The Doctor and the War Widow (18 page)

The old woman made clucking noises with her tongue. “Of course, darling. You need your rest.”

Harley’s gaze followed the old woman as she made her way down the stairs. Was she some kind of sage? The room was small but comfortable. After they were settled, she turned to Abisi, smiling. “I need to shower, or I’ll disgrace us tonight at the fashion show.”

He was staring at her with unconcealed appreciation. “You look gorgeous already.”

She laughed and rolled her eyes. “To you maybe. Think of Jessica. Do you want to disgrace her in front of her London friends and the chic designer?”

Abisi playfully patted her rump. “You could disgrace no one.” He drew her close and kissed her. “Tonight we meet the kids. Tomorrow we play tourists and sight-see.”

Harley and Abisi ate an early dinner with Jessica and Geoffrey at the Ivy in the heart of the West End. The affianced couple was attentive to each other and talked a great deal of their lives in London. Geoffrey discussed his work with indigent people and immigrants. He was often journeying from one end of the UK to another. Harley was impressed to learn that Jessica was also helping him in his quest to give others a better life. She was designing affordable clothes for poor families to be distributed through houses of worship and other charitable organizations. Listening to them, Harley suffered a pang of regret about her own teaching career. Harley was passionate about her writing, but she’d once been a dedicated teacher who wanted to impart knowledge to developing minds. Somewhere along the line, she changed or the kids changed. She now viewed the adolescents she taught as frivolous, spoiled, and clueless about life’s realities. She wondered now if the kids had changed or if she had. Well, not all of them were like that. Some were wonderful. She wanted to touch people who had been adversely affected by injustice and poverty, but many public schools ignored people of her experience because they could hire Teach for America kids and pay them less of a salary. Harley sighed, thankful that she had her writing. Maybe she was simply bored with the whole teaching regimen.

From the Ivy, the foursome made their way to the Roundhouse in Camden. Harley and Abisi settled into the back seat of his sports car. Geoffrey expertly traversed the now slick London streets. A light rain was falling in London town. Jessica’s excitement was obviously growing. She talked about the new collection and her role as a seamstress. “One day, I’ll have my own label, but this is a good company. I’m learning a lot.”

Harley remembered having such dreams in her youth, but she didn’t doubt this girl’s dreams would come true. She felt the same stab of regret she’d experienced earlier at dinner. Was she mourning her own lost innocence and idealism? She snuggled against Abisi. “Is she tough, your boss? She seems very no-nonsense.”

Jessica pursed her lips, considering. “Well, she is very professional, but she’s actually very sweet, very kind.” Jessica suddenly broke into a broad smile. “She’s very keen to help with disadvantaged kids.”

Harley glanced at Abisi and smiled. He had an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. He beamed at his daughter. The man loved his children. He’d be a good father. Harley imagined he must hate living an ocean away from this daughter he so loved.

The car soon pulled into the parking area of the Roundhouse. They were early because Jessica’s job required her to help with the models and organization for the evening. Harley stared at the round building with the pointed roof. Harley remembered seeing Eric Clapton perform there over a decade earlier. She sensed a lump developing in her throat. She’d been with John. Would shades of her old life forever intrude upon her new one? Even though she loved this man, she could never forget John. Brushing aside bittersweet memories, Harley took Abisi’s hand and entered the building.

A security guard admitted them with a friendly nod to Jessica. She introduced them to the man and then turned to Harley. “Would you like to see the collection before the models walk the runway?”

The Roundhouse was primarily a performing arts and concert venue. A theatre company performed there as well as choirs, classical musicians, and rock acts. This night, it was adorned to greet the royalty of the fashion world. Harley glanced at the now closed ballroom where they would later sit and watch svelte women traverse a long runway. “Will that be all right? I don’t want you in trouble or to do anything to jinx the show.”

Jessica giggled and pushed her hair behind her ears. “You won’t. We’ll make it quick, anyway, because I have to change for the show after the work is done.”

