She looked at him then, and raised her fingertips to his cheek. "All right Cooper, I'll answer your question if first, you answer one for me."
His expression was guarded. "All right."
"Are you in love with me?"
He looked at her unwaveringly. "I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about you."
"That isn't what I asked. Are you in love with me?"
Cooper sighed heavily and looked at her hands clasped in his. "I care a great deal for you, Weezie, you've got to believe that."
"I believe you. I know you care for me, Cooper, but Are— You— in— Love— with Me?"
His shoulders sagged and before he uttered the words, she knew what his answer would be. "No," he said quietly. "I'm not going to lie to you, Weezie. I can't declare more than I already have."
Her eyes stung with tears, but she didn't let him see them. "Thank you, at least," she said, "for your honesty."
"Weezie, I want to marry you. It has nothing to do with what happened that night in your hotel— I swear it doesn't. You've got to believe that. I might feel a little guilty, but, I don't regret it. And I certainly wouldn't ask you to marry me because of it."
Mary Louise searched his face. "Then why would you marry me, Cooper?"
Cooper hesitated. Then he placed his hands on her upper arms and stared into her eyes. "Because I need you, and Annie needs you. I honestly believe you and I could have a good marriage."
Mary Louise stared into the face of the man she loved more than life. He said he needed her. It was a start, but would it be enough? Would his feelings grow into a real and lasting love? She chewed the inside of her lip. And if it didn't, could she bear being tied for life to a man who didn't love her?
Cooper gently squeezed her hands. "Weezie? Will you be my wife?"
She sighed and shook her head. "I don't know. I'd like some time to think about it."
He looked anxiously at her. "How much time?"
"Twenty— four hours. Give me twenty— four hours to consider everything, and I promise I'll give you my answer."
Cooper nodded. "Fair enough. I'll meet you in this room exactly twenty— four hours from now."
"I'll send for you."
COOPER left Mary Louise in the parlor and made his way up the wide hall. He groaned inwardly when he met Angus and Annie returning from their walk. He needed some time alone, but that seemed out of the question, now.
"Cooper," Angus said as Annie ran to her father to be lifted into his arms. "How about joining me for a bit of libation. I need some fortification after that jaunt in the cold."
Cooper shifted Annie's weight and saw that she had gone to sleep the moment her head rested on his shoulder. A reprieve, he thought. "Let me put Annie down for her nap," he said, "and I'll join you shortly."
Angus nodded. "I'll be in the library."
"WHAT'S YOUR poison, Sheriff?" Angus asked when Cooper joined him a few moments later.
"Bourbon and water. Two fingers."
Angus poured the bourbon and added water from a crystal pitcher. "Here you go, son," he said, handing the drink to Cooper. Then he nodded toward a substantial looking leather chair. "Make yourself comfortable."
Cooper chose one of the matching wing— back chairs near the fireplace. "Cheers," the older man said, raising his glass in salute. Then he settled into the identical chair across from Cooper. "So tell me, did you and Mary Louise have a nice visit?"
"Yes sir, we did." He saw that the man was waiting for him to continue. "I...I guess I should tell you that I've asked Mary Louise to marry me."
Angus' face broke into a grin. "Why, that's wonderful. She accepted, I hope?"
Cooper stared at his glass. "She asked for some time before giving me her answer."
"How much time?"
"Twenty— four hours."
Angus chuckled. "Women!" He shook his head and then smiled at Cooper. "You're lucky you only have to wait a day. Her mother made me wait a whole week before she accepted my proposal. I think they enjoy keeping a man dangling for a time."
"Do you approve? I mean, if she says yes, do we have your blessing?"
"Of course you do. I raised my daughter to use her head. I'm sure by now that you've discovered Mary Louise is no pliable clay to be molded to anyone's purpose. She's smart and she knows her own mind. Has a will of iron, that girl. So, if Mary Louise thinks you're the right man for her, then I must believe it, too."
