The Best of Intentions

by Susan Anne Mason

  “What about his mother?” Grace asked softly.

  Virginia paused. “I didn’t really know her. I only met Rose a few times under . . . difficult circumstances.” She moved to the dresser and picked up a framed photo. She studied it for a moment and handed it to Grace.

  Grace’s lungs froze. A smiling Rose, dressed in a fancy hat with a piece of netting covering her forehead, beamed at a handsome soldier. She looked so happy. Happier than Grace had ever seen her.

  “This is my brother’s wedding picture. It was with his things that the army returned to us. I had it framed for Christian.” Virginia’s chin quivered. “I wish I could have attended Frank’s wedding.”

  Grace handed her back the photo. “Why didn’t you?”

  “Frank and Rose eloped, but Daddy wouldn’t have allowed us, even if we’d known.”

  “Why didn’t your father approve of her?” Grace rocked the chair, gratified that the baby appeared content with her.

  “He blamed her for stealing Frank from us.” Virginia grew pensive. “To be honest, I think the main reason he resented Rose was because the moment Frank met her, he had eyes for no one else. He lost interest in the hotel and broke off his engagement to Cecilia. Daddy had his heart set on the match.”

  Grace frowned. “The same Cecilia who Andrew is dating?”

  “One and the same.” She shrugged. “It’s a complicated situation.”

  Grace didn’t know quite what to say, so she remained silent.

  “This whole affair has been very difficult for my mother. Losing Frank to the war almost killed her.” Virginia placed the frame back on the dresser. “You know,” she said as she turned back, “you bear quite a resemblance to Rose.”

  Grace’s heart stuttered, and she stopped rocking. “Really?”

  It had never occurred to her that someone might think they looked alike. Her mother had always remarked on their dissimilarity, constantly comparing Grace with her smarter, prettier sister.

  “Yes.” Virginia studied her. “The shape of your face and something about the eyes.”

  A sheen of perspiration dampened Grace’s forehead.

  “No wonder Daddy took an instant dislike to you. But don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll get over it soon enough.” Sadness wisped across Virginia’s delicate features. “I like to imagine that Frank and Rose are together in heaven, watching over their son. I hope they’d be pleased he’s with us.”

  Grace bit her lip, certain from Rose’s letters that she wouldn’t be pleased at all. Still, the woman obviously loved Christian and missed her brother as much as Grace missed Rose.

  “Enough of this melancholy.” Virginia reached for the baby. “Let’s give Christian his bottle, and we can discuss his schedule.”

  Grace reluctantly let him go, already ruing her empty arms. With determination, she set aside all sympathy for the Eastons. She would need to remain objective in order to ascertain whether Christian would be happy growing up in this deeply fractured family.

  CHAPTER 10

  Andrew tried to focus on the conversation going on at the conference room table, but his mind kept drifting.

  Paul Edison and Cecilia sat together, poring over the papers Paul had brought to the meeting, detailing the basic premise for the fund-raiser gala. Enthusiasm radiated from Cecilia as she listened, interjecting ideas of her own from time to time. Neither seemed to notice, or care, that Andrew wasn’t fully present.

  In truth, he wasn’t even needed at this meeting, since he doubted they’d be ready to discuss budgets at this point. They were too busy dreaming up bigger and better scenarios, each more grandiose than the next. He’d have plenty of time to bring them back to earth with the financial realities.

  In the meantime, he couldn’t help going over the morning and what had transpired before he left for the office. He’d been halfway down the street when he realized that in the frazzle of the breakfast conversation he’d forgotten some important papers in his bedroom. In a fit of frustration, he’d turned the car back home and rushed upstairs to retrieve them. As he’d been coming out of his room, he caught a glimpse of Virginia and Grace entering the nursery. Andrew had paused while his conscience waged war with his instincts. Spying wasn’t the most ethical thing to do, but he needed to see how this woman—one he’d hired based solely on a gut feeling—would interact with his nephew. What if Christian couldn’t tolerate her for some reason?

