"What are you doing here?" Sean asked in an amazingly calm.
"I knew you'd be surprised to see me" she said as she presented her hand to him. "It's been absolutely too long since we last saw each other."
"Marita" Lexy called from the top of the stairs. "I think Sean-Michael's hungry."
"Excuse me" Marita said as she turned and went upstairs.
"I met your sister Alice in town the other day" Bonnie continued. "And told her I have had the hardest time trying to find you."
Sean looked at her but did not take her hand. Clay was the only one who noticed because the ladies were talking among themselves. Clay frowned at the lie Bonnie was telling and was about to confront her but Vivian spoke.
"Clay" she said. "Clay" she said again when he did not answer her.
Clay's frown intensified then he turned his attention to Vivian.
"What's wrong" she asked.
"Nothing" he said slightly shaking his head.
"We'd better get going. We have an early day tomorrow."
"Alright" he said then turned to Sean. "Sean are you seeing Alice and Lexy home?"
"Yeah" he turned to Clay.
"You need me for anything?" he asked, wondering if Sean wanted him to stick around this time.
"No. I'll handle things."
"Oh Clay, Lexy is staying here tonight" Alice said. "Would you mind seeing me home? I'm sure Sean and Bonnie want to chat for awhile."
Clay looked at Sean as if to say 'do you want me to stay this time?'. Clay now knew that this woman was a barracuda and he wanted to help his brother any way he could. Sean tilted his head as if to say 'go ahead' and Clay looked at him for a moment then relented. He then gave Bonnie a sweltering look before turning toward the door.
When the door closed and they were alone in the foyer Bonnie spoke before Sean could say anything.
"I had a lovely conversation with your wife this afternoon at your office."
"Get out of my house" Sean said in a low menacing voice. "Now."
"And a lovely house it is" she said as she looked around the foyer, imaging herself as lady of the house. "Don't you want to know what your wife and I talked about?" she asked when she set her eyes back on him.
"You stay away from her."
"Are you afraid I might slip and tell her about us?" Bonnie said as she raised her hand to put it on his chest.
"There is no 'us'!" Sean clenched his teeth and pushed her hand away in disgust.
"You'd better keep your voice down before the little wife comes down to see what you're yelling about" Bonnie said calmly as Sean gritted his teeth in an effort keep in temper in check. "You have a very handsome son" she smiled.
"I'm not going to ask you again to leave my house" Sean said in a threatening voice.
Bonnie smiled at him and guessed that she had gone as far as she should and that now it was time to retreat.
"OK, I'm leaving" she said then turned to the door and opened. "I'll see you another time handsome" she looked back at him over her shoulder then stepped outside and closed the door.
Sean was too angry to speak. He never dreamed his dalliance with that woman would turn out like this. She has had the gall to come into his house. Is the woman crazy? Sean was beginning to think she was. He had to tell Marita tonight. He could not let this go on any longer. As he turned to go upstairs, he searched for words that refused to be found.
When Sean reached the bedroom, Marita was still feeding Sean-Michael. As he watched the two most important people in the world to him, Sean dreaded even more having to tell Marita about Bonnie. But he would. He trusted Marita and her love for him. She might, no she will, be angry with him but he knew he could not keep the truth from her. And he also knew that it might be hard but they would get past his indiscretion.
"Where's Lexy" Sean asked as he walked into the room.
"In the washroom" Marita answered.
While Marita finished feeding Sean-Michael, Sean undressed down to his shirt and pants. When Sean-Michael finished, he played with his father until Lexy knocked on the door.
"Come in" Marita called out.
"Marita, did you want me to give Sean-Michael a bath?" Lexy asked.
"Yeah" Sean answered for her. "Would you?"
"Come on Sean-Michael" Lexy said after Sean had took Sean-Michael off the bed and onto the floor.
"I'll be in there to check on you two" Marita said, knowing that Sean-Michael liked playing in the water more than being bathed.
When Lexy and Sean-Michael disappeared out of the room, Sean walked over and closed the door.
"There isn't enough time" Marita teased Sean. She had thought that he wanted to have a quick moment with her before Sean-Michael's bath was done.
Sean looked at her and grinned painfully. He wished he could lock the door and make love to her and forget all about Bonnie. But he could not.
"Marita" Sean said cautiously as he walked toward her. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Alright."
"Sit down" he said and motion to the rocking chair.
"What is it Sean?" she said as she sat down.
"I don't know how to tell you this..." he said as he squatted down in front of her and took her hand and kissed it then looked up at her.
