Family Reunion by Mercedes Keyes Read Free Book Online Page B

reddening. He was balding on top, and stood maybe two or so inches taller than Lena. He had disgusted Rory; the man was practically drooling over his mother.

She had pulled her skirt back into place, humiliated and glad it was Rory and not his wife who had walked in. Rory had blurted angrily a threat to tell his wife if he didn't leave the servants alone. The servant part he said to hurt his mother, angry at the idea that she’d let Cavat paw her, so it had seemed to him then, but now, looking at her and thinking back, he knew better. At the time the event had occurred he had only been twelve and so didn't understand that it was them and not her. Men in general, Mr. Cavat had not been the only one; there were others who wanted her for their mistress. Young handsome gentlemen had propositioned her as well but all had been turned down. Men of all kinds desired her, 'So why? Why was she the way she was?'
    More importantly on his mind was – 'Who?' Who was the man that had gotten to her? The one who had planted the seed he had grown from. She said he had not raped her. Then she must have given herself to him. Was he the reason she was this way?
    Lena felt his eyes on her but she could not turn her head to look at him. 'Who? Who had told him the things I said and did? Why would they tell him such things? Things that most surely hurt him? Does it matter? Had I not said them, done it, whoever told him, would not have been able to say such things were it not all true. There is no one to blame but myself.’ With her heart pumping, after the prolonged silence, and his eyes on her she finally said softly.
    "I'm sorry Rory...I am guilty of it all, and I am oh so sorry. Though you may not believe me, the truth of it is, that it hurts me more than I can ever express." His eyes widened, stunned by her words, he turned away. They were nearing the mansion with their street coming into view.
    "I can't stay for dinner ...because, after my few assignments, I'll be going to the docks ...I have a job there now."
    Lena smiled glancing at him. "A job? Why? Whatever you need, I would gladly give you." She offered softly. He almost came back with a smart remark but held his tongue. "No thank you, I'd rather work ... it's only a job as a cabin boy on a ship but I don't mind, I like ships." He said.
    Lena's heart skipped a beat. 'So did your father ... so did your father.' She thought, amazed. "I'm happy for you then Rory. Perhaps that is just what you need. Is that who brought you home last night? The man you will work for?"
    He nodded. "Yeah. Amazin' ain't it, that someone's interested in me and what I do enough to offer me a job. For some reason he thinks I could amount to something, un-like other people I know."
    Lena sighed, sitting back feeling the familiar jab in her ribs. 'God have I a long way to go, such a long way to go.'
    "Rory." She called softly to him as they turned into the driveway.

"Yeah?" He answered.
    "Don't doubt him, or yourself. He's right… you can amount to something. I just wish I could make you believe how sorry I am for not showing how much I love you. It's just that… so many things have happened in my life, things I didn't know how to handle. I came up with a solution to those things that only made things worse. For that, I'm sorry."
    Rory felt uncomfortable hearing her talk to him that way and was glad they were in front of the mansion. When the coach stopped, he opened the door and stepped out first. For once, he stopped and stood holding the door open for her to step out. This new act stunned Lena so she hesitated a moment in disbelief. Rollo had jumped down also looking at him in suspicious surprise. Quickly recovering, she took the hand he offered reluctantly and stepped out praising him.
    "Thank you Rory, what a gentlemen." Rory shrugged, "That's okay, it was nothin'." They stood a moment looking at each other, and he decided to ask, "Would you min' if, well ...havin' this new job an' all, makes my time close,