"I don't know! I'm not a mind reader.” She frowned into the gloom. “But after that kiss, I'd say they like each other."
"A lot?” Cole asked.
"Yes. A lot. I've never seen—never mind.” She realized how naive it would sound if she blurted out that she'd never seen anyone kiss before. She was sixteen! Cole and Brett would laugh at her. She felt like laughing at herself.
"Maybe they're gonna get married,” Brett suggested.
The thought sent a spear of fear through her heart. “If they do, what will happen to us?” she wondered aloud.
"Yeah.” Cole sounded gloomy. “What will happen to us?"
Lori tugged on her shirt again, excited at the possibility. She completely missed Jo's low-voiced question. “I hope they do get married. Natty deserves a handsome man like Mr. Montgomery, doesn't she Jo?"
A thick silence fell after her innocent statement. Jo looked at Cole, then Brett, reading the same expression of shame in their eyes that she knew was in her own. “I hope they get married, too, Lori. Natty does deserve it."
"She would probably tell him no if he asked her,” Cole said.
Jo nodded, feeling miserable because she knew it was true.
"Why?” Lori prompted.
"Because,” Brett began slowly, “Natalie would never leave us."
* * * *
Winter had come to Ivy House. Natalie was convinced of it. Her fingers were icy cold, and her heart pounded with brittle precision, as if it would shatter any moment into a million tiny ice shards.
Standing beside Elliot in the parlor, she stared at the expectant faces of the children. The blatant apprehension in their eyes made her want to weep. “Mr. Montgomery has something to tell us.” She tried to smile encouragingly, but her numb lips wouldn't cooperate. What was the use? They knew exactly what was going to happen—had known all along. She hadn't kept it from them.
A quick glance in Elliot's direction showed her that he didn't look any happier about the news. Yet ... she couldn't allow herself to feel sympathy for him, not when there were four anxious pairs of eyes trained in their direction to remind her of why he didn't deserve their sympathy.
Elliot remained standing so she gratefully sank into the only chair that wasn't occupied. Her legs had begun to tremble as if from a chill. It matched the cold numbness around her heart.
"I have some disturbing news,” he began solemnly, gripping his hands together in front of him. “Please be assured if there were some other way—"
"Will you please get to the point?” she whispered. He glanced at her briefly, then nodded, his face now empty of expression. Her heart gave a painful squeeze. How could he calmly destroy their lives this way? What kind of man was he? What kind of woman was she that she could kiss a man such as he?
"I guess Natalie's right; there's no need to beat around the bush,” he agreed. “Before my grandfather died, he invested his entire fortune in the railroad. The deal fell through and he lost everything."
"Why didn't you stop him?” Natalie blurted out, rising to her feet. A wild rush of anger made her reckless. “How could you let him do such a thing?"
He eyed her evenly. “I was abroad. By the time I came home, it was too late."
Her fingers knotted in the folds of her dress. Her throat ached with unshed tears. They trembled in her voice as she said, “So that's it? You've marked Ivy House from your list?"
His jaw hardened and a flush stained his cheeks. “There isn't any list because there isn't any money."
She didn't believe him. How could she, when she'd heard with her own ears Suetta planning to turn Ivy House into a summer home? Did he think she was a fool? She gave an inward snort. “Well, rest easy, Mr. Montgomery. We don't need your charity; all we need is Ivy House, and we intend to buy it from you.” She was bluffing, stalling, hoping and praying, but he needn't know.
"How? How will you buy Ivy House?"
"That's none of your business!” she snapped. “You'll get your precious money—don't worry.” Please God, let the doll houses sell! And give this man patience.
He looked slowly around the room at each of the children. They stared back, silent and waiting. Finally, he faced her again.
She stiffened at his resolute expression.
"With my grandfather dead and Mrs. Boone gone, the children are my responsibility. I have to do what's best for them."
His responsibility? Oh, the nerve! “And you think taking the only home they've ever known is best?” she cried.
"They need a loving home."
"They have a loving home—here, at Ivy House, with me!"
