Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  Next, John took on a sympathetic look, though, as chess was mentioned by several for this evening’s entertainment. “We can do that, although I am sorry that we will have to forego our reading plans for this evening, it would seem, Miss Hathaway. We’ll do it soon, though, I assure you.”

  “I understand.” She was disappointed, yet tried not to show it. A blush crept across her face, since she was embarrassed at being singled out again. “I believe it’s best for me to retire early, anyway, sir.”

  Mr. Cunningham also took leave of them at this time. “Mr. Davis, I must thank you most profusely for your genuine hospitality and the delicious meal and dessert afforded me, plus the fine opportunity to converse with you and your friends.”

  John raised his eyebrows at the word ‘sir’ used by Rachael Hathaway, as he shook hands with the departing guest. But he didn’t call her on it, under the circumstances. He would embarrass her no more. He was sorry that the reading plan had to be postponed, and tried to show it. “Shall we try our fireside circle of reading tomorrow afternoon?” he suggested, obviously offering to make amends for the loss of entertainment this evening.

  “Yes, that will do,” she answered nonchalantly, almost disinterested, with her mind actually focusing on his baby and her job. “However, I plan to be up early in the morning to discuss Lily with you, Mr. Davis, or should I call you Dr. Davis?” She was somewhat curt, now ignoring his request that she call him John. Let’s let the gentlemen all know that I’m just temporary help here, she thought to herself. Wasting no time, she also wanted to speak up in order that they would in no way misinterpret why she was here. At this point, she did not think that Dr. Davis was helping on that account at all. According to her way of thinking, it was good to set the record straight right at the very beginning of an introduction. She certainly had done that.

  Just then, her employer rose. All eyes were upon him, as he moved smoothly with his cane to the veranda door and opened it, allowing a swirl of fresh air into the room. “Let’s see if our dragonfly friend returns to join us again, Miss Hathaway, before you go.”

  His two friends glanced at Rachael with big smiles upon their faces, knowing that there must be some kind of a secret or history between the two of them, even short-lived, which seemed to delight the lieutenant and Dr. Callahan, for they both found her to be well-educated, fascinating, polite, and charming.

  John continued trying to amuse and confuse. “Perhaps tomorrow we can see where dragonflies soar in my region, if our legs are better. They are interesting creatures, with four wings, and large eyes.” He knew this comment might make his friends wonder even more. “I’ll look forward to our trek to the watering hole, Miss Hathaway,” he chuckled, remembering her use of the words earlier.

  Confound him for including me and not them, she thought. “Perhaps” was all she would say, while smiling at the notion of a ‘trek’ and evading his eyes. The very thought of it, being in the gardens and fresh air, under a canopy of gently swaying, blooming, shade trees, brightened her mood immensely, for she loved springtime the most.

  “We shall find you a sun parasol, Miss Hathaway,” he continued, addressing her exclusively.

  She was mortified now, not at all enjoying being the center of attention. How can I change the subject or escape, she wondered? “I would enjoy studying Magnolia Gardens.”

  “You shall also need a fan,” he continued. “Could we find Miss Hathaway a beautiful one, Miss Mariah? Perhaps Miss Callie could help you pick it out. You may take them to the market in the morning, Crane, if you will.” He addressed all three of his attendants, knowing how they loved to go to the store.

  Crane quickly agreed. “Absolutely, I will, sir. Will ten o’clock do?”

  “If your escorts agree, it is certainly fine with me,” Dr. Davis replied, making a stab at humor.

  Miss Mariah’s face fairly beamed at the very prospect of it. “I’ll take the marketing list, too, doctor.”

  That’s it. Rachael was fairly furious at John Davis. At the same time, she saw the hint of a blush upon his housekeeper’s sweet face, and also read butler Crane’s face. It would seem that they were both pleased with the journey plan. Yet, the butler also seemed to be wondering how to keep his employer away from the barn and learning about the pair of missing horses if all three of them went to the market. Concern was there.

