Callie leaned down and rubbed the girl’s chest. “You must quit crying and calmly breathe.”
While Lottie continued to wheeze and gasp for air, Wes drew near. “Does she have any medicine that might help?” He reached for Lottie’s arms and held them above her head.
Callie glared at him. “What are you doing?”
“It helps ease the spasms. Hot peppermint tea would help, too. There are properties in the tea that help open the bronchial passages. The steam will also help. And if you have a jar of honey, hold it beneath her nose and have her smell it. Sometimes that helps, as well.”
Still fighting her anger at him, Callie shifted around and glared at Wes. “Let go of her. Unless you’ve become a doctor in the past few minutes, I don’t need your suggestions or advice.”
He released Lottie’s arms and took a backward step. “I was only trying to help.”
Callie immediately regretted her harsh words. She might be angry at Wes, but acting the shrew was uncalled for and unbecoming. “I’m sorry, but I think you should leave. I need to see to Lottie.”
“Let me come in and lend a hand. If you don’t need my assistance with the children, I’m sure there are other things I can do to help.” He touched her shoulder. “I need to talk to you, Callie. I want to settle matters between us before you go.”
Callie shook her head, tears threatening to spill. “I don’t have time. Right now, I must see to Lottie. After that, there are other things needing my attention.” She dropped her gaze. “And I think you’ve already said more than enough.”
Placing an arm around a rasping Lottie, Callie hurried across the back porch of Fair Haven. As she crossed the threshold, a tear slipped down her cheek.
He’d said he loved her. Was that a lie, as well?
The image of Callie’s pain and anger remained in his mind as Wes returned to the clubhouse. He had hoped to go to his room and sort out his thoughts. Instead, his father was already there and greeted him with anger flashing in his dark eyes.
“Where were you? Do you realize how embarrassed I was when you didn’t show up for dinner this evening?”
Wes stood inside the door of his room still wearing his golf attire. “I apologize, Father, but I had an unexpected matter arise, and I couldn’t make it back in time. I doubt the fact that I went missing for the evening meal will influence the outcome of the negotiations with your investor.”
His father’s neck reddened beneath the stark whiteness of his stiff collar. “Don’t presume to tell me what will or will not affect a possible investor, Wesley. The fact that you didn’t appear at dinner created great embarrassment for the young lady. Can you imagine for a moment how she must have felt?”
Wesley nodded. “I will send a note of apology, Father, but please remember that I didn’t make these arrangements, and I did not agree to become your pawn in a matchmaking scheme. If you’ll be honest with yourself, you’ll recall that I have told both you and Mother that I do not wish an arranged marriage and will not agree to it.”
“That’s true, Howard. Wesley has told us how he feels.” His mother stepped around the two men and sat down.
Wesley’s father directed a stern look at his wife. “I don’t need you taking his side, Blanche.”
“I am not taking Wesley’s side. I’m simply saying that he did say he didn’t want us to interfere. That doesn’t mean I don’t think he needs to find a wife and settle down.”
His mother pursed her lips and met his father’s stern look with one of her own. If he didn’t step in, this could turn into an ongoing disagreement between his parents. After his unsatisfactory meeting with Callie, he didn’t want to listen to the two of them quarrel about whom he should marry and why he hadn’t attended dinner this evening.
“The two of you seem to believe I’m the one in the wrong, so I’ll leave the two of you to claim victory.” His father gestured toward the hallway. “I do expect that note of apology, Wesley.” His father turned on his heel and slammed the door on his way out of the room.
“Your father was quite discomfited when you didn’t appear this evening.” His mother stared at the closed door. “However, I think you made a wise choice staying away. Madelaine would not have been to your liking.”
“Madelaine is the young lady?”
