The Best of Intentions

by Susan Anne Mason

  “Was your father upset?” Surely the man could see how meaningful the evening had become with the additional guests and speeches.

  “I don’t know. I’ll likely hear about it tomorrow though. He’s not the kind of person who appreciates surprises.”

  His hand splayed at her back as he guided her around another couple. The music flared, and when the dance floor grew crowded, he pulled her closer. Heat from his body sent flutters through her midsection. With the scent of his woodsy aftershave filling her senses, she had to fight the urge to lean into the solid wall of his chest and lay her head on his shoulder. Her face grew heated at the direction her thoughts had turned. It wouldn’t do to show how he affected her. Especially if Cecilia happened to be watching.

  She pulled back slightly and attempted to concentrate on their conversation, despite the intensity in his eyes that wreaked havoc with her senses.

  Andrew gazed into Grace’s upturned face, so near and so alluring that he imagined tasting those perfect lips. The subtle floral fragrance of her perfume scented the air around them, intoxicating him.

  “Andrew?”

  He dragged his attention back. “Sorry, my mind wandered.”

  “I asked if you think your father’s reaction to your speech was genuine?”

  Andrew relived the moment where his father had praised him and actually given him the first show of affection since Andrew’s graduation from university. His chest tightened. “I believe it was. At least I hope so, since it might indicate that his view of my brother is softening.”

  “That would be wonderful. Your mother was also greatly affected by your tribute.” Her eyes shone with moisture.

  Once again, Andrew marveled at Grace’s deep capacity for compassion. Despite Mother’s aloofness toward her when she first arrived, Grace had treated her with the utmost respect.

  “I hope it wasn’t too painful for you, remembering your brother,” he said softly.

  “Just the opposite. It made me feel closer to Owen. He would have been very proud to see his fellow soldiers being honored in such a way. In fact, I might suggest doing something similar at home. Maybe not in a grand ballroom like this, but our community hall would do nicely.”

  “You’re not planning on leaving us, are you?” Though he kept his tone light, his heart constricted at the thought of her returning to England.

  “Not as long as Christian needs me. I intend to honor my commitment to you.”

  The shimmering glow of her eyes held him captive. My commitment to you. The idea of her committing to him in a more personal manner warmed him to his core. What would it be like to have the love and respect of such a wonderful woman?

  Andrew had noticed a slight softening in his father’s attitude toward Grace recently, even asking her several questions about her life in England at dinner one night. Could he eventually accept someone from a different social class into the family? Someone as thoughtful and kind as Grace?

  The music ended and everyone stopped to applaud the orchestra’s performance. Andrew, though, could not make his arms release Grace to follow suit. They stayed locked together, staring at each other for several heart-stopping seconds until someone cleared their throat behind him.

  Virginia moved into his line of vision. “Cecilia is headed this way,” she whispered, “and judging by the scowl on her face, you’re in for it.”

  He suppressed a groan. Grace didn’t need to witness the scene that would likely follow. He bowed to her. “Thank you for the dance, Grace.”

  “It was my pleasure.” She gave him a sad smile. “Time for Cinderella to return to the castle.”

  With that odd comment, she slipped away through the crowd, leaving him to face Cecilia’s displeasure on his own.

  CHAPTER 17

  The next evening at dinner, Andrew waited for his father to comment on the changes he’d made to the gala. It was the first chance he’d had to speak with him all day. The morning had been taken up with church, followed by brunch with the Carmichaels, and his father’s usual Sunday nap before dinner.

  Once the main course had been served, Father looked down the table at Andrew. “From all accounts, last night’s event has been deemed an overwhelming success. And a large part of the credit must go to you, Andrew. Inviting those extra soldiers was a brilliant tactic. After hearing their stories, most of the guests lined up to donate money and to buy Victory bonds as well.”

  Andrew released a breath. “So you don’t begrudge the cost of their tickets?”

