The Best of Intentions

by Susan Anne Mason

  “It appears so. He’s agreed to stay until Andrew’s wedding and do the flowers as promised. After that, he’ll be gone.”

  The air in the room closed in on her, suffocating and dense.

  Daddy drained the glass and set it on the side table. “I’m going to bed. I’d advise you to do the same. You’ll want to be well rested for tomorrow.” He trudged off, appearing suddenly older than his years.

  Virginia remained in the chair until the squeak of the stairs told her he’d gone up.

  Her heart felt trapped in her chest, as if the simple act of beating had become too burdensome a task.

  Collin was leaving. In a few weeks, he’d be on a ship bound for Scotland.

  And she’d be away on a trip with a man she didn’t love. A man who gave little regard to her wants or needs. A man who might never give her the children she craved.

  This was not how her life was supposed to be. Not one thing about it felt right.

  Nervous energy propelled her out of her chair.

  She had to do something to fix it before it was too late.

  The cool August night air bit at Virginia’s arms as she crossed the lawn toward the garage where Collin and Toby shared the upper apartment. What would they think of her knocking on their door at this hour? A wave of shame threatened to stall her feet, but she pushed on, her mission too important to worry about her reputation.

  As she passed the greenhouse, her heart lurched. She couldn’t imagine another man tending the plants Collin had nurtured from mere seeds. She remembered all the beautiful roses he’d created for her, the first inkling she’d had that he cared for her in a romantic way. Until their recent kiss, he’d never done anything forward, always the perfect gentleman. But his simple act of making sure she had her favorite flowers in her room each day had filled her with warmth and had made her take note of the humble gardener.

  She blinked at the low light coming from the rear of the greenhouse, realization dawning. Of course Collin would go there. If anything could soothe his mood, it would be his beloved plants.

  Changing direction, she strode to the greenhouse and slipped inside. She needed to see him, needed to convince him not to leave the country.

  For as long as he remained at Fairlawn, there existed hope.

  On silent feet, she made her way to the rear work area. She could already picture him, sleeves rolled up, hands in the dirt.

  He hadn’t turned on the overhead lights. Only the glow of a single lantern lit the interior. He stood with his back to her, working.

  She entered his sanctuary, inhaling the smell of earth and greenery, a scent she always associated with him.

  “Is it true?” she asked quietly. “Are you really going back to Scotland?”

  Collin jerked around, knocking over a clay pot and spilling dirt onto the table. He scowled, his brow wreathed in furrows. “You shouldn’t be here, Virginia. Go back to the house.”

  “Not until you take back your resignation.”

  He crossed his arms, nostrils flaring. “That’s not going to happen.”

  She moved closer. “You can’t leave, Collin,” she whispered. “You can’t.”

  “You know why I have to go.” His eyes bore into hers.

  “But I’ll be gone. You can continue doing what you love without me here to bother you.”

  A harsh laugh escaped. “And what about the times you come home with your husband? Or bring your children to play in the yard? How am I supposed to feel then?”

  Virginia winced. “I didn’t think of that.”

  “No, I guess you didn’t.” He turned back to scoop up the spilled dirt. “You’re doing what you have to, and so am I. Though even with an ocean between us, I’m certain the pain will be every bit as great.” His fingers stilled. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to watch you with another man? I can’t keep torturing myself this way.”

  A shaft of agony sliced through her. She hadn’t considered his pain, only thinking of her own. Now, the magnitude of his suffering created a wall around him, one she would never be able to breach. Tears blurred her vision, spilling down her face unchecked.

  This really was good-bye. He was walking out of her life forever.

  He flicked a glance at her, and the pain in his eyes mirrored her own.

  “There’s nothing I can do to change your mind?” she whispered.

  “You know what would make me stay, but I doubt you have the courage to do it.”

  His bold stare challenged her, dared her to prove him wrong.