“Yes.” His mother touched a finger to the curls along the side of her head. “Not very bright. I tried to engage her in conversation, but I don’t believe she managed to convey one intelligent thought.” She wrinkled her nose. “And she’s quite horsey looking, as well.” She hesitated. “But so is her father.” His mother shook her head. “Poor girl. It’s good her family has money. Otherwise I doubt she’ll ever find a husband.”
“That is sad, Mother, but—”
“Now then, where were you this evening?”
His mother adjusted her skirts and leaned back. Obviously she was planning on an extended conversation. He knew that determined look in her eye: She wouldn’t leave until she’d received the answers she wanted. Besides, she wouldn’t want to return to her room until after his father was asleep. That way she could avoid further confrontation.
He considered repeating that he’d been delayed but knew his mother would push for further information. And right now, he needed someone to talk to—a woman who might understand how best to approach Callie and convince her that he hadn’t set out to intentionally deceive her.
“I was with Callie Deboyer. She’s the governess for the Bridgeport family. Have you met them?”
His mother’s forehead wrinkled, and then her eyes brightened. “Yes. I did meet them once—I believe it was at the Valentine’s ball. They seemed quite nice. You say this Miss Deboyer is their governess?”
Wesley sat down beside his mother. “Yes. And I’m in love with her.”
His mother’s eyebrows arched high on her forehead. “In love? Why, that’s wonderful news. Why haven’t we met her? Were you worried we wouldn’t approve because of her lack of social standing?”
“No. I’m not worried what anyone would think of her. She’s a lovely young woman who cares little about society’s frills and rules, although she was born into a wealthy family.”
“Then why is she working as a governess?”
Wes explained that her parents had chosen to give up their worldly possessions and had gone to the mission field. “I think it was admirable of them. Callie lived with her grandmother and finished her schooling. There was some connection between the Bridgeport family and Callie’s grandmother, which led to her position with them.”
“So she isn’t well positioned, but you’ve fallen in love with her and desire our blessing. Is that it?”
Wesley chuckled. “Not quite, Mother. I don’t want to sound disrespectful, but I am a grown man, and if Callie doesn’t meet with the family’s approval, it will not change my heart. She is kind, witty, and compassionate, a perfect woman for me in every way.”
“I see. Well, it sounds as though you’ve made up your mind. May I ask if you’ve proposed marriage to her?”
“No. Not yet. You see, there’s a problem.”
His mother folded her hands in her lap. “Why don’t you tell me about it? I’m in no hurry.”
Wesley inhaled a deep breath. He needed to gain another woman’s perspective, and his mother would be fair. While his father cared little about the subject of love, when it came to marriage, his mother remained a romantic. He hoped she could provide him with some insight.
After gathering his thoughts, he outlined his first meeting with Callie and explained how she’d assumed he was a worker on the island rather than a guest. “I liked the idea and didn’t correct her.”
His mother held up a finger. “Mistake number one, but go on.” After admitting he’d danced with Callie at the masquerade ball and hadn’t revealed his identity, his mother held up two fingers. “Mistake number two, but go on.”
He explained that they’d spent a great deal of time together during the golf lessons and later o
n the beach and in the woods with the children, that she’d told him about her parents and their work on the mission field in Africa.
“She’s attempting to decide if she should join them. They’ve written and told her there is a dire need for teachers and doctors.”
His mother clasped a hand to her chest. “She knows you’re a physician, and she’s trying to convince you to go to Africa, Wesley. The girl wants to help her parents and believes that she will please them by securing a doctor for their work. Dear me—did you really not see through this?”
“Mother, stop! Callie isn’t like that; she would never—”
“You are inexperienced when it comes to women, Wesley. I am loath to admit it, but there are some devious women in the world, and I think this young woman—”
“This young woman, as you call her, doesn’t even know I’m a doctor, so your assumptions are completely mistaken.” Wesley pushed up from the sofa and paced the room.
“So you never told her you’re a doctor? She doesn’t know what happened in Texas?”
He shook his head.
