His eyes shone with appreciation. “I must admit the gardener over at the greenhouse made a few suggestions. We should go over to the greenhouses one day. Just walking through there is a pleasure.” When she didn’t immediately reply, he continued. “Of course, with my love of flowers and plants, I found the place quite amazing. I’m sure there are other things you’d rather do in your spare time.”
“No, not at all. I’d enjoy a visit to the greenhouse. I love flowers.” She pointed to her ankle. “It would have to be after my ankle heals, of course.”
She wanted to tell him he could come by the house when he wasn’t busy with golf lessons, but she’d already appeared far too forward.
Chapter 13
Thomas chattered endlessly about the sea turtles as he pedaled the chaise back to Fair Haven. By the time they arrived at the house, guilt had taken hold of Callie. She didn’t want to disappoint the boy, yet she simply could not accept Archie’s invitation. Perhaps with all of his exploration around the island, Wes had discovered where the sea turtles nested. She’d ask him, and if he had spare time one day, he might be willing to show her. Later, she could take the children there. As long as Thomas knew he’d eventually visit the nesting area, his disappointment would be short-lived.
The girls raced down the porch steps to greet them. “Miss Maude is helping us make another puppet.” Lottie grinned. “She’s using one of Papa’s socks. She said it was a spare, so he wouldn’t miss it.”
Callie had eased out of the chaise and leaned heavily on the cane when Daisy grabbed her around the legs. “Come see, Miss Callie.”
“I will do exactly that, but first I need to speak with your mother.” She held tight to the rail as she ascended the porch steps. “I’ll come back to the porch as soon as I’ve spoken to her.”
“She’s not here,” Lottie said.
Callie looked at Maude. “Mrs. Bridgeport is gone? I didn’t recall she had any invitations for this afternoon.”
“She and the mister have gone over to Biscayne with a group of folks. I don’t think the missus was too pleased with the last-minute plans, but Mr. Bridgeport insisted. I gathered it included some sort of business talk among the husbands.”
“Why didn’t they simply have dinner at the clubhouse? They could have talked there.”
Maude arched her brows. “Seems one of the wives wanted to have dinner at the fancy hotel over in Biscayne. Said she needed to see something other than the clubhouse dining room.”
Lottie held up the latest sock-puppet creation and smiled.
“Very nice. Miss Maude is becoming quite good at making puppets.”
“It needs hair,” Daisy said. “Miss Maude said you’d take care of that. Will you, Miss Callie?”
Callie nodded. “Yes, of course.” Keeping her gaze fixed on Maude, she stroked the child’s blond curls. “Did they say when they would return?”
Her stomach clenched as she awaited the answer.
“The mister said they wouldn’t be back to the island until late. Captain Fleming said he’d return to the mainland for them at ten. But the missus said that if the men got involved in talking business, they might want to go to the clubhouse, and if that happened, she doubted they’d get home before midnight.” Maude inhaled a deep breath. “Either way, she said we should all go to bed and not worry about their return.”
The news hit Callie like a blow to the midsection. She leaned against one of the ornate porch pillars and withdrew a handkerchief from her skirt pocket. Patting the beads of perspiration that had formed along her upper lip, she tried to calm herself. Truth be told, she felt as though she might faint. Of all days, why must Mrs. Bridgeport be gone today? What if she didn’t have an opportunity to speak with her before Archie arrived in the morning? Not only did she not have another way out of the turtle trip, but Mrs. Bridgeport would likely be unhappy if she changed the schedule without permission. Her mind whirled and worry settled on her shoulders like a heavy weight.
Maude’s features tightened and she jumped to her feet. “Are you not feeling well, Callie? You’re white as a sheet. Let me help you to one of these chairs.” She motioned to Lottie. “Please ask Lula for a glass of water, child.”
With Maude’s help, Callie lowered herself into one of the wicker chairs. “I’ll be fine, Maude. I had hoped to speak with Mrs. Bridgeport about a matter as soon as I returned. I think it was merely the surprise of hearing she won’t be home until late.”
