Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  She dashed to the private entrance and up to the second floor. Relieved neither Alex nor Rose were in sight, she dashed toward the bedroom, slammed the door and curled up on their bed.

  After a quiet prayer to her mother, she rested her head on the pillow and let the tears come. Within minutes, the pillow was soaked. “What have I done? Adam and I quarrelled. Elaine brings out the worst in our family.”

  * * *

  After spending time at the site assisting Matthew, Stewart turned his horse homeward. He noticed Adam all alone in the garden cutting stocks of rosemary and tying them with string. “Hope must be out of view.” Like her momma and nana, Hope enjoyed gardening, eating more than a few of the fresh vegetables as she picked them. After seeing to his mount, he walked toward the garden, glancing around expecting to see Hope. He didn’t, nor did he see his grandchildren.

  “Where is Hope?”

  Adam shrugged his shoulders, but didn’t look up to greet him.

  “I shall change into more suitable clothing and join you.”

  Adam tilted his head up. Stewart caught sight of his red-rimmed eyes.

  “I a-appreciate the offer, but I’d p-prefer to be alone,” Adam responded.

  “As you wish.” Stewart nodded.

  Adam lowered his head, turning his attention back to his task. Stewart walked toward their private entrance.

  “Hehehe.”

  It did not sound like young children chuckling. Curious, Stewart looked around the corner of the building. Alex and Elaine lay on the grass in an embrace. He averted his eyes and turned away.

  “Ugh,” he moaned. “That is not a scene I want to witness. Not between Alex and Elaine.”

  He entered the building, walked up the private staircase, and down the hall. The door to the master bedroom was closed. Tempted to knock and speak to Hope, he shook his head. “She is a grown woman,” he lectured himself. “I must be patient and wait for Hope to approach me.” He went into his sitting room, turned on the gramophone, and sat on the sofa. Closing his eyes, he listened to the music.

  “Are you ill?”

  He twitched at the sound of Izabella’s voice.

  “Not at all,” he responded, opening his eyes. “Relaxing.”

  “I was not expecting to find you here. I assumed you were working when I saw Adam alone in the garden.”

  “I offered to assist with the harvesting, but he declined. I speak in confidence when I say Adam was in tears. He didn’t mention the cause, but their bedroom door is closed and Hope is nowhere to be found. I must assume he and Hope have quarrelled.”

  “That explains why Adam didn’t acknowledge my presence when I spoke.” She sat by his side and kissed his cheek. “He was deep in thought. I’m not of the belief pulling onions is that captivating.”

  “I’m hopeful they’re speaking before we eat. How was your day?” he asked.

  * * *

  Hope sat on the chair, gazing into the yard. She heard the tap on the door but ignored it, not wishing to speak to her father or children. It had been an awful afternoon. She had cried herself to sleep, regretting the harsh words she said to Adam. She was so tired and her nerves were shattered, but that was no excuse. Adam didn’t deserve her anger. Now, the only person she wished to see was her husband. They needed to talk and mend the quarrel.

  Knocking rattled the door. She would speak with the person later.

  “Please. You must allow me some privacy,” she responded.

  “We’ve both had privacy to think.”

  It was Adam’s voice. The door opened ever so slightly.

  “More than enough time to think and reflect on what happened,” he continued.

  She jumped from the chair and raced to embrace him. “My apologies. You must forgive me,” she begged.

  He pulled back slightly from the embrace and closed the door.

  “You must forgive me,” he replied. “I did not sleep well last night, but that is no excuse for my comments. I lack the patience to deal with Miss McClaire, but I should not take it out on you.”

  “I know. Our tempers flared far too quickly. Alex is blinded by her.”

  “Blinded? I believe our son has also gone deaf. I fear their relationship may become more serious. They did not see me, but I witnessed them embracing. I’m certain it was not their first. This would not bother me if I liked the woman our son was spending time with.”

