L & L Love & Liberation: Volume Iii

By Doris Woodard Wallace

Ingrids pregnancy unleashes a storm of unforeseen dangers created by Davids mother, Ina, in an attempt to end their marriage. Ingrid stands up to her as no one ever has because she loves David more than she fears his mother.
Conrad leaves the state to avoid a confrontation with Frank Irwin. He drops back into Ingrids personal life months later with surprising consequences. He warns Ingrid of impending danger while David is in New York. David returns to live his worst nightmare.
Ingrid looks for answers where Davids heritage is concerned, facts that can shake the very foundation of the Blacks name and change Davids future. David faces a scandal after Ingrid confronts Van Newton with her suspicions that prompts him to admit the truth that he fears will cost him his sons respect, if not his love. The media picks up on the tragedies in Davids life and he confesses all on National Television.
Ina is the key to Davids hopes and fears, being the only one who can unlock the truth that will at last answer the questions hanging in the balance between life and death, one answer that would either set him free or turn his life into a living hell for which there was no escape.
An investigation by a ruthless and determined detective, who leaves no stones unturned, leads to the source of an incredible scheme of greed and duplicity that spanned more than twenty-six years and finally ends in an explosion of deadly violence as the story unravels to a surprising, almost unfathomable, climax.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781438986579

Doris Woodard Wallace

Doris Woodard Wallace brings L&L to an end with this third and final volume. She admits it has been a challenging experience, also an enjoyable one, and wonders if her novel L&L is the first undertaking of such magnitude that spans close to seventeen hundred pages. She is the author of the trilogy Flynn, Books I, II, & III. Each book is formally complete though intentionally related in basic theme. However, this is not true of L&L. Each book must rely on its sister books to complete the story and explain the meaning of love in the lives of her main characters who travel relentlessly uphill in search of liberation.

Book preview

CHAPTER

1.

It was much later when Ingrid began to think with a degree of reasoning and deliberation. She lay leisurely and comfortably in David’s arms, her cheek against his chest.

Wasn’t Pam a satisfactory plaything? she teased.

She’s too skinny, her lips too thin, her feet too big, and flat as a board across the beam.

Ingrid laughed. What were her good points?

He didn’t say anything for a long time. She raised up to look at him, thinking he was asleep. He was looking at her. Why do you hesitate to answer?

I’m thinking.

About what it was you liked about her.

Yes.

Well?

Truthfully, Ingrid, I can’t think of a thing. You’ve spoiled me. I was telling Lowell about you and he thinks I have all my eggs in one basket, and he’s right. You’re perfect—well except for one little flaw.

Go ahead and tell me. She sounded peeved.

You don’t trust your husband.

What about my jealous streak?

If you ever stop being jealous, then I’ll start to worry. Do you like fat women?

Only you.

Will you still love me when I’m fat and round?

I like you anyway I can get you.

I’m serious, she said.

He rolled to his side to face her. So am I. They were quiet for a time, and then he said, What is it you want to tell me?

Suddenly he had asked the question she had been dreading. I thought you had forgotten.

There seemed more pressing things to be considered, but I haven’t forgotten.

Do you love me?

He held her tighter. What can I do to prove it? Anything, just tell me.

Do you trust me?

Of course, he sounded perplexed, and then felt a spear of alarm. Ingrid, what is it?

Something has happened, something inexplicable, wonderful, and frightening.

I can’t imagine what you’re talking about, but you’re scaring the hell out of me. What has happened? He started to push himself up.

She put her arm across his chest and whispered, Please, don’t move, just hold me. He lay flat and held her. She was trembling. I’m so scared, she said, and her voice faded into the darkness of the room.

Scared of what? You’ve been beating around the bush long enough. Now will you please tell me what’s wrong? Is it something I’ve done?

It most certainly is, she thought, but how will I convince you of that. Darling, she said, and then paused as tremors racked her body. His arms tightened around her and she held on to him like a frightened child who had just awakened from a nightmare.

