Message for Minerva
Page 2
And recoiled. Frozen, she was unable to slam the door in the smirking face. A blond man she didn’t care to know. She recognized him and although she didn’t know his name she already despised him. Ralph delighted in showing her pictures of his group, most of them mean-looking and sneering. This man had been one of Ralph’s buddies in the traitorous Blackshirt organization, the treacherous group in whose parade Ralph marched in the day the police were forced to kill him for his aggressive actions.
This one wasn’t unusually tall but he was built like a Neanderthal man. Stocky, arms swinging loosely, menace in his very stance.
“You’d better invite me in, Minnie. I’ve been waiting a while to come visit. You’ve had some damn other man here far too often. Lucky for you his visits seem too brief to include going to bed often. His car’s not here, so I know he can’t protect you.”
Of course not. Minnie remembered Gregory joking about having to take a taxi since his beloved roadster was being serviced.
She dithered and then stood back to give this newcomer entry. Stars above, she didn’t want this volatile brute to drag her out of her own house. All the fear she’d felt with Ralph came surging back. Would this one beat her with his fists of his belt? Would he throw her down and rape her?
But above all, she didn’t want Gregory to have a hint of her sordid past.
She’d almost buried her dreadful helplessness when Ralph had taken his belt to her with little provocation. At the time, all she wanted was to keep Aiden from knowing her degradation. And now, feeling protected both by her beloved son and his remarkably gifted Druid wife, she’d almost drifted into complacency. She should have known better.
She stood back and let the ominous intruder enter, praying Gregory would stay in the kitchen until she could find out what was on this bully’s mind. She’d deal with it somehow and send him away. Happiness had seemed so close but she knew now it would never completely be hers. Not with her regrettable past.
Although her wonderful Gregory had brought hope close to her heart. For that brief flight of magic, she’d always remember him with delight.
She swallowed a sob as the newcomer swaggered into her hall.
“I’m Manhard Schmit. Even if you don’t recognize the name, you will. I’m on my way up in the Blackshirts. You might think we’ve been disbanded but we haven’t been. Ralph and I were good buddies and he showed your picture all around. Said you were an obedient bitch, even if you didn’t approve of some of his activities. Let’s go into your parlor, Minnie. I intend to make everything about you mine.”
She followed his swaggering person. Terrified, as Ralph had always made her. One part of her longed for Gregory to come rescue her and the other prayed he’d never know the details of the sordid marriage bringing her to this degrading present.
Always before she’d tried to protect her precious son from losing his temper and turning on his father. If he’d ever known how Ralph had abused her he’d have stopped him even earlier than he had. Now her life was different. She had a beloved occupation which provided a livelihood and a little more. Aiden and Triona kept her showered with more than she needed, although even they backed up when they sensed her beloved independence was threatened.
She suddenly realized she’d never again give in to a bully. Never. Even before Gregory appeared she’d determined to show this intruder out the door. She straightened her spine and glared at Schmit. She’d somehow handle his violence. There was no way she’d give up her sense of worth and her love of Gregory for a monster like this.
If only he wanted her as she did him.
Suddenly Gregory stood in the doorway, surveying the newcomer with hostile eyes. From his belligerent stance he’d overheard much of the conversation.
“So far I don’t care for your attitude, sir. I feel strongly you must apologize to my lady. I would suggest you regard me as the master of this household and then we’ll go from there. On the other hand, your leaving might be even more acceptable than anything you might say.”
Gregory suddenly seemed transformed. Into a man ten inches taller and one much heavier. Minnie stared at him.
My stars and garters, he was trying to protect her. No man except her son had ever done that. And she didn’t think Gregory’s championship was at all filial.
Thrilled beyond anything she could imagine, she stood back and let Gregory take charge.
Schmit looked as if someone had poleaxed him.
“You can’t be here,” he stammered. “Your car’s not in the driveway.”
For some reason this made Gregory even angrier.
“So you’ve been waiting for a good time to try to approach Minerva. And spying on her. You disgusting lout. Now leave before I truly lose my temper.”
