The Daughters of Winston Barnett

by Dara Girard

  "Hi."

  Mrs. Amsted's gaze darted between them. "You know each other?"

  "Yes," Brother Jerome said. "Durand spent time in Hamsford. That's the town I told you about. I, we lived there before coming here. Janet and her family still live there."

  "I see. So this is a mini-reunion. How exciting."

  Frederick overcame his paralysis and walked over to Janet. "How is your family?"

  "They're doing fine." She wanted to mention Jeffrey's abrupt departure and sudden engagement but didn't.

  "I'm glad to hear that."

  Mrs. Amsted stood. "You can become reacquainted another time, right now I want everyone to join me in the theater room." She turned and left. Daphne groaned and Frederick looked less than enthused.

  Chapter 30

  "What's in the theater room?" Janet asked following Daphne down the hall.

  "Mom's vacation photos. We're going to be in for a long night."

  Brother Jerome, ingratiated himself by commenting on each image and saying how fascinating the scenery was, while Janet and Valerie could not help noticing that Mrs. Amsted was prominent in each picture, leaving the scenery as a spot in the background. Daphne was conspicuously absent. Frederick's expression did not reveal his thoughts and he remained quiet throughout. Fortunately, the butler announced dinner saving them from a showing of her trip to the Andes.

  Janet marveled at the sight that greeted them as they entered the dining room. The table was exquisitely decorated with so many settings it looked ready for a large party. A massive bouquet of live flowers sat in the center of an enormous rosewood dining table. The place setting consisted of white bone china trimmed with silver, Italian crystal glasses and linen napkins with the family seal. Janet wasn't intimidated by the assortment of utensils. Her Aunt Bernice had made it her task to teach all her nieces proper etiquette, including which fork or spoon to use, how to use a napkin, and other very helpful tips.

  Janet's eyes widened when the appetizer arrived—a steaming bowl of clams flavored with ham, charred tomatoes and parsley oil. This was followed by the main course: olive-oil poached salmon served with steamed asparagus, and risotto made with three kinds of onions. The desert was a roasted pineapple split with macadamia brittle, served in delicate Austrian crystal bowls. Throughout, two butlers stood at attention, anticipating each guest's request.

  Frederick sat across from Janet and twice tried to engage her in conversation, but she stopped his attempts by talking to Daphne, who sat next to her.

  "You're not at all what I expected," Daphne said. "The people that Brother Jerome usually knows are, are...." She searched for the words.

  Janet smiled. "I'm glad to say that we are not all the same. Besides I've known Valerie much longer."

  Daphne nodded. "That explains it. Do you like bicycle riding?"

  "Yes very much."

  "We have a wonderful bike path that leads to the parkland at the back of our house."

  "What are you two talking about?" Mrs. Amsted asked from her position at the head of the table. "Private conversation amongst guests is rude. I hate feeling left out, especially in my home. Tell me about yourself, Janet."

  "There's not much to say. I'm finishing my last year at the university."

  "What is your major?"

  "Art History."

  "Art History? What a useless degree."

  "She's an artist," Frederick said.

  "I hope your family is wealthy enough to sustain you," Mrs. Amsted said unimpressed. "It's not likely you will be able to make a living from it."

  Frederick lifted his glass. "She's very good."

  "As good as your sister?"

  "Better."

  Mrs. Amsted raised her brows amazed. "That's high praise indeed, Janet. I hope I will be able to see your work one day."

  Frederick cut his asparagus. "She's excellent at doing portraits."

  "Good, how long will you be here?"

  "I have five more days," Janet said uncertain.

  "Perfect, that's plenty of time. I would like you to do a portrait of me."

  "But I didn't bring any of my art materials, and—"

  "That's not a problem. Whatever you need I will have them here for you by tomorrow. Just give Frederick a list. He knows more about supplies and such than I do." She placed her napkin on the table. "I'm finished. Let's go into the sitting room." Mrs. Amsted left and Daphne, Frederick and Brother Jerome followed. Janet seized Valerie's arm. "This is awful."

