“Sit down, Heidi. You’re making a scene.”
She tugged her hand, but he held fast.
“Let go, Clarence.”
“I will release you as soon as you calm down, and assure me you don’t intend to move again.”
Panic seized her. He seemed too sure of himself. Smug. Again the feeling of him having wagered, and won, washed over her.
“Here you are, ma’am, sir.” The waiter had returned, and placed a dinner plate in front of Clarence, and a pot of tea in front of Heidi. With a flourish, he poured her tea. “Will there be anything else right now?”
“No, we’re fine. Thank you.” Clarence dismissed the man and picked up his knife and fork. Heidi watched him, her tea untouched, as he cut into his steak and brought the piece to his mouth. “Delicious. You really should reconsider, my dear. This is quite good.”
“I really want to go home now, Clarence.”
“I agree, my dear. As soon as we’re finished here, I will escort you to that room you’re renting.” He wrinkled his nose. “Where you will pack up your belongings, and we will go home. Home to Oklahoma City.” He waved in her direction. “Now drink up your tea, like a good little girl.”
Rage swept through her. “I will not drink up like a good little girl. I am leaving. Right now. Excuse me.” She reached for her string purse.
“If you move from that chair one more time, your savior, Michael, and his entire family will be destroyed.” His voice came out a low growl. “Now sit there until I finish my meal, and then I will explain to you exactly how things will proceed from now on.”
The air collapsed from her lungs, and she slumped against the chair. What in heaven’s name did he mean? Michael and his family destroyed? Did he plan on harming them in some way?
With shaky hands, she attempted to pick up the tea cup, but when the hot liquid spilled over onto the tablecloth, she set the cup back down. Clarence ignored her as he continued to eat.
Eventually, he wiped his mouth with a napkin, and pushed his plate back, tossing the napkin on top of the steak bone. He studied her for a minute, and then withdrew a paper from the inside pocket of his jacket. “This little piece of paper will convince you to stop all the foolishness, and return home and plan our wedding.”
No words would form in her brain. She stared at him and licked her lips.
“Don’t you want to know what’s on this?”
She nodded, and held out ice cold fingers to retrieve the paper from his hand.
With stiff, shaking fingers, it took her a while to open the folded note. Her eyes grew wide as she examined the missive.
“To Whom It May Concern. (One copy to The Guthrie Sentinel, one copy to The Oklahoman) It has come to the attention of this correspondent that Territorial Senator Jesse Cochran, the purveyor of family values, and champion for citizens wishing to close down the taverns and brothels of Oklahoma, is the son of a whore, and spent his entire childhood in a brothel.
Miss Rosie Cochran, a prostitute in St. Louis, Missouri, gave birth to the good Senator while employed by The Pleasure Palace in that city. She continued to work in the brothel, and raised her son there.
If you would like to check my facts, I can arrange for an interview with a woman who worked side by side with Miss Cochran, sharing customers.
Signed: Mr. Clarence Manfred, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.”
Her hands shook so violently, she had to set the paper down. With tears brimming in her eyes, she regarded him. “Where…” Her voice trembled.
“My dear, I wrote it.” He pointed to the paper. “Don’t you see my signature at the bottom?”
She took a deep breath, fighting the black dots that danced in front of her eyes. “I mean, where did this information come from?”
“Why, from Gloria, of course.”
“Gloria?” Nothing made sense. Her whole world had turned upside down. Senator Cochran’s mother was a prostitute? He grew up in a brothel? That wonderful man? And what has Gloria to do with all of this?
“I’m a little shaken, Clarence. Do you mean Gloria who comes into the drug store once in a while?”
“The very same, my dear.” He leaned closer, and covered her cold hands with his sweaty palms. “She is my mistress.” He grinned. “Close your mouth, Heidi, it’s most unattractive.”
“Your mistress?”
“Yes.” He sat back, crossed his arms over his chest. “And she will remain my mistress when we’re married.”
Heidi took the pouch of Belladonna from her purse, and poured a bit into the teapot. She pulled the delicate china pot closer, and inhaled the steam.