Cooper smiled and sipped his drink. He liked Angus Markham from the moment he met the man and after getting to know him better, he hadn't changed his opinion. He wasn't sure he approved of the way Angus allowed Mary Louise to believe she could do anything a man could do, but he decided he'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Actually, when he thought of Annie, Cooper rather liked the notion of his little girl having a will of iron. He would certainly hope that Annie would never knuckle under to some man's whim.
"I wish you could have known Willie," Angus said suddenly, drawing Cooper out of his musings.
"Mary Louise has told me a lot about him. I wish I could have known him, too."
Angus stared at the fire for a moment. "He was a fine young man." Then he looked at Cooper, his expression contrite. "Forgive me for being insensitive. I forgot for a moment that it was your wife with whom Willie— "
Cooper shook his head. "That's all right, Mr. Markham. My marriage to Marietta wasn't a love match." Then Cooper carefully revealed the truth of his relationship with Annie's mother— omitting only that the marriage record was lost. "So you see, I have no hard feelings toward your son, Mr. Markham. I'm glad that he and Marietta found happiness with each other. Lord knows, she deserved some happiness."
Angus Markham sighed deeply. "I can't tell you how learning the truth of your relationship with Annie's mother has relieved me, son. I was afraid you might harbor some ill feelings towards this family, particularly towards our Willie."
"How can I, Mr. Markham. After all, if not for Marietta's and your son's love for each other, there would be no Annie."
COOPER stood outside the door to the library and closed his eyes. He had just spent a long, miserable twenty— four hours, and at least half of them were spent pacing his room. He'd hardly slept at all, and in the little time he did sleep his dreams had been confusing and frightening. Perhaps he'd have rested better if he knew exactly what was worrying him. He wasn't sure if he were worried that Mary Louise would refuse his proposal, or that she would accept it. Cooper knew he cared for Mary Louise, but he also knew that she was the kind of woman he'd sworn to avoid. Self assured, confident women couldn't be trusted. His mother had been that sort of woman, and she'd left him without even saying good— bye. Marietta had stayed with him until she too, became self confident. Even Lizzie had let him down. What made him think Mary Louise would be any different?
Upon awakening that morning, he'd looked a hundred times at the face of his pocket watch and muttered curses when the minute hand seemed unmoving. He'd held the watch to his ear, heard the rhythmic ticking, but was not comforted by it— the sound only served emphasize the slow passage of time. He told himself that once Weezie considered his proposal she would realize that marriage to him was right for everyone concerned. She would be Annie's mother in the real sense; Angus could publicly acknowledge his grandchild; and Annie would grow up with a family instead of a single parent. Under the circumstances, most women would agree that marriage was the perfect solution to all their problems.
Cooper sighed. But Mary Louise Markham was not like most women. Mary Louise followed her own conscience and would not be swayed by external pressures nor even society's sense of propriety. Mary Louise did what she thought was right for Mary Louise. And that worried him more than anything else. He had no idea how she would respond to his proposal. A few moments ago, when Amos had tapped on Cooper's door to tell him that Mary Louise was in the library and wanted him to join her there, Cooper had done something he hadn't done in a long time.
He'd prayed.
SQUARING his shoulders, Cooper rapped on the door of the library. "Mary Louise, may I come in?" He heard her muffled assent and slowly opened the door. He saw her instantly. She had pulled the wing— back chair closer to the fire and was holding her hands near the flames. She looked at him as he stepped into the room and motioned for him to take the chair across from her.
"I think we may be in for the season's first snowfall," she said as he settled in the chair. "The temperature has dropped several degrees since yesterday."
Cooper nodded and said nothing. He was not a patient man and he wanted to shout that he wasn't interested in discussing the damned weather. He was only interested in hearing her answer to his proposal. But he forced himself to remain composed.
"Has Annie ever seen snow?" she asked.
"No. At least I don't think so."
"Then she'll be in for a treat."
"Yes, I suppose she will."
She looked at the flames. "Does it snow much in Hollisburg?"
"No."
