Love on Assignment

by Cara Lynn James

  Nothing could ruin Charlotte’s unexpected happiness, certainly not childish curiosity. The Wilmonts’ kindness meant so much. “You’ve made my birthday very special.” A few tears escaped and rolled down her cheeks. Dabbing with a handkerchief, she smiled ruefully. “Pardon me for getting carried away.”

  “I’ve never seen a grown-up cry before,” Ruthie said, apparently perplexed.

  “It happens sometimes.” Charlotte sniffed. “Please excuse me.”

  Tim shook his head, his forehead crinkled in bewilderment. “I don’t understand grown-ups either.”

  “You shouldn’t have done all this for me. I don’t deserve such generosity,” Charlotte murmured.

  If only they knew why she’d come to Summerhill in the first place, they’d toss her right out the door.

  “Nonsense,” the professor objected, “of course you deserve a birthday party.”

  When they’d all finished eating, Ruthie stacked the plates and silverware on the dumbwaiter while Tim spread their gifts in front of Charlotte.

  “There’s mine.” Ruthie pointed to a package wrapped in pink floral paper and tied with a rose ribbon. “Hope you like it.”

  Ruthie’s shining smile touched Charlotte’s heart. “Of course I shall.” No matter what the child gave her, she’d appreciate it.

  Charlotte ripped off the paper. “A prayer journal! Thank you so much. I’ll write in it every day.” She hugged Ruthie and the girl squeezed back. Hers would be completely different from Sarah’s.

  Tim shoved his gift across the table. “It’s okay if you don’t hug me.”

  Charlotte laughed as she opened the paper sack tied with a grosgrain ribbon. “Candy! Thank you, Tim. Would anyone like a peppermint stick or a lemon drop?”

  Tim reached for some, but Daniel stilled his hand. “Thank you, but we’ve already had more than enough cake and ice cream. Isn’t that right, Tim?”

  With his mouth turning down, Tim shrugged but didn’t reach again.

  “Do let him have a piece,” Charlotte urged to the delight of the curly-haired boy.

  Professor Wilmont acquiesced with a nod and a wince. He handed Charlotte a small package. “This is from my mother and me.”

  She’d wager Mrs. Wilmont had nothing to do with the gift. Charlotte tore off the wrapping and found a Bible edged with gold, her name engraved on the black leather cover. “Thank you so much, Professor. I never owned a Bible of my own.” She wanted to throw her arms around him and kiss his cheek. But she smiled instead.

  Ruthie’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You’ve never owned a Bible? All Christians have Bibles.”

  Ruthie, Tim, and Daniel stared at her with questioning faces. Swallowing hard, Charlotte couldn’t speak. What explanation could she possibly give? No one said a word. The silence thickened.

  Daniel rose. “Children, please run along. And no complaining. Miss Hale and I will drink our coffee on the front veranda.” His voice sounded so serious, Charlotte’s pulse quickened.

  The lighthearted atmosphere of the birthday celebration had vanished. With shaking hands, Charlotte carried her cup down the stairs and outside. She perched on the edge of a rocker and tried to quell the nausea rising toward her throat. Daniel leaned against the porch rail, his arms folded across his chest. A frown darkened his face. Was it sadness mixed with disillusionment or just plain anger that she’d been less than honest?

  She cleared her throat, but a croak emerged nevertheless. “Thank you for the party and the gifts. I certainly didn’t expect anything.”

  He nodded. “I hope you enjoyed it. Charlotte, is there something you should tell me?”

  Wiping away a thin layer of perspiration from her forehead, she hesitated. Should she confess now? Or try to finesse an answer?

  “Yes, there’s a lot I ought to explain.” Her voice quavered. “Is it a good time?” Oh Lord, not now. She wanted to flee to the safety of her home and her aunt’s loving arms. You’re a miserable coward, Charlotte Hale.

  “Now is the perfect time,” he said softly, his grimness gone.

  “All right.” She placed her coffee cup on a small wicker table and rose, her back touching one of the long windows. “Would you like to know why a good Christian never owned a Bible?” Her mouth twisted in an uneasy smile.

  Daniel nodded.

