“Miss Hathaway, are you alright?” he asked politely, quietly. “Inside, I couldn’t tell if you were laughing or crying. Forgive me for following you here, but I had some concern. Is something wrong?”
“I was laughing, Lieutenant Graham. But thank you for asking. You are a true knight.” She laughed again, wondering why she hadn’t been able to control her laugher at the dinner table. She was so thankful Phoebe had whispered she’d watch Lily. “Do you think I should return home to Bower Farm when my sister, Phoebe, goes home, since I’m so out of place here? That could be any day now.”
“No, of course I do not think you should return home. Why do you ask?”
He seemed genuinely concerned, Rachael thought. “I have no reason to stay here, and no one else to ask about this.” She was honest, because she considered him a friend and she needed an honest opinion right now. “I didn’t want to ask my sister. She just arrived. I can’t ask Miss Mariah. She’s so in love with Crane she wouldn’t understand what I am talking about or feeling. I don’t know Cousin Emery well enough, and he’s a man, and Miss Callie is nice, but I don’t quite know how to approach her about this, since she’s so devoted to the doctor. That leaves you, because I can’t ask Mrs. Worthington.”
“What are you thinking or feeling? I’m a man, too, in case you haven’t noticed, Rachael. But, I shall try to understand, although I don’t know exactly why you can’t speak with Mrs. Worthington. She’s a lovely woman.”
“Yes, I have noticed that you are a fine man and friend to me. The reason I can’t ask Amber Worthington is that it’s about her.”
“Oh.” He pondered her announcement for a moment. “I’ve never seen you so upset. Come and sit here with me on the bench awhile, please. I know the storm was upsetting to you yesterday. Getting caught in it was certainly a frightening time for you, and we were worried, too. We know you were tired last evening, but we all certainly enjoyed your company and xylophone expertise, I can assure you. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to leave.”
“Well, I have just embarrassed myself, Dr. Davis, and his guest.”
“Nonsense, you did not embarrass anyone. Are you leaving because of your laughter, then? I don’t understand, and I hope not. Is there someone waiting for you back home?”
“No. You don’t understand. You’re a man.” Rachael was beside herself. What should she say?
“I’m a friend, too, Rachael,” he reminded her. “Don’t forget that I care. I tried to show you in a kiss.”
“I know and I hope you care. I liked that kiss, by the way,” she admitted, taking a seat next to him on the bench. “There is no beau waiting back home.”
“I believe that you forgot to tell me just why you can’t speak to John about this.” He smiled, waiting for her reply, and was unyielding. Determination was all over his face. He wanted answers, and to learn exactly what was upsetting this young woman that he admired so greatly. Puzzled, he studied her.
“I don’t want to speak with John about this jealousy.” She spoke the last word very quietly, just before she realized that she had already spoken to John Davis of it.
The lieutenant drew in a deep breath, since he noticed that she had called John by his first name. He also took the liberty of taking her hand in his. “Rachael, I will always be here for you whenever you need me. If I am not here, send for me. You shall always know of my whereabouts. I will make certain of that.”
He sounded sincere, faithful, in command, or perhaps, he was just hoping she would confide in him her reasoning at this point. Perhaps he wanted to be her suitor. Rachael felt he did, yet, what about Phoebe and John? Monty Graham has just confided that he will be here for me, Rachael thought to herself. Glancing at their hands together, she took comfort in his sweet gesture. “No, you won’t. You’re going away, too. I’ve heard the news of your impending departure.” A frown crossed her face. Her lips formed a disgusted pose and pout.
“Oh. Is that what this is about? Then, just how does Amber Worthington fit into the picture?”
“You tell me! That’s exactly what I would like to know.” Rachael now gave her thoughts away with her comments. But she didn’t care that she was doing so. “I do not think the woman has tried to befriend me, to make me feel included in any gathering I have attended. I believe that Mrs. Worthington should have tried to ease my mind a little.”
