Read Online Nephew's Wife, The by Barbara Kaylor - Free Book Online

and sat beside her. 
                  “I know people at the paper. Would you like me to talk to them about this reporter, see if they can convince her to drop this sensational storyline?”  The frustration in Rand’s voice matched Ellen’s.
                  “No, but thank you.”  Ellen shook her head.  “I’m just going to keep a low profile.”
    “All this attention really bothers you.”  Rand sympathized with Ellen. He’d been the target of a curious press after Lana had left him. Reporters dogged him everywhere.
                  Ellen nodded. “I never asked for it.  I just hope my working here doesn’t bring trouble to you and Dolly.”
    “What trouble?” Rand scoffed at her worry.  “You haven’t done anything criminal, which reminds me. Nothing showed up on your background check.”
    Rand’s announcement didn’t relieve Ellen. The trouble she had referred to was the kind that erupted out of deception, lies, and secrets like a three-headed monster.
    “Maybe I should call off this shopping trip today,” Ellen said, suddenly feeling down in the dumps. “I’d hate to cause a scene with Dolly.”
    “Aunt Dolly would be miffed if you cancelled today,” Rand replied with a lopsided grin.  “Besides, you don’t look anything like that photo in the paper.  I don’t think you’ll be recognized.  Aunt Dolly will only take you to the exclusive shops where the employees and clientele are discreet.  Go and enjoy yourself.”
    Ellen accepted Rand’s encouragement with a smile, but she didn’t share his confidence.  Her new look resembled her younger days when she and Paul had dated.  She’d have to be very careful.
    Rand glanced at his watch and clicked his tongue. “I really have to go.”
                  “Thanks for the support, Rand,” Ellen said, following him to the entrance hall.  “It means a lot to me.”
    “Any time,” Rand replied. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight.” He smiled as he rushed out.  “Have fun,” he called out over his shoulder.
    Ellen returned to the dining room to finish her breakfast even though her appetite was gone.  She’d not waste the food Celeste had prepared.  Swallowing around the mopey feeling weighing inside her was difficult.  Ellen shifted her thoughts to the day before.  It’d been so pleasant, she’d almost forgotten about Robin’s persistence.  Ellen closed her eyes around a silent plea for help.
    Dear Lord, I can’t go through life running from the truth. It’ll wear me down and make me good-for-nothing. Please help me find a way to put this all behind me.  I need the kind of help only you can give—”
    “Are you okay, Miss Todd?”
    Ellen glanced up to see Celeste clearing up Rand’s dishes.  “I’m fine, Celeste.”
    She rose and handed Celeste her dishes.  It was too early to fix Dolly’s breakfast tray.  Ellen strolled to the library to pray for guidance in her new position.  Dolly and Rand counted on her being capable.  She couldn’t give a hundred percent to her job if her own problems got in the way. 
    When Ellen finally stopped praying and opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a stream of golden sunlight.  It lifted her spirits.  The enthusiasm she’d greeted the day with when she woke that morning had returned.  She bounded to the kitchen to prepare a tray for Dolly then set off upstairs.
    “Good morning, Dolly.” Ellen greeted her charge with a cheery smile that didn’t give away her worries.  “Are you ready for our adventure?”
    “You betcha!” Dolly was scooting up in bed.  Ellen was glad to see she looked rested.
    They left the house at nine-thirty with Edward at the wheel of Dolly’s old Town Car.  It was five after ten when they pulled into the mall.  Edward assisted Ellen with Dolly’s wheelchair then got back in the car and drove off to have the car serviced then washed.  They’d call him when they were ready to return