  She gulped a deep breath. “On the day you interviewed me, you asked if I was a Christian. It seemed like an offhanded question, so I said yes, of course. And I thought I was, though not truly committed. I believed in God, so I knew I wasn’t a heathen. I assumed that made me a bona fide Christian. But since you needed a governess and I needed a job, I told you what I thought you wanted to hear. At any rate, I felt guilty for deceiving you— but I didn’t know how to confess.” Throat dry, Charlotte paused and watched his inscrutable expression.

  “Go on, please.”

  “I began to read the Bible you left on my nightstand and for the first time I understood God’s love. He became real to me. And that’s made a world of difference.” Charlotte met the professor’s gaze, hoping for reassurance, but she couldn’t decipher his intense expression.

  He leaned back against the porch rail, lost in thought. Slowly the tense lines in his face relaxed. “Have you sincerely repented?”

  She nodded. “God knows my sins and, believe me, I’m so sorry I ever committed them. And I know in my heart He’s forgiven me. He’s lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders. Forgiveness is such a remarkable gift.”

  “Indeed, it is.”

  “Through your example you showed me the Lord was missing in my life. Thank you for helping me see that.”

  His smile seared her conscience. Tell him now. “There’s more, Professor. I ought to admit something else, but it’s hard to find the right words because I’m so terribly ashamed.” She stumbled over the last words and paused to inhale another breath of cool evening air before she confessed what had brought her to Summerhill. A few words and he’d be lost to her forever.

  He took her hand. “Charlotte, there’s no need to bare your soul if you find it difficult. The Lord forgives you.”

  “No, you don’t understand—”

  Charlotte gasped as Daniel moved closer and wrapped his arms around her waist. Putting a finger to her lips, he hushed her unspoken words. “I have such strong feelings for you, Charlotte,” he murmured in a ragged voice.

  “No, you must not say that.” But she cared for him as well. No, she couldn’t let herself. Tears choked her throat. She had to confess her part in Mr. Phifer’s scheme. Now. She had no right to indulge her feelings under false pretenses. She pulled back, faced him, and held his hands, wishing she would never have to let go.

  Soft voices from the front hallway grew louder. Mrs. Wilmont and Mr. McClintock. Charlotte pulled away, afraid to linger, yet reluctant to leave, wanting this horror done, over with. But the voices were coming closer. “I’d better go.”

  She squeezed Daniel’s hands and then raised the hem of her skirt and swept inside the cottage.

  FIFTEEN

  Charlotte vanished before he could reach out to stop her. Excitement shot through Daniel’s chest as he considered a future ripe with possibilities. Loving Charlotte was sanctioned by the Lord—he felt God’s approval deep within his heart and even down in the marrow of his bones. And despite her discouragement, he felt sure she loved him too. Or at least she could once she got used to the idea.

  He settled into the rocking chair and listened to the evening sounds of crickets and tree frogs.

  The front door creaked open and his mother and Mr. McClintock stepped onto the veranda, laughing and flirting like a young couple. Daniel held back a broad smile. Until the devoted widower had come into his mother’s life, she’d seldom enjoyed much of anything except perhaps complaining. Now she looked forward to Mr. McClintock’s frequent visits, bouquets of pink and white carnations, and the always-appreciated bonbons. His mother wished her beau a good night and watched Mr. McClintock ride off in his gig
before she dropped into a cushioned chair next to Daniel. Her weary sigh seemed to rise from the bottom of her lungs.

  “I relish Mr. McClintock’s visits, but I’m a bit tired. My heart still twinges every once in a while—thank goodness they only last a matter of seconds.”

  Daniel frowned. “Have you told Doctor Lowe?”

  “I shall at my next appointment.” She flashed a reassuring smile. “I have a lot of life in me yet, so don’t look so anxious.”

  “I know you’re improving.” Daniel patted her long, thin hand. “But I am concerned about those ‘little twinges.’”

  Was she minimizing the chest pains so he wouldn’t worry or were they really relatively minor? He couldn’t tell from her words or her expression. When she felt neglected, she tended to try and garner his attention. But sometimes her eyes radiated pain and her face reflected an advanced age she hadn’t yet reached chronologically. He’d keep a closer watch on her.

