The situation was about to get even more complicated. That much Elizabeth could glean just from the tone of Granville’s voice.
“What do you mean?”
“Please, have a seat,” he said, pointing at the couch.
The two sat facing each other, Elizabeth adjusting herself farther back from his commanding presence.
“After what happened today, I don’t feel comfortable with Grandfather going to the hospital. Even when I or Patrick are able to drop him off and pick him up, it’s still a risk.”
Elizabeth nodded and didn’t interrupt, although the picture was getting clearer.
“I spoke to Monica earlier today, as well as Helen and Deborah Searls, and they’ve all agreed.” He paused, and drew in a quiet breath. “That just leaves you to...”
She shook her head. “To what?”
He crossed one leg over the other and placed his hand on his knee as if they were chatting about the weather. “I’ve arranged for all of Grandfather’s appointments to take place here in my home, including your time with him...if you’ll agree.”
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out for several seconds. “Oh...I...I suppose I’m a bit confused at the notion. I don’t see how my part in this matters so much.”
He coughed out a laugh. “On the contrary. You’re quite crucial to Grandfather’s state of mind. Have you not witnessed the effect you have on the man? It’s likely you have, as I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve made such an impression.”
The remark took her aback and set her defenses on alert. “I assure you flattery will not make this so, but I appreciate your kind words.” Elizabeth’s brain whirled. William would be positively beside himself. This would be the opposite of what he’d asked her to do. She couldn’t voice this concern to Granville, so she focused on the other matter at heart. “Though I’m appreciative of your help in getting in at the hospital, how will this affect my situation there?”
Granville nodded, but before he could reply, Elizabeth continued. “How dreadful and selfish that must sound. I apologize.”
“Not at all. I completely understand. You’ve no obligation to us whatsoever, but I can assure you that Deborah Searls has agreed to this temporarily and will hold a more permanent spot for you in the future. And you can most certainly split your time between here and the hospital, if that makes you feel better.”
“Are you always so relentless, Granville? I wonder if you’ve ever been denied.”
“The Ackerman name does have considerable influence, but I must take credit for being quite convincing when I want to be.” He squinted with a smile, highlighting the crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes.
“Yes, I’m learning that.”
“So, is that a yes?”
“What exactly would I be doing for Claude? How can I make a difference?”
Granville went on to explain that Claude would have an in-home nurse who would follow his plan for therapy sessions. Elizabeth would assist as needed, but the short duration of her visits would likely be as simple as spending time with him as she’d done before. His state of mind and motivation were most important, and Elizabeth appeared to be critical in that area.
“I care about Claude, and I’d like to help him. So...let’s do this on a trial basis, shall we?” At least she could tell William it was temporary.
Granville leaned forward, gratitude painting his face. “Thank you, Lizzy. Grandfather will be delighted...” He reached over and touched her arm. “...as am I.”
She instinctively pulled away. “Granville...”
His smile lowered to a straight line. “I apologize. I do not wish you to get the wrong idea. Truthfully, I was overtaken with joy, but I did not intend to cross a line.” His gaze seemed to examine her for approval. “My only concern is for my grandfather. But, I would like to consider us friends.” He raised his brows in that boyish way that softened his hard edges.
“Of course,” Elizabeth said with a head bob. “Friends.”
“Good. Now, I’ve just had a splendid idea. Patrick should be here shortly with Mary for dinner tonight. Why don’t you stay, and we can all eat together?”
She winced before she could stop herself. William would not approve of that at all; somehow she just kept digging a deeper hole for herself. She’d have thought Mary would tell her such exciting news, but then she remembered her phone had not been charged.
“You did promise my grandfather you’d wait for him to get up, and I’m sure Mary would love to have her sister here.”
Elizabeth couldn’t be certain if she was asserting her independence, spiting William, or simply being reckless. The only thing she was sure of was these two men were impossible to refuse. “All right. Thank you.”
With time before Patrick arrived, Granville offered a tour of the back grounds. Stepping into the garden oasis, Elizabeth drew in a breath. A long brick walk-way spread out in front of them, paralleled by lush greenery and glossy purple flowers. She could only imagine the time dedicated to maintain such foliage. As they walked, a bouquet of scents assaulted her, and a cool breeze tickled her skin.
“Is it too chilly for you?” he asked, touching his fingers to her back.
“No, it’s perfect.”
At the end of the path, they took a turn at an old garden house that seemed out of place on the property of such a modern looking home. She glanced to Granville in question.
“That’s the original structure from when the house was first built. We’ve remodeled most everything over the years, but Grandfather won’t let us touch it.” Granville waved a hand above his head. “Most all you see here was either planted or maintained at some point by Claude.”
“That’s wonderful.” She casted her eyes down at the thought of Claude earlier and what he was going through. “I hope he’ll continue to have that in his life.”
“It’s one of the reasons I brought him back here. He loves to putter around, and it keeps his mind and body occupied.”
Elizabeth granted him a grin of approval, relaxing as they strolled. “You take good care of your grandfather. I see he means a lot to you.”
“He truly does.”
