Chapter Thirteen
James glanced at his watch for the third time within the last ten minutes. While he found his dinner companion charming, beautiful, accomplished, and everything he looked for in a potential wife, he simply didn’t want to be there. All he could think about was how he’d parted with Noelle earlier in the day. What should have been a relaxing afternoon of fucking turned into a test of his patience. He couldn’t figure out for the life of him why he hadn’t contacted Paul to arrange for her departure, as he’d done with his former mistresses who he’d grown tired of or who forgot their place. But he didn’t. He’d almost made that call but something held him back. He couldn’t stop thinking about her.
“James, did you hear what I just said?” Eleanor interrupted his thoughts bringing him back to the present.
"My apologies, I was thinking about a business call I have in the morning. What were you saying?”
Eleanor raised an auburn brow. “Ah, those Saturday business calls are the worst aren’t they? No rest for the weary I suppose.”
“So they say.”
“Anyway, I was mentioning how I was in need of an escort to my mother’s charity event. I’d love if you could take me.”
“When is it?”
“Three weeks from next Friday. Knowing how busy you are I’m putting my request in early. My mother was just named committee chair so I’m obligated to attend even though you know these little events can be a bit dull.”
“I don’t see why I can’t but I’ll check with my secretary to make sure I have no schedule conflicts.”
She flashed him a bright smile in response. “Daddy will be pleased. He really likes you, James.”
James, who had been in the middle of sipping his wine, nearly choked on it. The cynic in him was well aware George Harrington was more interested in the capital he could bring to Harrington’s ailing company, regardless of James’s humble beginnings. A man like Harrington usually didn’t acknowledge anyone in a social setting whose blood wasn’t as blue as his or had the right social connections. But times were different from when Harrington had come up with the likes of the Rockefellers and Mellons. Most of the old-money families were either up to their ears in debt while still clinging to the names that had at one time got them admitted anywhere, while others were savvy enough to align themselves with the nouveau riche to keep the champagne flowing freely. Harrington was a man who obviously saw his only chance at salvaging his lifestyle was by marrying his daughter off to a man of James’s financial situation.
James realized he was being used but what they didn’t know was he was using them as well. They were his means to an end, and Eleanor was his ticket to a world where no one would ever look down their nose at him again. Along with the money and power he’d acquired, he’d have the name and connections that went along with it. His children would attend the finest schools, and they would not bear the stigma of illegitimacy or poverty.
That he wasn’t in love with Eleanor was of no consequence. He held no illusions she was in love with him either. Both of them knew the roles they were cast to play. This charade of a courtship would end in a proposal which she’d accept. There’d be several pictures of them as an engaged couple as they went about town together, which would finally culminate into a huge society wedding, which he’d probably end up shelling out a couple of millions for. They would have two children and possibly even enjoy the sex required to obtain that “heir” and the spare. And then he’d politely look the other way if she took a lover, and he’d keep a mistress on the side through the duration of the marriage. She’d be the perfect hostess and be a credit to his name. That’s how it worked in the circles he’d worked hard to belong to.
“You two should get together for golf at the club,” she continued.
James titled his lips into a smirk. Not very long ago, her father barely acknowledged his existence. Pompous ass. “I’ll have my secretary contact his and we’ll set something up.”
“You have to go easy on Daddy, though, he hates losing.”
“I’m sure,” he murmured and took a measured sip of from his wine glass.
“I’m losing your attention again, James. Maybe we should call it a night, since you can’t seem to keep your mind off business.” There was no petulance in her tone from what he could discern but she couldn’t be pleased that his thoughts kept wondering off.
James paused to give her a suitable reply without causing offence but Eleanor spoke before he had the opportunity.
“James, may I be frank with you?”
He inclined his head forward in reply. “By all means.”
“I’m well aware of the type of man my father is. Not too long ago he would have made a stink if someone with your background even stepped foot in his club outside of a service capacity. He basically disowned my sister Christina because she married someone whose background he considered questionable. Steven is a good guy and makes a decent living, but it’s not good enough for Daddy. He can be an insufferable snob at times, but he was just raised in a different era.”
“I’m not trying to make excuses for him but that’s the way he is. I don’t need to tell you Harrington’s is in trouble. The stock has plummeted and investors are getting antsy. The company is on the verge of ruin unless it gets a very generous investor. Someone like you. James, you can correct me anytime if I’m wrong but I think you’re only with me to be connected to the Harrington name. Am I far off base?” She asked with raised brow.
