“Yes, well, our Judith needs to realize that as her family, we will always seek to benefit and assist her.” Ann smiled at Judith. “We Whitleys look after each other. We always have.”
“Grandmother is right. We are your family,” Bill interjected with a wink.
Ann had noticed Bill going out of his way to charm Judith. Perhaps he had thoughts of romancing her. It was something Ann had already considered for the pair. It would keep the family money in the family. However, marrying Bill off to another family of means would inject new money and support to the Whitley coffers.
“I must go write some letters,” Ann said. The words were barely out of her mouth when William jumped up to assist her from her chair. Bill rose too.
“I have some papers to go over,” Bill announced. “I’ll be in the library if you need me.”
Ann paused. She wasn’t convinced that Bill and Judith should advance their relationship to marriage, but perhaps she should encourage their closeness. If Judith could see Bill as a confidante, then so much the better.
“Bill, I think it might be nice if you and Victoria took Judith out this evening. Perhaps dinner with some of your friends.”
“I can’t go,” Victoria said, getting to her feet. “I have to oversee my packing. I leave Sunday, you know.”
“Yes, but you have the rest of the week for that.” Ann fixed her granddaughter with a firm expression. “It would be good for you to get to know Judith better.”
“I think it’s a capital idea,” Bill replied. “I’ll make arrangements right away.”
Judith looked surprised by the suggestion, but offered no protest. Ann smiled. Perhaps she was coming to understand how things were done.
Judith didn’t know what to think about her grandmother’s arrangement of her evening. She hadn’t had anything else going on, but neither had she any desire to spend the evening in the company of the sullen Victoria.
Making her way outside, Judith took refuge in the gardens. The fog had lifted, and the flowers glistened in the sunlight. For a long time, she strolled along the path, praying and thinking about her day at the Sutro Baths. Camri had said several confusing things. She implied that while Judith was missed in their household, one person missed her more than the others. It was almost certain she meant Caleb, but Judith couldn’t very well ask for confirmation. Had he said something to Camri? Maybe Kenzie had confided Judith’s feelings to Camri, and in turn she shared them with Caleb?
Pausing to look out across the gardens, Judith spied two servants working at the far end to plant new flowers. She had heard her grandmother order them to see that there were always flowers in bloom, even if they had to plant new ones. It appeared Grandmother would impose her will even on nature.
However, of all that the Whitley estate could offer, Judith liked it best here. It was tranquil and generally void of people. She looked forward to later in the summer, when everything would be in full bloom without the imposition of her grandmother’s servants.
“There you are,” Bill said, coming to join her.
Judith smiled. “I didn’t know you were looking for me.”
“I wanted to let you know that our plans are made. We’ll leave for a nice dinner out on the town around six. Then we’ll go to a musical performance. Afterwards, we can enjoy some dancing at one of my favorite clubs.”
“That sounds like a very full evening.” Judith tried not to look unhappy. “You do realize, however, that you don’t have to do this just because Grandmother wishes it.”
He laughed. “I do. Perhaps I’m the only one besides you who doesn’t tremble when the dragon breathes fire. However, in this instance, I happen to find her suggestion very agreeable.”
“I know she just wants me to feel part of your world. I don’t mind so much for myself, but I do hate for others to feel obligated. Your sister, for example.”
“Victoria is unimportant. She has never been a happy person, and as far as I know, she has never willingly liked anyone.”
“Not even Cora?”
“Especially not Cora. She was Vicky’s rival for attention, and my sister made her life miserable. At least until Grandmother threatened to send her to a permanent boarding school.”
“How sad. They could have been great friends.”
Bill shrugged. “It’s her loss, and her misery is her own fault. Frankly, the sooner Grandmother has her married off, the better for everyone.”
“So you approve of arranged marriages?”
“Not exactly, but where my sister is concerned, I’m just glad that someone is willing to take her off our hands.” He grinned. “Now, enough about Vicky. I’ll expect you to be ready to leave at six. Wear something elaborate and expensive.”
Judith laughed. “Everything in my wardrobe is elaborate and expensive. Do you have a favorite color?”
He considered that for a moment. “I should very much like to see you in red.”
“There is a lovely burgundy evening gown, as I recall. Will that do?”
“Absolutely. I shall look forward to seeing you in it.” He started to walk away, then turned back. “I promise you that this evening will more than meet your expectations.”
Judith smiled. He couldn’t hope to understand that she had no expectations for the evening. He was kind, however, and right then she could use a friend.
When the large upstairs clock chimed six, Judith stepped from her room and made her way downstairs. Sarah had arranged her hair in curls high atop her head and trimmed it with gem-studded hairpins. Around Judith’s neck, Sarah had placed a beautiful choker of pearls. Judith had never had any jewelry of her own, but Grandmother had insisted on presenting her with some of the Whitley pieces. Pieces that had originally been given to Judith’s mother.
Bill stood in the foyer, waiting, and his expression left her no doubt of his pleasure at her appearance.
“Judith, you are beautiful. I knew red would suit you.”
She smiled. He was once again stylishly dressed in his tails and tie. His straight blond hair had been parted and slicked back.