“Change?” Harley studied Jessica’s knee-length black dress and pumps. “You look gorgeous.”

“Well, we have to be more formal for the reception later. I only put on a long dress for dinner.” Jessica blushed at the compliment and added quickly. “Besides, Dad can walk around with Geoffrey. He’ll show him all the technical things.” She gave her lover an affectionate kiss. “Geoffrey even knows about the bowels of this place.”

The prospect of seeing the inner workings of a fashion extravaganza was exciting. Harley glanced at Abisi.

Abisi winked at her. “Go on. It sounds like fun. This will give me a chance to talk to Geoffrey.”

Harley nodded. She knew he wanted to talk to his prospective son-in-law. Geoffrey also seemed keen to talk to him. Jessica linked her arm through Harley’s and ushered her into a backstage area where a gaggle of beautiful models were applying makeup. Most were still in their underwear but gave friendly waves to Jessica as she entered. She introduced Harley as her father’s friend. The girls all waved. Some even shook her hand. Harley was pleased and flattered that Jessica was doing so much to make her feel at home and to show that she accepted Harley’s place in her father’s life. She also was pleased that Jessica was obviously such a truly dedicated and sincere person. Genuine warmth radiated from Harley’s insides, and she smiled at the beautiful women with real pleasure.

A blonde in a ponytail, Oasis T-shirt, and jeans approached, holding out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Jessica’s told me so much about you.”

Jessica made the introductions, and Harley blinked when she realized she was meeting one of the most influential designers of her generation. The woman had a ready smile and looked totally unpretentious in her jeans. She guessed they would be changing before the show. Harley reminded herself not to stare like a rube. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” She looked around at the collection. The clothes ranged from the glamorous to the practical. “This is very impressive.”

The ‘It’ designer gazed at her with sparkling blue eyes. “I’m glad to hear that before the show starts.”

Harley talked a little longer to Jessica and her employer about her own work as a writer and teacher. The woman gushed when she talked about Jessica’s work with the poor. “Well, some of the proceeds tonight will go to schools in indigent communities in London, Manchester, and Liverpool.”

Harley glanced at the girls moving into their gowns. She suddenly felt in the way. “Can I help?”

Jessica laughed. “No, they know what they have to do. I just have to review the order of the show.”

The designer smiled graciously. “Thanks for the offer.”

Harley turned to Jessica. “Well, I’d better go find your father.”

The blonde’s ponytail bobbed up and down as she said to Jessica, “I have to meet your dad later. Maybe you can meet mine.”

After assuring them she could find her way back, Harley exited the backstage area and literally bumped into a man unwrapping an ascot from around his neck. “I’m sorry, love, pardon me.”

“No, I’m the one who’s sorry.” Harley smiled at him and indicated the long hallway. “Am I going in the right direction for the show seating?”

He pointed as he gathered up the ascot. “Yes, you are. Are the girls decent in there?”

Harley paused. He’d half-turned when he pointed toward the ballroom. Something about his accent was vaguely familiar. She said quickly, “You’d better give them a few minutes. Some of them are still slipping on gowns.”

“Oh, well, thanks for the tip, love.” The man smiled at her and then commenced folding the ascot.

Harley turned to go in the direction he’d indicated and then stopped. Her heart hammered in her chest. She turned back and felt the blood rush to her face.

The blond designer had emerged and was embracing her father. One of the most famous men in the world turned back to Harley and winked.

Chapter 16

“That was fun last night, but I didn’t expect you to buy me that dress.” Harley knew the sarong-like green dress must have cost a considerable amount, but Abisi had insisted upon buying it. Harley sighed. She hoped to hell that it looked as good on her as it did on that twenty something model, especially when she’d gained some baby weight.

“I wanted you to take something from London you could remember.” Abisi smiled at her. They were eating Fisherman’s pie at Porter’s English Restaurant.