"No? That's too bad. I love snow. Everything always looks so clean and fresh afterward, don't you agree?"
Cooper sighed, frustration evident in the slowly expelled breath. "I guess."
"We have a wonderful little sleigh in the barn that Papa bought for me when I was no more than six or seven, and we— "
"Mary Louise."
"Yes?"
"I didn't come in here to discuss the weather, or snow, or sleds. I asked you to marry me yesterday and you promised you'd give me your answer in twenty— four hours." He looked at his pocket watch. "It's been twenty— four hours and fourteen minutes." Cooper leaned on his elbows. "I'd like to hear your answer."
She nodded. "I'm inclined to accept your proposal, Cooper."
"Weezie, you won't regret this— "
"There is a condition, however, to my acceptance."
His smile dissolved. "A condition?"
She looked away from him. "Yes. Our marriage will be as I first envisioned it: a simple business arrangement. I'll take your name, of course, and for Annie's sake, we'll live under the same roof. But that's where it ends. You will have no control over me or my affairs and we will not share a...we will not sleep...we will have separate bedrooms."
Cooper felt as if she had slapped him. "That's crazy. Why do I have to accept such a condition?."
She leveled a cool gaze on him. "You don't have to accept anything, Cooper. But, if you don't, then I'll have to refuse your offer of marriage. If you can't go along with me on this, then I'm afraid we have nothing more to talk about."
Cooper stared at her in puzzlement. "Weezie, why are you doing this? You enjoyed making love that night as much as I did."
A flush rose from her neck and tinted her cheeks a becoming pink. She avoided his puzzled gaze. "That may be, Cooper. However, everything's changed. You've made it abundantly clear that you do not love me and— "
"So that's it. This is your way of punishing me."
"You may think whatever you like— "
"What else can I think?" he interrupted again, and his voice rose in frustration. "It's pretty damned obvious, if you ask me!" This wasn't the way he'd envisioned this moment, damn it.
"Lower your voice, Cooper." Mary Louise snapped. "I won't have the entire house know our business."
"What's the matter. Afraid everyone will see you for what you really are?"
"And what am I, Cooper?"
"An ice princess. I never realized until now just how cold you could be." He looked away for a moment and then glanced back at her. "You know, I thought that it was possible that I would, after a time, fall in love with you." He stood up and made to leave the room. "But how could I fall in love with a woman who compares marriage to business."
"Cooper."
He paused at the door and looked back at her, anger in his eyes. "Yes?"
"You haven't told me whether or not you'll agree to my condition?"
He smiled cruelly. "I haven't made up my mind, Weezie. Like you, I'll need some time to consider." He opened the door and stepped through it. Then, just before closing it behind him, he said, "Now it's your turn to wait and wonder."
Cooper was climbing the large, curving stair that led to his room when he heard Angus hail him. He looked over the banister to see the older man coming toward him. "Shall I tell cook to prepare a special dinner tonight?" Angus asked, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Well, I— "
"I can't tell you how happy I am with the way all of this is working out, Cooper. I would have hated to have had to take legal steps to try to obtain custody of my granddaughter. It's such nasty business— always difficult when one has to air the family secrets in public. But, as Annie is Willie's only child, it would have been unthinkable not to have at least tried to gain custody." He grinned broadly. "But with your marrying Mary Louise none of that will be necessary. As Mary Louise's stepdaughter, Annie will be able to have all the advantages my grandchild deserves." He rubbed his hands together. "Fate has a strange way of making things right, don't you agree?"
Cooper gripped the banister as Angus' words fell like death knells on his ears. He knew now that he dare not reject Mary Louise's conditional marriage. If he refused, Angus might well decide to sue for custody of his grandchild after all. And if that happened, the truth about his marriage to Marietta was sure to come to light and he would surely lose Annie.
He was trapped.
"Cooper?" Angus's voice held a note of concern. "Is something wrong?" He drew in a sharp breath. "Good God, man, don't tell me Weezie refused your offer?"
