A British Bride by Agreement

by Stenzel, Therese

  Confused, she stepped back. His compliment hurt. She wanted so badly to be beautiful for him, but obviously she couldn’t compete with Dede. “Um, looks like everyone showed up.”

  “Have you seen my home office?”

  She frowned. “You don’t like it?”

  A smile tugged on his lips. “I need to show you something.” He took her hand.

  She pulled away, no longer willing to play at this charade. She would stay with him, be his wife, give him children, but she wouldn’t give him her heart. “I should get back to our guests.”

  He followed her to the living room. “Em. Talk to me.”

  For a moment, she pictured herself throwing herself in his arms and telling him everything, but the image of him hugging Dede alone in his darkened office was still too vivid. She pasted on a wide smile. “Just trying to be the perfect wife.”

  She stepped out of the room and into the gathering of chatting guests and was accosted by two gentlemen who wanted to know who her decorator was. As she was attempting to come up with an explanation that made sense, Jonathan banged on a Chinese gong setting on an end table.

  “Excuse me, ladies and gentleman, but I wanted to say thank you for coming to our home for dinner tonight. It is an honor to have so many of our longtime friends here, and I look forward to seeing you at the concert tomorrow night. But before we eat dinner, I want to raise our glasses and make a toast to someone here who is very special to me.”

  Emma searched the crowd of expectant faces. Was Dede here?

  “This person has done a great deal of work to get this evening and this home pulled together. To my beautiful wife, Emma Steller.”

  Heat flushed Emma’s cheeks as everyone cheered. Jonathan sure was putting on an adoring husband performance. Is that what famous, wealthy people’s marriages were like? Both of them playing the roles of adoring spouses, but living separate lives? She took a sip of her diet soda, but it was hard to swallow past the lump in her throat.

  Jonathan strode toward her.

  She gripped her drink tighter. He had a very determined look on his face.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. Shock tingled her scalp. It took her a few moments to respond, but her own lips betrayed her and lingered against his. She allowed herself to savor one last embrace, one last time to be in his arms, to have his attention all to herself. From now on, his affections and attentions would only be for show. He would never return her love, and that made being a wife by agreement harder than she ever imagined.

  He pulled back for a second and leaned in to whisper something in her ear. “I love—”

  “Jonathan.” A high-pitched voice drowned out his words.

  Their heads turned in unison toward Dede and her husband, Tom. Jonathan drew away from Emma and hurried over to them. By the enthusiastic way he hugged Dede there was no mistaking his feelings for her.

  Nick came and stood by her side. “I don’t like to say this out loud, but I think your husband is still attached to his old finance.” He took a long sip of his wine. “I don’t believe he ever got over her. It’s so unfair to you. You deserve so much more.” He took another swig of his drink. “Of course, I could be wrong.”

  At that moment, the last tendril of hope that their marriage could be something more died inside Emma’s chest.

  Stumbling toward the French doors to the garden, Emma spilt her plum soda on her dress. Emma quickly veered into the busy kitchen to find a wet cloth.

  As she leaned over the sink, Adele tisked next to her. “That’ll need to be dry cleaned.”

  Tears dripped down Emma’s face.

  “Don’t cry. I’ve seen worse stains come out.”

  Emma just shook her head.

  “You’re upset. Is it the orchestra? For the concert?”

  Emma’s eyes widened. Orchestra? No, my life is falling apart. She nodded yes as she continued to dab on the purple stain. Let her think what she wants.

  “I have an idea. My nephew plays in the Teens with Special Needs Orchestra. I could call them and see if they are available.”

  Emma hauled in a deep breath. Hold it together, Duckie. “If you could, I’m sure Mr. Steller would be grateful.”

  Adele took the cloth from her. “Why don’t you go change and I’ll talk to Mr. Steller about it after the party.”

  Emma hugged the woman. “You are a life saver.”

  “If you say so.”

  After changing into another gown, Emma checked her appearance in the mirror. There were dark circles under her eyes. She turned sideways. Did this dress make her look fat? She’d never be as thin as Dede. Was that what made her so attractive to Jonathan, even after all Dede had done to him? He must really love her.