"You're only nineteen, too young to assume the responsibility of four children.” His mouth firmed into a determined line.
She tossed her head, every muscle rigid with anger. “I've assumed it for six months. Aren't you just making excuses, Mr. Montgomery? Why don't you tell the truth, that you really want no part of the orphanage."
"That's not the truth. The truth is...” He broke off, glaring at her. “The truth is these children would be better off in a loving home, with parents. I intend to see them adopted."
Natalie felt the wind leave her sails. He sounded as if he meant it. “You mean ... you won't give us a chance to buy Ivy House?” Oh, how she hated him for making her plead!
Elliot hesitated, his eyes shadowed with regret. He clearly didn't think she stood a chance of raising the money. “You've got about three months. In the meantime, we'll start interviewing couples looking to adopt. I don't think it's wise to wait until the last moment."
She lifted her chin, fighting the tears that pressed painfully at the back of her throat. How could she have been so wrong about this man? Because she felt further argument useless at this point, she said, “Very well. I'll see you to the door.” The stony look she cast him left him in little doubt about her meaning. She wanted him out of Ivy House.
Now.
She gathered a lamp from the table and rudely turned her back on him as she made her way to the door. He followed her onto the porch, grabbing her arm and startling a gasp from her. “Do you honestly believe I'm enjoying this?” he grated out, his eyes boring into her bright ones.
Natalie jerked free from his touch, appalled at her body's instant reaction to the feel of his hand. “If you weren't enjoying it, then why do it? Why not just leave us alone?"
"Because I have no choice! Can't you get that through your pretty head?” He was nearly shouting now.
She responded in kind. “You have a choice! I told you we don't need your charity! Just leave Ivy House to us, and you'll never hear from us again."
A muscle twitched in his jaw. He brought his face closer, lowering his voice. His gaze fell to her trembling mouth. “You don't understand, Natalie."
"Then make me understand!” she challenged, ignoring the leap of her heart when he said her name. She couldn't possibly like this man after what he had done!
He opened his mouth, then quickly snapped it closed, leaving Natalie with the impression that he had been about to tell her something important. Instead, he shook his head slightly. “I can't. Someday, you'll understand, but I can't explain it to you now."
She managed a derisive snarl. “Can't, or won't? Need more time to think up a good lie?"
His smile chilled her blood. “I oughta bend you over my knee for that one."
"You wouldn't dare,” she hissed. For a moment, a dangerous light flared in his eyes. Natalie swallowed, fearing she'd pushed him too far.
The fierce glow in his eyes died. He relaxed visibly, allowing a small smile to play about his firm lips. She tore her gaze away with an effort, ashamed of her weakness. She would not remember his mouth on hers—she would not think about it! When he left here, she would never think of him again!
"I want to spend some time with the children before we interview folks for the adoption,” he announced softly.
She was speechless. Her mouth worked. Finally, she forced the word past her frozen lips. “Why?” Sh
e couldn't allow it. It would mean she'd have to see him again, be around him, smell his masculine scent, feel his hot eyes on her...
No!
"To get to know them,” he said. “I want to make certain they find the right family.” His gaze squinted into the dark night for a moment and for the first time, she noticed the fine lines of weariness around his mouth.
She lifted the lamp a little higher as she reminded him, “You said we had three months."
"You do, but the least we can do is get them used to the idea and start the proceedings. When the time comes ... if the time comes, they'll have a home to go to.” He brushed a gentle finger across her cheek. “Where will you go, Natalie?"
Natalie shivered and moved away from his disturbing touch, confused by the tangle of emotions he aroused. How could she seethe with anger and shiver with desire at the same time?
"I'll be here,” she stated with only the slightest quiver in her voice. “Right here at Ivy House."
Wishing she'd never met Elliot Montgomery!
* * * *
Feeling like a thief—a very pregnant thief, Marla hurried across yard to the barn behind her house. She pulled open the door and slipped inside, inhaling the smell of fresh hay and horse manure. Holding the lamp aloft, she crept forward, searching the shadowed interior. A noise to her left had her whirling around.
