by Beth Ziarnik
Noelle trembled before him, and he instantly regretted his tone. The girl had no control over her mistress. She was only the messenger.
“Madam regrets to say she is needed elsewhere and will return as soon as possible.” She again lowered her head as she spoke. “I am so sorry, monsieur.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry, Noelle. I should not have taken out my frustration on you that way. Please forgive me.”
The girl glanced at him wide-eyed before resuming her submissive stance. “In the meantime, would monsieur care for the refreshments?”
“Uh … no.” Refreshments would not solve his problem. Only the elusive Francesca Camil could do that. Why all these delays? “Please, just let me know the moment Madam returns.”
“Oui, monsieur.” With barely a sound, Noelle vanished into the house.
What was going on? He was almost certain he hadn’t said or done anything to give Francesca second thoughts about contracting him for her project. Good grief. He hadn’t had this much trouble with negotiations since … wait a minute.
He sat down heavily on the nearest bench. Yes, the Lord had blocked him from getting into a project with shady underpinnings. A project that would have ruined his reputation and mired his business in years of lawsuits.
His gut churned. Was this whole trip a mistake? Had he jumped the gun under pressure and pursued a project God never intended? Come to think of it, this time he’d been in such a rush, he’d only considered the signs. A promising offer at just the right time, a project advance big enough to solve his financial problems, and Jill’s insistence that he go. He’d never slowed down enough to ask God if this project was for him.
Maybe that’s why nothing had gone right since he arrived. Maybe making this whole trip more about saving his business than pursuing God’s will was at the heart of his difficulties.
Lord, I’m sorry. If this project is not for me, please show me.
He rolled his shoulders to loosen the tight muscles. If only he had talked this over with the Lord before setting out, he might have saved himself and Jill a lot of grief.
Still, he couldn’t deny that a part of him hoped this project was God’s answer to his problems.
Alone on the walkway, he pulled out his phone. Maybe the island’s spotty reception wouldn’t prevent the call to Jill this time.
While his phone continued to ring, he focused on a fountain at the center of the garden. Water splashed into its pool from the mouth of a hideous dark metal snake held high in the graceful hands of a girl. The squawk of a bird pulled his attention up to follow a parrot’s bright-plumaged flight while the garden’s large palm fronds waved in the breeze as if weaving some tropical spell. Promising peace, tempting him to ignore his gut, coaxing him to relax and let his troubles fade. His jaw tightened again.
About to end this attempt to call, he heard Jill’s voice. “Clay?”
How her voice soothed his spirit. “Can we talk, or are you with your father?”
“I just came from his room. He’s resting now, but he told me how much he’s looking forward to meeting you. Do you know when you’ll get here?”
Clay grimaced. How would Jill take the news? “Francesca left on an emergency. We haven’t talked.”
“Oh.” Her quiet disappointment trampled his heart like a herd of wild horses.
“As soon as she returns, we should be able to get this business under wraps. I checked out her hotel to prepare for our meeting.” He filled Jill in on his morning and his jaunt with Manny.
“Great idea.”
“I hope so. I hate these delays, but at least I’ve come to peace about it. If the project doesn’t work out, God never meant it to be.”
“Oh, Clay.”
If they were together, he knew her arms would encircle him. He yearned for that. “I miss you.”
“Me too.”
How he longed for her. More than … okay, time for a distraction. “How is your father?”
“He started out better this morning, but then had a little setback. He’s recovering. Alice says if he keeps improving, he’ll be able to celebrate a quiet Christmas with us.” Her voice slipped a notch softer. “Clay, Christmas with Dad seems such a wonderfully strange dream, but your being here could make it perfect.”
His gut clenched. Perfect if he could arrive with the ring. But no matter what, he would keep his promise to her. Even if it meant booking an expensive, last-minute flight and putting it on his charge card. “I’ll be there.”
“I know, and I can’t wait until you see the Christmas tree. Lillie and I had such fun trimming it. It’s lovely.”
“You’re finally enjoying yourself.” That was a relief. “No other issues?”
“All is well for now.”
He caught the pause before those few words and her suddenly subdued tone. All was not as well as she wanted him to believe.
At the click of high heels on the paving stones behind him, he glanced over his shoulder.
Francesca approached, smiling. “Are you ready to discuss the business of the hotel?”
“Jill, I have to go.”
“I heard.”
“Please pray.” He disconnected and dropped his phone into his shirt pocket before facing his would-be client.
“Talking with your soon-to-be fiancée?” Francesca’s smile did not reach her eyes.
Jill held the phone between her hands and prayed for Clay and his meeting. Then she slipped it into her pocket and stepped from her room. The cheerful Christmas decorations only deepened her longing for Clay. Outside her father’s room, as she raised her hand to knock, the door opened.
“Ah, you’re here,” Alice said. “I thought I heard you come up the stairs earlier and was about to look for you. I have news.”
Jill couldn’t wait to hear. “You discovered what’s causing Dad’s illness?”
