Hearts and Harvest

by Amber Stockton

  He looked at her.

  “Don’t expect it to last forever, though. In the meantime, I’ll be praying you either find a solution or a way to make peace with the way things are.” She turned on her heel and called over her shoulder. “I hope you catch something. You or Jacob.”

  William watched her leave. Good thing Jacob seemed to be preoccupied with his own pole and fishing, or he might have gotten upset that William had sent Annabelle away like that. He silently rebuked himself for not asking her to stay and for his attitude. Something about her caused him to act far from his norm. He could generally keep his emotions under control. With Annabelle, though, and the more time they spent together, staying in control became harder and harder. Had she stayed any longer, he might have said something he’d regret or even done something impulsive like asked her to take a walk with him.

  Now where had that come from? One moment he was upset about the results of yesterday’s visits, and the next he was thinking about taking afternoon strolls with her. Annabelle affected him like no other young woman had. She was gone, though, and he could again get back to the matter at hand—catching something for dinner. There was time later to dwell on his feelings for Miss Lawson, whatever they were.

  TEN

  “Come in, Annabelle. Come in,” her father beckoned when she knocked on the open door to his study.

  She stepped inside the dark interior and wrung her hands together. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Father, but there is a matter of great importance I wish to discuss with you.”

  He looked up from the ledger he was reading and quirked an eyebrow. “It sounds serious.” Leaning back in his chair, an amused expression crossed his face. “I don’t wish to cause my daughter distress, so why don’t you take a seat and we’ll have ourselves a little chat?”

  Good. She had hoped Father would be willing to see her now instead of putting it off to a later date. From what she’d gleaned after talking with William yesterday, he and his father could use a little spark of hope in their plight.

  “Now tell me what this is all about. I’ll see if I can’t help erase that look of concern from that beautiful face.”

  Perched on the edge of the padded leather chair opposite her father’s mahogany desk, the two options for presenting her request came to mind. Licking her lips, she chose straightforward and direct.

  “Father, you know I’ve been volunteering a good portion of my time at the land you donated for the workers to farm.”

  He nodded. “Yes. Go on.”

  “I love everything I do there. The families I’ve met, the children I’ve supervised. It’s been an incredible blessing to have the chance to get involved in their lives in such an intimate manner.”

  Her father pressed his lips together for a second or two and regarded her. “Something tells me there is an exception coming. Perhaps involving one particular family or something else for the children, such as more slates?”

  She should have known he would ascertain her reason for coming before she got around to saying it. He didn’t hold commanding positions in several operations by being oblivious to the needs or opportunities around him.

  “Yes, there is one family I have gotten to know quite well—the Berringers. A father, mother, and two sons,” she explained. “Their dedication and hard work ethic have impressed me a great deal, not to mention the sustaining faith of Mr. and Mrs. Berringer, despite all that’s happened in their lives recently.”

  Father leaned forward and propped his elbows on the edge of his desk. “So where do I come in? How might I be of assistance?”

  “Yesterday I paid them a visit and learned that the oldest son, William, and his father had spent a substantial amount of time Sunday afternoon visiting old associates and friends from before the financial devastation.”

  “Hmm. I would hazard a guess that they didn’t exactly get the reception they’d hoped for.”

  She sighed. That was putting it mildly. She wasn’t there, but she could tell from William’s face and tone that it hadn’t gone well at all. “No. In fact, they had no success whatsoever. They were only making inquiries to see if any opportunities existed anywhere for them to get their feet back in the door. Only they returned empty-handed.”

  “Times are tough for everyone, Annabelle. I know you’re aware of this.” He steepled his fingers. “Still, that’s no reason for previous friends to turn their backs on someone simply because a family has fallen on hard times.”

  “That’s exactly what I thought.” Annabelle was grateful her father seemed to be seeing things the same way. “That’s also why I’ve come. To see if you might be able to help in some way.” Before he could respond, she rushed on. “I know you can’t guarantee anything, but if you could just make a few inquiries of your own and test the waters, it could be a start.”

  “Do you know anything specific about this family? Perhaps what the father or son were doing before last year?”

  Thinking back to the conversations she’d had with William, she tried to recall if he’d mentioned any specifics.

  “I believe they were connected to the railroads at the investment level and in manufacturing, but I’m not sure.”

  “And you say their last name is Berringer?”

  “Yes. Daniel Berringer is the father.”

  Father nodded. “That will help a great deal. I’m sure I can find out exactly what he did and where he was working before.”

  Her breath caught, and she inhaled a sharp breath. “Does that mean you’d be willing to assist them?”

  Removing his elbows from the edge, he folded his arms on the desk and splayed out his hands. “I can’t make any promises, but I will promise to do my best to exhaust my contacts and uncover the potential opportunities beneath every rock I find. . .no matter how small,” he added with a grin and a wink.

  She grinned as well and stood. When he rose from his chair, she came around the desk and threw her arms around his neck, burying her head against his chest and inhaling the blended scents of peppermint and tobacco.