They walked in silence for a few moments before coming upon a beautiful natural stone koi pond. “Oh, you’ve got fish,” she squealed and then sat on the edge.
Granville joined her, keeping his gaze directed at her. When she turned back, he was staring intently.
“What?”
“Nothing. It’s just fascinating how one moment, you appear a mature and sophisticated woman and the next, you’re like a giddy school girl.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flooded with warmth. “I’m not sure how to take that.”
“Trust me, it’s a compliment.”
Unable to blink from his gaze, she examined his blue eyes which glistened in the sunshine. A splash in the water gave her a start, and she swiped her head to the side. “I...don’t wish to talk about myself, if you don’t find that rude of me.”
“All right. Why don’t you tell me about your parents then?”
“On the other hand...” Elizabeth said with a laugh.
“I see. Your mother did leave quite an impression on me...but I’d say you must take after your father. And after one brief encounter with him, I can tell he is protective of you.”
She skimmed the tips of her fingers across the top of the cool water. “He is, I suppose. We’re very close.”
“I hope you don’t find this too forward, but your parents seem like two very different people.”
She turned a lifted brow in his direction. “That’s true. But the heart knows no difference, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Excellent point, and a conclusion I should have come to on my own.” His eyes drifted away, and he ran a hand over his hair.
“Well I was being a bit cheeky,” she said. “Truthfully, I’m concerned about them. My parents have been at each other like cats in a sack. More than usual that is. Father will likely lose his position at the firm, and mother�
�s distraught about their fate. Father seems unaffected, yet he seems to talk of the worst just often enough to cause her alarm. He keeps threatening to turn the house into a tourist stop and make my mother the chambermaid.”
Granville, silent until the last sentence, released a boisterous laugh. “I’m sorry. I should not laugh at your family’s expense.”
“A right difficult to put to words, is it not? Laughter might be the only fitting response.”
He nodded and took a breath, settling into a more serious demeanor. “Your father...he’s a lawyer?”
She turned her attention back to the pond. “He works for a law firm. He’s the administrator.”
“Hmm. I wonder...”
She gave him the attention she assumed he was waiting for.
He squinted beyond her and put his thumb and index finger to his chin. Then he returned to an anxiously waiting Elizabeth. “There might be a way I can help your father.”
Her eyes widened, but she made sure her voice didn’t sound eager. “Really. In what way?”
“Our company has both in house lawyers and contracted lawyers. There must be something I can do.”
“But father isn’t a lawyer.”
“I understand, but we are a very large corporation and have several long-time and dedicated clients. I have made a few connections over the years.” He lowered his head but stayed connected with his eyes, a gesture that was meant as a reminder of his power.
“Yes, I’m aware of your influence, Granville.” She smiled when her tone sounded defensive. “And I appreciate you even considering it.”
“When you’re in banking, lawyers are typically close at hand,” he said, appearing to change the focus. “I’m surprised William hasn’t been able to help your father.”
Elizabeth stood abruptly causing Granville to recant his words. “What I meant was...”
“I know what you meant,” she said with a cool tone, looking down on him. “William is a very generous man, and I’m sure if he was able to do something for father he would have.”
“Of course.” The hesitation in his expression begged to differ from his words. “I’m sure you’re right.”
Then, what sounded like a machine gun shooting out sneezes came from beyond the bushes, getting louder by the second. Before Elizabeth could get out a “bless you,” Granville stood and stepped toward the sound. “Patrick? We’re at the pond.”
She stepped in next to him, and a moment later, Patrick and Mary emerged on the path. An instant grin took hold of her face at seeing her sister. Not only had Mary dressed smartly, but her hair was pulled up. The sisters hugged like visiting relatives.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming here, tonight?” Elizabeth said to Mary.
“Patrick rang after you left. I sent you a text.”
“I’m sorry. My phone is dead.”
Patrick pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and held it to his nose.
“Why didn’t you just wait at the house?” Granville asked him, holding back a smile.
Still holding his nose, he replied, “Mary wanted to see the garden.”
They all glanced at Mary who lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “It’s incredibly beautiful.”
“Excuse me, Mary, where are my manners,” Granville said. “It’s nice to see you again. You look lovely.”
“Thank you.” She glanced around and at the pond. “For the compliment and the invitation.”
Once Elizabeth and Patrick exchanged greetings, Granville ushered them all toward the house accompanied by a melody of sneezes.
“Bless you,” the ladies said in unison.
When they entered the sitting room and Patrick’s nose relented, he removed his hanky and adjusted his glasses. It was then Elizabeth noted something different; his hair had been cut and styled in a new way, giving him an air of confidence he lacked before. She found it quite appealing. Seeing the two of them standing next to each other, both transforming into self-assured, more comfortable people, made her heart patter with joy.
Granville announced Elizabeth would be staying for dinner as well. Mary mirrored the happiness Elizabeth had already exuded moments before, but she caught an opposite portrayal on Patrick’s face. What could he possibly have against Elizabeth that he wouldn’t want her to stay? Her pleasure diminished as she attempted to convince herself it was an unfortunate timing issue, and Patrick must have been unhappy about something else.