She took Jill’s hand to draw her closer. “No, but John’s doing much better. You can see for yourself if you like. Not only would he appreciate it, but I could use a breather. I’ll try not to be gone too long.”
When Alice stepped aside, Jill didn’t hesitate.
Quiet reigned in the dim room where soft light shone from the lamp on her father’s bedside table. His eyes sought her immediately, and she hurried to his side. Both his color and the clarity of his eyes had improved, and he was sitting up. Relief rushed through her. She took his hand. “Are you up to having company?”
His eyes brightened, and he managed a smile. “Your young man has arrived?”
“Not yet.”
He bristled, and his eyes narrowed. “He should get back here where he belongs. It’s nearly Christmas.”
“He will.” Jill smoothed the edges of his blanket. “As soon as possible.” She sat in the chair beside the bed. “You should see the lovely tree Lillie and I are trimming in the music room.”
He stared at her accusingly. “You’re changing the subject, young lady.”
“I am.” She grinned, hoping to disarm him. “I wonder if I might ask you a question.”
He scrunched his brow. “What is it?”
“Lillie showed me the lovely Christmas ornament you purchased for your wife many years ago. You must have loved her very much.”
“I did.”
“What happened? Can you tell me what changed?”
She wanted to hear her father’s version, but the pain in his eyes took her aback. She had been too bold. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I … I’m just trying to understand.”
How awkward. She looked away.
“It’s a long story, but you’re right. You’re part of this family now, and you should know.” He paused as if to catch his breath. “If you don’t mind, I’ll give you the short version.”
Jill nodded her consent. She didn’t want to tax his strength.
“I loved my wife. She was beautiful inside and out, just like your mother. We had several good years together and two beautiful daughters.” He closed his eyes and sank back agai
nst the pillows, then ran one long-fingered hand across his forehead before letting it drop to his side.
Opening his eyes again, he focused on her. “Shortly after Lillie was born, Carolyn began to change. By the time Lillie was eighteen months old, we had to put my wife in an institution for the mentally ill. Not long after, the girls and I moved into this house so Dora could take care of them. I threw myself into my work. Within a few years, Carolyn no longer knew us. Our visits frightened her, and I realized I had lost my wife forever. I grew desperately lonely, though I tried not to admit it or even think about it.”
“I’m so sorry.” How awful those years must have been.
“Let … let me tell you the rest. How I met your mother.”
Jill leaned closer to the bed, eager to hear whatever he might share.
“The summer Dora took the girls abroad, I left for Grand Island to take stock of my life.” His eyes took on a faraway look as if he were seeing his story unfold.
Jill leaned in even more. “The cottage where you stayed is still there.”
“The cottage, yes.” He nodded and returned to his story. “Susannah was so lovely. So alive. So shy. We never meant to fall in love, but it happened. Her parents disapproved. They pointed out that I was too old for her. Susannah didn’t care. For her sake, I attempted to leave the island without telling her, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She convinced me that our love deserved a chance, that we should leave together and make our own life.”
“She knew you were married?” Jill could hardly believe that.
His neck took on a reddish hue. “I never told her. I needed her too much and loved her so deeply that I convinced myself what we were doing was right. We left and married in Chicago.”
At the knock on the door, Jill went to open it.
“Oh,” Dora said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were busy, John.”
“No problem,” he said. “What do you need?”
Dora swept in. “Alice told me you were truly better, and I had to come and see for myself. Lillie has been asking to see you, and Kathryn has come to stay with us for a few days. We’re all very concerned about you.” Without directing her attention toward Jill, she went on. “You will excuse us, Jill, won’t you? I wish to talk with John in private.”
Jill glanced her father’s way. When he nodded, she withdrew, again leaving him alone and wondering how she could have avoided it. Neither Dora nor her father knew of Alice’s suspicions. Maybe it was time she and Alice discussed at least informing him.
“Who is with your father?”
Jill jumped at the sound of Alice’s voice in the hallway and groaned. “I was just about to text you. Dora asked to see him alone, and Dad agreed. I left him just this moment.”
“We have it covered then. I’ll go in now. You can go.”
Jill hesitated. “Alice?”
The nurse paused before the closed door.
“This is the second time I’ve been trapped in an awkward position. Maybe we should tell Dad what we suspect. If he knew, he might not be so quick to send me away.”
“I prefer not to worry him, but you may have a point. We obviously need to find some way to keep this from happening again.” Alice touched her sleeve. “You look awful. Find something fun to do. I’ll be with John until dinnertime, so take a walk. Get some fresh air. Get away from this house for a while.”
Great suggestion, but where could she go? She didn’t know her way around Milwaukee. Still, a walk in the crisp winter air might do her good. If she didn’t go far, she couldn’t get lost.
She grabbed her coat from her bedroom closet and headed downstairs.
One glance in the music room revealed no ornament boxes and no Lillie. Her sister must have finished the job. A few gifts lay beneath the tree’s fragrant branches.
Oh, no. Gifts. Jill had brought along one for Clay and another for her father but nothing for the rest of the family. Not that Kat would want anything from her, but Lillie would be pleased. And as a guest, she should see that each person in the family had a little something from her. But what?
