The Perfect Wife Page 8

  The action seemed to have taken Velma by surprise for it took her a moment to hug her back. Once the hug ended, she said, “I told Tony I would be quick.”

  So Velma had joined Tony in having dinner with his parents. That was good. Things were going to be alright then. Velma no longer hated her, and better yet, she was happy with Tony. “Thank you for stopping by. I’ve had a terrible time sleeping all week. I kept worrying about you.”

  “There’s nothing you need to worry about. Just focus on yourself.”

  Natalie watched Velma as she left. She wasn’t sure what Velma was concerned about. Everything with Mark was going along just fine, and he’d taught her what to expect at dinner parties. The one she’d had with Annabelle and Kenneth had turned out alright.

  Oh well. She supposed it didn’t matter. The important thing was that Velma wasn’t angry with her anymore. The two could be on good terms again, which was good since they had married into the same family. And better yet, Velma was happy with Tony. Which meant Mark had been right. The two were going to be fine.

  Recalling Mark, she hurried up the stairs and to her bedroom. He wasn’t there. She went into his bedroom and saw that he had already changed out of his church clothes. He was wearing a more comfortable suit and was studying his reflection in the mirror.

  Well, it seemed as if he had managed to get his focus off of his sister. He’d been fretting so much over her when they had returned from church that she thought he’d spend the rest of the day in a bad mood.

  He glanced over at her. “Since there was no screaming downstairs, I assume everything between you and Velma went fine.”

  “It did. You were right. She’s happy with Tony.”

  She thought he might take the moment to gloat, but he only nodded and said, “I figured it was just a matter of time before she realized she married the right brother.”

  Unable to resist teasing him, she asked, “She married the right brother? Does that mean I should have fought her for him since I got you instead?”

  His jaw dropped, and after a moment, he relaxed. “That’s not funny.”

  She chuckled. “Yes, it is. You really thought I had regretted marrying you.”

  He shook his head then turned his attention back to the mirror where he smoothed his hair. “I’m not amused.”

  “You should be.” Feeling playful, she kissed him. “I’m only jesting. It’s good that I got to marry you. I don’t want to be with anyone else.”

  He turned to her and took her into his arms. “That’s better.”

  She kissed him again. “You have nothing to worry about. I adore you.”

  “That’s even better.” He pulled her closer and gave her a lingering kiss. When he ended it, he asked, “How would you like to take a nice leisurely walk through town?”

  “It sounds like fun.”

  “Good. You should change into a more comfortable dress and pair of boots for the walk.”

  “I should get the maid. This dress was difficult to get on. I don’t think it’ll be much better taking it off.”

  “There’s no need to bother the maid. I’ll help you.”

  “Can you do that without getting me into bed?” So far, any time he had helped her out of her clothes, he’d also ended up making love to her. Not that she’d minded. She enjoyed the activity as much as he did. But if he wanted to go for a walk, then there wouldn’t be time for that since dinner would be ready soon.

  “I’m perfectly capable of taking you out of your clothes without taking advantage of the moment. Besides, it’ll only get me more anxious for tonight.”

  He brushed his fingers along her breasts, and it suddenly occurred to her that she was going to be just as anxious as he’d be, especially if he intended to touch her in certain places while he helped her change clothes. With a giggle, she led him to her bedroom, not really caring if they went for that walk or not.

  Chapter Ten

  Mark drummed his fingers on his desk at work. He needed to find out more about Kenneth, and he needed to do it before Annabelle did something stupid like marry him. He was trouble. Mark just knew it. But he needed proof.

  “Mr. Larson?”

  Mark turned his attention to his secretary who stood in the doorway. “What is it, Eugene?”

  “Mr. Gordon wishes to have a moment of your time.”

  Mark gestured for Eugene to let Mr. Gordon in and rose to his feet. He didn’t know if this was Kenneth or the uncle. If it was Kenneth, maybe he could dissuade him from courting his sister. Oh wait. He’d told Natalie that he wouldn’t resort to lying anymore. That meant he couldn’t give Kenneth some story about why she’d make a miserable wife.