  Her gaze dropped to the ground, hope leaking out of her like air out of a punctured tire. He was right. Deep down, she was a coward, too afraid to risk her father’s wrath to claim Collin’s heart. Too afraid to be cut off from the family she loved, as Frank had been.

  “I’m sorry,” she choked out. “I wish things could be different.” She brushed the tears from her face and forced herself to meet the agony in his hazel eyes. “Good-bye, Collin. I pray that one day you’ll find happiness.”

  Because at least one of us should be happy.

  She took in his beloved face one last time, then turned and walked away.

  CHAPTER 31

  July 16, 1918

  Dear Grace,

  I’m back living with Mrs. Chamberlain again. I couldn’t manage to keep up with the rent and had to let our flat go. So many happy memories there. But I pray Frank will be home soon, and we can start making new memories together.

  “Thank you, Serena. I appreciate you doing this.” Standing beside the crib, Grace smiled at the young woman.

  “No trouble at all, miss. I enjoy looking after this wee one. You go and give Miss Virginia a great send-off on her trip.”

  “I will.” Grace tried to muster more enthusiasm for her friend’s grand adventure. However, Virginia had been her main ally in the house—a buffer from Andrew’s still-palpable animosity. Grace would miss Virginia terribly, and in fact, she didn’t know if she would even be here when she returned. Now as she headed down the hall, she hoped to catch her friend for a few private moments before they had to leave for the train station.

  Though it was still early, Grace suspected Virginia would be up and about, too excited to remain in bed. Grace’s steps slowed as she passed Andrew’s bedroom. Regret clawed at her throat. Before he’d discovered her secret, this day would have been filled with delight at sharing a few stolen moments with him. But now, with Andrew barely speaking to her, the little send-off party was sure to be awkward. For Virginia’s sake, Grace would have to make the best of the situation.

  She continued on and knocked on Virginia’s door. No response. Surely she wouldn’t still be asleep on such an important day.

  “Virginia. It’s Grace. Do you need any help with your bags?”

  When no answer came the second time, Grace cracked open the door and peered inside. The room was empty, Virginia’s bed neatly made. A closed steamer trunk sat against the far wall. Grace had anticipated a last-minute flurry of excitement with final items to be packed. Never had she expected this unearthly quiet.

  Grace walked into the room. The beautiful pink dress Virginia had worn to the engagement party last night was strewn over a chair in the corner. One shoe peeked out from under the bed. A tremble of alarm surfaced. Something about this scene didn’t seem right.

  Grace crossed to the vanity where her gaze fell on an envelope propped against the mirror. Andrew’s name was written in Virginia’s lovely script. Then she noticed a small velvet box, one that might contain an engagement ring. A chill of foreboding swept through her. With trembling fingers, she lifted the lid of the box. Virginia’s stunning diamond ring sat within the velvet interior. She snapped the lid shut. Underneath it, another envelope was visible, this one addressed to Basil. Grace sank onto the stool by the vanity, her legs shaking. There could only be one explanation for this.

  “Oh, Virginia. What have you done?” Grace pressed a hand to her mouth, her mind spinning. Speculation was pointless.

/>   She’d bring the letter to Andrew. He would know what to do.

  Andrew fiddled with his tie and grimaced at his reflection in the mirror. For some reason, the knot seemed extra tight today, jabbing at his Adam’s apple. Or perhaps it was the idea of Ginny traveling halfway around the world—away from her family and those who loved her—that was strangling him. She’d miss Andrew’s wedding, something he regretted deeply. He hadn’t fully realized the stabilizing effect her presence had on him and what a blessing she would be to have around on that day.

  Someone rapped sharply on his door.

  “Just a minute.” Probably Father making sure he was coming with them.

  When he opened the door, his mouth fell open at the sight of Grace standing in the hall. Despite the strain in their relationship, his pulse took off like a sprinter at the start of a race.

  He blinked as the anxiety on her face registered. “Grace? Is everything all right?”