"Here we are."
"Oh!” She jumped, covering her mouth with her hand to muffle her shriek of surprise. She had known they were waiting for her, but Jo's voice had startled her regardless. Raising the lamp high, she surveyed the group lounging on scattered bales of hay.
Jo, Cole, Brett, and Lori watched her in silence, looking serious enough to raise her heart beat considerably.
"What's going on?” she demanded. She had never been one for patience, and since the beginning of her pregnancy, what little patience she did have seemed to have vanished. “Why do you all look so gloomy? Has something happened? Is it Natalie?"
They all nodded. Marla swallowed and lowered the lamp. Her voice sank to a terrified whisper as her vivid imagination took flight. “What's happened to Natalie? Is she ill?"
"No, she's not ill.” Jo slid from the bale of hay and folded her arms. “We think she wants to get married."
"But she would never leave us,” Cole added.
The terror that had nearly overwhelmed Marla slowly seeped away. She relaxed, leaning against the barn door. Natalie was all right, and from what she could gather, doing better than she could ever have hoped for. “What makes you think she wants to get married?"
"Because her and Mr. Montgomery were kissing on the porch,” Jo said. Her gaze dipped to the barn floor. She began to shuffle her foot back and forth, stirring the loose straw.
"And how do you know this?” Marla quirked a brow and waited.
"Because we watched them!” Lori admitted without a trace of shame.
"Well, so y'all were spying. That still doesn't explain why y'all look like you lost your best laying hen."
Brett and Jo exchanged a troubled glance before Brett said, “We're afraid she won't get married because of us. Her and Mr. Montgomery had a fight because he's gonna close Ivy House. He said he's gonna find us all a ma and pa because he thinks Natty's too young to look after us. So, me and Jo and Cole decided—"
"Hey, what about me!” Lori interrupted, smacking him on the arm.
"And Lori,” Brett corrected, returning the smack. “We've decided we want to get adopted so she can get married, but we're afraid to tell her."
"Hmm.” Marla pressed a thoughtful finger to her lips. The children had a valid point. She knew her friend well enough to know that if she thought for a second that the children were doing this for her, she would never agree. In fact, she would pretend to hate Elliot and deny any chance of her own future.
"Natty's been good to us, staying with us when old lady Boone took off.” Jo tucked her short hair behind her ear and stuffed her hands in her pants pockets. Her thin shoulders lifted inside the baggy shirt she wore as she shrugged. “It ain't right that she has to stay and watch us."
"I wouldn't mind having a ma and pa,” Lori said.
Cole focused his dark eyes on her. “I guess I wouldn't either."
Brett nodded his agreement, and Jo stared at the floor. Marla's heart went out to her, suspecting Jo was thinking about the future. At sixteen, it wasn't likely anyone would want to adopt her.
"I guess I could go to work at that fancy restaurant in town,” Jo said. “I can cook and clean as well as the next person, I reckon."
Marla wiped tears from her eyes. Without a doubt, she was witnessing Natalie's loving influence. Although not much more than a child herself, Natalie had given to these children her unstinting love and support, without thought and without regret; now they were ready to give the same to her.
Through a shimmering wall of tears, she smiled at them. “Well, I guess we've got some planning to do. But first, who'd like a fried apple pie and a glass of milk?"
"Who wouldn't?” Jo quipped, then blushed as everyone laughed.
* * * *
Dawn trailed its glorious fingers across the sky, slowly sweeping away the blanket of night from the snow-capped mountain peaks. It crept over the mountains, and down, down, gathering speed until it burst upon the town of Chattanooga as if someone had suddenly shoved a curtain aside.
Elliot blinked against the blinding light, his eyes heavy and sensitive from his sleepless night. Noah's stallion shifted restlessly beneath him as they stood atop the hillside to watch the dawn. Finally, he lowered his hat over his eyes and turned the horse away from the brightening sky in the east, heading into the still-shadowed valley below.
