Once he’d explained the problem to his aunt, Destiny immediately hurried off to find something suitable in her closet. When she returned, Mack started to take the clothes from her, but she brushed him off. “You don’t get to help her undress in my house.”
He chuckled at the unexpected display of propriety. “I would have thought you’d be inclined to encourage me to do just that.”
She frowned at him. “You can check the oven and make sure dinner isn’t burning. Turn it down to low.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And Mack…”
“Yes?”
She gave him a warm, reassuring smile. “I told you she wouldn’t stand you up.”
He sighed, not even attempting to hide how relieved he’d been to realize that for himself.
Beth kept touching the fine fabric of the cardigan Destiny had given her to slip on over a sleeveless silk top. She was amazed at what a difference there was in the quality from her usual wardrobe. She’d always believed it was ridiculous to spend a fortune on clothes, but now she understood why people who had the money did just that. She was fairly certain she never wanted to take this off.
“I think you should keep the sweater,” Destiny said, regarding her with amusement. “That soft pink color is very becoming on you. Don’t you agree, Mack?”
Mack nodded distractedly. He’d been in an odd mood ever since Beth’s arrival. She couldn’t quite pin down what was wrong. He’d been so anxious for her to come tonight and he’d looked so relieved when he’d opened the door. He’d looked even more relieved when he’d assured himself that she wasn’t hurt. It had been some time, though, since he’d entered into the dinner conversation.
Not that it had made things awkward. Destiny was perfectly capable of keeping the talk lively. She had a million and one questions about Tony and about Beth’s work.
“Mack tells me he’s going to fund a research project,” Destiny said eventually. “I hope you’ll accept a donation from me, as well.”
Beth stared at her, overcome with gratitude. “That’s very generous of you,” she said when she’d gathered her composure. “I know you already give quite a bit to the hospital. Are you sure you want to do more?”
“Absolutely. As soon as you have your proposal put together, Mack and I will sit down and discuss the details with our attorneys. Carlton Industries will participate, as well. Your research should be quite adequately funded.”
“Did I hear some mention of the family company in connection with giving away money?” Richard asked, walking into the dining room with his wife just as it was time for dessert.
“Yes,” Destiny said. “And no penny-pinching, either. Beth’s work is important.”
“Are you sure you’re not just trying to buy her for Mack?” he teased.
The comment drew an immediate rebuke from the petite woman accompanying him.
“What?” Richard asked. “It’s not as if Destiny is above such a thing.”
“I don’t need anyone buying a woman for me,” Mack countered indignantly. “If anything I usually have more than I can handle.”
“None of them appropriate,” Destiny retorted.
Richard’s wife gave Beth a commiserating look. “Don’t mind them. I’ve been really looking forward to meeting you,” Melanie said.
Surprised that Melanie Carlton even knew about her, Beth merely said, “Oh?”
“I wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy.”
“Sympathy?” Beth asked, puzzled.
Melanie directed an impudent look toward Destiny. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re the latest target of the Carlton steamroller. If it gets to be too much for you, give me a call. I’ll be sure to give you my number. I may not be able to save you, but we can discuss a few evasive maneuvers.”
Beth regarded Richard’s wife with an immediate sense of camaraderie. “Been there, done that?” she inquired.
“In spades,” Melanie said, casting another pointed look toward Destiny.
“I really don’t see that you have a thing to complain about,” Destiny said, a glint of amusement in her eyes proving that Melanie’s teasing hadn’t offended her.
“Not now,” Melanie agreed, linking her arm through Richard’s. “It all turned out rather well in the end, once we caved in and did what Destiny had wanted all along.”
Mack had remained silent, his expression gloomy, during most of this exchange, but he finally frowned at his brother. “So, what brings you by tonight? Did you just have a sudden impulse while driving by?”