‘Let Jordan be your guide into his world, Ivy,’ Heather advised. ‘Trust him to decide what’s best for both of you. I think he’s been doing that already, and he’ll go on doing it because he loves you and doesn’t want to lose you. Just keep that straight in your mind and don’t let other people mess with it. Not his mother, not his sister, not anyone.’
‘Yes, you’re right,’ Ivy agreed, the load of worries lifting from her heart. She could do this—be Jordan’s partner in life. Anything worth having was worth working at. With experience would come more expertise in handling whatever had to be handled for them to be happy together.
‘Now about this engagement party. Are Graham and I invited?’ Heather asked hopefully.
‘Of course! And all our other friends, as well.’
‘Oh, good! We can hire a minibus for the night and have the fun of going together.’
There were calls to be made, arrangements to be put in place, and knowing she had the happy support of her friends made the prospect of the engagement party much less intimidating. As for the rest, she would have Jordan at her side—her man, proclaiming to the whole world that she was his woman.
It should be—would be—the most wonderful night of her life!
Jordan left no stone unturned to ensure there would be no upsetting incident for Ivy at their engagement party. The roses were a good talking point. Not only did they identify Ivy as a clever businesswoman, but it would undoubtedly amuse people to hear he’d been ordering them from her farm for years and she had initially rejected him because of them. Laughter was always an effective icebreaker and they would look at Ivy with the respect she deserved.
Having dealt with the business of the day, he drove to Palm Beach, intent on checking what his mother and sister had done so far. It was already Wednesday. Much had to be accomplished in three days, but where there was a will, there was a way, especially when cost was no object. Jordan didn’t care what was paid out for this occasion. It had to be right for Ivy.
‘I’m exhausted,’ his mother complained, the moment the butler had shown him into the lounge room where pre-dinner drinks had been served. ‘I’ve been on the telephone all day, letting people know, begging my favourite caterer to drop everything for me …’
‘Which, of course, he did,’ Jordan dryly remarked. No one refused Nonie Powell.
She set down her glass of sherry and threw up her hands in exasperation. ‘Why the hurry? She’s not pregnant, is she?’
‘No. I just don’t want Ivy in any doubt as to where she stands with me,’ he replied, his gaze moving to his sister who was nursing a large Scotch on the rocks. ‘Before you dull your sensibilities with alcohol, I’d like you to give me your support in doing that, Olivia.’
‘I deserve a drink,’ she retorted, her chin lifting belligerently. ‘I’ve been on the phone for you all day, too.’
‘Thank you. I hope it wasn’t too much of a hardship.’ He was quite sure she’d had a ball, getting the gossip-mill going as well as spreading the happy news. ‘What I want now is for you to write Ivy a letter, apologising for your behaviour towards her yesterday and expressing the hope you can be friends in the future. If it’s posted tomorrow for next-day delivery, she’ll receive it before the weekend and feel more comfortable about meeting you again on Saturday night.’
Olivia huffed, grimaced, then lifted eyes full of confusion. ‘I honestly thought she was getting into you, Jordan. How was I to know that you loved each other? You’ve never been serious about a woman. Certainly not since Biancha Barlow almost had you fooled.’
Ivy’s character was light years away from Biancha’s. ‘Ivy doesn’t want me for my money,’ he said with absolute certainty. ‘I’ve known that for quite a while. This morning I wanted to buy her some jewellery to match the engagement ring. She recoiled from it as though I’d offered her a snake. I think you’ve poisoned her mind against accepting any expensive gifts from me, Olivia, and I need you to put that right. I want her to be happy about what I can give her, not feel branded as a fortune-hunter.’
Olivia frowned. ‘What jewellery did she knock back?’
‘A necklace and earrings in emeralds and diamonds to match the ring.’
Her eyes almost popped. ‘Wow! That’s big!’
Jordan bored in. ‘I wanted her to have them, Olivia. If you hadn’t interfered …’
‘Yes, yes, I see your point. I made it nasty instead of nice.’ She set her drink down and rose to her feet with an air of decision. ‘I’ll go to the office and write the letter now. And Jordan …’ She gave him a crooked little smile. ‘I’m glad for you. I really am. At least one of us might have a happy marriage.’