Your Heart's Desire (9 page)

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Caroline said.

“But I know she'd like to meet a new employee,” he said. “If you don't mind, I'll take you to her.”

“I'd love to meet her.” Caroline turned to Doris. “Are you coming, too?”

But Doris was already waving to a small group of people that Caroline didn't know. “I'll catch up with Mrs. Gordon later,” Doris assured her as she hurried away.

Caroline tried to act natural as Mr. Gordon led her through a large room where a band was playing on one end and numerous guests were visiting on the other. But everything was so foreign, so unexpected, she felt as if she were part of a movie set.

“I'm so glad you made it,” Mr. Gordon told her as they exited the busy room, going down a quiet hallway with artwork along both walls. He paused to look at her, and unless she was mistaken, he seemed to approve. A smile turned up the corners of his mouth and his dark eyes lit up. “You look very lovely tonight, Mrs. Clark.”

She felt herself blushing again. “Thank you, Mr. Gordon. To be honest, I'm not used to such formal affairs. I'm a bit like a fish out of water.”

“A most beautiful fish.” He chuckled as he pulled open a door. “My mother is in the parlor, keeping her foot elevated for a bit. She hopes to get in at least one dance with my father before this year comes to an end.” He nodded to where a pair of older women were seated comfortably near a large window that overlooked a pretty garden area. “Mother,” he said as they approached. “I'd like you to meet our newest employee, Mrs. Clark. She's recently relocated here from Minnesota. She was just hired today.” He smiled at Caroline. “This is my mother, Mrs. Gordon.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Caroline leaned down to grasp the older woman's hand. “You have a beautiful home, Mrs. Gordon.”

“Please, just call me Gladdie,” she said. “I never went in for all this formality.”

“Then you must call me Caroline,” she said, feeling a bit uneasy.

“And this is my sister, Beulah Peterson,” Gladdie said pleasantly.

Caroline smiled at the older woman. “Pleased to meet you, too.”

“Now, have a seat, Caroline.” Gladdie patted a spot beside her. “Let's get acquainted.”

Caroline glanced back at Mr. Gordon with uncertainty. What was she supposed to do?

“Go ahead and join them,” he said. “And if you'll all excuse me, I better get back to help Dad greet the other guests.”

“I thought Evelyn was helping with that,” Gladdie said.

“She was, but she stepped out for a bit.”

“Come on, Caroline,” Gladdie urged her. “Sit down and keep us old ladies company. Tell us about Minnesota and what brings you out to our part of the country.”

Caroline sat down next to Gladdie, smiling at the pair of friendly gray-haired women. “There's not much to tell about Minnesota.” She tried to think of something interesting. “When I left there was quite a bit of snow on the ground.”

“
Snow
,” Beulah said with longing. “Remember back in Connecticut, that winter when we had five feet of snow?”

“Oh, I don't believe we ever had
five
feet of snow, Beulah.” And for the next couple of minutes they argued back and forth over the Connecticut winters. But finally Gladdie turned back to Caroline. “I'm sorry, dear. You know how contrary sisters can be sometimes. Or perhaps you don't. Do you have a sister?”

So Caroline explained that she did indeed have a sister. “That was what drew me out to California…to be closer to her and her family.”

“And your husband?” Gladdie asked. “My son did introduce you as
Mrs.
Clark, did he not?”

So Caroline quickly explained about losing Joe in the war. “It was early on…about four years ago…he was in the South Pacific.”

Gladdie reached over to take Caroline's hand. “I'm so sorry for your loss, dear. So very sorry.”

“Gladdie lost a boy to the war, too,” Beulah said quietly. “Her older son—Max Jr.”

“Oh, yes, I do remember my brother-in-law mentioning that now. I'm so sorry for your loss.” Caroline looked into Gladdie's eyes. “It's hard, isn't it?”

She nodded. “Max Jr. was a good boy. He'd been running the company before he went into the service,” Gladdie explained. “Alongside his father, Maxwell, of course. But Max Jr. had been Maxwell's right-hand man.”

“The plan was for Max Jr. to take over the business entirely,” Beulah filled in. “After the war. Such a tragedy when he was killed in France. So sad.”

“A parent never expects to outlive a child.” Gladdie shook her head. “Did you and your husband have any children, Caroline?”

“We have a son. Joseph Jr. Now he wants to go by Joe. He's almost ten, but quite grown-up for his age.”

“You have a ten-year-old son?” Gladdie looked surprised. “You don't look old enough to have a boy that big.”

“Young people nowadays,” Beulah said, “they seem younger than we did at their age. Maybe it's the modern clothes they wear.”

