9
Ethan
With a rap on the door, I blinked my eyes open. Sitting up slowly I gazed at Peach beside me, she stirred sleepily though she did not wake. I was filled with a dizzying mix of emotions; from adoration and delight to a sense of dread and guilt.
What had we done? All the restraint and boundaries we had talked about were for nothing now. Would she still go ahead with the plan?
My thoughts were interrupted by another insistent knock on the door. Now was probably not the time to wake her and discuss our situation. I quietly shifted out of bed, I really wanted nothing more to stay there with her. She looked divine in the morning light as she slept peacefully. She looked so happy and content, I also felt the same warm glow in my heart, though the confusion with our situation still plagued me.
As I crossed the room I quickly collected up some of our discarded clothes and moved them to a chair. I grabbed a robe and headed over to the door. I was met by the face of my cousin Nial, the least favorable sight this time of the morning. He craned his neck and peered into the room. He was acting a little more shifty than usual.
“Well morning. It’s uncharacteristically late for you isn’t it? Have company do you?” he asked with a snarky tone.
I made certain to close the door a little tighter to prevent him barging in. I also felt the urge to lie outright about Peach being here. Though that obviously didn’t make sense, she was supposed to be here and it was about time I convinced people of that.
“Yes I do. My fiancée obviously. So keep your voice down, she’s sleeping,” I replied with a touch of irritation. Nial was a creature of constant and persistent annoyance. He was like a porcupine reversing through life with little regard to who might be in the way. It was usually best to side step him, especially if he was in a hurry to get anywhere. But not today.
“Sure, sure. Well lovebird, when you’re ready there’s an emergency downstairs. Your mother has had a bit of an accident, she needs to go the hospital and I’m up to my eyeballs with work.”
“Seriously, is she okay?” I asked with horror. “You could’ve led with that for fuck’s sake, Nial.”
“Calm down. It’s nothing horrific. She took a fall and hurt her wrist. She’s asking for you now.”
Curse you, Nial. I was quite sure he had left out the seriousness of the accident intentionally in the hopes of scaring me. My thoughts rushed back to Peach, I didn’t want to abandon her here, alone. But it would not be the best time for Peach to meet my mother. Nobody liked going to the hospital, least of all my mother. Maybe I could let Peach sleep contently, I would be back soon enough and we could talk about last night.
“Fine, let me get dressed I’ll be right down.”
Nial nodded and turned to leave with an odd expression, which I promptly ignored. I’d given up long ago trying to figure out what was going on in his devious mind. My only concern now was my mother. I peeked in on Peach one last time after I was dressed and ready. She slept soundly, purring like a kitten, so I closed up the bedroom door quietly and headed downstairs.
I found Mother in the kitchen, though I heard her before I got into the room as she shouted at our housekeeper to stop fussing over her. Gertrude stood behind my mother at the kitchen table with what was obviously an ice pack, a towel wrapped around it. Gertrude shrugged at me as I entered, her eyes widening. A silent warning to brace myself.
“Ethan, finally! Where were you in my hour of need?” my mother asked angrily.
“Don’t worry, I’m here now. Let’s get you taken care of. I’ll bring the car around.”
“Fine,” she replied, waving away any assistance offered to help her to her feet as she clutched her left arm.
“Good luck,” whispered Gertrude on our way out.
“We’ll be back soon. Gertie, would you do me a favor and make sure Peach is looked after? Let her know there was a bit of an emergency.”
“Peach is here?” my mother interrupted rudely.
“Not now, Mom,” I replied frustration setting in.
Gertie patted my arm. “Go, Mr. Dalton. I’ll take care of things here.”
“Thanks, Gertie. Come on, Mom. Let’s get you to the hospital.”
Mom stubbornly shunned help to be buckled in despite her grimace of pain as she stretched with her remaining good arm. She didn’t seem very cooperative or responsive until we were finally on the road. I had always known her to be a proud and stubborn lady in the face of adversity. And her aggravation was certainly shining through at full wattage today.
“So what happened mom, are you going to tell me?”
“Bah, I just tripped. What a great day to be out of action. This is a disaster! We’ll never get everything done on time. What will people think?” she exclaimed.
“Don’t worry, everything’s going to be fine with the reunion. They’ll take care of it, while we get you sorted. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“I do worry, that’s clearly labeled in my job description, can’t stop a habit of a lifetime. Like, I worry about you. Practically can’t sleep for the anxiety you put me through. Case in point, who’s this new lady friend of yours? Was she visiting last night? Why didn’t you introduce us?”
I took a moment to consider my response, my mother was maybe the most perceptive person I knew, I would have to take care and tread lightly over shrewd land-mines she’d set for me.
“She’s not exactly new, but yes she’s at the house. Actually, I can’t wait for you to meet her. I just didn’t think you would want more than me at the hospital.”
“You’re probably right, the fewer people fussing around me the better. Can’t stand all that bellyaching.”