For God’s sake! What is it?

I’m pregnant!

She felt him stiffen, but he did not move, tighten or relax his hold on her. The long silence that followed was deadly. She could not hear the sound of his breathing and she held her own breath in terror. She put her ear over his heart and heard it beating very fast, and she feared, in disbelief.

When he finally spoke he sounded excited. Ingrid, are you sure?

Yes, darling. I’m positive.

He didn’t say anything more, but he held her fiercely, and she felt the sobs that racked his body. She hung on to him while they both wept. Sweetheart, he said at last, why were you afraid to tell me?

Because, she sobbed, I was afraid you might deny being responsible. You were so positive that you couldn’t get me pregnant. I have never been so scared in my life.

Deny it! Do you have any idea what this means to me? I’m the happiest man alive— His voice broke off.

I was afraid that you might think that I—

Stop it! his voice cut through the darkness. What kind of an animal do you think I am? Sure I’m shocked out of my gourd. I never dreamed that it might actually happen. I knew there was a small chance, a minute possibility, but I have never believed in impossible odds.

What will people think?

To hell with people!

Some people are suspicious and nasty. They can read smut into Bible stories. We might as well be prepared for it.

They can think what they like, but they had better not say it. He gathered her close. I’m the luckiest man on earth.

I want to have your baby more than I have ever wanted anything in my life.

I can’t wait to tell Father.

Please, don’t tell anyone, not yet.

Of course I’ll tell him. I’ll tell the whole damned world. We don’t have anything to hide; we have something to brag about. I know you haven’t been sleeping with the ice man.

Indeed I haven’t, she laughed. The man I sleep with is more like a fireman.

You should know, you carry the matches.

Do you realize that we will have been married only nine months when the baby comes?

That’s all the time we need. I still can’t believe it.

You had better believe it.

I’m going to call Father.

Now?

Right this minute.

Darling, it’s three o’clock in the morning.

I don’t care. If I don’t tell someone, I’ll burst.

Oh, dear, she said. I was supposed to call Nadine and let her know I found you.

She’s probably asleep by now.

You know she’s not. She’s sitting by the telephone right this minute waiting.

Then you had better give her a call. Shall I do it?

Yes, if you don’t mind. I gave her a pretty hard time. I’m not too sure she would want to talk to me.

I wasn’t too easy on her myself. Poor Nadine, always caught in the middle.

Poor Nadine talks too much.

Don’t be too hard on her. She has a lot more good qualities than bad ones.

I know. I could never get along without her. I love her very much.

How about it—care for a second honeymoon?

There isn’t any such thing, remember?

So there isn’t. How about a short vacation?

What will I wear? I didn’t bring a thing with me and I lost my shoes in the mud.

You brought everything with you that I need. He was quiet for a moment. Did you say you lost your shoes in the mud?

My car stalled about a quarter mile from here and I had to walk. I lost my shoes.

Good Lord! I had no idea. You must have been out of your mind starting out in the middle of the night, and in the rain.

I was out of my mind, she admitted. I was frantic to find you. It wasn’t raining when I left home.

That washed out trail is dangerous at best. Dammit, you could have been hurt, or ended up in the river. He grabbed her and held her, trembling. This was all my fault. I am like a turtle. You’re right. Sometimes I act like a spoiled brat too. I’m going to make sure that you take better care of yourself.

Don’t start treating me like an invalid just because I’m pregnant. Women have babies every day.

Not my babies.

She felt ashamed for making such a cold observation. He would most likely never have another child and she knew she must protect the precious life she was carrying. I’ll be very careful, she said seriously. I thought you were going to call Nadine?

I can have Slim bring us some clothes and groceries.

How will he find us?

He could find this cabin in his sleep. Slim has been with me since I was nine years old.

David! You gave me your own man! Now I know why he never cashed any of his paychecks. You’ve been paying him all along.

