Hidden Mistress, Public Wife(49)

He smiled back. ‘Thank you.’

It was the first time he’d actually felt a sympathetic bond with his sister. Maybe, if Olivia made the effort to be friends with Ivy, he and she could become closer in the future, set their usual antagonism aside and be warmer towards each other.

Strange how suddenly his whole life now seemed centred on Ivy. Marriage to her had not entered his mind until it had burst into it as the only way to stop her from leaving him. Yet it was beginning to feel more and more right, so much so he was determined to prevent any possible snag that might stop it from happening.

‘It’s only been three months since Sacha Thornton’s exhibition,’ his mother commented, viewing him with sceptical eyes. ‘You’re rushing into this, Jordan.’

He raised challenging eyebrows. ‘I was told it was only three weeks after you met Dad that he asked you to marry him.’

She waved a dismissive hand. ‘They were different times.’

He shook his head. ‘People have the same feelings now as they had then, Mum.’

That earned a hard look. ‘You’re sure she’s right for you?’

‘Yes.’ Doubts could come later, but Jordan was now bent on not entertaining them until they bit him.

‘Different backgrounds,’ his mother pointed out.

‘Doesn’t matter.’

‘It will in the future.’

‘Not if we don’t let it.’

She sighed. ‘Well, I see you have your mind set on it, Jordan, but it is a different world now and women won’t put up with what they used to. Do you honestly think you’ll be faithful to her in a long-term relationship?’

He hadn’t put that question to himself yet he answered without the slightest hesitation. ‘Yes, I do. I’ve had lots of women in the past, Mum. I know I’ve got the best with Ivy. I won’t even be tempted to look elsewhere.’

She sighed again. ‘Yes, I guess you do know that.’ Her eyes had a wry look as she added, ‘Your father didn’t. I was a virgin when we married and I was never really comfortable with what he wanted in bed. In some ways it was a relief when his mistresses supplied it. I knew he would never leave me, but … it wasn’t the happiest of marriages, Jordan. I hope you have a better one with your Ivy.’

Jordan found himself deeply touched by this confession and sad that his mother had never known uninhibited joy in sex. ‘I’m sorry it was like that for you, Mum. And for Dad. Do you think it was right for you to stay together all those years?’

Nonie’s pride answered him. ‘I had a wonderful life with your father. I wouldn’t have given it up for anything. Besides, we had our family. And your father wouldn’t have given that up for anything.’

Family … no, he wouldn’t give that up, either, if he and Ivy had children. He had to make this marriage work, on every level. Sex was no problem. He was sure it never would be. If they could strike the right balance with the living part, if Ivy would ease up over fitting into his scene.

‘This party is important to me, Mum,’ he confided, appealing for her understanding, as well as her help. ‘I want Ivy to believe she can have a wonderful life with me. Please … will you ask your friends to be especially kind to her? Olivia did quite a lot of damage to her confidence. If you give her your approval …’

‘Jordan, I don’t know the girl. I’ve barely met her.’

‘I’m asking you to do it because it’s important to me. I can handle the rest but I need this from you. Use your power, your influence, to make it a great night for Ivy. I know you can do it.’

Reluctance flashed in her eyes. ‘You’re putting my judgement of character on the line. What if she lets you down later?’

‘Do it out of respect for my judgement.’

She stared at him, will clashing against will. Jordan poured every atom of forceful energy into his stare back. ‘I’ve never let you down, Mum,’ he said quietly. ‘Anything you’ve asked of me …’

‘All right,’ she snapped. ‘I’ll do it. I just hope she lives up to your judgement, Jordan.’

He smiled.

The groundwork was laid.

All that remained was for Ivy to come to the party.





CHAPTER SIXTEEN


The story of Jordan Powell’s engagement to a rose farmer was front-page news in Saturday’s newspapers. Jordan had warned Ivy he’d been asked for a press release, and she was safely installed at his Balmoral home before details of their romance were publicly released, escaping from the attention of the paparazzi, who subsequently swarmed to the farm to photograph everything in sight, and a bunch of reporters wanting more personal stories about her.