  “Is there anything I can get you before I turn in?” he asked, rising.

  “No, thank you.” Vivian furrowed her brow and gestured for him to sit back down. “There’s something I need to mention— about Charlotte.”

  Daniel’s nerves twitched. “Yes?”

  Vivian lowered her brows. “I’ve discovered something you need to know.” She leaned closer, her voice low and conspiratorial. “She’s sneaky as a cat.”

  Daniel chuckled. “No, Mother, Charlotte’s not sneaky. She’s open and forthright—a blessing from the Lord.”

  “Humph.” Vivian’s eyebrow arched. “I heard her snooping around your bedroom this afternoon. Now, Daniel, don’t look at me like I’m a muddled old woman because I’m not. I was in the drawing room with Mr. McClintock when I heard a crash directly overhead, in your room. Charlotte was the only one upstairs.” She paused to let her words sink in. “I asked her what exactly she was doing. The sly young thing, she blushed to the roots of her hairline, but she wouldn’t admit anything. She claimed she heard a box tumble off the wardrobe shelf along with some books. Now you explain how a box fell all by itself. She must have been going through your things. But why?” Her eyes sparked with triumph.

  Daniel stifled a groan. Why couldn’t she appreciate Charlotte, who bent over backward trying to please her? Yet what if his mother was right? He doubted her accusations would prove true, but he ought to check.

  “I don’t know and furthermore, I don’t care.” Still, uncertainty pricked his heart.

  “You ought to care, Daniel. Rest assured I’m not making a mountain out of a mole hill.” Her mouth thinned and curved downward. “Ask her about it, though she’s sure to lie to you as well.”

  “You’re being very unfair.”

  “Daniel, I’m telling you because you value honesty so much. You like that girl, but she’s crafty and not a bit truthful. You’re blinded by her pretty face and . . .” Glancing at Charlotte’s coffee cup resting on the wicker table, Vivian frowned. “Was she out here with you? You know I want you to stay away from her, but for some unfathomable reason she attracts you like a moth to a flame.”

  “Miss Hale is delightful and the children adore her.”

  His mother’s face twitched. “She’s a servant. Nothing more. You must remember that, Daniel.”

  He expelled a deep sigh. “Charlotte is much more than just a servant, Mother. She’s a warm, wonderful woman who loves my children. I’m quite fond of her.”

  His mother shook her head in obvious disdain. “Why . . .” she sputtered. “Daniel, you can’t . . . She’s not worthy of you!”

  He gritted his teeth as he tried to cool his rising anger. “Let me help you to your bedroom, Mother. It’s getting late.”

  “You don’t want to hear any word against her, do you?”

  “No, I don’t.” Daniel shook his head. “Please don’t criticize her, Mother.”

  “You’re deluded, blinded by her counterfeit charm.” Vivian sighed and said nothing more.

  Lord, please soften her heart before I lose my temper.

  Despite her wealth, his mother had suffered humiliation from his father’s indifference and neglect and then buried most of her anger beneath a hard exterior. She’d lost her husband and now he knew she feared losing her son as well.

  As soon as he settled her for the night, Daniel trooped upstairs to his own room. His gaze strayed to the wardrobe, and almost against his will, he pulled open the door and took the hatbox down from the shelf. Lifting the cover, he spotted Sarah’s missing journal.

  He stared at the worn book. How could he have overlooked such a large object? Had Charlotte or one of the maids replaced it then lied? It made no sense. But according to his mother, Charlotte had admitted hearing a noise in his room, coming in, and replacing the hatbox and books.

  Doubt marched through his chest. Could his mother possibly be correct about Charlotte? He let out a groan as he climbed into bed.

  Lord, should I question her or let it pass? Is she duping me? Am I too taken with her to see her clearly?

  Daniel turned off his bedside lamp. If he couldn’t trust her, he had no business loving her. The two qualities went hand in hand. Lord, show me the woman she really is and please don’t let me be fooled again.

