Just Rewards (Harte Family Saga)

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

  “What can we do?”

  “Nothing, Linnet,” Jack answered quietly, shaking his head. “The police will examine everything, check out the church to make sure it’s safe, write up a report. Anyway, nothing else will happen at the church or in the village, rest assured of that.”

  “But Ainsley might still attempt to hurt Evan and Gideon.”

  “Not right now, he won’t. He’ll lay low. It’s more than likely he’ll leave Yorkshire, go back to Paris or Hong Kong. He’s smart enough to realize that we’ve got our ears to the ground. He’ll be very aware that we suspect him.”

  “That’s what Mummy always says. We can’t tell her about the bomb in the church, Jack.” She stared at him, worry in her eyes.

  “You’re damned right we can’t! Let’s keep this as quiet as we can until tomorrow. Okay?”

  Linnet nodded, biting her lip.

  “You still look extremely pale, Beauty. And worried. You’re going to have to put on that Emma Harte face of inscrutability before you come to the reception. And by the way, for God’s sake don’t say anything to Evan and Gideon.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it! I’m not stupid, Jack. But if it’s all right, I will mention it to Julian.”

  “That’s fine, but tell him not a word to anyone. We don’t want to spoil their wedding reception, do we?”

  “Never. I ruined their wedding by insisting on the secret ceremony.”

  “You saved their lives, Linnet,” Jack murmured, his expression serious. “Never forget that.”

  16

  Gideon Harte was furious. Angry words flew to his tongue, but before he could utter one of them he caught sight of his mother’s face, saw the warning look on it, one he knew of old. He endeavored to swallow his anger, stepped closer to Evan; her fingers reached for his, and he held her hand tightly, loving her so much.

  As he sought the appropriate words to address Owen Hughes, his wife saved him the trouble.

  Evan said, “Dad, please. Don’t go on like this. We’re all as disappointed as you. But Gid and I are married now, and that’s that.”

  “But we could have been there! Should have been there! We’re your parents. Why didn’t you invite us to come this morning?”

  Ignoring the question, she said in a slightly weary voice, “After my fall, I’ve been a bit nervous, and the doctor cautioned me to take everything at a slower pace, so—”

  “I didn’t know you fell! Why wasn’t I told?”

  Again she avoided answering. “Listen to me, Dad. Gideon and I decided at the last minute to play it safe. A small wedding, no guests, just two witnesses. No excitement . No fuss. We knew we would celebrate at the reception here at Pennistone Royal, where I can go to bed if I’m feeling queasy or tired.”

  Gideon glanced at his father-in-law, saw the disgruntled look settling on his face, and thought: the whining bugger. He’s thinking of himself, not of Evan. Gideon had long been aware that Owen Hughes didn’t think much of the Hartes, and that he wasn’t particularly impressed to have discovered he himself was one. He probably didn’t like any of them. He was a man who was selfish to the extreme, and Gideon’s sympathies lay very much with Marietta. He looked across at her now, and she gave him a faint, apologetic smile and shrugged lightly. He saw the discomfort in her eyes; she was sensitive, like Evan.

  Owen said, “Well, I must admit I am disappointed—”

  “I know that, Dad,” Evan exclaimed, showing her irritation. “So is Mom. And also Emily and Winston. But they understand.”

  Marietta went across the sitting room, took hold of her husband’s arm. “You’re being a bit silly, Owen. The important thing is that Evan and Gideon are now married. You can have the enjoyment of taking your daughter into the reception … and to the strains of the wedding march. Just let it go now. Please.”

  Owen gave her a strange look but made no response, simply tried to shake her hand off his arm. The odd couple, Gideon thought.

  Winston now took charge, growing as impatient as Evan and his son. After glancing at Gideon, he turned to Owen. “I think it’s a good idea if we leave the ladies to their own devices, give Evan a chance to get dressed.”

  Owen nodded and said to Evan, “I’ll send Elayne and Angharad up to help you, honey.”

  “No, no! I don’t want them!” Evan exclaimed without thinking and then, softening her voice, explained, “I have Mom and Emily, and that’s fine. Truly, Dad, I don’t need anybody else.”

  “But it’s traditional for the sisters of the bride to help.”