"Tell me what?" Marita asked when she saw fear in his eyes. "Is something wrong?"
"Well... no, not exactly" he said then said no more.
Marita waited for Sean to say something but when he did not she spoke.
"What's the matter, honey" she said in a loving voice.
"The woman... Bonnie..."
"Yes" Marita said, wondering what Sean was trying to tell her.
"Well, I met her a few years ago."
"She told me she was an old friend of yours" Marita said, then began wondering if they had been more than just mere friends. She was not so naive that she did not know that some women had relations with men even though they were not married to them. And she knew Sean had been with other women before her. Was Bonnie one of those women?
"You know I love you."
"Yes" Marita answered as thoughts of Sean touching this other woman as he had touched her.
"And you know I wouldn't intentionally do ANYTHING to hurt you."
"Yes" Marita said fearing what he was about to say next.
Was Sean attracted to this woman? Had he fell into temptation? Had he been unfaithful? Had he been with her? Had Sean fathered a child by her?
"Marita I want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world."
"Sean, please" she said a little desperately. "What is it you want to tell me?"
Sean took a deep breath. He had to just say it and trust that Marita loved him enough to forgive his impropriety.
"I met her in Louisville and... was with her."
There he said it. Now he waited for Marita's reaction.
"When was this?" Marita whispered as she pulled her hand away from his. Sean had gone to Louisville only a few months ago.
"Some years ago" he said then noticed the hurt in Marita's eyes, correctly guessing that she was thinking about all his trips to Louisville since they had been married. "It was BEFORE we were married" he assured her. "Marita, I've NEVER been unfaithful to you. NEVER."
She knew from the look in his eyes that Sean was telling the truth and her heart knew all along that he had not be unfaithful even though her mind had conjured up the idea that maybe, just maybe he had.
"Why is she here?" Marita asked, now wondering if the time Sean had been with this woman had produced a child.
"I don't know exactly why she came to Lexington but she was candid enough to tell me..."
"Tell you what?"
"She offered herself to me."
"Offered herself? Even though she knows you're married?" Marita said thinking that this woman was truly wanton in pursuing a man and a married man at that.
"Yeah" he said feeling a little relieved that Marita did not get angry with him. "I told her the first day she came by my office that I was married and wasn't interested, but she doesn't seem to take 'no' for an answer."
"What do you mean, 'you told her the first day she came by your office'" Marita said. "She told me today that you telegraphed her and told her you were married. She also told me that she kept missing you at your office!" Marita's temper was rising at the lying woman who masqueraded as a friend.
"She lied Marita" Sean said as he stood up. Whew! He was glad Marita was not mad at him. Instead she was angry at Bonnie.
"And she was so bold to come into my house!" Marita declared, her voice rising.
"WHAT was she doing here anyway?!" Sean said, joining Marita in her outrage.
"I invited her" Marita said as her mind drifted back to the conversation she had with Bonnie.
When will he be in? Would you like to wait for him? Yes I would. Do you help Mr. Logan around here with the chores? I'm Bonnie Moore, an old friend of Sean's. I wanted to surprise him and meet you. He had telegraphed me awhile ago and told me he had gotten married. He still doesn't know I'm here. I never seem to stop by here at the right time.
"And EXACTLY when was the first time she came by your office? AND how many times has she been there?!" Marita said, now directing her anger at him for not telling her about this woman the first day that she step into his office.
"Well..." Sean started, knowing he had not escaped Marita's wrath. He was in trouble for not telling her immediately about Bonnie. "About two weeks ago she started sending me notes." Marita's frowned intensified. "But" Sean added quickly "I didn't know they were from her. I thought someone was trying to cause a scandal because Clancy's going to run again."
"Why didn't you tell me about the notes?!" Marita demanded.
"I'm telling you now" Sean defended himself and Marita gave him a scolding look. "I didn't have any idea at the time who the notes were from. I told you I thought someone was trying to start a scandal."
"Why didn't you tell me the FIRST day she walked into your office?! Were you EVER going to tell me?!" Marita yelled.
"Yes, Marita" Sean defending himself again. "I just didn't know when the right time was to tell you."
"So you wait until that woman comes into MY home! And now you decide to tell me?!"
"It's not like that Marita and you know it. What was I supposed to say? 'Marita, a woman I had an affair with is in town and wants to start the affair again'?"
"Well, WHEN were you going to tell me?!"
"After Alice's wedding."