  “Thank you so much, Father.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and returned the hug. “You’re more than welcome, little one. Anything I can do for my favorite daughter.”

  Annabelle pulled back and looked up into his teasing eyes. She lowered her arms and planted her fists on her hips. “Well, I am your first. I should be your favorite.” Lowering her voice, she added, “Let’s not tell Victoria, though.”

  He chuckled. “I agree. That would be quite unwise.”

  “I’m not so little anymore, either.”

  A melancholic expression crossed his face. “No, you’re not.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “My little girl is all grown up, right before my eyes.” His eyes narrowed as he looked down at her. “So how old is this oldest son in the Berringer family?”

  Annabelle looked off to the left. “Umm, I believe he’s twenty-three. Why?”

  Father stepped away and back behind his desk, where he reached for the ledger he’d been reviewing when she’d arrived. “Mere curiosity is all.”

  Something about his mannerisms told Annabelle there was more to it than that. He and Mother had no doubt talked about William, but they had yet to say anything to her. Maybe they didn’t mind her spending so much time with him.

  “All right.” She finally shrugged. “Is there any other information you need from me?”

  “Not at the moment, no.” He glanced down at the book in his hands. “But could you go find your mother and tell her I’d like to speak with her, please?”

  She was going to ask if she could tell Mother the reason for the request, but that was none of her business. She’d simply do as Father asked.

  “I’ll tell her straightaway,” she said as she moved toward the hallway.

  “Thank you,” he said without looking up.

  ❧

  “Afternoon, Miss Annabelle.” Jacob greeted her as soon as she approached the section of rows he and William were tending.
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br />   “Good afternoon. Are your parents nearby?”

  William turned his head and looked up from his kneeling position beside a tomato plant. He plucked off a few tomatoes with black rotting on the bottom and removed what appeared to be wormlike creatures from the stems.

  “They’re about ten rows over.”

  Annabelle stepped closer and peered into the pail where he tossed the worms. Their green bodies blended so well with the plants, she was amazed he could even spot them.

  “What are those?”

  “Hornworms,” William answered. “They feed on the leaves and tomatoes during the day, and they are so well camouflaged, it is hard to see them. We’ve also found them on some of the potatoes, peppers, and eggplant.”

  She wrinkled her nose and stepped back. “Do they cause a big problem?”

  “They can. There usually aren’t too many hanging around. If we don’t catch them now, when they become adults, they turn into moths and eat the leaves.”

  “Here, I’ve got one, Miss Annabelle. Wanna see?”

  She turned and came face-to-face with a fat, four-inch caterpillar that Jacob held up to her. Concealing a shriek as she stumbled backward, Annabelle slapped her hand over her heart. “Gracious, no!”

  William laughed out loud and returned his attention to his task. “They’re actually quite harmless to us.”

  “Be that as it may,” she began, “I still have no desire to have any further surprise meetings with them.”

  “What is it you’ve come to speak to my parents about?”

  She kept a wary eye on Jacob and cautiously approached the two of them again. There was no telling what other surprises he might have hiding nearby. She determined to keep the boy within her sight. Glancing out the corner of her eye, she turned again toward William.

  “My family is going to be spending Sunday afternoon on Belle Isle. I came to ask if your family would like to join us. You’ll be invited to Sunday services as well.”

  “Oh.” He didn’t make eye contact with her in any way, instead remaining focused on his task. “Yes, that’s something you’ll need to ask them. I’m not sure what they might have planned for that day—if anything.”

  She had a feeling his lackluster response had to do with the mention of church more than the idea of spending a day relaxing with a lot of other families. That was fine. He didn’t have to show great enthusiasm about her invitation. But she did hope he would come.

  “You said they’re working ten rows away?”

  “Yes. To the north.” William pointed in front of him.

  Annabelle rose up on the balls of her feet and peered through the plants. Mr. and Mrs. Berringer were crouched low, like William and Jacob.

  “Thank you. I’ll leave you two to your work and go speak with them.” Gathering her skirt in her hands, she stepped sideways through the first row of plants. “Have fun.”

  Neither one of them responded. She didn’t expect them to, either. As she headed toward Mr. and Mrs. Berringer, she couldn’t resist a peek at the plants to see if she could spot any of those worms herself. It took her searching four different plants before she finally found one. William was right. Those critters were quite adept at disguising themselves. Thankfully, her volunteer work didn’t involve that task. She’d never be able to handle it.

  After making her way through several more rows, she came upon Mr. and Mrs. Berringer kneeling in front of the stalks and leaves much like William had been. Mrs. Berringer looked up when Annabelle kicked a dislodged rock in her path.

  “Miss Lawson, how good it is to see you today.”

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Berringer. Mr. Berringer,” she added with a nod at the man only a few feet farther down the row. “I just spoke with your sons, and they told me where I might find you.”

  Lucille shielded her eyes and peered up at her. “Was there something in particular you needed? Forgive me for not greeting you properly, but I’m afraid my hands are rather soiled,” she said as she gave her hands a self-conscious swipe through her apron. “As are my clothes. I don’t wish for any of that to get on you.”

