The Highest of Hopes

by Susan Anne Mason

  Somehow that thought didn’t bother her as much as she once imagined it would.

  Corinne turned onto a side street, the events of the previous day returning to trouble her. For the first time since Emmaline had darkened their doorstep, Corinne actually felt sorry for her. She’d worked so hard on the hospital fundraiser only to have it all end in disaster. One look at the front page of the morning’s paper told Corinne that nothing would salvage the situation—for Emma or for Papa. Mama had taken the whole incident as a personal affront, almost as though Emma had purposely ruined the event to make Mama look bad.

  Corinne sighed. Now that she’d spent more time with Emma while working with Marianne, she’d come to realize that Emma bore her family no ill will. She simply wanted to be a part of their lives in some small way. Corinne could even admit that Marianne had made astounding progress since Emma had taken an interest in her therapy. And now that Corinne had started to participate, she was finding she enjoyed helping too. That common bond had drawn the three sisters together.

  In fact, it had been Emma who had first remarked that Corinne would make a good teacher. That seed of an idea had been germinating lately and had prompted her offer to Will. One she hoped would serve both Kate Munroe and herself equally well.

  The street curved, and Corinne stopped in front of the house number Will had given her. She stared at the sight before her, certain she must have the wrong address. The small walkway was overgrown with weeds. The wooden steps leading up to the narrow front door looked cracked and rotting. How did Will, always so meticulously dressed, live in such a run-down place?

  She climbed the steps and knocked on the door. Several seconds later, the sound of running feet could be heard. The door flung open, and two faces peered out at her.

  “Hello. Who are you?” a fair-haired moppet demanded, while her brother looked over her shoulder.

  “I’m Corinne, a friend of Will’s. Is he here?”

  “He’s in the backyard. But he said you can come in.” The older boy, who looked to be about eight or nine, steered his little sister out of the way so Corinne could enter.

  The inside of the house, though stark, was much cleaner than the exterior. The floors looked freshly swept and the furniture recently dusted.

  “What are your names?” Corinne asked, eager to learn everything she could about Will’s family.

  “I’m Albert, and this is Chrissy.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m actually here to see your sister Kate.”

  The boy nodded. “Chrissy, go upstairs and fetch Katie. She’s probably doing her hair or something girly.”

  Chrissy giggled, then scampered off.

  Albert motioned to an armchair. “You can sit down. I’ll go see what Will’s doing.” He disappeared toward the back of the house.

  Corinne set her books on the chair and walked over to a table by the wall that held a group of framed photos, the largest of which was of a handsome man in uniform. That must be Will’s father, a boat captain who’d died in some type of storm at sea. Will had only been seventeen at the time, and his father’s death had changed his whole life, thrusting sudden responsibility on his young shoulders. With several younger siblings and his mother expecting another child, Will had stepped up to take on the role of the man of the household.

  “That’s my Pa, but I don’t remember him.” Chrissy’s voice came from behind her. “He died before I was born.”

  Corinne turned around. “That’s too bad. He looks like a very nice man.”

  Chrissy skipped across the room. “Mama says Will is just like him.” The girl smiled up at Corinne.

  Corinne smiled back, instantly charmed by the child’s blue eyes and freckles.

  “Corinne. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to answer the door.” Will appeared, looking somewhat disheveled. There was dirt smudged on his cheek, and the knees of his pants were stained. “I was outside in the garden.” He took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead and hands. “Chrissy, did you tell Kate that Corinne is here?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “Good. Now you can go help Albert pick some carrots for dinner.”

  As soon as Chrissy left, Will turned to Corinne, his eyes solemn. “I meant to warn you about the porch stairs. The landlord has been promising to fix them for weeks.” His gaze slid away. “As you can see, we live in a less affluent area of town. Nothing like what you’re used to.”

  “It’s fine, Will.”

  But his eyes betrayed his discomfort. “That’s why I didn’t want you to come. I thought you’d take one look around and realize we come from two very different walks of life.” He reached for her hand. “I wasn’t kidding when I said I had nothing to offer you.”

