Bride and Prejudice: Pearls

by tarskeewee08

Evangeline stepped out of the limo and pulled her coat closed. John waited patiently and extended his hand to her. The cool fall weather of Ireland sent a chilly wind across her body blowing her hair wildly around her face. Taking her gloved hand and moving the loose strands away she saw John smiling at her. Apparently McBain House was an orphanage run by nuns set up by the McBain foundation. The place was brilliant yellows and reds giving off a welcoming feel to it. As they walked up the ice covered sidewalk Evangeline saw the jungle gym and monkey bars along with other outdoor amenities to brighten the lives of these children.

Sister Agnes greeted them at the door and hugged John tightly. Letting go of his hand Evangeline stepped into the warm building and looked around at the kids that all seem to be busying themselves with different things. Some were coloring others were playing board games. The younger ones had trucks and dolls to play with. A group surrounded the TV in the entertainment room watching a Disney movie.

They were as young as babies in walkers and as old as pre adults. Sister Agnes gave them a tour and Evangeline picked up a blond blue eyed angel that peddled past her in her walker. The toddler just barely one gave her a wide toothless grin and Evangeline's heart melted. Rubbing the babies back she laid her hand on her shoulder and through her tiny chubby arm across her neck.

John watched her smiling as she walked around talking to kids and hearing of the different things they wanted for Christmas. They saw the hospital wing for the terminally ill orphans born with diseases that were for some crippling. John paid all bills from the foundation and Sister Agnes told Evangeline for 10 years he's come on Christmas day dressed as Santa Claus with a truck load of presents. Evangeline smiled at him having no idea he could be so wonderfully generous.

The toddler she held had fallen asleep in her arms and she couldn't bring herself to lay her down. The nun said that they work hard to find homes for the children and have even started adoptions within the United States. Evangeline marveled at how happy the kids seemed and it gave her comfort to see plenty of staff administering to their needs. To be parentless is a heartbreaking ordeal and these kids deserved a fair shot at life. Reluctantly she gave the precious toddler over to the nun and allowed John to lead her out.

"Who created this foundation?" Evangeline asked walking out with John holding his hand.

"It was my idea but my mother overseas it mostly. I come in and visit the kids whenever I'm in town and especially on the holiday."

Evangeline looked at him when he mentioned his mother. She knew he was trying to show her the goodness in his family and the things they do. She was grateful for the lesson. She felt a distance between them since they arrived and didn't like it. This made her feel much better. Climbing into his limo his phone rang from his Limerick office and he began to discus business.

She looked out the window as they drove from the orphanage thinking of the precious little girl she held. She wanted babies, lots of babies with him and she wanted to start right away. John hung up the phone and smiled at her. "We are off to the McBain Hospital"

Evangeline reached for his hand "You ready for kids?"
John raised an eyebrow "Wow…what brought that on?"
Evangeline smiled "I guess the orphanage. I want to start right away"
John raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I think we should wait. I want to enjoy you more"

Evangeline frowned "Wait? I'm already 34"
"And you have a birthday coming up soon, don't think I forgot it."
Evangeline smiled "Don't change the subject John I want to start as soon as we are married"

John looked at her "What about school?"
"I can do school"
"Evangeline, I don't want you to put your life on hold"
"What? I wouldn't be doing that John besides….."
"Let's just talk about this later. It's all too premature" he said cutting her off

She looked at him surprised and his cell phone rang again. "Excuse me sunshine" he said taking the call.

Evangeline watched him not understanding his avoidance. They spoke of kids in the past and he said he wanted to raise them with her. She didn't have a lot of time to bear children and didn't know how long it would even take to get pregnant. This was a discussion they would definitely have to have soon.

Opening his arm to her she moved closer and snuggled as he talked business and they drove around. Being in his arms was always her saving grace and she loved his touch even more.

They visited the hospital and she watched as everyone was a buzz with John's arrival. He took her to the burn unit where she saw the equipment used to help ease the pain of these patients. The doctors told her of how much the contributions of the McBain family has kept the hospital afloat. Visiting the wing housing those inflicted with HIV/AIDS she was able to see patients that were provided medicine and medical assistance with or without healthcare insurance. The hospital was thriving and Evangeline could tell that it took millions to keep it going. She was glad to see money being well spent.