“Is that what this is all about, jealousy?” he asked, a slight smile upon his face. “If it is, I can probably put your mind at ease right this very moment. Yet, I don’t want to. Well, I do and I don’t.” Now his inner feelings crept to the forefront. He wasn’t ashamed about his growing affection for this young woman, either. He was beginning to think that she was so right for him, and now he seemed to be wearing his heart on his sleeve. What should he tell her? Should he sway her toward himself or his best friend, or could he? Should he offer courtship or marriage? He wondered about it and just exactly how to proceed.
She gazed into those big blue eyes of his. He seemed so sincere. She liked Monty. He was so easy to talk to, and he did have a lot of answers and remarkable wisdom about human nature. But John had given her the best of discussions, yesterday. Of course, Monty and John surely talked about her. She knew that. “What does he say about me? I want to know.”
He stalled, pondering her question for a moment. “The truth is, he doesn’t say much about you, Miss Hathaway. He thinks that you are a brilliant, fine, young nanny. He likes your interaction with Lily, of course. We all do. You fit in so well with our inner circle. You’re a great conversationalist at dinner, and funny, too, I might add,” he quipped. “You are a wonder to Magnolia Gardens. We need more laughter around here.”
“Oh, there is an inner circle?” she asked. “Is that all; I make everyone laugh? That’s certainly not true, you know, for, I don’t fit into Amber Worthington’s life.”
“Yes, there is an inner circle and yes, you do fit in, and that says quite a lot about you, I would say. Why? Has John said something to upset you?”
“What did you mean by ‘I don’t want to? Well, I do and I don’t?’”
“You know that answer, Rachael. I care. As far as Amber goes, I think Emery Davis has her heart. Everyone sees it, within the inner circle, at least. Wait and see. As for my comment, I meant I’d selfishly prefer to sway your affections toward myself, instead of toward John. Now, it’s your turn to confide your feelings to me. Has he spoken to you of matrimony yet?”
She was silent and looked away to where the chickadees were winging and singing, some pecking at seeds and bread crusts scattered along the path. Surprisingly, the dashing Monty Graham gently turned her chin toward him.
“Of course, he has. I can see it in your face.” The young doctor bowed his head and looked away. “Have you accepted his proposal of marriage, Miss Hathaway? Am I being completely foolish and out of place to think that I still may have a chance in your life?”
“You’re being so formal. I like you fun and open, lieutenant. Your personality, though quiet, is a blessing to me.”
He ignored her compliment. “Has he proposed marriage, Rachael?” he asked ever so softly.
“Did he propose marriage to me? Why, I hardly know him.” She simply did not divulge all of the information at hand. At this time, she felt that some things were still private. “Lieutenant Graham, I value your friendship so very much. You’ll never know what a comfort it is to have a friend like you. It’s a new experience for me.”
He sensed that she was telling the truth. “Thank you. However, I did wish to become more than a friend. You and your sister are both lovely.”
“Perhaps you should court Phoebe.”
“Shall I court you?” He sighed. “Shall we go in?” Futility and disappointment engulfed him.
“No, I do not wish to go inside,” she finally divulged, shaking her head, although she was almost a little frightened to tell him
. “I’m afraid Mrs. Worthington will be difficult for me to face.”
“You weren’t arguing. You were merely laughing. But, John has offered us a fireside chat and reading or music with dessert tonight. It might be fun,” Monty explained. “We certainly had a good time last evening. So, let’s go read the faces around us, just for fun tonight,” he advised. “Read mine. Do it now.”
“Okay,” she agreed. “But, it could be trouble,” she laughed. “Yours is sweet, sincere, strong, and some other things.” She giggled, yet, didn’t drop his hand. Actually, she was enjoying a moment of bliss from Monty’s attention. Was that wrong? Time would tell her.
