To Honor and Trust

by Tracie Peterson

  “I don’t—”

  His father held up his hand. “The Dundreys have agreed to join us for dinner on Saturday evening. There is more than enough time for you to tell Mr. Nusbaum you need to leave the golf course early. And if you don’t do so, I will.” Lifting his coffee cup to his lips, his father eyed him over the rim. “Have I made myself clear?”

  Wesley nodded. “Very clear. I know your expectations, and I believe you know mine.” He pushed away from the table and stood. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to be late.”

  No matter how many times his father said he would give Wes time to make a decision, the older man continued to steam forward and push his own agenda.

  His father looked up with a satisfied smile on his lips. “Then we can count on you for Saturday night?”

  “I didn’t say that, Father. I said I understood your expectations.” Without waiting, Wes strode from the room.

  Even with family, his father used every advantage. The older man had known Wes wouldn’t create a scene in public. That’s why he’d ordered Wes to meet him for breakfast instead of stopping by his room. No doubt there would be a message from his mother when he returned to his room this evening. She would meet with him privately and issue a tearful plea. In addition to taking his meals in the servants’ dining room, maybe he should inquire about sleeping quarters, as well.

  Jumbled thoughts crossed his mind as he walked to the golf course. He was nearing the links when he was struck by what he must do. He must speak to Callie—tell her the truth about himself. Be open and honest and ask if she could ever consider him as more than a friend. If she declined, it wouldn’t change his decision to refuse a marriage of convenience, but he could honestly tell his parents he cared for another woman and planned to do everything in his power to win her heart. Of course, if she accepted, they would need to consider the future. If Callie decided to go to Africa, could he accept such a decision and go with her? Or would she be willing to change her plans and support his idea of using his medical education to do research? There would be much to consider—for both of them.

  Still, the realization freed him from the heavy weight that had settled on his chest. As soon as he entered the caddie shack, he checked the day’s schedule. Nothing had been penciled in for him following his lesson with Thomas and Callie.

  Wes waited near the live oaks leading into the forested area where he and Callie had agreed to meet. She’d been preoccupied during the golf lesson earlier in the afternoon, but when he suggested they meet and take the children to the woods later in the afternoon, she’d readily agreed. When he saw the foursome approaching, his chest tightened. He hoped he could find the right words to express himself. On his way to meet her, he’d prayed that she wouldn’t be angry that he hadn’t already revealed his identity and the truth of his past. His concern mounted as she drew near.

  “I hope you’re hungry. The children insisted on a picnic, even though we’ve already eaten lunch.”

  He smiled. “I’m always ready for an extra meal or two.” Nodding toward the basket, he extended his hand. “I’ll carry that for you.”

  She handed him the basket while the three children ran ahead of them. Callie cupped her hands to her mouth. “Not too far. I want to be able to see all three of you.”

  The children slowed their steps but continued through the trees, with Thomas taking the lead. Wes glanced at her. “You appear worried. The children are within sight.”

  “I am worried. Not regarding the whereabouts of the children, but so much that’s happened in the past weeks—and none of it good.”

  Wes arched his brows. “This is supposed to be a winter retreat away from cares and worries. What has happened that’s so terrible?”

  “Have you heard about the jewelry thefts taking place on the island?”

  He nodded. “I’ve heard a little about it. Why do you ask?”

  “There are detectives questioning various employees about the robberies. Recently, they came to Fair Haven. There were two detectives who questioned me at length. They said it was strange that Fair Haven hadn’t been robbed while most of the other cottages suffered some sort of theft. It made me feel as though they were pointing a finger at one of us.”

  “That’s terrible. I didn’t know there were detectives investigating.”

  “So they haven’t talked to you?”

  “No.” Wes glanced at her. “Why should they?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, but they said they had heard I’d been keeping company with a man. I said the only man I’d been with was you. They appeared to know who you were.”

  “That’s strange. I haven’t talked to them, and none of the caddies has mentioned a visit from any detectives.”