Marita believed him but she was still mad that he waited until now to tell her. Marita looked at him for a few moments. She loved him. That was a given. But right now she was angry with him. She stood up and walked past him to the door.
"Marita" he called. When she did not answer or turn back toward him, he followed after her. "Marita, don't be mad at me. I tried to do that right thing but just didn't know how."
"Sean I don't want to talk to you right now. So please leave me alone" she informed him.
Sean decided it was best to leave Marita alone for right now so he did not follow her. Marita fumed all the way to the washroom. How dare Bonnie come into my home and pretend to be a friend. How dare Sean not tell me that one of his liaisons was in town offering herself to him! How dare them both!
When Marita made it to the washroom, Sean-Michael was having his fun in the water. But Lexy told her that he had already been bathed. Marita allowed him to play for a few more minutes, then took him out and dried him off and dressed him for bed. After Marita put him down in his crib, Sean-Michael drifted right off to sleep. He had been with Lexy most of the day and he was worn out.
Marita went back to the washroom and prepared her bath. She did not want to dwell on Sean because she wanted to be in as good a mood as possible for Alice's wedding so she soaked and read a novel until her eyes started drooping. She was awakened by Sean calling her.
"Marita" he said.
Marita opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was coming towards the bath. He had his shirt open and his pants were unbuttoned.
"I need to take a bath. Can I join you?" he said, hoping against hope that she would let him near her. If he got near enough to touch then maybe he could make love to her and make her forget about Bonnie. At least for tonight.
Poor Sean. He is still a man and can be so half-witted at times. From the look Marita gave him in response to his request, he knew she thought he was a moron to even think he would lay one finger on her tonight. And then to torture him, she stood up and stepped out of the bath. It seemed as if she moved in slow motion as she reached for her towel. Sean watched as the water droplets sparkled on her honey brown skin. She dried herself, donned her nightgown, picked up her discarded garments and walked past him as if he were not even there.
After Sean bathed alone, he went back upstairs to find he would be sleeping alone too. The bedroom door was locked so he went to one of the spare bedrooms and settled in for a lonely night.
When Marita opened her eyes the next morning, the first thing she missed was Sean's body next to hers. Why did he make her put him out the bedroom she asked herself. 'Sometimes menfolk don't use the sense God gave 'em' Auntie had once said. If he had not come to the washroom suggesting that they make love she would not have locked the door on him. But he had the unmitigated gall to think that making love would somehow soothe her! Well he had another think coming.
When Marita opened her bible to have her morning devotion, she turned to I Corinthians 13. The 'love' chapter. Charity suffereth long, and is kind... is not easily provoked... beareth all things... endureth all things.
"Yes, Lord, I love him. BUT I'm still mad. You said to be angry but sin not" she said before getting out of bed to get her hungry son. After she fed him, she dressed herself and him and they went downstairs to the kitchen.
When breakfast was ready and they were all at the table Lexy asked. "Why were you sleeping in the guess room Sean?" Lexy knew he was in trouble with Marita. She just wanted to know why he was in trouble.
"None of your business peanut."
Conversation at the table was mainly between Marita and Lexy or Sean and Lexy. Marita refused to speak to him unless she absolutely had too. After breakfast, Lexy helped with the dishes and they got ready to go to Ned's.
Ned's was busy and nosey. Alice was a nervous wreck but Marita and Vivian held her together as best they could. When the hour finally came for ceremony to begin, Marita and Vivian were thankful that it was almost over.
The great room had filled with guests. Just moments before Alice was to come down the stairs, she walked in. Sean and Marita saw her at the same time then looked to one another. Sean frowned fiercely wondering if Marita had invited Bonnie to the wedding too. Marita read his mind and frown back. 'If you had told me about your former paramour when she first came to town...'. Then Alice entered the room and they would have to continue their silence argument later.
Alice cried throughout the ceremony and Marita thought she saw a few tears in Ned's eyes. As soon as Alice and Geoffrey were pronounced husband and wife, Sean moved to kiss Alice and shake Geoffrey's hand before heading toward Marita.
"Marita"
"Sean I don't have time to talk to you" she said then moved away from him
"WHAT is SHE doing here?!" he said in a hushed whisper as he followed her.
"I don't know. She's your friend. Why don't YOU ask her" Marita said with sarcasm dripping from her lips.
"Did you invite her here too?" he asked in another hushed tone.
Marita killed him with her eyes.
"I'm not about to ruin Alice's wedding arguing with you. So don't talk to me" she said then left him standing there.