  “If you’d asked me in advance, I probably would have vetoed the idea. But once again you’ve proven that we can’t focus solely on money. That sincerity and goodwill count for a lot.”

  Andrew glanced over at Grace. Words were not necessary to convey her feelings. He could tell by the admiration in her eyes. “I owe a great debt to Grace. It was her idea to include more veterans. All I did was implement it.”

  Mother set down her fork. “Grace, why didn’t you say anything? You’re far too modest for your own good.”

  “I’m only glad my ideas helped make the night more special for everyone involved.” Grace smiled, then continued to cut her beef.

  Perhaps Andrew shouldn’t have mentioned her part in the plan, but to take credit for the success of the evening without acknowledging her input would be wrong.

  For once, Father studied Grace without animosity. “Well, Miss Foley,” he said. “That was a fine idea. Thank you for suggesting it.”

  “You’re welcome. But it was really Andrew who made it such a success.” She gave him a quick smile that did strange things to his pulse.

  “With all the fuss over the gala,” Virginia said, breaking the ensuing silence, “it seems we’ve overlooked the upcoming holiday. Are we going to Hanlan Point for Dominion Day this year?” She looked expectantly at her parents.

  Andrew held back a sigh. Could she not have waited until dinner was over before broaching a topic that would surely incite more controversy? Their family had gone across to the Hanlan Point amusement park every year on the first of July since he, Ginny, and Frank were young. But after Frank’s estrangement from the family, his parents had made excuses not to go back.

  “Perhaps, if the weather cooperates.” Her father picked up his water glass.

  “I can’t wait to bring Christian,” Virginia said. “He will adore the children’s zoo and the carousel.”

  Andrew chuckled at his sister’s eagerness. “He might be too young for any of that, Gin.”

  “Pishposh. It’s never too early to introduce children to animals and amusement rides.”

  “The place isn’t the same since the hotel burned down.” Mr. Easton shook his head.

  Not one for amusement rides, Father used to spend a large portion of the day in the lounge at the Hanlan Point Hotel. But the building had been destroyed by fire several years ago and had not been rebuilt, although the roller coaster and the baseball stadium had.

  “We still have the games and the rides,” Virginia argued. “I’d love to take Christian on the miniature train. I can just see him clapping his little hands as we go.”

  “May I ask what Dominion Day is?” An adorable frown puckered Grace’s brow.

  Andrew smiled. “Sorry. Of course you wouldn’t know. It’s our national holiday, commemorating the formation of Canada as a dominion of Great Britain. It’s celebrated on the first of July each year. Most people have outdoor parties or picnics, and there are usually fireworks once it gets dark.” Surprisingly, Andrew found himself growing enthused at the prospect of a day of fun. No work, no budgets, and no Paul Edison to rattle him. He hadn’t been to the island for several years and found he missed the excursion.

  “You must come with us,” Virginia said to Grace. “We always stay until the last ferry. It’s wonderful.”

  “Ferry?” Grace’s eyes grew wider. “How far away is it?”

  “Only a twenty-minute boat ride. Part of the whole experience.”

  “I hardly think it appro
priate to include the staff on a family outing.” Father sent Virginia a stern look. “Christian will have plenty of people along to watch him. And I’m sure Miss Foley would enjoy a day to herself.”

  Grace glanced over at him. “Yes, sir. A day off would be lovely.” She sounded sincere, yet Andrew sensed her underlying disappointment.

  Virginia’s gray eyes sparked with anger, but thankfully she remained silent. There was no use arguing with their father when he was in this mood. Better to bide their time and figure out another way for Grace to go.

  After seeing her disappointment, Andrew was now determined that she would, in fact, join them. Grace would love the park and the fireworks. Andrew stole a look at her as she picked at her food. Who was he kidding? He wanted Grace there because it would be more enjoyable for him. She’d made the gala last night so much better, simply by knowing she was in the audience. As for the dance they’d shared, he couldn’t remember enjoying a waltz more.

  “You should invite Cecilia along,” Father said. “I’m sure she’d love to join you.”