  Callie tucked a curl behind her ear. “Wesley isn’t a particularly common name. Mr. Crocker probably furnished them with a list of the workers, and I suppose they recalled your name.”

  “You’re probably right. Since they know I’m at the golf course most of my time, they shouldn’t have much trouble finding me if they want to talk.”

  From what she’d said, the detectives hadn’t mentioned if they knew he was a Townsend or that the family was staying at the clubhouse. And before they did, he needed to tell Callie the truth about himself. He was still considering the detectives and their behavior when Callie touched his arm.

  “The other reason I’m worried is because Mr. Bridgeport has received word of flooding in Indianapolis.” She brushed aside a low-hanging branch. “There have been terrible storms in the states adjoining Indiana. We had hoped they might subside before reaching Indianapolis, but that hasn’t happened. Mr. Bridgeport received news today that the levees are sure to break, and disastrous flooding is expected to occur.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear this, Callie. Do the Bridgeports fear their home will be damaged should the rains continue?”

  “It’s difficult to know. Indianapolis isn’t well protected against flooding, but their home is further away from the river.” She sighed. “My grandmother left me a small house, and I’m sure it will be destroyed. It is situated fairly close to Fall Creek, where it will surely be inundated by the floodwaters.”

  “I’m so sorry, Callie. I wish I could say or do something that would help.”

  “Thank you, Wes, but there’s truly nothing that anyone can do. If the house is lost, I’ll be sad because it belonged to my grandmother and I shared happy times in the house with her.”

  “Had you planned to live there someday?”

  She gave him a wistful smile that tugged at his heart.

  “I don’t know. My plans for the future are uncertain. I’ve been considering several ideas. I’ve thought about returning to teach in Chicago or possibly joining my parents in Africa.”

  “I know.”

  “You know? How is that possible?”

  “I believe you told me.” His mind raced and fear clutched his throat in a tight grip.

  She shook her head. “I don’t believe so.”

  “Then maybe it was Thomas. I heard someone mention Africa.” He hoped she wouldn’t question him further, because he suddenly remembered that it was while he’d been dancing with her at the clubhouse during the masked ball that she had mentioned Africa.

  “No, the children don’t know I’ve given thought to going. I didn’t want them to worry I might leave.”

  He didn’t miss the quizzical look in her eyes as she shook her head.

  “Miss Callie! Mr. Wes! Come quick!” Thomas was standing near Daisy, waving his arms.

  Wes placed the basket on the ground and both of them rushed toward the children. Wes arrived a few paces before Callie and stooped down in front of Daisy. She was holding her hand on her leg and crying.

  “What’s wrong, Daisy?” Using the pad of his thumb, Wes wiped a tear from her cheek. “Did you scratch your leg?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I know I wasn’t supposed to take off my stockings, but I was hot.” She looked up at Cal
lie. “I sat down on the branch, and while I was rolling them up, a spider bit me.”

  “Would you let me see?” Wes gently lifted her hand from her leg. The area had turned red and begun to swell. “Did you see the spider?”

  Her lip quivered. “I tried to smack it, but it bit me before I could kill it.”

  Callie stooped down alongside Wes and Daisy. “Can you tell me what color it was?”

  “Dark brown or black.” Daisy’s lips curled into a pout. “I don’t like spiders.”

  Wes smiled. “I’m not very fond of them myself. And since this spider decided to nibble on your leg, I think we should take you to the infirmary and have the doctor look at the bite and see what he thinks.”

  Callie motioned Wes away from the children. “Do you think this could be dangerous?”

  “I’m not familiar with all the spiders that might be on this island, but I know there may be a few that are poisonous. I think the doctor will be better able to look at the bite and treat her.”

  Fear scaled Wes’s spine as he watched the rapid swelling of the bitten area. Had he been able to look at the bite and offer a genuine medical opinion, Wes would have told Callie. But even with his knowledge of botany and a medical degree, he couldn’t be certain about this spider bite or the best way to treat Daisy. He had no instruments or medicine, so a local doctor, familiar with common insects in the area, would be Daisy’s best chance. And if his instincts were correct, she’d need all the help she could get.