His mother held up three fingers. “Mistake number three, but go on.” She shifted. “No—perhaps you shouldn’t tell me any more. I’m afraid I’m going to run out of fingers before you finish.”
He didn’t heed her comment but continued pacing as he explained that Callie had been betrayed by another man and now she feared trusting men because of what had happened in the past.
“And knowing this, you still didn’t reveal your past?” She held up four fingers. “Mistake number four, but go on.”
“I tried to tell her this evening. That’s why I was late coming back to the clubhouse, but we were interrupted. She heard only enough to believe that she had misplaced her trust in me.”
His mother gestured for him to sit down. “I must say it appears you’ve botched things rather horribly. However, I don’t want you to give up on love. You need to speak to Callie before she leaves the island—even if it means waiting at the dock and detaining Captain Fleming from leaving.” She clasped his hand. “More importantly, you need to pray and seek God’s guidance in this matter. If it is His will for the two of you to be together, I believe it will happen.” She squeezed his hand. “But that doesn’t mean God won’t expect you to put forth some effort. I suggest you pray for divine intervention!”
Chapter 22
Shafts of sunlight streamed through the bedroom window and slanted across the carpeted floor. Callie cracked one eye and attempted to force herself from the foggy haze of a restless sleep that had been fraught with dreams of Wesley and Matthew—of deceit and lies that had been more nightmare than reverie. Shifting her weight and turning in the bed, Callie caught herself and pulled back before she tumbled to the floor. The near fall jarred her fully awake. This wasn’t her room, and it wasn’t her bed. No wonder she’d almost upset onto the floor. While trying to comfort Lottie during the night, she’d fallen asleep in the child’s bed.
Callie smiled as she spotted the child. Lottie had inched her way farther down and lay curled in a ball with the sheet pulled over her head. Callie’s back protested when she stood up, evidence that she’d spent several hours in a twisted position. She rubbed her lower back and padded around to the foot of the bed. Leaning close, she listened to Lottie’s breathing and smiled. No wheezing. Wes’s suggestions of breathing the honey and drinking peppermint tea had truly helped. She would let Lottie sleep a while longer, for she hadn’t rested any better than Callie.
After returning to her own room, she heard noise downstairs. It sounded as though Maude was giving orders of some sort. If so, Lula and Jane would likely be in foul mood. They didn’t mind Maude’s help, but they didn’t want to take orders from the children’s nanny. A fact they’d mentioned to Mrs. Bridgeport on more than one occasion.
Callie brushed her hair and skillfully piled curls atop her head before departing her room. She stopped at the top of the steps. Was that Archie Penniman pacing in the front parlor? Surely not. She thought she’d made it clear she didn’t want any further contact with him, but one look and she was certain that Archie was in the parlor.
He turned as she descended the steps. “What are you doing here, Archie?” She truly didn’t want to deal with the likes of the tennis pro today.
Her harsh tone didn’t appear to bother him. He smiled and stepped toward her as though he’d been invited to tea. “Callie, it’s good to see you. You look as lovely as ever.”
She cringed at his unctuous behavior. “Please, Archie. I’m not interested in your flattery. I want to know why you’ve come here.”
“What happened to the sweet, kind young lady who first came to the tennis courts a few months ago?” He grinned and looked around the room as though looking for someone else. While he seemed to think his behavior endearing, his actions had the opposite effect on her.
“The sweet young lady you met disappeared when you treated her in a rude and churlish manner. I don’t have time to waste, Archie. Please tell me why you’ve appeared at Fair Haven without an invitation.”
He sighed and clasped a hand to his chest. “I’ve come because I heard young Daisy had been injured and was taken to the hospital over in Biscayne. I wanted to say I was sorry to hear the sad news and extend my wishes for a speedy recovery.”
“Thank you, Archie. That’s thoughtful of you.” She wondered how he’d heard about Daisy, but during her first year at Bridal Veil, she’d learned that news traveled fast—especially among the servants. News passed quickly at the guests’ card parties and gatherings, as well. No doubt Archie had heard at one of the tennis matches.