As Marita walked away, she had decided that the first opportunity she got to speak with Bonnie she would tell her to leave. She did not want to get Alice involved and ruin the day for her. Sean however was not about to wait for an opportunity, he would make one right now. Bonnie was speaking with Virginia Griffith and her father when Sean interrupted.
"Excuse me" he said as he grabbed Bonnie by the elbow. "I need to speak with you" he said as he began ushered her out of the room.
Virginia and Harry noted Sean's abruptness and wondered what was going on. As they stood watching Sean and Bonnie walk away, Vivian came up and engaged them in conversation.
Sean guided Bonnie to the front door.
"You are not welcomed here" he said as they approached the door. "So leave."
"But your sister invited me" Bonnie smiled as they stopped in front of the door.
"And I'm inviting you to leave!"
"Sean, Bonnie" Alice called out.
Bonnie grinned at Sean as he frowned at her and they both turned to Alice. She was coming toward them with Ned.
"Pa, this is Miss Bonnie Moore, an old friend of Sean's."
"She was just leaving" Sean informed them.
"Oh, I have a few minutes. Mr. Logan" Bonnie presented her hand to Ned. "I see where Sean gets his good looks from" she flattered.
"Why thank you Miss Moore" Ned actually blushed.
Alice was to euphoric and Ned was too taken with the compliment given by Bonnie to notice Sean's slight scowl. Sean actually rolled his eyes when he saw his father smile at the venomous woman with the lips dripping with honey.
"Mr. Logan" Bonnie pruned. "Would you be so kind as to escort me to the refreshment table? I'd love a cup of punch."
"I'd love to" Ned smiled as he presented his arm to her for escort. "You're a friend of Sean's?" Ned was heard saying as he led Bonnie to the table.
In the next instance, Geoffrey called Alice over to him and Sean was left standing alone for a few seconds until Clay walked up to him.
"Sean! What is she doing here?" Clay said in a loud whisper as he eyed the lecherous woman smiling up at his father. "Why don't you throw her out?!"
"I tried Clay! But then Alice and Pa came over and of course she turned her charm on him."
"Does Marita know about her?" Clay turned to Sean.
"Yeah. I told her last night."
"She knows you haven't been fooling around right?"
"Yeah she knows but she's mad because I didn't tell her from the beginning."
Clay felt bad for his brother and the situation he was in. He remembered how miserable Sean was when Marita had left him for a week and he did not want to see his brother go through that again.
"She's not gonna leave you again is she?" he asked.
"Why would she do that?" Sean frowned, thinking Clay had just asked a very stupid question.
"Well... the last time you did something stupid..." Clay raised his brow.
Sean quickly relived the moments during which he secured from Marita a promise never to leave him again.
"She's not going anywhere" he grinned. "Trust me" Sean said with confidence as he watched Marita talking with some of the guests.
"For your sake, I hope not" Clay said.
Marita felt Sean's eyes on her and she looked in his direction. When their eyes met, the smile vanished off of Marita's face and was replaced with a frown then she rolled her eyes at him before turning back to her conversation.
"Looks like you might be sleeping in the guest room again tonight" Clay laughed as he witnessed Marita's smile-turned-frown. "You know Lexy had to tell somebody about your banishment from the bedroom" Clay laughed when Sean looked at him.
Sean actually laughed. Lexy would not be Lexy if she did not tell everything she knew.
When Marita turned back to her conversation she had seen Ned hand Bonnie the cup of punch. She was furious that Bonnie was so unashamed. First the woman comes to town lurking after her husband. Then the woman has the audacity to slink her way into Marita's home. And now the woman was smiling ever so innocently up at her father in law. I will kill Sean for this! Marita thought as she turned her heated glare to him.
Sean and Clay had been watching Marita's reaction to Ned and Bonnie. Sean was in deeper trouble and he knew it from the darts that were coming from Marita's eyes.
"Whew" Clay slapped Sean on the back. "I wouldn't want to be you big brother. Marita looks real mad. You might be sleeping by yourself for a long time."
"Shut up Clay" Sean said as he continued to look at an angry Marita.
"I think you better throw her out before you get in hotter water" Clay advised.
"Sean" Geoffrey called as he approached him. "I'd like you to meet my cousin Lewis. He'd like to talk to you about your cigars."
The four men stood talking about cigars, then horses. After about ten minutes, Clay nudged Sean and tilted his head. Sean looked in the direction Clay was pointing. He watched as Marita walked. Walked toward Bonnie.
