Deciding to leave her phone in the room, she figured that technically, as far as Kelly knew, Elisa should still be traveling.
“I’ll email you an update later tonight.” And she’d have to call her sister, too, knowing the first question Belinda would ask: What’s the rich Mr. Grimwood really like? Is he as handsome as the magazine's pictures?
Elisa would have to come up with something to say. Something safe that wouldn’t make him look too terrible. Deep down, she suspected that she’d judged him wrongly. Maybe. Tomorrow would tell, wouldn’t it?
Chapter Six
Duncan woke the next morning with a renewed purpose. Today he was going to enjoy a holiday with people instead of hiding in his rooms to avoid the hole left in his heart with the scattering of his family.
He knew Elisa was probably missing her family today, too. Margaret had made the effort to bring him a bowl of her famous beef stew last night. He soon learned she had a motive for making the long trip up the stairs. She sat with him while he ate, talking about the delightful afternoon she’d had with the young woman who helped bake pies and prepare side-dishes for their Thanksgiving meal. She’d had Sam move everything to the main kitchen where there was room to bake the turkey and a ham. All his favorites.
Duncan was sure Margaret wanted to check to make sure he’d not talk himself out of attending the dinner. No, it was time for him to rejoin life again.
Funny how one encounter could turn so much around. He’d wished that he had lingered with Ms. Lucken a while longer. He wished that his leg wasn’t bothering him so much, so he could show her more of the artwork she seemed to love so much. There was a room downstairs full of statues and other items his family had collected over the generations. Things the museums would die to get their hands on, but he’d sworn to not sell any of it.
Unless he followed through with selling the house. Except, how could he? There was no way he would be the one to make that decision. Not on his own.
Duncan climbed out of bed and studied the necklace he’d been working on last night. It was nothing special. Three chains, a gold, silver, and copper woven in a braid. Pearls bookended with glass beads ran around the braid down to a pendant that he’d changed out five times. None of them worked with the overall effect.
Shaking his head, he headed for the bathroom. The sight in the mirror was even worse than the pathetic necklace he’d spent hours on last night. He tugged at his unruly beard. That would need to go first. His hair? Well, maybe with some gel and a blow dryer, he’d tame the wild waves. He’d not bothered to primp in front of a mirror since before his accident.
The months of not worrying had been nice, but Sam was right, this was his chance to show their guest that he wasn’t a madman billionaire that needed to be locked up.
While trimming his beard, he thought, perhaps, Elisa didn’t think too badly about him. She’d been kind, and even attentive, in her little act of pretending she was merely walking with him up the stairs instead of offering him support.
He’d so appreciated the support. Stairs were difficult with his brace on, and downright dangerous without it.
The doctors had promised that he’d have a full recovery. If he’d keep up with his exercises. There was another area he needed to amend.
If he could make it through this day, then maybe, hopefully, he’d make it through that dreaded party the following weekend. Maybe it didn’t really matter if Elisa ran off with stories to offer the tabloids. He was sure they’d get their fill of juicy news when he made his debut next week with his new line that consisted of nothing new at all.
Duncan grasped the edge of the sink, the razor clasped in one hand. He couldn’t allow himself to panic now. Drawing in a long, deep breath, he slowly let it out and then continued working away at his mane. After an extra-long shower, he had his emotions back under control. The man who walked out onto the bathmat was cool as steel.
That was the facade Duncan Grimwood would have to portray if he was to get through the next two weeks. He could do this. He would. He had to. There was too much at stake.
* * * *
Elisa made quick work of getting dressed and checking her emails. Kelly hadn’t responded to her quick note that they only got about half of the decorating done. She’d debated on sending it but knew her boss would expect an answer. There was only a slim hope that Duncan would allow her to work on the other rooms while she was stuck here.
Still, she intended to ask him. If he said no…well, he had to go to sleep eventually, right? No, no, she scolded herself. Then again, he hadn’t been angry about her trespassing yesterday. Well, not too angry. She didn’t want to push him. He’d been somewhat sociable, but she was sure the beast was lurking just under the surface, ready to explode if she pushed him too far.