  Warmth spread up her arm. She smiled at him. “My father started out with nothing when he came to Canada. But he made his way in the world, and so will you.”

  “He didn’t have a mother and five siblings to look after.”

  “Does your mother work too?” she asked. Surely everything hadn’t landed on Will’s shoulders.

  He nodded. “She cleans houses and takes in sewing. The money helps, but if it weren’t for my job at the university, we’d be a lot worse off.”

  “Well, I admire you. Not many men would be willing to take on such responsibility. Your family is lucky to have you.” She smiled up at him.

  “Thank you. That means a lot.” His voice was gruff with emotion.

  And the approval in his eyes made Corinne feel like a queen.

  “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

  Corinne turned to see an attractive girl in the doorway, arms crossed in front of her. If she weren’t frowning, she might even be beautiful. Her chestnut hair was fixed in a cascade of ringlets over her shoulder, and she wore a yellow dress that highlighted her lightly tanned skin.

  Will stepped forward. “Corinne, this is my sister Kate. Katie, this is Miss Corinne Moore.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Kate.” Corinne gave the girl her best smile.

  “Likewise. I only wish it wasn’t for this reason.” Kate came farther into the room and shot a glare at Will. “I don’t see why I have to study now. School doesn’t start until September.”

  “You barely passed your last grade,” Will said. “You need decent marks in order to get a good job when you graduate.”

  Corinne picked up the textbooks. “Think of it this way. We’ll do some studying before school begins, and then you’ll find your courses so easy that you’ll pass with flying colors.”

  The creases in Kate’s brow lifted. “You really think so?”

  “Absolutely. Now, where can we work?”

  Two hours later, Corinne was pleased with the girl’s progress. Kate caught on quickly once Corinne explained the concepts.

  “I think that’s enough for one day.” Corinne gathered her papers and pencils. “Would you like to meet again next week?”

  “Sure.” Kate closed one of the books. “May I keep this book until then? I’d like to work ahead.”

  “Of course. One less book to carry home.” Corinne pushed away from the dining room table, glancing back through the arched opening into the living room where Will was sitting.

  He rose from the chair by the fireplace. “Katie, will you watch the younger ones while I walk Corinne to the streetcar? I think they’re out back. Have them come in and wash up for dinner.” He spoke with such authority in his tone, Corinne had no trouble picturing him in front of a class full of students.

  “Yes, Will. See you next time, Corinne.”

  “Good-bye.” She turned to Will. “You don’t have to walk with me. I’ll be fine.”

  “I’m sure you would. But I’m going anyway.”

  She smiled, loving the hint of protectiveness in his voice. He’d changed into a fresh shirt and clean pants while she’d been tutoring Kate and now resembled the meticulous Will she was used to seeing.

  Once he donned his hat, they set out. “Thank you for doing this,” he said as t
hey walked. “I can tell Katie likes you, which is good, since she’ll be more inclined to want to learn.”

  “I like her too.” Corinne ducked under a stray branch hanging over a fence. “I like all your family.”

  Will smiled. “Thanks. I do too.”

  They turned a corner and soon came to the streetcar stop. The breeze swayed the branches of an overhead maple tree. The street was uncommonly empty for this time of day, making Corinne feel like she and Will were alone in their own little universe.

  “You shouldn’t have to wait too long for the next car.” Will shoved his hands in his pockets, almost as if he were nervous.

  Corinne wished she were bold enough to take the next step, but even now the fiasco at the roller rink still weighed on her mind. “I’ll come back next week,” she said to fill the silence. “However many times Kate can stand me.”

  “Thank you.” Will put a hand on her arm. “The fact that you’re willing to help my sister means a lot.”

  Her pulse skipped as she looked up into his eyes. “I’d do almost anything for you, Will.” Her voice was breathless.

