The Best of Intentions

by Susan Anne Mason

  “Did you have a job there?”

  “I worked part-time in our town’s general store when I could, depending on how Mum was faring. They were very understanding about the situation.”

  “I see.” He tapped his pen, a wrinkle forming between his brows. “What made you leave home and travel all the way to Canada then?”

  Grace licked her dry lips, willing the answer she’d rehearsed to come out with ease. “I came at my mother’s insistence. I suppose she felt bad for all the time I’d spent looking after her, putting my life on hold to care for her.” There, not a lie. Everything she’d said was true.

  “So her health is improved?”

  “Somewhat. She agreed to stay with her sister. It was the only way I’d leave her.”

  “And what was your plan when you arrived?”

  Beads of perspiration snaked down her back. “I was initially to stay with a relative but that . . . fell through.” She gestured to the letter. “I’d heard of Reverend Burke and went to meet him. He does his best to provide assistance to newcomers to the city.”

  “Sounds like a good ally to have.” Andrew tilted his head, lips pursed. “If I might be so bold, what about romantic attachments? There’s no husband or suitor you’ve left behind, is there?” His gaze narrowed on her naked left hand.

  A bolt of indignation shot through her. “I hardly think that’s relevant.”

  He held up a hand. “Forgive me. I don’t wish to invade your privacy, but I must be sure you don’t have reason to leave, such as a potential suitor showing up to entice you back home.”

  Aware of her racing heart and her rising temper, Grace inhaled and released a slow breath. “I assure you, I have no romantic attachments. No one who might come after me as you insinuated.”

  Crimson stained his cheeks. “I beg your pardon for making you feel uncomfortable, but I had to ask.”

  She gave a tight nod.

  Andrew cleared his throat. “May I assume then that you’re planning to stay in Canada?”

  Grace hesitated. What were her intentions? She hadn’t thought any farther ahead than this interview. But if she managed to get the position and developed a bond with her nephew, she’d stay as long as necessary. “I hope to, yes.”

  “Good. Because I couldn’t let Christian become attached to a caregiver only to have her disappear. Not after losing his mother.” A shadow passed over his features.

  “I would never do that, Mr. Easton.” She leaned forward in her earnestness, fighting the rise of emotion in her chest. “I would treat that child as a most precious gift from God.” All she wanted to do was cuddle that sweet boy and shower him with all the love Rose would have given him.

  “I believe you would.” His smile eased the lines of tension on his face. “And please call me Andrew. When anyone addresses me as Mr. Easton, I always look to see if my father is in the room.”

  She laughed. “Very well, Andrew.”

  As the tension in her muscles began to relax, guilt seeped through her system. Andrew seemed like a good person, someone who might understand why she felt it necessary to perpetrate the deception she was planning. The honest thing to do was to tell him the truth and ask her questions about the boy in a straightforward manner. Make it clear that she only wanted Christian to be raised in a loving family.

  She bit her lip and rolled the handle of her purse between her fingers.

  But what if Andrew wasn’t as nice as he appeared? What if he would be furious that she’d come here under false pretenses? What if his father showed up and had her removed from the house before she could even explain herself?

  That would mean leaving her sweet nephew here and returning to England, never being part of his life.

  She couldn’t take that chance. What she was doing wasn’t entirely honest, but she couldn’t give up this opportunity.

  She lifted her gaze to find Andrew studying her.

  He quickly looked down at the papers on his desk and cleared his throat again. “I believe in being upfront about things,” he said, “so I’ll tell you that Mother and I have interviewed at least a dozen women for this position. While many appeared to have wonderful qualifications, each had some quality I didn’t care for. I’m looking for a younger person with enough energy to play with Christian and take him on outings. Someone who would be the next best thing to a mother.” He pressed his lips together and seemed to fight to collect himself.

  She shifted on her chair. “May I ask a question?”

  “Certainly.”

  “I presume you’re not married?”

  “Correct.”