To Be Continued..........
"I knew you'd be surprised to see me" she said as she presented her hand to him. "It's been absolutely too long since we last saw each other."
"Marita" Lexy called from the top of the stairs. "I think Sean-Michael's hungry."
"Excuse me" Marita said as she turned and went upstairs.
"I met your sister Alice in town the other day" Bonnie continued. "And told her I have had the hardest time trying to find you."
Sean looked at her but did not take her hand. Clay was the only one who noticed because the ladies were talking among themselves. Clay frowned at the lie Bonnie was telling and was about to confront her but Vivian spoke.
"Clay" she said. "Clay" she said again when he did not answer her.
Clay's frown intensified then he turned his attention to Vivian.
"What's wrong" she asked.
"Nothing" he said slightly shaking his head.
"We'd better get going. We have an early day tomorrow."
"Alright" he said then turned to Sean. "Sean are you seeing Alice and Lexy home?"
"Yeah" he turned to Clay.
"You need me for anything?" he asked, wondering if Sean wanted him to stick around this time.
"No. I'll handle things."
"Oh Clay, Lexy is staying here tonight" Alice said. "Would you mind seeing me home? I'm sure Sean and Bonnie want to chat for awhile."
Clay looked at Sean as if to say 'do you want me to stay this time?'. Clay now knew that this woman was a barracuda and he wanted to help his brother any way he could. Sean tilted his head as if to say 'go ahead' and Clay looked at him for a moment then relented. He then gave Bonnie a sweltering look before turning toward the door.
When the door closed and they were alone in the foyer Bonnie spoke before Sean could say anything.
"I had a lovely conversation with your wife this afternoon at your office."
"Get out of my house" Sean said in a low menacing voice. "Now."
"And a lovely house it is" she said as she looked around the foyer, imaging herself as lady of the house. "Don't you want to know what your wife and I talked about?" she asked when she set her eyes back on him.
"You stay away from her."
"Are you afraid I might slip and tell her about us?" Bonnie said as she raised her hand to put it on his chest.
"There is no 'us'!" Sean clenched his teeth and pushed her hand away in disgust.
"You'd better keep your voice down before the little wife comes down to see what you're yelling about" Bonnie said calmly as Sean gritted his teeth in an effort keep in temper in check. "You have a very handsome son" she smiled.
"I'm not going to ask you again to leave my house" Sean said in a threatening voice.
Bonnie smiled at him and guessed that she had gone as far as she should and that now it was time to retreat.
"OK, I'm leaving" she said then turned to the door and opened. "I'll see you another time handsome" she looked back at him over her shoulder then stepped outside and closed the door.
Sean was too angry to speak. He never dreamed his dalliance with that woman would turn out like this. She has had the gall to come into his house. Is the woman crazy? Sean was beginning to think she was. He had to tell Marita tonight. He could not let this go on any longer. As he turned to go upstairs, he searched for words that refused to be found.
When Sean reached the bedroom, Marita was still feeding Sean-Michael. As he watched the two most important people in the world to him, Sean dreaded even more having to tell Marita about Bonnie. But he would. He trusted Marita and her love for him. She might, no she will, be angry with him but he knew he could not keep the truth from her. And he also knew that it might be hard but they would get past his indiscretion.
"Where's Lexy" Sean asked as he walked into the room.
"In the washroom" Marita answered.
While Marita finished feeding Sean-Michael, Sean undressed down to his shirt and pants. When Sean-Michael finished, he played with his father until Lexy knocked on the door.
"Come in" Marita called out.
"Marita, did you want me to give Sean-Michael a bath?" Lexy asked.
"Yeah" Sean answered for her. "Would you?"
"Come on Sean-Michael" Lexy said after Sean had took Sean-Michael off the bed and onto the floor.
"I'll be in there to check on you two" Marita said, knowing that Sean-Michael liked playing in the water more than being bathed.
When Lexy and Sean-Michael disappeared out of the room, Sean walked over and closed the door.
"There isn't enough time" Marita teased Sean. She had thought that he wanted to have a quick moment with her before Sean-Michael's bath was done.
Sean looked at her and grinned painfully. He wished he could lock the door and make love to her and forget all about Bonnie. But he could not.
"Marita" Sean said cautiously as he walked toward her. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Alright."
"Sit down" he said and motion to the rocking chair.
"What is it Sean?" she said as she sat down.
"I don't know how to tell you this..." he said as he squatted down in front of her and took her hand and kissed it then looked up at her.