He stepped a little closer, but when Callie took a backward step, he stopped. “Please don’t be alarmed. I don’t intend to lay a hand on you.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “With Daisy’s illness, I guessed that you probably would be leaving the island and doubted the family would return for the remainder of the season.”
Callie nodded. “You’re correct. Once Daisy is able to travel, we’ll return to Indianapolis.”
“That’s what I figured, so I wanted to be sure and see you to offer another apology for my forward actions toward you at the tennis courts.” He glanced toward the parlor. “Could we sit down?”
“No, Archie, we cannot. As I told you, there’s much to do before we depart. You’ve said your apology and—”
“Please. Let me at least finish what I came to say. I don’t want you to leave here thinking me a total cad.”
Callie sighed. The man was as persistent as a hound dog sniffing prey. Her scalp tingled at the thought. Was Archie the hound dog and was she his intended prey? If so, she’d need a way to escape. Keeping her gaze fastened on him, she slowly inched toward the front door.
“Make it quick, Archie. You’re wasting time, and time is valuable to us right now. We have a great deal to complete before we depart.”
“I have always behaved under the belief that young ladies wanted to be pursued—that they enjoyed a man who showed his interest in a more, uh, forward way. So I’m sorry for my actions toward you. I know you were offended. I plan to change my ways with women, and you’re the reason for that change. I wanted you to know that.”
This was taking far too long. She cared little about what Archie planned to do, but it seemed the only way to get him out of the house was to indulge him for a few more moments.
“I appreciate the fact that you listened and you plan to change your ways. Thank you for coming by to tell me.” She stepped closer to the door. “I think you’ll have much greater success with the ladies if you treat them with respect.”
“Miss Callie, I need you in here to help me.” Maude stepped around the doorway leading to the dining room.
Archie moved toward the dining room. “I’d be more than pleased to help you with any baggage and other chores. It’s the least I can do.”
Callie shook her head. “I don’t think—”
“Don’t be so quick to turn down an offer of
help, Callie.” Maude waved toward the rear of the house. “There’s horse races going on today, and we’ll not get a driver to take the baggage to the dock. They’re all busy with the extra visitors attending the races. Had Mr. Bridgeport not arranged for the wagon before they left for Biscayne, we’d be without wagon or horses to haul the belongings.”
Callie frowned. “I’m sure he arranged for someone to help us load the wagon.”
Maude propped her hands on her hips. “The young fellow who brought the wagon yesterday said he wasn’t going to be back—he’d been assigned to work the racetrack weeks ago. When I asked about someone else, he said there wasn’t anyone to help us load.”
Callie disliked accepting Archie’s help, but it seemed she had no other choice. They might be able to handle the bags by themselves, but the trunks were far too heavy to load without a man’s strength.
She gave a faint nod. “We accept your offer with our thanks, Archie. You can begin with the baggage by the steps. The trunks upstairs should be loaded after that. I can show you when you’ve finished with these.”
With an impatient look in her eyes, Maude drew closer. “You need to open the safe, Callie. None of Mrs. Bridgeport’s jewels have been packed.”
Callie arched her brows. “I can do only one thing at a time, Maude. If Archie is to help us, he needs some direction. I can take care of the jewelry later. There’s no hurry. Why don’t you go up and help Lottie. She was still asleep when I came downstairs, and it’s more important that she get up and get dressed.”
Maude frowned, but she marched upstairs without further argument. The back door slammed and Thomas appeared with beads of perspiration dotting his forehead. “I put the bicycles in the storage shed and made sure it was locked.”
“Thank you, Thomas. That’s very helpful.”
“Has there been any word about Daisy?”
Callie rested her hand on his shoulder. “No, nothing, but I’m hoping we’ll be ready to depart within an hour. Our first stop will be the hospital.”
To Honor and Trust Page 21