Yesterday, helping Margaret in the kitchen had eased the ache of missing her family considerably. She’d told the kind older woman all about her mother and father. She’d actually heard of William Lucken and his reputation of being one of the leading heart surgeons in North America. Pride filled her chest on hearing Margaret talk about the impressive article she’d read about him in Forbes magazine.
That had been a few years ago. Since then, Daddy had slowed down some and spent more time mentoring new doctors who showed promise.
Elisa had so enjoyed the afternoon with Margaret. She hurried in getting dressed, wanting to get back down there where she had someone to talk to. Plus, she was learning a lot of new recipes that she wanted to share with Mom at Christmas.
Elisa had picked a rust-colored knit dress that went well with her knee-high black boots. Suzette had left some very nice shoes behind, but they were slightly too large. She did find a pretty yellow scarf that went well with the dress. Plaiting her hair into a French braid, she let a few strands hang loosely around her face. With a bit of rosy lipstick and mascara, she considered herself good enough and hurried downstairs, eager to help.
Martha had baked some maple flavored muffins with bits of bacon mixed into the batter. They were delicious and would hold her over until lunchtime. The large kitchen was a dream to work in. She’d wanted to take pictures to send to Mom, but refrained, wanting to respect Mr. Grimwood’s privacy. She would have to describe it in great detail when they were all together for Christmas.
“How is our girl, today?” Sam asked, patting Elisa’s back while she put on the crisp green apron. “Did you sleep well, dear?”
“Yes, much better today. I think I’m adjusting to the quiet. I’m used to all the city noises.”
“Good, the country eventually grows on you. Today, the sun should make an appearance, I believe. We’ll finally be able to see the sky again.”
That news lightened Elisa’s heart. Maybe there was a chance that she could leave sooner…well, probably not. After so much snow, who knew how long it would be before the plows made it out this far off the highways. She was sure the poor city workers were putting in long hours of overtime clearing the roads.
“How can I help?” she asked Margaret, after washing her hands in the deep stainless-steel sink.
“Peel potatoes and leave them in that pot to soak. I won’t need to start the mashed potatoes for another hour.” She opened the oven door letting out the most delightful smells. A large turkey baked in the top, while a ham baked in the lower one.
Sam slipped into his jacket. “I’m going out to gather a good supply of wood. Should I get the fire started in the family room or wait until after we eat?”
Margaret closed the doors and set the basters aside. “Now, so we can get the chill out of the air in there.”
He gave a nod and a wink and promised to be back in a jiffy. Margaret boasted. “Such a good man.”
Elisa smiled while she worked on the potatoes. “You’re so lucky. My parents have a wonderful marriage, too, but they both stay very busy with their jobs. Sometimes I think that’s why, but who knows.” She shrugged. “They always seem happy when they are together. I hope to…” she let her hope dri
ft off as a fading dream one has upon waking.
“You hope for what?” Margaret probed. She picked up a spud and helped to peel.
Elisa shrugged. “A good man. But how do you know? So many of my friend’s marriages have already ended in divorce. My boss just went through a horrible split with her second husband. I think marriages like yours and my parents are rare. Maybe because we are from different generations, different worlds, you know?”
Margaret shook her head. “Good marriages don’t just happen by accident. They are a result of hard work and hard choices. And lots of forgiveness and second chances.” She winked.
Elisa grinned. “Maybe so. Maybe I shouldn’t grow so cynical yet.”
“No, you shouldn’t. There’s a good man out there waiting for you to realize that he’s there. And probably he needs a chance to realize that you’re right there, too.” Her smile held a hint of an innuendo.
Elisa wasn’t sure how to take her remark. Luckily, she was saved from having to respond when the kitchen doors opened and a man walked in wishing them both a happy Thanksgiving. He wore a tan sports jacket over a cream-colored sweater and jeans.
He stopped beside Margaret and kissed her cheek. The scent of his spicy cologne hung in the air. When he turned toward her, his dark blue eyes seemed to sparkle at her confused expression.