  “What would happen if you were to marry one day?” If he could question her long-term plans, she could do the same.

  “You’re worried about the security of the position?”

  “Yes.”

  “When the time comes, I hope my future wife will love Christian as much as I, and want to be a mother to him. But getting married wouldn’t necessarily negate having a nanny. Many members of our social circle employ nannies or governesses for their children.” He paused. “However, in the event that I no longer required your services, you would be well compensated and given ample time to find a new position.”

  She drew in a full breath and released it. “That seems more than fair.”

  Andrew rose and came around from behind the desk. “I will have to discuss your application with my family. How may I contact you once we’ve reached a decision?”

  “You can telephone me at my landlady’s. Or leave a message with Reverend Burke.”

  “Fine. If you would leave me your landlady’s name and number, I think we can conclude our interview.” He passed her a piece of paper and a pen.

  She quickly jotted down Mrs. Chamberlain’s phone number, then rose and smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt.

  He held out his hand. “Thank you, Grace. I’ll be in touch as soon as we’ve made a decision.”

  She placed her hand in his. Warmth surrounded her, leaving her with a feeling that Andrew Easton was someone trustworthy and good. “Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.”

  As she made her way back to the streetcar, Grace inhaled deeply, willing her nerves to abate. Despite her shock at Andrew’s identity, she’d made it through the interview well enough. Her fate now rested in God’s hands. She would have to accept whatever the Eastons decided. So far they appeared to love her nephew very much. But it would take living in the same house with him to ascertain how they treated him. Would they hand him off to a nanny and have little contact with him? Or would they love him unconditionally and treat him as a treasured member of the family?

  These were the questions Grace needed to determine for herself in order to have any peace of mind about Christian’s future.

  Andrew closed the front door and expelled a loud rush of air from his lungs. He’d never expected to see Grace again, and now he was thinking of hiring her for a live-in position in his home. What were the odds?

  He ran a hand through his hair, recalling how attractive she looked in her blue suit and the matching hat perched on top of her dark hair. Once again he’d found himself riveted by her warm brown eyes, which at times glowed with sincerity and other times hinted at possible secrets.

  Was he crazy to even consider hiring her?

  Footsteps alerted him to someone coming down the stairs. Seconds later, Virginia appeared in the hallway. “Well?” she asked, her face alight with hope. “What did you think? Grace seems perfect, don’t you agree?”

  “I wouldn’t say perfect. She does lack credentials and actual experience.”

  “Pishposh. I can tell a person’s heart right away, and I know she would love little Christian as much as we do.” Virginia crossed her arms. “Besides, we’ve had nothing but a parade of credentials so far, and where has that gotten us? Nowhere.”

  “True.” He shrugged one shoulder. “I’ll have to talk it over with Mother and see what she thinks before I make a decision.”

  Virg
inia smiled and patted his arm. “I’m sure you’ll weigh all the pros and cons until you decide on the most logical course of action,” she teased.

  “You make it sound like a bad thing.”

  “Not always. But sometimes a little spontaneity goes a long way. Sometimes you have to follow your instincts.”

  “And what do your instincts tell you?”

  “That Grace is a good person, kind and compassionate, with a heart for children.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind when I talk to Mother.” He bent to kiss her cheek. “I take it Christian is napping?”

  “Yes. I’m getting a cup of tea, and then I’ll take him out for our usual walk when he awakens.”

  “If I do decide to hire Grace, you’d have no problem teaching her everything she needs to know?”

  “Of course not. I’m not going to abandon Christian just because he has a nanny. Especially when I’ll miss so much time with him when I leave for Europe.” Sadness dulled the light in her eyes.

  “Ginny,” he said quietly, “if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

  “Yes, I do. Basil expects it.” She pulled herself up to her full height, barely reaching his chin. “Don’t worry about me, Drew. I’ll be fine.”

