“Oh my God! I feel the same way. You know, except the part about being Black. I feel like people look down on me because my family is considered New Money and not Old Money. I don’t feel as cultured and classy as my other friends. So, I do experience low self-esteem from time to time. When I feel that way, I throw myself at men because I know they are always willing to catch. Every now and then I meet someone like you who tells me to just be myself and things will fall into place.”
“So, what do we do from here? I really like you, Caroline. But, I can’t risk my life for this relationship.”
“So, another time and place and we could be together?”
“Absolutely.”
“So what do we do until then?” Caroline pressed.
“Just keep living our lives and hope that our paths cross again when the world is a different place.”
“That could take a lifetime,” Caroline assured Chad.
“And I will probably still be alone,” Chad conceded.
Caroline and Chad spent the next few days at her house. Her family was away and it did not go unnoticed by Chad. He was sure that she would have never brought him there if she was not alone. He was not nervous, however. Everyone knew his family and many of the people in town owned summer homes where he lived. So, they knew who he was. They probably would never have expected to find him in their home, however.
When it was time for Chad to return home, Caroline did not want him to leave. The end of summer was near and that time of year always made Caroline sad. She always associated the season with returning to school, which she hated. She enjoyed the summers and being at home. School was dreadful place for a young Caroline. She was teased incessantly for her fiery red hair – the same hair that would later garner all the attention of the boys. She was grossly overweight and had freckles to boot. So, the summers were her refuge. She spent the long, hot days inside to avoid sunburn on her translucent white skin. Caroline did not have many friends, so food was her closest confidant. As she got older, she traded in her Twinkies for something more addictive and dangerous. She spent a disproportionate amount of time being a doormat to the young men about town. That kind of behavior earned her the reputation that she was never quite able to get rid of, even as an adult. But, her continued immoral behavior did not help either. People don’t quickly forget your shortcomings, mistakes, and pitfalls, but it is especially hard for them to do so when you continue to make them. Now that Caroline has found someone she truly cares about, she is concerned that her past has caught up with her. But, Caroline’s past is the least of their problems. Chad’s life could be in danger if the wrong person disapproves of their relationship.
Chapter Fourteen
In all of his poor taste and judgment, Warrenton showed remarkable class when it came to his father’s home-going service. Bishop Devereaux’s church was filled to capacity not only with people, but with the most beautiful, elegant décor the mourners had ever seen. He spared no expense with the white lilies, yellow azaleas, and purple tulips that filled the large church with incredible, aromatic fragrance. It was a shame that Annabella was missing out on one of the things she love most – beautiful flowers. But, in the sea of White faces, hers was hardly missed and soon Warrenton began to wonder what he saw in hers at all. After all, what was so special about Annabella? Sure, she was beautiful, but so were a thousand other girls in town and they were not nearly as difficult to get along with as Annabella. She was simply incorrigible. But alas, she was no longer Warrenton’s headache. Annabella was gone and Warrenton couldn’t be happier. After all, he had finally settled on a bride and she was everything he ever wanted. To say that the townspeople disapproved would be an understatement. Marigold was downright hated in the community. So, it was a surprise to all when Warrenton showed up to his father’s funeral with the lengthy woman on his arm. While many tried to ignore the pairing out of respect for Warrenton’s father, some just could not let it go. Warrenton’s older sister had traveled from Washington to be there and she was in no mood to be cordial.
“What is she doing here?” Delilah demanded to know.
“Sister, please. This is hardly the place. Show some respect and kindly seat yourself!”
“I will do nothing of the sort,” the stout woman assured her younger brother. “Daddy would never approve of this piece of compost!”
“Who are you calling compost? Lard butt!”
With that, Delilah swung her hefty handbag at the beanstalk of a woman. Marigold was struck square on the back and she wasted no time retaliating. She reached down to grab a handful of hair, but instead de-wigged the unsuspecting sibling. Delilah began to scream in horror as she placed both hands atop her bald head.
