“That’s enough,” he snapped. “Grace isn’t going anywhere. We’ll handle this tomorrow.” He took Cecilia firmly by the elbow and guided her toward the door.
She shot another glare over her shoulder at Grace. “Don’t think you’ve heard the last of this.”
Grace pressed her lips together. The anguish in her eyes nearly undid him, but there was nothing he could do at the moment. If he told everyone about meeting Grace in the garden, their time together would be misconstrued, and her future would be destroyed.
He needed more time to come up with a solution that would satisfy everyone involved.
With a silent look of apology, Andrew closed the door and followed Cecilia down the hall.
Andrew’s mind whirled, reaching hard for logic to override his heightened emotions. He required a clear head to diffuse the situation. If he went down those stairs to face both their parents, he had no doubt Grace would become a sacrificial lamb in Cecilia’s drama. They might even have Grace arrested. He couldn’t take the chance of that happening. He had to get to the bottom of this before he let Cecilia wreak havoc below.
Gripping her arm, he propelled her past the staircase to an alcove at the far end of the hallway, where there would be no chance of being overheard.
“What are you doing?” She pulled her arm free. “My parents are waiting for me.”
He kept his eyes trained on her. “I need to clear up a few things first.”
“What things?” A trace of unease passed over her features.
He paused to collect himself, forcing a calm he didn’t feel in order to pry the truth from her. “There are several holes in your story, Celia. For one, I saw you minutes before I went outside to get some air, and you were still wearing the necklace.”
She crossed her arms. “So?”
Andrew took a gamble and prayed it would pay off. “While I was out by the fountain, Grace happened to come along. We chatted for a while. Quite a while, in fact.” He paused to let the implication of his comment sink in.
Celia’s expression grew thunderous. “How convenient! You were probably planning a rendezvous when I saw you both in the hallway.”
Andrew fought to keep his temper under control and not think about the amazing kiss by the gazebo. “A pure coincidence, I assure you. But the point is, Grace couldn’t have taken the necklace and hidden it in her room, because she was in the garden with me. Besides, how would she have gotten it off your neck in the first place without you knowing?” He pulled himself up to his full height and gave her a stern look. “You put it there, Celia. Admit it.”
She pressed her lips together and looked away. Her silence was all the proof he needed.
“How could you do something so cruel to a woman who’s never done anything to you?”
Her eyes flew to his, anger glittering in their depths. “Can you not guess? Or are you so besotted with her you can’t see straight?”
Her harsh words stung, but he forced himself not to flinch. “I am not besotted.”
“Oh really?” She paced the alcove like a caged animal. “Do you imagine I don’t see how you follow her every move, how your ear is attuned to her every word while I sit unnoticed beside you? How do you think that makes me feel?”
Guilt sliced neatly through his chest. Had he been that obvious? A landslide of images flew to mind. Dancing with Grace at the gala, enjoying her company at Hanlan’s Point, and most damaging of all, kissing her tonight under the stars. He’d never felt so alive, so uplifted as when he spent time with her. “So, out of jealousy, you planned to have Grace fired to remove her from my life?”
Her bottom lip trembled. “I had to do something. I could feel you slipping away from me more and more each day. And then seeing you together in the hall with that baby, looking like a real family, something just snapped.” A tear slid down her cheek, and she brushed it away. “I won’t lose you the way I lost Frank. Do you have any idea what his rejection cost me? I could never endure such humiliation again.” All her bravado fell away, leaving only raw emotion.
Compassion mixed with guilt as Andrew handed her his handkerchief. Despite everything, she did have legitimate cause for her insecurity. Was he such a cad that he could ignore her pain?
And for what? One perfect kiss in the moonlight with a woman he could never have?
He rubbed his temples where a headache grew in intensity. “I’m sorry, Celia. Sorry I’ve been so . . . distracted lately. You’re right. I haven’t been fair to you.”
She blew her nose and sighed. “I’m sorry too. For lying about the necklace.”