To look after you for me. He got up and struggled into his robe. I’ll call Nadine. He felt his way across the dark bedroom and turned on the hall light. Ingrid slid out of bed, pulled the spread around her and followed. He was just dialing the number when she sat down beside him. He put his arm around her and leaned back with the receiver against his ear.

Nadine grabbed the phone on the first ring. Ingrid? she cried, and she was shaking all over.

It’s David, Nadine—

What’s the matter with you? Ingrid is out hunting for you in the rain and I’m worried sick. You—

Will you hold on just a minute? Ingrid is all right. She’s right here beside me. No, we are not fighting, not anymore.

Ingrid listened to his explanation and laughed softly. He slipped his hand inside the spread and she squealed and jumped.

Let me talk to her for a second, Ingrid said. He smiled and passed her the receiver. Aunt Nadine, I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner, but we were talking.

Are you all right?

I am now, but I don’t have anything to wear. I lost my shoes in the mud and my dress got soaked. We have only one robe between us. I’m wearing the bedspread and it’s not very becoming.

But sufficient, I would imagine, she said with a rather deep laugh, then attached a quick, Where are you?

At the cabin.

Is everything all right?

Beautiful! Will you have Slim bring us some clothes? Better give me a list.

Wait a minute. She turned to David. How long are we going to stay?

How long do you want to stay?

I know we can’t stay forever, so how about a week?

Okay, a week it is.

Send us a week’s supply of everything. And Aunt Nadine, I’m sorry about the way I blew up at you. I didn’t mean it.

It wasn’t your fault. What you said was true.

I love you, Aunt Nadine. Forgive me?

Her throat was suddenly full. You’re forgiven. Will you forgive me? I did a terrible thing. I’m so sorry.

We shall speak no more of it, Ingrid said, conning one of her aunt’s tried and true expressions. How is our daughter?

She’s just fine, but I can’t say the same thing for Van Newton. He has called here twice looking for David.

What did you tell him?

Nothing! I’ve learned my lesson. From now on I don’t know a thing.

Did he say why he was looking for him?

He most certainly did. David ran off and left the New York office in an uproar, and Van Newton is jumping up and down.

Ingrid looked at David and grinned. Shame on you!

For what?

Leaving New York in an uproar.

To hell with New York, he said intently.

His reply startled her. Your father is mad at you.

He plucked the receiver from Ingrid’s hand and said in an angry tone, If my father calls again, tell him I’ll be in touch with him later, much later. In the meantime, he can cool it, or go sit on his own nest eggs. I’m busy.

I’ll certainly tell him, and with great pleasure. When do you want Slim to bring your clothes and things?

Tomorrow. We’re in no hurry.

Do you need anything else?

We can let you know if we do.

How will Slim find you?

He knows the way. He took Ingrid’s hand and looked at her in admiration as he spoke to Nadine in a tone of dismissal. Good-night, Nadine.

He did not wait to hear her reply, but dropped the receiver as if it were a hot rock. Let’s go back to bed, Mrs. Black. He swept Ingrid into his arms and took her with him.

CHAPTER

2.

The morning dawned cold and stormy, blurred with rain. Ingrid stood staring out the window of their bedroom, momentarily bound in happy memories. She had awakened early suffering the usual morning sickness that always left her pale and drained. She was thankful that she had not disturbed her husband. He was sleeping soundly and peacefully. She was ashamed of her cruel judgment of him, for not trusting him, and treating him heartless because she was reckless and foolish. She glanced toward him with deep pride and familiar pleasure. The sound of his steady breathing was like music to her ears. She felt almost sinful because of the joy he aroused in her. She was conscious of nothing except her insane passion and intense desire that controlled her every thought and action. His nearness and the incredulity of their love left her in a rapturous state. Their relationship was fresh, exciting, and mysterious. Each kiss and embrace was as enchanting and ecstatic as their first. Her madness for him was almost frightening. She was unable to express her feelings in words, or she would write a book to capture love’s pure meaning to treasure for all time.

