The Determined Virgin

Chapter Two

Hesper looked at the ring on her finger. Tobias had insisted she remain as his guest and he be allowed to make the arrangements for the wedding. It had been a small but very elegant affair, hastily accomplished. The only ones from her side of the family who could arrange to attend, other than Tobias, were Aunt Eloise and her son, Hagen. Although Tobias had kept his distance from others in the family, Hagen worked for him, making her cousin another who was privy to the truth of the arrangement.

As for Garth, he had no living relatives.

Now she and her new husband were on their way to her apartment in New York and from there to visit Jeanette DuPree. The elderly woman had sent her regrets that she was not well enough to travel to the wedding, but requested they come visit her as soon as possible after the ceremony. Trying not to think about what lay ahead nor the man beside her, Hesper studied the simple gold band. Garth had a matching one and Tobias had insisted on having their wedding date and their names engraved inside.

The ring sparked memories of the wedding. There had been no kiss. But just having Garth slip the gold band on her finger had caused her to feel shaky, then again a fire had ignited within her. Until now, denying her sexual urges had been easy. But this man she’d married aroused her passion with a strength she found difficult to fight. However, she was determined not only to fight it but to win.

Again attempting to direct her mind to a neutral subject, she glanced around at the interior of the car. Her vehicle was still at Tobias’s. This sporty BMW belonged to Garth. Clearly Tobias paid him well. Or maybe he was a spendthrift. The realization of how little she knew about him nagged at her. “I suppose we should get to know each other better. My grandmother will expect me to know something about you,” she said, assuring herself she was only asking because she needed the information to win the bet. “Tell me about your childhood.”

Childhood? Garth thought cynically. What childhood? Aloud, he said, “My past is none of your concern. I’m financially solvent and not wanted by the law. I joined the marines when I was eighteen and retired a year ago to work for Tobias. That’s all you need to know. For the rest, make up whatever story you think your grandmother will like best.”

So much for that subject, Hesper mused. Clearly the man did not like to talk about himself. “I’ve found it’s better not to lie. I’ll tell her that we met, fell madly in love, got married in the heat of the moment and are just now learning about each other.”

He nodded his approval. “The simpler, the better.” He pressed the button on the CD player and strains of Mozart filled the car. He tried to concentrate on the music and the road but images of the past came back to haunt him. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the woman beside him and wondered how she would have reacted if he’d told her what she’d wanted to know. She’d probably wished she’d never asked.

Seeking a diversion from the memories she’d caused to surface, he broke the silence between them. “If your grandmother does approve of me, how will you prove that to your stepfather?”

“He’s on his way to my grandmother’s as we speak. Since he also did not attend the wedding, it’s only natural he would take the first opportunity to meet his new stepson-in-law.” Hesper scowled. “My grandmother doesn’t know that he mistreated my mother. My mother was too proud to want anyone to know. She never told and she swore me to secrecy.” The scowl on her face darkened even more. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve kept my word. Because she believes Peter was good to my mother, my grandmother continues to accept him as a welcome member of the family. And I will admit that when my mother died, he played the stunned, grief-stricken husband to the hilt. Grandmama even appears to respect his judgment. That will give him an edge.”

Feeling that it was only fair to be completely honest with Garth about Jeanette DuPree, Hesper continued. “Of course it’s hard to know exactly what she’s thinking. She’s a very private woman. Some would call her cold. I suppose that’s a fair description. Her greetings and hugs are perfunctory and I, personally, have never seen her bestow anything beyond a nod of approval. Even that was done with a stern expression.”

Her mouth formed a thoughtful pout. “Although I did hear that she actually smiled when Hagen told her he was going to work for Tobias. I wish I could have seen that.”

Garth glanced at her. “She sounds like a very difficult woman. I suppose the members of the family visit as little as possible.”

“On the contrary. Christmas and Thanksgiving are always held at her home. She is the matriarch of our family and, as such, we all pay homage out of respect for that position. Even Aunt Eloise attends, although she and her mother haven’t exchanged a word since Eloise’s first divorce. They communicate through Alfred, my grandmother’s butler. If he isn’t around, a maid or family member acts as intermediary.” Hesper frowned at the road ahead. When they got to Grandmama DuPree’s, he was going to think she hadn’t been entirely honest. “What I’ve just told you is the truth. However, there is more. My grandmother has the same knack for business that I do. She’s worth a great deal of money.”