“You’re pathetic.” Clarence scowled. “You actually walk around with that stuff in your purse?”
After a few minutes, as Clarence watched her with a smirk, Heidi pushed the teapot away, and stiffened her shoulders. “What do you want, Clarence?”
He moved to the edge of his seat, and lowered his voice. “Either you return to Oklahoma City, plan a quick wedding, then show up at the church, or my letter,” he waved at the paper sitting between them on the table, “will arrive at two newspapers.” He shook his head, and tsked. “I think the people of Oklahoma Territory would be ashamed to call the son of a whore their Representative.”
A wave of dizziness swept over her before numbness crept in. It was finished. Clarence had, indeed, won the wager. Revealing this shameful information to the public would destroy Senator Cochran, and his entire family as well. They would never be able to hold up their heads. Michael would lose his business, his sisters would lose their place in the community. They would grow to resent her, hate her. The woman who caused their downfall.
Michael’s love for her would shrink and then disappear. How could she do that to him? But how could she throw away the love they shared?
How could she not? She loved him too much to watch his family ruined. Her insides would wither and die watching his love for her turn to disgust. She glanced at Clarence and her stomach heaved. How she hated him. But, he’d won.
She raised her chin. “Very well. I will do as you ask.”
“Good.” He nodded. “Now let’s pack up.”
“No.” She took the paper from the table, folded it, and stuffed the document into her purse. “I’m willing to do this, but I will not leave until I see Michael one more time.”
He shrugged. “Fine. Pack up tonight, and tomorrow you can say goodbye to your savior, and we’ll head for the train.”
Say goodbye to her savior. Her knight in shining armor. The ache in her heart increased with every beat it took, until it choked her.
“Just tell me one thing, Clarence.” Her voice shook as she fought tears. “Why do you want to marry me so much? You don’t even like me.”
“Very astute, my dear. No, I don’t like you. You’re weak, sickly, and dull.” He waved his hand in dismissal. “Oh, you’re pleasant enough to look at, and you’ll be a good decoration at the end of my dining room table when we have guests. But, your biggest attraction is your rich father.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Papa?”
“Yes, my dear. He intends to hand over his businesses to the man who marries you. Businesses that generate a great deal of income.”
“You’re willing to destroy an entire family for money?” She spoke through dry lips.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. Money I plan to have, and use. Money to pay for good liquor, a fine house, and most of all, to keep my mistress happy.”
“Gloria.” She whispered.
“Yes. Gloria. The woman, by the way, who worked with Rosie Cochran, lived with her, and listened to her ramble on about the wonderful son she bore then she’d raised in a brothel. Do not doubt for one minute Gloria won’t sit down with both newspapers and provide them with her story.”
The room tilted, and Heidi grabbed her middle. “I’m going to be sick.” She pushed away from the table, and stumbled to the ladies restroom.
Chapter Twenty-One
Clarence stood as Heidi ret
urned to the table. “Are you ready, my dear?”
She nodded and swept past him to the door. He took her arm as they left the restaurant. She tugged it back. He smirked, and waved her through.
Heidi regarded him. “I would like to speak with Papa.”
Clarence bowed his head. “As you wish.”
She turned and backed away.
“Wait, I’ll walk you over.” He reached for her arm.
“No thank you, anyway. I’d rather be alone right now.” She darted away.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she walked past the dark stores, then turned onto the street where The Saratoga Hotel sat. The lights from the lobby and several of the rooms were a beacon in the night. But there would be no beacon in the darkness that had descended on her.
Heidi stood outside the hotel for a few minutes, to catch her breath, and calm herself. Papa was not the only person she had to convince of her charade. Then Mother, and lastly Michael. A sob escaped, she covered her mouth. Oh my God. Michael.
She took a shuddering breath, and pushed open the glass door.
Papa occupied a high back chair in front of the fireplace, the newspaper he’d been reading folded across his lap. He’d pulled his spectacles off, and rested his head against the back of the chair, his eyes closed.