  So, instead of retreating to her room, Rachael instantly decided to take things into her own hands. It seemed her place to intervene, while trying not to feel badly about not being invited to accompany them. “I shall need assistance down the stairway in the morning, sir,” she quickly interjected. “I want to have breakfast with you so that we may discuss childrearing plans.”

  At this, Dr. Callahan coughed once, without saying a word. The lieutenant smiled broadly.

  “Of course, you will need help down the stairs and with the childrearing, as well, Miss Hathaway. I am a very involved father with Lily. So, if by chance you should sleep late, and I would highly advise it, I myself will assist you downstairs, when you are ready,” her employer informed her with an apparently amused smile. “I shall be at the reading table in the upper hallway when you need assistance.”

  “Thank you. That is kind of you, doctor,” Rachael answered smoothly. Her plan to keep him from the barn had worked well for now. She was glad of it, and consequently, it was also apparent that the butler appreciated her intentions, too.

  Unfortunately though, Dr. Davis focused on his untimely outdoor plans, once again. “By the way, I haven’t had a chance to get to the barn, yet. Perhaps tomorrow we can venture out there. I’m anxious to survey the stalls and feed the livestock, myself.” His comments were directed toward the men.

  “That’s a good idea, John,” Buddy Callahan agreed. “We can do that in the morning,” he replied, not knowing of the dire circumstances at hand.

  “When’s the race, John?” the lieutenant wanted to know, while remembering his friend’s excitement in describing some previous ones.

  “I haven’t had time to plan one, yet. But, you both can help me figure out a date for it.”

  “Well, we’re here to help. But there are other plans, as well,” Lieutenant Graham advised.

  “We’ll have to discuss those plans, then,” the doctor host agreed, with a glance at his new nanny. “Why don’t you two, Buddy and Monty, play a board game of chess, and I’ll beat the winner!” he offered.

  “Remember, doctor, what your doctor said about your leg and staying off of it?” Rachael knew she was over-stepping her bounds, but the barn venture couldn’t take place tomorrow. She needed to divert his attention again. Crane glanced at her nervously. She winked. He smiled. “I believe perhaps I will ask you to show me the grounds and gardens first before you take on the barn and pasture adventures,” Rachael said sweetly. “Then we’ll need to make some kind of a log for each day, Lily’s, that is. It will include her meals, naptimes, bath, and other activities. In a few days, perhaps, when your leg is improved, we could visit your livestock. Remember, Dr. Evans mentioned a wheelchair.”

  Crane’s grin grew larger. Behind the doctor’s back, he nodded his agreement to her helpful plan, as he prepared to fetch leftover food and dishes.

  Dr. Callahan rose and stretched. “You’ve seen Dr. Evans? Is your leg worse, John? Can I see it?”

  “Later, Buddy. You are not to worry,” was his sharp reply, as their host pointed to the chess table.

  Nevertheless, Dr. Callahan and Lieutenant Graham showed concern with John’s limp. Frowns graced their brows, as they gathered around the chessboard and watched him move to an easy chair.

  By now, Rachael was tired. Immediately, she excused herself again, for the evening. While Miss Mariah and Crane were helping her to her room, they heard laughter coming from the library, which cheered them all. They were happy for their employer and his friends. His two visitors were kind and supportive, ju
st like Cousin Emery and John’s friends.

  Dr. Davis kept his word. He was reading mail and sipping tea at his reading table in the upper hall when Rachael was ready to join him for breakfast. He left it immediately, charmingly offering her his arm.

  “Shall we go by train, coach, or horseback?” Dr. Callahan asked John when he and Rachael appeared in the dining room that morning.

  Her heart sank. She took the chair next to him on his right again. Does this mean he will leave me to my own devises here alone, while he goes off somewhere in the distance with his friends, she thought to herself? I haven’t even met his daughter yet or made those daily plans for her. When she glanced at him, something seemed to be weighing heavily on his mind.

  He hesitated. “Coach, I would suggest.” John offered his honest opinion, not wishing at all to travel by horse.

