by Janette Oke
Chapter
16
MOTHER, I’D LIKE TO SEND A TELEGRAM,” Beth said quietly on their way to the shipboard breakfast the next morning. “I don’t mind paying for it myself, but I’d like to send it this afternoon—that is, if I can figure out how to do so.”
“In regards to what, Beth?”
She didn’t let herself hesitate and said forthrightly, “I promised Jarrick I’d send him our port schedule, so we can find another time to speak by telephone.”
“Oh, darling, don’t you think that might seem a little forward—too presumptuous, even a bit needy?”
Beth paused a moment. “No, I truly don’t believe so. He and I discussed it and agreed it would be most helpful. Honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner. And I’ve already given my word to Jarrick.”
Her mother still looked uncertain, but finally she said, “You’ll no doubt be able to find out information on sending telegrams from Monsieur Laurent.”
After breakfast, Mrs. Montclair asked in her sprightly manner, “To where are we off today, Mr. Lorant?”
He cleared his throat. “We’ll see a perfectly lovely landscape—Cape Breton Island. It truly has some of the nicest scenery in all the Maritimes. We’re to visit an offshore lighthouse there and, Victoria,” he added, turning to the girl, “we can expect to cross paths with any number of wildlife today. I’m sure you’ll be very pleased.”
The teenager sat upright, looking determined. “Mother, I simply must have a set of binoculars. I won’t see a thing if I don’t.” The extra bit of dramatics had Beth hiding a smile behind her napkin.
“Yes, dear. I suppose it’s time to give up on the others as a lost cause.” Mrs. Montclair shook her head and reached down under the table to rub at her knee. “I suppose then, Mr. Lorant, that there will be a great deal of walking? My bursitis is acting up again. I’m afraid I must keep off my feet for a day or two.”
“Oh, Edith, won’t you even see the lighthouse? I’m sure you’d enjoy that.”
These table discussions had become rather similar from one day to the next, and Beth found her mind wandering. When will Jarrick and I be able to talk again? She couldn’t help but mull over yesterday’s conversation once again. Hopefully in Halifax . . .
Cape Breton Island came into view, its long coast like folds of a deep green blanket trimmed in brown where it touched the water’s edge. Beth stood in the sunshine on the stateroom balcony, the wind tugging at her dress. They were still far from the point of the tender’s departure when Mother took Beth and Julie aside. “Now, my dears, I said yesterday that I’d like to meet this young man—Nick, was it? I would like to get to know all these friends of yours. We’ve hardly even spoken to those girls. What would you say to inviting the three to lunch with us today? Monsieur says the lodge on the island serves a decent enough luncheon.”
“Oh, yes, Mother—that’s a wonderful idea!” Julie was enthralled. “I’m sure they’d like to meet you too.”
“Fine, then. Would you please find them before we debark and make the invitation, Julie?”
“Of course. They’re probably up by the pool. I’ll go right now.” She nearly skipped her way out the door of the suite, her mother shaking her head with a long sigh.
Beth turned to follow Julie out into the hallway. The copy of the port schedule had been delivered by Monsieur Laurent, and the office would probably be open by now so she could send the telegram. Won’t he be surprised . . . and pleased!
“One moment, Beth,” her mother said, interrupting her thoughts. “I’d like to speak with you alone, please.”
“What is it, Mother?”
Mother motioned to a nearby chair and took the other beside it. She paused. “I feel that perhaps I should know more about the status of your relationship with this man, this officer. I had no idea you had become so familiar with one another in a very short amount of time. You had said he first spoke to you about keeping in touch just before you left your little mining town.”
“Yes. But, you see, by that time we already knew each other quite well.”
“I see. When we spoke while we were still at home, you knew little about his background and his family.”
“Yes, I suppose that’s true.”
“There are any number of questions I wonder if you’ve considered.”
Beth could feel her face growing warm. If only Mother could meet him. She was certain that would put an end to her worries.
“Please understand, darling,” Mother continued, “I’m speaking only from my deep concern for your well-being. Marriage lasts a long, long time. To be yoked together with someone . . . well, unsuitable would have tragic effects for the whole of one’s lifetime, and for every facet of it. It is something to be contemplated soberly, with great care and much prayer.”
“Of course, Mother. I do understand that—and believe it sincerely.” She watched as Mother unconsciously spun her own wedding ring around her finger. “For instance, Beth dear, do you know if he’s been engaged before—if he has courted someone previously?”
“I don’t believe he . . . no, to be truthful, we never discussed that.” Beth’s face grew even warmer at her inability to answer.
“And what of his own parents? Do they have a good marriage, a good family life?”
“His father is a pastor.” Beth was so glad she could provide that piece of positive information.
“My dear,” Mother said softly, “that is no guarantee.”
Beth stiffened. “But if you’d already met him, Mother, I’m certain you wouldn’t—”
“You know better than that, Beth. You know that if we had already met him, your father and I would have asked all the same questions—had all the same concerns. People can so easily deceive us by their charming demeanor. I am certainly not assuming he’s been deceptive, but I would not regard him with such trusting eyes as you seem to be doing. Not yet.”