  She walked into her private bathroom to reapply her lipstick and saw the pregnancy kit sitting on the counter. After staring at it for a few minutes, it was obvious, good news or bad, she had to know. She shut the door and opened the package.

  When she came out of the room, she sighed. The outcome of the test was not what she expected. Now what should she do? Fight for her husband? Try to win him back? Leave him to his true love? What had happened to the quiet confidence the Lord had instilled in her? She promised herself never to forget how much God cared about her.

  She paced the room as determination once again filled her. She strode over to a bowl of apples and took a bite out of one. As the familiar sweet taste filled her mouth, her faith rose. She would never leave her husband. She had to try to secure his heart again. As she walked out of her sitting room, Adele greeted her. “The teen group can come tomorrow night. I have already told them where and when to meet at the concert hall.”

  Emma cut a glance at Jonathan who smiled and waved at her to come and sit down.

  Hope swelled in her heart. He must have approved of the teen group. Score one for her cricket team. “Lovely, Adele, thank you.”

  Emma gripped her two hands. She loved Jonathan and wanted so desperately to be a good wife to him. “Lord, thank you for being my strength.”

  Stepping into the dining room, she silently vowed no matter what, even if he rejected her, she would find a way to show him that she loved him.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The next evening, Jonathan tugged on his black bow tie as he paced backstage at the Gateway Center, his cell phone pressed to his ear. “No, but can you make it tonight?”

  “Okay, thanks for your time.” He pressed his lips together. His last hope for music this evening was swirling down the drain. He stared out at the empty ballroom that would soon be filled with longtime supporters of the charity. Even the stage had been set with a grand piano, chairs, and music stands.

  The flowers and décor on the tables looked beautiful. The menu exquisite, but unless God had a miracle up His sleeve, there would be no concert. The crushing sensation of failure pressed down on him. He bowed his head. “Lord, I give this evening to You. You have a plan here even if it’s my public failure.”

  Tonight was a night for candor. There were things that needed to said between him and Emma, and he would not rest until he knew the truth.

  A scurry of footsteps drew his attention. His parents and his sisters.

  “Jonathan,” His father’s glance around the room only added to Jonathan’s tension. “Everything looks marvelous.”

  His mother beamed as she hugged her son. “You’ve done such a wonderful job.”

  Jennifer and Janette nodded.

  Jonathan rubbed the back of his neck. He paced away from them and then back. He straightened his tie. Time to tell them the truth. “Look, I know you have been very disappointed by the way I have handled the Charity Division—”

  “No dear, his mother protested. “You’ve done the best job you could.”

  Jonathan directed his gaze at his father. “You are disappointed with me.”

  “Jonathan, dear, what are you talking about?” His mother felt his forehead. “Your father and I are very pro
ud of you.”

  Jonathan stared at his father. “You remind me of my failures on a weekly basis. But what I can’t figure out is why? Is it Joshua’s death?

  His father started to reply, but Jonathan held up his hand. “Let me finish. I’m sorry I never told you about the drugs. But I was honoring my older brother’s wishes. With hindsight I see that was a bad decision, but nothing can bring him back. Nothing.”

  His father stepped forward and set his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “I don’t blame you for his death. I’ve never blamed you.” His voice trembled. “I just wanted you to experience all the things Joshua was meant to—marry, have children, and yes, eventually take over the company.” He pulled his hand away. “Yes, I admit I have pushed you too hard. But, in a way, it felt like I was pushing both my boys.” His voice broke. “And if you could achieve the success that Joshua was meant to have, it might make the pain of his death less for your mother and I.”

  Silence filled the space between them, except for Mrs. Stellers sniffles. “Jonathan, you are a success in our eyes, no matter what you do. And marrying that beautiful gal, Emma was one of your greatest accomplishments.”

  “Where is Emma?” Jennifer looked around.

  “I think I saw her outside talking with two reporters.” His father hugged Jonathan. “You might want to rescue her.”