Walking down the hall he pulled open the door to a office and pulled her in.

"John what are…"
Closing the door he pushed her against it kissing her sweetly. She smiled at him. "What are you doing John?"
"I just had to kiss you, I couldn't wait any longer…."
She pulled his face back to hers and kissed him more passionately. He pressed her into the door and ran his hands down her body. Before their clothes began to come off she stopped him. "John we can't do this…"
Breathing heavily he looked her in the eye "Why not….I own the hospital"
"Well, I don't plan to christen it today….you are wearing me out"

John laughed and rose up off her. "Okay….lets go home after lunch and squeeze in some before we meet Ming and Sam."

Evangeline laughed "I have created a monster"
"You sure have sunshine…" he said squeezing her butt as she turned to leave.
"John!" she said laughing looking over her shoulder at him. He winked at her and followed her out.

He took her to his favorite restaurant in Ireland 'Monty's of Kathmadu' where they served authentic Nepalese food which John had to order for her. The food was spicy and a lot of the curry had her eyes watering but it was the best thing she had since she arrived in Ireland. John fed her some of his food from his plate and she tried a little of everything. Sipping the wine he ordered she beamed at him with happiness. He was doing it again. Sweeping her off her feet and showering her with love and attention.

"I have something for you…" he said reaching in his jacket pocket.
Evangeline put down her wine glass smiling. "What is it?"
Pulling out a black velvet box he slid it to her. Evangeline looked at him smiling then picked it up opening it. It was a single strand pearl necklace. "John you gave you pearls already." She said marveling at their beauty.

"These are different and I didn't think I would be able to locate them but I did."
She looked up at him confused "Where did you get them? The look old?" she said looking at the antique clamp that held them together.

"They are very old. They belonged to my grandmother and I've wanted to give them to someone special. I want you to wear them on our wedding day" he said happily.

Evangeline got up from her chair and went to him hugging his neck. "This is the most spectacular thing you've done for me John and that's saying a lot, because your love is spectacular enough"

He pulled her into his lap and kissed her in the restaurant. "I love you sunshine and I can't wait for us to start our life together"

"With kids!" she said smiling
He laughed "That's right with kids."
She hugged his neck tightly "I am so happy John!"

Later that night

The four of them walked into the restaurant and the host immediately walked them over to the private dining area. John held Evangeline's hand and led her through the restaurant. Several people spoke and he and Michael were polite introducing their ladies and moving along. Arriving at the dining room Evangeline let go of his hand and went over to Ming.

"Hey girl!" she said smiling
Ming jumped up and hugged her "Hey princess"
"Ming I want you to meet Marcie and Michael" Evangeline said making the introduction.
Marcie and Michael greeted Ming and her husband. They all took a seat. It wasn't long before they divided in separate sections. The girls engrossed in conversation and the guys doing the same. John and Michael laughed with Sam about their days in boarding school together while the ladies discussed the wedding.

"So let me see that sparkler girl! I couldn't believe it when you called and told me" Ming said slinging her hair over her shoulders and snatching up Evangeline's hand

Evangeline showed off her diamond remembering her future mother in law called it gaudy. Ming oohed and ahhed over it. She looked over at John amused "You should have taken Sam shopping when he picked out my ring!"

They all laughed and Sam frowned
"Hey that's my grandmothers pearl and diamond ring I gave you!"
Ming reached over and kissed her husband "That's right baby you know I love your grand mommas ring!" he smiled and she rolled her eyes.

John looked at Evangeline smiling "I'm just glad she said yes"
Michael raised his glass "Here's a toast to saying yes!"
Everyone raised their glasses too "Here…Here"

Everyone drank as the food started to be brought in. Marcie told Ming she loved her hair and Ming smiled at her. They talked about motherhood and Evangeline listened enthralled. Amazing how before John she didn't want kids now it's all she could think of today. She couldn't wait until her belly swelled and she carried a child created from their love. Looking over at John singing his Alma Matter with his brother and friend she smiled even wider, he was so cute swaying side to side and bellowing out the god awful song off key.

"Would you guys knock it off!" Marcie snapped as the guys got louder "We are going to get kicked out of here"

They kept singing and Ming cut her eyes "And just think they aren't even drunk yet"
Evangeline laughed at that and poured them more wine. The night progressed and they all shared their desires to make Ireland their final home. Evangeline had no idea that John wanted to settle in Ireland but she really didn't have a problem with it. She was falling in love with Dublin, it was a lot like Cambridge and that was comforting to her.