It was Duncan! Elisa’s breath caught and a word escaped her lips before she could stop it. “Wow.” She clamped her hands over her mouth, feeling the heat growing across her cheeks. “I…I mean, I…”
Margaret nudged Duncan with her elbow. “See what happens when you clean up? You leave people speechless.” She leaned forward over the pot of potatoes. “Isn’t he a looker?”
Elisa lowered her hands and casually returned to her task, trying desperately to regain her composure. “You do clean up well, Mr. Duncan. Happy Thanksgiving.” If he tried to kiss her cheek, she’d melt into a puddle.
Relief flooded her when he merely smiled and said, “You look lovely in that dress, Elisa. That’s a wonderful color on you.”
Margaret cut her eyes at Duncan, “Isn’t she a dish? Such a natural beauty.”
Oh man, there went the heat to her face again. She started to shake her head, unsure she would recover from Margaret’s teasing.
“And she has great tastes in outfits. Of course, I’m sure Suzette’s room is like shopping at Neiman Marcus.”
“Yes, ma’am it is,” Elisa said, trying to keep her focus on the potato instead of the fine smelling gorgeous man standing only a few inches away from her. “My chin nearly hit the floor when I saw the Woodwind logo on most of the outfits. She has exquisite taste and I hope she doesn’t mind that I’ve worn her expensive outfits. I’ve tried to pick the most casual.”
Duncan chuckled. “More likely, she’ll be flattered that you know of her line of clothes. And touched that you appreciate her work so much.”
“Wait.” Elisa dropped the half-peeled potato into the pot with a loud gasp. “Your sister? Is the…wait! Suzette. The Suzette who designs the Windwood…wood? Grimwood? Oh, man!”
Duncan’s smile continued to spread across his clean-shaven face. A dimple appeared at the edge of that smile. He had a strong chin. His clothes clung to his trim body, instead of hanging in loose wrinkles.
Elisa’s sister would freak when she told her that Duncan Grimwood was even more handsome in person than in the magazines. And that his sister designed their favorite line of clothing! They’d save up their extra cash for a few months just to get one complete outfit. So totally worth it. She looked down at her dress. “Oh man.”
Margaret fished the potato from the pot. “Sorry, dear, I had assumed you’d already made that connection.”
Elisa knew she was fangirling hard and needed to stop before it grew uncomfortable. “My sister and I really do admire her designs. She’s been an inspiration to me, even though we work in different fields. She’s always talking about keeping it simple, yet chic. And about allowing yourself to think out of the box and turn the old tried and true into something new and amazing.”
“Yes, that’s my sissy.” Duncan chuckled and went to the cabinet to take down a set of plates. “Maybe I can introduce you to her…um, sometime.” He shrugged. “We all used to get together for the holidays before Father passed. I think returning here has been a little too painful for her, and the others.”
“But not you?” Elisa asked.
Duncan rolled his eyes. “This is close to the Grimwood Jewelers headquarters. That’s why I’m here. That and recuperating from the motorcycle accident.” He took the plates to a smaller table set in a bright nook. “Since it’s only the four of us, would it be okay to eat here? It’s cozier.”
“Cozy is good, Dunc. Great idea.” Margaret decided that they had enough for the mashed potatoes. “Why don’t you help set the table, kitten? I brought out the special fall napkins. Perhaps you can fold them nicely for us?”
Setting tables for fancy events was something she often did during her first year working for Kelly. After that, she moved up to draping chairs, then actual decorations. Elisa followed behind Duncan, expertly whipping the pumpkin orange cloth napkins into the shape of a swan, which she declared were turkeys if one put their imagination to it enough.
She fixed the silverware when he wasn’t looking, but he caught her anyway. “I never could remember the proper placement. Drove my mother crazy. She eventually gave up on me and said hopefully I’d find a good wife who knew the difference between a fork and a knife.”
Elisa laughed and ducked her head to hide her blushing cheeks. Despite all her talk about wishing to find a decent man, she refused to hold out hope. Her past tries at dating often ended in disaster. She didn’t even try anymore.