Harley cut into her mashed potatoes happily. “I am starving.”

“Well, I must admit I’m less worried about you than I was. Your appetite has picked up. Not that I’m criticizing, mind you,” Abisi added quickly when she cast a narrow glance in his direction. “You had me very concerned. You were far too pale and preoccupied.”

Harley’s heart pounded so loudly in her ears that she wondered that their fellow diners hadn’t turned around, staring. Her throat suddenly went dry, and she took a sip of green tea. “I think I was just a little stressed about what was going on.”

“Well, that’s understandable.” He hesitated before continuing. “Have you talked to Judy or Donna? Have they heard anything about our mutual problem?”

Harley shook her head. “Judy did speak to Carville’s grandmother when she passed by to check my house. His grandma said no one is able to locate Kimberly.” She cut into her salad, ignoring the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Well, I’m going to hire a private investigator when we go home. The woman needs to be locked up.” He rested his hand over hers. “Are you sure you don’t want any wine?”

“No, I’m fine. Too early for me.” She smiled at him and hoped she didn’t look as tense as she suddenly felt. The back of her neck had gone stiff, and tiny pins pricked her spine. Hurriedly, she changed the subject. “Judy did tell me Mary Ann was looking for me. Hell! I’m really not up for a fight.”

Abisi swore softly. “I’ll handle that woman. You did nothing but help her and her family.”

“Let’s walk around, just sight see.” Harley clasped his hand tightly, enjoying the warmth of his skin against hers. “I want to walk off this bad karma.”

When they left the restaurant, Harley and Abisi headed for Trafalgar Square. It looked as if hundreds of locals and tourists were enjoying a rather mild October day by this monument to Lord Nelson. Children climbed onto the lions as parents snapped pictures and issued warnings to be careful. Abisi snapped Harley’s picture by the fountain and then sat beside her.

“Did you know that I came here with a group in college twenty years ago?” She leaned close to him and whispered, “It was New Year’s Eve, and I jumped into this very fountain with all the other drunken idiots.”

He chuckled softly. “Did you catch cold?”

“Not at all.” Harley laughed and slipped her arm through his. “But it was cold.”

“Well, I’ll also tell you a story about this fountain.” Abisi looked around and whispered. “When I was a student at Oxford, a group of us filled the water with dishwashing soap. We were never caught. It was a, er, fraternity prank.”

She laughed aloud. He was usually staid and rather serious. The youthful Abisi must have been quite different. Had a bad marriage and tragedy changed him? She wondered how their lives would have been different had the stars aligned in such a way that they met earlier.

A brisk breeze sent a chill through her as a memory of Eden sent a pang through her heart. “When I got home, my mother wanted to know why my clothes were so filthy. For a long time, I didn’t tell her just what I’d done. I said I’d worn them more than once. Well, that part was true, but there definitely was more to it than that.” Harley smiled at the bittersweet memory. John gone. Eden gone.

“What did you and Geoffrey talk about last night?” Harley asked, desperately needing to change the subject. Sometimes, memories hurt.

Abisi drew her closer and laughed softly. “I knew I liked that man. He wanted to formally ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage.” He slipped a crumb to a pigeon staring at them with pleading eyes. “I hope you’ll want to come back here in December.”

Harley stared at the pigeon as it hobbled off, imploring other tourists for morsels. “Well, I’m unemployed, you know. At least officially, but I won’t be starting edits on the Grace O’Malley manuscript until January.”

“I don’t want to interfere with that.”

“Their wedding won’t be a problem. I can bring the laptop and work on any touch ups the publisher wants.” Harley was telling the truth, but she shuddered, thinking about what the future held for her in two months.

“Oh, some more exciting news.” Abisi helped Harley to her feet. They made their way to the Strand. “Since we met some famous people yesterday and not much can top that here, I’ve planned an interesting side trip for us. The kids are busy with work and with talking to the vicar.”