  Silence engulfed the room as food was being delivered and set upon the large walnut buffet for them by Crane and Miss Mariah, while the diners sipped their morning beverages. The maid then poured water into those sparkling, crystal glasses she had unpacked last evening. Rachael was very uncomfortable with the silence, for, it made her wonder just what she had missed or what was pending.

  Then, the lieutenant spoke. “I don’t know if it’s even wise for you to embark on this mission at this particular time, John.” Picking up his napkin, he placed it into his lap and took a sip of water. “I am pondering it and my good judgment tells me not to allow it.”

  “Are you referring to this scratch?” their host questioned, sweeping a right hand above his wounded leg. “Let’s eat.” He swept the other hand toward the sideboard. “I’ll be fit as a fiddle to travel tomorrow, Monty, or later today.” He turned to gaze at the nanny, who had gone pale at the aspect of him being wounded, his imminent travel plans, and the fact that very little nanny instructions would be hers from him at this time. “We can discuss childrearing upon my return, Miss Hathaway.” He tried to set her mind at ease. “There will be plenty of time for that. I’m needed in Washington. It won’t take long. Mostly, the time will be spent traveling. Monty and Buddy will accompany me, or, rather, I shall accompany these two fine, trustworthy companions and gentlemen.”

  “I see.” Something about his honesty warmed her heart, and she gently bit her lip at this new development. At least he was taking the time to inform her. Suddenly, she pondered: was this feeling remorse at coming here, taking this position, or was it that Lily, her charge, wasn’t here yet to occupy her time? Or was something else bothering her, something quite contrary to her way of thinking? “What about your daughter?” she stammered. “Also, what am I to do with my time while you and Lily are away? I came here to be a nanny. I mean, I should be working.” Her questions were sincere concerns. They fairly grumbled from her. She could not help asking him these, even in front of strangers. In fact, come to think of it, John Davis was a stranger, also, she reminded herself with a sigh.

  “I’ll share my library with you,” he generously informed her with a kind smile. “You may wish to catch up on your reading, and rest. Survey Miss Callie’s Kitchen, if you like, and, of course, write letters home, I’d advise. When I return, I shall bring Lily home. When I hired you, I did not realize that she would be away for so long.” His voice faded, along with his morale.

  The others remained silent while he made the suggestions. It was then that Rachael realized that she was holding a disgusted look upon her face, and she knew she shouldn’t be. He was right. The time would give her sprain time to heal and perhaps she could even explore Magnolia Gardens in his absence and write home about them. She could compare them to her family’s lovely flowers, although she would have very little else to explain, not even Lily. She was grateful for this employment opportunity, though, and a chance to read some of those interesting books in his library, for he obviously did not know the circumstances here beforehand. Because of that, she had to forgive him. “Thank you. I shall enjoy your books immensely.”

  “John, how on earth were you so lucky as to acquire those fascinating red spyglasses?” Dr. Buddy Callahan broke the tension with his question and chuckle. “Mine are black.”

  “Mine are grey,” the lieutenant acknowledged, chuckling. “Yours are by far more visible.”

  “Just lucky, I guess.” John informed them. Then the men had a lively discussion about some of the most interesting things they had seen with their spyglasses in recent travels: nesting ducks, deer families with their young fawns, couples on picnics, fog rolling in unexpectedly, and migrating geese on the wing. Then, to Rachael’s dismay, they went silent again.

  This is how meals and conversations went throughout the day ~ in snatches. Rachael was learning things, but mostly from the two guests. For the most part, her employer failed to include her in many of the conversations or ask for her opinion. So, she took matters into her own hands, by commenting, “I’ve also seen nesting ducks, deer families, smiling fog, and migrating geese,” she commented in a most serious manner, causing much laughter.

  Eventually, the doctor convinced his friends that he was able to travel. Rachael hadn’t yet had that chat with him alone, determining anything pertinent about childrearing, and she was somewhat disgusted by that development. I guess it can wait, she told herself. He did, however, make a point of coming to her room that afternoon. Knocking caught her by surprise. After all, she had been given time off and was curled on her bed reading one of his library books, enjoying it, relaxing. Hobbling to the latch, she heard him speak, so knew it was him. When she opened the door, he presented her with a beautiful fan. “I could not forbid my staff from traveling to market for it at once,” he declared.