I nodded and kept silent, trying to keep a straight face. But I needn’t have concerned myself. Mom was already returning the conversation back to the reunion. She proceeded to run through a long checklist of arrangements and things that were so important, you’d think national security was at stake. Had the catering confirmed their schedule? Had cars been arranged for everyone flying in today? Had the right wines been moved from the cellars to the right coolers? On and on she went, but I knew better than to interrupt. This was her way of dealing with things out of her control. Instead, I calmly reassured her with each item.
We eventually arrived at the hospital. I dropped her at the main doors and quickly parked the car. She waited impatiently at the entrance till I returned. I could see her reluctance to step inside. This hospital had bad memories. What one didn’t?
I escorted her inside then walked ahead to reach the front desk, thinking things might go a little smoother if I was the one doing the talking, picturing my mother’s demanding tone of entitlement and the inevitable looks of disdain from the nurses. Given half a chance she would be ordering them around much like the staff at home.
There was a growing sense of commotion around us, staff were dashing out of sight with hurried voices, their shoes squeaking on the polished tiles like we were at a basketball court.
Thankfully with Mom’s private care we were quickly settled in a quiet room of our own. Before the nurse left she mentioned that there had been a fire at a restaurant nearby that of course would take precedence and we would have to bear with them.
My mother clicked her tongue and sat on the bed. I chose not to chide her. She wasn’t a cold hearted woman, maybe a little distant at times, especially since dad had died, but the more nervous she got, the more she withdrew or lashed out.
“You know, the last time I was here was with your father.”
Startled that we were both thinking of him, I turned to look at my mother, her stern façade suddenly fading. The lines on her face softening, her mouth no longer in a stern line. I remembered that day clearly. It was the day I had lost two loving parents. My father’s Lou Gehrig’s disease defeated him that day with respiratory complications, this in turn had overcome my mother.
“Yeah, I know, Mom.” I went to sit beside her.
“I know I’m tough on you, but
I want you to be happy, you know that don’t you?” she said taking my hand. “All this nonsense with the inheritance. I don’t know… when your father was around everything made sense. Keeping with tradition. And together we always knew what was right. Now everyone seems to have something different to say, I don’t really know where to turn and who to trust anymore.”
“Mom you can trust—”
She shook her head needing to finish. “You have to find someone real in this life Ethan, someone you can trust completely. Is this Peach of yours the real deal?”
The word trust stuck out to me with a sudden tinge of guilt. I thought back to Peach and the lies I’d willfully fallen into. I’d dove right in like it was no big thing, without considering what dangers may be lurking at the bottom of the pool. But was I really lying? Maybe only to myself, I just hadn’t want to admit it. The force of the realization struck me, a fog lifting. Peach wasn’t a mirage, she was very real. Right in front of me, ready for the taking.
“Yeah Mom, I’m crazy about her. You’ll see,” I replied, considering for a moment if this was a good time to unveil everything and get it all out on the table. As I hesitated the doctor burst into the room apologizing for the delay.
10
Peach
The bed was the most comfortable one I had ever slept in, the covers the softest. As I was gathering my clothes from around the room wondering where Ethan had got to, I found a very significant bit of fabric was missing. I looked everywhere, till with a blush I remembered. Had I really left my underwear outside? Oh dear, that was going to be a source of embarrassment at some point today if anyone found them before I could.
“Ethan?” I called out.
The room replied with silence, he was gone.
I should have been waking up beside him, looking into his eyes and reaffirming everything we had shared the night before. Instead I was left alone and abandoned. Abandoned was perhaps bit harsh, surely he had a good reason. Maybe he would turn up any moment with a romantic breakfast? I decided my best course of action was a nice shower before turning on my panic mode.
Taking my time, I luxuriated in the spray that pummeled my body like a deep tissue massage. The hot water at my apartment would generally have given up by now, but here I could get lost in a soothing hot paradise.
For a moment I imagined Ethan returning and joining me, slipping his hands around my waist and pressing me up against the thick glass. But my fingertips were starting to prune, I couldn’t wait forever and eventually admitted defeat and stepped out. There was still no sign of my husband when I emerged from the bathroom wrapped in the luxurious towels that were available.
I rummaged around and found my discarded phone. It flashed on as I picked it up and clicked the side. I hoped for a message from Ethan, but the only notification was a battery warning. I tapped to find his number but as I did the screen blacked out. I hunted around the room for a charger, but to no avail. With my communications cut off I was feeling increasingly isolated in these strange surroundings.
I got dressed in yesterday’s clothes—it was a little breezy down there—and cursed our haste the day before. My little overnight bag was still in Ethan’s car. But we’d been so preoccupied with each other that it had gone overlooked. Peering from the window I tried to figure out my next move, what would await me out there?
Perhaps Ethan was busy around the estate waiting to be discovered. But the idea of marching around the place on my own only made me nervous. How awkward would it look if I went around asking where the man I claimed to be my fiancé was? Maybe I should just run from room to room yelling his name in the desperate hope I would find him before I was thrown out of the place. But, I didn’t even know for sure he was here.
“Damn it Ethan, where did you go?”
Enough was enough. I wasn’t a wallflower. I had lingered in the room long enough. There was nothing for it but to venture out. I poked my head out of the door hesitantly, all was quiet. I headed down the back stairs expecting to be ambushed and questioned by someone at any moment.