She wrapped a warm scarf around her neck and pulled on thick gloves. How would she find anything suitable? She didn’t know where to shop, but maybe she would find something useful in the few stores nearby.
“What’s the frown all about?” Jill looked up to find Brian, his eyes filled with curiosity.
“Where did you come from?”
“The office. I brought some papers for John to sign.” His eyes softened as they had in their long-ago courting days. “By the way, Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Brian,” she mumbled, ashamed of how she was treating him. She hoped he would move along and leave her to her plans.
“I don’t hear a whole lot of merry. What’s the matter?”
Jill shrugged. He was the last person she wanted to share her woes with. She’d solve her own problems.
He followed her into the reception hall. “No, really. Is there anything I can help with?”
“Nothing important. I just need to do a little Christmas shopping. I’m sure I’ll find something in the stores nearby.”
He chuckled. “Probably not what you have in mind. But if you wait, my business with John won’t take long. I’d be glad to offer myself and my car in service to you. How about it?”
Would Clay understand? Jill shook her head and stepped away.
“The boyfriend might not like it, right?” Brian maintained his good humor. “Who says he has to know?”
Jill stared into his teasing eyes. “I don’t keep secrets from Clay, and he doesn’t keep secrets from me.” Not important ones at least.
“Admirable, but what’s wrong with one old friend helping another?” His eyes shone with the impish mischief she knew so well. Mischief she could do without. Yet she didn’t have much time to find those gifts, and his offer might be the only help available.
“Just friends?”
“Just friends.”
Still, something within made her hesitate. Oh, for heaven’s sake, how silly. Letting Brian help would be much easier than trying to find her own way. “Okay. Sure.”
He hurried through the reception hall. “I won’t be long.”
“Hey, Brian,” she called after him.
He stopped on the stairs. “Yeah?”
“Thanks.” She did appreciate his thoughtfulness.
“Not a problem.”
Besides, until Clay returned, she could use another friend in this house. And though she hated to admit it, their little shopping trip would serve a second purpose. For a while, she would escape the tension in this place.
A little Christmas shopping … the perfect pick-me-up.
Clay scowled. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make himself comfortable on one of the couches in the large open living area in Francesca’s house. Once again, he waited for her to make an appearance. While they talked in the garden earlier, they had barely started when she was suddenly summoned away. This time, some household difficulty.
God, please give me a clear yes or no on this project.
Until then, he would pursue it. What was the old adage? Keep moving until God clearly shut the door? He could do that.
He left the couch and wandered around the large room, empty except for the expensive furnishings and an occasional female house servant glancing nervously in his direction while quickly passing through.
Finally, he snagged Noelle. “Where is Madam?”
With guarded eyes, she shook her head and scurried away.
“Have I kept you waiting too long?” Francesca’s silky voice arrested his attention. He swung around as she approached. “Please forgive me, but I have many responsibilities. Unfortunately, no one else can see to certain matters.”
He tamped down his impatience. This contract was surely one of those things she must see to personally. If only he could shake the feeling she was keeping him dangling.
“Ah, now, I have annoyed you.” With great gra
ce, she seated herself on a long couch and patted a place near her. “Let us see if I can make amends.”
He remained standing. “Francesca, I realize you have many responsibilities, but so do I. You promised we would settle this contract quickly so I could return to the States for Christmas. Time is running out.”
She smiled and patted the place near her again. “Yes, I understand your concerns, and I am sorry for these delays. But I hope you will also understand. I have a few more questions.”
His shoulders tensed. Lord, if I’m supposed to sign a contract with this woman, please make it happen. If not, get me back home today.
“A few more questions,” she repeated. “Please be patient with me.”
He was tired of this game. “I don’t understand. We covered every possible detail of the contract before I arrived. To make sure, I went to the hotel and checked things again. Nothing has changed.”
Again, the composed smile. “Yes, so I heard. Still, I hope you will understand that I require peace of mind before signing such an important paper.”
He had come this far. For the sake of his company and what it would mean for his future with Jill, he would be patient once more.
But, Lord, help me finish here soon and get back to Jill.
Chapter Ten
Glasses clinked, and silverware clattered against dinner plates in the quaint German restaurant in downtown Milwaukee. Brian had insisted they stop to eat before returning to the house. Jill studied the remnants of her meal. Mader’s menu had boasted “a Dresden-style roast loin of pork.” Served by a Bavarian costumed waiter, it arrived on dinnerware with a distinct German design, covered in gravy with sides of hot sauerkraut, apple-raisin dressing, and cold applesauce.
Delicious. But dining with Brian in a nice restaurant made her uneasy and set off distant alarms. With beautifully decorated Christmas trees and three great chandeliers festooned in greenery and tiny white lights, the dining room resembled a hunting lodge at Christmastime. Just the kind of upscale setting Brian treated her to while they were engaged. Was he taking this time together the wrong way? Or attempting to awaken what once existed between them?