A knowing smile played at the corners of Garth’s mouth. He was beginning to see the real Hesper and that was going to make keeping his distance much easier. He’d never liked greedy women.

Her jaw firmed. “But the money isn’t why I or Hagen or Eloise continue to visit her. We go there out of a strong sense of family.”

The cynical expression on Garth’s face deepened. “No offense, but, in your case, I don’t buy that. I’m beginning to believe that you’d do just about anything for money.”

She was about to point out that he had no right to talk, but bit back the words. She’d sought his aid. It wasn’t fair of her to criticize. “I can’t blame you for thinking that, but you’re wrong,” she stated flatly.

Surprisingly he found his instinct was to believe her. I’m letting a pretty face rule my judgment, he admonished himself. He’d never thought he’d be that stupid. “You still haven’t told me how you and your stepfather will settle your bet.”

“After my grandmother has met you, she’ll propose a toast at one of our meals or perhaps when she has everyone gathered in the parlor. The toast will be an announcement of her approval or disapproval of the match.” Hesper shifted uneasily. She told herself that Garth Lawton was merely in this for the money. Still, he deserved to be warned. “Her disapproval can prove embarrassing. She speaks her mind very clearly and expects to be obeyed.”

The ominous tone in her voice caused him to glance toward her questioningly.

“She took a very strong dislike to Eloise’s third husband, Homer Hyde. She didn’t even wait for the first course to be served at dinner on the day he and Eloise arrived. She ordered wine poured as soon as everyone was seated, then rose to make the toast. She turned to him, ordered him out of her house and added that she hoped he tripped over his suitcases, which were waiting for him on the front porch, and broke his neck. She then told Eloise, through Alfred, that, despite her horrendous taste in men, which appeared to be getting worse with age, she could remain, but that she’d booked a room for Homer at the local inn and expected him to be gone before the soup was served. Eloise rose immediately to pack and leave with her husband, but Homer simply scowled at Grandmama DuPree and remained firmly seated. Grandmama nodded toward Alfred. He had two of the stable men waiting in the hall. On a nod from him, they entered the dining room, lifted Homer, chair and all, and carried him out the front door.”

Garth was beginning to wonder exactly what he’d gotten himself into. Curiosity killed the cat, he recalled. Still he found himself more interested than ever in meeting Tobias’s sister. “I’ll remember not to overstay my welcome.”

A twinge of guilt worked its way through Hesper. “I should have warned you about all of this beforehand.” A defensiveness entered her voice. “But you are only doing this for money, so you shouldn’t take anything she says or does personally.”

“Don’t worry about me,” he assured her. “I’ve got the hide of a rhino.”

She studied him narrowly. “You don’t let anyone get too close, do you?”

“Only a very select few,” he replied. “Those I know I can trust.”

She nodded her approval.

“What’s to keep your father from revealing your game and exposing me as a cad?”

“If he did that, he’d have to admit to being after my money. Grandmama wouldn’t like that and he’s counting on being in her will.”

Garth smiled dryly. Maybe being orphaned hadn’t been such a bad break after all.

For the rest of the drive to New York City, they spoke little.

Arriving at her apartment, she offered him his choice of the bedroom or the pull-out couch in the living room. Catching the glimmer of surprise in his eyes, she added, “I hope you weren’t expecting more elaborate quarters. I could only use the money in my trust for my education. Since I graduated, I haven’t been allowed to touch it except to manipulate the investments. I live off of my salary as an accountant.”

“It isn’t the smallness. It’s just a lot homier than I pictured. I expected something more stark, more modern… glass-top tables, black and white decor,” he said, his gaze traveling over the plush, upholstered furniture, their flowery prints giving the room an air of cheerfulness and femininity. Doilies protected table surfaces cluttered with assortments of knickknacks and family photographs.

“I have a soft side,” she said stiffly. “I simply prefer not to expose it too publicly.”