“Wow! They’ve gotten that far.” Harley was happy for Jessica and envious of their blooming love. Were things as complicated for Jessica and her love as they were becoming for them? Not that Abisi knew of those complications yet . . .

He nodded, obviously pleased with the way things were going. “Anyway, I was thinking we could take a side trip to Liverpool. Do you want to take the ferry or the train?”

“The train,” Harley said quickly. She wanted as many distractions as she possible, but she didn’t think she could handle a ferry ride. She also didn’t know how long she could avoid the inevitable. Already she felt a bulge around her belly. Her pants were ever so slightly hard to button.

Harley snuggled against Abisi as the train pulled away from the Euston Street Station. She was unusually sleepy. Was this a product of her condition? Abisi bought them snacks from a man hawking his wares and encircled her in his arms.

The trip was a little over two hours, and Harley stared out at the countryside, enjoying the green pastures and the sight of grazing cattle. She munched on chocolate and soon was dreaming in her lover’s arms. Memories of her mother’s smiling face haunted her. Eden was stroking her hair while she wrote. Eden was reading
Little Women
to her. She’d been a good mother. Harley wondered if she could ever be so good. She doubted that she could ever match Eden’s generosity and selflessness. Then, the images of her mother intertwined with memories of her father. Roland, so long dead, erupted onto her consciousness. Her father placed her on a pony and led her around the pen. Roland had adored her. Well, Abisi obviously was a good father. His devotion to his grown children had proven that, but Harley wondered how he would feel about starting a new family at such a time in his life.

The train pulled to a stop at Lime Street, and Harley jumped awake. Abisi stared at her, frowning. “Are you okay? Your sleep seemed very troubled.”

“I didn’t sleep very well last night. I think I was just tired.” Harley smiled at him.

“You can rest at the hotel.” Abisi collected their luggage from overhead and tweaked her nose.

“I had a nice sleep. I’m not tired now.” She rolled the luggage behind her as they made their way to the taxi terminal. “I want to go exploring.”

“Fair enough.” Abisi flagged down a taxi. The driver, a balding man with a florid face, took their bags. “I’m hungry. We’ll find a restaurant. How about you? Are you hungry?”

“I’m starved.” Harley took his hand as he helped her into the taxi.
If my appetite doesn’t stop raging, I won’t have to worry about how to tell him. I’ll be as big as a house.

Harley and Abisi walked into their hotel by the Holiday Inn at the Albert Dock. Harley immediately thought of the New Orleans Warehouse District. The hotel had once also been a warehouse, and Harley loved old buildings. The elevator was small and somewhat rickety, but it deposited them into the lobby quickly. Their room was spacious and clean and looked out onto the dock.

“It’s not very fancy, my love.”

Harley laughed and held him tight. “Are you kidding? I love it. This is just like downtown back home.” She ran to the window and pointed. “Look, the Mersey River. We can see it from the window. I always wanted to live in the French Quarter in a balcony apartment so I could see the river.” She smiled at him with a mock pout. “You also promised me dinner.”

Abisi took her in his arms and cupped her face in his hands. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine. Let’s eat and then explore.” Harley’s heart pounded in her ears. He was a doctor. He had to see the changes in her body. Harley sometimes saw him watch her with obvious concern, and she had to let him know the truth. She couldn’t worry him.

Within a few minutes, Harley had freshened up, and she and Abisi were seated in the Blue Bar and Grill. They munched on clam chowder and prawn as the sun slowly faded. They then walked to the Beatles Museum.

“So you really don’t mind doing anything so touristy?” Abisi studied her with obvious appreciation.

Harley grinned at him. She was wearing the multi-colored Aran sweater and long, black skirt that made her look like a peasant girl of yore. The whole ensemble flattered her fair complexion. The lights shone on her auburn hair, and Harley was pleased that her lover couldn’t take his eyes from her. She also was happy when she saw other women stare at the sophisticated man by her side. “This is Liverpool. We have to see the Beatles Museum.”