  He bent closer to her, his eyes locked on hers. Then ever so softly, his lips met hers. She didn’t dare move, in case she scared him off. But then he gave a soft groan, and his arms came around her, pulling her tight against his chest. Her heart took flight, batting against her ribs. His mouth moved more firmly on hers. He tasted of coffee and smelled of herbs from the garden. She thought she might swoon from the headiness of the sensations coursing through her system.

  Then the loud grinding sound of metal on metal broke through their haze as the streetcar approached.

  Will pulled back and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Corinne. I should never have taken such liberties with you. Please forgive me.” His green eyes flashed with regret.

  She shook her head and smiled. “There’s nothing to forgive. I was hoping you’d kiss me.”

  The streetcar stopped in front of them.

  Reluctantly, she moved away. “Good-bye, Will. I’ll see you again soon.”

  He didn’t answer, just stared at her as she boarded the car. She grabbed a seat by the window and turned to wave at him, smiling brightly to assure him she didn’t regret their kiss one bit.

  Instead of smiling back, however, he had misery on his face that almost broke her heart.

  How would she ever get him to see that their differences didn’t matter to her?

  Nothing mattered as long as she could stay in the shelter of his embrace and be guaranteed of another kiss like that one day soon.

  CHAPTER 26

  Jonathan snapped the lid of his worn leather valise shut and straightened to take a final look around the room. Despite its rustic nature, he’d grown fond of this tiny flat over the garage, his home away from home. He would miss it, as well as the vegetable garden in the yard below that had flourished under his care.

  But he’d always known that his sojourn here was temporary, and he’d already stayed far longer than he ever anticipated, unwilling to concede defeat.

  Hope was a funny thing. It kept you dangling by a thread until the last possible moment, even when the odds weren’t in your favor. But the time had come to sever that thread, face reality, and go back home where he belonged.

  He put on his cap and jacket, despite the balmy temperatures, and picked up his case, the part he dreaded most still to come.

  How would he ever say good-bye to Emma? His throat cinched shut at the very thought. But this was how it had to be. He couldn’t cling to a fantasy forever.

  It was time to let go and let God take over. Whatever the Lord had in mind for Emma, it was clear that Jonathan would not be included. Somehow he’d have to learn to accept that and move on with his own life.

  With a heavy heart and a still-throbbing cheek, Jonathan crossed the back lawn and entered the kitchen where, much like his first day here, Mrs. Teeter stood at the stove.

  “You’re either late for lunch or early for dinner,” she called over her shoulder.

  He set his bag down. “I’m neither, Mrs. Teeter. I’ve come to say good-bye.”

  Her spoon banged to the countertop as she whirled to face him. “You’re leaving?”

  “I’m afraid so.” Jonathan tried to smile without wincing.

  Her eyes widened as she saw his bruised face, and she rushed over, tilting his chin upward. “What on earth happened to you?”

  “I guess you’ve not seen the newspaper. I’m sure it was all over the front page.”

  “You’ve been brawling.” She shoved her hands onto her hips. “I hope the other fellow looks worse than this.”

  “I imagine he does.” Jonathan attempted another smile. “I want to thank you for everything, Mrs. Teeter. You’ve been more than kind to me. You took me in and made me feel at home.”

  She heaved a great sigh. “Having you here made the loss of my nephew almost bearable. I’ll miss your cheery face in my kitchen, that’s for sure.” Then, without warning, she grabbed him for a hard hug.

  After a moment, Jonathan swallowed and stepped back.

  “What’s going on in here?” Mrs. Chamberlain entered the kitchen, eyebrows raised. She looked at Jonathan’s bag, then back at him.

  “I’ve come to say good-bye,” he said. “And to thank you for hiring me on like you did so I could be near Emma.”

  A look of confusion crossed the landlady’s face. “Emma didn’t say anything about leaving. In fact, she’s in the parlor, writing in that journal of hers.”

  “Emma’s not going with me.” The words were like broken glass on his tongue. “She wants to stay now that she has family here.” He avoided the woman’s frown by looking down to pull a piece of paper from his pocket. “I’ll be bunking with a friend for a few days until I can make arrangements for my trip home. Here’s his address in case you need to reach me. He doesn’t have a telephone.”