Gregory took a step forward, flexing his hands as if he couldn’t wait to use them on this interloper.
Schmit turned and left. The big caveman buckled under at the first sign of Gregory’s rather formidable determination. Smart of him, Minnie thought. She didn’t imagine many would confront Gregory and his protective belligerence.
She turned to find herself held gently in Gregory’s arms.
Minerva? She hadn’t been called by that name since she was a child. Her mother had always called her Minerva. Ralph didn’t like the name and so she’d become Minnie. Of course, in a flash of insight she realized the name Minerva held connotations of power and wisdom Ralph would hate. She’d always disliked being called Minnie.
Her deep gratitude to Gregory shown in her eyes. This man not only protected her, he knew intuitively what was important to her.
Minerva. The name she’d always loved.
Gregory’s arms tightened around her.
“I meant to go more slowly, Minerva, but find I can’t. You’re such a wonderful woman. Gentle and tough at the same time. And talented beyond belief. Not to mention your beauty of person and soul. Do you think you could grow to care for me, my dear?”
She gazed at him, her heart unleashed after years of cruel repression.
Aiden and Triona would be so pleased she’d found happiness.
She suddenly smiled. Triona, her Druid daughter-in-law, prided herself on never, ever intruding on a loved one’s thoughts. It didn’t matter. Minerva plainly felt warm waves of delight coming from her family.
“Oh, I definitely could, Gregory. I’ve already started to care, you see.”
He tightened his arms and she thrilled to the love she saw in his face.
Yes, her beloved family would be very pleased.
As he lowered his head and kissed her with sweet yet urgent passion she wrapped her arms around his neck and clung tightly. Could anyone possibly be happier?
Surely not even the ancient goddess Minerva ever felt such power. This wonderful man wanted her in his life.
She loved being Minerva. She remembered all the strengths the first Minerva possessed. Hadn’t Minerva found all the delights of love? This present day Minerva would be thrilled to do the same.
She’d be happy to center her world on Gregory and their new future together.
They might as well begin right now.
About the Author
Jean was born in Ohio but has lived most of her life in southern California. Her insatiable love of reading started at age seven, when her widowed mother accepted a teaching job. For many of her formative years, Jean was housebound in the afternoons until her mother returned from work. She happily spent untold hours reading everything and anything. This joy of reading has influenced her whole life, and is still one of her chief pleasures. Writing is equally enjoyable, and now takes top place in her favorite activities.
Her journalism degree was used only infrequently until recently. Marriage, two children and two grandchildren took priority. After some twenty years of being a real estate broker and having her own firm, Jean returned to her always beloved writing. Through the years she and her husband have enjoyed collecting art and minerals. Her husband now is of great assistance as an enthusiastic
editor and a valuable critic.
She’s a dedicated member of RWA and has won several awards in national contests. The Druid series is presently her main focus of literary interest, although she’s also written four other historical romances. Romance has proven most satisfying to write, since her hero and heroine always manage to struggle through to a happy ending. Sometimes a secondary character takes over though and demands his own book!
And then we literally have another story!
Jean welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and e-mail address on her author bio page at www.cerridwenpress.com.
Tell Us What You Think
We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can e-mail us at Comments@EllorasCave.com.
Also by Jean Hart Stewart
Garland of Druids 1: Druid’s Daughter
Garland of Druids 2: My Darling Druid
Garland of Druids 3: Song of a Druid Princess
Garland of Druids 4: Kiss of a Druid Bard
Garland of Druids 5: Druid Redeemed
Garland of Druids 6: Druid Triumphant
Garland of Druids 7: Druid Disdained
Garland of Druids 8: Druid in Flight
Cerridwen , the Celtic goddess of wisdom, was the muse who brought inspiration to storytellers and those in the creative arts. Cerridwen Press encompasses the best and most innovative stories in all genres of today’s fiction. Visit our site and discover the newest titles by talented authors who still get inspired—much like the ancient storytellers did, once upon a time.
www.cerridwenpress.com