He’d nearly convinced himself that the real Hesper O’Grady was a hard, calculating woman with no soul. This apartment proved him wrong. “Your softer side is very appealing.”

A glow of pleasure brought a flush to Hesper’s cheeks and her legs felt suddenly weak—the kind of weakness she’d experienced with her first teenage crush. Those adolescent years had proved to be treacherous. But she’d survived them unscathed. Once past them, she was certain she had her emotions completely under control. Now, suddenly those hormones she’d ordered to remain dormant were vibrantly alive. Reminding herself of the hell Peter had put her mother through, she quelled them. “Do you want the bedroom or the couch?” she repeated tersely, her tone letting him know that she had no intention of exposing her softer side to him.

Garth studied her with interest. “You remind me of an armadillo. The moment he senses his soft underbelly is in danger, he curls up into a ball, using his hard shell to protect him.”

She met his gaze with defiance. “I have my reasons, Mr. Lawton. Tobias said you could be trusted. I do hope you don’t try to prove him wrong.”

Garth had seen that same cold purpose in the eyes of people willing to die rather than surrender their ideals. He knew he’d be smart never to cross the line she’d drawn between them and he prided himself on being, at least, that smart.

“The couch or the bed?” she repeated.

“The couch,” he replied.

The next morning, Hesper took care of a few business matters, then they left for her grandmother’s estate outside of Wilmington, Delaware, arriving in time for tea.

“Impressive place,” Garth said as they neared the end of the tree-lined private driveway and the huge gray stone manor house came into view.

“My grandfather was old money. It was dwindling when he married my grandmother. He never had a head for business and was happy to turn the reins over to her and concentrate on his horses and his golf game.”

“A smart man knows his limitations.”

She glanced at him dryly. “You’re an Eastwood fan. I should have guessed.”

He smiled and shrugged. “We all have our heroes. Dirty Harry is one of mine.”

His smile caused her breath to momentarily lock in her lungs. She’d seen men smile before, she chided herself. For his to have such a strong effect on her wasn’t reasonable. She ordered herself to forget it. Instead she said, “You have a nice smile.”

He’d been told that by women before, but this time the words seemed to carry a more important weight. It was as if he really cared if she liked him or not. She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want me getting close to her, he reminded himself. Still, she’d been the one to make the friendly overture and he couldn’t resist seeing how far it would go. “Thanks. I like to think I can be likable.”

Mentally Hesper kicked herself. She’d opened the door and she’d better close it quickly. Her reactions to this man made being friendly with him much too much like walking on quicksand. Her tone becoming businesslike, she said, “Let’s just hope my grandmother likes your smile as well.”

The armadillo had rolled into its ball again, Garth noted. No doubt that was for the best, he added and concentrated on his driving.

Alfred greeted them at the door. In his early sixties, dressed in black tails, the remaining circle of fringe on his now nearly bald head cut short and crisp, tall, slender and with his usual staid expression on his face, her grandmother’s butler never seemed to change, Hesper thought as she introduced Garth.

After a slight but deferential bow toward Garth, Alfred returned his attention to Hesper. “Your grandmother has had the white room prepared for you. I’ll have Charles bring your bags up.”

Hesper was not surprised to discover that her grandmother had noticed her preference for that particular room. Most people thought the elderly woman was too engrossed in herself to pay any heed to the likes and dislikes of others. But Hesper knew her grandmother’s eyes were much sharper and her interest in others much keener than she led people to believe. “Thank you, Alfred.”

His expression never changing, he added, “You have fifteen minutes to freshen up. Then Mrs. DuPree expects you to join her and your stepfather in the rose garden.”

“Pleasant fellow,” Garth muttered under his breath as he accompanied Hesper up the wide winding staircase.

“Beneath that frosty exterior is an honest, trustworthy man with a very kind streak,” she replied, keeping her voice low. “When I was nine, I stayed with my grandmother while my parents went to Paris. One night I was late for supper and my grandmother sent me up to my room without allowing me anything to eat. A little while later there was a knock on the door and when I opened it, there was Alfred with a tray. No one else in the house would have had the courage to go against my grandmother’s wishes. But I have discovered through the years that Alfred has a very strong sense of what is right and wrong and when he believes my grandmother has acted wrongly, he lets her know.”