  “I don’t know.” Her brown eyes filled with misery. “I just went to check on Virginia and she wasn’t there. I found this.” She thrust an envelope at him.

  He frowned, a thread of alarm buzzing through him.

  “She left her engagement ring and another envelope for Basil as well.” Grace twisted her hands together. “Oh, Andrew. I think she may have run away.” Her slim frame shuddered.

  “Come and sit down.” He guided her to the chair just inside the door.

  Then he ripped open the envelope, pulled out the notepaper, and scanned the rows of Ginny’s precise handwriting. The more he read, the farther his stomach sank.

  Dear Drew,

  I am so sorry to burden you with this; however, you are the only one I trust to handle the situation.

  Right now, my heart is being torn in two. I simply cannot go away on an extended voyage with a man I do not love, and whom I fear does not and will not ever love me. Not the way I wish my husband to love me. And so I am breaking off my engagement to Basil.

  The truth is, Drew, I’m in love with Collin. I tried to say good-bye to him last night, but afterward I couldn’t sleep, filled with anguish knowing I would never see him again. So after I finish this note, I’m going to go to him, and if he’s willing, I will marry him. If he’s not, then I’ll go away for a while until things calm down.

  Please don’t hate me for this. I know how much Frank’s betrayal cost you, and I feel terrible for putting you in a similar position. I only pray Father has learned from the past and will be able to understand my actions. Tell Mother I love her.

  Your affectionate sister,

  Ginny

  P.S. If you could have the chauffeur deliver the other letter to Basil, I will be in your debt.

  “I don’t believe it.” He raised his head to stare at Grace. “She says she’s in love with the gardener.”

  Grace released a breath and nodded.

  “You don’t seem surprised. Did you know about her feelings for him?”

  “Yes.” She twisted her fingers together. “When I first suspected, I tried to talk to her about it, but she said that her father would never let her marry an employee.”

  “She’s right. He wouldn’t.” Wasn’t that exactly why he could never be with Grace?

  Andrew ran a hand over his beard and paced the floor, the full horror of the situation slowly sinking in. It was Frank all over again. His shoulders ached as though two rocks had dropped onto them. “How am I ever going to tell my parents?”

  He wasn’t sure he’d said that out loud, until he felt the touch of Grace’s hand on his arm.

  “I’m so sorry, Andrew. I wish—”

  “It’s not your fault.” If anyone was to blame, it was his father, who refused to allow his children to live their own lives. A sudden thought struck. “Maybe we can stop her before it’s too late.”

  “How? We don’t know where she’s gone.”

  “I have an idea where they might be.” He pulled out his watch. “By the time we arrive, the courthouse may be open.”

  “Courthouse?”

  “Where else would you go to get married in a hurry?” His certainty grew. “If I know Ginny, she’d want the deed done so Father couldn’t foil her plan.”

  “Shouldn’t you check Collin’s quarters first? In case he turned her down?”

  Andrew grunted as he shoved the letter into his pocket. “Highly unlikely, but you’re right.” He led Grace into the hall. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. If I’m right, I’m going to head over to the courthouse.” He paused as a troubling thought occurred. He doubted he’d be able to sway Ginny, but Grace seemed to have a way with her. “Virginia might listen to you. Will you come with me and try to make her see reason?”

  Indecision splashed over her features, but then she nodded. “If you think it will help.”

  “Thank you.” He hated having to rely on Grace. Hated that his traitorous heart still beat harder in her presence.

  But he would do whatever it took to keep his family intact. To keep his sister from inflicting further damage. They’d only just started to heal after losing Frank, and Andrew wouldn’t let anything tear them apart again.

  After searching Lafferty’s quarters, Andrew headed back to the house, his mood growing more sour by the minute. Most of the gardener’s clothes, as well as his immigration papers and his billfold, were missing, leading Andrew to believe that Lafferty had indeed left with Ginny.

  Andrew entered the dining room. His father was seated at the table, reading the morning paper while he sipped his coffee. Andrew’s gut twisted, hating that he was about to impart news that would ruin his father’s life—again.