“I don’t know why something so simple as that would cause you to turn white and perspire like a summer rain.” Maude’s frown deepened. “Did ya have some sort of trouble over at the tennis courts?”
“I put the chaise back in the shed like Papa told me.” Thomas loped around the side of the house and onto the porch. “We had a good time today. I played very well, and Mr. Archie even complimented my progress, didn’t he, Miss Callie?”
“Indeed. You played very well.”
Thomas beamed at Maude. “And guess what else?”
Callie wagged her finger. “You promised you wouldn’t say anything just yet, Thomas.”
He bowed his head. “Sorry. I forgot.”
On the way home, Callie had convinced Thomas they shouldn’t share information about the sea turtles until final arrangements had been made with his mother. The girls would be as excited as Thomas, and refusing Archie’s offer could become even more difficult.
“Tell us. Secrets aren’t nice.” Lottie forced her lower lip into a pout.
“This is a surprise, and if we tell you, then it will be ruined.” Callie lifted the girl’s chin with her forefinger. “You need to pull your bottom lip back in before a bird comes and roosts on it.”
“I’d like to have a bird.” Daisy shoved out her bottom lip and walked to the edge of the porch. Moments later, she turned around. “How long will it take before they see me?”
Maude laughed and shook her head. “Miss Callie was joking. There aren’t any birds small enough to sit on your lip. Or anyone else’s, for that matter.” She pointed to the crayons and paper lying nearby. “If I’m to keep making these puppets, you need to get back to making the scenery.”
For the remainder of the afternoon and evening, Callie considered her options. It hadn’t taken her long to realize they were few. When she finally went upstairs, she sat down at her desk and penned a note to Mrs. Bridgeport stating she would like to speak to her first thing in the morning. She’d considered waiting up, but worried she might fall asleep and fail to hear Mrs. Bridgeport come upstairs. Besides, she doubted the woman would want to discuss sea turtles after a long evening of socializing. After placing the note beneath the Bridgeports’ bedroom door, Callie returned to her room and prepared for bed.
Of course Callie’s note was no guarantee Mrs. Bridgeport would be dressed for the day and downstairs before Archie arrived. When staying out late for social functions, the mistress was known to remain abed until after eight o’clock. Because she hadn’t wanted to alarm the older woman, Callie had carefully worded her message. She could only pray Mrs. Bridgeport would awaken early.
And pray, she did. Sleep eluded her for several hours, so she had used the time to ask God’s help. To those like Wesley, it might seem farfetched to ask God to intercede and awaken Mrs. Bridgeport, but to Callie it was quite normal. She needed help and she believed God would provide what she needed. As a child, she’d learned that’s what the Bible said. Of course, she’d also learned that her desires and God’s plans didn’t always align. Still, she believed God wanted only the best for her. In this particular case, she believed God would agree with her: Archie Penniman wasn’t God’s choice for her. And unless God intervened and changed him, Callie doubted Archie would be God’s choice for any woman.
When the morning sun peeked through the windows, she dressed as quickly as possible and stepped into the hallway. She waited a moment, hoping she might hear or see some sign of life appear from the room at the end of the hall. But she didn’t. Cane in hand, she descen
ded the front stairs, where Thomas greeted her with a bright smile.
“Mama already talked to Mr. Archie and said you can go with him.”
“What?” She grabbed for the railing to maintain her balance. How could this be? She gasped a breath of air. Thomas must have been mistaken. “Mr. Penniman isn’t due for another half hour, and I didn’t think your mother had come downstairs yet.”
He danced from foot to foot. “She did—she’s outside talking to Mr. Archie now. She said locating the sea-turtle nests was a wonderful idea, and she thanked him for being willing to take you out there on his time away from work.”
“Did she? Do you think you could ask her to come inside and speak to me?”
“Sure.”
Thomas started for the door, but she grasped his arm. “Thomas, would you stay outside with Mr. Penniman and talk to him? I want to speak to your mother privately in the sitting room.”