"Tell me what?" Marita asked when she saw fear in his eyes. "Is something wrong?"
"Well... no, not exactly" he said then said no more.
Marita waited for Sean to say something but when he did not she spoke.
"What's the matter, honey" she said in a loving voice.
"The woman... Bonnie..."
"Yes" Marita said, wondering what Sean was trying to tell her.
"Well, I met her a few years ago."
"She told me she was an old friend of yours" Marita said, then began wondering if they had been more than just mere friends. She was not so naive that she did not know that some women had relations with men even though they were not married to them. And she knew Sean had been with other women before her. Was Bonnie one of those women?
"You know I love you."
"Yes" Marita answered as thoughts of Sean touching this other woman as he had touched her.
"And you know I wouldn't intentionally do ANYTHING to hurt you."
"Yes" Marita said fearing what he was about to say next.
Was Sean attracted to this woman? Had he fell into temptation? Had he been unfaithful? Had he been with her? Had Sean fathered a child by her?
"Marita I want you to know that I love you more than anything in this world."
"Sean, please" she said a little desperately. "What is it you want to tell me?"
Sean took a deep breath. He had to just say it and trust that Marita loved him enough to forgive his impropriety.
"I met her in Louisville and... was with her."
There he said it. Now he waited for Marita's reaction.
"When was this?" Marita whispered as she pulled her hand away from his. Sean had gone to Louisville only a few months ago.
"Some years ago" he said then noticed the hurt in Marita's eyes, correctly guessing that she was thinking about all his trips to Louisville since they had been married. "It was BEFORE we were married" he assured her. "Marita, I've NEVER been unfaithful to you. NEVER."
She knew from the look in his eyes that Sean was telling the truth and her heart knew all along that he had not be unfaithful even though her mind had conjured up the idea that maybe, just maybe he had.
"Why is she here?" Marita asked, now wondering if the time Sean had been with this woman had produced a child.
"I don't know exactly why she came to Lexington but she was candid enough to tell me..."
"Tell you what?"
"She offered herself to me."
"Offered herself? Even though she knows you're married?" Marita said thinking that this woman was truly wanton in pursuing a man and a married man at that.
"Yeah" he said feeling a little relieved that Marita did not get angry with him. "I told her the first day she came by my office that I was married and wasn't interested, but she doesn't seem to take 'no' for an answer."
"What do you mean, 'you told her the first day she came by your office'" Marita said. "She told me today that you telegraphed her and told her you were married. She also told me that she kept missing you at your office!" Marita's temper was rising at the lying woman who masqueraded as a friend.
"She lied Marita" Sean said as he stood up. Whew! He was glad Marita was not mad at him. Instead she was angry at Bonnie.
"And she was so bold to come into my house!" Marita declared, her voice rising.
"WHAT was she doing here anyway?!" Sean said, joining Marita in her outrage.
"I invited her" Marita said as her mind drifted back to the conversation she had with Bonnie.
When will he be in? Would you like to wait for him? Yes I would. Do you help Mr. Logan around here with the chores? I'm Bonnie Moore, an old friend of Sean's. I wanted to surprise him and meet you. He had telegraphed me awhile ago and told me he had gotten married. He still doesn't know I'm here. I never seem to stop by here at the right time.
"And EXACTLY when was the first time she came by your office? AND how many times has she been there?!" Marita said, now directing her anger at him for not telling her about this woman the first day that she step into his office.
"Well..." Sean started, knowing he had not escaped Marita's wrath. He was in trouble for not telling her immediately about Bonnie. "About two weeks ago she started sending me notes." Marita's frowned intensified. "But" Sean added quickly "I didn't know they were from her. I thought someone was trying to cause a scandal because Clancy's going to run again."
"Why didn't you tell me about the notes?!" Marita demanded.
"I'm telling you now" Sean defended himself and Marita gave him a scolding look. "I didn't have any idea at the time who the notes were from. I told you I thought someone was trying to start a scandal."
"Why didn't you tell me the FIRST day she walked into your office?! Were you EVER going to tell me?!" Marita yelled.
"Yes, Marita" Sean defending himself again. "I just didn't know when the right time was to tell you."
"So you wait until that woman comes into MY home! And now you decide to tell me?!"
"It's not like that Marita and you know it. What was I supposed to say? 'Marita, a woman I had an affair with is in town and wants to start the affair again'?"
"Well, WHEN were you going to tell me?!"
"After Alice's wedding."