A recollection flashed through his mind of Celia as a young girl, chasing him, Frank, and Ginny around the back lawn, her blond braids flying out behind her. They’d been so young and carefree back then. How had things gotten so complicated?
“What do you intend to do now?” she asked quietly.
Andrew released a weary breath. Maybe if he tried harder to involve Celia in his life, to include her on outings with Christian, she would form a deeper attachment to them both. And in turn, maybe his feelings would strengthen. “If you drop your accusation against Grace,” he said. “I promise to make more of an effort in our relationship.”
It was the least he could do to ensure Grace’s reputation remained untarnished. Especially since this whole situation was his fault. If he had to sacrifice himself to do so, then so be it. He should be used to it by now.
Cecilia sniffed. “You’re not just saying that to guarantee my silence?”
Faced with the naked vulnerability in her blue eyes, Andrew couldn’t bear to hurt her again. “I give you my word.”
A smile fluttered on her lips. “Then I will try harder with Christian as well.”
“Thank you. That would mean a great deal to me.”
The pressure eased in his chest. He’d saved Grace for now and hopefully taken steps to solidify his connection with Celia. Maybe he could make this work after all.
He led her out of the alcove toward the stairs, his resolve firming. He’d known all along that his attraction to Grace was inappropriate. Pursuing it would be wrong and would only result in the ruin of many lives, Grace’s included.
It was time to be a man and accept the truth. Cecilia was his future.
After a sleepless night spent alternately pacing the floor of her room and reading her Bible, Grace dressed for the day ahead with wooden movements. She’d stayed up for hours in the hope that Andrew would come back to tell her that he believed her and that he’d put Cecilia in her place. But he never returned, leaving Grace’s imagination to run wild with what might have happened.
Now with the household beginning to stir, Grace feared that at any moment Mr. Easton would call her down and fire her. Or worse, turn her over to the police. Because unless Andrew had succeeded in getting Cecilia to change her mind about accusing her of theft, this would be Grace’s last day in the Eastons’ employ. The last day caring for Christian. Her heart hitched at the thought. How would she ever say good-bye to that precious boy?
On a deep inhale, Grace attempted to shake off her worries, and entered the nursery to check on Christian. She was glad to find he was still asleep. His late-night appearance at his grandmother’s party had likely tired him out. She would go down to the kitchen and get his morning bottle prepared because when he awakened, he would be hungry.
She stepped into the hallway and found Andrew waiting by the top of the stairs. Her heart leapt into her throat. How would he treat her today after everything that had transpired?
“Good morning, Grace. May I have a word with you downstairs, please?”
Her tongue tangled at his serious demeanor, and she could only nod. She forced her legs to carry her down the staircase.
“Let’s sit in the solarium,” he said when they reached the main floor.
She followed him into the spacious room filled with sunlight and plants, where only a few stray balloons bore evidence of the festivities that had taken place the previous n
ight.
Andrew gestured for her to take a seat on one of the wicker chairs.
She did so and waited while he paced to the windows overlooking the rear yard.
At last he turned, his expression haggard. “I owe you an apology. Two apologies, in fact.” He paused. “First, for taking liberties with you last night at the gazebo.” Color crept into his cheeks. “I had no right to kiss you. Not when I’m courting another woman. I hope you can forgive me for overstepping the bounds of our . . . friendship.”
Hurt stole her breath. Was that all he considered her to be?
She held his gaze. “Well, I don’t regret it. Not for a minute.”
He actually flinched, then moved to the other side of the room where he fingered the leaves of a potted fern. It seemed he couldn’t even bear to look at her.
A burn of indignation heated Grace from the inside out. It was glaringly obvious that their kiss, which had changed everything for her, meant nothing to him. She’d been foolish to believe anything else. She pressed her lips together to keep from saying anything rash. One reckless deed was enough.
“The second apology is for that stunt Cecilia tried to pull.” The sun shone through the windows, surrounding him in a wash of light.