  Wes lifted the child into his arms and hurried down the path toward the infirmary. Callie sent Thomas home to tell his parents what had happened.

  “What about our picnic?” Daisy’s voice was no more than a whimper.

  “We’ll have our picnic another day. Right now, it’s more important we see to your leg.” He didn’t like her pallor or the sheen of perspiration that had spread across her face. “Daisy?”

  “Huh?”

  “Just keep talking to me, honey. Just keep talking.”

  Chapter 20

  They hadn’t been at the infirmary for long when Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport rushed inside, their features pinched with fear.

  Mrs. Bridgeport clasped Callie’s arm. “Where is she?”

  “In the other room with the doctor.” Callie glanced toward the doorway. “He asked us to wait here.”

  Mr. Bridgeport motioned to his wife. “You go on in, Eunice.” He turned his attention back to Callie. “Exactly what happened, Callie? We have always trusted you with the children, but when Thomas came to fetch us, he said they were playing in the woods and that she was bit by some animal.” He shifted his gaze toward Wesley and frowned.

  Thomas shook his head. “That’s not what I said, Dad. I told you—”

  Mr. Bridgeport waved the boy to silence. “I want to know what happened to Daisy.”

  “We took the children to the woods, where Wes has been teaching them about the different plants and trees. He knows a great deal about—”

  “I don’t care what he knows about plants and trees, Callie. Tell me about Daisy.”

  A tear rolled down Callie’s cheek, and Wes touched her arm. “If you don’t mind, Mr. Bridgeport, I’ll explain. Callie is very concerned about Daisy—as am I, but it may be easier . . .”

  Mr. Bridgeport waved his hand in a circular motion. “Go on, go on.”

  With as much speed and clarity as he could muster, Wes told Mr. Bridgeport what had occurred, Daisy’s description of the spider, and his decision to bring her to the infirmary.

  “Thank you for the explanation. I’m sorry to be so abrupt. But . . .” The older man peered toward the other room.

  “I understand you’re worried about your child. No apology is needed, sir.” Wesley remained beside Callie. “I’m sure the doctor wouldn’t mind if you went in. He’ll understand your concern.”

  While Mr. Bridgeport strode into the treatment room, Callie, Wes, Lottie, and Thomas sat down in the waiting area. Thomas leaned forward on his chair. “I told my dad that it was a spider bite, Miss Callie, but he was so busy shouting at my mother to hurry that he didn’t listen.”

  “It’s fine, Thomas. Don’t worry. I know everyone is worried and upset. You did exactly what I told you. Your parents are here to make any necessary decisions about Daisy’s care, and that’s what’s most important.”

  His thatch of brown hair fell across his forehead. “Yeah, but Dad sounded like he was mad at you.”

  Callie reached across Lottie and patted his arm. “Instead of worrying about your father being angry, I think we should all pray for Daisy.”

  “You think Jesus will make her better, Miss Callie?” Lottie pinned her with a blue-eyed stare that demanded an answer.

  “I don’t know for certain. I only know that the Bible tells us that we should cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.” She enveloped Lottie’s hand in her own. “When someone cares about us, they want the very best for us. But sometimes, because we’re human, we don’t know what’s best. Only God knows for sure, and that’s when it becomes very important to trust Him, no matter how our prayer is answered.”

  Lottie wrinkled her forehead. “Daniel trusted God in the lion’s den.”

  Callie smiled as she ran her fingers through Lottie’s hair. “Daniel was very brave, wasn’t he?”

  Lottie bobbed her head. “And God didn’t let him die. So if I pray and ask God to make Daisy better, then He won’t let Daisy die, either. Right?” Her eyes glistened with anticipation.

  Callie sighed. “Not exactly. Our prayers aren’t always answered the way we want.”