  “I don’t want them, Dad, and I’m not a normal bride. And right now I can’t stand people hovering over me, fussing.”

  “As you wish,” he said in a clipped tone and headed for the door, looking more put out than ever.

  Winston smiled lovingly at Evan, squeezed her shoulder as he walked past her. “See you downstairs, sweetheart. And whenever you’re ready. Do take your time. People have been invited to stay through the evening, you know; there’s no rush for you to make an appearance.”

  “Thank you, Winston,” she replied, smiling at her father-in-law, a man she had grown to love, respect, and admire. He was so kind to her, the most considerate person she had ever known.

  Gideon said, “I’ll join you in a minute, Dad,” and, turning, he looked at Evan and murmured, “Come on, darling, let’s go into the bedroom for a moment, I want to talk to you.”

  Once they were alone in the adjoining bedroom of the Green Suite, Gideon put his arms around Evan and held her close. “Don’t let your father upset you,” he whispered against her hair. “He’ll get over it.”

  “I know he will, and I’m not upset … just annoyed with him.”

  “Let it go, Evan, don’t be annoyed with anybody. It’s our wedding day. I’m so lucky …” He held her away, stared into her face. Never had he seen her look as delicate as she did today; there was a fragility about her that suddenly worried him. He noticed how pale she was, and her skin was almost translucent. He saw a small blue vein throbbing on her temple, and her mouth trembled slightly, made her seem childlike, very vulnerable. His heart clenched. He couldn’t bear it when she was upset and cursed her father under his breath.

  He bent into her, kissed her forehead. “I’m so lucky, the luckiest man alive. I love you very much, Evan, and I promise once again to love and protect you all the days of your life.”

  “Oh, Gideon, Gid darling … I promise the same.” Gently, lovingly, she touched his cheek. “I’m all right, honestly I am, and I’m so glad we took Linnet’s advice and got married without a fuss. I know it was because of our anxiety about Jonathan, but it was a wise move in reality because I do keep feeling queasy … I have all morning. I was glad to have a rest after breakfast.”

  “But you just said you were all right! Are you sure you don’t need the doctor?” Worry clouded his face, and he peered at her intently.

  “No, of course I don’t. The queasy feeling comes and goes, and I promise you I’m not about to drop the twins in your lap.” She smiled at him. “But too much fuss or excitement does get to me, I guess.”

  “Then take it easy, as Dad said you should. Don’t hurry, get dressed leisurely. Do you need me to get anything for you?”

  She shook her head. “I’m going to do my makeup, and then Mom and Emily can help me into my clothes.”

  “Come on then.” He led her across the room to the kidney-shaped dressing table in the bay window. Once she was seated on the stool, he kissed the top of her head. “I’ll tell our mothers to come in, shall I?”

  Swiveling to face him, Evan said softly, “Not for fifteen minutes. I need to collect myself, do my hair as well as the makeup.” She grinned up at him. “Just a little peace and quiet for a while, Gid.”

  He nodded, passed his hand over her hair. “Your wish is my command, madam.” With a smile and a wink he crossed the room, paused at the door and blew her a kiss, then went out.

  The moment he stepped back into the sitting room of the suite,
Marietta said, “Is Evan feeling ill?”

  “No, not really. A little queasy, she said, but she’s fine actually. Please don’t worry.”

  “I could’ve killed her father. He just doesn’t know when to shut up.” Marietta shook her head, her expression one of exasperation.

  “He did go on a bit,” Gideon agreed, smiling warmly at Marietta, a woman he genuinely liked. “But Evan didn’t pay too much heed to him. She’s rather preoccupied with getting herself ready for the reception, amongst other things, like preparing for twins … et cetera, et cetera.”

  His mother smiled. “Yes, we’re all a little preoccupied with the soon-to-arrive additions to the family, Gid. And so we must just excuse Owen for flogging a dead horse. And after all, he is disappointed.”

  “Not more than you, Dad, and Marietta,” Gideon couldn’t help pointing out. “But you’re right, Mother, let’s not hold a grudge. Evan needs a while to do her hair and makeup; she wants to be alone. As soon as she’s ready for you both, she’ll invite you in. Okay?”

