Free Nephew's Wife, The by Barbara Kaylor

she’d never have Paul’s forgiveness.
    Ellen turned her thoughts back to Dolly and the lovely day.  A bright blue, late winter sky, filled with hope and promise, covered the bay.  Ellen felt inspired by it.  Dolly was right. Rand deserved a loving wife.  Ellen had no chance whatsoever with him.  Too much baggage and confusion eliminated her from any list of would-be wives. If she couldn’t have him then she could at least help his aunt find a good wife for him. Her decision came at the right moment.
    “I have an idea, Ellen,” Dolly’s bubbly voice scattered Ellen’s thoughts.  “I think we should have a dinner party next Saturday night. I’ll invite several of my closest friends and have each bring an eligible lady in their family.”
    Ellen cocked her head.  “Won’t Rand be suspicious of the guest list and run for cover?”
    “He’ll be too thrilled about my giving a party to even notice,” Dolly said, swishing a hand in the air.  “I used to give dinner parties all the time. He’ll just see this as another sign I’m getting better.  I am, thanks to you.  Planning a social affair will be fun and very therapeutic.”
    “I’ll do whatever you want, Dolly.”
    Ellen made good on her word.  Organizing a dinner party was new to her, but she managed to pull it off without going insane. All the busy work kept Ellen’s mind off Rand and the eligible women he’d be entertaining.  She just reminded herself over and over that she couldn’t have him, and he deserved to have someone.  By the day of the dinner, Ellen’s emotions were trudging a fine line. She wanted to help find Rand a wife, but her heart was no longer in it.
    Rand was taking the whole affair in stride, but Ellen sensed he knew what his aunt was up to and wasn’t that pleased.  On the afternoon of the party, Ellen found him moping in the gazebo.
    “The magnolias are budding early this year,” he said when Ellen strolled inside and plopped down on a chair.  “You should smell this place in the spring and summer.”
    “I can’t wait.” Ellen slipped off her sandals and put her bare feet on another chair.  “I love magnolias.  They’re actually my favorite flower.  Whose idea was it to plant so many trees around the estate?”
    “Probably my great-grandmother. These trees have been here since the house, but you didn’t follow me out here to discuss magnolia trees.”  His crooked grin told her he knew why she was there.
    Ellen smiled.  “No, but I’m enjoying it. I wish all my conversations could be about God’s beautiful handiwork.”
    “Life has a way of getting complicated.”  Rand’s remark was weaved inside a long, dark tone.  He stood next to a window and gazed at the bay, peeking through the branches.  “I’m not crazy about this dinner party tonight, Ellen.  I know why Aunt Dolly is throwing it. I’ve checked the guest list. The women outnumber the men.  She’s hoping I’ll find a wife among the bunch.”  He shot a disapproving glance at Ellen. “I’m surprised you went along with it.”
    His wariness confused Ellen. He sounded hurt.
    “Helping Dolly is part of my job,” Ellen said, flatly. She’d not apologize for it.
    Rand snickered. “I was hoping you’d take my side on this issue.”
    “I’m not taking anyone’s side, Rand,” Ellen countered with a strained voice. “I realize you’re a grown man, capable of finding your own wife. Honestly, you don’t need any help from outsiders. You have plenty of worthy qualities—” her voice trailed off when she saw him lift his brows at her.
    “What would those be?” Rand prodded just to see Ellen’s cheeks turn into rose petals.
    “Uh—well,” Ellen stammered, embarrassed.  “Obviously, you’re—very handsome and smart.  You’re wealthy and successful.”
    “That’s it?” Rand folded his arms across his chest and propped himself against the wall. He knew a woman like Ellen wasn’t swayed by those things.
    “No,”