  He made his way silently down the corridor to the nursery, where thankfully the door had been left ajar. He peered inside and was instantly mesmerized by the scene before him. Seated in the rocker, Grace appeared somewhat nervous, and when Virginia lowered the boy to Grace’s lap, a maelstrom of emotions had whipped across her lovely face. Actual tears glistened in her eyes as she wrapped her arms about the baby’s waist, securing him more firmly against her. Though she blinked hard, she couldn’t disguise the fact that she was clearly overwhelmed. Her cheeks reddened, her lips trembled, and she laid her hand on his head with a reverence that someone emotionally attached to the child might—someone like a mother.

  Andrew had pulled back from the door, his heart thumping. What could account for such an extreme reaction upon meeting a child for the first time? Had someone close to Grace lost an infant, or was she simply moved by the tragedy of Christian’s story?

  Andrew couldn’t stop thinking about it all the way to work and now couldn’t concentrate on the meeting. He tapped a pen on the ledger before him. Too many things about this new nanny remained a mystery. He needed to spend more time with her. Learn more about her. In the meantime, he’d ask Virginia for her impressions, and between the two of them, they would determine if Grace would prove suitable for the long term.

  “Have you been listening to one word we’ve said?” Edison’s sharp question broke Andrew from his thoughts.

  Cecilia stared at him, her brows turned down, indicating her displeasure. An occurrence that was happening with regular frequency of late.

  “Of course I was listening. To the key points at least.” He flashed them a smile he hoped was convincing.

  “Really, Andrew, this is too important for you to be daydreaming. We asked about the possibility of hiring a large orchestra. We’ll need one with a good reputation in order to draw the best crowd.”

  “Of course. I’ll allow a decent amount for music in the budget. Perhaps your parents could recommend a few potential groups.”

  She frowned. “The band my father hired for my birthday was pleasant enough but too small for a gala the size we’re planning.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find the best one available,” Andrew soothed. Feeding Celia’s ego usually helped avoid further arguments. “Just remember we don’t want to appear too lavish after coming through four years of war.”

  “I disagree.” Paul leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “We’ve been frugal for long enough. It’s time to shake off the doom and gloom. Lavish is what the people want and what they deserve.”

  Andrew strived to keep his voice even. “Do you think the returning soldiers will share that sentiment?”

  Edison glared in his direction. “If it raises money to benefit them, why should they complain?”

  Andrew held his gaze in silent challenge. Despite having been in the war for a short time before getting injured, Paul didn’t seem to really care about the veterans. They were merely a means to an end. A way to make him look like a philanthropist in front of Father. Andrew pushed away from the table. “I think you two can manage from here without me. If you have any financial questions, I’ll be in my office.”

  “Fine by me.” Paul’s smug expression didn’t help Andrew’s mood. Neither did the possessive arm he draped across the back of Cecilia’s chair.

  Celia, however, seemed to take umbrage at Andrew’s departure, and judging by the icy daggers she aimed at him, he would be in for a tongue-lashing later.

  Virginia’s warning from earlier echoed in his mind. You’d best make your move, big brother, be
fore he steals her away.

  Time to salvage the situation—and make his position clear to Edison in the process.

  Relaxing his features into a more pleasant expression, he walked over to Celia. “I was wondering if you’d care to join me and my family for dinner tonight? My parents have been after me to invite you over.”

  “I’d love to.” A smile transformed her face as she beamed up at him.

  “Good. Dinner is at seven thirty. Come by earlier for cocktails, if you’d like.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “I look forward to it.” Andrew leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  Then, ignoring Edison completely, he strode out the door.

  Grace descended the back staircase on her way to inform the cook of Virginia’s preference for little Christian’s lunch. As she entered the dimly lit kitchen where the maids scurried about their work, an idea bloomed. What better way to learn the secrets of the Easton family than to become friends with the other servants? After all, they were privy to the ins and outs of the entire household. If Grace could get in good with the cook and the maids, no telling what tidbits of information she might learn.

