But how was she supposed to turn down someone she actually liked?
Rebekah nodded, stepped out of the hospital, and went to contact Blanche.
Once Rebekah had left, Eddy turned to his bodyguard. “Have Dr. Smith come by to give my wife a check–up.”
“What if Mrs. Grant refuses to cooperate, sir?”
Eddy shot him a look. “Do you really need me to spell it out for you?”
The trending news vanished within minutes, but everyone who ought to know already knew.
Gaylord returned home from his retirees‘ social gathering and wandered into their garden.
He settled down in the living room.
After an evening of relentless teasing, Gaylord looked thoroughly disgruntled.
“You should go get some rest,” Ablett said quietly to Blanche.
He could handle his father’s temper alone.
“How many times do you think you can shield her?” Gaylord snapped, his irritation growing.
Blanche paused at the doorway, only for Ablett to pull her behind him protectively.
“In the city, the rumor mill’s churning about me finding you a wife. The daughters of every good family are practically lining up at the door,” Gaylord complained. “And now you want to marry a divorcée? Have you considered what that makes them look like?”
“All the grief I had to swallow at that party tonight–that’s just a taste of her future,” Gaylord grumbled.
“Laney’s busy with work. She never cared for those social gatherings anyway,” Ablett replied evenly.
Mentioning Blanche’s clerical job only stoked Gaylord’s annoyance. “Couldn’t you have arranged something a little more respectable for her?”
“If you won’t do it, I will.”
1/2
Ablett reined in his usual sharpness in front of his father. “You mean you want to find your daughter–in–law a more dignified job?”
“My daughter–in–law is-” Gaylord stopped mid–sentence, realizing Ablett had led him in circles.
“Don’t get smart with me!” he barked, glaring at his son.
Ever since that falling out with the Harvey family years ago, Ablett had used work as an excuse to cut contact with home. They hadn’t even known where to call him; having a son felt much the same as not having one at all.
It had been years since Gaylord had spoken to his son like this. Ablett had always been solitary and driven, rarely sticking around to be lectured. Now, seeing his son holding a woman’s hand and standing protectively in front of her–something he’d never done, even when he was young–Gaylord felt a strange mix of pride and frustration.
“But the two of you don’t exactly seem like a real couple,” Gaylord muttered, remembering his wife’s warnings. “What married couple lives apart?”
“We’ve moved in together,” Ablett replied, glancing at Blanche.
Blanche nodded in confirmation.
Gaylord peeked into the other suite, where the maids were cleaning up a chaotic mess–definitely not fit for living.
“I’ve been too busy and neglected her,” Ablett added.
Gaylord considered this. It was true his son was busy, but that was no excuse. Back in his own working days, he’d been just as busy, but his wife had been by his side through it all. How else would they have managed to raise both a son and a daughter?
“So she’s the only one for you? No one else will do?” Gaylord pressed, still uneasy. If her ex had been some ordinary man, it might be easier to sever the past. But rumor had it he was hopelessly devoted–even if infidelity didn’t quite fit that description. Either way, he was no match for his own son.
Ablett squeezed Blanche’s hand. “Yes. She’s mine now, so of course I’ll take responsibility.”
Blanche’s cheeks flushed hot–not from shyness, but from guilt.
Gaylord slapped his knee in satisfaction and looked like he wanted to keep
questioning. “Marrying Ablett isn’t going to be easy, you know. Your aunt is proof.
9/3
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Chapter 243
She’s worked herself to the bone for me, day and night. Are you really willing to take
that on?”
“Just tonight, I was ridiculed at that party because of him. I held my tongue for the sake of his reputation, swallowed my pride, and came home full of resentment. The higher you climb, the more careful you have to be. Being the wife of a wealthy man is no walk in the park.”
Blanche’s voice was calm. “I’m willing.”
Though he knew she didn’t mean it wholeheartedly, Ablett’s eyes sparkled with
contentment.
“The wedding arrangements will begin,” Gaylord said, finally relenting.
His wife always said infertility was common now, so someone with a child already would find it easier the next time–there was some sense in that.
Gaylord had barely left when Blanche’s phone rang. She ended the call and turned to Ablett. “I’ll drive to pick up Rebekah and take her home. I’ll also stop by to see Mr. Jordan.”
