The Best of Intentions

by Susan Anne Mason

  Virginia managed a smile. “Wonderful.” When Basil had first mentioned the idea of her accompanying him and his family on this trip, she’d been filled with excitement. Traveling abroad. Seeing the wonders of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the ruins of Rome. Something she’d always dreamed about doing one day was becoming a reality.

  However, that was before Christian had come into their lives. In the few short weeks since his arrival, the boy had wormed his way into her heart like no one else ever had.

  Virginia had tried to convince Basil to let her bring the baby with them, but he would have no part of it.

  “I want your undivided attention on this trip, sweetheart. I won’t share you with anyone. Not even an infant.”

  In some ways, his possessiveness thrilled Virginia. Who wouldn’t bask in such adoration? Yet his slightly superior attitude often rankled. If he truly loved her, wouldn’t he want her to be happy, even if it meant raising her brother’s child?

  Basil came to sit beside her on the sofa and gathered her hands in his. “I have a fantastic idea.” He waited until she met his gaze. “What if we were to marry before we leave? This trip could double as our honeymoon. Wouldn’t that be perfect?”

  Virginia’s heart thumped uncomfortably in her chest. Though she’d known their unconventional courtship was leading to marriage, she hadn’t thought it would come so soon. “I don’t know what to say.”

  He raised a brow, studying her. “I sense this has come as a shock.”

  “It has, yes.” Virginia tried to smile but feared it came out more as a grimace.

  “I see. Well, I’d best give you time to digest the idea—before I propose for real.” He pulled her to him then and kissed her. It wasn’t the first time he’d taken such liberty, yet this time the embrace held a possessive quality that caused a spurt of apprehension to rush through her.

  “Now I’m afraid I must be off. I’m meeting some associates for drinks at the club. Keep those tickets in a safe place, darling. I will see you soon. And think about my idea.”

  “But your coffee . . .”

  “Tell Mrs. Hopkins I’ll make it up to her,” he called over his shoulder as he exited the room.

  Virginia fell back against the sofa, feeling as though a tornado had just whirled through the room and out again. With a sigh, she picked up the tickets. First-class accommodations, of course. Had he booked two staterooms or only one, confident she would meekly follow his suggestion that they get married before the trip?

  Be careful what you wish for, Virginia. The result might not be entirely to your liking.

  The main-floor windows of the Easton estate glowed from the lights within, giving the residence a welcoming air—one Grace appreciated all the more at this moment. She switched her suitcase from one hand to the other, the walk from the streetcar seeming longer than it had the first time she’d come here, most likely due to the weight of her bag.

  She climbed the stairs, set her suitcase on the ground, and knocked on the door. Not wanting to interrupt the family meal, she’d purposely waited to arrive until she believed dinner would be over.

  The housekeeper answered her knock. “Good evening, Miss Foley. Please come in.”

  “Thank you.” She retrieved her bag and stepped inside.

  The large-framed woman held out a hand. “May I take your coat?”

  “Certainly. Thank you.” Grace slipped off her coat and gave it to the woman.

  “Welcome to Fairlawn Manor. I’m Mrs. Green, the housekeeper. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Though her tone was friendly, she did not offer a smile or any indication of warmth.

  Perhaps that was part of her job.

  “You may leave your bag here. One of the maids will bring it to your room. Now if you’ll come with me, Miss Virginia is waiting for you.”

  Grace nodded and followed the woman down a wide hallway to a set of double doors.

  “Miss Foley has arrived,” the woman announced, then stepped aside for Grace to enter the room.

  Virginia shot up from her seat on the sofa, her face alight with enthusiasm. “Grace, welcome. Come in and share some tea with me.”

  Grace surreptitiously scanned the room, surprised to find none of the other family members there. She relaxed a little, glad for a reprieve from meeting the infamous Mr. Easton. As she walked in, she couldn’t help but be charmed by the elegance of the décor. The dove-gray walls presented a perfect backdrop to the blue sofas and patterned side chairs. “Thank you, Miss Easton. A cup of tea would be lovely.”

  “Please, you must call me Virginia.”