  Yet Andrew couldn’t help but worry about his baby sister. She’d lost the man she cared for at the beginning of the war, and he hated to see her settle for less than a true match. At least now she was open to the idea of marrying. It had taken her nearly three years to get over Emmett’s death. Andrew should be happy she’d found someone she would even consider sharing her life with. She deserved a family of her own, children of her own.

  With a shake of his head, he pushed such useless thoughts away and concentrated on the issue at hand. Best to find Mother and learn her opinion on the matter of the nanny.

  CHAPTER 8

  August 14, 1914

  Has the world gone mad? I cannot believe we’re at war! Mum writes that she’s devastated because Owen is thinking of joining. I know how she feels. Frank is determined to enlist as well. I’ve never seen him so passionate about a cause, yet I’m scared. Oh, Grace, what will I do if he goes? His parents found out about our relationship a few weeks ago, and it caused a huge fight. He told me he didn’t care what his parents thought, that I meant more to him. But if that’s true, would he really leave me to go to war?

  “Are you certain you want to do this?” Mrs. Chamberlain stood in the doorway of Grace’s bedroom.

  Grace looked up from her suitcase, and a pang of regret twisted her stomach. The kind woman wore a worried frown, her eyes glazed with a hint of tears.

  “I’m certain, Mrs. C.,” she said. Grace crossed the room to lay a reassuring hand on her arm. “The only thing spoiling my delight at getting this job is that I’ll miss spending time with you. I’ve enjoyed my stay here so much.”

  Tomorrow Grace would begin her new assignment as Christian’s nanny. She still couldn’t believe the Eastons had decided to take a chance on her, even with her limited experience. The phone call from Andrew had come as a wonderful surprise—one that, in her mind, confirmed she was on the path God meant for her to follow—and she had gratefully accepted the position.

  As long as the Easton family never learned about her connection to the boy, this job could prove a blessing to them all. A chance for her to be part of her nephew’s life—maybe not as a guardian—but as someone responsible for his day-to-day care. This way, she could give the boy as much love and guidance as she saw fit, for as long as she could, and Rose could rest in peace, knowing her baby was well cared for.

  The only drawback was that Mum wouldn’t be at all happy about her staying in Canada for an extended period of time. But Rose’s child had to be her main priority. She only hoped her mother would understand.

  Mrs. Chamberlain moved into the room and picked up the framed photo from Grace’s dresser, the one Grace had taken of Rose the day she’d left for Canada. “Oh, my dear. Your leaving is like losing Rose all over again. She became like a daughter to me. Little Christian was born right here in this house.” She sniffed and took a handkerchief from her pocket.

  “You’re not losing me, I promise.” Grace gently lifted the photo from her hands. “I’m only a streetcar ride away. I’ll come and visit whenever I can.” She ran a finger over the glass, then carefully laid the treasure in her suitcase, where it would have to remain hidden for the foreseeable future.

  “What about Sundays?” Mrs. Chamberlain asked. “Will you be able to join us for church? I know Reverend Burke will miss seeing you too.”

  “I don’t know yet. I’ll have to see what the family expects.” She hadn’t told Mrs. Chamberlain or the reverend where she was working—or more importantly who she was working for. Somehow she didn’t think either would approve. And no matter what their opinion, she would not change her mind about this. “If it’s at all possible, I’ll try to attend services with you.” She would certainly miss the little parish that had started to feel like home.

  Grace leaned over to embrace her landlady. “What would I have done without you? I thank God every night for leading me here.”

  “The Good Lord always manages to make the best out of the worst situations.” The woman gave her a watery smile.

  Then, while Grace returned to filling her suitcase, Mrs. Chamberlain flitted about the room like a nervous bird, pausing to dust the furniture with the corner of her apron. “Wouldn’t it be better to wait until the morning to leave?”

  “I’d like to get settled tonight, so I’m fresh for the morning. Besides, the family is expecting me.” Grace placed a blouse in the suitcase.