He nodded and grinned. “I have lots of questions I can ask him about the sea turtles.”
She stepped into the sitting room while formulating exactly what she wanted to tell Mrs. Bridgeport. Although she disliked Archie’s behavior and didn’t want to spend time with him, she didn’t want Mr. Bridgeport going to Mr. Nusbaum, who would likely discharge him. She knew how such matters were handled. His discharge would cause the gossip to fly. Guests who played tennis would be angry they’d lost their tennis pro, and she would be in the midst of the firestorm. Even worse, Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport might be ostracized. Guests didn’t like their resort life disrupted, and they’d already been inconvenienced by Bobby McLaren’s desertion as their golf pro. Further interruption would cause no end of displeasure.
Wearing a cream and white linen day dress, Mrs. Bridgeport swept into the sitting room with a bright smile. “Good morning, Callie.”
Callie greeted the older woman and gestured toward the stairs. “Did you see the note I left under your bedroom door last night? I asked to speak to you this morning.”
“No.” She frowned. “Luther probably brought it downstairs and put it on the side table where we place the mail.” She glanced toward the other room. “Well, I suppose all is well that ends well. I’m here and we can talk.” She glanced toward the front door. “I must say that Mr. Penniman is quite a charming young fellow, isn’t he?”
Callie cringed and shook her head. “Not exactly. To be honest, Mrs. Bridgeport, that’s why I wanted to speak to you. He has been overzealous in his attempts to keep company with me.”
Mrs. Bridgeport clasped a hand to the ruffles that adorned the bodice of her dress. “Dear me. Why didn’t you say something? I would have had Luther speak to him. In fact, I will say something this very moment.”
Callie clasped Mrs. Bridgeport’s hand. “Please don’t. I’ve given the matter great thought.” It didn’t take Callie long to explain her position and the possible consequences.
After hearing her thoughts, Mrs. Bridgeport agreed. “I suppose you’re right. I hadn’t considered the ramifications. Still, we don’t want you in a situation where anyone would attempt to take advantage. The very thought angers me.” She rubbed her arms. “I think we should go outside, and I’ll tell Mr. Penniman that I’ve reconsidered and don’t believe you should go. I do wish I would have waited and spoken to you before I agreed.”
Callie wished she had, as well, but she didn’t want to cause the woman further distress. “I have an idea. When we go outside, why don’t you tell Mr. Penniman that you’ve decided the children should accompany us? I would feel quite safe if Thomas and the girls are along, and that way they won’t have to wait until a later date to see the turtle nests.”
Mrs. Bridgeport beamed. “I do believe that’s a perfect solution. Let’s go talk to Mr. Penniman right now.”
Archie did his best to appear pleased when Mrs. Bridgeport explained the change of plans, but Callie noticed a distinct tick in his jaw. The older woman smiled and placed her hand on Thomas’s shoulder. “I know this will prove to be a delightful adventure for the children.”
Archie gestured toward the buggy. “I don’t believe there will be adequate room for all of the children, Mrs. Bridgeport.”
She frowned and glanced at Callie. “I suppose that’s true, but it’s large enough for Thomas to join you. He can go along and help Callie remember the location for future visits with the girls.”
Thomas stepped forward and directed a generous smile at Archie. “Miss Callie does have trouble with directions from time to time, and I’d be most pleased to join the two of you.”
Callie would have preferred all three children, but having Thomas along would provide as much protection as she would need. And there would be little opportunity for any unseemly comments in the buggy. Thomas would easily hear every word that was spoken.
Had Thomas not peppered Archie with questions about the sea turtles and other animals that inhabited the islands, the ride would have been unusually silent. Archie told Thomas how he’d learned to play tennis while in school at New York, but later he said he’d learned while living in Georgia. Callie gathered Archie was one of those men who had trouble keeping his stories straight. He’d likely told so many different ones, he’d lost track of the truth.
“I think we’ll have to stop here. I can’t take the buggy to the area where the turtles nest.” Archie stepped down from the buggy and extended his hand to Callie. Once she had reached the ground, he wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Please remove your arm, Mr. Penniman.” Callie pushed on his arm until he released his hold.