  “Very okay,” Emily answered. “And later we’ll all meet up in the library. The flowers for the men’s buttonholes are on a card table in there. White carnations. And there are sprays of orchids for the bride’s attendants. But I’m sure Linnet’s got that in hand.”

  “I’ll see to it that the men have flowers in their buttonholes. Linnet can look after the ladies. And by the way, you both look smashing, Mum … Marietta. Very elegant indeed.”

  “Thanks, Gideon,” Marietta responded, very much appreciating her son-in-law, a man of great quality in her opinion. Evan was lucky, luckier than anyone she knew, because she had married the man of her dreams. And who cared when and how they got married, as long as they were happy together and committed to each other? What a fool Owen was at times; she suspected he felt overshadowed by the Harte family. Inadequate perhaps? She wasn’t sure of that, but she did know he was ready to go home as soon as possible after this weekend. She was planning on staying; after all, it wasn’t every day that a woman became a grandmother to twins.

  Emily glided over to her son and took hold of his arm, led him to the window. “She’s not upset, is she?”

  “No, Ma, she’s not. Annoyed, though. I told her not to be. After all, it’s our wedding day, and I don’t want anything to mar it.”

  “It won’t, my darling.” Wanting to get off the subject of Owen once she knew Evan was fine, Emily remarked, “I’m glad you think I look elegant. Evan created my outfit. Isn’t she a clever girl?”

  Gideon agreed, then, noticing the design, he commented, “It looks like an antique tapestry. Is it?”

  “Indeed it is! Evan discovered it in the attics here. Grandy must have bought it years ago, intending to have something made and never did.”

  Emily now stepped away from her son, slowly turned around so that he could get the full benefit of the design on the back of the coat. The tapestry was grayish blue overall, the actual design woven in red and violet, soft yellows, pale orange, and sage green. The evening coat was trimmed around the edges with a narrow border of brown fox, and the cuffs were also made of fox.

  “It’s the lady and the unicorn,” Gideon exclaimed. “And the cut is superb, Ma. Did Evan make your dress as well?”

  “Yes. I asked for something very simple in pale gray, and she came up with this long silk sheath.” Emily laughed, her eyes dancing. “It’s like a lovely, long sweater, so easy to wear.”

  “I’m afraid I wasn’t so lucky,” Marietta murmured. “Evan didn’t design my outfit. I only wish she had.”

  “But you do look lovely!” Emily exclaimed. “Only a blonde like you can wear those soft golds and browns. And I’m glad for your sake you chose palazzo pants and a long jacket, Marietta. Even with central heating and blazing fires, Pennistone Royal tends to be drafty in winter.”

  “Well, ladies, I’d better be on my way,” Gideon announced. “Dad’ll be wondering where I am. Also, I want to have a word with Jack Figg. I’ll see you both later.”

  As soon as the door closed behind Gideon, Marietta said quietly, “I’m sorry Owen’s been difficult, Emily—”

  “Marietta, please don’t apologize!” Emily exclaimed, cutting in. “He’s disappointed because he didn’t get to walk his daughter down the aisle. You know what fathers are like.”

  Marietta inclined her head, went and stood near the fireplace, staring into the flames. She remained quiet, a reflective look settling on her face. Emily suddenly realized she was still feeling embarrassed by her husband’s rather silly behavior and instantly decided that silence was the best way to handle the situation. Any comments she could make would only upset Marietta more.

  Emily walked across the green-and-white sitting room and stood looking in the elaborate, gilt-framed mirror over the Georgian chest. She liked the way she looked today, was pleased with her new haircut and the honey-blond shade concocted by her hairdresser.

  Emily was a typical Harte—blond, green-eyed, and fair of complexion, but the bright blond hair of her youth had deepened in the last few years, and there were now strands of silver in her tresses. The solution had been this warm honey tone, which, she now decided, was rather flattering.

  “I think Evan’s been so lucky, having met and married Gideon,” Marietta suddenly announced, startling Emily out of her reverie.

  She swung around to stare at the other woman and nodded. “Gideon’s lucky, too,” Emily replied. “Evan’s a lovely young woman, and we all took to her right from the start.”