Schooling his face, Cooper forced a smile. "No sir, she didn't refuse me. She accepted my offer of marriage."
Angus slumped against the newel post. "Oh, thank heaven. You frightened me there for a moment."
"Sorry, sir. I have so much on my mind right now..."
"Of course you do. Forgive me for keeping you. I'll just go and inform Cora to plan an extra special supper for tonight."
Cooper watched the older man hurry toward the kitchen. Then he sighed and turned to walk back down the stairs. Feeling as if he were walking to the gallows, Cooper retraced his steps to the library.
MARY LOUISE wiped her nose with her handkerchief. She hadn't been able to stop crying since Cooper had stormed out of the room. She'd known he'd be angry when she told him of her condition, but his harsh words had hurt nonetheless. She was no ice princess. On the contrary, she had insisted on the condition only as a means of self— defense. Living with Cooper, sharing his bed night after night while knowing he did not love her was unthinkable! Entering into marriage was something she'd sworn she'd never do, and yet, because of her love for Annie she was willing to sacrifice her convictions. It had come down to a matter of pride. And though she may have lost her heart to Cooper Matthews, he would not take away her pride.
"Mary Louise."
She whirled to find Cooper standing just inside the door. "I didn't expect to see you so soon," she said, unconsciously twisting the tear— damp handkerchief.
He shrugged, but the angry glitter in his eyes belied his composed demeanor. "I've come to a decision regarding your condition of marriage."
"And?"
"I'll agree to it."
Mary Louise arched a brow. "All of it?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
Cooper leaned against the door frame. "However, I have a condition of my own."
Mary Louise blinked in surprise. "What condition?"
"I'll agree to everything you want after our marriage, if you'll agree to come to me whenever I want you— right up to the moment we say our vows."
Mary Louise looked puzzled. Then, the gist of his requirement suddenly registered and she stared at him as if he were speaking in an unknown tongue. Her tone incredulous, she asked, "You actually expect me to sleep with you anytime you wish it?"
A slow, bitter smile eased its way across Cooper's face. "Oh, no, Weezie, I don't expect you to sleep at all."
/> "Why that's...that's outrageous! I can't believe you'd even contemplate such a thing."
All humor left his face. "Believe it, Weezie. Because that's my condition. You may take it or leave it." And before she could stammer a reply, he continued, "Let me add one thing. If you reject my condition, I'll retract my offer of marriage. And should that happen, you'll lose any say in Annie's upbringing."
"You'd deny me the right to see my niece?"
"No. You can see her. I'll allow her visit Belle Rive from time to time— once a year or so."
"Once a year— why, that's not nearly enough time."
Cooper shrugged. "You've heard my condition. What happens from here on out is entirely up to you."
"May I have some time to consider this...blackmail?"
He shook his head. "No. I'm through playing waiting games. I'll have your answer now, Weezie."
Mary Louise stared at him, anger suffusing her face. "I haven't much choice in the matter, have I?"
"I think I've given you as much choice as you gave me. I don't like your condition, either, but I'm doomed to live by it for Annie's sake. The only reason I'm even considering this farce of a marriage is so Annie will have two parents and some semblance of a normal family life— at least to outside appearances it'll be normal." He crossed his arms. "So what'll it be, Weezie? It's your call."
"I accept, damn you."
Cooper grinned and then sketched a low bow. "You've made a wise decision, Mary Louise." He opened the door, paused, and looked over his shoulder. "Oh, by the way, I'll expect you in my room tonight at say...ten o'clock?" Amid Mary Louise's self— righteous sputtering, Cooper quit the room. He had no more than pulled the door shut behind him when he heard something strike the wooden panel and shatter. He grinned to himself. Unless he was mistaken, the normally implacable Mary Louise Markham had just hurled a very large crystal vase at the back of his head.
Chapter 17
THEY HAD only just sat down to supper when Erik sauntered into the dining room. "I was seeing a patient a mile or so down the road so I thought I'd drop in. Didn't mean interrupt your supper."
For the Love of Annie Page 22