  ***

  A cold needle of shock pierced Emma as she stood in the parking lot of the Gateway Center. Her parents, both dressed in formal attire, were strolling toward her amidst the other attendees all swarming toward the entrance.

  “Hello Duckie. You look a mite knackered to see us.”

  Feeling dizzy, Emma shot a glance over her shoulder relieved to see no one paying them any attention. “W—what are you doing here?”

  Her mother’s face appeared pale as she leaned in. “You weren’t answering our calls.”

  Emma looked between the two of them. They could ruin this evening for Jonathan. “I can’t talk to you now.” She risked another glance over her shoulder and lowered her voice. “Go back to your hotel and we’ll talk later.”

  Her father fished in his tuxedo pocket. “We have tickets for tonight thanks to someone named, Nick Steller who works at the Steller company. We told him who we were and that we wanted to come and surprise you and your husband. He said he would be happy to help us.”

  Dread poured into Emma like overdone oatmeal. Her brow furrowed. “Why are you doing this to me?”

  Emma’s mother fixed a hand and a worried gaze on her husband. “Maybe we should go.”

  He pulled away from her grasp. “I’ve decided I don’t need your measly million pounds. What I want is an introduction to Mr. Steller senior. Having him as a business ally will greatly increase my stature in the corporate world. Perhaps we could do some business together? I have an idea for land located—”

  “No.” Emma gripped her purse. “I’m not going to allow it—” The crinkle in her purse reminded her she still had the two hundred and thirty dollars she was going to give to Jonathan. As she dug in her bag, her diamond watch snagged on the clasp and broke. She shoved the watch to the bottom of her purse and pulled out the envelope. Cash always spoke louder to them than reason. “Over two hundred thousand dollars. Take it and go.”

  Her mother looked transfixed as she grasped the envelope. “Maybe we should do as she says.”

  “We’re after better things, Lilith. We will see you, Emma, dear, at the end of the concert.” Her father strode passed her toward the entrance of the performing arts center. Her mother’s jaw slackened, but she tucked the envelope into her bag and followed her husband.

  A cold sweat broke out on Emma’s forehead. Besides her parents swindling her out of money again, after Jonathan met them, there would be no way to win his heart back. He would not only not love her, he would despise her.

  ***

  Jonathan glanced out the Arena’s floor to ceiling windows and saw Emma talking with two guests. His breath caught in his chest. She looked beautiful in a white fitted dress, her hair pulled up, red lips that begged to be kissed. But by her frown, she appeared very upset.

  He pressed against the glass to get a better view of her and watched as she pulled a thick envelope from her purse and gave it to the man. Was she passing money? He pressed his lips to a firm line. Now that he’d read the report on her parents, he needed to face up to some hard facts. His wife was a con artist.

  Pulling away from the window, his insides reeled at the reality in front of him. Yet another swindler he hadn’t seen coming. He paced the floor for a few minutes, trying to compose himself. What was he going to do now?

  “Jonathan.” Emma stood quietly in the darkened shadows of the back stage. By her white face, she looked terrified. A desire to still protect her rose in his chest.

  He hurried over to her. “Are you—” By the sparkling green of her eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to ask her if she cared for him. Just for tonight, he would pretend that this lovely lady was a wife that loved him, even with all his failings. Just for the next couple of hours, he’d allow his heart to love her without reservation. “You look amazing.”

  A slow smile touched her lips as if surprised by the compliment. “You look lovely, too.”

  Tension filled the air between them. As soon as the dinner and his career were over, he’d add to the misery of the night by asking her for the truth. “This may be a long night.” He let out a sigh. “I still have no orchestra.”

  Her eyes widened. “Yes you do.”

  His head shot up.

  “The Teens with Special Needs Orchestra that Adele arranged.”

  “Teenagers? Oh no.” He suppressed a groan. He needed a professional orchestra not a mission of mercy. His mouth bobbed open. “How did you—did you make this—”

  “Adele got in touch with them. I told her to talk to you about it.”

