A Home for Her Heart Page 10

  Oh, she’d been upset with her father for making a match for her, but she’d eventually fallen for Richard on her own. Only to later find out she’d been right to be leery of any matchmaking at all. Richard had set out to get control of her money while being in love with another woman. What an actor he’d been! She’d found out at their engagement party, when she caught him and the other woman in a very compromising position.

  Her dreams had come crashing down around her that night. And while she was thankful she’d found out what kind of man Richard really was before they’d said their vows, she was horribly disillusioned by it all. So much so that she still felt there wasn’t a man out there she could, or would, trust with her heart. No matter what her heart seemed to want when she thought of John.

  “You are both very blessed,” Rebecca said. “Not all men are like my brother and Luke.”

  Elizabeth didn’t know what Rebecca had gone through, but she had a feeling the woman had also been deeply hurt in the past. “You’re right, Rebecca. Men that good don’t come along all that often.”

  “I pray you both find men like Michael and Luke,” Mrs. Heaton said. “There still are a few good ones out there, some even living at Heaton House.”

  She was right. John and Ben seemed to be good men. So did Matt, although he hadn’t been there that long. But how could one be sure? Really, truly sure? She didn’t think it was possible after what she’d gone through. But that didn’t keep her from thinking about John and wondering how the game was going and if he and the others were having a good time. Was he thinking about—

  Violet’s maid came into the room with a tea tray laden with treats and Elizabeth welcomed the intrusion into her thoughts.

  “Will you pour, Mother Heaton?” Violet asked.

  “I’d be glad to. Too bad you’ve already put Jenny down for a nap, Rebecca, dear. She does like tea.”

  Her daughter chuckled. “Yes, she does, Mama. But she also needs her sleep or she turns into a very grouchy little girl.”

  “I understand.” Her mother smiled over at her. “She takes after you a bit and brings me so many good memories of when you were young.”

  “Are you saying I was a grumpy child, Mama?” Rebecca raised an eyebrow and grinned at her mother.

  “From time to time, but not very often.” Mrs. Heaton handed her daughter a cup of tea. “And you’ve always liked tea. Another trait she picked up from you and one I totally approve of.”

  “Well, the way this little one has begun to kick, I think it’s going to be a rowdy little boy.” Violet smoothed a hand over her growing middle and smiled.

  Elizabeth could tell that she would be happy no matter if she had a girl or boy. She glowed with happiness. So did Kathleen for that matter. She sighed inwardly as she took a cup of tea from Mrs. Heaton. What would it be like to be looking forward to marrying the man you loved and then to start a family with him?

  Violet stood back and looked at the gown she’d pinned on Kathleen. “I think that’s it for today.”

  “It’s beautiful, Violet,” Elizabeth said. “You are going to be a lovely bride, Kathleen.”

  “Only with the help of all of you. I could never have afforded to buy a dress like this and I can’t thank you enough for making it for me, Violet.”

  “We’re all loving helping out, Kathleen. And what good is a talent the Lord gives us if we can’t use it to help someone?”

  “Still, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get you out of this gown so we can dive into these treats. I’m starving as usual. Michael tells me it’s because I’m eating for two and I certainly hope he’s right and that it stops once I have the baby.”

  She helped Kathleen slip out of the gown, from behind a screen she’d set up in the corner, then hung it up while Kathleen changed back into her skirt and shirtwaist.

  For the next half hour they talked and laughed, discussing the upcoming wedding, Rebecca’s future move and the new member of the family that’d soon be there.

  When it was time to leave, Violet called for a hack to pick them up—amid claims that they’d walk back to Heaton House.

  “No, you won’t. It’s much too hot out there this time of day. You’ll wilt.”

  Mrs. Heaton laughed. “Now, Violet, you know that none of us are wilting kind of women. We’ll be fine.”

  “You’re right, of course. Still, it is getting warm out and Michael would have a fit if he thought I let you all walk. No need to upset your son, Mother Heaton.”

  “Michael never gets upset with you, Violet. But we’ll give in and take the ride. No need to upset the mother of my next grandchild.” She kissed her daughter-in-law on the cheek.

  By then the hack was there and the three women waved to Violet as it took off. Within minutes they were opening the door to a very quiet home. Elizabeth wondered if the men were back from their game. If so, she supposed everyone was getting ready for dinner.

  Mrs. Heaton had already disappeared in the direction of the kitchen when the door opened once more and John, Luke and Ben entered. They seemed to be in excellent moods.

  “Your team must have won today,” Elizabeth said.

  John grinned at her. “It did! The Giants beat those Bridegrooms six to three. It was nice to see them win.”

  Luke sidled up to Kathleen. “I kind of feel bad they beat the Bridegrooms, seeing as how I’m going to be a real one in a few months.”

  “Oh, he’s just trying to get on your good side, Kathleen,” John said. “Those grooms beat us the last two games. He cheered as loud as we did at this game.”

  But the way Kathleen was looking at her fiancé, Elizabeth was certain her friend took no notice of John’s teasing. She was also sure the two wouldn’t mind a moment alone.