Ming told Evangeline and Marcie to come outside with her while she smoked. Since the guys were debating the soccer tournament and getting pretty liquored the ladies weren't even missed. Grabbing their coats they stepped outside into the brisk winter air.

"Girl, this weather ought to make you quit that filthy habit!" Evangeline said shaking off the cold

Ming laughed "I already quit, this is just a celebratory smoke of your pending nuptials"
Evangeline rolled her eyes.
Ming frowned "What's with that look?"
Marcie smiled "Countess McBain has some ideas on exactly how Evangeline should be married.

Ming nodded take a drag of her cigarette "Figures…..that bitch is a trip"
Evangeline looked at Ming shocked and Marcie burst into laughter. Ming shrugged and leaned against the restaurant wall "Well its true! Hell you met her"

"Well I didn't know that you did" Evangeline said confused
"When John married Caitlyn I had the displeasure of meeting the Countess, she wouldn't let us stay in that ice Palace she rules" Ming said chuckling

Marcie frowned "She wouldn't let you for his wedding?"
Ming nodded "John was so miserable that he barely paid any attention. Even though Sam comes from an approved bloodline I was a complete shock to Eve McBain being Asian and all."

Ming looked at Evangeline "I'm sure she fainted at the sight of you!"

Evangeline chuckled "Let's say she was less than pleased"
Marcie hugged herself "It's all so stupid"
Ming nodded "It is but it's the lives of our men so what can we do."

Evangeline sucked in her breath "Ming why didn't you tell me that John was engaged three other times after Caitlyn"

Ming looked up shocked and Marcie gasped. "What do you mean engaged?" Marcie squeaked.

Evangeline stared at her friend waiting on an answer. The cool wind blew Ming's long black silky hair into her face and she pushed it away. "I thought he told you. I mean when you two got back together, I thought he told you everything"

Evangeline shook her head sadly "He didn't and it hurt like hell to hear it from that redhead bitch Carla"

"Carla!" Ming said rising from the wall
Marcie looked at Ming and frowned "Carla is staying at the palace with us"
Ming looked at Evangeline and Marcie stunned. She didn't speak. Evangeline's chest tightened at the look on Ming's face

"What is wrong with you Ming?" Evangeline asked slowly.
Sam came blasting through the door. "Come back in already we miss you guys!" he slurred drunk. Falling out of the door Ming went to him and so did Marcie lifting him off the ground. Evangeline watched still wondering why Ming reacted the way she did to Carla's name.

"Come inside Evangeline!" Marcie called back as they helped Sam inside.

Evangeline finally able to move followed them inside. John and Mike were at the table laughing loudly. Ming told everyone she was taking Sam to the hotel. Evangeline looked at her friend and Ming winked. "Tomorrow Van I will come to the Palace and we will talk."

Evangeline nodded and Mike helped Ming carry Sam out of the private dining area. Marcie got Ming's purse and followed them out.

John came over to the chair next to Evangeline and started to kiss inside of her neck. She could smell the whiskey coming from his pores. He stopped drinking wine half way through dinner for his Irish whiskey. She was clearly aggravated with him. Especially since she all but knew he was keeping something from her.

"Stop John" she said as he grabbed at her breast.
"Let's go home sunshine" he slurred kissing her face sloppily.

Evangeline pushed him away "Stop it!" she snapped
John looked at her hurt "What's wrong with you?' he asked confused.
Evangeline saw his eyes lowered and red. There was no point in getting into it with him now he wasn't sober enough for the effort. Rising she got his coat and tossed it at him. "Let's go!"

John nodded wanting to please her. Even in his drunken haze he didn't like the idea that she could be mad at him. The waiter came with the tab and Evangeline signed his name on the receipt and helped him from his chair. Mike and Marcie reappeared. Evangeline saw that Mike was the only one of the three that handled his liquor in moderation. She was grateful because John was heavy. He took his brother and she followed him out of the restaurant.

First thing tomorrow she would get answers. Somebody was going to explain what the hell Carla O'Reilly meant to him and god help John if he kept anything from her.