Where would Grace have gone?
Andrew rubbed his stiff neck muscles to no avail. Because no matter what he did, he couldn’t erase the magnitude of his failures. Despite all his efforts, all his sacrifices, he’d failed his father on every level possible.
He’d failed to keep his family intact. Failed to keep Christian safe. Failed to guard his heart against a woman who could so easily betray him.
Why, God? Why has this happened?
The library door opened, and his father entered.
Andrew stifled a groan. He did not need a lecture right now, nor additional guilt for not going through with the wedding. Marrying Cecilia was the last thing on his mind. All he could think of was getting Christian back.
His father walked to the table in the corner and lifted the decanter of brandy. He poured a good amount into a crystal tumbler and swallowed it in one shot, banging the glass on the table when he finished. “This is one devil of a mess, Andrew.” He narrowed his eyes. “Of all my children, I never expected you to let me down this way.”
Andrew sighed, exhaustion and anxiety fraying the last edges of his nerves. “What would you have me do? Go ahead with the ceremony as if nothing was wrong? I couldn’t do that. Not with time being of the essence in finding Christian.”
“A lot of good that did. We still have no idea where that woman has taken him. I knew it was a mistake to hire her. What kind of unstable nanny kidnaps her charge?”
Andrew let out a breath. He’d kept Grace’s secret this long, but there was no point in hiding the truth any longer. “There is a reason Grace took Christian. A personal one.” He hesitated, wishing for some way to soften the blow. “Grace isn’t just his nanny. She’s his aunt. Rose’s sister.”
Father’s face went white. He closed his eyes briefly, the lines around his mouth deepening. “Is that how she got you to hire her? With a big sob story about her dead sister?”
Andrew flinched. “No. I didn’t know until a few weeks ago, when Christian took sick. At first I was furious, but she explained that she only wanted to get to know her nephew.”
His father scowled. “Why didn’t you fire her on the spot? None of this would be happening if you had.” He splashed some more brandy in the glass and drank it down. “She won’t get away with it. He’s my grandson, and I’ll hunt her down to the far corners of England if I have to.”
There was nothing Andrew could say to help matters, so he stayed quiet.
They sat in silence for several minutes until Father turned to him. “Tell me, Andrew. How do you intend to fix this situation with Cecilia?”
Andrew straightened on his chair. Had his father not heard Celia’s outburst at the church? He couldn’t expect him to marry her now.
“I’ll apologize to the Carmichaels,” he said. “But I won’t be marrying Cecilia. This whole situation with Christian has made things very clear. I’ve had my priorities all wrong. Being a good guardian to that boy has to be my main goal.”
Father studied him for a moment. “It’s made things clear to me as well, Andrew.” A fleeting expression of pain passed over his features before his jaw tightened. “I’ve decided to give Paul Edison the Ottawa position.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I need someone reliable at the helm, who will give all his attention and energy to the job. That man isn’t you.”
Andrew leaned over his knees, trying to catch his breath. Everything he’d worked so hard for was slipping away. He’d lost his bride, his nephew, and his promotion. Once again, his father had deemed him unworthy.
What had he done to warrant such utter failure?
Nothing but attempt to please everyone else in his life—everyone except himself—and perhaps God.
Maybe it was time to quit worrying about his father’s approval, which clearly he would never get, and figure out what God really wanted. Maybe this wasn’t His plan for him after all.
With icy calm, Andrew pushed to his feet. “If that’s the way you feel, Father, then I’ll save us both a lot of frustration and disappointment.” He stared at him. “I quit.”
His father’s eyes widened, his mouth pressed into a hard line.
Andrew stalked to the door.
“Where are you going?” His father’s voice barely registered.
“To keep looking for Christian. Beyond that, I have no idea.”