Marita believed him but she was still mad that he waited until now to tell her. Marita looked at him for a few moments. She loved him. That was a given. But right now she was angry with him. She stood up and walked past him to the door.
"Marita" he called. When she did not answer or turn back toward him, he followed after her. "Marita, don't be mad at me. I tried to do that right thing but just didn't know how."
"Sean I don't want to talk to you right now. So please leave me alone" she informed him.
Sean decided it was best to leave Marita alone for right now so he did not follow her. Marita fumed all the way to the washroom. How dare Bonnie come into my home and pretend to be a friend. How dare Sean not tell me that one of his liaisons was in town offering herself to him! How dare them both!
When Marita made it to the washroom, Sean-Michael was having his fun in the water. But Lexy told her that he had already been bathed. Marita allowed him to play for a few more minutes, then took him out and dried him off and dressed him for bed. After Marita put him down in his crib, Sean-Michael drifted right off to sleep. He had been with Lexy most of the day and he was worn out.
Marita went back to the washroom and prepared her bath. She did not want to dwell on Sean because she wanted to be in as good a mood as possible for Alice's wedding so she soaked and read a novel until her eyes started drooping. She was awakened by Sean calling her.
"Marita" he said.
Marita opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was coming towards the bath. He had his shirt open and his pants were unbuttoned.
"I need to take a bath. Can I join you?" he said, hoping against hope that she would let him near her. If he got near enough to touch then maybe he could make love to her and make her forget about Bonnie. At least for tonight.
Poor Sean. He is still a man and can be so half-witted at times. From the look Marita gave him in response to his request, he knew she thought he was a moron to even think he would lay one finger on her tonight. And then to torture him, she stood up and stepped out of the bath. It seemed as if she moved in slow motion as she reached for her towel. Sean watched as the water droplets sparkled on her honey brown skin. She dried herself, donned her nightgown, picked up her discarded garments and walked past him as if he were not even there.
After Sean bathed alone, he went back upstairs to find he would be sleeping alone too. The bedroom door was locked so he went to one of the spare bedrooms and settled in for a lonely night.
When Marita opened her eyes the next morning, the first thing she missed was Sean's body next to hers. Why did he make her put him out the bedroom she asked herself. 'Sometimes menfolk don't use the sense God gave 'em' Auntie had once said. If he had not come to the washroom suggesting that they make love she would not have locked the door on him. But he had the unmitigated gall to think that making love would somehow soothe her! Well he had another think coming.
When Marita opened her bible to have her morning devotion, she turned to I Corinthians 13. The 'love' chapter. Charity suffereth long, and is kind... is not easily provoked... beareth all things... endureth all things.
"Yes, Lord, I love him. BUT I'm still mad. You said to be angry but sin not" she said before getting out of bed to get her hungry son. After she fed him, she dressed herself and him and they went downstairs to the kitchen.
When breakfast was ready and they were all at the table Lexy asked. "Why were you sleeping in the guess room Sean?" Lexy knew he was in trouble with Marita. She just wanted to know why he was in trouble.
"None of your business peanut."
Conversation at the table was mainly between Marita and Lexy or Sean and Lexy. Marita refused to speak to him unless she absolutely had too. After breakfast, Lexy helped with the dishes and they got ready to go to Ned's.
Ned's was busy and nosey. Alice was a nervous wreck but Marita and Vivian held her together as best they could. When the hour finally came for ceremony to begin, Marita and Vivian were thankful that it was almost over.
The great room had filled with guests. Just moments before Alice was to come down the stairs, she walked in. Sean and Marita saw her at the same time then looked to one another. Sean frowned fiercely wondering if Marita had invited Bonnie to the wedding too. Marita read his mind and frown back. 'If you had told me about your former paramour when she first came to town...'. Then Alice entered the room and they would have to continue their silence argument later.
Alice cried throughout the ceremony and Marita thought she saw a few tears in Ned's eyes. As soon as Alice and Geoffrey were pronounced husband and wife, Sean moved to kiss Alice and shake Geoffrey's hand before heading toward Marita.
"Marita"
"Sean I don't have time to talk to you" she said then moved away from him
"WHAT is SHE doing here?!" he said in a hushed whisper as he followed her.
"I don't know. She's your friend. Why don't YOU ask her" Marita said with sarcasm dripping from her lips.
"Did you invite her here too?" he asked in another hushed tone.
Marita killed him with her eyes.
"I'm not about to ruin Alice's wedding arguing with you. So don't talk to me" she said then left him standing there.