Beth’s heart sank, and she wanted to ask if Mother had trusted Edward Montclair, if she had felt she knew him well enough to accept him as an appropriate match for her daughter. Edward, who had a nice enough family, but who was so full of himself and his own importance . . .
Beth stared at her hands twisted together on her lap and remained silent.
“It’s not that I want to steal your joy, Beth. I want to see you well-matched in the happiest and most enriching marriage possible, though I know that for every couple there will always be difficulties and hardships to overcome. But that ability to overcome requires a certain compatibility, a bond ‘till death do us part,’ and an unshakable faith. These are determined through significant time, through questions being asked before the heart is entirely committed. Do you understand?”
Beth wrestled with the loyalty and respect her mother deserved and the embarrassment she felt at being questioned like this—and, most of all, for not being able to answer well. She recalled those overheard remarks from Mother to Mrs. Montclair on the train at the beginning of their journey, articulating doubts about Jarrick, Beth’s health, and her chosen profession.
Mother pressed further. “You’ve said he grew up on the prairie, but has he always lived there? Or did he spend any time on his own elsewhere as an adult?”
“I don’t know,” Beth whispered. “I shall make a point of asking him.”
“And you’ve said that you think he’s thirty or so.”
“Yes.”
“So is it possible he served overseas?”
Beth froze. She had never even contemplated the question. Edward and the other boys she had grown up with had been just young enough to have missed serving in the Great War. They had all helped with the war effort within their community. Had Jarrick been a part of any actual fighting? What might he have seen?
She finally said, “It’s possible that he served. He’s never mentioned it, though.” Beth hated to admit even to herself that she did not know this.
“We want you to be well informed, Beth—and to know him well o
urselves.”
Beth lifted her gaze to her mother’s face. “I understand, Mother. I truly do. I see the importance of . . . of going forward with eyes wide open.” She nodded slowly. “I’m sure Jarrick will be more than willing to answer any questions you have of him, or that I have. I’m sure he’ll be an open book.” Beth hesitated. “But he’s not an employee, Mother. It’s a relationship, not an interview.”
“Of course, darling.” Mother rose. “It’s far more important than that. This is for a lifetime.”
Grasping at the rail, once again Beth eased herself down into the shuttle. She was able to smile at her traveling companions, but she found it difficult to meet Mother’s eyes. She harbored a strange sense of confusion, and she resented the unanswered questions now rattling around in her mind about Jarrick. If only she could speak with him again soon. She was certain he would cooperate fully with any questions she asked, but it was most uncomfortable to realize how little she actually knew about him. Has he indeed courted a woman in the past? He is, after all, older than I am. . . but I don’t even know his age for certain!
Beth smoothed her dress and tried to keep her face turned toward the railing and the water beyond, lest her sisters—or anyone else—should read her conflict. The prow bounded up, then down in the waves, aiming toward the white obelisk lighthouse looming larger with every splash. The island on which it stood was merely a tiny, barren patch of rocky ground.
Could it be that Jarrick was able to make her feel so special because he had learned about romance before? She felt her heart squeeze in pain. Then again, he’d said he would be meeting with a gentleman from church to learn to be a good husband. Didn’t that count strongly in his favor? Unless it indicated some hidden secret that might put obstacles in their path.
Beth’s thoughts fluttered back to her mother’s question about service in the army. If he indeed served overseas, what scars and memories might he retain? Do they cast a shadow over his life still? Beth took a deep breath, tried to slow her racing thoughts.
Mrs. Montclair, Miss Bernard, and JW had stayed behind and fortunately missed the laborious climb up the pinnacle of the lighthouse. The view was breathtaking so long as Beth resisted the urge to look directly down from the dizzying height. The mainland was an emerald jewel set against the clear sky, and several ships were visible in the distance.
The sight reminded Beth of Father. How she wished that he could have joined them here, just for the day. It would have been such a blessing to talk through her dark broodings with him. Beth sighed and moved further around the cupola, shading her eyes to focus her attention on one more outstanding cruise experience. She would make sure Emma took several photographs of the lighthouse to pass around to her students in case Julie didn’t complete the task.
They waited longer than expected for Penny, Jannis, and Nick to join them for lunch at the rustic lodge. Beth spent the time doodling an image of the lighthouse on the back of a brochure. Julie smiled quite graciously as she looked over the drawing, yet she made no comment.
When at last the others arrived, Beth noted that Nick was well groomed and wearing a dress jacket and tie. She wasn’t certain if this was simply for Mother’s sake, but she acknowledged it was the right decision if he wished to make a good impression.
“Most pleased to meet you, Mrs. Thatcher. I’m Nickolas Petrakis.” He reached out to shake Mother’s hand. “Thank you so much for the invitation. I always appreciate a good meal, particularly with such excellent company.” His smile was broad and charismatic.
“I’m pleased to meet you too. We’re glad you were able to come.” Mother motioned to the chairs near her own, and the trio filed into the places she designated. Nick was next to her on the left. “I hope you’ve been enjoying your travels so far.”
“Oh, yes. It’s been very exciting. And I’ve met some of the nicest people.” He smiled at Julie, who gave a little giggle in response.