But the place was tranquil. I wandered through the down stairs rooms retracing what I could remember from Ethan’s brief tour. Finally, civilization! I could hear sounds from the large kitchen as I approached. I stood still for a moment plucking up the courage to enter. I took a deep breath, it was now or never.
“Good morning, miss. Hope you slept well. My name’s Gertrude, but you can call me Gertie. I’m the housekeeper here. Ethan said I should look out for you, though I didn’t know if you wanted to be disturbed. Well don’t just stand there, child. Come in, take a seat. Could I get you some coffee? How about some eggs? I can make you anything you want.”
“Er, yes please, eggs and coffee would be great. Thank you, Gertie.” I sat down with a sense of relief. I was glad of the friendly face and someone who could vouch for me being here. Not to mention the delight at being waited on. I thanked Gertie as a steaming cup of aromatic coffee was presented to me. I could get used to this kind of life.
“Do you know where Ethan is?”
“Ah, yes. He’s at the hospital with his mother. Nothing too serious, so don’t worry. She took a tumble. They should be back soon enough.”
I finished up my breakfast and thanked Gertie again.
“I think I’ll walk the grounds and get a little air,” I said, though it felt more like I was asking permission. My role as the commanding heiress wasn’t entirely convincing yet.
“Certainly, it’s another beautiful day,” replied Gertrude clearing away my plate. “You just let me know if you want me to bring you out some lemonade.”
With a smile and a full belly I strolled out into the sun. My first thought had to be retracing my steps to the scene of our activities the night before. Maybe I could reclaim my underwear before it was discovered. I pictured a gardener parading them through the estate on the end of a broom, hollering for the owner to come get them. That would be a fine first impression. Luckily, when I got there, things were as we had left them. I snatched up the dusty panties and, after a quick shake, slipped them into the pocket of my yellow dress.
Feeling a little braver, and more sure of myself now that my dignity was saved, I ventured off down the paths enjoying the morning sun, following them wherever they led me. I stepped out from between the shrubberies onto a large open pavilion. This seemed to be an older part of the estate, a tall barn at one side looked in a bit of disrepair, but still serviceable. The doors were ajar and unable to help myself I peeked inside the cool interior. It was a little worn down, but to my eye it looked perfect. The words shabby and chic springing to mind. Back outside I toured the barn, my head tilted, examining every detail it had to offer. The view from the doors, looking outwards was magnificent. A panoramic unobstructed view of the valley. Perfect for a special day… My mind was running away with the potential. A wedding venue in the making, I was sure of it.
My mind continued to envision elaborate ceremonies, how the surroundings could be dressed, and the beautiful brides and gorgeous grooms that could get married here, as I headed back up toward the villa. I steered round the front of the south wing to the main entrance in the hope I would spot Ethan returning. With the thought of his mother I stopped beside a flower bed. It was brimming with delightful purple flowers and I couldn’t resist picking a small bunch, it could be a nice gesture for when she returned. It wouldn’t do any harm to get on her good side.
When I turned the corner around the end of the building there was no sign of Ethan’s car. What I did find however was a man jogging toward me. He was in a tracksuit that was just a little too small for his pudgy frame. He slowed when he saw me and approached. He looked oddly familiar. But the more I stared at him, the more I couldn’t place him.
“There she is, the notorious Peach.”
“Hi,” I said cheerily, offering my hand, “I don’t think we’ve met?”
The man ignored my gesture and stood, hands on hips, catching his breath.
“You look
to be enjoying your time here.”
“Yes, thank you. This place is lovely.”
“Well, don’t get too comfy—” he said, but was cut off from whatever else he was about to say when Ethan’s car pulled up beside us. Ethan lowered his window and called out to me.
“Peach, hey. I’m so sorry I had an emergency. Hop in, come up to the entrance with us.
The unpleasant man muttered to me, his voice low and venomous. “They will all see through your charade soon enough. I’ll show them who you really are, you could save yourself a lot of anguish if you just leave now.”
With that he jogged on. I hopped into Ethan’s car a little unsettled. Who was this man? What did he know about me? Before I could ask, Ethan was talking again.
“Peach, please meet my mom, Dorothy.”
“Hello there, dear,” said Ethan’s mother from the front seat.
“Hi, Mrs. Dalton. Er, I was picking these for you. I hope you’re feeling okay?” I said holding up my hand full of blooms.
“Well, thank you, isn’t that quaint?” she said. “Very thoughtful. Quite the sweetheart you have there,” she directed to Ethan.
“Yes, you could say that,” said Ethan grinning at me in the mirror. But I was still too unsettled by the disturbing words the jogger had said, to return Ethan’s smile.
11
Ethan
The estate had quickly become a hotbed of activity. Friends and family were arriving constantly, being deposited by private cars and Ubers at the entrance. There were lots of interruptions and introductions as I walked with Peach. She seemed entirely out of sorts. I wondered if it was because of my abandonment that morning, or because of last night. Maybe it had been the abrupt manner of my mother. It was off-putting to see her like this, not quite herself, and I was desperately trying to find a moment alone with her so we could talk. But we were entirely swept up in the event.
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