  As it turned out, however, making up such a story wasn’t an option. The man who came through the door was the uncle.

  “Mr. Gordon,” Mark greeted and went over to shake his hand. “It’s nice to see you again.” He gestured to the chair across from his. “Have a seat.”

  Mr. Gordon sat down but waited until Mark had returned to his chair before speaking up. “Mr. Larson, I had the opportunity to visit some of the buildings you had a hand in constructing, and I’m pleased with the quality of your work. You not only show good judgment in picking your materials, but you have a creative flair for the business as well.”

  “Thank you,” Mark replied, glad Mr. Gordon was satisfied with his past work.

  “I didn’t come here to discuss business, though.”

  Mark’s gut tightened. He wasn’t going to discuss a marriage arrangement between Kenneth and Annabelle, was he? He’d have to say no. And if he said no, he might lose Mr. Gordon’s account. Well, if he had to go without Mr. Gordon’s money and prestige, so be it. It wasn’t worth his sister’s happiness.

  “As you know, my family and I are new to Omaha,” Mr. Gordon began. “My wife is used to socializing with affluent ladies, and she’d like to get involved in the activities you have here. I heard you recently married. Do you think your wife and a couple of her friends would be willing to invite my wife to their next outing?”

  Mark relaxed. Good. He would much rather be having this conversation than trying to figure out how to tell him no. “My wife is a lovely person. She’ll be happy to invite your wife to a lady’s social outing.”

  He opted not to tell Mr. Gordon that Natalie had yet to meet the ladies his sister often associated with. Natalie, however, would get along with the women just fine. She was the most likable person he’d ever come across. Everyone who met her would think the same thing.

  “Splendid,” Mr. Gordon said. “My wife’s been restless. This will be the very thing she needs. Don’t tell your wife this was my idea. I don’t want word getting back to my wife about this.”

  “You have nothing to worry about. I won’t say a word about this conversation to anyone.”

  And Mark didn’t. During dinner that evening, he suggested that Natalie go on a social activity with his sister and a few other women.

  Natalie swallowed the veal she’d been eating then took a sip of her wine. “How many women will be going to this social engagement?”

  “Usually, my sister invites five or six women. It’s a small, informal affair. I’ll mention it to my sister tomorrow. All I need is for you to send out the invitations. My sister will help you through the actual activity.” He put down his fork and knife so he could pull out the slip of paper he’d written Mr. Gordon’s address on. “My sister will know where to send the other invitations, so I’ll have her send over a list of names and addresses.” He held it out to her.

  Though she looked uncertain, she folded the paper and put it in her pocket.

  “You have nothing to worry about,” he said. “You’re perfect. The women will love being around you.”

  “That’s nice of you to say, Mark, but I don’t know what wealthy women like to discuss.”

  He picked his fork and knife up. “Ask my sister. She’s been doing this for a year now. My mother taught her everything she needed to say and do. My fath
er says it’s because of my mother that his business expanded as fast as it did. She not only did his bookkeeping, but she made important connections to increase the demand for his services. They make a good team.” He smiled at her. “Just like you and I do.”

  “I appreciate that, but I don’t know the first thing about bookkeeping or establishing connections.”

  “You don’t have to worry about the bookkeeping. My mother and Annabelle oversee all of that. If you’re interested, I’m sure they’ll teach you. But the main thing you need to do is socialize. If you keep the women happy, then their husbands, brothers, and fathers will be happy. The men are the ones my father and I deal with.”

  “Except when everyone gets together for something like a dinner party.”

  “Exactly.”

  She took a deep breath then released it.

  He offered her a comforting smile. “I think this will be good for you. It’ll be a way for you to make some new friends.”

  She relaxed. “I guess it will be, won’t it?”