  “Is that appropriate for an employee?” Grace took a seat on the sofa opposite to where Virginia had been seated, reading a magazine.

  “Very well, in front of the others you may call me Miss Easton, but when we’re alone, it’s Virginia.” She poured tea from a silver service.

  “I thought I’d be meeting your parents when I arrived,” Grace said as she took the cup Virginia handed her.

  “I didn’t want to overwhelm you on your first night here. After our tea, I’ll show you around the house and take you to your room.”

  Half an hour later, Grace followed Virginia on a tour of the residence, which seemed more like a castle than a home. Room upon room of expensive furnishings and fabrics, paintings and sculptures, crystal and velvet. She could scarcely believe she would be living in such a palace.

  “And here is the nursery.” Virginia pressed a finger to her lips. “We must take care not to wake Christian. Once he rouses, he’s impossible to get back to sleep.”

  She opened the door wide enough for the light from the hallway to illuminate a bit of the interior. Grace made out a crib against the wall, a rocking chair, and a dresser before Virginia slowly closed the door.

  “Your room will be next door. It connects with the nursery by a two-way door. I always leave it open so I can hear him if he wakes in the night.” She pushed into the adjoining room and flicked a switch.

  Grace was pleased to note the house had electric lights.

  “I’ve been staying here ever since Christian arrived because my bedroom is too far away to hear him. We’ll switch rooms as soon as I feel he’s comfortable with you. Right now it might scare him if a stranger came in to tend him.”

  “Of course. I understand.”

  “For now I’ve put you in this guest room.” Virginia moved across the hall. “I hope you find it satisfactory.” Once again she turned on the light as she entered the room.

  Grace glanced around the most beautiful bedroom she’d ever seen. The walls were decorated in a pale blue flocked paper. Feminine white furniture and thick carpet gave the room a homey feel.

  “It’s lovely. Thank you.”

  Virginia smiled. “I’ll let you get settled in. If you need anything, just ring the bell and one of the maids will assist you.” She pointed to a tasseled rope in the corner. “Breakfast is at seven thirty. I’ll come and take you down to meet the rest of the household. Everyone should be there, unless Father has an early meeting at the office.”

  Nerves flittered in Grace’s stomach at the prospect, but she managed a smile in return. “Thank you, Virginia. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay your kindness in helping me get this position.”

  “You’re welcome. If everything works out, you’ll be doing me a favor, putting my mind at ease so I can go off and enjoy Europe.” She headed to the door, pausing to give Grace another smile. “It’s good to have you here, Grace.”

  Then she slipped out into the hall, leaving Grace on her own in the strange new house that would now become her home.

  CHAPTER 9

  Seated with his parents in the dining room the next morning, Andrew sipped his first cup of coffee and attempted to ignore the tingles of anticipation coursing through his system. Every five seconds, he glanced at the doorway, expecting to see Virginia arrive with the newest member of the household.

  He was being ridiculous. The fact that a new employee
had moved in should not cause him a minute’s thought. However, the fact that Grace Foley now resided at the opposite end of the hall from him had cost him almost a full night’s sleep.

  At the far end of the table, his father sat reading the morning newspaper. He snapped the paper closed and looked up with a frown. “Well, where is this girl? Sleeping in on her first day? That doesn’t bode well for her future here.”

  Father had been opposed to hiring Grace from the start, mainly because she hadn’t come recommended by an employment agency, but from a chance meeting in the park. Only Virginia’s persistence and Andrew’s added recommendation made him relent. Mother, on the other hand, seemed rather indifferent, which puzzled Andrew, since she’d insisted on interviewing all the previous candidates personally. Perhaps she was still feeling under the weather. Yet she looked as well-groomed as always in a cheerful pink blouse with her hair neatly pinned. She must be expecting the ladies in for tea today.

  “I imagine Virginia will bring her down any moment.” Andrew laid his napkin on the table.

  “Did I hear my name?” His sister’s cheerful voice floated into the room, announcing her arrival. She glided forward to kiss Father’s cheek. “Good morning, Daddy. Mother. I’d like you to meet Christian’s new nanny, Miss Grace Foley.”