  Hope stepped back and slumped onto the bed.

  “We must speak with him.”

  “And what would we say? That we don’t approve? Alex is not a fool. He knows that.” He sat on the bed beside her, reached for her hands, and held them. “Rose has voiced her opinion and to this day they are not civil to one another. The bond we share with our son has been tarnished over these past weeks, but I will not allow it to break.”

  “I pray our children will love and be loved, but … but I do not wish for Elaine to remain in his life.”

  Adam brought her hands to his face and kissed them.

  “Nor do I—” Gurgling rumbled from his stomach. He released her hands, placed one on his belly and stood. “I think I need a small snack before we dine.”

  “Indeed. I will come down and join you. Hope followed him out of the room.

  * * *

  Stewart stood at the window, holding the blinds open with his fingers. He watched Alex assist Elaine onto her buggy. “Bye bye. No need to rush back. You won’t be missed. Most of the people in this building won’t miss you.”

  “Elaine has left?” Izabella questioned.

  He looked to see her walking out of their bedroom, dressed for the evening meal.

  “Yes.” He sat on the sofa and reached for his glass of water, taking a sip. She joined him.

  “I don’t understand Elaine. She is from an upper class family, and she will expect a life in high society. It isn’t possible to achieve that lifestyle with the owner of an orphanage.”

  “Alex is compassionate and will love well and deeply. But Elaine has woven a web around him, and he can’t blink without her approval. He will give his wife anything she desires, even if it is not in his own best interests.”

  Izabella pushed the loose strands of grey hair back from her face with her fingers.

  “I do not agree,” she said. She sat back and crossed her arms. “Watching him grow up and mature, the boy has strong morals and a good heart. His love and respect are rooted deep in the orphanage. To have the life Elaine desires, he would lose everything he loves. Her lifestyle would require a career with a healthy income. I will do anything for this family, but as long as Elaine remains in his life, I’m not willing to offer Alex a position with Herman International. Are you willing to put Alex on the payroll of your company?”

  Stewart had a vision of Elaine at a sight, bossing both Greg and Matthew. He shook the idea from his mind. Stewart rested his elbow on the chair and his chin on his knuckles.

  “I would not be so cruel as to subject Greg, Matthew, or the crew to Elaine’s scrutiny. She would be there all the time, bossing people around like she owns my business. My cheque-book is open for my family. It always has been, but not for Elaine’s benefit. Besides, he has never shown interest in my company. His heart belongs to this building.”

  “Alex would have to leave this orphanage. I do not believe he would consider the notion. He can’t walk away from the children or the business. Following Adam’s footsteps, he will have a degree in child psychology. Rose will graduate and move out, build a new life, but Alex will not. Alexander Stewart will stay here and manage the Venderkemp Orphanage.”

  “Assuming you are correct, what does the future hold?” Stewart asked, trying to get a little deeper into her thoughts.

  Izabella was silent for a moment. “I can’t imagine Elaine living in our home. That woman has high expectations and has been raised with a silver spoon in her mouth. I must question whether she would walk away from the life she knows for a man she loves. It’s not in her character.”

 
As Stewart listened, he thought of Natasha and then considered his relationship with Izabella. She had been a member of high society while married to Charles, but that changed when they began courting. Financially, they could afford the lifestyle, but it was not something he wished to pursue. Natasha never regretted her decision to leave her life of privilege.

  Izabella did not harbour regrets. They enjoyed attending concerts and theatre, but didn’t socialize with the upper class. Stewart was proud of the success of his business, but his connection to the orphanage was not common knowledge. For the sake of the orphanage, Izabella had remained discreet regarding her personal life as well.

  “You gave up a high society lifestyle, as did Natasha,” he reminded her. “It is possible Elaine will as well.”

  “I would live a life in poverty if it meant remaining by your side,” she responded. “Both Natasha and I fell in love with you.”

  “It’s possible Elaine is falling in love with Alex.”