Ramsay appeared with her cloak. Bill took it from him and put it around Judith’s shoulders. “No one will be able to hold a candle to you this evening,” he whispered against her ear. He took his top hat from Ramsay. “The car is waiting, so let us be off.” He took hold of Judith’s elbow with his free hand.
When they were finally settled and on their way, Judith let herself relax a bit. She couldn’t help but wish it were Caleb at her side, but for now she would find a way to enjoy her cousin’s company.
“I suppose Victoria couldn’t be persuaded to come?” she asked.
“Actually, I made it clear that she shouldn’t come,” Bill replied. “I told her I wouldn’t allow her to accompany us if she intended to be difficult. She told me she couldn’t possibly care less about what I wanted or did, and that she had no intention of joining us.”
“I’m sorry if I’m coming between the two of you.” Judith frowned and looked out the window. “Is it far to the restaurant?”
“Nothing is far from us in this town,” he answered. “I hope you like Italian food.”
She gave him a smile. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had it. I lived quite isolated in Colorado.”
“I suppose Lila and Homer did that to keep you from being found.”
She had always believed it was due to the less expensive land being farther removed from town, but what he said made sense. “I can see the location they chose for our home was probably due to that very thought.”
“They no doubt knew they’d be sent to prison if they were ever found.”
“Do you really suppose the family would have allowed for that kind of scandal?”
He seemed surprised by her question. “Grandmother wouldn’t have seen that as scandal. She would have seen it as justice.”
The car came to a stop in front of a four-story brick building with red awnings. The restaurant’s sign read Fior d’Italia, est. 1886.
/> Bill jumped out before the driver could open the door. He came around and assisted Judith. “This is one of my favorite places.” He glanced over at the driver. “Come back for us in time to get us to the concert at eight.”
Judith allowed him to take her arm and guide her into the restaurant. His large hand encircled her just above the elbow, and his grip was tight. She didn’t particularly care for his possessive hold, thinking it quite different from the way Caleb held her arm.
They were immediately led to a secluded table. The host snapped his fingers, and just as quickly, uniformed men appeared. One was the wine steward, Judith soon learned, and the other their waiter.
“Since you’ve never had Italian food, I shall order for both of us,” Bill said. He spoke in what Judith could only imagine was Italian to the wine steward, who nodded and quickly left.
Judith glanced around the busy restaurant. There were a great many elegantly dressed people enjoying their dinner amidst the beautiful furnishings and candlelight.
“We’ll start with the cozze e vongole con vino e aglio, then bring us the lasagne bolognese al forno. We have to make our concert by eight, so be quick about it,” Bill commanded.
The waiter nodded and vanished without another word.
“I suppose you will tell me what we’re eating.” Judith smiled. “I didn’t realize you spoke Italian.”
“I speak Italian, French, Spanish, German, and a bit of Portuguese. But of course, I’ll explain what I’ve ordered. First, we’ll have some clams and mussels in garlic. Then you’re in for a treat. Pasta with cheese and a meat sauce all layered like a torte.”
“It sounds delicious.”
The wine steward returned and showed a bottle to Bill. He nodded, and the steward opened the wine. Judith didn’t say anything about her lack of interest in the wine. She didn’t want to make Bill uncomfortable, so she once again gazed off across the restaurant at the happy diners. She could well imagine coming here with Caleb. Did he like Italian food?
“You look deep in thought.”
Judith looked at Bill. She couldn’t very well explain her thoughts about Caleb. “Where are the others?”
“The others?”
“Yes, Grandmother mentioned me meeting your friends.”
Bill chuckled. “I didn’t want to share you.”
“But why?”
“Silly goose, because I wanted to be alone with you. In case you haven’t realized it yet, I’m quite smitten with you.”
Judith tried to remain calm. “Bill, I’m flattered, but you hardly know me.”
He put his hand to his heart with a wounded expression. “You don’t have to know someone very long to realize how you feel about them. Have you never heard of love at first sight?”
She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat. “Of course I’ve heard of it.” She could hardly bring up the fact that she’d fallen in love with Caleb in the same fashion.
“Well, what else need I say? You’ve commanded my every thought since the first moment we met. I hope you’ll give me a chance to show my devotion to you. I know it may seem silly, but you are already more important to me than anyone else in the world.”
“I . . . I don’t know what to say.”
“Then say nothing. Just indulge me. Let me court you and show you how much you mean to me.”
“Bill, we’re first cousins.” She considered telling him about her feelings for Caleb but decided against it.
“As I mentioned before, that needn’t be an issue. If the crown heads of Europe can marry their cousins, I see no reason that it should stop us. Besides, it’s perfectly legal.”
“Then why is it so frowned upon?”
Bill laughed. “Who can say? The world is full of fools who insist on telling others how to live.”
The waiter served the mussels and clams, along with a basket of crusty bread. When he once again departed, Bill raised his wine goblet. “Let’s drink to true love. Given time, I’m convinced you will find me the most ardent of suitors.”
Judith shook her head. “I don’t drink alcohol, Bill. I’m sorry.”