When she recalled her marriage to Conrad, she would grow cold inside, as if the warmth of life and feeling had escaped her body. Living with Conrad had been like living in a world without sunlight, where artificial light dimmed and died, leaving behind a cold dark emptiness as bleak as an ice-crusted mountain. She compared him to David, she was always comparing them, and she wondered if other women in a like situation might be guilty of the same thing, an act she felt had to be a sin. They were as different as summer and winter; David being the man, the living flesh, while Conrad seemed only a shadow, perhaps even the shadow of a shadow.

He opened his eyes and looked at her, and she returned his gaze silently. She adored him, everything about him: his wide shoulders, the spray of hair across his hard chest, long muscular arms and trim smooth elbows, the way his dark hair fell unruly upon his forehead, the penetrating expression in his eyes that reached the very depths of her soul, and the two dimples that appeared low on his cheeks when he smiled. He held out his hand to her and she moved to take it. He looked serious as he drew her down beside him.

Do I snore?

She smiled at his serious expression. You do not. And she had marveled many times at the peacefulness of his slumber as he lay beside her.

Couldn’t you sleep?

She twisted her fingers around his. I just felt a little sick.

I’m sorry, darling, he said sympathetically, fully aware of the plagues of pregnancy. Can I get you something?

I’m all right now.

You look pale.

He held her close with their heads resting on his pillow. She turned to face him. She was looking at him in a disturbing way that melted him into a current of strong emotions. He felt different, changed in a pleasant way, relaxed now, deliriously happy, bound securely in a love too beautiful to express, too delightful to compare. He felt like a man walking in an exotic dream, waking to find his dream a reality. His marriage to Ingrid had brought many extraordinary changes to his life. He was in love for the first time, with a woman profoundly desirable, alluring, passionate, and satisfying. He was contented in a way he never thought possible.

Are you happy? he said.

His question astonished her. Yes. Do you have to ask?

I’ve been pretty rough on you. He was quiet for a moment, and then asked, Would you have really divorced me?

Yes, if you had accused me of being unfaithful. I was afraid of what you might think and there was no way for me to explain a miracle.

You didn’t need to explain.

I know that now. She studied him for a moment. Why are we almost like strangers?

When two people are in love, they can’t be like strangers.

But we are, she insisted. Our marriage is all confusion and excitement, filled with fear, apprehension, and a lot of jealousy. It’s strange in a way that I don’t understand.

You keep me guessing, and sometimes scared.

What you mean is that I behave like an idiot.

What I mean is: I wish you would trust me.

I do trust you.

What about when I’m out of your sight?

She laughed. I must learn patience.

And what has patience got to do with it?

Everything. I must learn to listen to your excuses before I divorce you.

He smiled in spite of her disturbing statement. I don’t make excuses. I don’t need to. I have no reason to avoid telling you the truth. You make me feel safely insecure.

Perhaps I’ll even give you a complex.

I’ll accept anything you care to give me, he said, his lips very close to hers. She kissed him mildly, but the kiss he returned was far from tranquil, and she was deeply moved. Suddenly the sharp ringing of the telephone penetrated the stillness. He rolled on his back and stared toward the ceiling in disgust. Do you realize we are plagued by telephones? Who is stupid enough to call this time of morning?

It must be Nadine. No one else knows where we are.

I doubt that. He moved away from her and swung his legs over the side of the bed. May as well answer it. He walked out of the room clad only in a pair of blue mesh briefs.

She whistled at him. He stopped and turned to face her. His expression one of amusement.

You have nice legs and such a cute little ass, she teased, but she was really quite serious.

Cut that out.

Why? Is it wrong for a wife to admire her husband’s physique? You’re really quite an eyeful, all over.

I think I’ll take my robe back so I can admire your curves.

She repressed her laughter. It might get a little cold.