  Mrs. Chamberlain took the slip and pushed it into her apron pocket. “If you’re leaving because of what happened at the fundraiser—”

  He shook his head. “It’s about much more than that, Mrs. C. Thank you so much for your kindness and your hospitality.” He bent to kiss her cheek. “Take good care of Emma for me.”

  “You’re not leaving without seeing her, are you?”

  “No. I could never do that.” Even though it would be the hardest thing he’d ever have to do. Harder than when he shipped off to war. At least then, he knew if he survived, he’d be coming home to her.

  This time, however, the odds were high that they’d never see each other again. And Jonathan didn’t know how he was going to bear that.

  Emma closed her journal with a decisive snap and set it on the seat beside her. Usually words came so easily to her, but today she seemed incapable of capturing her thoughts and feelings. They were too jumbled. Too filled with contradictions to express adequately.

  After the fiasco and the horrible headlines, she was hiding from reality, unable to face her father’s disappointment or deal with Jonathan’s unusual behavior—his out-of-the-blue marriage proposal and the brawl at the hospital. She still trembled with anger when she recalled the way he’d attacked Wainwright.

  At least he wasn’t still in jail. A constable at the police station told her that a friend had posted his bail and he’d been released late last evening. Emma assumed he’d then stayed with Reggie overnight, since Mrs. Teeter hadn’t seen him come in.

  Before the war, Jonathan never would have acted with such hostility and rage. After experiencing the type of violence he must have during combat, she guessed it was to be expected that he’d change. Yet part of her mourned the loss of the innocent young man he’d been before he left.

  She rose to look out the parlor window at the street outside. Perhaps a walk would clear her head, chase away these morose thoughts. Maybe she’d go over to the church and spend some time in prayer. If Reverend Burke was around, she could seek his advice on how to go forward from here. She always found his sermons
on Sunday a great comfort, and she could use a little of that comfort now.

  “Hello, Em.”

  Emma jumped and whirled around, hand at her throat.

  Jonathan stood just inside the door, wearing his good suit jacket, which was unusual given the temperature of the day. Then she focused on his face and had to suppress a gasp at the sight of the ugly purple bruises on his cheek and eye.

  Forcing back all traces of sympathy, she crossed her arms. “If you’ve come to apologize for yesterday, you needn’t bother. I’m still too angry with you.”

  “I have come to apologize,” he said quietly. “I feel terrible for ruining your day and for hurting you. There’s no excuse for my abominable behavior, and I regret it more than you know.”

  She hesitated, wanting to tell him she understood, yet not quite ready to grant absolution. Something about his demeanor sent a spurt of alarm through her chest.

  He stood very still, staring at her. “I’ve also come to say good-bye.”

  “What do you mean? Where are you going?”

  “Back to England, as soon as I clear up the legalities with Wainwright. Until then”—his gaze slid to the far wall—“I’ll be staying with Reggie.”

  Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. She took two steps forward and stopped. “Why?” she finally whispered. “Why not stay here?”

  He looked at her then, misery swirling in his brown eyes. “Being here is not doing either of us any good. I’m only creating more problems for you, and . . .” he trailed off. A nerve jumped in his jaw. He seemed to be working hard to keep his emotions tamped down. “It’s time to go home where I belong.”

  Emma’s hands began to shake. She clasped them together hard enough to crack a bone. Don’t leave me, she wanted to beg. But that was foolishness. Jonathan didn’t want to live in Canada. He’d made his position abundantly clear.

  He walked toward her, an unreadable expression on his bruised face. Without a word, he bent and brushed his lips over hers—just long enough to make her want to cling to him. Then he moved away. “Take good care of yourself, Em.” His voice sounded like a broken phonograph needle scratching over a record. “I pray you find the love and acceptance you’re looking for with your family. You deserve that . . . and so much more.”