Archie pointed to the west. “We need to go down the beach about half a mile. It shouldn’t be too bad once we get through this loose sand and onto the hard-packed area of the beach.”
Callie did her best to follow Archie and Thomas in the loose sand, but after only a short distance, she realized such a walk could easily reinjure her ankle. “I think it would be best for me to wait at the buggy. You take Thomas and show him. He’ll be able to direct us back once my ankle is completely healed.”
Archie stepped closer. “I would be delighted to carry you.”
“No thank you, Mr. Penniman. Either take Thomas to the turtle nests or take us home.” She turned toward the buggy. “And that is my final word on the matter.”
“Suit yourself.” He waved toward Thomas. “Come on, then. We’re on our own to see what we can find.”
Callie settled in the buggy and removed a book of poems from her bag. After searching for the turtle nests, she had planned to sit on the beach and read. Instead, the buggy would have to do.
She’d been reading for a short time when she glanced up to see Archie returning. She pushed herself up a bit to see if she could spot Thomas, but he was nowhere in sight. Fear gripped her as she continued to scan the area for any sign of the boy. “Where is Thomas?”
Archie pointed toward the beach. “No need for alarm. He’s examining the turtle nests and doing quite fine. There’s nothing to harm him.” He grinned as he stopped beside the wagon. “I told him I thought I should come back and make certain that you’re all right.”
“I’m fine.”
He hoisted himself into the buggy beside her. “I couldn’t agree more. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the most handsome woman on all of Bridal Veil Island. I know we got off to a bad start, but I truly am a gentleman. I’d like to court you properly, if you’ll agree. I’d be more than pleased to show you the beach in the moonlight.”
“How many times must I tell you that your forward behavior is unwelcome?”
“I’m not so sure you mean that.” He leaned toward her and chuckled when she pushed him away.
Her heart hammered and bile rose in her throat. She needed to keep her wits about her. Lifting her hand to strike him, she stopped short when she heard someone whistling a familiar tune.
“Thomas is coming. Get away from me.”
“What are you doing back so soon, Thomas?” Archie jumped down from the buggy.
“I started feeling
sick to my stomach. Is it okay if we go home, Miss Callie?”
Callie nodded and welcomed him into the carriage. God had answered her prayers. Never before had she been thankful for an ill child.
Chapter 14
A loud knock startled Wesley. His stomach knotted at the sound. Few people visited his room, especially so early in the morning. Yesterday his mother had complained of not feeling well, and concern for her mounted as he hurried across the room. He swung open the door, surprised to see his father, a frown on his face.
Gesturing toward the sitting area, his father said, “We need to talk.” He strode across the room and dropped into one of the brocade-covered chairs. “I see you’re dressed for another day at the golf course.” He shook his head. “I hope you’re not planning on wearing that garb into the dining room.”
Wes looked down at his clothing. “There’s nothing inappropriate about what I’m wearing. Many of the men wear tennis or golf clothes into the dining room. I’ve even seen a few come in their hunting attire.” He chuckled. “I don’t think it will hurt their digestion.”
“I’m not concerned about their digestion. It’s more a matter of how a person is perceived, Wesley. People judge such things all the time.” He brushed his hand down the front of his jacket. “With the expansion of the mills, I’ve been required to take out substantial loans. It would be beneficial to Townsend Mills and to our family if we could entice some of the men here to invest in the mills. Having a son who consistently appears to have nothing better to do with his time than play golf doesn’t breed confidence or build a desire to invest in our company. I’ve told them this is a working vacation for the men in our family, but your attire tells them the opposite.”
“I’m baffled by what you’ve told me, Father. I haven’t agreed to come on with the mills, so you shouldn’t have given anyone that idea.” His mind whirled at the possibility. Was that truly how these powerful men conducted business? Surely not! Then again, perhaps they did. He really had no idea how such choices were made. His business knowledge would fit into one of his mother’s sterling thimbles.
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