  She pasted on a bright smile as she approached the sturdy woman in a white cap and apron. “Excuse me, Mrs. Hopkins. I’m Grace, the new nanny.”

  The woman lifted her head from her task of kneading dough at a long table. “Nice to meet you, Grace. I’ll wager Miss Virginia sent you about Master Christian’s lunch.”

  “That’s right. She says it’s to be mashed peas and stewed applesauce. Along with his bottle, of course.”

  “The wee tyke needs all the nourishment he can get.” She wiped her floured hands on her apron.

  A thread of worry wound through Grace. “Why is that? He seems healthy enough.”

  “He’s better now, but he was quite underweight at first. Doctor Ballard is keeping a close watch on him to make sure he improves.”

  “That poor child. My heart breaks at what he’s been through.” And what Rose must have been through. Grace hated the thought of her sister trying to cope with so many problems all alone.

  “Aye. Such a shame.” Mrs. Hopkins pulled the chair out for her. “Sit down a spell and have a spot of tea.” She hustled over to the stove, where steam spewed from several pots on the burners, and poured tea from the large pot warming there. Two young girls washed dishes at the sink.

  Grace took a seat and accepted the cup. “Tell me, Mrs. Hopkins. Do you have any advice on how to get along with Mr. Easton? I seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot with him.”

  Mrs. Hopkins resumed her kneading in silence. “I suspect it’s your accent,” she said at last. “You likely remind him of Master Frank’s wife, who he blamed for ruining his son’s life.”

  With effort, Grace held her emotions in check. She had to learn not to react to every criticism of her sister.

  The woman shook her head and took out a baking pan from a lower cupboard. “Still, that has nothing to do with you. My best advice for getting along in this household is to work hard and don’t cause any fuss. If Mr. Easton sees you’re loyal to his grandson, he’ll come around.”

  “Believe me, the last thing I want to do is stand out.” Grace drank the rich brew, which brought an instant wave of homesickness to her chest. How she missed Mum’s tea. No one else made it quite the same.

  “You’re welcome to take your meals with us, if you’d like,” Mrs. Hopkins said as she transferred the dough into a loaf pan. “Unless you have to stay in the nursery.”

  “That’s kind of you, but I’ll be eating dinner with the family. I will try to come down for the other meals when Christian’s schedule allows.” Grace rose and took her cup to the sink.

  Mrs. Hopkins’s eyes widened. “That reminds me, I need Serena to set two extra places in the dining room tonight. Master Andrew and Miss Virginia are bringing guests for dinner.”

  Grace’s stomach tripped with sudden nerves. Would she fit in with their visitors or would she feel like an imposter at the table? “I suppose I’d better dress with extra care this evening then.” She gave a light laugh and headed toward the door.

  “One more thing, Grace.”

  “Yes?” Grace looked back to see Mrs. Hopkins’ serious stare.

  “Another way to gain Mr. Easton’s favor? Stay far away from his son.”

  After Christian awoke from his nap, Grace changed the boy’s nappy under Virginia’s supervision and dressed him for their afternoon outing.

  “Before we go to the park,” Virginia said, “I want to show you around the grounds. Maybe introduce you to the chauffeur. Toby will take you wherever you need to go, as long as Father doesn’t need the car.”

  “That’s not necessary. I’m perfectly happy taking the streetcar.”

  Virginia gave her a horrified look. “My parents would never allow you to take Christian on the streetcar. You’ll be expected to use the chauffeur.”

  “I see. In that case, I’d be happy to meet him.”

  “Wonderful. You’ll like Toby, I’m sure.” Virginia pulled a knitted bonnet over the baby’s head, tied it under his chin, and picked him up with a smile. “Master Christian, your baby carriage awaits.”

  Five minutes later, Virginia pushed the pram down the path on the Eastons’ back property, past the gardens to an enclosed glass structure Grace assumed was a greenhouse.