As Marita walked away, she had decided that the first opportunity she got to speak with Bonnie she would tell her to leave. She did not want to get Alice involved and ruin the day for her. Sean however was not about to wait for an opportunity, he would make one right now. Bonnie was speaking with Virginia Griffith and her father when Sean interrupted.
"Excuse me" he said as he grabbed Bonnie by the elbow. "I need to speak with you" he said as he began ushered her out of the room.
Virginia and Harry noted Sean's abruptness and wondered what was going on. As they stood watching Sean and Bonnie walk away, Vivian came up and engaged them in conversation.
Sean guided Bonnie to the front door.
"You are not welcomed here" he said as they approached the door. "So leave."
"But your sister invited me" Bonnie smiled as they stopped in front of the door.
"And I'm inviting you to leave!"
"Sean, Bonnie" Alice called out.
Bonnie grinned at Sean as he frowned at her and they both turned to Alice. She was coming toward them with Ned.
"Pa, this is Miss Bonnie Moore, an old friend of Sean's."
"She was just leaving" Sean informed them.
"Oh, I have a few minutes. Mr. Logan" Bonnie presented her hand to Ned. "I see where Sean gets his good looks from" she flattered.
"Why thank you Miss Moore" Ned actually blushed.
Alice was to euphoric and Ned was too taken with the compliment given by Bonnie to notice Sean's slight scowl. Sean actually rolled his eyes when he saw his father smile at the venomous woman with the lips dripping with honey.
"Mr. Logan" Bonnie pruned. "Would you be so kind as to escort me to the refreshment table? I'd love a cup of punch."
"I'd love to" Ned smiled as he presented his arm to her for escort. "You're a friend of Sean's?" Ned was heard saying as he led Bonnie to the table.
In the next instance, Geoffrey called Alice over to him and Sean was left standing alone for a few seconds until Clay walked up to him.
"Sean! What is she doing here?" Clay said in a loud whisper as he eyed the lecherous woman smiling up at his father. "Why don't you throw her out?!"
"I tried Clay! But then Alice and Pa came over and of course she turned her charm on him."
"Does Marita know about her?" Clay turned to Sean.
"Yeah. I told her last night."
"She knows you haven't been fooling around right?"
"Yeah she knows but she's mad because I didn't tell her from the beginning."
Clay felt bad for his brother and the situation he was in. He remembered how miserable Sean was when Marita had left him for a week and he did not want to see his brother go through that again.
"She's not gonna leave you again is she?" he asked.
"Why would she do that?" Sean frowned, thinking Clay had just asked a very stupid question.
"Well... the last time you did something stupid..." Clay raised his brow.
Sean quickly relived the moments during which he secured from Marita a promise never to leave him again.
"She's not going anywhere" he grinned. "Trust me" Sean said with confidence as he watched Marita talking with some of the guests.
"For your sake, I hope not" Clay said.
Marita felt Sean's eyes on her and she looked in his direction. When their eyes met, the smile vanished off of Marita's face and was replaced with a frown then she rolled her eyes at him before turning back to her conversation.
"Looks like you might be sleeping in the guest room again tonight" Clay laughed as he witnessed Marita's smile-turned-frown. "You know Lexy had to tell somebody about your banishment from the bedroom" Clay laughed when Sean looked at him.
Sean actually laughed. Lexy would not be Lexy if she did not tell everything she knew.
When Marita turned back to her conversation she had seen Ned hand Bonnie the cup of punch. She was furious that Bonnie was so unashamed. First the woman comes to town lurking after her husband. Then the woman has the audacity to slink her way into Marita's home. And now the woman was smiling ever so innocently up at her father in law. I will kill Sean for this! Marita thought as she turned her heated glare to him.
Sean and Clay had been watching Marita's reaction to Ned and Bonnie. Sean was in deeper trouble and he knew it from the darts that were coming from Marita's eyes.
"Whew" Clay slapped Sean on the back. "I wouldn't want to be you big brother. Marita looks real mad. You might be sleeping by yourself for a long time."
"Shut up Clay" Sean said as he continued to look at an angry Marita.
"I think you better throw her out before you get in hotter water" Clay advised.
"Sean" Geoffrey called as he approached him. "I'd like you to meet my cousin Lewis. He'd like to talk to you about your cigars."
The four men stood talking about cigars, then horses. After about ten minutes, Clay nudged Sean and tilted his head. Sean looked in the direction Clay was pointing. He watched as Marita walked. Walked toward Bonnie.
To Be Continued..........
