Daddy's Sweetheart Parts 1-5: The Complete Collection Read online

  “You can have mine. Honestly, I don’t need anything.” I stood and carefully placed the glass back on his side. My face was once again red. This was so embarrassing.

  We both stood staring at each other. He looked very mad. I hung my head. I guessed the wedding was off.

  “Get another drink,” he barked at the butler.

  I raised my head.

  He waited for the butler to leave before he said, “When we’re married, you may not back talk me. Is that clear?”

  I nodded surprised that he was still considering me as a possible candidate for marriage. He had to see that I came from a home that didn’t want me. That had to make me very undesirable.

  “Sit down again so we can continue our talk.” He sat down very elegantly.

  He was at least ten years older than me. I wondered about his age as I sat down carefully again.

  “Do you have hobbies other than reading?” he asked me.

  I shook my head. Hobbies cost money. My father wasn’t interested in spending any money on me.

  The brown-eyed man pondered that for a while. Then he started to focus in on me. “If you were given the chance, would you be interested in another hobby?” He’d understood my dilemma.

  I nodded.

  “What would you like to try?” He looked happy again.

  “Maybe, learn to play the piano.” My answer sounded more like a question.

  “Yes, I have a piano at my house where you could learn.” He smiled once again. He was acting like everything was settled. This was working out too easily. He was too old for me and too good-looking. He looked like the type that would have a very sophisticated woman at his side. I was still very much a child.

  The butler was back with my drink.

  “I’ll take that.” He held his hand out to take the drink without looking at the butler. “Close the doors.” He was looking at me as he gave the butler that command. “Take your drink, Amelia.”

  I obeyed him right away. I stood up and grabbed my glass.

  The butler closed all the doors.

  He took a sip, leaving his eyes on me.

  I took a little sip too. I glanced down as I did. I couldn’t hold his eyes like he could hold mine.

  I heard him set his drink down. I took another sip then did the same. My mouth was getting a little dry.

  “I asked him to close the doors so I could ask you some personal questions. I expect complete honesty. Any lie you tell now will come out later on. Do you understand?” He was leaning forward and looking very strict again.

  “I guess so,” I answered confused.

  “Are you a virgin?” He didn’t bat an eye as he asked that.

  I, on the other hand, shifted around on the sofa and turned beet red. I hadn’t expected a question like that. I figured it was assumed.

  “Amelia, answer me.”

  I guessed it was a husband’s right to know and to ask these things. Oddly enough, I assumed he wasn’t a virgin. Why should it matter? I didn’t even know him an hour ago, and he was already getting very personal. I was glad the doors were shut.

  “Amelia, I don’t like repeating myself.” He was getting mad waiting.

  I nodded not meeting his eye.

  “This is a very important question. I’d like a real answer.”

  “I’ve never been with anybody,” I answered quietly. I felt somehow ashamed of myself. Not as ashamed as I’d have been if I’d had to give another answer.

  “I’ll be taking you to a doctor, hopefully tomorrow, who will test you to see if you’re telling the truth. Can you agree to that? If you can’t, the wedding is off.”

  Was he serious? Maybe I should just leave? I laid my decision on the gold scale. Homeless and hungry, or go to the doctor’s, and he’d know that I was telling the truth. I could still change my mind later about marrying him.

  “I’ll – I’ll go to the doctors,” I stuttered. The heat in my face was killing me.

  He nodded pleased with the answer. “What experience do you have?” he asked.

  How do I answer this without overly embarrassing myself? “I’ve never had a boyfriend.” My face was no longer red. It was crimson, and getting worse by the minute.

  “That doesn’t really answer my question. Amelia what experience do you have?” He spoke softly but with an undertone that let me know he was serious.

  “None, not even hand holding. I was at an all girl school. I’ve never even talked to a boy.”

  He smiled again. “I realize these things aren’t considered important nowadays, but they’re very important for me. I’ll make an appointment for your test. If the test proves what you say, then we’ll be married soon. Your father has given you a week to stay here. After the week is finished, you’ll come and live with me. Shortly after that, we’ll be married.”

  Living with him and not being married didn’t sound like a good idea to me. What if he changed his mind about me? I looked down at my folded hands on my lap.

  “I understand your worry,” he smiled. “You’ll have a nanny who will take care of you and protect your virtue.”

  “A nanny? At my age?”

  “Yes, of course.” He looked confused. “I guess they used to be called ladies in waiting. Nanny will see to all of your needs and help guide you in your new life. She’ll constantly be at your side to answer your questions.”

  “I’ve never had a nanny. I can take care of myself.” Good, I was already saving him money. Husbands liked that. I smiled at him.

  He didn’t smile back. He even looked sad. “If you were mine, you wouldn’t get treated the way you are here. No one would ignore you or think that you didn’t deserve proper care. You’ll have a nanny. She’ll take care of you as you should have been taken care of all of these years. I often have to go away on business, as well as other commitments that I have. It would make me happy to know that I don’t have to worry about you. Can you agree to one now?”

  He felt sorry for me. Did he only want to marry me out of pity?

  “Am I your good deed for the day?” I asked, not knowing how to put it.

