"I certainly will," Elinore Powell agreed enthusiastically. "At least Alanna has finally started the process that will bring us our future grandchildren."
"In due course, my dear," Dorian Powell laughed. "In due course."
Children. Color mounted in Alanna's cheeks at the ultimate intimacy the thought implied. With the firm, masculine hand around her waist, her senses leaped in response, and she moved quickly away from the hand toward the sofa. She must stop these sensual longings. It was imperative that she never indulge in them with Rolt.
She had barely sat down on the sofa when Rolt was beside her. He didn't exactly sit close, but his arm was draped along the back to let his hand rest lightly on her shoulder. A small liberty, but she slid him a resentful glance from beneath her lashes just the same.
Her father turned to them as her mother left the room. "Elinore has her heart set on grandchildren," he said affectionately and with a hint of apology. "She always wanted a houseful of children, but unfortunately she wasn't able to have them. We consider ourselves blessed that we have you, Alanna. So don't you be worried about disappointing your mother if you decide you and Rolt want to wait before starting a family."
"Actually, dad, Rolt and I haven't talked about that," she said nervously. "I don't know if he likes children."
"I like children," he told her, smiling lazily. "Especially little girls with dark amber hair and beautiful violet blue eyes."
Desperately she wanted the subject changed. And she wanted his hand off her shoulder. The absent rubbing caress of his fingers made her feel weakly vulnerable, especially combined with the topic of conversation, and she steeled herself to ignore it. She disliked him intensely. She hated him!
The tall, spare housekeeper swept into the room, her angular face alight with joy. Alanna could have cried with relief. Amidst the hugs, congratulations and explanations, the subject of children was lost.
"It's just like having one of my own getting married," Ruth declared. "I've known Alanna since she was a baby." Her mother entered the room with a tray of coffee and cakes, and Ruth rushed quickly to take it from her. "I told you to leave that, Elly. It's too heavy for you."
"Nonsense," her mother denied. "I only have a few feet to go anyway. You just sit back down."
Ruth did, insisting she would pour. The spout of the pot was poised above the first cup when she put it back on the tray. "Just think, Elly, of all there is to be done." She glanced at Alanna. "When is the wedding? Have you thought about a date yet?"
Alanna was about to say that they hadn't had time, but she never had a chance to speak.
"Right away," Rolt answered. "Alanna wants to be a June bride."
She wanted no such thing! She turned to glare at him and deny his statement. His fingers dug into her shoulder in warning. There had been no mention of when they would marry, but she hadn't dreamed it would be this soon. Of course, what difference did it really make? she thought bitterly.
"June!" Elinore Powell explained. "But there's loss than ten days left of this month. We have to buy your gown and the bridesmaid's dresses. And the invitations, they have to be printed. And arrangements for the church and flowers. Ruth can make the cake, but—"
"I think we'd rather have a quiet wedding, Mrs. Powell," Rolt said gently.
With that, Alanna was in full agreement. A large wedding with lots of guests and a drawn-out reception seemed hypocritical. The marriage vows would be enough of a farce.
"I'm sorry, mother." She knew how much her mother had counted on a big, beautiful church wedding for her only child. "We really would rather have just a simple ceremony with only the family in attendance."
If Alanna had doubted Rolt when he told her of her father's precarious financial circumstances, it was banished. The relief on his face was visible at her statement. He would never have been able to afford the expense of a large wedding.
"If that's what you want," her mothe
r sighed a reluctant agreement.
"In this day and age," Ruth sniffed, "you should be glad they're getting married without worrying about the size of the wedding."
"What about a honeymoon?" Elinore ignored her friend's comment.
"A long weekend is the best I can manage," Rolt stated. "We'll have to postpone it until winter."
It didn't matter, Alanna thought. The honeymoon would be over before it began. It was a relief to learn that she wouldn't be forced to spend an extended length of time exclusively in his company.
The wedding and related topics dominated the conversation for the next hour. Alanna's participation was small, letting her mother and Ruth talk over the plans and what was possible during the short time they had.
"Flowers. The flowers will have to be decided on, too," Ruth added. "What kind of flowers would you like in your wedding bouquet, Alanna?" she asked as she picked up the coffee pot to refill their cups. It was empty. "We're out of coffee. I'll go and make another pot."
"Please, none for me," Rolt forestalled, removing his arm from the back of the sofa. "It's time I was leaving."
"Not so soon," her mother protested,