“What can I get you to drink, Mary?” Patrick said, as he walked toward the bar.
Mary looked to her sister and then to him. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”
Patrick set down a glass he’d just picked up, shrugged, and then walked back to her. “All right.”
“Mary hasn’t the taste for such drinks,” Elizabeth said, knowing that it was more likely Mary didn’t find it proper to drink among the two men in their home.
Patrick looked at her, and for a moment his expression appeared to question her. Then, as if she answered without words, he said in the sweetest way, “I’ve got just the thing for you, Mary.”
Mary’s cheeks turned rosy. She smiled as Patrick took her hand and led her away. “Really?”
“We have strawberry tea in the kitchen,” he said.
“That sounds positively scrummy,” Mary said, glancing at Elizabeth and sharing a rare giddy expression.
Elizabeth and Granville exchanged equally pleasant smiles, but before Patrick and Mary reached the doorway, Claude stepped in front of them.
“Blimey!” Claude said with a crinkle of his forehead. “Solicitors again?” He looked past the bewildered pair and over to Granville who leaned against the bar. “What are they selling this time?” He stepped around Patrick, leaving him with his mouth agape. “I’ve told you not to let them in, Sonny.”
Patrick released Mary’s hand and stepped up behind Claude, touching him on his shoulder. “Grandfather...it’s me, Patrick.”
Claude turned a questioning stare on him.
“Don’t you know me, Grandfather?”
Elizabeth looked at Granville, expecting him to intervene, but he didn’t move a muscle. Torn between wanting to help and feeling like it wasn’t her place, she waited. An awkward silence hung in the air as Claude stared at Patrick like he was trying a Rubik’s cube for the first time. His brows rose, and the corners of his mouth crept up into a slow grin. “I was pulling your leg, boy. Brilliant!” His head fell back on a cackle. “You should have seen your face.”
“Grandfather! That’s not funny.” Patrick shared his fuming reaction with the others, but when he saw their faces, including Mary’s, were all holding back grins, he blew out a breath and let a laugh spill from his lips. “I should have known, you old prankster.”
Elizabeth pointed a finger and a smirk at Granville indicating she knew he was aware Claude was faking.
“Just trying to lighten you up a bit, my boy.” He walked past him, patting him on the shoulder. “So that you can make sure to keep this little lady happy.” Claude stuck out his hand to Mary. “And you must be Mary. Wonderful to meet a friend of Patrick’s.”
Mary took his hand, beaming, and Elizabeth noted the effect Claude had was not limited to her.
“Such a sweet one, too,” Claude said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ackerman.”
“Please, call me, Claude.”
“All right...Claude.”
Their hands released. Just as Claude turned away, Mary’s voice caught him.
“Patrick’s doing a fine job keeping me happy.”
Everyone in the room stopped and turned toward Mary’s words. Claude simply smiled and nodded. Then he winked at Patrick.
“Shall we get that tea, Mary?” Patrick said, walking toward her with a noticeable spring in his step.
The night continued without further incident. Before dinner, Patrick easily convinced Mary to play for Claude on their stunning, cherry wood grand piano. Mary looked as though she’d never leave that seat; Elizab
eth reveled in her sister’s glow and prayed this road to happiness she was on would continue without too many bumps along the way.
Granville had the cook prepare a modest three-course meal which Elizabeth took as some sort of humble gesture. Still, she had to admit the potatoes were the best she’d ever tasted, and the dessert pushed her to the border of sated and gluttonous.
Light conversation floated around the table during the meal, mostly between Claude and Mary. He asked about her schooling, and she jumped at the chance to talk about music. “Eleanor and I loved the opera,” he said, looking across the table as if she were sitting there. He took his attention back to Mary, sending more questions her way. Patrick tells me he’s taking you to the music festival this year.”
“Oh, yes. I’m delighted, and don’t know how I’ll get through the next couple of weeks waiting.”
Patrick touched her fingers as comfortably as if they’d been married.
Granville and Elizabeth shared glances across the table through the conversations, almost as if they were holding one of their own.
When it came to the end of the night, Elizabeth drove Mary home since she’d had her car there. The ladies each gave their thanks as the men walked them out, leaving Claude who’d delivered his farewell fighting heavy eyelids in a comfortable chair.
Elizabeth fought the onslaught of reality that swam to the forefront of her mind as she started up the car. The evening provided a welcome, though unexpected, interlude from her troubles, and now the distraction was gone. Mary appeared to be texting Patrick in the seat next to her. “Already?” Elizabeth sang out in mock disapproval. Mary shrugged and continued. When Elizabeth took one last look through her windshield at their hosts, an eerie chill slipped down her spine. Patrick held that same tense look on his face he’d had earlier. His head was turned to Granville, and his lips were moving.
Chapter 17
Mr. Bennet called Elizabeth into his study as she and Mary walked down the hall after arriving home from the Ackerman’s. “I need to speak with you,” he said in that serious tone he so rarely used.
She walked in, and he closed the door.
A Rival for Mr. Darcy Page 14