“Well, you're blessed to have a son, Caroline. Something no mother should take for granted. Especially when war can change everything in a heartbeat. I always thought I'd have both my two boys far into my old age. I imagined them with wives and children, filling this house with laughter and happiness.” She sighed.

“I still remember Max and Terrence as little boys,” Beulah said. “They were such opposites.

“That's for certain.” Gladdie smiled. “Max Jr. was quiet and responsible, and Terrence was loud and rambunctious. And yet they were devoted to each other.”

“Unless they were fighting,” Beulah added with a sly grin.

“They rarely fought,” Gladdie declared.

“And after Max Jr. was killed in France, Terrence offered to come home and work in the chocolate factory for his parents,” Beulah told Caroline. “So generous of him. But he is a generous man. Always looking out for others. Like you.” She pointed to Caroline. “Leave it to Terrence to see that you got to meet some of his family. Instead of just letting you wilt in some corner like a wallflower.” She chuckled.

“Terrence has always been thoughtful like that,” Gladdie said. “In many ways he's perfectly suited to manage a large company. Although it was never his dream to work in an office.” Gladdie sighed. “You see, he was always my happy-go-lucky adventurer. Always longing to see the world and do exciting things. Even before the war, he trained as a pilot and went flying all over the place. He was working down in South America before the war broke out.”

“The Army Air Corps was real glad to snatch him up, too,” Beulah said. “Not many young men already knew how to fly an airplane like Terrence did.”

“And now the poor boy is stuck running the chocolate factory.” Gladdie pursed her lips. “I keep telling Maxwell that it won't last long. Terrence is going to start longing for adventures any time now. Next thing we know, he'll be shooting off to Argentina or Thailand or Timbuktu.”

“No, no, I don't think so,” Beulah countered. “I think the boy's settled down nicely since the war. He really cares about his employees. He's enjoying the challenges of making chocolate. You'll see, Gladdie.”

“What do
you
think?” Gladdie suddenly asked Caroline.

“Goodness, I have no idea. To be honest, I barely know Mr. Gordon.”

“
Terrence
,” Gladdie told her.

“Yes, well, as I said, I barely know him.”

“Then you should get to know him better,” Beulah declared. “Terrence is a good boy. Always has been. Even if he has an adventurous spirit. Nothing wrong with that. Adds a little spice to life.”

Caroline listened with interest as the two older women bantered back and forth. She contributed bits and pieces when it seemed appropriate, but mostly she just enjoyed hearing snippets about Terrence and more of the Gordon family history. The Gordons might be wealthy and influential, but from what she could see, they were just as normal as her own family. Perhaps even more so. And these two older ladies were truly a delight.

Chapter 10

You're still here.” Mr.
Gordon looked surprised to find Caroline right where he'd left her. “Have you been here the whole time?”

“Yes, but I've enjoyed it.”

“But it's been more than an hour.” His brow creased.

“You make it sound as if we've been torturing the poor girl,” Gladdie said to him. “We've simply been getting better acquainted.”

“That's right,” Beulah added. “Caroline is an interesting young woman.”

“And did you know she goes to our church?” his mother asked.

“As a matter of fact, yes.” He grinned at Caroline, reaching for her hand. “How about if I rescue you by inviting you to the dance floor.”

Gladdie clapped her hands. “Splendid idea, son.”

“Yes,” Beulah agreed. “By all means, go and dance with the girl. What are you waiting for anyway?”

“I've enjoyed chatting with both of you,” Caroline called over her shoulder. “I hope your ankle is well enough to dance, Mrs. Gordon.”

“
Gladdie
,” she called back.

“I'm sorry for abandoning you with them for so long.” Terrence was escorting her back toward the sound of the music. “Did you get anything to eat yet?”

“No, but I'm not particularly hungry.”

“You would like to dance, though? Or did you simply agree in order to make a handy escape?”

“I'd love to dance.” She felt uneasy. “But I must admit I haven't danced in years. I'm probably rather rusty.”

“Then you're in good company.”

Suddenly they were on the dance floor and, as if in a dream, he was taking her into his arms. But they'd barely started to dance when the song ended. “Shall we wait for the next number?” he asked with what seemed a hopeful expression.

“Yes, I'd love to. I felt like I was about to get the swing of it.”

The next song was “String of Pearls,” and, thanks to the familiar and steady beat, Caroline felt all the dance moves coming back to her, almost as if she'd stepped back in time. “I thought you said you were rusty,” Terrence said when the music ended.

“That song made it easy.”