  DANIEL HEADED TOWARD his college office the next morning, glad to put his mother’s accusations out of his mind. As he walked down Cove Road toward the college, he knew his feelings for Charlotte had preoccupied him lately and he’d shoved President Ralston’s ultimatum into the far corner of his mind. He waited for the Lord’s voice. But he’d known all along he couldn’t avoid making a decision about his future at Aquidneck.

  When he opened the door to the outer office, his secretary glanced up from her typewriter, a dark frown compressing her face. Miss Gregory gave a sad, sympathetic smile and he knew something was amiss.

  “President Ralston wants you to stop by his office—immediately,” she said.

  Daniel bit his lip. “Did he mention why?” Of course he knew the reason, though he’d hoped to have more time.

  “No, but he seemed unhappy. In a snit, you might say.”

  “I expect I shall look unhappy as well when he finishes with me,” Daniel murmured.

  “I do hope your meeting turns out all right. I’ll say a prayer.”

  “Thank you, Miss Gregory. I appreciate your support.”

  Undoubtedly she’d heard the rumor about Ralston’s ultimatum. Over the last week or so his friends and colleagues had asked discreet questions, but he’d given vague responses. God held the answer in the palm of His hand; he didn’t.

  Daniel’s throat constricted as President Ralston’s assistant ushered him into the commodious office. Standing like a sentry, Daniel waited for the older man to look up from the papers on his desk.

  “Ah yes, Professor. I’d like to have a word with you about your future employment at our great institution. I’ll come right to the point.” Ralston folded his hands on his desktop while Daniel stood at attention. The president flashed a pained smile. “Have you made a decision about quitting your column at the Newport Gazette? It’s a matter of extreme import to our trustees and benefactors, since the financial stability of our fine college is at stake. I’m sure you understand our position.”

  “Yes, sir, I know how crucial my decision is to everyone concerned.” Daniel swallowed hard. “So I’ve prayed and pondered this carefully.” But had he correctly interpreted the Lord’s direction? He felt he had.

  Ralston nodded impatiently. “Of course. And your conclusion, Professor Wilmont?”

  Daniel took a deep breath.

  “I’ve decided to resign my teaching position. I’ll leave Aquidneck College with great sadness and deep regret. I’ve taught here for eight years and I’ve grown quite fond of my students and my fellow professors. It appears I must leave, though I certainly don’t want to.”

  President Ralston blanched as white as his starched shirt. “Can you explain your decision, sir?”

  Daniel shifted from one
foot to the other. “This may seem naive to you, but I firmly believe I must follow God’s will. I’m convinced He’s guiding me to speak out through my column.”

  Ralston’s eyes widened with disbelief. “See here, Professor, you’re an outstanding instructor. You can’t just leave on a whim because you mistakably think God is commanding you to martyr yourself. Consider your family and how this will affect them.” His hollow cheeks caved inward. “Be reasonable. Won’t you admit quitting is a selfish and self-righteous decision?”

  “Sir, you’re not giving me any other choice. I’d love to stay, but I won’t give in to pressure.”

  The president groaned with frustration. “All right, if that’s your last word on the subject, I reluctantly accept your decision. You will remain until the end of the term; that gives you another two weeks to reconsider your future. Good luck to you, Professor.”

  Daniel gulped as the import of his choice bore down upon his shoulders. He’d apply for other teaching positions immediately, although he suspected most of the jobs were already filled for the next semester. Perhaps a preparatory school for boys might hire him—if he could find one with a vacancy at this late date.

  He returned to his office, explained the situation to a crestfallen Miss Gregory, taught his only class for the day, and returned home, wishing he could avoid announcing his bad news.

  Odd how the sun still shone and the wind still floated puffball clouds across the blue sky. It hummed in his ear and shook through the scrub bushes along the ragged coast, competing with the roar of the sea. He couldn’t afford Summerhill’s maintenance without a job to supplement his small inheritance. Even with his teaching position he barely had enough funds to pay for the large staff and costly repairs on the aging cottage. He’d sorely miss living right up against the power of nature, hearing its incessant voice, smelling the pungent odor of seaweed at low tide, tasting the tang in the air. Selling seemed the only viable option. But telling the people who depended upon him tore at his conscience. Lord, am I hearing You correctly? Please confirm my decision because I’m still in doubt.