  “Well, she didn’t.” He ran his fingers through his hair.

  “Jonathan, I’m so sorry, I thought, she said—I thought it was a good idea.”

  He paced away from her then paced back. Everything in his life was going wrong. “This is meant to be a grand affair not a—”

  “Charity case?” She folded her arms.

  The murmur of many voices behind him drew his attention.

  “Mr. Steller.” A young man with a thin cane walked onto the stage leading a group of teenagers. He held out his hand about two feet off to Jonathan’s left. “Thank you for inviting us.”

  He’s blind? This was worse than not having an orchestra. The teens gathered around Jonathan expectantly. Jonathan reached over and shook the young man’s hand. “You’re welcome.”

  But as soon as Jonathan could, he strode off into the dark recesses of the backstage. This was the worst night of his life.

  ***

  Emma toyed with the food on her plate. She had no appetite. Out of the corner of her eyes, she kept her parents in her sights. Occasionally they waved in her direction, but thankfully they hadn’t made any move toward Mr. and Mrs. Steller who were sitting at the head table with her.

  “Dear,” Mrs. Steller patted her husband on his hand. “Shouldn’t we make the rounds of the guests before the concert starts?”

  “No,” Emma blurted out. “You haven’t finished eating. It could be bad for your digestion.”

  Mr. Steller squeezed Emma’s shoulder as he escorted his wife from the table. “Young people have the strangest ideas.”

  Emma sipped her diet soda and sunk deeper into her chair. What would they think of her in a few minutes? She pressed her eyes shut. God why aren’t You helping me? Tightness gripped her throat as memories of she and Jonathan’s brief life together flooding back. Of his gentle smile, his tall good looks, his determination to see the charity succeed.

  She glanced around for him and saw him in the distance, talking with some invitees. His food sat untouched beside her. If only there were some way to show him how much she loved him. Pulling her dessert toward her,
she might as well comfort herself with—the tan and brown dessert came into focus. Apple Cake?

  How had she so quickly forgotten that she was the apple of God’s eye?

  “Did you see Dede?” Mrs. Steller asked Emma as she led Mrs. Peterson to the head table and sat back down.

  Emma stilled. Her appetite for dessert suddenly gone. “No.”

  “She’s already showing.”

  “Showing like, pregnant showing?”

  “Yes, didn’t Jonathan tell you? I guess she showed up at his office a week ago to ask his forgiveness and tell him her good news. I’m so pleased to see things all patched up between them. And now Tom and Dede are happily married and you and Jonathan are, too.”

  Emma shoulder’s wilted as she pressed her eyes shut. Was she wrong about Jonathan and his old fiancée? But what about what Nick had said Jonathan and Dede? Oh, You’ve gone and done it now, Duckie.

  She rested her head in her hands. All this time she’d misconstrued… she brushed her bangs away from her eyes and saw that Jonathan was coming towards her. Unsure of what to do, she shoved several bites of her apple dessert into her mouth. She had acted cold and distant toward him all week. Had assumed the worst. Had judged him. She absentmindedly ate the rest of her cake, scraping the plate clean. “Lord, please help me to show him how much I love him before he meets my parents and regrets ever knowing me.”

  Jonathan sat close beside her as the lights dimmed, and the orchestra rallied their instruments. The smell of his new cologne drifted over her and a yearning welled inside of her. Taking in a breath, she looped her arm through his.

  He regarded her with a surprised expression.

  A wave of love rolled through her. She so wanted to make him happy. To be a good wife to him, and she’d gone and mucked it all up. Leaning in, she kissed his warm cheek.

  He turned toward her. “I need to tell you that I lo—”

  “Jonathan!” Mrs. Peterson shushed. “Quiet please.”

  He shifted in his seat and tugged on his tie. He glanced over at Emma and let his gaze rove over her.

  Emma’s insides tightened. Had he spoken with her parents? Did he already know the truth about them? Was that want he wanted to say? She blinked back tears. How much longer could she wait to know what he was thinking? She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.