CHAPTER 38
February 23, 1919
Dear Grace,
Reverend Burke has found me another place to stay. One of his parishioners, an elderly widow, has offered me room and board in exchange for work around her house. She’s a dear soul who doesn’t mind Christian’s crying. Please pray for me, Grace. I don’t know how I’ll get through these darkest of days. If anything happens to me, promise you’ll raise Christian. And that you’ll never let the Eastons have him. I couldn’t stand for them to raise my precious child.
Grace held Christian tightly on her lap as Reverend Burke’s car swung up the lane toward the Fairlawn estate. The sight of the magnificent house brought up a rush of homesickness along with an attack of nerves. She had loved being part of this family, even for so short a time, making memories she would cherish for the rest of her life.
But what would await her now when she walked through those doors? If only Virginia were here to help her parents understand the panic that had fueled Grace’s impulsive actions. But no one knew where her friend was or if she’d ever be back.
Grace looked out the window at the sky, attempting to ascertain what time of day it was. Judging by the sun, it was likely late afternoon or early evening. Would Mr. and Mrs. Easton be back from the wedding or would the reception still be in full swing? No matter what, she needed to have an honest conversation with them before she left their house for good. If they weren’t home, she’d wait in the nursery until they returned.
At least she wouldn’t have Andrew to contend with since he would have already left on his wedding trip by now. Her spirits sank even lower.
Reverend Burke slowed to a stop near the front door and set the brake. “Maybe I should come in with you. As a mediator, in case things get heated.”
Grace shook her head. “Thank you, Reverend, but I must face the consequences of my actions alone.” The very real possibility loomed that if someone had noticed she’d taken the baby, she could be charged for her crime. She prayed that the Eastons would be magnanimous and show her mercy. “I’d ask you to wait, but I don’t know how long I’ll be.”
“I don’t mind waiting.” He reached over and squeezed her arm. “I’m proud of you, Grace, for having the courage to do the right thing.”
She blinked back the sting of tears. “I don’t feel very brave right now. I wouldn’t blame them if they never let me see Christian again.” A tear escaped and landed on the baby’s sleeve. “If that’s the case, I don’t know how I’m going to say good-bye.” She laid her cheek against his tiny head.
“God will give you the strength, child. And I’m sure the family will come around eventually and be grateful to you for returning their grandson.”
“I hope you’re right.” On a deep exhale, she opened the door and got out. With Christian in one arm and his bag in the other, she climbed the stairs to the front door and knocked.
A few seconds later, Mrs. Green appeared. Her mouth fell open. “Grace? Master Christian? Oh, my goodness. Come in.” She glanced nervously down the hall as Grace stepped into the entry.
The woman’s reaction made Grace’s heart sink. It was clear their absence had been noticed.
“Are Mr. and Mrs. Easton home?” she asked. “I’d like to speak to them, if I may.”
“They’re in the parlor. I’ll tell them you’re here.”
“Thank you.”
Grace set the bag on the floor and looked around the grand entrance, committing every detail to memory—from the burgundy flock wallpaper to the ornate silver candlesticks on the hall table. Hugging Christian tightly to her, she walked over to the gal
lery of paintings that graced the long corridor wall. As usual, Andrew’s portrait claimed her attention. The artist had done an excellent job of capturing his noble air, the aristocratic angle of his head, the twinkle in his deep blue eyes. Her pulse quickened, and despite the circumstances, she wished they could somehow get past all the animosity and resume their friendship. But he was married to Cecilia now, and he’d never forgive her for what she had tried to do.
“You may come in, Grace.” The housekeeper reappeared in the hall.
“Thank you.” Shifting Christian on her hip, Grace took a deep breath and walked into the room on shaky legs.
Mrs. Easton sat in her usual seat by the fireplace. As soon as she spotted Christian, tears brimmed over and streamed down her face. Mr. Easton rose slowly from his chair, his face ashen, staring at Grace with an anguished expression. As she suspected, Andrew was absent, which was for the best.
“You have some nerve, miss.” Mr. Easton came forward, and Grace feared he would snatch the baby from her arms.