  Father laid his paper down and smiled. “Good morning, Andrew. Are you still coming to see your sister off?”

  Andrew moved forward to grip the back of a chair. “I’m afraid there’s been a change in plans,” he said quietly.

  The smile turned to a frown. “What are you talking about?”

  “Virginia is gone. She left this note.”

  Father snatched the paper from Andrew and scanned the page. His face became ashen, and he appeared to age ten years before Andrew’s eyes.

  The letter drifted to the table. “How could she do this to us? After everything we went through with Frank.”

  Andrew’s chest tightened at the agony on his father’s face. He didn’t even dare imagine his mother’s reaction. “There’s a chance they went to the courthouse,” he said. “I’m heading there now to try and stop her. Do you have any contacts you think might help?”

  His father’s eyes brightened. “I’ll call Judge Ashford. Maybe he can stop this farce of a wedding before it begins.”

  “Good idea. I’ll let you know as soon as I find her.”

  CHAPTER 32

  October 19, 1918

  Telegram from Mrs. Harriet Chamberlain, Toronto, Canada to Mrs. Helen Abernathy, Sussex, England. Rose’s husband killed in battle. STOP. Rose overcome. STOP. In hospital.

  The Toronto courthouse stood tall against the bright morning sky. The clock on the high stone tower chimed nine o’clock. With Andrew whisking her up the cement steps, Grace had little time to appreciate the dulcet tone of the bells, nor the majesty of the building’s architecture.

  She darted a glance at Andrew’s tense features as they walked, wishing she could say something to comfort him, but knowing he wouldn’t welcome her overtures. He’d told her that Mr. Easton was going to telephone his friend, a Toronto judge, to see if he could somehow stop Virginia from marrying Collin. Between the judge and Andrew, perhaps they might succeed.

  When they reached the office they’d been directed to, Andrew paused. The clerk’s hours were printed in gold letters on the frosted-glass window. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday.

  The office had already been open for half an hour. Would that have been enough time for the couple to get a license?

  Grace didn’t know what to feel or what to hope for. Part of her cheered for her friend’s bravery i
n marrying the man she loved. Yet, knowing the ramifications her actions would cause for Andrew and his family, Grace half hoped they’d be in time to stop her.

  With a grim set to his mouth, Andrew opened the door and crossed to the long counter where a woman stood, sorting papers.

  She peered over her glasses. “Can I help you, sir?” Then she noticed Grace and her eyebrows rose. “Don’t tell me you want a marriage license too? That will be my second this morning.”

  Grace inhaled sharply and gripped the handle of her purse.

  “I don’t need a license,” Andrew said. “But I’m looking for a young woman who might have come here this morning to obtain one. Virginia Easton is her name.”

  The woman blinked and removed her glasses. “Yes, she and her fiancé were here waiting for the office to open.”

  “Was the man’s name Lafferty?”

  “Yes.” She frowned. “Is there a problem?”

  “Did you grant them a license?”

  “I did indeed.” The woman turned to glance at the clock on the wall, and her features brightened. “If you hurry, you might catch the ceremony. They’re in Courtroom A.”

  “Next! Virginia Easton and Collin Lafferty.”

  Virginia’s knees shook as she and Collin took their place in front of the magistrate. Collin handed the man the freshly inked marriage license, which he looked over and set aside.

  She could hardly believe this was really happening. After she’d left the greenhouse, she’d spent a sleepless night pacing her room and praying, and had finally come to the conclusion that she couldn’t imagine her life without Collin. She’d packed her things, written letters for Drew and Basil, and under the cover of predawn darkness, had gone to see Collin. He hadn’t been thrilled to find her at his door, nor had he initially been receptive to the idea of an elopement. But in the end, she’d stood her ground.

  “Either way, I’m leaving, Collin. You can come with me, or I’ll go on my own.”

  “Don’t be daft, Virginia. Where would you go?”