  Even John seemed to get the message as the couple moved a few steps away and began speaking in low voices. He cleared his throat. “I guess I’ll go down and freshen up for dinner. You coming, Ben?”

  “I’m right behind you,” Ben said.

  Elizabeth was already on the stairs leading to the second story. “See you in a bit.”

  Her heart gave another little twist even as she smiled. She did long for someone to love her the way Luke loved Kathleen. She couldn’t lie to herself about that. But neither could she take that chance again. It hurt way too much to repeat.

  She released a deep breath. So...she’d be happy for her friends and put her deepest dream to the back of her mind as she did quite often of late. Especially since John Talbot had begun to wiggle his way into those dreams.

  * * *

  John hurried downstairs to freshen up and change clothes. It was Saturday, after all, and while he was glad Mrs. Heaton didn’t ask for them to dress for dinner during the week, he knew she liked them to on the weekends. Still, her version of dressing for dinner was a little more casual than others would have asked of them and for that he was thankful. It’d been a good afternoon spent with Luke, Michael and Ben. Matt had to work that day or he would most likely have been with them. He liked the friendship he and the other men in the house shared and enjoyed spending time together.

  They’d all looked forward to returning home—especially Michael. He’d worried about Violet all afternoon. And Luke couldn’t wait to get back to see Kathleen—that’d been obvious in the foyer. John had to tamp down a sudden rush of...jealousy? Envy? What was the right word? He was very happy that Michael and Violet, and Luke and Kathleen, had finally realized how much they cared about each other. He’d watched their relationship develop living here and he knew it wasn’t really jealousy he felt. But perhaps it was envy that he didn’t have a relationship like theirs.

  And yet, he’d been the one to decide not to give his heart to another and he still stood by that decision. Still, there were times like now that he did long to have someone who care
d for him the way Violet loved Michael and Kathleen loved Luke. His thoughts flashed to Elizabeth.

  She’d looked quite fetching just now in a green-and-white dress, a small green hat with feathers atop her head that brought out the green in her hazel eyes. Truth be told, he’d thought of her off and on all afternoon. He was sure she’d enjoy watching a game of baseball. He’d have to ask if she’d like to go. Maybe the whole group would enjoy going to a game. If not a group then perhaps just he and Elizabeth.

  What was he thinking? Spending more free time with Elizabeth wasn’t a good idea. Yet he’d thought of little else all since the Saturday at the park when he’d nearly kissed her. And if he had? What would she have done? Kissed him back? Or slapped him? He couldn’t imagine her kissing him back in the middle of the day with all their friends there to witness it. But he could certainly imagine kissing her.

  He’d even dreamed about it. And on more than one occasion. Well, he’d always awakened just before his lips touched hers, but still, it was hard not to think about when it was also what you dreamed about.

  John looked into the mirror as he parted his hair and combed it to the side. He tried to get his thoughts off Elizabeth. Tomorrow he had another article about the tenement coming out in the Tribune. His editor had been quite complimentary about it and he hoped it was received well by the readership. Mostly, he hoped it pleased Elizabeth. And there she was again. John put his collar on and shook his head before leaving his room.

  He had to stop thinking so much about the woman. Because even if he let himself care deeply for her, she’d given no indication at all that she could care for him in the same way.

  He heard the telephone ring as he walked down the hall to go back upstairs. His footsteps slowed when he heard Elizabeth’s voice say, “Oh, Aunt Bea. He’s not coming here so soon, is he?” There was a pause and then he heard, “I can’t...but I—” A pause, a sigh and then, “You’re right. It will be better than traveling there. Yes, ma’am. Yes. I love you, too. Good night.”

  He reached the top step as Elizabeth left the alcove under the second-floor staircase. She looked distracted.

  Elizabeth looked up and only then did she see John. The expression in her eyes was stormy and her brows were knit together.

  “Are you upset, Elizabeth?”

  * * *

  John. How much had he heard of her conversation with her aunt? Enough to know it’d upset her. The concern in his eyes touched her and she managed a smile.

  “No bad news, I hope?”

  “Dinner is ready,” Mrs. Heaton announced from the foyer, saving her from answering. It wasn’t horrible news, but it wasn’t good.

  John offered his arm and she took it as they joined the others coming from the parlor. She would be fine. But right now she was totally frustrated. She couldn’t believe her father was coming to town over the Independence Day weekend and on top of spoiling all her plans for the holiday, he was bringing that man he wanted her to meet.

  And yet, her aunt was right. It would save her from having to go to Boston and it was only for a few days. But still, over the holiday weekend? She slipped into the chair John held out for her and said, “Thank you,” as he pushed it closer to the table.

  He took his own seat and leaned near and whispered, “Are you all right? You look upset.”

  “I am. But thank you for your concern.” She didn’t want to go into detail about the conversation right now. And there was only so much she could tell if she wasn’t ready to explain who she was, who her father was and—

  “John, would you say the blessing, please?”

  “Certainly. Please pray with me.” John bowed his head and Elizabeth did the same.