Before he could, Grace crossed the room and placed Christian gently on Mrs. Easton’s lap. Then she loosened the strings of his bonnet and removed it, smoothing down a few stray hairs.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Easton whispered. “Thank you for bringing him back.”
Grace bit her lip to contain her own rising emotions. She had much to say and needed to remain in control. “I want to say how deeply sorry I am. I acted in haste, out of fear and misguided intentions, but it doesn’t excuse what I did.”
Mrs. Easton swiped at her cheeks, staring at her grandson with such love that a wave of pure remorse washed over Grace at the pain she’d inflicted.
“I do, however, have one request in entrusting Christian back to you.”
Mr. Easton came to stand beside his wife. “You are in no position to make demands of us. I have half a mind to call the constable right now and charge you with kidnapping.”
Grace choked back a protest. It would do no good to antagonize the man.
Mrs. Easton seemed to collect herself. “There’s no need for that, Oscar,” she said firmly. “All that matters is she brought him back. Now, Grace, what is this request?”
Grace hesitated. Insulting their new daughter-in-law would earn her no favor, yet she couldn’t remain silent. “I’m asking that you keep Cecilia from ruining Christian’s life.”
“Why would you say that?” Mr. Easton demanded.
Grace gripped her hands together. “Last night, she came to the nursery to tell me about her intentions for Christian. How she was going to send him off to boarding school in Europe as soon as he was old enough.”
Mr. Easton’s face darkened. “Andrew would never allow that.”
“That’s what I said. She only laughed and told me that she always gets her way.” Needing to move, Grace crossed to the mantel to stare at a group of family photos. Her focus stayed on the image of Andrew as a boy. “I couldn’t bear to think of Christian being raised without love, shoved away like an unwanted toy. Not when I could give him all the love he’d ever need.” She inhaled. The time had come for the truth. She owed them that much. Grace turned back to them. “There’s something else you should know. Christian is my nephew too.” She paused. “I’m Rose’s sister.”
A beat of silence followed. Neither of them looked surprised.
“Andrew told me earlier today.” Mr. Easton scowled. “I knew my instincts were right about you.”
“Hush, Oscar. I want to hear what she has to say.”
Grace nodded to Mrs. Easton, who suddenly didn’t seem quite as fragile. “After Frank died, Rose made me promise I would look after her son if anything happened to her. A promise I took seriously.” She moved closer, keeping a wing chair between them. “Rose had her faults, but she loved your son more than her own life. In fact, I believe it was grief over Frank that ultimately led to her death. She just didn’t have the will to go on without him.” Grace gripped the back of the chair. “I came here prepared to detest Rose’s in-laws, the people who had rejected her without giving her a chance. But instead I grew quite fond of you all.” She shot a glance at Mr. Easton, whose expression remained stony. “I discovered a group of people who, despite their differences, were committed to each other, loyal to a fault at times. I had no doubt Christian was well-cared for—until Cecilia became part of the picture. To be fair, I don’t believe Andrew had any idea what she intended. I think she only showed him the side she wanted him to see.”
“I’m confused, Miss Abernathy.” Mr. Easton came forward, his steely gaze pinning hers. “What does all this have to do with anything?”
Her stomach fluttered, still not immune to his intimidation tactics. “I’m trying to explain my state of mind when I came to work for you. I didn’t come here with the intention of taking Christian.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that you did take him, subjecting us all to incredible distress, even for a short period of time. You knew what that type of upset could do to my wife.”
Grace reached deep for her composure. “Again, I’m truly sorry. I thought I was doing what was best for Christian.”
Mrs. Easton rose with Christian in her arms. “It takes courage to admit your mistakes, Grace. I’m only grateful you came to your senses in time.” She smiled. Her eyes were clear, and she looked much stronger than she had in weeks.
Grace smiled back, then fixed her gaze on Christian, who squirmed in his grandmother’s arms. This could be the last few minutes she got to spend with her beloved nephew. She bit her lip, trying to gather the courage to say good-bye.
Footsteps sounded in the hallway.