“What’s this ‘some other things’ and what could be trouble? I want to know.” He raised her hand to kiss it. Finding her fascinating and sincere, he hoped that she would reveal her inner feelings about him, if she had any. “After all, I do not intend to remain single forever. I’ve told you so, haven’t I? Perhaps now is the time to speak my mind. Maybe I can convince you to my way of thinking, and you’ll be mine. Should I try?”
“Monty, I could say more, but it’s not the right time. I do see passion on your face, however.”
“There’s that and adoration. When will it be the right time, Rachael, when I’m old and gray?”
“You’re making things complicated for me, Monty. What about your feelings for my Phoebe?”
“Phoebe is a fine young woman, just like you. Yet, we just met.”
“I see. I love her dearly. You’d make her the perfect husband. Will you be gone very long?”
His heart sank. He couldn’t convince her. “No. Will you decide between John and I soon?”
“No. I have to be honest. I’m new here. I did not come to marry. I’ll return home in a year.”
“I believe you belong here, well, at Fernhaven. Shall we go in?” He pointed to the door.
“To retrace my steps and enter that gathering could be havoc,” she insisted, shaking her head.
“It can not be havoc with your old friend, Monty, near you,” he told her, and he meant it. Reaching for her hand again, he placed it to his lips and kissed it again. “I shall protect you always, love.”
Her heart did a leap at his words. “I wish I could always protect you, Monty, as well. Shall we go now? It seems we’ve done this before, come in the back way, haven’t we?” she recalled, laughing, a bit confused, yet so happy to have two fine friends in Monty and John.
“Yes.” He stopped in the hall and turned to her. “Rachael, I’d love for you to come to see my home and gardens. Could you possibly come to visit me? I’m holding your left hand and there is no ring on it yet.”
Her heart was pounding a rapid beat. “Perhaps Phoebe and I could come someday, with Lily. I’m not sure, though, if that’s a good idea. I do have a little girl to watch, you know. How far is it? I don’t know how she would travel, and if John, I mean, Dr. Davis would even allow it.”
“We shall talk about this again,” he whispered. “I can speak to John about arranging this matter. He may wish to come to visit, as well. We can surely work things out, Rachael. You’d love it there.”
“Perhaps.”
A charity fundraiser, not travel, was on John’s mind, as they entered the room. “Ah, now we can take our pudding to the library, ladies and gentlemen,” he invited, and they did so. In the hallway, though, John took Rachael aside, telling the others to go right on in. He leaned toward her to whisper. “I told the committee at the meeting this afternoon that we’d host a fundraiser in lieu of the cancelled activities because of Rose’s death. It can simply be an informal garden viewing. Can we get our heads together and think up something before I leave, Rachael? I think I will be up to entertaining a crowd when I return. That way, if we need anything special for it, I could shop for that during the trip and bring it home to you – centerpieces, tablecloths, or a ring. Or perhaps we should shop for that together, upon my return. What do you think? Should the fundraiser be a dinner, dance, lunch, dessert, or garden event? Maybe we shall just have dessert and let everyone leave early,” he suggested with a grin. “We can even bring Viola here for it. Would you like that?”
“Thank you for including me in these decisions. I’ll have to think on it, but a garden viewing appeals to me. You’ll be ready for a crowd someday? Well, what do you think this is, and why ask me? Wasn’t Mrs. Worthington at the meeting? Have you not discussed with her all of your plans and details, and yes I’d love to send for Viola?” She was still confused by Amber’s part in all of this, and Monty’s.
He took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. “Darling, we’ve already had this conversation. Yes, she was here for the meeting. She and Rose used to plan our social gatherings, and that is exactly why I was obligated to ask her to attend and to stay for dinner. But she doesn’t come here that often. It was out of respect, Rachael.” He stopped speaking and nodded at Crane and Miss Callie as they walked by on their way back from the kitchen with more pudding and tea to serve. Briefly, Phoebe and Lily popped their heads into the hall from the library to check on John and Rachael. No one said anything. John simply waved to them. Rachael stared. Then, Monty walked by and nodded at them.