“Your grandmother, obviously, values him.”

They reached the landing and Hesper turned down the hall to their right. “I’ve always thought she put up with him because good help is hard to find, but I think you’re right. I think she does value him more than she wants people to know.” She recalled feeling certain Alfred had enjoyed throwing Eloise’s third husband out of the house. Had he been influential in her grandmother’s decision? she wondered. Mentally she shrugged. No one had liked Homer. Even Eloise had divorced him after barely six months. And while her grandmother might ask someone else’s opinion, she always made up her own mind. Still, Hesper found herself trying to recall any hint of what Garth’s first impression on Alfred had been.

Entering a door on the left, she glanced over her shoulder as Garth followed her inside. He’d been polite but cool when she’d introduced him to the butler. Alfred, she was fairly certain, liked silent, authoritative men. So far, so good, she assured herself.

Garth could easily see why this was called the white room. The walls were white with a decorative white molding along the top. The quilted bedspread on the queen-size four-poster bed was white as were the arched lace canopy overhead and the matching lace curtains at the windows. Touches of blue and pink added a softness to the stark whiteness of the room. Mixed in with the assortment of lace-covered pillows at the head of the bed were some smaller white throw pillows with tiny blue and pink flowers embroidered on them. And the white rug covering the major portion of the hardwood floor also had tiny blue and pink flowers worked into its design. The wooden furnishings were of the highest quality, all of the same dark cherry in a Queen Anne design. Through a door to his right, he could see a private bath. It, too, was basically white with pink and blue accents. “Nice room.”

“I like it. It reminds me of spring. It has a spacious, airy feel to it.” At least it used to feel that way, Hesper amended as her gaze came to rest on the bed. Suddenly that piece of furniture seemed a great deal smaller than she remembered. At her apartment, they’d had different rooms. And while the scent of his aftershave had lingered in the bathroom, arousing a few unwanted embers to threaten to spark into life, for the most part, she’d been able to control her unwanted reactions to the man. In these close quarters, ignoring him was going to be more difficult. Her jaw hardened. However, she could do it.

Noticing he’d followed her line of vision to the bed and was now watching her with an eyebrow raised in a questioning expression, she said coolly, “My grandmother will expect us to sleep together. By not sharing the same bed, we’ll run the risk of discovery. But as long as you stay on your side and I stay on mine, we’ll get along just fine.”

“Yes, ma am,” he replied.

“We don’t have a lot of time,” she said, beginning a quick inventory of the clothing he was wearing. She’d chosen the outfit so that he would not need to change but a sudden bout of nervousness forced her to make a final inspection. His top was a short-sleeve cotton, collared pullover. It fit nicely, not too tightly, still the strength of his shoulders was evident as well as the flatness of his abdomen. Her gaze traveled to his slacks. Definitely a very masculine male, she mused. Again an unwanted heat began to build within her. She forced her gaze to his loafers then back to his face.

“Is there a problem?” he asked curtly. He’d been scrutinized by women before but her gaze had been different, somehow more personal, almost like a physical touch. And the feminine appreciation in her eyes wasn’t helping, either. It had caused an answering response from his own body, awaking the lust he was trying hard to keep dormant. She isn’t making staying away from her easy, he grumbled silently.

“No, you’ll do fine,” she replied hastily, heading into the bathroom to brush her hair and check her lipstick.

A few minutes later, they entered the rose garden at the back of the house. Garth saw two people seated at a table in a gazebo at the center of the circularly laid out beds of flowers. One was a slender, whitehaired, elderly woman wearing a long-sleeve, sky blue dress with a lace collar and lace cuffs. Garth judged the man to be in his late fifties who looked to be in good physical condition, no potbelly and no sag at the shoulders, and was dressed in a short-sleeve, buttondown shirt and slacks. As he rose and approached them, the smugness of his expression bred an instant dislike in Garth. His instincts told him that this was a man who was used to winning and would go to any lengths to do so.