They walked through the exhibit hand in hand, taking pictures as they moved from display to display. Abisi snapped a picture of Harley by the replica of the Cavern Club, and they laughed together when they adjusted earphones so they could listen to explanations of each exhibit. After an hour, they trod into the chilly night air.

Abisi drew his leather jacket closer and stared at Harley with obvious concern. He slipped on leather gloves. “Are you cold? Do you need to go back to the hotel?”

“This is a handmade Irish sweater. It does the trick.” Harley nestled under his arm as she slipped on her own gloves. She indicated the river. “Let’s walk along the dock. I want to see the Mersey.”

For a long time, Abisi held her tight as they watched the river churn beneath them. He turned her face to his. His voice was soft and tender as he studied her. “What aren’t you telling me? Are you sick, my darling?”

Harley drew in a breath. Her heart pounded. The man had been exceedingly careful of her this whole trip. Now she saw that his excessive tenderness derived from his deep concern for her well-being. No, she couldn’t let him worry. She freed herself from his grasp and stroked his face. His beard tickled her hand. “Oh, God, I haven’t known how to tell you this. I’ve felt like an adolescent who’s—” She broke off and stared into the churning water. The blood raced into her head, pounding in her ears, but she forced herself to meet his gaze and found only deep worry there. “My love, I’m pregnant.”

Abisi drew her to him, lifting her off her feet. “I’m an imbecile. You haven’t been drinking. You tire easily. You eat like—”

“Hey!” She playfully slapped his hand.

Abisi kissed her with lingering, tender passion. “I’m a doctor, and I’m the biggest idiot of all.” He gazed into her face, placing her gently on her feet. “Why have you waited to tell me?”

Harley felt the blood rush to her face. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.” She looked down. “I wasn’t sure how
I
felt about it.”

“How do you feel?”

“I’m scared. We’re starting this late in life.” She gazed at him, her tears now freely flowing. “Aren’t you scared?”

“Harley, I love you. I’ve always loved you. Since we met, I’ve loved you.” He buried his lips in her hair. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll take care of you.”

“What if something’s wrong with this baby?” Harley leaned close to him as his breathing feathered her hair. “The chances of something being wrong are high because we’re older.”
Old
, she was thinking.

“My love, this baby is a gift. She’ll be the light of our lives.” He stroked her face.

“She?” Harley’s trepidation melted like snow under piercing sunlight. She laughed hoarsely and stifled a relieved sob. “How can you be so sure this will be a girl?”

“I want her to be like you.” He kissed her with smoldering passion.

Harley shook her head and wrapped her arms around him. “No, I want a boy. Girls always are involved in too much drama.”

“Really?” He raised his eyebrows.

Harley laughed like someone intoxicated. She was suddenly light. The heaviness that had oppressed her soul was vanishing under the light of his obvious adoration. Harley let him wipe her cheeks with a tender hand. “I should know. I teach teenaged girls.” She winked at him. “Besides, look at me. I’m an old lady getting knocked up. Women always cause trouble.”

Abisi picked her up and spun around with her in his arms. “You’re my trouble. I like it.” He looked at her with sudden concern. “Maybe we should get you inside. It’s getting cold.”

“What? So you can tuck me in?” She gave him a playful grin. The blood pulsed through her veins as she stared into his handsome face. “You can tuck me in later, but only after we’ve danced tonight.”

“You want to dance?” Abisi gazed at her in genuine surprise. “Are you sure you feel up to it?”

“Hell, yeah.” Harley ran a hand through his thick hair. “Let’s go to Matthew Street. A John Lennon tribute group is playing. I want to dance at the Cavern until the bartender calls ‘Time, gentlemen, time.’” She took his hand and pulled him along. “I want to raise eyebrows that two older people are the ones giving scandal.”