Now the band was starting to play “Moonlight Serenade.” “Want to try one more?” Terrence asked.

“I'd love to.”

Since this song was slower, they were able to actually talk as they danced. “I do feel bad making you get stuck with the old ladies for so long,” he apologized.

She smiled up at him. “The truth is I was probably more comfortable with them than I am with this large crowd.” She glanced at the younger people dancing all around them. “I suppose I've gotten a little rusty at social gatherings, too.”

“Well, if that's anything like your dancing skills, I wouldn't be too worried.”

She laughed as he twirled her around. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had this much fun. But just as he pulled her back into his arms, she noticed something that spoiled it all. There, standing along the sidelines with a couple of attractive men, was Evelyn. Dressed in a low-cut gown of glittering pale blue, she held a glass of Champagne in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Her lips were smiling, but her eyes were not. And as she stared at Caroline and Terrence, her expression was so icy that Caroline felt an actual chill run down her spine.

“Want to go again?” Terrence asked hopefully as the song ended.

“I, uh, I don't know.” She glanced back at Evelyn. “I don't want to monopolize all your time, Mr. Gordon. I realize you have other employees and—”

“This isn't the workplace.” He laughed. “It's a party. And I can spend my time as I like.”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Of course you can.”

“I'll bet you're hungry. I know I am. Let's go over and fill a plate while the buffet table isn't so busy.”

She actually was hungry. Not only had she missed out on lunch, but she'd barely had anything for dinner as well. Even so, she felt so nervous that she wasn't sure she'd be able to eat now. Just the same, she let Terrence lead her along the buffet table, filling her plate with tempting appetizers.

“I don't know about you,” he said as he handed her a glass of Champagne, “but I don't like standing to eat. Or eating amongst a crowd.”

She nodded eagerly. “I'm the same.”

“Come on.” He tipped his head toward a side door and before long, they were walking along a patio that bordered a turquoise swimming pool.

“It's beautiful out here,” she said as they strolled along.

“If it were warmer, I'd suggest we eat out here.”

“It must be delightful to dine out here.” She looked longingly at the pool. “So different from Minneapolis right now.”

“I'll bet.” He opened a door. “Right this way, Mrs. Clark.”

She longed to tell him he could call her Caroline, but worried that might sound overly familiar. Besides that, she was already feeling uncomfortable about being this far from the other party guests—and alone with the boss. Not that she didn't trust him. For some reason she did. But she didn't want to give him—or anyone—the wrong impression. He led her into what appeared to be a billiards room. “How about this?”

“A pool table,” she exclaimed. “What fun!”

“You play pool?”

“A little.” She smiled as he pulled a couple of leather club chairs up to a small round table, pointing to one for her. As they both sat down, he lifted his glass. “Here's to you having a good first year in California, Mrs. Clark.”

“Thank you.” She clinked her glass into his, then took a tiny sip, giggling as the bubbles tickled her nose. “I haven't had Champagne in years.”

“To be honest, I haven't either.”

“Really?” Somehow she found this difficult to believe.

“You probably assume I live the big life all the time.” He picked up an appetizer. “The truth is I've been living a fairly simple life…ever since the war ended.” His expression darkened. “Sometimes it's hard to feel too celebratory.”

“I understand.” She nodded. “Your mother told me about losing your brother. I'm so sorry.”

“I guess we've all had our losses.”

“And we can be thankful that the war is over.” She sighed. “It's hard to believe that just one year ago, it was still going strong.”

He lifted his glass again. “Here's to 1946 being a good year for everyone.”

As their glasses clinked together she smiled. “I also heard from your mother and aunt that you are a pilot. That must be exciting.”

His face brightened. “I haven't been up in months, but I do love to fly.”

“My son, Joe, dreams of becoming a pilot. He has a model plane collection.”

“The opportunities for pilots should only be increasing as science and technology catch up.”

As they ate, she asked him questions about planes and flying. She inquired about the places he'd visited, and listened with interest as he described exotic locales. “It all sounds so interesting,” she said as they finished up. “You've led such an adventurous life.” She tilted her head to one side. “It seems incongruous that you'd want to work in a factory.”

He shrugged. “Well, you do what you have to.”

“Yes, I'm well aware of that.”

He looked intently at her. “I'm sure you are.”

“But someone else could run the chocolate factory,” she said quietly. “You're free to do pretty much as you please.”

