Chapter 6

She was deliberately ignoring him, and he realized it. He also had a feeling everyone around the dinner table knew as much. He had stayed at his place until the last minute, not wanting to be roped in to see her when she arrived or asked to escort her to her rooms. He had left that to the rest of the family.

By the time he had arrived, the family was already going into the formal dining room, which suited him very well. He had taken the chair across from her and could see every nuance of her expressive face.

His parents went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable. After unsuccessfully trying to strike up a conversation with him, Silas seated next to her, gave up and joined his parents to engage Kendra in a lively discussion about her shop.

Leaning back in the chair, Harvey picked up his glass and sipped the burgundy, automatically appreciating the taste and texture. He had been taught from an early age to enjoy the finer things in life and knew an excellent vintage when he tasted one.

He thought cynically that the family had gone all out to welcome ‘bride and groom' home. The table was covered with a snowy white linen tablecloth, and the best utensils had been used, not to mention that Antoine had outdone himself.

The veal and lamb chops were superb. His bride was dressed for the occasion, wearing a stunning lime green dress that made her look decidedly virginal and alluring.

"Harv?"

He had been so deep in thought that he had not realized the conversation had lulled and that his dad had directed a question to him.

"Yes?"

"I was asking about the electrical problems you were experiencing at the site. Has it been sorted out?"

Putting down his glass, he turned to give the man an amused look. "We both know that everything that happens at all the sites is reported to you immediately. Not to mention that your nosy and completely annoying assistant was there yesterday afternoon. Doesn't he have enough work to do?"

"He likes to keep me apprised," Gregory told him mildly. "And his presence keeps the men on their toes."

"His presence makes the men nervous and unable to do their jobs. You are micromanaging, and it's not appreciated."

"I wouldn't have to resort to it if you did the reporting yourself."

Lifting his thick black brows, Harvey shook his head. "It's called spying, Dad, and I spent years trying to show the men that I am not just the boss's son for me to want to spoil it. I am one of the guys who want to keep it that way."

"Only you are not. Technically, you are their boss, and they know that."

"They have moved past that technicality, and I am good with things the way they are."

"Harvey- "

"I think we have forgotten that this is Kendra's first night here, and we would not want to spoil it for her." Julia intervened with a charming yet steely smile that made it plain that she would not tolerate discussing business at the dinner table. "Why don't you take her for a walk in the gardens after dessert?" she asked, looking at her older son.

"I am afraid I am going to have to pass." Pushing back his chair, he rose, sending a glance to Silas. "I am sure my brother would love to show her around. Please excuse me."

With that, he strode from the room, leaving everyone staring after him.

"My dear, I am so sorry about that," Julia said quietly, turning to Kendra.

"Please don't apologize." Forcing a smile to her lips, she assured the older woman, drowning in humiliation. He had made it plain he couldn't stand her and was behaving as if she had set out to trap him in this farce of a marriage.

She knew he had waited at the last minute to arrive for dinner and had deliberately ignored her during the meal. Not that she wanted to be noticed by him in the first place. Harvey Blackwood was the last man she wanted attention from.

*****

"At some point, you will have to stop apologizing." Kendra admonished him gently.

"Perhaps for the next month or so, I will not feel the need to do so." He admitted wryly as they strolled along the winding path to the tennis court.

He had insisted on them taking a walk after the vibrant banana and strawberry dessert, and after seeing the guilty look on his face, she didn't have the heart to refuse him. "He takes some getting used to."

"I am assuming we are speaking of your brother." Shoving her hands into her coat pockets, she stopped at the edge of the court.

"Who else?" Silas turned to look over the glossy green of the court, a smile touching his lips. "He taught me the game. He taught me all the games. Harvey was a jock in high school and excelled in all the sports."

"Why am I not surprised?"

He did not miss the sarcasm in her voice..

"So, he excels at everything, excluding being polite."

Silas laughed at that, feeling the tension draining from his body. He had been very uncomfortable at the dinner table and could have strangled his brother for making her feel unwelcome. They had been brought up to make people feel at home, and he had gone out of his way to ignore Kendra.

"I suppose you are right." Silas agreed with a sigh. "I am to be blamed for putting you in this position, and I feel guilty. I am also cognizant that my brother is doing this for me, and as much as I want to knock him upside the head, I will have to resist the urge to do so."

Turning to look at him, she studied his earnest face and relaxed. He was more her type, sweet and uncomplicated, and certainly not the brooding type. "He is still not talking to you?"

"No. And he knows that's the worst punishment he could ever throw out. I hate the silence between us."

"Then you should do something about it."

"You don't know my brother." Silas told her dryly. "He is like an immovable object when he gets going."

"Then perhaps you should light a fire under him." She touched his jacket briefly. "You are very close. I never had a sibling, regrettably, but I would like to think that if I had, the passing of my parents would have been easier."

Silas felt a stab of remorse. "Forgive me for going on about the lack of communication with my brother and forgetting how much you still suffer."