Grace went still. “Does this mean you believe me? Because last night I wasn’t sure you did.”
He whirled around. “Of course I believe you. I know you’d never do anything like that.” He was saying all the right things, but his eyes remained shuttered. “Cecilia told her parents we found the necklace in the hallway and apologized to everyone for overreacting.”
Relief crashed through her with such intensity that for a moment she lost her breath. “So I won’t be going to jail?”
“No.” A hint of a smile touched his mouth.
She rose from her seat, too unsettled to remain still. “Why did she do it?” she asked.
Yet as the words left her mouth, she remembered the iciness of Cecilia’s words when she’d seen Grace with Andrew in the hallway. Had she suspected Andrew’s interest in her and followed them out to the garden? Grace’s stomach churned at the idea of being spied on in such a manner.
“She was making a point in her usual dramatic fashion.” His brow furrowed. “Ever since Christian became my ward, Cecilia has been angry. She resented the attention I gave him and the time I spent away from her.”
“Well, you have a nanny now. She should be happier.”
“Except that the nanny also seems to claim a great deal of my attention.” He gave her an intense look.
Heat scorched her cheeks as emotions seesawed through her. “If I’ve done anything to make you think—”
“No, Grace. You haven’t.” He moved in front of her. “You’ve done nothing except be the wonderful person you are. How could I not want to spend time with you?” The huskiness of his voice drew her gaze to his face, where his eyes flashed with an undefinable emotion. “The fault was all mine for forgetting my place. Forgetting my commitments. I’m truly sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.”
Grace’s lungs felt like they were collapsing. “What are you saying?”
“I haven’t been fair to you—or to Cecilia.” His gaze slid away as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “I’m going to do my best to make it up to her.”
“I see.” Coldness settled in the pit of Grace’s stomach. Despite what Cecilia had tried to do, he was remaining loyal to her. Grace had been foolish to ever imagine she held any sway over him. That his kiss meant he’d choose her. She couldn’t look at him, afraid he’d see too much. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to Christian.” She turned to leave before her emotions got the best of her.
He reached for her hand. “Forgive me, Grace. I never meant to hurt you.”
She went still, anguish tightening her chest. With enormous effort, she tugged her fingers free. “You’ve made your position very clear. From now on, I’ll remember my place.”
CHAPTER 24
November 30, 1917
It’s a miracle, Grace! Frank has been granted permission to come home. His commander has allowed him a special leave to visit his family due to his mother’s poor health. He will be home in time for Christmas and will stay until spring. By then, I pray the war is over and he’ll never have to leave me again.
Grace peered out the window of the automobile. “This is it. Number 233.”
Toby guided the automobile to a stop in front of Mrs. Chamberlain’s boardinghouse.
Hours after her conversation with Andrew, Grace had been unable to shake the depression that suffused her soul and, yearning for the comforting presence of her dear friend, had requested Toby’s services to take her there for a visit.
After he set the brake, Toby came around to open Grace’s door and reached in to give her a hand. With Christian on one shoulder and a bag on the other, she appreciated the assistance.
“Thank you.” She struggled to regain her composure. The intense way Toby had been watching her on the way over had unnerved her more than a little.
“I’ll be back in two hours, if that’s enough time for you.” His green eyes were solemn beneath his chauffeur’s cap.
“That would be fine. Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Miss Foley.” He gave a low bow, then rushed to open the small iron gate.
She passed him with a nod of thanks.
Before she reached the steps, the front door flew open and Mrs. Chamberlain rushed out, her dress blowing around her legs.
“I’ve been watching for you ever since you called to say you were coming.” She wrapped her arms around Grace and the baby. “How I’ve missed you, Grace dear.”
“I’ve missed you too.” The woman’s warm embrace felt like coming home. A soothing balm to her bruised soul.
“Let me look at this darlin’ boy. My goodness, how he’s grown since I saw him last.” Mrs. C.’s voice quivered. “When I think of how thin he was when the Eastons took him, I can scarcely believe it’s the same child. Rose would be so proud.”