  “I suppose that makes sense. Would you at least let Reverend Burke drive you? I don’t like the idea of you traveling alone on the streetcar at this hour.”

  Grace laughed. “Mrs. C., it’s not even seven o’clock. There’s no need to bother him.”

  “But you’ll have your suitcase to lug all the way.” Her brows pinched together. “Where exactly is this place again?”

  “On Spadina Road.” Grace busied herself emptying a drawer, trying to ignore the weight of the other woman’s stare.

  “Please don’t tell me you’re working for the Easton family.”

  Grace’s hand stilled. She should have known the shrewd woman would figure it out. She squared her shoulders. “Yes. I’m going to be Christian’s nanny.”

  Mrs. Chamberlain sat down heavily on the bed, the springs creaking under her weight. “Good grief. I’m not sure that’s a smart idea.”

  “I think it’s perfect.” Grace stood in front of her. “I can get to know my nephew. Make sure he’s loved and well looked after.”

  She pinned Grace with a direct stare. “But you’re deceiving them, aren’t you? Not telling them who you are.”

  “How could I? They’d never let me in the door if they knew I was Rose’s sister.”

  The woman shook her head. “Nothing but heartache will come from this. Mark my words.”

  The criticism stung. A little too reminiscent of Mum chastising her for another rash decision. She clutched her hands together, searching for a way to make Mrs. Chamberlain understand, a way to alleviate her guilt at the deception. But there was nothing she could really say.

  “What exactly do you think this will accomplish, dear? You’ll only fall in love with that baby, and the day you have to leave him will break your heart.”

  “You’re probably right.” Grace walked to the window under the sloping roof and stared down at the street below. “All I know is I can’t ignore this God-given opportunity. I feel certain it’s where He and Rose want me to be. If I don’t go, I’ll always regret missing this chance to spend time with Christian.” She turned back to the bed. “In my last letter to Rose, I promised I would take care of her son. This is the only way I can see to do that.”

  Mrs. Chamberlain released a weary sigh. “You have a point. Well, there’s another ten minutes added to my nightly prayers.” With a huff, she
pushed off the mattress. “I may not agree with you, but I know your intentions are good. You can count on my support.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. C. That means a lot.” Grace’s throat burned with the sudden rush of tears. She gave the woman another quick hug, then lifted her suitcase off the bed. “Well, I’d best be off before it gets dark.”

  “God speed, Grace dear. And don’t let those Eastons push you around.”

  “Miss Virginia, there’s a gentleman to see you.” Mrs. Green made the announcement from the open parlor doorway.

  Virginia looked up from her book. “Who is it?”

  “Mr. Fleming.” A flicker of disapproval flashed over the housekeeper’s face before she schooled her features.

  Virginia held back a sigh. Why did everyone seem to dislike Basil? True, he could be overly dramatic and a bit rambunctious, reminding Virginia of an overgrown puppy. Annoying at times, but harmless. “Send him in, please. And have Mrs. Hopkins prepare a pot of coffee.” Basil swore Mrs. Hopkins made the best brew he’d ever tasted.

  “Right away, miss.”

  Virginia fluffed her skirt and straightened her posture, crossing her legs daintily at the ankle. The way a perfect lady should.

  “Good evening, Virginia, my dear. How are you today?” Basil bowed over her offered hand.

  “Very well, thank you. What brings you by?”

  “These.” With a dramatic flourish, Basil whipped something out of his breast pocket and laid it on the table before her.

  “They look like tickets.”

  “You’re smart as well as beautiful.”

  Virginia held back a laugh. Perhaps that was what had won her over. The fact that Basil truly thought her beautiful, while the majority of men viewed her as a washed-up, twenty-four-year-old spinster. After losing her beloved Emmett, Virginia had believed she’d be alone forever, until Basil Fleming had come into her world and offered her the first glimmer of hope for the future she’d always wanted: a husband and children of her own.

  “I’ve booked our passage to Europe. We set sail in eight weeks’ time.”