Heidi studied him for a minute. Papa, how could you betray me like this? Put such a high prize on my head that Clarence would blackmail me to marry him?
She reached out and shook him lightly on the shoulder. “Papa?”
He opened his eyes, a smile breaking out on his face. “Hello sweetheart.” He sat up and shifted to glance behind her. “Is your mother with you?”
Heidi sat on the chair next to him. “No, Papa. I wanted to talk to you alone.”
He took her hand. “Is anything wrong? Is your mother all right?”
She fought back tears again. He loved her mother so much, still concerned for her after she’d packed up and left him. Would that she could have such a love. She had. For a very short time, before it’d been snatched out of her hands. For money. She took in a deep breath.
“I’m ready to return to Oklahoma City, and marry Clarence.”
Papa’s eyes widened. “You are?”
Unable to speak, she merely nodded.
“Well, that’s certainly good news.” His smile faltered as his eyes searched her face. “Isn’t it?”
Heidi smiled. “Yes. I’m very excited.”
He studied her with narrowed eyes, and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why did I have the impression up until a few minutes ago you had feelings for Michael Henderson, and wanted to break off your engagement to Clarence?”
Unable to speak, she merely shrugged.
He reached over and clasped her hand. “Are you sure, Heidi?”
“My adventure is over.” Her voice sounded thick to her ears. “It’s time I grew up. Lived the life I’d been meant to live.” Before her voice broke completely, she hopped up. “So. I will be packing up tonight, and after I tell Michael…” She swallowed a few times. “I’ll be ready to board the train tomorrow.”
“If you’re absolutely certain.”
She nodded once more.
Papa took her hand and tugged. “Sit down.” He rubbed her hands between his. “Your hands are ice cold.”
“Winter.” She licked her lips.
“I must admit I’m happy to hear your decision. Clarence is a good man.” He shook his head. “I’m still amazed your mother left me. She seemed convinced you wanted to break your engagement, or at the very least, postpone the wedding for a while.” He tilted his head so he could look into her eyes. “Is that not true?”
“Papa, please. I know what I’m doing.” She stood, and slid her hands out from under his. “I have to return to Mrs. Wilson’s house.”
He placed the newspaper on the table alongside him. “I’ll retrieve the buggy from the livery and drive you.”
Heidi pulled her coat closer and sat, staring at the flames in the fireplace, as she waited for Papa. How would she ever survive this? She used her knuckle to wipe the tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. Only this morning, she’d been happier than she’d been in her whole life. Now she had no escape from her misery.
She remained silent on the short trip from the hotel to Mrs. Wilson’s house, her mind numb. Papa attempted a conversation once or twice, but after several one-word responses, he quit trying, and kept his eyes focused on the horses.
The buggy rumbled past the drug store, its “Closed” sign reflected in the street light. The very street light she’d walked into the night Michael hired her. Despite her misery, she smiled. When she sat in her cold lonely house after her marriage to Clarence, she would drag out her memories, the only thing she would have left.
Thoughts of Michael’s family teased her. The way they laughed together, baited each other, like siblings seemed to do. A wave of self-pity washed over her. She’d spent her entire childhood alone, no friends, no brothers or sisters. Now the emptiness would continue, life with a man she despised and who didn’t like her. No children to love. She coughed to cover the sob that rose from her throat.
At last they arrived at Mrs. Wilson’s house.
“Should I fetch your mother tonight from Michael’s house?” Papa asked as he reached for her hand to help her down.
“No.” she retorted−the word erupting much stronger than she intended. She took a deep breath. “I will speak with Michael in the morning, and then Mother can meet you at the hotel.”
Together, they walked up the steps. When she reached for the doorknob, Papa’s hand covered hers. “Heidi.”
She turned.
“Are you absolutely sure marrying Clarence is what you want?”
Anger coiled in her stomach. Where was his concern when she needed it, before Clarence hatched his blackmail scheme? Why couldn’t he have agreed to breaking her engagement weeks ago?
