Destinations
Page 16
“Unless you have developed a sudden aversion to sausage and bacon, I suggest we not encourage Willie to adopt the piglet as a household pet.”
“Oh, all right,” he answered with mock disappointment. “Before I neglect to tell you, I stopped by the general store as I promised. The fabric you ordered has been delayed. Mr. Watson said it most likely will not arrive for several more months.”
“Jane and I shall never begin our quilts!”
“If winter arrives before the fabric, you can bundle up Willie and walk to her house for a sewing session every day, if you like. You can quilt while her children write their lessons.”
“Indeed.” Lavonia let out a sigh. “Still, I miss the ability to purchase fabrics whenever I please.”
“Speaking of what we miss,” William said, pulling a letter from his trouser pocket with his free hand, “this arrived today.”
“Oh, a letter from Kitty!”
“I know you have been anxious to hear from her.” Handing her the letter, he took advantage of their closeness to steal a soft kiss, a habit she found endearing. “I shall introduce my little friend here to her new home in the pig pen while you catch up on all the news. Enjoy.”
“I already have,” she teased.
As soon as William left, she looked into the little face of the infant she held. “Would you like to hear all about the news of your Auntie Kitty?”
Willie cooed his consent, but heavy eyelids told a different story. After kissing the top of his head, she opened the letter and began reading:
Dear Vonnie:
Bonjour! Comment allez-vous aujourd’hui?
Such a lovely day today here. Nice and cool. How do you endure the heat you describe? Such abominable sweltering would no doubt be enough to require me to take to my bed.
Helen and Luke continue to be exemplary hosts even though Helen has stopped eating breakfast and complains that her stomach feels as turbulent as the Atlantic during a hurricane. I do wonder what causes her maladies.
Received word from Aunt Amelia. You would have enjoyed her letter. She is still quite the partygoer, although now she mentions church activities as well. She did report that she finally recovered the part of her fortune Uncle Joseph embezzled. He would admit to no wrongdoing, but she wrote to us that, because of her Christian principles, she sought not revenge, but simply the money to which she was entitled. Personally, I do not see why we did not throw him into prison, where he belongs! I do hope he is grateful for our generosity in not prosecuting him, but I harbor little hope he is capable of such emotion. That he used our dear father’s alias in the signing of that deed—his treachery was truly ironic, don’t you agree?
We see nothing of Uncle Joseph now. Because William’s solicitor was so successful in convincing him to return the money he stole from us, Uncle Joseph refuses to speak to any of the family except through his own solicitor. I heard a rumor that he and his dreadful wife are living abroad. I assume her fortune pays their expenses.
Osmond received word yesterday that the latest opening in London was filled by another clergyman even younger than he. Osmond is convinced that this clergyman used his family connections to obtain the post unfairly. He is quite depressed. In fact, he has abandoned all hope of ever moving to London.
Nevertheless, our courtship continues. He comes to call each Tuesday and Friday evening, always arriving in time for dinner. And of course, he escorts me to church each Sunday morning for worship. I have taken to occupying a place in the front pew, as is natural since the quite colossal bejeweled ring he presented me with upon the occasion of our betrothal is tangible evidence of my position. Simply everyone attended the gala Helen and Luke hosted to honor the occasion, so even without the ring, there should be no doubt about our status among those who matter. Still, the ring is lovely, and I must confess, I do anticipate Sunday mornings greatly since we agreed to wed. I often feel as though Osmond is speaking only to me with his eloquent sermons!
The only detriment to this pleasant arrangement is that Osmond insists we decide on a date for our nuptials. But how can I marry without you being present as my matron of honor, Vonnie? I have made clear to him that you simply cannot bring little Willie on such an arduous journey. Vraiment, what would we do should any ill befall you because of us? I would never forgive myself. When I remind him of this obvious fact, Osmond is understanding. I confess that at times his prodding can be tiresome. Upon those occasions, I am forced to retire to my bedchamber, an event he prefers to avoid since it shortens his visits with me.
Osmond will soon be coming to call, so I must bid you au revoir! Do write soon!
With love,
Kitty
Post Script: We just found a new doctor to replace William.
Sighing, Lavonia replaced the letter in its envelope.
Willie was sleeping soundly in her arms, his rhythmic breathing a comfort to her. As she stroked his chubby cheek, a sunbeam reflected off the simple band engraved with Vous et nul autre that William had given her on their wedding day.
The voice of the one she loved interrupted her musings. “Vous et nul autre. You and no other.” Coming closer, William knelt by the side of her rocker. Taking her left hand in his, he studied the ring. “Those words mean more to me than ever. And to think that I almost lost you.”
She gazed into the eyes of the man she married. “We certainly struggled with the Lord’s plan for us, did we not?”
William smiled back at her. “Thankfully, He persisted.”
“Yes. Thankfully.”
Stirring from his nap, Willie’s eyes blinked until they were open. Smiling at his parents, he cooed three syllables. Laugh-ing, William and Lavonia wondered if their little boy was trying to say “thankfully,” too.
About the Author
Tamela Hancock Murray is a Virginia native who is blessed with a wonderful husband and two daughters. She enjoys writing both contemporary and historical Chris-tian romances. Her family activities include church youth group, Girl Scouts, choir, vacation Bible school, and Bible study. Tamela is a regular at step aerobics class and likes to exercise on the Stair-master because she can read a book at the same time.
A note from the author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Tamela Hancock Murray
Author Relations
PO Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683