  Annabelle waved off the excuse. “No, no. It’s fine, I assure you. Don’t feel the need to rise on my account. I only came to extend an invitation to you and your family for this coming Sunday.”

  “An invitation?” Her expression changed to one of piqued interest. “To where, might I ask?”

  “My mother came to me yesterday and mentioned there would be several families gathering on Belle Isle to enjoy our day of rest. She suggested that it might be a refreshing change of pace for all of you, and I offered to come personally to tell you about it.”

  “Belle Isle?” Mr. Berringer spoke from beyond his wife’s shoulder. “That’s a popular place for many affluent families here in the city.”

  “The very same.” Annabelle nodded. “There is a host of activities for everyone to enjoy. I know William and Jacob like to go fishing, so they could bring their poles. And there are the paths for taking leisurely strolls or areas where we’ll be setting up a picnic. We’re praying the weather cooperates and remains as nice as it’s been lately.”

  Mrs. Berringer hadn’t protested or refused yet, so Annabelle continued.

  “We usually attend services in the morning at Memorial Chapel near Jefferson. We’d be especially honored if you would join us there first. Then we can all venture together to Belle Isle.”

  Mrs. Berringer looked down at her clothing with a grimace. “We still have our Sunday outfits, but we are sure to attract far more attention than I would be comfortable with, especially among those who knew us before. . .” She trailed off.

  Annabelle silently scolded herself for not thinking of that. She should have known appearance would be of prime concern when mingling with others at a social event, whether it be church or a picnic.

  “Nonsense,” she rushed to reassure the woman. “There are many families who attend each week who are dressed exactly as you are now. Some own only two outfits. Others come dressed in finer clothing, but I can state with absolute certainty that you will not stand out in any way nor draw any unnecessary attention by your presence.”

  Mrs. Berringer shifted and looked over her shoulder at her husband. Annabelle couldn’t see the woman’s face, but by the shrug Mr. Berringer gave her, she assumed the silent conversation the two shared meant an acceptance would be forthcoming.

  Lucille turned again to face Annabelle. “Miss Lawson, thank you so much for taking the time to come and invite us. We would be both pleased and honored to join you and your family this coming Sunday.” A soft smile formed on her lips, and the sheen of tears appeared in her eyes. “Is there anything I might bring?”

  Annabelle made a mental note to thank her mother for the foresight regarding the picnic items they’d be providing. “No, nothing. Our cook, Katie, is going to be preparing a feast that is sure to delight, so you needn’t worry about the food. And there is sure to be a variety of games being played throughout the afternoon. I’m certain the other families will provide the essentials there.” She smiled. “You just come with your family, and everything else will be taken care of.”

  “Thank you,” the woman managed beyond a catch in her throat.

  The look of appreciation Mrs. Berringer bestowed upon her meant more than any words could say. And the soft thanks she spoke said everything necessary.

  “You are more than welcome. Mother will be pleased to hear of your acceptance. I’ll hurry home to tell her the good news.” Annabelle started to leave then turned and stepped forward, placing a hand on Mrs. Berringer’s shoulder. “You won’t regret it. I promise.”

  “I’m sure we won’t. And thank you again. The good Lord surely has sent many angels to us this season.”

  Annabelle only responded with a smile before taking her leave. Funny that Mrs. Berringer should mention angels. She didn’t feel like one, even if others saw her in that manner. One thing she did know, though. God truly was at work here.

  E
LEVEN

  “Regardless of where you are now or what has happened, God has not forgotten you.”

  William repeated that line from the pastor in his head over and over again on the ferry ride over to Belle Isle. When the invitation to join Annabelle’s family also included a visit to church, he wanted to make his excuses not to attend. However, they were being gracious by even associating with his family. At the very least, he could be cordial.

  The rhythmic dips and plunges of the ferry on the water sent his mind back to the sermon from that morning. The pastor had a way of taking his listeners to a low and contemplative state by reminding them they were but specks compared to the mighty and powerful God. Then he’d raise their hopes and faith by promising God knew each and every one of them by name.

  “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

  He’d heard scripture verses such as that one for years growing up. Even Annabelle had used a similar comparison as a way to remind him that the struggles he and his family now faced were not missed by God. Yet for all the promises he’d been told and all the reassurances he’d been given, he still had trouble determining the hidden purpose underneath it all.

  “Oh, Mother, Father, look!” Victoria’s elated voice drew his attention to the railing where the young lady pointed. “You can see the lighthouse from here.”

  “Lighthouse? Where?” Jacob strained his neck to see over the rail.

  Matthew came alongside and gave him a boost with his knee. “Right over there. See where Victoria is pointing?”

  As if Matthew had asked the question of him and not Jacob, William’s eyes followed the invisible line that extended from Victoria’s finger and stopped at the impressive structure standing tall and high above the ground. He’d only been nine when the lighthouse had been built, and he’d begged Father to take him to the unveiling. Recently he’d learned there were plans for the building of a newer lighthouse made out of marble, but it seemed the actual construction was still a few years away.