Eleanor’s bluntness caught him off guard. “You already seem to have the answers. You tell me.”
Her scarlet painted lips curled to a half smile. “People talk, James. Though it’s distasteful to speak of money in our circles, word gets around. Anyone who reads the financial news or follows the stock market knows the shape my father’s company is in. And those people know he’s looking to marry me off to someone who would be beneficial to Harrington’s. So why would someone in your position be willing to infuse a huge chuck of money into an ailing company all for my hand in marriage. It isn’t because you’re madly in love with me. You’ve barely paid attention to a word I’ve said all night. So I can only conclude you want the family connection. As archaic as that sounds, it’s still done in our world.”
She’d hit the nail on the head. It should have made him uncomfortable how direct she was about the situation, but women like Eleanor were taught from birth how to be the perfect society wife. It was none of her business why he so badly wanted to be connected with an old-money family and he had no plans to share why, but he did owe her some type of explanation. “I suppose I should return your honesty with a bit of my own. No, I’m not madly in love with you and I don’t think you love me either. But I believe we’d do quite nicely together. You’d compliment me perfectly with your beauty, education, poise and grace. I can’t promise you a grand romance, but I will honor and respect you. You’ll never want for anything.”
She smiled. “That’s good to hear. Just so you know, James, I’m usually not this forward, but if you could imagine some of the men my parents have been pushing my way lately you’d feel sorry for me. You’re the first one I actually like. I don’t love you but like you said, I think we’ll rub quite nicely together. So we’re really doing this?”
James didn’t need her to elaborate to know what she was talking about. “When should we announce our engagement?”
Eleanor’s smile widened. “After mother’s gala. No need to take the spotlight from her.”
“Is there any particular type of ring you’d care for?”
“I trust your judgment. I don’t want anything too ostentatious but I’d appreciate something befitting the wife of James Rothschild.”
James raised his glass in salute to his fiancé. “I’d say this calls for a toast to a successful union.”
Eleanor lifted her wine glass and gently tapped it to his. “To us.”
He had to hand it to her, when it came down to the nitty-gritty Eleanor was all business. While he appreciated that she didn’t pretend this was some great love match, her businesslike manner took him by surprise. Everything he wanted was coming to fruition. So why couldn’t he stop thinking about Noelle?
Noelle did her best to keep up with the fast chatter and merriment of the women surrounding her, but she simply couldn’t get into the spirit despite the smile she’d glued on her face.
Simone placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a rub. “Are you okay, sweetie?”
Noelle widened her smile to play off the fact she simply didn’t want to be here. “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? Because you’re really quiet.”
“I’m okay.”
“You’ve barely touched your drink, girl. You’re making the rest of us look like lushes. Come on, bottoms up.” Tanisha, one of the women at their table egged her on.
“I’m not really much of a drinker to tell you the truth,” Noelle answered as politely as she could.
“You’ve been acting like a Debby Downer all night. Do you think you’re too good to cut loose with us? Simone why is your cousin such a wet blanket?” Tanisha went on.
Out of all her cousin’s friends, Tanisha made her the most uncomfortable. She was loud and one of those brutally honest people who didn’t have a problem hurting someone’s feelings in the name of telling it like it is. She reminded Noelle of the girls who used to make fun of her in grade school.
“Lay off, Tanisha. One of these days your mouth is going to get you in trouble.” Simone glared at her friend.
“Whatever,” Tanisha mumbled before taking a generous swig of her Long Island Ice Tea.
Needing to get away from the table for a moment, Noelle pushed her chair back and stood. “I need to run to the restroom. Excuse me.”
In order to get to the restroom she had to go through the restaurant portion of the building. As she walked by the patrons, she could have sworn she saw James out the corner of her eye. Of course it wasn’t him. She had to be imagining things. The man occupied every corner of her mind all the time. She often imagined seeing him in places she went but it always turned out to be someone else.
In the bathroom, she washed her hands and checked her makeup in the mirror. She barely recognized herself. Tonight, she wore the gold contacts and her makeup was artfully done, although it was more than what she usually wore. It was all for him and he wasn’t here to see it. James would probably never bring her to a place like this anyway.
She wiped away an unexpected tear that fell from the corner of her eye before it could leave a track down her rouged cheek.
“Are you okay?”