I doubt that.

The phone continued to ring and he hurried toward it with irritation. Hello, he grunted.

David! What in blazes are you doing back? He frowned at the sound of his father’s harsh, demanding voice.

What do you want? he said irritably.

I want to know why you walked out on your job? Our New York office is going crazy. What are you up to?

I wanted to see Ingrid. Is that a crime?

It is when you let business slide.

Better to let business go to pot instead of my marriage.

What are you talking about?

Ask mother. She cooked up a nice little stew with Pam Tillman’s help.

God! Not again?

Yes, again! But not anymore. I’m fed up with her insane lies and interference! She needs to be locked in the cellar.

What did she do this time?

He went on to describe in detail the nasty plot she contrived. Ingrid stood behind him listening, waiting for him to break the news about her pregnancy, but he made no mention of it.

Tell him. she said. Get it over with.

He put his hand over the mouthpiece and said in a low voice, Are you certain you want me to?

Do we have a choice? If you don’t, they will accuse us of having something to hide; and if you do, they will call me a brazen bitch.

Stop talking like that. We don’t have anything to be ashamed of.

Of course we don’t, but that’s not really the point.

Then what is?

Tell him and you will find out soon enough.

David! Are you still there?

Hold on a minute, he said, looking at Ingrid. He cupped his hand over the phone again. It’s up to you.

Go ahead. I might as well be branded a slut now as later.

His face turned crimson. He took his hand away and said in an angry voice. I’ll see you in a week, and in the mean time, don’t call me, I’ll call you. He hung up the phone and turned to face Ingrid. It wasn’t me you wanted to divorce; it was my family, particularly my mother. You’re concerned with what they might think.

You of all people should know how your mother will react, or over-react. She hates me like poison and will use my pregnancy as a weapon to accuse, condemn, and even to turn you against me. I had rather be dead than have you think the same thoughts that run through her depraved mind like sewage.

She can’t influence my thinking. I know you’re carrying my baby.

Go see your doctor and have him run some tests.

Why should I? You have given me all the proof I need.

But it proves nothing to your friends and family. Can’t you see that?

To hell with my friends, my mother, and my father. You’re my family. I have never doubted you and I never will, but if I run to the doctor for tests it will sure as hell look like it. I won’t do it, Ingrid, so don’t ask.

The determined tone of his voice told her that he would not change his mind, and so she dismissed the subject. She was ashamed for having ever doubted him. He loved and trusted her. He had given her a hard time over Conrad’s letter, but there was a lot of difference between a lie and adultery. She was certain now that he had accepted her explanation, as she had accepted his concerning Donna and Pam.

Late that same afternoon, Slim arrived with their clothes and a good supply of groceries. Accompanying him was Nadine.

David put his shirt on to cover his bare torso, careful not to offend Nadine. After Slim carried everything inside he returned to the car to wait

I hope you don’t mind, Nadine said, but I was curious and a little worried.

You can stop worrying, David assured her. We’re on our second honeymoon.

I thought you didn’t believe in second honeymoons, Nadine reminded him.

Who told you that?

Never mind. She looked around the cabin beaming with pleasure.

Do you approve? David asked.

I approve of the cabin but not the roads that lead to it. What on earth happened to Ingrid’s car? Slim had a hard time getting around it. We almost got stuck.

It stalled, Ingrid spoke up.

Wouldn’t it start? David said.

He didn’t try. It’s stuck in the mud up to the hubcaps.

You have a point.

Nadine gave Ingrid an inquiring look. How are you feeling now that David’s back? I think he’s all the medicine you need.

David gazed at Ingrid in puzzlement, a sly smile on his lips. I thought you told Nadine everything.

Not quite everything.

Now it was Nadine’s turn to look puzzled, staring from one to the other.

I think I’ll have Slim drive me down to where Ingrid’s car is stalled. Maybe we can get it started. He smiled at Ingrid and winked. Have a nice visit.