  “It will, and I have no doubt that the others will be happy to meet you.”

  Looking happy, she turned her attention back to the meal.

  It would be good for her to make friendships with the other influential women in Omaha. He should have thought of it sooner. Mr. Gordon’s wife wasn’t the only one who could benefit from social activities. Natalie would, too. Women, after all, shouldn’t be restricted to just their husbands. They needed female companionship, too. Natalie was no different. Before long, she would have women coming by to visit all the time. This upcoming social engagement was just the beginning of many wonderful things to come.

  ***

  The following week, Annabelle arrived at Natalie’s. Natalie, who’d been unable to sit still, since this was the day of the social activity, was relieved that Annabelle had arrived before one of the other women did.

  “I hope I’m not late,” Annabelle said.

  “No, you’re not,” Natalie replied. “In fact, you’re early.”

  “That’s a relief. In light of the emergency, I couldn’t remember if I was supposed to be here at 2:00 or 2:30.”

  Natalie’s eyes widened. “Is someone hurt?”

  “No, it’s nothing as awful as that. The shipment of lumber didn’t come in this morning. Needless to say the builders aren’t happy, and my mother and I had to figure out what caused the delay. Afterwards, we had to smooth things over with them. I’ve been there when she’s handled such emergencies before, and she has a way of calming people down that I envy.”

  As nervous as Natalie was about meeting seven new women, she’d much rather do that than handle some irate builders.

  “Anyway,” Annabelle said as she pulled her gloves up higher, “I’m glad I came here before anyone else did. I’m sure you’re nervous about this afternoon.”

  “I am. Back home, I was in a small town. Everyone knew everyone else. We mostly had potlucks, barn dances, and sewing circles.”

  “Most of my family enjoys those things. I’ve gone to a couple.”

  “Did you enjoy them?”

  “They were fine,” Annabelle said. “It all depends on who else was there. Most of my female cousins were too young to play with, and the male cousins preferred to be around Mark and Tony. They used to think being around girls could give them some kind of illness.” She rolled her eyes. “Can you believe that?”

  Natalie chuckled. “Some boys thought that in my hometown, too. But to be fair, girls said the same thing about the boys. I think it’s how children are.”

  “I think so, too.” After a moment, she asked, “What made you come out here? Weren’t there any young men available who was your age?”

  “There were two, but they chose other young women.”

  “Why?” Annabelle scanned her up and down. “You’re a very pretty woman.”

  “I appreciate you thinking so, but the women they picked were also pretty, and they were nice. I was happy for them.”

  “You’re the type of person who never says a bad word about anyone, aren’t you?”

  Natalie was surprised by the question. “I have no reason to hold any ill will for them. Besides, I certainly can’t complain. I’m very happy here with Mark.”

  “You see the best in things. I wish I had your gift. It is a gift, you know. You can take any situation and make the best of it. It’s no wonder Mark picked you. He’s a lot like you. Only,” she hurried to amend, “he has a tendency to manipulate things like he did with the wedding. However, I suppose he was right about Velma. I was there when she and Tony came over for dinner, and it was obvious she was in love with him.”

  “I’m glad things worked out for them.”

  “I am, too. Although I’m a woman, I don’t consider myself much of a romantic. I’m much too practical for that. But it is nice when things work out with that special someone.”

  Natalie wondered if she was thinking of Kenneth when she said that. But before she could ask if Annabelle had seen Kenneth lately, someone knocked on the door and the butler hurried to answer it.

  Natalie straightened her hat. She wasn’t used to wearing hats so large. She kept worrying it might slip off, even though the maid had secured it to her hair with pins. She glanced out the window and checked the tree branches to see how windy it was outside. Fortunately, it didn’t look like it was too windy. The women were all supposed to go to a park and then have tea at a local restaurant. The flowers in the park were still in bloom, and she thought they might enjoy the vibrant colors and pleasant aroma. Natalie couldn’t speak for the other women, but she was looking forward to it. She loved walking by flowers.