  “This is where Collin, our gardener, can usually be found. He loves to tinker with new plants and flowers. Do you know he’s determined to create the first blue rose?”

  Grace laughed. “He sounds like an evil scientist in a lab.”

  “Not quite, though he does get distracted by his work.” Virginia slowed the pram and stared at the greenhouse as though she could see right through to the man inside. She set the brake on the carriage. “Come on. Let’s see if he’s here.”

  “What about Christian?”

  “He’ll be content enough for a few minutes.”

  Not wanting to go against her wishes, Grace followed her in. Immediately, she was transported to a tropical paradise. The warm, moist air enveloped her with the perfume of a thousand flowers. Everywhere she turned, vivid green leaves and colorful blooms filled her vision.

  They wound their way through the aisles of plants until she saw a tall, dark-haired man at a wooden worktable. He had smudges of dirt on his cheeks, and his fingernails were blackened with soil.

  But he grinned when he saw them. “If I knew I was having company, I’d have cleaned up first.” He winked. “Miss Virginia does love to surprise me.”

  A delicate shade of pink spread over Virginia’s cheeks. “Grace, this is Collin Lafferty, our gardener. He is responsible for all the fresh flowers you see throughout the house. He also tends the orchard and the vegetable garden in the summer.”

  “How do you do, Mr. Lafferty? You have an amazing greenhouse here.”

  “Thank you. But please call me Collin.”

  “Very well. And I’m Grace.” His light Scottish burr gave her a feeling of kinship. Another soul far from home.

  He picked up a tool and began to fill a clay pot with earth. “Do you have a favorite flower, Grace? If so, perhaps I can make sure you have fresh ones in your room each week.”

  “Oh, please don’t go to any trouble on my account.”

  He turned his hazel eyes on her. “Every woman deserves flowers. Don’t you agree, Miss Virginia?”

  The girl gave a ladylike snort. “I can think of a few who don’t.”

  Collin laughed and moved to a nearby pot. He snipped off a lilac-colored rose and presented it to Virginia with a flourish. “For you, fair lady.”

  Her blush deepened.

  “I’m attempting to create a blue rose. This lavender beauty is as close to blue as I’ve come. As rare as the woman who holds it.”

  “There you go, blathering on again.” But Virginia brought the petals to her nose and inhaled. “We’d best continue with our walk. Christian will start to fuss if we leav
e him alone too long.” She headed back toward the entrance.

  “Nice to meet you, Collin,” Grace said.

  “Likewise. And if you decide on any flowers you’d like, please let me know.”

  Though he spoke to Grace, she noted his eyes followed Virginia’s retreating back all the way out the door.

  The next stop on their tour of the property was a building with a peaked roof. Enormous wooden doors spanned the entire front section.

  “This is where Father and Andrew keep their autos.” Virginia rolled the baby carriage to a stop. “Let me see if Toby is inside.” She disappeared around the side of the building.

  Grace stepped closer to the pram, intent on staying with Christian this time. It hadn’t seemed right leaving him unattended earlier, even in his own yard.

  A few minutes later, one of the large doors slid open. A well-built man in a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows came out with Virginia.

  He smiled as he approached. Auburn hair peeked out from under his cap, and his eyes were a vivid shade of green, reminding Grace of Collin’s plants. “You must be Miss Foley. I’m Toby McDonald, the chauffeur.” Grace made out a distinct Scottish accent, much stronger than Collin’s.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Ah, an English lass. Interesting.” He glanced at Victoria. “I imagine your father was none too pleased.”

  “No. But he’ll come around,” she added hastily, glancing at Grace. “Once he gets to know you, he won’t even notice your accent. Any more than he notices Toby’s.”

  “Aye. Mr. Easton didn’t appear to care much for Scots, so I was surprised when he hired Collin and me. He had great fun making our lives miserable for the first few months we worked here.” Toby winked. “But now the man can’t do without either of us.”