  “What do you mean, Amelia?” He was grinning, probably thinking how cute and funny I could be. My nervousness was the only thing that could be making me funny today.

  “I mean, you were there – with my father – you saw.” I took a deep breath. “You can’t marry somebody out of pity. I wouldn’t make you happy.”

  “And why not?” He was trying to hide how amused he was, badly. Maybe when I explained, he’d see his mistake.

  “You feel sorry for me now. After we’re married, I wouldn’t need your pity anymore, and you’d lose interest quickly.”

  His eyes were dancing with delight.

  I hung my head. “That wouldn’t be good for me either.”

  “I’m sorry. You were trying to tell me something. I’ll take that very seriously in the future. I beg your forgiveness. I promise you that if we were to marry me, my interest in you’d not dwindle but increase. If you have any more worries, I want you to come to me. I won’t laugh at you again.” He smiled kindly at the end.

  I sat there silently waiting for his next question. He just stared at me. I was growing uneasy under his stare. I started to worry about my father coming in and finding me in here. I didn’t want this man to have to see how my father talked to me again.

  “Do you have any questions?” He was still smiling. That was good; I liked someone with an easy smile. He had a nice smile too.

  “What’s your name?”

  “You’ll hear my name once, at the wedding. After the wedding, I’ll tell you how I want you to address me until then I think a simple sir will suffice.”

  I didn’t know what to make of that, but if he was still worried about my virginity, then maybe it was giving away too much information. He didn’t know me at all. Perhaps he was worried that I’d come after him or something if he changed his mind about wanting me.

  I grinned to myself, like I had the money for that kind
of operation. I couldn’t even imagine what one of those night vision things would cost. Now I was even being witty with myself.

  “I have another question, sir.”

  He was pleased with me again. His eyes were telling me so much. “Yes?”

  “What would my everyday life look like with you?” I fidgeted with my hands and hoped that he too would be truthful.

  “That would depend on you, a lot. You already mentioned the piano. Then you’d have lessons every day. Nanny would have a program for you too, consisting of grooming and things. You could continue your education. When I’m at home, we’d spend time together. I wouldn’t allow you to work. Having a wife who is actively involved in the workforce is an embarrassment for someone in my position.”

  “What do you do?” I asked, relaxing because of the soft tones that he was using.

  “I’m involved in many fields. I think businessman is the best way to sum it up.”

  “Forgive this question, but if I don’t ask I’ll be mad at myself later on.”

  His eyes were already lighted up with amusement, as he waited for my question.

  “Your business activities, are they all legal?”

  He laughed, “I assure you they are. I’m a pillar of the community. My reputation is unscratched that’s why I’m so worried about yours.”

  I nodded because that made sense.

  “This has all gone so quickly. I don’t understand everything.” I looked at my lap again.

  “Don’t worry about a thing. In a week, you’ll be living with me and preparing for our wedding. Things will only get better for you. One trip to the doctor’s office is all that is standing between you and happiness.” He’d stood up while he spoke. He touched my cheek. Then it was like he’d woken up from a dream. He sat back down across from me again.

  “Do you have any more questions before you make your decision.” He was smiling again.

  “Yes, how old are you?” That flew out of my mouth a little too fast. I blushed again.

  “I’m twenty-nine.” He was still smiling. I hadn’t offended him.

  “Eleven years, that’s a lot. Why the rush in getting married? Did you make a pact with yourself to be married by the time you were thirty?” I felt an eyebrow go up.

  He laughed again, this time longer than the times before. “I’ll enjoy coming home to you. No, that wasn’t the reason. When you walked into the room, I was already interested. The speed of the wedding has to do with your father’s requirements. I’d have taken my time otherwise. Probably even a couple of years. Now I don’t have to wait that long, and you don’t have to worry about a place to stay.”

  He seemed so nice, but I cried anyway. “How can you want me when my own father doesn’t?” This was all so confusing.

  “Your father is a fool when it comes to you. I will not be. I recognize a gem when I see it. Drink your lemonade and tell me more about yourself.”

  I pulled myself together and wiped my tears away. “There isn’t much to tell.” I gave him an apologetic face as I reached for my glass.

  I did end up telling him a couple more things.

  He didn’t tell me anything about himself other than that the week was needed to make the necessary arrangements of moving me into my new home. The nanny interviews seemed to be his biggest worry, finding the one that will fit to me, as well as him.

  After a while, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. He was on the phone when I came back. He looked happy.

  “I accomplished a lot while you were gone. Tomorrow morning I’ll interview several nannies. The one I choose will be there when we go to the doctor’s tomorrow evening. That appointment has also already been taken care of too. It will be best to get it out of the way. I’d like to see your room now. Show me.”

  He had a way of talking strictly that made me automatically obey. I led, and he followed. He was careful not to touch me.

  The brown-eyed man was surprised when I didn’t go up the stairs. He’d stopped at the bottom of the white marble staircase and looked up.

  He continued to follow me after I shook my head. The house was huge with twelve bedrooms upstairs. Mine was downstairs.

