Breath of Scandal(157)
Of course it was Lamar's fault that folks shunned her. Who wanted to be friends with the mother of a man who had died in disgrace in a condemned, heathen city? Not that she believed a word of what folks said about her son. Lamar had not been a pervert. He had not engaged in the unspeakable aberrations people said he had. He had died of pneumonia and a rare form of skin cancer.
To this day, she refused to believe his monstrous deathbed confessions. He had made admissions that weren't true because his mind had been distorted by painkilling drugs and the brainwashing of a medical staff on a witch hunt. Everyone in San Francisco was so terrified of AIDS that anybody who got sick was believed to have it.
Obviously the Patchetts didn't believe the lies any more
438
Sandra Brown
than she did, or they never would have invited her into their home. As she gazed at the impressive facade of the house she had always envied, she pulled on a pair of white cotton gloves. Her hands were damp with perspiration caused by nervous excitement.
Whatever could Ivan want to see her about? Neal had hinted that it was important and urgent. It really didn't matter to her what was on Ivan's mind. She was flattered to be summoned.
Her floral voile dress was perfect for the morning appointment. It was several seasons old, but it was a quality garment. Her daddy had always said that it was better to own a single quality item than a dozen that were substandard. Whenever Myrajane went downtown, she was appalled by how women dressed nowadays. They didn't seem to care what they wore. You couldn't tell quality folk from trash because they all dressed badly.
Propriety and modesty were things of the past-just like the Cowan dynasty, just like the family estate. It had recently sold, she had heard. The rumor was that the bank was glad to unload it. When she heard about it, she had cried bitter tears.
Sadly, some things were irretrievable. She would never live in her family's house again, but, to her dying day, she was going to cling to the gracious traditions of the past, such as never wearing slacks in public and never appearing at a social gathering without gloves and a handkerchief. On her way up the veranda steps, she adjusted her widebrimmed straw hat, which would be appropriate until five o'clock in the afternoon. It was never going to be said of the Cowans that they didn't know how to conduct themselves with dignity and decorum. As the last living one, Myrajane took it as her personal responsibility to uphold the reputation of her maiden name.
When Ivan's housekeeper answered the door, his guest handed her an engraved calling card. "I'm Myrajane Cowan Griffith. Mr. Patchett is expecting me."
Breath of Scandal
439
When they arrived at her house, Jade asked Dillon to come in with her. "I'm a mess," he protested. "I haven't shaved, and the hairs on my chest are stuck together with peach juice."
" You're no messier than I am. Please. I'd like to cook your breakfast."
"I didn't even buy you dinner first." "What do you mean 'first'?"
He laughed at the blue glare she shot him. "I'll come in for coffee-one quick cup,"
With their arms looped around each other's waists, they ambled toward the front door. "How do you know Graham and Cathy aren't waiting inside for me with loaded shotguns?"
"They'll be happy about us," she said, smiling up at him.
"How do you know?"
"Because I'm happy." Jade went in ahead of Dillon and almost collided with Cathy, who was rushing out. "Good morning."
"Thank heaven you're home," the older woman said breathlessly. "I just woke up and found a note from Graham. He took off on his bike to meet Dillon and you at Dillon's trailer."
Jade ignored the inquisitive inflection at the end of Cathy's sentence. "He knows better than to leave the house without pen-nission, even on a Saturday," she exclaimed indignantly. "I'll have to ground him for a week."
Dillon laid his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. "Maybe he was worried about you. Did you think of that? it was irresponsible of us not to call. If Graham's on his way to the site, I'll catch up with him on my way out there."
"I thought you were staying for coffee." "That was before."
"But-" "Why don't I go on ahead and rendezvous with Graham. When you and Cathy are dressed, you can meet us at my
440
Sandra Brown
trailer. I'll treat everybody to pecan pancakes at the Waffle Shack. "
"That sounds wonderful. " Jade couldn't keep from smiling. Nor could she remain angry at Graham. This morning, animosity just wasn't possible. "Cathy?"
"I'm all for it."
"Good," Dillon said. "See you in a little while." He placed his finger beneath Jade's chin and tilted her head back for a soft kiss. Dreamily Jade watched him cross the lawn and climb into his pickup. He waved as he drove away. When she turned around, Cathy was watching her shrewdly.
"I'm surprised," she said. "I didn't expect him to be someone like Dillon."
" 'Him'?"
"The man who released you. I would have expected someone from the other end of the macho spectrum, someone not quite so physical."