  Izabella went silent, her focus shifting around the room.

  “I was not raised with wealth. Charles worked and earned his success, as did the other man I love. Elaine does not possess the maturity to walk away from the lifestyle. It’s all she knows. A thought just occurred to me. Perhaps Alex will be offered a job working under Elaine’s father. That young man is earning a business degree.”

  “I simply want my grandson to be happy, but I cannot imagine a life for him outside this building. We should speak with Hope. It is time for a family discussion with Alex.”

  “You are a naïve fool if you believe Alex will listen. His anger toward the family will intensify if you attempt to interfere.”

  Nodding, Stewart stared into space for a moment. He was determined to make his grandson see the light.

  “I shall approach Alex in private,” he responded.

  “You will not,” she disagreed angrily. She sat up straight and glared at him. “That could threaten your relationship. Imagine your reaction if your parents disapproved of me, or Natasha.”

  “They would have been fools.”

  “Was there a slight possibility you would have stopped courting me?” she questioned.

  “No,” he responded without even contemplating the notion. “But my parents would not question my heart….” Stewart stopped, hearing his own words. “We’re questioning Alex’s heart.”

  “Indeed, we are. For good reason. Alex is blinded by her beauty, but I refuse to believe that will continue. Alex is not a shallow young man. Eventually, he shall see beyond her appearance and realize she lacks substance. I pray they are simply acquaintances.”

  “Your prayers are not being answered,” he informed her. “I witnessed an intimate moment.”

  Izabella covered her face with her hands.

  “Foolish, foolish boy! Please tell me he was not a willing participant.”

  Stewart focused on Izabella’s face, her expression. She was serious.

  “I can’t answer that. It turned my stomach to witness them embracing on the grass. I did not appreciate what little I saw and was not willing to investigate who was initiating the moment.”

  Izabella covered her face with her hand, again. She spread her fingers and looked at him.

  “My apologies. I would have turned my back before getting a queasy stomach.”

  “It warms my heart to see playful embraces between Rose and Isaac, but I cannot say the same thing for Alex and that woman. I fear their relationship may have progressed beyond a kiss.”

  Izabella shook her head. She removed her hands and took another deep breath. “Alex possesses the Donovan eyes, but I’ve yet to see a twinkle. Elaine’s face glows in his company, but Alex’s face does not illuminate.”

  Izabella was perceptive when it came to people’s feeling and emotions. To this day, he was thankful she had recognized Hope’s interest in Adam.

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “Poppa. Izabella. Dinner is almost ready.”

  “Thank you, Hope.” He turned his attention back to Izabella. “I will pay attention to Alex’s eyes.” He gripped her hand and walked out of their room.

  * * *

  On the evening of the concert, Alex straightened his suit jacket and walked out of his bedroom. He tapped on his sister’s door.

  “Come in.”

  He opened the door and saw Rose laying on her bed, doodling.

  “Your presence would be welcomed at the restaurant and at the concert hall. Elaine still has the two additional tickets.”

  Rose did not lift her head or speak, but simply shook her head. Closing the door, Alex walked down the private staircase. His sister’s defiance confused him. Momma always said she was a true Donovan when they were growing up, but as she matured, she possessed the Venderkemp compassion. For some reason, she was hiding it from him and especially from Elaine. Elaine was yet to meet the true Rose. Dining would have offered the perfect opportunity to visit and get to know one another. He admitted Elaine’s personality could be a little overbearing, but she wasn’t any different from his momma, Izabella, or Rose … or even Aunt Vicki.

  Arriving at Elaine’s, she greeted him in a beautiful shimmering blue gown. As always, his heart began to pound. He forced a breath.

  “Rose and Isaac will not be joining us.”

  “I don’t care to hear about your sister. We will have a more enjoyable evening without them. We have reservations at The Stonehedge.”

  Alex’s eyebrows rose. It was the most exclusive restaurant in the city.