“I will kill you!” She screamed as she charged after Marigold. Marigold began to run through the aisles, wig in hand, to evade the robust woman. Delilah was fueled by adrenaline and hate and she would not tire soon. Marigold attempted to jump over some arrangements and zigzag through others until the entire church was covered in flower petals. Onlookers shrieked in horror, but not one of them dared interfere with what appeared to be a family affair. When Delilah finally caught Marigold, it did not look good for her. Delilah snatched the wig from the young woman and began slapping her in the face with it. When Marigold attempted to block her face, Delilah grabbed her arms and wrestled her to the ground with them. Delilah commenced to sitting atop the woman and pounding her in the face. Marigold screamed to the delight of some of the mourners. Warrenton attempted to rescue his fiancée from his obviously deranged sister, but she took a swing at his face too. Warrenton had no choice but to allow the security officers to subdue her. It took more than two men to accomplish the task, but soon Delilah was handcuffed behind her back. She did not appear any less inclined to beat her nemesis to a bloody pulp, though she was now unable to attempt to do so. She was able to assess the damage she had caused as she was escorted out of the church and she was content that she had caused the girl physical harm. Marigold appeared to be dazed and still in disbelief about the events that had just occurred. She was no more in shock than the thousands that had turned out to send Daddy Boatwright home in peace. Warrenton tried to compose himself and comfort the woman he planned to marry. It was of little use, though, as Marigold was a complete wreck. One of the deaconesses escorted Marigold outside and motioned for Warrenton to sit down for the service. He felt comfortable enough with the elderly woman to trust that no harm would come to Marigold and he sat down to honor his father. Soon, like true Southerners, everyone acted as if a knock-down, drag-out fight did not occur just a few minutes prior.
Daddy Boatwright was eulogized by his long-time friend, the bishop himself. The bishop was purposely long-winded, as he felt the man deserved to be honored in a way that meant usurping others’ time. But the gist of his recognition was that while Mr. Boatwright was an heir, he was also a self-made man. Warrenton’s father was larger than life. He was a philanthropist and a former service man. He came from a long line of military men, including forefathers who fought in the revolutionary war and the civil war. Daddy Boatwright was not an elitist, but rather a down-home southerner. Money could not turn him into something he was not. People wanted to work for him because they knew he was a fair man and he had more friends than he knew what to do with. He never kept domestic help on around the clock, because he taught his family to be self-sufficient. Whether Warrenton was a spoiled brat was none of his daddy’s doing. Now Mr. Boatwright was gone and everyone around him would just have to go on with their lives.
Chapter Fifteen
Hattie feverishly stuffed the new documents in an inconspicuous bag and rushed out to the car. She was sure that what she had obtained from the private detective was enough to implicate Marigold in extortion and put an end to the impending wedding between Marigold and Warrenton. Hattie desperately wanted Warrenton to call off the wedding and resume his relationship with Annabella. Annabella had been in London for weeks and claimed that she was happy, but Hattie knew bett
er. She had raised Annabella for the most part and she knew that the girl was not happy. Annabella and Warrenton were meant to be together and Hattie was going to do everything she could to make sure that happened. But, Warrenton seemed less and less enthusiastic about what Hattie had uncovered. It was almost like he was giving up and resolved to spending the rest of his life with a woman who was extorting him. It was a side of Warrenton Hattie had never seen. She had watched Warrenton grow up and she knew he was not a doormat. Warrenton was a fighter. He was charismatic, strong, and pragmatic. He could solve a problem from every angle and he always came out a winner. So, to see him accept such an asinine deal as the one Marigold was offering him was perplexing. It was especially troubling since he and Annabella had finally made a real connection. Hattie thought for sure that she would be finally marrying off her little Annabella. It was a day she had looked forward to for at least the last ten years. But alas, something always happens to ruin Annabella’s happiness. Hattie still reflects back on that day and wonders what really happened in Warrenton’s driveway. There was no real way to know what happened at all. According to all parties