He lowered his glass. “It would seem there’s a great many things you don’t do.” He shrugged. “But if I can prove my love for you by showing tolerance, then I will. Perhaps you’ll even allow me to be your instructor in some of the unfamiliar ways of your new life.”
She didn’t know what to say at that. The look he gave her made her feel bare and exposed. She reached for her water glass, determined to hold her own. Unlike her formidable grandmother, who bullied and demanded, Bill used charm and seduction as his weapons. She would have to be on her guard.
The evening passed with Bill sharing stories of their grandmother and her commanding ways, as well as tales of her sister.
“Cora was a very serious person, but at times we coaxed laughter out of her. She loved music, as you already know, but here’s something you might not have heard. Cora was very fond of sailing.”
“Sailing?” Judith tried to imagine what that would be like. “I’ve never been.”
“I shall remedy that as soon as possible, and you’ll see for yourself why she loved it,” Bill replied, nodding as the waiter refilled his wine.
After a while, Judith found herself relaxed. She enjoyed the stories Bill told. In the details of his memories, she caught a glimpse of the family she might have known. By the time they left for the concert, she was happy that it was just the two of them.
It startled her to realize some time later, as the orchestra struck up a piece by Handel, that she hadn’t really thought about Caleb for most of the evening. This particular song, however, brought him to the foreground of her thoughts. Could there ever be a future for them? After all, he certainly couldn’t look down on her social standing—not now that she was a Whitley. With Grandmother’s vast fortune and fashionable taste, Judith could surely hold her own in the company of people like Florence Brighton.
As they made their way from the performance, Judith talked easily about the music. “I’m extremely fond of Chopin, but aside from him, Bach and Handel are my favorites. Thank you for bringing me here.”
Bill led her to where cars were lined up to receive their passengers. “I’m glad you enjoyed the music. I could see by the look of delight on your face that you were quite happy.”
She nodded. “Music has always been important to me. I find my solace there.”
“I wish you might try to find your solace in me.”
His comment took her by surprise. “How did we go from Bach and Handel to this?” she asked.
Bill helped her into the car and joined her before answering. “I can’t help it, Judith.” His expression grew serious. “I am in love with you. This evening only served to prove to me that this love is beyond a doubt the real thing.” He pressed closer. “I love you.”
Judith clasped her gloved hands together. “You’ve made your feelings clear, so let me be just as honest. I cannot return your feelings. I simply don’t feel that way about you.”
He moved without warning to pull her into his arms. Judith pushed him away as he tried to press a kiss to her lips. “Bill, please stop. You aren’t going to change my mind by trying to force your affections on me.”
He fell back against the car seat, dejected. “I’m sorry, Judith. Please forgive me. I just felt overwhelmed by the need to show you how much I adore you.”
Judith could see the misery on his face. “I don’t want to mislead you, Bill. I had a very nice time with you this evening, but there will never be anything more between us than friendship. I hope you understand.”
He nodded. “I suppose I shall have to be satisfied with that. I wouldn’t hurt you for the world.”
She smiled, feeling that all was back in its proper place. “Thank you, Bill. I’m grateful for your friendship. It keeps me from feeling quite so alone in that big house.”
“I don’t suppose you’d still like to go dancing?”
Judith shook her head. “I
’m exhausted and would prefer to remember that beautiful music as I fall asleep.” In a passing streetlight, she could see the disappointment on his face. “But maybe we could go another time. It would be nice to see the kind of places you enjoy and meet your friends. And I loved hearing your stories tonight. I feel I know my family a little better now.”
“I’m glad to have pleased you in some way.” He straightened his cuffs. “I’d be happy to take you out again and regale you with my memories. Grandmother will have us busy the rest of the week with various dinners and such, so perhaps next week we might venture out again.”
“That sounds just fine.”
He turned to gaze out his window. He was clearly unhappy, and there was nothing she could do to ease his discontent. She turned to look out her own window. She had little desire to be with Bill or meet his friends. Every minute with him only served to remind her of how much she longed to be with Caleb.
Why couldn’t things be different? Why couldn’t it be Caleb trying to steal a kiss and pledge his undying love? She sighed and closed her eyes. Love at first sight, it would seem, was far more painful than pleasurable.
CHAPTER
20
Just before nine o’clock, Caleb was ushered into an office in the Whitley mansion. The room was large and filled with extravagant displays. Clark Whitley had been known for many things, among them his love of hunting. He had gone on multiple safaris abroad, and the trophies from his trips were prominently displayed in the room.
“You must be Caleb Coulter,” an older, stately man declared. He came forward and extended his hand. “I’m Mathias Pettyjohn, the Whitley family solicitor.”
“I’m pleased to meet you. I represent Miss Judith Whitley’s interests.”
The man gave him a weak handshake and a tolerant smile. “Yes, well, Miss Whitley’s future interests will be handled by me at the request of her grandmother, Mrs. Ann Whitley.”
“If Miss Whitley agrees to that, I will offer no objection.” Caleb returned the lawyer’s smile. “If she is not in agreement, however, I will not allow her to be forced into such an arrangement.”
In Dreams Forgotten Page 19
