The Battered Heiress Blues Read Online Free Page B

hideous. Without makeup and a real will to achieve beauty, there was no way to remedy my appearance. Pulling my hair up into a knot on the top of my head, I pinned it tightly. One solitary curl fell down at the side of my face, which I didn’t bother to readjust. The long tress fell across the last of the yellowing bruises and seemed to provide a bit of camouflage. The sound of the water ended and the bathroom door opened, revealing Henry bare-chested with a towel wrapped around his waist.
    “Can you hand me some clothes out of that bag?” he asked.
    He should be in marble. I felt very plain next to him. I walked to his weekend bag and sifted through the options.
    “What should I wear?” he thought aloud.
    “You sound like a girl,” I protested.
    “I’m asking so you feel comfortable, considering I bought you a leisure suit.”
    “Well then, where is yours? That would make me feel more at ease.”
    “They were out. I guess I’ll just go with the Abercrombie and Fitch.”
    “You bugger. Hurry up. I’m ready to go.”
    Nodding, he dressed, tussled his hair, and we were on our way home- to Connor.

2
     

     
    T he plane ride was long and uneventful. We’d bought some food on the way to the airport, but the gravity of the day diminished my appetite. Henry tried to persuade me to take advantage of the darkness and sleep, but I knew what the morning was going to bring. After our arrival at dawn and the drive home, I would only have a short time to change and emotionally prepare for Connor’s service. The quiet I was enjoying would soon be stolen by well meaning strangers.
    Henry, on the other hand, had no trouble sleeping. Stretching out with a full stomach, he became lifeless, except for the occasional turn from one side to the other. The captain’s announcement of our impending landing woke him. Becoming very attentive, he prodded me to eat and drink some juice. Looking out the window, I prayed for strength to make it through the day.
    I must have nodded off in the car, only waking when the vehicle came to a screeching halt at the gate to my mama’s house. Transferring ownership to me after her death, the house had remained well maintained and very stately. A tall red brick wall surrounded the property line at the road. Two black iron gates with an “S” scrolled into the design had been a gift from my father to my mother. Stopping at the black box to type in the security code, the gates slowly rolled away from one another, revealing a tree lined drive to the main house. I put down the window to take in the salt air. I felt like I was finally home.
    The big white house was all abuzz with workers coming and going from the front door. The old Southern mansion had real charm with huge verandas on both levels. The rocking chairs on them were inviting, but no one had time to sit a spell on this day with tasks to accomplish before the service. Florists were delivering peace lilies and white roses. Catering trucks cluttered the circular driveway making it impossible to park at any close distance to the house. Tables and chairs were being unloaded and brought inside.
    The car came to a stop and I paused, reluctant to open the door. Henry gave my hand a squeeze, signaling his support. I tried to smile in return.
    “What is all this? I thought we were having a quiet, private ceremony for the family?”
    “I told your father about your wishes, but you know how he is. I’m sorry.”
    He exited the car and stood stoically, looking around at all the commotion. Shaking his head in disapproval, he walked around to help me out.
    “Why don’t you rest for awhile? I’ll take you upstairs.”
    “No. I’m going to the chapel. -Alone…to pray. I’ll be back. How much time do I have before people start showing up?”
    “Two hours. No more. You’ll need time to get a shower. I had my assistant buy a simple black dress and heels. I hope they’ll be okay. They should be upstairs in your room. Are you sure you want to go