“We’ll be right along,” he assured the lieutenant. Then, as the guests found seating, he smiled at Rachael again. She glanced at the doorway, thrilled that Lily was still clutching her doll.
“Well, I’ve seen the way Amber Worthington looks at you, John,” she whispered, trying to explain her feelings, so she’d know if it was John or Monty she’d spend more time with. “It’s distracting, disappointing, and disgusting, to say the least.” Feeling like speaking her mind, she did so promptly.
He pulled her close. “Oh? Well, that’s just your imagination, and, Rachael, you should see the way I look at you. It’s called love.”
He made her smile, blush, and laugh softly. “Well, well.”
“Well, shall we go in now or shall I kiss you? Someday we’ll plan your well,” he assured her, waving one hand toward his favorite gathering place across the hall.
Several in the group asked John to read first, in case they couldn’t stay long. He agreed. Some graced the divan. Others sat in tapestry covered chairs. Cousin Emery stood beside Amber. Crane made himself at home on a patterned rug on the floor and began rolling a ball with Lily. The little girl giggled happily, as John recited a poem he had recently written, titled, ‘You and I.’
Halfway through his reading, lightning slipped across the late afternoon sky. Thunder rolled, and Lily began to cry. Her father folded the paper and picked up his young daughter, comforting her.
Amber rose to speak with Emery, and they began, whispering, making plans, causing Rachael extreme happiness. Then, he spoke, as Monty moved from beside Rachael to go help comfort his god daughter. “I think we’ll have to be going, John,” his cousin explained. We don’t wish to be caught in a storm like last evening.” He was referring to himself and the lovely, smiling Mrs. Worthington.
“I’ll hear of no such thing. Please stay. The guest rooms are ready, aren’t they, Miss Mariah?” John asked the young maid.
She nodded and rose to go, as if wishing to make certain she was correct about their state of readiness.
“No, please stay. We can still have some wonderful conversation,” her employer insisted. “Lily’s fine. This storm is passing. I need everyone’s opinion on a certain matter,” he told his maid, inviting her to converse, not work. “Cousin Emery, you can stay in my room.”
“Okay, John,” his cousin agreed. “But first, please finish reading your poetry.”
Miss Mariah smiled warmly and returned to sit beside Rachael. As she sat back down, she shyly shot a glance at her secret fiancé, Crane, who smiled back and nodded a ‘Yes’ to her.
John did finish reading his poem. “Now, I’d like for my guests and my help to speak, whatever is on your mind. Then, I have a ques
tion,” the doctor informed them, presenting the rest of his agenda for their fireside gathering, as the storm abated. “Our music will follow, if you wish.”
“You continue, John. You’re the host. Read again, if you wish. Amber and I would love to stay, wouldn’t we, Miss Worthington?”
She glanced out the window at the ominous sky, smiled, and nodded her agreement, and everyone in the room heard Emery address her as ‘Miss’ for the first time.
“Yes, John, please continue,” Miss Callie pleaded. “We’d like to hear what’s on your mind.”
“Please, John, tell us,” Amber Worthington urged, joining her voice with the other enthusiastic listeners. She even smiled warmly at Rachael, as if they were great friends now, and perhaps they were.
Lily was calm, playing with her doll and its miniature blanket. The thunder and lightning had dwindled. Only a few receding flashes were seen now and then in the distance. Lily, surprisingly, stood and took her doll to Rachael and tried to climb into her lap. The smiling nanny lifted her. Silently, Rachael began to point to the doll’s eyes, nose, mouth, and hair, just like a parent would do. Little Lily laughed and enjoyed pointing to each of them, also. Those in the room were thrilled that the little girl was happy once again. This close knit group all wished that for the toddler.
“Well, as you all probably know, we will be hosting a charity garden tour.” He did take Rachael’s suggestion to heart, and it pleased her. “I hope it will be pleasing to all,” John suggested, grinning and glancing toward Rachael and a contented Lily, wondering if the nanny had heard their secret word spoken.
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