you headed?” Miss Archer called out as she watched Heather step out the door.

  “I’ll be back in a little. I just need some fresh air,” Heather said before she vanished out the side door. She slipped into the quiet darkness like a thief in the night, following the glow of garden lights that wound lazily next to the pathway. Heather needed to escape and be alone where she could sort her thoughts and catch her breath. The soft thumping sound of the sole of her shoes pounding into the manicured grass broke the silence as she jogged far enough where no one could hear her cries of frustration. Somewhere no one would easily find her, especially Michael.

  Her feet came to an abrupt stop, and she took a few moments to catch her breath. Heather leaned her head back and closed her eyes, drawing the warm nighttime air into her nose. The scent of jasmine and lavender rushed in, soothing her senses, and she could feel the tension in her body begin to slowly dissipate. Why was God allowing Michael to torture her emotionally? Didn’t He know how long it had taken her to safeguard her heart? A barrier she had painstakingly built from years of pain and suffering, one that no man could crush or penetrate.