  A woman who looked to be about Natalie’s age came into the room. She let out an excited squeal when she saw Annabelle. “I didn’t know you were going to join us today. I thought your mother might come along since this is Natalie’s first social engagement.”

  Natalie wondered how this woman knew that.

  “My mother thought about coming, but she has too much work to deal with,” Annabelle told her as the two hugged. “Business keeps on getting better for my family, and it means more and more of her time.”

  “She is a wonderful example to everyone,” the woman replied. “She’s living proof that women can do some things better than men.”

  “My father’s proud of her,” Annabelle said. “He brags about her every chance he gets.”

  “They have the ideal marriage. Any woman who is adored the way your mother is has fortune on her side.”

  Annabelle nodded then turned to Natalie. “This is my sister-in-law, Natalie. Natalie, this is Fran Moore.”

  Fran smiled at Natalie then gave her a hug. Natalie couldn’t be sure, but the hug felt a little too tight.

  “Fran is short for Francine,” Fran told Natalie. “Very few people call me Francine.”

  “Only her parents and grandparents do that,” Annabelle added.

  “I keep telling Annabelle she could be called Anna or Belle, but she insists on keeping her name the way it is,” Fran said as she brushed her hair over her shoulder. “So, do you go by Natalie or Nat?”

  “Natalie,” Natalie replied.

  Fran glanced at Annabelle. “Am I the only one who likes to shorten their name?”

  “No,” Annabelle said. “My brother prefers Tony instead of Anthony.”

  Fran shot her a pointed look. “That doesn’t count. He’s not one of the members of our group.”

  Annabelle shook her head in amusement. “You can always go back to being called Francine if it bothers you.”

  “I think Fran sounds better. It makes me feel older and more distinguished.”

  The butler opened the door, and this time two other women came into the parlor. They looked to be in their early thirties.

  “This is Rosalyn Medford, and this is Katherine Elwood,” Annabelle told Natalie before she told the two Natalie’s name.

  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet the woman who managed to get Mark L
arson to settle down,” Rosalyn said.

  Katherine glanced Fran’s way, and Natalie sensed that Fran wasn’t all that pleased by Rosalyn’s words.

  Annabelle shook her head in amusement. “That’s not a good impression to give Natalie.” She directed her gaze to Natalie. “Mark was not the kind of young man who ran around with a lot of women. He was always respectful of anyone he courted.”

  “Which made him quite a catch,” Katherine added. “Many women wished to marry him.”

  Many? Natalie supposed this shouldn’t surprise her since she’d fallen in love with him. Velma had wanted to marry him, too. But Velma hadn’t loved him. She’d only loved his money. Did most of the other women have the same motive for wanting to be with him, or had they, like her, loved him?

  Another woman came into the room, and this time it was the butler who made the introduction. “Mrs. Gordon has arrived,” he announced.

  “You can call me Margie,” Mrs. Gordon said, smiling as she came over to the others.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Annabelle greeted before she told her everyone else’s names.

  “I hope I can remember everyone’s names,” Margie said when Annabelle was done. “I do much better at remembering faces, so if I forget, please don’t be upset.”

  Natalie liked Margie right away. Of all the ladies in the group, besides Annabelle, Margie helped to put her at ease. And it wasn’t just Margie’s kind smile that did it. She reminded Natalie of her dear departed grandmother who’d let her sneak in cookies before supper and who had told her all sorts of interesting stories while they gathered fruits and vegetables from the garden.

  “We’re still waiting for Rhonda, Janet, and Bethany,” Annabelle told the group. “Once they get here, we’ll take a walk past the gardens in the park and then have some tea at one of the restaurants in town.”

  “It sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon,” Margie said.

  “It’s more fun than trying to calm down some angry builders,” Annabelle said. “I’m glad my mother gets to work the rest of the day while I get a break.”