  “This was not necessary, sir.” She took his gift and naturally fanned herself, then chuckled.

  “I quite disagree, since we will be strolling in the gardens soon. I have a parasol on order, too.”

  “You are too kind. I shall repay you for these items out of my first wages, sir.” Her thoughts then immediately went to him giving the staff money for a treat of their own for that particular marketing trip.

  He stepped closer, glancing into the room. Yet, she was not about to let him in this time.

  “You’ll do no such thing. It’s John, and I promised I’d purchase them, remember? They go with this job, and I always keep my word.”

  “Always?” she questioned rather abruptly, remembering a promised garden tour and childrearing chat, both forgotten.

  “Well, my intentions were good, and my attention has been diverted some by my visiting friends and impending travel plans. I am sorry for that and that our reading plans have not yet developed. My apologies. The travel agenda has been weighing heavily on my mind and is quite necessary, I assure you.”

  She glanced over his shoulder at the hall ceiling, in disregard, as he studied her lips.

  He then stated that he would like for her “to become friends with Miss Callie. I believe you will greatly enjoy her company and her kitchen while I’m away for a time. She may become your best friend while you are here. Oh, and by the way, here is another letter.”

  “I shall enjoy your kitchen and bake you Vanilla Tea Cakes upon your return, John,” she almost defiantly declared, in a bold statement which surprised both of them, for she alone would choose her friends. Perhaps that was sympathy speaking, she thought to herself rather breathlessly. Then, she blushed and held out her hand for the envelope.

  He smiled, fascinated by her offer of baked goods, and delighted that she had called him by his first name. Turning on his heel to take leave of his new hire, he whispered, “That will be lovely.”

  Chapter Four

  Miss Callie was as sweet as Rachael had imagined she would be, when they finally got to spend some time together. The nanny knew that at first impression. In fact, she reminded Rachael of her own grandmother and Great Aunt Millie, Grandmother Rachael’s only sister, friendly and often smiling. The cook and Rachael
’s relatives would have much to talk about if they ever met, discussing foods, preserves, baking, quilting, and gardens.

  Unfortunately, this first meeting between the cook and the nanny, with their employer and the rest of the staff present, was cut short when Crane appeared at the kitchen door to inform Dr. Davis and the others that there was now a guest waiting in the hallway. “It is Mrs. Worthington, sir,” his butler announced, as the doctor smiled warmly at Rachael, who continued to admire Miss Callie’s kitchen utensils in one drawer, homemade aprons in another.

  “Would you like to join us in the library?” John asked, giving the nanny two options, after obviously reading her facial expression.

  “No, thank you.” She politely declined. “As soon as I leave Miss Callie, I have intensions of writing to my mother, since she seemed most unhappy in her letter.”

  “Oh, I do hope it’s nothing serious, Miss Hathaway.”

  He seems genuinely concerned, she thought to herself, although he doesn’t know much about my family, except for that initial first meeting. “It’s a family matter.”

  “Of course.” He wouldn’t question her about it. Turning, his thoughts were now on Amber.

  Rachael’s thoughts were still on her sister, Viola, and the unexpected broken engagement, for the nanny knew her lovely sister must be brokenhearted. The two seemed made for each other since youth, walking to and from school, studying together, sharing holidays. They enjoyed each other’s company, goals, family, and mutual friends. But he had taken that job some distance from Bower.

  Later that afternoon, Rachael declined going to the dining room by complaining of ankle pain. She requested that a tray be sent up instead. Therefore, one was. Surprisingly, though, along with dinner, the physician had tucked onto that tray another small gift ~ a very lovely, ivory handkerchief adorned with exquisite, elegant, embroidery, since he had seen her retrieve her own from the settee and felt that she might be fond of receiving one or have a collection of them at home.