Splendor(159)

Edward, however, had only chuckled about the whole matter and dismissed her concerns. “My dear, this is Ian we’re talking about after all, and not Colin. Or your thrice-divorced brother Gavin, who was unfortunately one of Colin’s role models. Ian is the most sensible, level-headed person I’ve ever met, and lovesick or not there is no possible way he would let anyone take advantage of him. Have some faith, Joanna. After all, it does seem that all of the praying you did for him over the years has finally shown results.”

“My prayers didn’t include a twenty-four year old floozy who’s only interested in his money,” grumbled Joanna. “Well, it’s a good thing we’re paying a visit next month so we can see for ourselves what’s going on. Hopefully it’s not too late to save Ian from this little schemer.”

No amount of reasoning on Edward’s part had served to change Joanna’s mind. And since she wasn’t about to accuse Ian over the phone of taking up with an eager little fortune hunter, she was obliged to keep her opinions to herself during their conversations. He did sound extremely happy, far more so than she could ever recall, and he assured her that she was going to fall in love with Tessa as quickly as he had. Joanna had to bite her tongue on those occasions, and rather stiffly tell her son that she was looking forward to their visit very much.

But now that they were actually here in San Francisco, their luggage being loaded into Ian’s Town Car by Simon, Joanna found herself dreading what she feared was going to be an awkward and unpleasant encounter. If this young woman was in fact the greedy, opportunistic little tramp that she feared, it was going to make for a very long, uncomfortable visit.

Simon was as efficient and accommodating as he’d been during their previous visits, loading up their luggage and driving them smoothly out of the airport with a minimum of polite conversation. But Joanna was uncharacteristically chatty with Ian’s chauffeur, anxious to get his opinion on this Tessa and to pry whatever information she could from the very proper Welshman.

“So, Simon. What can you tell us about Mr. Ian’s new, ah companion?”

Edward frowned at her. “Joanna, let’s not put Simon in an awkward spot. I’m sure he doesn’t indulge in idle gossip.”

“It’s not a problem, sir,” assured Simon from the front seat. “And to answer your question, madam, I can assure you that you’ll be quite taken with Miss Tessa. She’s a lovely girl, just lovely, and Mr. Ian is completely besotted with her. You’ll be rather – ah, amazed at the changes in him.”

Joanna was visibly taken aback at this news. “Mr. Gregson and I were worried that this girl might be taking advantage of our son. Given her youth, that is.”

Edward gave her a jab in the ribs. “Speak for yourself, my dear. I’m not worried in the least. Ian is far from a boy, after all, and not one to let his emotions take over his common sense.”

“You don’t have to worry about Miss Tessa,” declared Simon. “She’s a good girl, quiet, well-mannered, and she takes very good care of Mr. Ian. With all due respect, madam, she’s the furthest thing from a fortune hunter you can imagine. You’ll see for yourself very soon.”

Joanna was only mildly mollified by Simon’s assurances, but she did console herself with the fact that the very straight-laced chauffeur was not a man who suffered fools gladly. Of course, it was entirely possible that the little flirt had somehow wormed her way into Simon’s affections as well, twisting him around her finger the way she appeared to have done to Ian.

Joanna knew very few people who would readily admit to being wrong, and she didn’t count herself in that minority. But she was well bred and gracious enough to realize when she’d made a serious error in judgment, and she knew the minute she shook Tessa Lockwood’s hand that she’d been completely wrong about the girl.

Ian’s new companion was exquisite, and it was easy to see why he was so taken with her. Instead of the overblown sexpot that Joanna had been expecting to meet, the girl was almost painfully shy, very sweet, and clearly extremely intimidated to meet Ian’s parents. The hand she placed in Joanna’s was actually trembling, and her voice breathy and high-pitched as she greeted them.

Edward smiled broadly as he took Tessa’s hand in his and gave her a peck on the cheek. “It’s delightful to meet you, my dear. You’re practically all Ian talks about these days. And you are even more beautiful than he claimed.”

Joanna was astonished to see the girl blush, unable to remember the last time she’d seen a young woman react in such a way.