Rico's hooves pounded into the soft earth as he gave him his head. They raced down the hill into a meadow of dying wild flowers with reckless abandon, streaking through the soft, cool breeze at top speed. It suited his mood, this recklessness.
He should have told Natalie the truth. Instead, he'd left her thinking him the lowest form of life. Why? Why didn't he tell her the truth? Why couldn't he have told her that he had to sell Ivy House, instead of allowing her to hope? She would never have the money in time—it was impossible!
Ahead was a shallow creek about three foot across. Elliot leaned forward as he felt Rico's muscle's bunch in readiness. Adrenaline rushed into his veins. Would the horse attempt the jump? Or would he change his mind at the last moment and throw him head first?
He welcomed the suspense of the moment, gripping the reins tightly and preparing to fly with the horse.
Rico jumped as if he preformed the feat every day. As they landed on the opposite bank with a jarring thud, Elliot suffered a slight pang of guilt at the risk he had taken with someone else's horse.
But then, what would one expect from a blackguard such as he? The wind snatched the derisive laugh from his mouth before it could startle the horse. A man such as he! He avoided creditors, broke engagements, snatched homes from orphans, and had attempted to seduce an innocent woman.
Natalie. God, how he wanted her. She was everything he'd ever dreamed of—and more. Holding her in his arms was like finding his own personal slice of heaven.
Why didn't he tell her the truth? he asked himself again. But he knew why; pride. He'd wanted to keep that last shred of pride to himself. To tell her he lacked money was one thing; to reveal just how dire his circumstances was quite another.
He slowed Rico to a trot, letting the animal cool down from his mad gallop as he struggled with the logic in letting her believe the worst. She would hate him—probably already did. Was this the logic? That he knew they had no future, so he wanted her to hate him? Because he wasn't strong enough to resist temptation, to resist the attraction that sprang between them each time they met? Something about Natalie Polk sizzled his brain and made rational thinking a mere afterthought.
Or was a part of him hoping fate would lend a hand? The doll houses.... they could possibly make him enough money to stall the cr
editors until he thought of something else. It would at least give them time to find homes for Jo, Cole, Brett, and Lori.
And Natalie. Where would she go? He turned Rico around and headed in the direction of Noah's place, his mood grim. Marla would take Natalie in, he knew, but he feared Natalie possessed the same flaw that he did; pride. If only ... if only he could regain lost ground without selling Ivy House.
He shook his head, wondering why he continued to beat a dead horse. It was no use; he'd thought and thought until his head ached. He had to sell Ivy House to the highest bidder, and he had to find homes for the orphans. If his grandfather were alive, Elliot knew he would personally ensure their future with the right family. Rico snorted and blew through his nose as if to agree with his sad assessment.
But knowing he had explored each and every possibility didn't stop Elliot from hoping and dreaming that fate would intervene before it was too late.
As he rode into the yard to return the horse, he found Noah in the barn cleaning the stalls. He slid from the horse and began the task of unsaddling him.
Noah pitched fresh hay into a clean stall, then settled his hands on his hips as Elliot began to brush Rico. “Gonna be a beautiful day would be my guess,” Noah said, wiping his sweaty brow.
Elliot nodded. “It already is.” No sense in spreading his gloom around to cheerful folk, was his sour thought. “Thanks for the horse. He rides good.” Tossing the brush on a table, he slapped Rico on the rump to direct him into his stall, thinking he could use a few hours of tension-easing hard labor. “Can I be of help?"
Noah looked startled by the offer, but recovered quickly. He shrugged. “Boy that usually does the work didn't show up. That's twice, so I won't be using him again.” He cast a doubtful glance at Elliot's fine linen shirt and creased trousers. “You ain't dressed for mucking out stalls, though."
But Elliot had already removed his jacket and had begun rolling up his sleeves. His smiled tightly. “The clothes will wash."
"You'll have to accept pay,” Noah warned as he retrieved a pitch fork from a small enclosure.
"It's not necessary. I owe you one for letting me ride Rico."
Where The Heart Is Page 10