The tension in Grace’s shoulders eased. It was a relief to be able to talk freely about Rose and not to have to pretend she wasn’t related to Christian.
“Come in and tell me all about that fancy house you’ve been staying in. The tea’s already brewed, and I have warm muffins right from the oven.”
Five minutes later, Grace sat at the kitchen table as though she’d never left, sipping tea from Mrs. C.’s china cups, with Christian content on her landlady’s lap.
“Things must be going well if this boy is any indication.” Mrs. C. nuzzled Christian’s head while deftly making sure he didn’t grab anything off the tabletop.
Grace set down her cup. “I’ll admit the Eastons have turned out to be a surprise. Except for Mr. Easton. He’s as terrifying as Rose described.” She laughed. “But Mrs. Easton and Virginia have both been very kind. And Andrew . . .” She paused, hoping she could speak about him without breaking down. “Family is extremely important to him, which is why he’s taken on the responsibility of raising his brother’s son.”
Mrs. C. eyed her thoughtfully. “He seems to have made quite an impression.”
The dreaded heat climbed into Grace’s cheeks, but she remained silent. There wasn’t anything she could add that wouldn’t get her into trouble.
“Well, now that you know Christian has a family who loves him, what are your plans? Will you keep working for them?”
Grace’s hand stilled on her cup. “Of course. Christian has grown very attached to me. I could never abandon him now.” The mere thought of leaving the precious child made her throat grow tight. “I’ll continue as his nanny for as long as I can.”
For as long as my heart can bear it.
“I see.” Mrs. C. patted Christian’s back, the boy now half asleep on her shoulder. “What about your mother? Won’t she be expecting you home at some point?”
Grace startled, a flood of guilt rushing through her. She’d written to Mum a few times since she arr
ived, but had asked her not to send any mail to the Eastons, too afraid someone might intercept the letter and determine she was related to Rose. Other than that, she’d tried not to think about her mother much, finding the time away from her caustic tongue a welcome reprieve. “She’s probably upset. But I can’t go home yet.”
“Why not?”
Grace picked at her muffin. “Andrew is seeing a woman. Someone I don’t think will be a good mother to Christian. Until I know for certain what he plans to do, I can’t leave.”
Mrs. C. aimed a shrewd gaze at Grace. “Is it the baby you’re concerned about . . . or Andrew Easton?”
“Christian, of course.” Grace squirmed on her seat, heat blazing in her cheeks. Were her feelings for Andrew so transparent? “Andrew and I are just friends.” She lifted her chin.
Mrs. C. stood up to rock the baby in her arms. His thumb went into his mouth, a sure sign he would soon be asleep. “Speaking of friends, that nice Mr. Miller from the Newcomers group came by the other day with a telegram for one of the boarders. He asked about you. Seemed very disappointed to learn you weren’t living here any longer.”
“Oh dear.” Grace hated that she’d forgotten all about him. “I did say I’d drop by his office sometime. But my day off is Sunday and the telegraph office is closed then.”
Mrs. C. nodded. “Maybe the next time you come to church with us, you’ll see him there and can make plans to get together.”
Grace held back a groan and shook her head.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m afraid that would give Mr. Miller the wrong idea. That I’m interested in more than friendship.”
Mrs. C.’s eyes narrowed. “Grace Abernathy. I hope you’re not judging that poor fellow by his looks. He may not be the handsomest of men, but there’s no one finer. He’s a kind, hardworking Christian who would make any girl an excellent husband.”
“That’s just it, Mrs. C. I’m not looking for a husband. My only interest right now is Christian.” The falseness of that statement echoed in Grace’s ears, as her traitorous thoughts flew to the kiss she’d shared with Andrew under the stars. Ever conscious of her friend’s scrutiny, Grace pushed back her chair and busied herself with sweeping the crumbs from the tablecloth.
The Best of Intentions Page 20