  Andrew and his father rose from their chairs. Grace entered somewhat cautiously, as though trying to determine whether the atmosphere was fair or hostile. She wore the same navy suit she’d worn for the interview, paired with a white high-necked blouse. Her hair was pinned in a bun at the nape of her neck. Even in her simplicity, she exuded charm.

  Andrew smiled. “Welcome to Fairlawn, Gr—Miss Foley. We’re pleased to have you as Christian’s nanny.”

  “Thank you.” Her nervous glance darted to his parents. “Mr. Easton. Mrs. Easton. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

  Father’s face turned a mottled shade of red. “You’re British?”

  “Y-Yes, sir.”

  “Why did no one tell me? I would have vetoed this unorthodox hiring at once.”

  Grace’s lovely brown eyes widened in apparent distress. “I don’t understand—”

  “I’ll make this very plain, Miss Foley. I’ve no love for immigrants—British ones, in particular. I made the mistake of hiring a young woman fresh off the boat to work in my office. And how did she repay me? She bewitched my son and turned him against his family.”

  Grace’s face drained of all color. She swayed and grasped the back of a chair.

  Andrew came around the table toward her as though he could somehow protect her from his father’s outburst. “That has nothing to do with Grace, Father. Just because she comes from the same country is no reason to judge her unfairly.”

  “Andrew’s right.” Virginia looped her arm through Grace’s in a show of support. “Besides, isn’t it the height of society to have a British nanny? You’ll be the envy of your friends.”

  His mother, silent until this time, rose from her seat. “The girl is here now, Oscar. We owe her a chance to prove herself.” She turned to Grace and extended a hand. “Welcome, Miss Foley. Please do sit down and eat. You’ll have a busy day ahead learning what’s required of you.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  A frown creased his mother’s brow. “Who is watching the baby now?”

  “Serena is with him while we eat,” Virginia said as she took her seat.

  “I see. In future, Miss Foley, you will take your meals in the nursery with my grandson.”

  Grace nodded grimly. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Mother, you can’t expect her to stay locked up there like a prisoner,” Virginia sputtered. “Surely Grace can join us for dinner at least. Christian is usually asleep by then.”

  Mother pursed her lips. “I suppose that would be acceptable. Miss Foley, we eat promptly at seven thirty. If that hour doesn’t suit your schedule, you may take your meals in the nursery or downstairs with the other servants.”

  Andrew’s face heated. His parents’ superior attitude had never felt so humiliating before. But somehow this time it seemed personal because of Grace’s heritage.

  He held out a chair for her. She flashed him a look of gratitude before sitting.

  “Ellie, please bring Miss Foley a plate of eggs and bacon and a fresh pot of tea.” He assumed being British she would prefer tea to the coffee he and Father drank.

  The maid stepped forward. “Yes, sir. And for you, Miss Virginia?”

  “I’ll have my usual, Ellie. Thank you.”

  Andrew resumed his seat and looked up to see his father still scowling.

  “I’m ready to head to the office. Are you coming, Andrew?”

  With effort, Andrew kept his tone even. “I’d like another cup of coffee first. I’ll be along shortly.”

  “I hope you haven’t forgotten Cecilia is coming today to begin work on the fund-raiser. She’ll expect you to be there waiting for her.”

  “And I shall. Knowing Celia, however, I doubt she’ll arrive much before noon. I have plenty of time.”

  Father grunted, then bent to kiss Mother’s cheek. “Have a good day, my dear. I’ll see you tonight.”

  The tension in the room seemed to ease the minute Father left. Ellie came in with plates for Grace and Virginia and a pot of tea.

  “Why is Cecilia coming to the office?” Virginia gave him a curious look as Ellie set her dish before her.

  Andrew poured more coffee. “Paul Edison is having her consult with us for a fundraiser we’re planning.”

  “Interesting.” Virginia tilted her head. “After you left her party the other night, Paul stayed glued to Cecilia’s side the entire time. You’d best make your move, big brother, before he steals her away.”

  Andrew set his cup down with a loud clunk. “When and if I make a move,” he said sharply, “it will be on my timetable. Not because of Paul Edison’s manipulations. Or anyone else’s.”