  After an incredible meal, they travelled to the theatre. She led him to the middle of the third row, just a few feet from the stage.

  “Poppa asked for the balcony, but they were reserved.”

  Elaine had not spared any expense for their evening. Any other man might be insulted, but it didn’t bother Alex. He carried some cash in his pocket, of course. Momma always ensured he had money if an emergency arose, but not enough for this evening.

  Once seated, Elaine opened the program detailing the evening. She began reading about the pianist. Alex glanced around, watching the patrons enter. His parents, Papa, and Izabella took their seats four rows behind them. He smiled to acknowledge them.

  “I have been looking forward to this concert. Mr. John McLennon is the pianist this evening,” Elaine reminded him, enthusiastically.

  Alex nodded, having heard Elaine mention the same name numerous times over the past month.

  “Before leaving this evening, Poppa informed me Mr. McLennon is talented, but his wife is superb on the instrument.”

  Grateful he was paying attention, he hadn’t heard of this gentleman’s wife until this moment.

  “Will she be joining him on the stage?” Alex asked, keeping his voice lowered. He glanced toward the program in her hand.

  “I don’t believe so, but I’m reading that once Sarah graduates from the conservatory, they plan to pursue a career performing concerts.”

  “Graduates? I suddenly find myself expecting a young pianist. Perhaps our age.”

  The gas lanterns were extinguished with only a single lamp giving light. A man of average height and build walked onto the stage and toward the piano.

  “Poppa was informed—”

  “Shh,” Alex whispered very softly.

  “—his wife Sarah began studying at—”

  Alex stared at the stage. Elaine, hush. I want to hear this man play. A beautiful melody filled the room.

  “—the conservatory—” she continued.

  The woman in the seat directly in front of them turned her attention to the man to her right.

  “The audacity of that woman. Can’t she be silent? It’s rude.” She turned, looked over her shoulder, and glared at Elaine.

  “Mr. McLennon does not come from a—” Elaine continued.

  The woman’s piercing green eyes locked on his. The lighting was getting dim, but her anger was evident. The heat rose in his face, burning his cheeks. Elaine should have stopped speaking once the l
anterns were extinguished, but she was still nattering on about the pianist. The woman shifted her glare to Elaine. Unfortunately, instead of being humbled, Elaine was unfazed.

  “Shh,” the woman whispered angrily.

  Elaine stuck out her chin and returned the glare. Humiliated, Alex wanted to evaporate into thin air.

  “Elaine,” he pleaded. He pointed at the stage.

  He willed her to focus on the performer and the music that was being produced. Thankfully, Elaine went quiet. The woman turned to face the stage.

  The pianist was truly magnificent, but instead of relaxing and enjoying the performance, Alex spent the first half hoping Elaine would remain quiet and not embarrass him any further. It was one of the worst nights of his life. So many aspects of the evening bothered him. Having spent the majority of his life avoiding being a spectacle, Elaine put him into a horrid situation.

  As they travelled home, Alex considered discussing her behaviour. He couldn’t find the words. Elaine chatted away having thoroughly enjoyed their evening together. The very notion he had been humiliated did not seem to occur to her. She had no idea how rude she appeared.

  Lying in bed that night, he closed his eyes, deep in thought. Alex experienced a lot of mixed emotions while in Elaine’s company. There were days he had doubts about their relationship, especially concerning her attitude and that infamous “I don’t care” response, but it was impossible to consider an alternative. He was envied at school, and he enjoyed that. Her grades were far less than acceptable, but that didn’t bother him. He justified everything in his mind, believing no one was perfect. He wasn’t perfect.

  * * *

  “Do us all a favour and break up with her, Alex,” Keeghan begged. “She’s going to hurt you.” She looked at the man beside her. “If you are that Alex, and I know in my gut you are, why in heaven’s name did you put up with her? You’re a sweetheart. You could do so much better.”