  “Perhaps Basil will go as well,” Virginia added. “I’ll ask him later.”

  The gravy curdled in Andrew’s stomach. He could only imagine how Cecilia would react. She’d be concerned about the wind messing her hair or the sun being too strong, and he doubted she would venture on any of the rides. She certainly wouldn’t care to spend time with Christian. She’d made that abundantly clear.

  Maybe, if he were fortunate, she would decline his offer to go with them.

  The morning of July first dawned sunny and warm, a perfect day for the Eastons’ outing to the park. Grace sighed as she looked out her window to the gardens below. The idea of amusement rides, games, and a picnic sounded heavenly. She would have loved seeing it all through Christian’s eyes.

  Resolutely, she pushed aside her disappointment. After all, what did she expect? She was an employee, not a member of the family—at least not one the Eastons were aware of.

  A wave of remorse swamped her as she turned from the window. Lately she’d been feeling more and more guilty about hiding her true identity from Andrew. After everything they’d shared, she’d come to know him as a fine, upstanding person, and the fact that she was deceiving him tore her up inside. But how could she ever admit the truth now? Andrew would hate her. He’d fire her immediately, and she would lose all contact with Christian.

  No, she couldn’t risk it. Not yet.

  Maybe it was a good thing she wasn’t going to Hanlan Point after all.

  Mrs. Hopkins had invited Grace to join the other servants for a picnic at a nearby park. She’d gratefully accepted, not wishing to spend such a beautiful summer day indoors. Still, she would be thinking of Christian . . . and Andrew . . . every minute.

  Grace entered the nursery, intent on getting the baby ready for his outing. She’d have to pack all the necessities he’d need for the entire day. Extra nappies and blankets, several bottles, a change of clothes, his little woolen jumper—or sweater as they called it—in case it got cooler in the evening.

  He was still asleep, so she went about collecting the items, humming under her breath.

  The door opened a few minutes later, and Virginia entered, attired in a simple white day dress and button-up boots. With her raven hair fashioned in loose ringlets that flowed over her shoulders, she looked positively stunning.

  “Good morning, Grace.” Two dimples appeared in her cheeks.

  Grace smiled at the girl’s perpetual cheeriness. “Good morning. All set for your outing?”

  “I am.” Virginia peered into the crib. “But there’s been a slight change in plans.” She winked over her shoulder at Grace.

  Immediate suspicion rose in Grace’s mind. “What are you up to, Virginia Easton?”

  “Not a thing. It’s Father. An emergency has come up at work, and he’s already left for the office.”

  Grace closed the dresser drawer. “Will your mother go without him?” She would hate for Mrs. Easton to miss the outing because her husband couldn’t attend.

  “Oh, yes. Father made sure Andrew and I would take her. It’s the only reason he didn’t insist Andrew join him at the hotel. He knows Mother would enjoy the time with Christian.”

  “Are Basil and Cecilia going?” Grace bent to retrieve Christian’s favorite stuffed bunny, keeping her face averted lest Virginia read anything into the question.

  “Basil said he’d meet us later. Some business obligation he needs to take care of first. And I believe Cecilia has declined Andrew’s invitation. Probably too rustic for her tastes.” Virginia giggled.

  A ridiculous wave of relief washed through Grace. Yet she couldn’t help but wonder about Virginia’s cavalier attitude toward her fiancé. “Don’t you mind that Basil always puts his work ahead of you, even on a holiday?”

  A shadow crossed Virginia’s pretty face.

  Grace instantly regretted the bold question. “Forgive me. It’s none of my business.”

  Virginia crossed to her side and squeezed her arm. “There’s nothing to forgive. You’re my friend, and you care about my welfare.”

  Her admission gave Grace the courage to speak up. “It’s just that you don’t seem very happy, like someone in love should be.”

  “Oh heavens. I’m not in love with Basil.” Virginia’s eyes lit with amusement.

  “Then why are you marrying him?”