Mr. Grimwood seemed content to be by himself. Despite his gentle manners and greatly improved looks, she was sure he’d return to his lair soon as dinner was over.
Not that she even dreamed that there was a slight chance with someone like him. He was totally out of her league.
Sam soon returned with a load of wood. Duncan helped him stack the logs beside the fireplace and get a fire started. Elisa stayed close to Margaret, not wanting to make any more embarrassing blunders with Duncan. She’d already made such a fool out of herself by gushing over his sister. If only she’d made the connection sooner. The family name and all those clothes from the same line, how had she been so daft?
Margaret stuck a thermometer into the turkey. “The meat looks done. Duncan, sweetheart, would you mind bringing the pans out for me?”
He seemed happy to oblige. Duncan Grimwood did not seem to think he was too good for the kitchen.
A vibration came from Elisa’s pocket. She checked the number to find her sister calling. “Do you need anything else, Margaret? My sister is calling, but I can call her back later.”
“Absolutely not. You go on and talk to your family. Dunc will help me carve the meat and Sam loves to be in charge of the potatoes.” She waved her towel. “Go on with you.”
Elisa stepped into the family room and sat next to the fireplace on one of the ottomans. “Hey, Belinda. Are you at the cabin?”
“Yes, everyone’s here. Except you. How is life with the rich and famous? Are you living it up like royalty?”
“As if.” Elisa kept her voice low. “The only people here are the House Managers, an older couple named Sam and Margaret. They are so sweet and remind me of Gram and Poppy. I can’t talk long. Dinner is almost ready and I don’t want to hold everyone up.”
More voices sounded in the background. “I just put you on speaker. Mom and Daddy wanted to hear how you’re doing. We’re all jealous that you get to stay in a real mansion.”
“Oh Lindy,” Mom said and Elisa was sure that there was towel swatting involved. “Hush with your teasing. How are you, baby? Are you doing okay? We’ve been watching the weather in your area, but I’m afraid they are saying that clearing the highways are taking top priorities. Well, I’m not sure if the Grimwo
ods would have any clout on this matter, but—”
“I’m fine, Mom. Honest. I have a really nice room, and…” she hesitated a moment but was dying to tell her sister. “I’m staying in Suzette Grimwood’s suites and they’re allowing me to wear her clothes. The dress I’m wearing is a Windwood, Belinda.”
A loud gasp came over the line. Even Mom seemed impressed. “You mean…? Well, of course, the designer is from the Grimwood family. How about that?”
“Yeah,” Elisa said, “that’s been fun. They’re all very kind to me. I’m doing—”
“What about Suzette’s brother? Is he still living there? Last I read about Duncan G. is that he was living at the family Manor. Is he? Is he as dreamy as the magazine’s pictures—”
“Hush!” Elisa looked around, knowing this would happen. “Mr. Duncan is in the next room.”
Belinda screeched again. “I can’t believe that my little sister is about to dine with Duncan Grimwood. Are any of the others there?”
“No. It’s not that big of a deal.” She tilted forward until she could see through the archway. The serving dishes were being placed on the table. “Listen, I really do need to go. Give everyone my love. I really do miss being there and promise I’ll call back tonight.”
“Sure, sure, go hob-knob with the Richie’s. Now that you’ve moved up—”
“Stop it, Belinda Ann,” Mom scolded. “Lissy, you enjoy your day, honey. We’re so grateful that the Lord provided you with a safe place to weather out that storm. And thankfully, it’s supposed to miss us. Call back later, baby. We love you.”
“Love you, too. Miss you, Mom and Dad. Belinda,” she added with a tad of annoyance. She could be such a child at times, even if she was the oldest.
She tucked her phone back into the pocket of the dress, then hurried to the dining room.
“Just in time,” Duncan said, pulling out a chair for her. He sat at the opposite end of Sam and Margaret sat across from Elisa.
“Who wants to say the blessing?” Margaret asked, patting the swan napkins head with a chuckle. “How cute. What a talented young lady you are.”
My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1) Page 7