  A thoughtful look slid onto Marietta’s face, and she seemed about to say something, then hesitated.

  Emily watched her, waiting for a moment before saying, “Is there something you want to tell me, Marietta? You look a bit troubled.”

  “No, I’m not, but Owen … well, he’s been going on at me about Gideon and Evan being related, being cousins. It doesn’t matter to me, but I need to shut him up. So … well, I was wondering … could you explain …” Her voice trailed off helplessly.

  “It’s perfectly legal in this country to marry your cousin, you know. Even first cousins can marry,” Emily told her. “But as a matter of fact, Evan and Gideon are not first cousins. They’re second cousins. Here’s how the lines of descent evolved, Marietta. Emma Harte, my grandmother, had a brother Winston. We call him Winston the First in the family.” She laughed and went on. “Winston the First had a son whom he named Randolph, and Randolph had a son whom he named Winston, after his father. That Winston, Winston Harte the Second, is my husband … Gideon’s father.” Emily stared hard at Marietta and asked, “You do understand that line, right?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Now, to Evan. Her great-grandmother is Emma Harte, because of Emma’s son Robin Ainsley. As you know, it was Robin who had an affair with Glynnis, your mother-in-law, during the war years, and made her pregnant.”

  “I understand that, too, but Evan said something about Emma being Gideon’s great-grandmother. She would be his great-great-aunt, wouldn’t she?”

  “She’s both,” Emily answered. “Through his great-grandfather, Winston the First, Emma is Gideon’s great-great-aunt. But she is also Gideon’s great-grandmother, because Emma was my grandmother.”

  “However do you keep it straight?” Marietta asked, laughing. “I’m sure I couldn’t.”

  “Yes, you could, if you’d grown up with it, as we all have. But there’s nothing to worry about, you know, as far as the twins are concerned. They’ll be perfectly all right; there won’t be any genetic defects because Evan and Gideon are related.”

  “Oh, I know that, and anyway, Evan had all the tests and everything’s normal. It’s just that—” She stopped, shook her head. “Owen is a worrywart.” There was a small pause, and then she confided, “He drives me crazy at times.”

  “I can well imagine,” Emily blurted out sympathetically and could’ve bitten her tongue off. A small flush crept onto her neck.

  Marietta burst out laughing, then confi
ded further, “That’s why I’m glad he’s going to go back to the States after the weekend! But I’m staying on. I want to be here for the birth of my grandchildren.”

  Emily smiled at Marietta warmly and walked across the floor, took hold of her arm in an affectionate way. She murmured, “I’m so happy you’re going to be here for the arrival of the twins, and I just want you to know you are welcome to stay with us at Allington Hall whenever you wish.”

  For a split second Marietta was taken aback, then she said, “That’s so kind of you, thank you very much. Evan told me yesterday that she and Gideon are not moving to Beck House until after the twins are born. She explained there were a lot of things still unfinished.”

  “That’s right,” Emily replied, nodding. “Anyway, in my opinion Evan’s better off in London until the weather’s better. I don’t know why the two of them thought they could trot up here to Beck House every weekend. Evan seems to suffer from the cold, just like my grandmother did. Emma was always complaining that she was freezing to death. And it’s a lot colder up here than it is in the south. Mind you, I expect they’ll come up some weekends and stay at Pennistone Royal while things are being finished at Beck House. Winston’s volunteered to help them.”

  “Yes, he would, he’s such a nice man.”

  Emily merely smiled.

  Marietta said, “You grew up with him, didn’t you?”

  “I did indeed, and I was madly in love with him by the time I was sixteen. But he hardly noticed me. He was off with Shane, chasing the girls. My heart was always breaking because of that.”

  “So how did you two finally get together?”

  “It was at the christening of Tessa and Lorne at Fairley Church, over thirty years ago now. Gosh, so long … how time flies. A bit of a problem arose that day about Shane, and my grandmother gave me the third degree about it, and Winston, too. Afterward, we went for a walk, commiserating with each other. And I can’t tell you how it came about, but he suddenly kissed me. And wow! That was that!” Emily shook her head. “I couldn’t believe it, couldn’t believe we were suddenly in each other’s arms. And we have been ever since.”