Page 109 of The Enchanted Land

Only then did Morgan notice Adam in his father’s arms. The boy slept peacefully, his head cradled against Seth’s shoulder. She turned startled eyes to Gordon.

“I know. It’s the strangest thing. I never saw Adam take to anyone as he took to Dave. He spent the whole day with Dave, and no matter how many times I tried to get him to come with me, he refused to leave. The way they stared at one another, you would have thought they’d known one another all their lives.”

“I’m afraid the boy’s worn out. If you’ll show me his room, I’ll carry him to bed.”

Seth’s smile infuriated her. He was so smug, just because Adam liked him. Well, Adam was just a little boy. He didn’t have much knowledge about all the dishonesty in the world. She smiled back at him, icily. “Mr. Blake, isn’t it? I am quite capable of putting my own son to bed. Adam.” She put her hands under the sleeping child’s arm, trying not to touch Seth. Adam opened his eyes only slightly and saw his mother. He went to her willingly and she carried him into the house.

Gordon watched her go, astonished by her rudeness. “Dave, I really must apologize for Morgan. I’ve never seen her rude to anyone before. She’s really not like that. Actually, she’s a very warm person.”

“That’s all right. She just seems to have taken a dislike to me. Maybe I ought to forgo your invitation to supper.”

“No, please don’t. I owe you something for taking care of Adam. I know it’s not easy to do a full day’s work and keep an eye on a toddler at the same time. By the way, my foreman says you do one hell of a day’s work, and that you know exactly what you’re doing, too.”

“It seems I get along with animals and children a sight better than I do with women.” They laughed together.

“Well, I trust Adam. Anyone he likes is all right with me. Now let’s go wash.”

Morgan began undressing her son. He was dirty and needed a bath, but she didn’t want to wake him to give him one. She washed his face and hands and began to put his nightshirt on him. He frowned once and fluttered his eyelids when she jerked his arm too sharply.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” She kissed his cheek and finished dressing him more gently. Damn him! Why did he have to come back? Now that he’s seen Adam, he’ll probably never give me a divorce. I’ll never be able to lead my own life.

Maybe he wanted the money, the money she offered him to marry her. But, somehow, she didn’t think that was it.

She tucked Adam into his bed, brushing the hair from his forehead, and kissed him. She sat a minute, looking at her sleeping son. He was always such a whirlwind of activity that it was pleasant to see him quiet.

She went to her own room to dress for dinner. She chose a filmy sea-green dress, a gift from Theron. She had chosen it to match the jade treasures in her bedroom. She began to pin up her hair and then, on second thought, left it down, adding a ribbon that matched the dress. Just the way Gordon likes it, she thought, as she studied her reflection. And Seth—No! She wouldn’t think that way.

Tonight was Gordon’s night. She would be especially nice to Gordon. She would forget Seth, forget his laughing eyes, forget his touch. Yes, tonight would be the beginning of a new relationship with Gordon, and Seth Colter would be out of her life for good.

She started down the stairs. At least tonight she wouldn’t be troubled by Seth. She could relax, alone with Gordon.

“I’m sorry I’m late, Gordon. I had to get Adam to bed. He was so tired after being with that awful Mr. Blake.”

“Morgan!” Gordon’s tone was sharp. “We have a guest.” His eyes sent warning.

Seth’s large form was visible now, inside the dining room. His eyes were teasing. His smile was slight but his dimples were deep, betraying extreme amusement. Amusement at her embarrassment!

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Colter, if your son was so disturbed by my presence.”

“I’m sure Morgan didn’t mean that, Dave.” He looked to Morgan for support. “It’s just that…”

“Would you mind if we ate now? I am starved.” Morgan’s voice was honey-sweet and she looked at Gordon lovingly.

Gordon frowned. This wasn’t Morgan at all. What was the matter with her?

She entered the dining room on Gordon’s arm, turning her back slightly on Seth.

“I’m sorry we’re still in our work clothes, but we got back too late to change.”

“Mrs. Colter would put us to shame, no matter what we wore.” Seth smiled at Morgan’s look of fury.

“Yes, she would. I don’t believe I’ve seen that dress before. Is it new?”

She looked a challenge at Seth. “No. My former employer, Theron Shaw, gave it to me.”

Seth offered no response. He sipped his wine and smiled into Morgan’s eyes.

So that’s how it was: He didn’t care at all. Well, she didn’t care either.

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