  “Dear Lord, we thank You for this day, for all our many blessings. For Heaton House and Mrs. Heaton who provides us with a true home. We ask that You be with us in all our decision-making and we ask You to bless this food. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”

  Did he know how she was struggling with the decision to tell everyone here who she was? No, of course not. He couldn’t know that. Still, she was thankful for the prayer—it reminded her to take her frustrations and struggles to the Lord and she’d sent up her own prayer along with John’s.

  As the dishes were being passed around the table, the discussion revolved around baseball, weddings and the upcoming holiday.

  “It was a great day for a ball game. You ladies would have enjoyed it, too,” Ben said.

  “Not as much as seeing how my wedding dress is coming along,” Kathleen said.

  “And how is it coming along? Any chance we could move the wedding date up?” Luke asked.

  “Now, Luke. Kathleen deserves the kind of wedding all little girls dream of and you said we could give her that,” Mrs. Heaton reminded him.

  “I did and you’re right.” He turned to look at Kathleen. “Still, I wish the days would pass faster.”

  John grinned at Elizabeth. “Those two are something, aren’t they?”

  Elizabeth glanced at the couple, love for each other so obvious one would have to be blind not to see it. “Yes, they’re very much in love.”

  The platter of roast beef came his way and he held it for Elizabeth to help herself to it. “They are.”

  “Independence Day is two weeks from today. We need to start talking about what we want to do,” Mrs. Heaton said. “Does anyone have plans already?”

  “I may have to work that day,” Julia said. “Several of my coworkers have asked for that weekend off.”

  “Oh, no,” Millicent said. “Couldn’t you ask for time off, too?”

  Julia shrugged “They thought of it before I did. But I only work during the day, so if you all go to watch the fireworks, I can probably join you for that.”

  “I got to thinking that maybe going to Coney Island might not be that great an idea for that day,” Ben said. “It’s bound to be extra crowded. So maybe a picnic and then fireworks later?”

  “I like that idea,” Mrs. Heaton said. “I’m not sure I’ll do the fireworks, but I’d love a picnic. I’ll check with Michael, Violet and Rebecca.”

  “That idea sounds good to me.” John turned to Elizabeth. “What about you?”

  She sighed and shook her head. “It sounds wonderful to me. But I’m not going to be able to join everyone.”

  “Oh? Why not?”

  Was he disappointed? The expression in his eyes seemed to say he might be.

  “My aunt telephoned me earlier to let me know my father is coming to town, and of course they want me to come stay with them that weekend.”

  “Why, we’ll miss you, Elizabeth, but I’m sure you’ll have a nice time with your family,” Mrs. Heaton said from the end of the table. “I imagine you’re looking forward to it.”

  How did she say she was when she wasn’t? “I might if my father wasn’t trying to make a match for me. He’s bringing someone he wants me to meet and he knows I don’t want him to.” She caught her breath. The words had tumbled out of her mouth before she knew it and now she had the attention of everyone at the table.

  “Oh, my.” Mrs. Heaton’s brow furrowed.

  “A match for you?” John raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?” He didn’t look pleased at all, which gave Elizabeth some comfort.

  “I didn’t think that was done anymore—at least not in our circles—only among the rich, but even then I’m not sure it happens to everyone,” Millicent said. “I certainly don’t want my family trying to set me up with anyone.”

  “It used to be done in Ireland,” Kathleen said, “but—”

  “Don’t worry, everyone,” Elizabeth rushed to assure them. She’d already said too much, but perhaps it would be easier if she let out some of her past a little at a time instead of just dumping who she really was on them all at once. “My father still holds to old ideas in many ways.
He was very against my coming to New York City, but has finally accepted it—with the help of my aunt. But he’s been after me to come home so that I could meet this person and as my aunt said, ‘Better to have him come here for only a weekend than spend a week or more there.’”

  “Yes, yes. I can understand your agreeing to that. I just never realized...” Mrs. Heaton shook her head as her voice trailed off.

  At least they all seemed sympathetic to her plight. John looked almost angry. Could she dare hope he cared?

  * * *

  John clenched his jaw to keep from speaking his mind, took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. He’d been looking forward to spending Independence Day with the group. And if he were truthful with himself, it was Elizabeth he’d been hoping to spend the day with—good idea or not. And now he had to admit he was disappointed.

  Elizabeth did seem saddened she wouldn’t be able to join them. And she seemed truly upset about the matchmaking business. No need to make her feel worse by asking the questions he wanted answers to.

  Why would her father think he needed to make a match for her? Elizabeth was a beautiful, wonderful woman.

  Was he broke and needing to bring money into the family or did he just want her married? She’d never talked about her life back home. Not many did, now that he thought about it. He hadn’t talked about his past life, either, until lately. They both had shared that their mothers had passed away, but not much else. Still, that’d been a start. Perhaps one day she’d open up more.

  “We’ll miss you, Elizabeth, but I hope you have a good time.” Kathleen brought his thoughts back to the present. “And who knows? Your father might bring you the man of your dreams.”

  John’s chest tightened at those words. He didn’t want Elizabeth to find the man of her dreams. He wanted to be the man of her dreams. John inhaled deeply. What was he thinking? He wasn’t any woman’s dream and he knew that from experience.

  “I don’t think so,” Elizabeth said. “He’s tried before and it didn’t work out. And I’m not happy about him trying again.”