“Yes, I always thought so, too. The truth is I've led a fairly privileged life. And I suppose I've taken full advantage of it.” He leaned back in the club chair, folding his arms across his front. “But when my brother died, well, things changed. I suddenly had this new sense of responsibility and family loyalty. I felt I needed to make up for something.” His eyes lit up. “And the truth is I've been sort of enjoying it.” He paused, his expression shifting. “I came home about a year ago—right after Max died. My parents were devastated. We all were. But my father was hit particularly hard. He lost all interest in MG Chocolates.”

“That's understandable.”

“So I felt like it was up to me to rescue the family business, and, just like I do everything else, I jumped right in. Fortunately, my father had secured government contracts to provide chocolate bars to the GIs during the war, so we were fiscally healthy. But everything in the company seemed worn and outdated. Even the employees were weary. I started upgrading machinery, hiring more employees, and basically just taking the company up to a whole new level. In a way, that felt like an adventure in itself.” He smiled. “And as you heard earlier, we had our best year ever.”

“That must be rewarding.”

“It is.” He pushed his chair back and gave her a sly look. “You say you play pool?”

She grinned. “Well, I'm sure I'm a little rusty.”

“Rusty as in your dancing skills?” he teased as he racked up the balls.

She went over to pick out a pool cue, pausing to chalk the tip. “I haven't played in years,” she said. “My father taught me when I was a girl. He had a barbershop with an old billiard table in back.” She chuckled. “It helped to keep his clients coming back.”

“Your father sounds like a smart man.” He hung up the triangle. “Stars and stripes?”

“Sure.”

“Care to break?”

“You go ahead.” She watched as he sent the balls flying across the table. Two went in: one stripe, one solid. He went with stripes. She watched as he put two more balls in, then finally missed.

“Well, you did clean up the table a bit.” She leaned over to take her first shot, sinking it easily.

“Nicely done.”

And then, since he'd done such a good job of clearing the table, she put in two more shots.

“If this is you playing rusty, I'd better watch out.”

She laughed as she watched him plan his next shot. He sunk one and missed one, leaving her with an easy shot. She put that in, as well as the next one.

“Excellent shooting, Mrs. Clark. I had no idea you'd be this much competition.”

She only had one ball left. And when she missed, she wondered if she'd done it intentionally. It seemed rude to beat your host. He was just taking his next shot when the door burst open, causing him to pull up on his cue and miss.

“There you are!”
Evelyn exclaimed as she bustled into the billiards room like a pale blue cyclone. “I've been looking all over for you, Terry. What on earth are you doing holed up down here of all places?” She shook her head. “And playing billiards by yourself?”

He pointed his cue to where Caroline was standing in the shadows on the opposite side of the table, obviously out of Evelyn's line of vision. “We were just having a little game of stars and stripes,” he said lightly.

“Really?” Evelyn turned to see Caroline, staring in disbelief. “Oh? I had no idea. Well, good grief, I hope I'm not interrupting anything.”

“I'm sure Mr. Gordon is relieved for the interruption,” Caroline said in a teasing tone as she laid down her cue. “One more turn and I might've won.”

“Wait a minute,” Terrence said to her. “We're not done here yet.”

“Oh, yes, you are.” Evelyn took his cue and laid it on the table. “You have guests out there, Terry. Important people who want to talk to you. You can't hermit away like this—playing your little boy games.”

Caroline exchanged a glance with Terrence. “Thank you for a lovely time,” she said quietly. “And I do apologize,” she said to Evelyn, “for keeping him from his guests.”

Evelyn looked like she wanted to spit. Instead, she just smiled. “Well, Terry is always so thoughtful of new employees. Almost to a fault.” She linked her arm in Terrence's. “Now come along, naughty boy. I promised your father I'd bring you back to the festivities.”

He protested, but Caroline just waved at him, assuring him that she would find her way back just fine. “It'll give me a chance to look around a bit,” she said as they were leaving. “I barely saw the art along that hallway.”

“Yes,” he called back, “feel free to look around—make yourself at home.”

Caroline honestly did not know what to think as she walked back the way he'd brought her, alongside the pretty swimming pool, then down the art-filled hall. All the attention he'd given her was far more than she'd ever expected. And, really, it seemed a bit much, especially for a new employee—a temporary one at that. She suddenly remembered something Marjorie had said about women trailing after Mr. Gordon, that he could have his pick of any. Was that Marjorie's way of saying that he was a bit of a cad? Although he really didn't seem like a cad. He seemed genuine and caring and…well, just plain wonderful.

But perhaps there was more between him and Evelyn than she realized. After all, there was gossip about them at the chocolate factory. And Caroline had seen them at church together. And Evelyn certainly appeared to be on intimate terms with his family, not to mention she was quite familiar and friendly with Terrence himself—or
Terry
, as she preferred to call him.