involved, everything happened so fast. But, it was especially interesting to Hattie that Marigold called an attorney before she ever called EMS. Was she hurt or was her pride hurt? Either way, Hattie was sure she had the evidence she needed to prove that Marigold was feigning her injuries and extorting Warrenton. The question was whether or not Warrenton and his ham of a lawyer would be willing to listen. After all, the lawyer stood to earn up to 30% for representing Warrenton. Surely it was enough for him to retire and live out the rest of his years in the lap of luxury. Hattie was convinced that the attorney was not willing to sacrifice his bird in the hand for what was in the bush. But, Hattie had to try. For as much as she knew Warrenton and his reputation, she believed Annabella was the one woman he truly cared about. That was enough for Hattie to stick out her neck and try to make sense of everything that was happening. Annabella had no idea that Hattie was working behind the scenes and trying to get her back together with Warrenton. Otherwise, she would surely tell Hattie to drop the whole thing. Annabella was quick to give up. She never had much confidence in other people. She figured if Warrenton was going to marry Marigold, then it was something he wanted to do all along. But, that did not set well with Hattie. If someone is willing to force you to marry them, then what kind of life could you possibly have together? No, Hattie was not going to let it happen without trying to make sense of things. If, at the end of the day Warrenton was intent on marrying the woman, Hattie would accept it, but she was not going to accept it without trying to put that gutter trash in her place for once and for all. Hattie was, however disappointed in Annabella for running off without trying to make sense of things. She was frustrated with Annabella for not staying and fighting for what is hers. Hattie had always fought Annabella’s fights and she was still fighting them now. Hattie questioned whether or not she was really helping the girl or if she was further enabling her. But, it was of no matter at the moment. The ball had been set in motion. Whatever the outcome, Hattie was going to expose Marigold for what she is. If Warrenton chose to go forward with the marriage out of sheer loneliness and desperation, that would be his choice. And in that case, it would be best that Annabella did not marry him, lest she be stuck with someone as neurotic and confused as she is. When Hattie arrived at the attorney’s office, she was greeted by the grease ball of a lawyer.
“Why Ms. Hattie! I haven’t seen your fine self in years. You are looking especially well, Darling.”
“I have neither the time nor the inclination to listen to such foolery. I am here to get down to business. Now we all know that Ms. Marigold is not hurt – never was – and I have all the proof from the private detective. She was photographed playing double sets of tennis the day after the alleged injuries and every day afterwards. She swims, hikes, and cycles every day. The initial medical report showed no injuries whatsoever, not even a skin laceration. Then a few days later, she was seen by an independent medical professional who found bruised bones and the like. But, that is only the beginning. She used her company email to correspond with friends, family, and anyone that would listen to discuss her plot to dislodge Warrenton and Annabella from their family fortunes. And if that wasn’t enough, she bragged on social network sites about how easy it is to con the wealthy and stupid. She even went so far as to say she planned the whole thing and that is why she was dating Warrenton in the first place. It was her intention to sue him for something from the day she met him. So, when Annabella showed up in the new car, she saw her opportunity to get two for the price of one.”
Hattie handed the attorney the envelope with materials from her private investigator. He dropped the package on the table and looked at Hattie. He looked at Warrenton and then he looked down.
“That’s some fine detective work, Ms. Hattie. But you do not need to worry your pretty little head about this. We boys have got this thing figured out. So you can go run along and sew a dress or something. We are not in need of your services.”
Hattie became furious, but she did not respond. She looked at Warrenton as though she thought he should say something. He looked at Hattie and dropped his head.
“For God’s sake, Hattie. You are talking about this man’s fiancée. Now go on and stop agitating this mess. It is done.”
“With all due respect, Sir, you are the agitator. This is a travesty. Warrenton should not be marrying that low-lifed trash. Mr. Boatwright would have never stood for such foolishness!”
“Mr. Boatwright is dead!” The attorney screamed at her.
Warrenton jumped up out of his chair.