What was that all about? Nadine said, after he closed the door behind him.

I think I have a secret, but I’m not too sure.

Nadine looked perplexed. David left so you could tell me something. Am I right?

She picked up the bag containing her clothes. Come with me while I unpack.

Nadine followed her eagerly down the hall to their bedroom and sat down on the unmade bed. Ingrid opened the bag and began to shake the wrinkles from her clothes.

I hope I packed every thing you need. Ingrid made no reply. Nadine watched her, waiting impatiently.

Do you remember what you asked me the other day about being pregnant?

Yes, to my shame and humiliation.

You were right.

About what?

I’m pregnant. I was pregnant then but I didn’t know it because I thought it was impossible. I was so afraid when I first found out that I couldn’t think straight. David had told me that he couldn’t get me pregnant, yet I was. Can you imagine the torment I was going through? I knew I was pregnant by David, but I didn’t know how I was going to convince him of that. And so I thought divorce was the answer.

I thought you were thinking divorce because of Pam Teelman.

She was only an excuse. Fear was the real reason. I couldn’t stand the thought of David accusing me, denying the baby, and maybe end up being big about the whole affair out of pity. I thought if I divorced him, he would never have to know. I could slip quietly away, have the baby, and then come back.

What were you going to do about Karen?

I don’t know. All I could think about was him divorcing me for adultery. I can imagine how a man must feel when he is about to pay the supreme penalty for a crime he didn’t commit.

But you did convince him. That’s apparent.

He didn’t do any of the things I thought he would. He believes me because he loves me. He has no doubt whatsoever.

Then he really isn’t sterile?

Almost completely. The chance of my becoming pregnant was a million to one, but it happened.

I would say that David Black is a very fortunate young man.

So is his wife. You were right about something else too. When a woman loves a man she wants to have his children. I want this baby more than I have ever wanted anything in my life.

I wish I could have seen the look on his face when you told him.

I cheated myself out of that pleasure. I was such a coward that I couldn’t tell him until we were in bed with the lights out.

Where do you go from here?

What you mean is how do we tell his parents.

Check!

That’s David’s problem. I don’t even want to think about it. His rotten old mother will never believe the truth, not in a million years.

What about Van Newton?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Maybe the baby will look like David.

That’s what Frank said.

Frank knows? She was shocked.

He guessed that Pam wasn’t the real reason I wanted a divorce. I had to tell him. I had to tell someone before I lost my mind, and his shoulder just happened to be there when I needed it most.

And he talked you out of it?

Not really. He just made me realize that I had nothing to fear because I had nothing to be ashamed of. He trusted David’s reaction more than I dared to.

Would he have taken action against David?

If it had become necessary, but only to protect me.

I think Frank must love you very much.

Ingrid looked dazed. You too?

Nadine knew that David must have told Ingrid of his suspicions also. She tried to sound surprised. So David has noticed too. I’m not surprised; it’s as plain as egg on Frank’s face. You had better watch out.

For Frank?

Don’t ignore his feelings.

Just what would you have me do? Walk up to him and say, sorry Frank, I can’t associate with you anymore because you don’t part your hair right, or you’re too helpful, or my aunt thinks you have your mind in the gutter. I can’t do that to Frank. I need him and I intend to keep him around. If I’m forced to whitewash his feelings, then I will.

Then you’re aware.

Yes, I’m aware. I know he loves me. He told me before I married David.

This is crazy. Does David realize that you know how Frank feels?

No, and don’t you tell him. I can handle Frank.

Can you?

He knows how much I love David. Now, if you don’t mind, I want to take a hot shower and get dressed. She threw the robe off and walked into the bathroom with quick steps and closed the door behind her.

Nadine looked at the blank wall and sighed deeply. She had not been prepared for so many baffling surprises all in the same day. Ingrid was overflowing with secrets and puzzling stupidity, leaving Nadine in mild shock. She returned to the den to wait for Slim and David to return. She looked up when the door opened. David came into the room rubbing his cold hands together, moved to the fireplace, and stretched his fingers toward the warm flames.