Grace’s heart flew into her throat. She’d know that tread anywhere.
Seconds later, Andrew strode into the parlor, a frown creasing his brow. “Is that Reverend Burke sitting outside in his car?” His focus landed on Grace, and he slammed to an abrupt halt.
The color drained from his face, giving his eyes a hollow look.
“Hello, Andrew,” she said quietly.
“Grace.” His vivid blue gaze, filled with a swirling mixture of angst and anger, captured hers. Every nerve ending vibrated across her body.
Then he immediately crossed the room to his mother. “Christian,” he said in a strangled voice. He lifted the child from his mother’s arms and hugged him tightly against his chest, resting his cheek on Christian’s head. “Thank you, Lord.” Andrew’s eyes squeezed shut, the tick in his jaw giving evidence to the extremity of his emotions. When he opened his eyes, a world of pain glistened there, rending Grace’s heart even further.
She twisted her fingers together to keep them from visibly shaking. Her whole being yearned to go to him, to beg his forgiveness, but her feet remained rooted to the floor. “I’ve apologized to your parents, but I want you to know how terribly sorry I am. I panicked and reacted out of fear.” She paused to draw in a breath. “I hope one day you can forgive me for any anxiety I caused.”
His features hardened as he handed Christian back to his mother. Then he speared Grace with a hard look. “Can I speak to you in the library, please?”
Grace’s stomach clenched. Perspiration dampened her palms. “I’d like a minute more with your parents, if you don’t mind.”
He gave a terse nod and strode from the room.
Grace went to stand in front of Mrs. Easton. She rubbed a hand down Christian’s back. “Thank you for everything, Mrs. Easton. I’ve enjoyed my time here very much.” She kissed the baby’s chubby cheek. “Good-bye, sweetheart. Be a good boy for your grandma. And remember, your Aunt Grace will always love you.” Swallowing back her tears, she gave his soft head one last caress.
Mr. Easton stared at her with an unreadable expression, his eyes not quite as hard now.
Despite the urge to bolt, she held her ground. She couldn’t pass up this chance to give some much-needed advice. “Before I go, I want to remind you how fortunate you are to have such a wonderful family. I’d give anything to have my father or my sibling
s back, even for just a moment.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. “Please remember that when Virginia returns. She loves you all very much. Don’t make the same mistake with her as you did with Frank.”
She glanced at Mr. Easton, trying to gauge his reaction. Would he shout at her and order her to leave? But he remained silent, his guarded expression giving nothing away.
With a resigned sigh, she gave her nephew another kiss, then went to face Andrew for the final time.
Andrew threw open the library door, letting it bang against the far wall, and stalked over to the window. A thousand emotions waged war inside him, spinning through his system until he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry or hurl his father’s decanter across the room.
His throat tightened as the walls seemed to close in on him, and he knew the room was too confining for this conversation. He needed open air and wide spaces. As he stepped back into the hall, Grace appeared.
“Follow me,” he said tersely.
Without waiting to see if she obeyed, he headed to the rear door and strode outside. The first pull of fresh air into his lungs loosened the muscles in his chest. He led Grace to the fountain where they would have a measure of privacy from anyone in the house.
Andrew stood with his back to her, his shoulders stiff with tension. His gaze landed on the old maple tree, calling to mind the night when the two of them had watched the stars together. When everything had seemed so right but then had turned so terribly wrong.
That night felt like a thousand lifetimes ago after all that had happened since.
He still couldn’t believe Grace had come back. All the things he’d imagined saying to her jumbled together in his head. At last, he turned to face her. She looked like a lost waif, her expression so forlorn that his heart pinched. But he wouldn’t soften. Not this time.
“Do you know what your actions have cost me?” he bit out. “I had to abandon Cecilia at the church in order to search for Christian, which of course infuriated my father. So much so that he gave my promotion to Paul Edison.” Andrew gave a harsh laugh. “I have lost everything because of you—my bride, my promotion, and my father’s respect.”
The Best of Intentions Page 30