  “Most people in our social circles don’t marry for love. They marry for a title, for social position, or to unite two wealthy families. And for many other reasons that have nothing to do with love.”

  “It sounds so cold. You deserve to be with someone you truly care for.” Grace couldn’t fathom marrying a man she didn’t love.

  “Thank you.” Virginia reached over and gave Grace a quick hug, then pulled back, her expression somber. “The truth is, my chance for happiness ended with that dreadful war.”

  Understanding dawned. “You lost someone you cared about?”

  Virginia nodded. “Emmett and I were supposed to be married as soon as he returned from the war. But that never happened.”

  “I’m so sorry. If I’d known, I never would have brought it up.”

  “It’s fine. I’ve had my time to grieve, and now I’m being practical. Marrying Basil will give me the stability of a good home, and God willing, lots of children to dote upon. Besides which, it will make my father very happy. The fact that I’m not crazy in love works to both our advantage, since I don’t begrudge coming second to Basil’s career.”

  It seemed such a sad way to live. “What about Collin Lafferty?” The question slipped out before the thought had fully formed.

  The color drained from the other girl’s face. “What do you mean?”

  Grace hesitated. Had she mistaken the interest between them or was it only one-sided? “It’s just that you two seem to share . . . a special bond.”

  Virginia frowned. “Collin is our gardener, Grace. Do you really think anything could come of a relationship with a mere employee? Father would never allow it.”

  Grace’s stomach dropped. “I didn’t mean to—”

  “It’s time to get this young man ready for his big day.” Virginia turned to pick up the sleepy boy from the crib.

  Grace blinked. How did she always manage to say the wrong thing?

  “Grace?”

  “Yes?”

  “You’d better get ready yourself . . . since you’re coming with us.” Despite her annoyance of a moment ago, Virginia’s voice was light as she hugged Christian.

  “But your father—”

  “Daddy won’t be there, and what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. If he gets grumpy when he finds out, I’ll say it was my idea.” Virginia winked again.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. In fact, Mother insists on it.”

  “With a little persuasion from you, no doubt.” Grace chuckled, a sudden surge of anticipation lifting her spirits.

  “I may have suggeste
d you could be helpful to have along, and Andrew heartily agreed.” She laughed. “Let’s go have a wonderful time celebrating Christian’s first Dominion Day.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Andrew stood at the rail of the Bluebell Ferry as it crossed to Toronto Island, his hat clutched in his hand. The breeze was just powerful enough to whisk it from his head if he wasn’t careful. The feeling of freedom without it was exhilarating, the wanton locks flying about his forehead with complete abandon.

  He lifted his face and let the sun warm his cheeks. Before them, the blue sky stretched out toward the horizon, while gentle waves lapped at the hull. They couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

  Andrew peered over his shoulder to make sure Mother was comfortable on one of the benches. She appeared quite content with Virginia and Grace on one side of her and the pram between them.

  His gaze rested on Grace, so pretty in a blue dress with a tidy white collar. She too had forgone her usual straw hat and instead had tied her hair back with a colorful scarf. He still couldn’t believe Ginny had talked her into coming. And that Cecilia had declined his invitation, as he’d hoped she would. He should feel guilty about preferring Grace’s company to Celia’s, but he simply didn’t. Instead he planned to enjoy every minute of this fine day that was free from his father’s critical eye and Cecilia’s complaints.

  Grace came to join him at the rail. “This ferry ride is a far more enjoyable experience than crossing the ocean.” Her brown eyes sparkled. “The view is so pretty. Look at the way the sunlight dances over the water.”

  The wind whipped some loose strands of hair about her face.

  His fingers itched to smooth them back, but he stuffed his hands in his pockets before he gave in to temptation. “It is beautiful. I haven’t taken the time to enjoy a day like this in a very long time.”

  “What is your favorite thing to do at the park?” Her enthusiasm rolled off her in waves as big as the ones that crashed against the boat.

  “Not the roller coaster, that’s for certain.”