  The anticipation in Lottie’s eyes was replaced with a cloud of confusion. “Why?”

  “Because God knows it isn’t the right answer.” Callie squeezed Lottie’s hand. “Sometimes it’s very hard to continue to trust when we don’t get what we want, but we must always remember that God knows much more than we do.”

  Lottie’s lower lip quivered. “But Daisy’s my sister. I don’t want her to die.”

  “Come here, Lottie.” Wes motioned for the girl to come sit on his lap. Once she was settled, he glanced at Callie. “Let’s not talk about dying. I’m sure the doctor will be able to help her. Why don’t we pray that Daisy will feel better and the doctor will know exactly how to help her?”

  The four of them had completed their prayers when Mrs. Bridgeport stepped into the waiting room. “The doctor thinks we should take Daisy to the hospital in Biscayne. She’s having acute pain in the area of the bite along with abdominal pain and muscle cramps. He can’t be certain, of course, but he thinks the spider may have been a black widow. He says the bites cause more severe medical problems for the elderly and for children.” Tears rimmed her eyes, and she looked away as she lifted a handkerchief to her cheeks.

  “I feel terrible, Mrs. Bridgeport.” Callie hastened to the older woman’s side. “The children were in my care and now—”

  “It’s not your fault, my dear. Accidents occur all the time. She could have been bitten by a spider just as easily while sitting on the front porch. These things happen.” Her lips quivered. “The doctor is hopeful and thinks she’ll recover quickly. He simply wants to have another opinion. When Luther told him we were planning to leave for Indiana, he thought it best if we made certain all was well before we departed for home.”

  “Leaving? I don’t understand.”

  Before she and the children left Fair Haven to go to the woods, nothing had been said about leaving. News of the flooding had been frightening, but Callie hadn’t imagined the Bridgeports would decide to leave Bridal Veil on such short notice.

  Before his wife could answer, Mr. Bridgeport joined them. “Eunice and I will take the children and Maude to Biscayne. Callie, I’d like you to remain and, with the help of the other servants, close up the cottage and then join us in Biscayne. Providing all is well with Daisy, we’ll leave as soon as possible.”

  She nodded her agreement but couldn’t seem to move. It was all happening so fast t
hat she felt like a child attempting to jump from a merry-go-round that hadn’t yet stopped.

  Mrs. Bridgeport reached for Callie’s hand. “I’m going to stay here at the infirmary with Daisy. You and Maude pack enough of our belongings for a few nights, and Luther will bring them when he returns for Daisy and me. He’ll need to make arrangements for Captain Fleming to take us to Biscayne. You can pack the rest of the personal belongings and have them delivered to Biscayne when you join us. Lula and Jane can help you close the house. I know it will be more rushed than usual, but at least you’ve helped before.”

  Callie forced a smile that she hoped would assure Mrs. Bridgeport. But truth be told, Callie wasn’t at all certain she remembered everything that needed to be done in order to close the house. She could only hope Lula or Jane could provide her with a list of instructions.

  While Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport were speaking with Thomas and Lottie, Callie turned to Wes. “You should probably go back to the golf course. We’ll be so busy that there won’t be time to do anything but pack.”

  “I don’t want you to leave until we have an opportunity to talk. I’ll come by the house later.”

  Callie glanced at the Bridgeports and then turned back to face Wes. “Wait by the live oak behind the house. We can meet there.”

  Once they returned to Fair Haven, Mr. Bridgeport accompanied Callie into the parlor. “After you left with the children, we received another telegram from home.” He cleared his throat and hesitated. “I hate to be the one to give you bad news, but your grandmother’s house was destroyed in the flood. It’s completely under water.” He patted her shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Callie. I know the house was important to you.”

  “What’s most important is Daisy and her recovery. Losing grandmother’s home doesn’t worry me as much as Daisy’s health.”

  Had loss of the house meant God was removing all other choices so that she would go to Africa or move to Chicago? Loss of the house could certainly mean she should leave, but where was she supposed to go?