“This is what you want, am I correct, Papa? And what Mother and…Clarence want? So why are you questioning me?” Her voice came out shrill.
He shook his head. “No reason. Don’t upset yourself.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Papa.” She touched his cheek briefly with her fingers, and entered the house. Her anger with her papa drained away. She had to remember who the enemy was here, and it wasn’t him.
What she wouldn’t give to be a little girl again, when Papa could solve all her problems with a kiss on the forehead.
Heidi hung her coat on the hook by the door, and followed the sound of Mrs. Wilson moving around in the kitchen. The red and white striped wallpaper, wooden cabinets and small ice box alongside the large cook stove greeted her, calming her with its familiar warmth.
Her landlady smiled at her as she placed a plate with a piece of apple pie on the table, and took a seat.
“Hello Heidi.” She motioned to the table. “This is wonderful pie, would you like a piece?”
Heidi pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “No thank you. I need to speak with you about something.”
Mrs. Wilson rolled her eyes with pleasure and swallowed. “You look so solemn, is everything all right?”
Heidi attempted a smile. “Yes. Fine. In fact I’m very happy.”
Mrs. Wilson raised her eyebrows. “What are you so happy about?”
“I’m getting married.” She winced. Her statement came out flat, as if she announced someone’s funeral. If she intended to convince people, she’d have to do better.
“Oh that’s wonderful! Very good news.” She rose from her seat and hugged Heidi. “I knew when I saw you and Michael together you were meant for each other.” She lowered her voice, and clasped her hands. “He had a bad time years ago, I understand, but now he has you, and…” She stopped as she stared at Heidi’s trembling lips, and tear filled eyes.
“No, Mrs. Wilson. I’m not marrying Michael Henderson.”
The woman’s jaw droppe
d and she sat down as if struck. “You’re not marrying Michael?” She studied her for a moment. “But…but I thought…Who? Who are you marrying?”
“Clarence Manfred. My fiancé from Oklahoma City.”
Mrs. Wilson’s eyes narrowed, her lips pursed. “You don’t mean the young man who came visiting here?”
Heidi nodded.
“Well.” She leaned back in her chair. “That’s very nice. I suppose.” She dragged the words out as she continued to watch her carefully. “Not Michael?”
Heidi shook her head. “No.”
She tsked and rose to set the plate and fork in the sink. “You surprise me.”
When Heidi didn’t respond, she continued. “I really did think you and Michael had something special.” She shrugged, and rinsed off the plate. “I guess this old lady doesn’t recognize love after all.”
Heidi couldn’t take anymore. If she sat here any longer, she would begin to wail and not stop until she became a shriveled up old lady. “I think I’ll retire now. I’m pretty tired.” As she reached the kitchen door, she turned. “I’ll be packing up tonight, and leaving in the morning. I hope my quick exit won’t cause any financial problems for you. My papa can pay you for another couple of weeks.”
“You’re so anxious to marry this Clarence?”
Heidi blinked to keep the tears from falling. “Yes. It’s…better.”
Mrs. Wilson sighed and patted her hand. “Don’t worry, missy. My cousin’s girl is looking to move to Guthrie, so I’ll have her move into your room.”
Heidi nodded and left the kitchen. She ran her hand over the smooth wood of the bannister as she climbed the stairs, then opened the door to her room. Almost a full month had passed since she’d moved into this space, and then walked into the drugstore carrying the ‘help wanted’ sign. Her eyes filled again.
Instead of wallowing in pain, she pulled her suitcase from the closet floor, and began stuffing things into it. Halfway through, she sat on the edge of the bed, and removed the paper Clarence had handed her, then read the damaging words once more.
How could she even be sure the letter wasn’t a pack of lies? Her shoulders slumped. Even if he’d made the entire thing up, it made no difference. Gloria would speak with the newspapers. By the time anyone bothered to check on the story’s truthfulness, all the damage would have been done to Senator Cochran’s name. And that wonderful family of loving people she’d spent the day with.
A Prescription For Love: An Oklahoma Lovers book Page 18