  He followed me down the iron staircase. I could feel the tension rising in him. I opened the door to my room and stood aside so he could go in. There wasn’t room for the two of us. He was shocked I could tell. My room was small and dark with just a tiny window high on the wall. It had a bed and a small wardrobe and a single chair. He lifted up the blankets on my bed. “They’re so thin. Are you often cold at night?”

  “My father isn’t used to the noise that children make. I can’t bother him as much when I’m down here. And I’m usually not here but at boarding school. It didn’t pay to have a room here too.”

  “The question was, are you often cold at night?” He was looking at me so intently that I felt like his eyes were drilling holes into mine.

  “No, sir.”

  He was staring at me, and I couldn’t look away.

  The heat was rising in my face. I was a terrible liar. “Just a little over Christmas vacation, but don’t tell him I complained.”

  “What happens if you complain?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. I never have.”

  “Tell me.” He stepped closer, looking so concerned.

  I shook my head as I answered anyway. “He threatened to kick me out a lot.” I turned away from him.

  He was going through my wardrobe.

  “Where are the rest of your clothes?”

  “What other clothes?” I asked.

  “Do you expect me to believe that you only own two school uniforms?” He leaned on the wardrobe.

  “Of course not. I have three, and there are things in the drawer too.”

  He opened it up. A pair of jeans, a sweater and my underwear were in there. I was so embarrassed. He pushed things aside looking for more. There wasn’t anymore. I hung my head again.

  “As my wife, I’d expect you to wear either a dress or a skirt. I don’t believe in pants for a girl.”

  “Really? Dresses? I’ve never had one. Father only let me have jeans when I was younger. After that, I had my uniform.” I could already see myself twirling around when no one was watching. I sunk my head when I realized that I’d said too much again.

  “Do you own any make-up?” he asked.

  “No, sir.” I left my head down.

  “Good, I don’t like it.” He stepped out of my room and whispered in my ear that I’d have it a lot better with him. “Where is the next bathroom? The one you use?”

  I led him back upstairs and showed him.

  He looked confused again. “Where do you shower?”

  I opened the next door. Again he went in and looked around. He still looked very mad. I couldn’t understand that. These bathrooms were very fancy. They even had marble floors and walls.

  “Where is your toothbrush?”

  I walked past him and got it out. It was still in its traveling container. I hadn’t been home that long, just a couple of hours. It had taken that long to get up the nerve to go into my father’s office.

  He opened it up and looked at my toothbrush. It was quite shabby looking.

  “Um – It isn’t that old. I bite on them. But I’ve never had a cavity,” I offered lamely.

  He raised an eyebrow and put it back. He was amused again. “Let’s go back to the living room.”

  I followed him this time. He sat me down on the sofa again and bombed me with questions about my childhood and about friends.

  I pretty much had to confess that I didn’t have either. I hadn’t been allowed to play as a child.

  The servants mostly kept me out of my father’s way. The ones that got too friendly were fired. At school, the other girls had picked on me. I never got a care packet or any pocket money like the others had. I even had to work at school to be able to pay for my uniform and for my notebooks, pens and pencils.

  The man just mostly looked mad at my answers. I sank
deeper into the sofa and avoided eye contact. It was extremely embarrassing to tell someone, who was a stranger, exactly how much my father hated me.

  “Did your father ever hit you?” he asked.

  “No, never. I can’t remember him ever touching me at all. If I had to talk to him, I was to keep my distance.”

  “I’m sorry about everything. Know that things would be different with me.”

  I nodded. He felt sorry for me. “Again I have to ask, do you want to marry me out of pity?” I was trying hard not to, but the tears were building up in my eyes again. If I blinked, they’d spill out. “I’m used to this. I don’t need saving.”

  “Yes, you do, little one.” He touched my face again. “If I wanted to save you for pity’s sake, then I’d have given you a job and a place to stay. Taking you in as a wife has nothing to do with pity.”

  I’d thought of another question. I was very embarrassed to ask it. “Would you be a good and faithful husband to me?” My question came out as a whisper.

  He took hold of my face and tilted it so I was looking him in the eyes. “I’d be completely devoted to you and only you. That isn’t something you’d have to worry about. I’ll be a strict husband, I’ll tell you that now, but I won’t be unfaithful to you.”

  The door opened. He looked mad again.

  The butler announced that dinner was served. He grabbed my hand, wanting me to go with. I tugged and pulled until he let go.

  “I’m not allowed in there either. Look, there are only two place settings. I’m not included.” I swallowed and walked towards the kitchen. I stopped and turned to him. He was standing there with his mouth opened in surprise. “Good evening. I have to go to bed after I’ve eaten.”

  “Good evening, Amelia.” He gave me a slight bow.

  Chapter 2 – The Test

  “So, what do you think of her?” Amelia’s father asked Brian. “Will she do?” he laughed.

  “Yes, if she passes her test at the doctor’s tomorrow, then I’ll marry her.”

  “Marry her? You want to marry her? That one? You’re not expecting a dowry are you? I told you how I feel about her.” James Anderson was appalled as he thought about the prospect. Nevertheless, he was curious. “What kind of test?”