  “Andrew!” Mother’s rebuke sounded from the other end of the table.

  His annoyance evaporated as quickly as it had arisen. “Forgive me, Ginny. Cecilia is a rather touchy subject lately. I had no right to take it out on you.” He took another gulp of coffee as he rose. “I’d better be going before Father gives my office away.”

  Painfully aware of Grace’s curious gaze, Andrew ducked his head to kiss his mother as he passed. “Have a pleasant day, everyone,” he said, and then escaped into the hall.

  On his way out the front door, he gave himself a stern lecture to get his emotions under control, especially around a certain brown-eyed beauty.

  “Who is Cecilia?” Grace dared to ask as she and Virginia climbed the stairs after breakfast. She’d almost felt sorry for Andrew and his obvious discomfort at the turn the conversation had taken earlier.

  Almost.

  The other part was relieved she was no longer the focus of such intense scrutiny. The idea of taking her meals in the nursery suddenly seemed far preferable, yet she couldn’t pass up the chance to spend time with the Eastons for an hour or so each day. She’d already learned quite a bit from her first meal with them.

  Virginia’s skirt swished about her calves. “Cecilia is the daughter of one of my father’s colleagues. Andrew’s been courting her on and off since Christmas.” Her tone held a note of distaste.

  “I see.” Grace’s chest tightened. Why did the idea of Andrew’s courtship bother her? It was none of her business whom the man chose to date. Yet she couldn’t help picking up on Virginia’s disapproval. “You sound less than pleased about it,” she ventured.

  Virginia looked over her shoulder. “Cecilia and I tolerate each other, but there’s no love lost there.”

  Grace longed to question Virginia further to find out why her brother would court someone his sister didn’t care for. However, she feared she’d already overstepped her place.

  They headed along the second-floor hallway toward the nursery. All thoughts of Andrew flew from Grace’s mind as they neared Christian’s
room. Her heart began an uneven thrum in her chest. Soon she would get to hold her nephew in her arms.

  “Let’s see if the little darling is up.” Virginia quietly entered the room.

  A maid was seated in the rocking chair with the baby on her lap. A few toys lay strewn over the carpet.

  “Serena, this is Grace Foley, who will be training as Christian’s nanny.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Serena rose and handed the baby to Virginia.

  “Likewise.” Grace smiled, trying not to stare at the boy.

  The girl bobbed a slight curtsy and then exited the room.

  Grace held her breath as she turned her attention to her nephew. He laid his head on Virginia’s shoulder, his thumb firmly in his mouth.

  “Christian, sweetheart, this is Miss Foley, your new nanny. Not that you have any idea what a nanny is.” She laughed and swept the tangled hair off his forehead.

  Grace’s throat closed up. What a beautiful child. Rose’s son. She moved closer, forcing a smile to her lips. “Hello, Christian. My, you’re a handsome lad.”

  Christian turned his face into Virginia’s neck.

  “He’s always a bit shy at first.” She kissed his cheek. “Grace, why don’t you sit in the rocker? I’ll put him on your knee facing me so he won’t be scared.”

  Grace took her place in the rocking chair, willing her pulse to settle. When Virginia placed the baby on her lap, Grace cautiously wrapped her arm around his middle. She leaned over his head, inhaling the scent of talcum powder. When the tiny body finally relaxed, warmth spread through her, melting her heart at the same time. It was all she could do to refrain from squeezing him tight.

  Virginia made funny faces, and the boy gurgled with laughter.

  The back of Grace’s eyes burned. Wouldn’t Rose love to be here, laughing with her son? She blinked hard to keep any trace of tears from showing. It was essential to keep her emotions tamped down and maintain a professional air.

  Virginia handed the boy a teddy bear, and he promptly thrust one floppy ear into his mouth. She chuckled. “Christian likes to taste everything. We have to pay close attention now that he’s becoming more mobile and can grab things.” She began to collect the toys from the floor, placing them in a large wooden crate. “This box used to be Frank’s. I thought it fitting that we use it for Christian’s toys.” She closed the lid with a sad smile. “I intend to teach Christian all about his father.”