“I’ve been told that you young ladies are from New York state.” Mother turned to the sisters just beyond Nick.
“Yes, ma’am,” Jannis answered politely, much more subdued than was usual. “We’re from Buffalo. In New York.”
Mother nodded. “How is it you’ve come to be traveling on your own?”
Penny drew herself up just a little. “We were supposed to have our aunt along—Aunt Mary—but then . . . then she wasn’t able. So we came anyway, since we didn’t want to miss out on all this fun . . . on account of our poor auntie,” she finished in a rush.
Julie inserted, “She broke her leg. The doctor wouldn’t let her come.”
“Nor should he,” Mother agreed. “There’s been much walking. Even with crutches it would have set her back weeks in her recovery, I’m sure.”
“Have you heard from your aunt?” Mother continued, to Beth’s dismay. Why is Mother pressing them like this?
“Yes, ma’am. She’s on the mend now, just fine.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I suppose you received a letter from her at one of our stops?”
The two girls quickly answered in unison, but they named two different ports. They looked at each other and giggled nervously. “Actually, it was Halifax,” Penny affirmed. “Jannis is just confused. She’s so busy with everything that . . .”
But Mother had already turned back to Nick. “From where do you hail, Mr. Petrakis?”
“Oh, I’m from a little town near Philadelphia. And I haven’t been too far from home before this. So it’s been great to get out and see the sights a little.”
“Julie tells me that you attended university.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He laid his napkin over his lap as the waiter set stemmed glasses of cold water and linen-lined baskets of rolls around the table. He smiled with ease. It appeared he wasn’t bothered by Mother’s questions in the least. Beth felt empathy for him, remembering her own session earlier. I wish it were Jarrick facing off with Mother right now.
“I studied economics for a while,” he said, repeating what he’d told Beth, “but I’m afraid I didn’t graduate. I do plan to get some good use out of my years there, though. I’m planning to break into the business world. With a friend.”
Julie inserted herself again. “I told him, Mother, that he should talk to Father, who could be very helpful, I’m sure, in getting Nick started in business.”
Mother smiled politely.
Overall, it appeared Nick passed the luncheon test with Mother. Even Beth was impressed by his manners and straightforward answers. She wasn’t so sure about Mother’s view of the sisters. But Julie grinned like a Cheshire cat throughout, maintaining a good amount of discretion despite an interruption or two. As they rose to leave the restaurant, Monsieur Laurent invited the three guests to share the walking trails.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Nick said, shaking his head regretfully. “I have to catch up to some of the guys. We planned on going as a group.”
“Us too.” Jannis nodded quickly. “We’ve already made other plans. But it’s so kind of you to invite us along.”
Julie made no effort to hide her disappointment, but she followed Beth to the waiting car. “Wasn’t he just as charming as any man we’ve ever met?” Julie said in a loud whisper as they climbed in.
“He was very polite—almost too much so.”
“Whatever do you mean, Bethie?”
Beth found it difficult to put her feelings into words, ones that Julie might receive. “He didn’t seem real, darling. It seemed like it was all for show.”
She watched Julie’s face darken into a scowl. “We all do that! We’re always putting on our best manners at important times. You can’t hold that against him. You just don’t understand.” Julie folded her arms and stared stiffly ahead.
Beth couldn’t help but regret her comments. It’s probably just my own disappointment about the talk with Mother that made me react negatively to Nick. It’s unfair and unkind to burden Julie with my own doubts and concerns. She determined to make things right with her sister as qu
ickly as possible.
The scenery in Cape Breton was everything Monsieur Laurent had promised. Their touring car skimmed along through the hills toward Bras d’Or Lake, and he told them about some well-known inventors from the region. Beth was fascinated to learn that Guglielmo Marconi had sent the first radio signal from the rocky shores of Maritime Canada all the way to England—drawing the Old World almost miraculously closer to the New. Also, Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone and much more, had chosen to build his estate on the shores of this lake. Monsieur claimed the beautiful region reminded Mr. Bell of his ancestral home in Scotland.
And seeing it in person, Beth felt she could fully understand Bell’s choice. The hike down toward the shore was just the therapy she needed. The rich smell of earth and evergreens, the sun on her shoulders, and the sound of the wind across the broad span of glittering water—all of it served as a balm for her troubled spirit.
She had been mentally writing and rewriting a letter to Jarrick, asking all the questions Mother had posed. Then she had imagined his responses—first one way, then another—which she knew was fruitless and silly. But the most troubling thought of all, how would she feel if some of his answers were not what she wanted to hear? Would her feelings about him change?
At last, resting on a cushion of moss stretched across a fallen log, she gazed out across the pebbled beach and prayed to release all the worrying questions. “Father God, I think I can trust Jarrick. I think I do know him well enough for that. But even if he proves to be someone other than the one I have come to . . . to appreciate and value, You are my strong defense, and I know You will set a hedge around my emotions, my desires. Please help me adjust my vision of my life, my future, to match Yours—Your will always coming first, not my own. Thank You, Father.” It was almost as if she could see her troubled thoughts sweeping away from her in the wind, carried across the lake into the hills beyond.