“Stop it! Just stop it! Hattie, I appreciate everything you have done. You will never know how much. And you are right, my daddy would have never stood for this. But he is gone. He is gone and the only thing he left me – the only thing he ever gave me – is his money. That’s it, Hattie. No softball games, no Saturday afternoon matinees. My daddy never even gave me a hug, Hattie. All I have of his is his money. If I don’t marry that girl, she will take all of it. Then I will be left with nothing of my father’s. I just want to hold on to the one thing he saw fit to give me. And yes, I do love Annabella. I did love Annabella. But she left me. She left me twice. Whenever things get tough, Annabella leaves. She is not marriage material because she does not know how to stick around when things get tough. She wants a man that is going to fall at her feet and worship the ground upon which she walks. I am willing to do that only if I know she will reciprocate that kind of commitment. Annabella has shown me no signs of commitment. Marigold, on the other hand, is pretty, sweet, kind, and a lot of fun. No, she is not some well-bred socialite, but that is one of the things I love about her. She is a high-energy surfer girl who has a free spirit and knows how to make a man feel like a man. And maybe she did plan to take me for everything. But she also has the potential to fall in love with me the way I am falling in love with her. Rich men marry gold-digging trophy wives all the time. This is nothing new. And as long as I know I have a wife who is motivated by money, then I shall be inclined to make more of it. So, it could be a win-win for both of us. Hattie, I love and adore you as though you were my own mother, but as my attorney has stated, this matter is settled as far as I am concerned. I am also aware, for the record, that like my future wife, my attorney is motivated by that almighty dollar – make no mistake. But in this case, he is absolutely representing my best interests. I share your enthusiasm and concerns when it comes to Annabella. But the fact of the matter is that if she really loved me and wanted to be with me, she would be here and not on that God-forsaken continent chasing fairytales.”
Hattie was dumbfounded. She could not believe what she was hearing. Warrenton had turned into someone that even she did not recognize. She always knew he was a bit of a pill, but he had never acted this way before. How could he say the things she said? She was sure that he was still grieving over losing his father, but he actually seemed hysterical. Altho
ugh she was frustrated with Warrenton, she was actually more concerned about his mental state. What man in his right mind marries someone who is lying and extorting them? It just seemed illogical. But, Hattie was upset, too, that he had the nerve to speak to her in such a way. After all, she had a hand in raising him, too and she was not to be disrespected.
“I have a good mind to swat you square on your pink derrière, but I fear you might enjoy it!” Hattie threatened.
“I probably deserve it, Hattie, but I pray that you will grant me a reprieve.”
Hattie turned to walk out of the office.
“Looking lovely, Hattie. Looking lovely,” the attorney shouted to her as she got in her car.
Hattie was completely put out by what had just happened. She wasn’t sure which way to turn. Everything seemed hopeless and all of her efforts were in vain. She seriously considered having Warrenton’s mental state looked into, but as a domestic, she had no legal standing to do so. There was no one to make Warrenton come to his senses. His father was the only one who could get through to him. Hattie knew that Annabella could probably stop Warrenton from making the biggest mistake of his life, but she was thousands of miles away and the least inclined person to do so. As far as she was concerned, Warrenton had moved on and so had she. It was only a matter of time before Annabella settled on a beau in London. After all, she was receiving plenty of invitations to parties, dinners, gatherings, and theater productions. There were dukes and barons just waiting to sweep a cultured, American girl off her feet. Annabella was the poster girl of most European men’s fantasies. Hattie had little doubt that Annabella would land on her feet and land herself a fine husband. But, she feared Annabella would always carry a torch for the man who always seemed to get her hopes up, only to let them down again. Either way, Hattie was intent on tying up loose ends before she let everything proceed as planned. After all, she wanted all matters settled so that when Annabella was finally married, Hattie could retire and go on about her business. She did not see fit leaving matters unsettled and leaving Annabella to fend for herself. She had taken care of the girl this long and saw no reason to throw her to the wolves at this stage. But, Hattie knew that she, alone, could not convince Annabella to come home. She knew she needed someone with less tact and more enthusiasm. She was going to have to enlist the help of someone who just didn’t care if she made enemies or what people thought of her. Unfortunately, Hattie was going to have to join forces with the one person for whom she had little respect. The one thing she appreciated, however, about Caroline was her inability to pretend to care about what people thought. Caroline was agenda-driven and when there was a task at hand, she would get the job done – come hell or high water. If Hattie were ever to get Annabella to come home and make Warrenton accountable for his decisions, she would need to enlist the help of one Ms. Caroline Cordelia Collinsworth. But, would Caroline even help Hattie with such a thing. After all, Caroline did not think much of Warrenton and she would be even less inclined for Annabella to trade down from potential royalty to the likes of Warrenton. But, Hattie was sure that Warrenton was the man for Annabella – or least she should explore the possibility and Hattie was willing to bet it all on their relationship. She must have believed in the star-crossed couple, because she was willing to make a deal with the red-headed devil.
An Old Fashioned Southern Romance Novel Page 8