"It gets easier. Or it should. Now tell me about your success on this court."

*****

He wasn't sleeping. It was too early anyway, and if things had not changed, he would either be taking a ride to the local tavern on his bike or spending part of the night with his latest lust interest. But now he was an old married man and had to stay put, and it was pissing him off.

It was also pissing him off that he could not get the image of her out of his head or the flashing of her dark brown eyes when he refused the suggestion to take her for a walk. Neither could he forget the contemptuous look on her face. To hell with her! She was welcome to Silas as far as he was concerned.

He was about to get up and pour himself a drink when he heard the discreet knock on the door. Swearing under his breath, he waited for the person to enter, wondering why it had taken his mother this long to come and reprimand him for his rude behavior at dinner.

He stiffened when he saw his brother coming into the room.

"I am going to start looking at the bloody doors. What do you want?"

"To talk."

"Sorry. I am all talked out." Lifting his almost empty glass, he took a sip, his eyes narrowing as Silas came forward to sit on the loveseat. "Say what you have to and get out. I have work in the morning."

"Punish me if you must, but don't take it out on her." He said quietly.

"Ah." A mocking smile curved his lips. "I should have guessed you were here to plead for your girlfriend. How was the walk, by the way? Did you get to make out with her, or was that reserved for when you walked her to her door?"

Silas refused to rise to the bait. He knew his brother well enough to realize he was lashing out.

"She is a married woman."

Harvey barked out a harsh laugh. "If that's the only thing stopping you, then you have my permission to invite her into your bed. The marriage is in name only, and that is how it will remain. The good thing is she is right inside the manor, which makes it easier for you."

Tamping down the frustrated anger, Silas tried again. "I know I have placed you in a very untenable position, and what you did, you did for me, and I am eternally grateful. I also will be apologizing every chance I get- "

"You know what I was here thinking?" Harvey interrupted with a sardonic twist to his lips. "About my Sunday nights. I had a kind of routine, you see.

There is this local bar; you wouldn't know of it, considering you wear a robe and a collar. But it is a place of sanctuary for single men and unhappy married men who relish the thought of getting away from nagging wives and just chill.

It's a sports bar, and somewhere you are not hassled. They don't care that my name is Blackwood, and I was almost left alone. Or I would be wrapped up with some delectable beauty who finds it titillating that my name is Blackwood. But now, thanks to you, I am right where I started."

"I am- "

"Sorry. Yeah, I get that. Now leave me alone to my misery and feel free to stop in my ‘wife's room and keep her company."

Rising, Silas gave him one last despairing look. "You are my brother, and I love and respect you very much. I also know that you are angry with me, and I hope you can rise above it and let us return to where we were before."

"That's not anytime soon. Close the doors on your way out."

Harvey watched him leave and had to tamp down the urge to call him back for their usual chat. He hated the wall of anger between them, but he was too pissed to try and make it right. He was trapped in a marriage for a year, and it was Silas' fault. His brother did not deserve his forgiveness right now.

*****

Even though the situation was strange and complicated, it did not stop Kendra from admiring the breathtakingly lovely rose and gold suit. The bedroom alone was three times the size of her entire upstairs apartment, and the furnishings were made of the palest blonde wood, a perfect foil for the shimmering rose and gold wallpaper.

She had peeked inside the bathroom, her breath caught at the claw-footed bath, large shower, and double counters. The floors were not carpeted, which was, in her opinion, an excellent idea, as it revealed the shining parquet floor, reflecting the muted glow of the chandeliers suspended from the concave ceiling.

She knew a door connected her room to his but would not think about that now. Considering how he felt about her, she was, in fact, safe from his advances or intrusion. Taking off her dress, she padded into the walk-through closet and stood there staring at the shelves and revolving sections to hang her clothes.

Someone had already unpacked her suitcases, and her small amount of clothing was lost in the ample space. Shaking her head with a rueful laugh, she stepped back into the bedroom and donned her nightgown.

In addition to being married to a man she did not like, she would try to make herself comfortable. She could always pretend she was on vacation.

*****

"If you prefer to have breakfast in your room in the future, just let one of the maids know," Silas said with a smile as he poured a cup of coffee.

"No." Shaking her head, she filled her bowl with fruits and took it to the table. "Where is everyone?"

"Mom and Dad had an early breakfast meeting with some business associates, and

Harvey left early to go to the site." Pulling out her chair, he waited until she was seated before taking his seat.

"I have some hospital visits to do, and as you know, the soup kitchen is closed today." He glanced at her over his cup. "I hope I can still rely on you to help with the serving."

"Of course. I will be there when I get to the store and sort some things out."

"How did you sleep?"

"Surprisingly well. It's a charming suite."

"I am happy for that." He stirred some sugar into his coffee, a distracted look on his face. "I don't know what Harvey's movements are when he comes home- "

"Please stop worrying. I will be fine. It's not like this is a normal marriage after all."

He nodded. "I just want you to be as comfortable as possible."

"I am. Thanks." She smiled at him as she lifted the cup to her lips. "No breakfast for you?"