Where’s Ingrid? he said, his back to her.

Taking a shower. Did you get her car started?

No, it will have to be towed. Slim will attend to it.

He turned toward her, searching her face. He smiled, and then said quietly, Did she tell you?

Nadine got slowly to her feet, watching the expression on his handsome face as he stared at her in silence. She threw her arms around his neck. Congratulations! she cried. When she stepped back to look at him there were tears in her eyes.

Miracles never cease. I’m the most fortunate man alive.

You are indeed.

I think we had better employ more domestic help. I don’t want Ingrid overdoing.

Ingrid hates too many people parading through her house. She likes privacy.

So do I, but when you live in a house the size of a hotel you need enough help to take care of it. In case you haven’t noticed, the place is getting pretty dusty.

Nadine sat back down and David perched on the arm of the chair with his arm around her shoulders.

Shall I take care of the hiring? Or had you rather do it yourself?

He smiled. You take care of it before we return. Then it will be too late for Ingrid to argue about it.

How many?

I leave that up to you.

She stood up. I had better get going before Slim freezes to death out there. She picked up her coat and purse.

Aren’t you going to tell Ingrid good-bye?

You can tell her for me. David held her coat while she slipped her arms into the sleeves and adjusted the collar. See you in a week. She walked toward the door, went out, and closed it behind her.

CHAPTER

3.

Ingrid returned to the room wearing a pale yellow dress trimmed in white lace at her throat. She looked delicate and beautiful; her skin appeared slightly darker in contrast to the light color. Her eyes roved about the room.

She went home, David said, before she asked the question he saw in her eyes.

She looked troubled. I feel guilty.

Because we’re enjoying a few days alone?

I feel sorry for Aunt Nadine. The whole burden of running Grayson House is heaped on her shoulders. I’m being thoughtless and selfish as usual.

Was she complaining?

No, but that certainly doesn’t mean she wouldn’t like to.

What do you want to do about it? You can’t enjoy being here with me if you worry the whole time about Nadine. We can be together there as well as here. I don’t mind going home.

They stared at one another for a moment. When he looked at her so openly, so tenderly, everything else seemed unimportant.

I would mind, she said, her heart pounding. The time would pass all too quickly and then he would return to New York. Even though he had made no mention of it, the thought hovered in her mind like craving vultures, threatening to devour their present happiness.

Do you want to go home? he asked.

No, I wish this week could go on forever.

He put his arm around her waist. Our love will go on forever and that’s the important thing, whether we’re together here, at Grayson House, or in a tent pitched in the center of the Ural Mountains. It makes no difference.

Will you still love me when I’m old?

As best I can. I’ll be old too you know.

His answer amused him and she laughed. You’re crazy!

About you, he said, lifting her off the floor to meet his lips.

How will you tell your mother?

He prowled nervously about the room. At last he stood still, leaning his shoulder against the stone mantle. His eyes met hers for an instant and then he looked with diverseness into the fire. I have several things to tell my mother. Your pregnancy is only one of them.

What things?

He whirled around, almost in anger, his face flushed. Have you forgotten about the sweet little stew she and Pam cooked up?

No, but why tell her anything? She will only gain more satisfaction from all the misery she has caused us.

And I’ll gain satisfaction from all the misery I’m about to cause her.

His attitude frightened her. She moved to his side and looked up at him with pleading eyes. Please, darling, just let it drop. She can’t hurt us if we don’t allow her to. All we have to do is stay away from her.

You’re dreaming. His irritation grew. She uses people unscrupulously to execute her schemes. She used Pam. Poor stupid, Pam. You could have blown the top of her head off in a jealous rage, and Mother would have only clacked her tongue over it and leaned a little heavier on her illness.

"If she doesn’t care about Pam,