Noelle turned to see one of the most stunning women she’d ever seen. She was tall and willowy with dark red hair and large blue eyes. Dressed in designer wear from head to toe, everything about this woman screamed money. Noelle had seen her somewhere before but couldn’t place where.
Noelle smiled at the woman and nodded. “I’m fine, thanks for asking.”
“Well, if you’re sure…” The other woman looked her over. “That’s a lovely necklace by the way. Cartier?”
Noelle touched the necklace protectively. It was one of the few gifts James had given her. It was a diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds on a platinum chain. She rarely left the penthouse without it. “Yes, it is. Thank you.”
“You have great taste in jewelry.”
“Well, it was a gift actually.”
“Ah, I see. Well it’s lovely nonetheless.” The redhead touched up her makeup and then smiled at her. “I hope your night improves.”
“Thanks,” Noelle mumbled.
“Keep in mind, no man is worth the stress, dear.”
Noelle raised both brows in surprise. “I never said my problems were because of a man.”
The redhead chuckled. “Isn’t it always because of a man?” she answered airily before sailing out of the restroom. Women like her didn’t have men problems. She probably had a slew of suitors standing in line for a chance to be near her. She was the type of woman Noelle envisioned James with. That last thought made Noelle wince.
Noelle chided herself gently. “Get yourself together, girl” she spoke to the mirror.
“Do you need some assistance, Miss?” the valet in the corner spoke for the first time.
“Oh, no, I’m fine.” Embarrassed at being caught talking to herself, Noelle hurried out of the restroom and headed back toward her group. From the corner of her eye she caught sight of the redhead from the restroom. Curiosity made Noelle slow her steps and glance over to see the lady’s companion.
The room began to spin and air swooshed from her lungs. She couldn’t move, breath or even comprehend the unlucky coincidence of the scene before her. Only a few moments earlier she’d supposed this was the type of woman James would be with and there he was, smiling at the redhead in a way he never smiled at her. He was attentive and seemed interested in what his companion had to say. More importantly, this was the woman he took out in public. It suddenly dawned on her that the redhead was the same woman she’d seen in the newspaper. She was even more beautiful in person, which was why Noelle hadn’t immediately recognized her. Here was the irrefutable proof of James’ disregard for Noelle staring her in the face. It literally felt as if her heart was crumbling into tiny pieces.
She wasn’t sure how long she stood in the same position but she realized the longer she did, the greater the chance James would see her. She didn’t want to look as if she’d stalked him. Forcing her feet to move, she headed back to her table feeling completely numb.
Simone seemed to notice something was wrong right away. “Noelle, you don’t look so hot.”
Noelle opened her mouth but no words came out at first. It took a considerable amount of concentration just to keep from crying. Finally finding her voice after a few moments, she said, “I’m really not feeling well. I think I’ll pass on going to the club tonight.”
Tanisha snorted. “I told you she’d come up with an excuse when she got out of the bathroom.”
“Shut up!” Simone snapped at her friend before returning her attention to Noelle. “What’s the matter hon?”
“I feel a migraine coming on.” And that wasn’t far from the truth. That familiar throb of her frontal lobes was merely a dull ache right now, but she knew if she stuck around much longer it would be a full-on thunderclap in her skull.
“I’m sorry, honey. I can go with you if you’d like.”
“No! I don’t want to ruin your night. I’ll just get a cab, head home and lay down.”
“Are you sure?” her cousin asked.
“Yes. Please enjoy your evening.”
“Okay, but call me when you get back to your place. And if you need me to come over just say the word.”
“Will do.” Noelle made her hasty goodbyes to the rest of the ladies at the table and headed out, still trying to wrap her head around seeing her worst nightmares come true. Noelle was well aware of James’s other life, but it was one thing to know and not think about it versus coming face to face with it.
By the time she made it back to the penthouse, her migraine was in full effect. She was in so much pain her eyesight was bleary. She probably handed the cabbie far more than the fare based on his effusive thanks but she didn’t care, she simply needed to get inside and lay down. This was one of the worst she’d ever had.
“Miss Greene, are you okay?” the security guard asked as she stumbled past his desk. He probably thought she was drunk by the way she swayed from side to side as she walked.
“Fine. Just not feeling well,” she managed to mumble, stumbling past him.
Nearly collapsing in the elevator, she barely stayed on her feet and practically crawled to her door. How she managed to unlock the door was pure testament to her determination because once she was inside the penthouse, she collapsed and fell into a blissful faint.