"I usually do not eat this early, and Mrs. Morris always brings in some home-baked goodies even though I keep telling her not to."

Kendra laughed at that, dark brown eyes twinkling. "She is a widow, and her children are grown and have all moved out of state. She is determined to make you into a substitute, and she loves to bake."

Silas patted his trim waist feelingly. "I usually eat just one and give the rest away. And we have a very well equipped and functional gym. Remind me to show it to you whenever we have the chance."

"Good to know."

"Kendra?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks again for doing this."

"You are welcome again."

*****

"Hey, Blackwood! I hear that you are a newly-minted married man. When are we going to meet the missus?"

Looking up from the hole he was drilling, Harvey noticed the rest of the men in what was going to be the main living area and realized that they had stopped working and were concentrating on him.

"We have a deadline- "

"We are starting to wonder if she is ugly." The guy called Barrington said with a grin.

"No, that could not be the case. Blackwood here is a macho stud with oodles of money; there is no way the old lady is not a looker. I bet she is a model or some well-known actress. You should bring her here so we can look her over and see if she is good enough for you."

"See what I am holding here?" Harvey hefted the drill. "I have no problem driving it into your mouth, dislocating a couple of teeth, perhaps your tongue as well, to keep other offensive words from coming out of your mouth."

"Just looking out for you," he muttered, stepping back and picking up the power saw.

"Anyone else has something smart to say? Any marital advice you want to dispense? Comments about my wife? Anything?" Looking around at the men gathered there, he waited for a spell. "No? Then why don't we get back to work and try to meet this deadline?" Turning his back to his task, he powered up the drill.

*****

"Married, huh?" Carter sat next to him and opened his lunch bag. Taking out the sandwich bag with his usual tuna and cheese sandwich, he did what he always did: offering Harvey half. As usual, Harvey shook his head and took out his ham and cheese sandwich and a flask of coffee.

"Yeah."

"When did this happen?"

"A week ago."

Carter looked at him with the usual blank look on his swarthy face. "She a looker?"

"Suppose she is." Biting into the sandwich, Harvey leaned back against the pillar and stretched his legs out.

Carter was a little slow in the head, but he was an excellent carpenter. He was straight and innocent enough to say whatever came to his mouth—one of the reasons why Harvey liked him. The man had no guile and, from the very beginning, never treated him any differently from the others.

"You don't know?"

"She is." His mind drifted to the woman he was unwillingly married to. He left the house early this morning and stopped at his trailer to have coffee and make his sandwich. He had also left the house to avoid his parents, Silas, and his new bride. He knew he couldn't avoid her forever but would do so as long as possible.

"I have been married to my Sheila for thirty years. She is too good for me, and I know I don't deserve her." He tapped his face and then his head. "I can't read much, but she teaches me and tells me I am a good husband and father to our two kids."

"You happen to be the best carpenter I have ever known," Harvey told him sincerely. "She said that as well." Polishing off his sandwich, he reached for his juice box and took a long swallow from the straw. "It's up to you to be happy and a good husband."

Ignoring that, Harvey finished his sandwich and told the older man. "Time to get back to work."

*****

"Oh, my dear! Let's see it."

"See what?" Dusting her hands off on her apron, Kendra gave the woman a puzzled look.

"Your ring, of course. Rumors are flying around that you are married to that gorgeous Harvey Blackwood. I had no idea you were seeing each other."

Kendra had reluctantly told her employees of her marriage and hastened to say it was an intimate ceremony. "We wanted to keep it private." She hated lying, but she had no other choice. If they accepted her lame explanation, she had no idea.

Now, people were coming to her and offering congratulations, making her feel like a fraud.

"I had to leave it at home." She told Mrs. Morgan with a smile as she went to get the woman's order. "Dirt and diamond don't mix, as you well know."

"Oh, my dear!" the woman clapped her hands in delight. I expect to see some pictures, and I must ask—"Latching onto Kendra's arm, she steered her to the back of the store. You are married into a mighty family with lots of money. Have you thought of what you will do with the shop?"

Kendra stared at her with a frown. "I don't understand what you mean."

"You don't like this place because you don't need the money- "

"Mrs. Morgan, I appreciate your concern. If that's what it is, my husband's money is his. I have every intention of running my shop, no matter what."

"My dear, I did not mean to offend you- "

"No." Kendra shook her head and took a deep breath. "It's just that this is all new to me, that's all. I am the one who should be apologizing. Being married to Harvey Blackwood does not change anything regarding my running the shop."

Giving her a speculative look, Mrs. Morgan nodded slowly. "If you say so, my dear. But I feel things are about to change, even if you don't see it yet. Now," She continued briskly. "I have some changes to be made to the bouquet I previously ordered. I am afraid my daughter wants to add magnolias and yellow roses to the rest.

That poor girl does not know her mind and is killing me and the wedding planners by changing the details." She gave Kendra a crafty look. "It was sensible of you to have a small wedding. A lot less stress."