  "You didn't like the food?"

  "No, the portrait. I can't do it. That's not why I came to visit. I had planned to spend as much time as I could with you."

  Valerie patted Janet's hand in reassurance. "You'll have time with me in the evenings. Just think of the honor. If she likes what you do, and I'm sure she will, you could get a lot of commissioned work. Mrs. Amsted is well known in high society. She knows judges, senators, and top executives with multi-billion dollar companies."

  "But—"

  "Plus, Peter will never forgive you, or me, if you say no."

  Janet slumped her shoulders, resigned. "Why did Durand have to mention my art?"

  "I think he admires your art... and you."

  "I think he's just trying to frighten me by comparing me to his sister."

  "I think you're wrong."

  But Valerie wasn't able to expand further because Mrs. Amsted called them to join her. They all gathered in the sitting room where Mrs. Amsted and Brother Jerome busied themselves looking at an antique catalog while Valerie looked on and smiled. Daphne convinced Frederick and Janet to help her complete a 3D puzzle of a castle.

  "Where's Milton?" Daphne asked.

  Frederick studied a piece then put it in place. "Upstairs sleeping. How come every time I visit you're working on one of these?" he asked her.

  "Because I know you can help me finish them. I have three more upstairs." Daphne turned to Janet. "He's very handy that way." She picked up a puzzle piece and tried to put it in place but it refused to fit. "What were you doing in Hamsford?" she asked him.

  "Helping a friend with a building."

  She pounded the piece in place. "Figures."

  "That doesn't fit."

  Daphne sighed and removed it. "I know." She frowned at the bent end.

  "The key is to find pieces that fit together and build one side of the structure." He quickly assembled five pieces.

  "I told you he was good. Oh look, Janet, your piece matches his."

  Janet stared down at the small window piece she held then placed it next to his.

  Daphne grinned. "A perfect fit."

  Janet folded her arms. "I'm not really good at puzzles."

  "Oh, please don't stop. With your help we can finish this thing in no time."

  Janet picked up another piece that matched Frederick's. "Well done," he said when she fit it in place.

  Janet nodded. "Thank you." Then they shared a look that fueled their competitive nature and soon they each raced to see who could build faster. They grabbed pieces, fitting them together. At times Janet's hands brushed his but she didn't notice, determined to beat him. Daphne sat back knowing she couldn't compete with their quick eye and dexterity so she just watched them. An hour later the castle stood completed.

  "That was amazing," Daphne said. "Did you two get on this well in Hamsford? You make a great team."

  Janet gasped astonished. "Work together?" She shook her head, not knowing whether to laugh or scream in horror. "Oh no. We hardly spoke to each other."

  "Why not?" Daphne wagged her finger at Frederick. "Did you work too much as always?"

  Janet flashed a sly smile. "The first time I met Durand was at a party and he refused to talk to anyone."

  Daphne looked at him in disbelief. "Frederick, she's lying, right?"

  He cleared his throat. "I was feeling awkward at the time."

  "Awkward?" Janet said surprised. "Even though half the people were in awe of you and the other half impressed by you? You're a weal
thy, attractive man who has traveled the world. How can that be?"

  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I don't find it easy mingling with strangers."

  Janet tilted her head, doubtful. "You're shy?"

  Daphne laughed; Frederick sent her a look that made her stop. "No, it's more complicated."

  "I see." Janet also leaned forward and held his gaze. "Well, you will notice that I never offer to sing, because I do it badly. I make sure to avoid situations that put me in a bad light."

  Frederick lowered his gaze. "Point taken."

  "She's just teasing you Frederick, right Janet?" Daphne asked unsure. "He's the most sociable person I know."

  Janet shrugged. "I suppose it all depends on the type of people."

  He met her gaze. "No, it depends on whether I feel accepted, or not."

  Janet felt her cheeks grow warm, remembering how quickly everyone had called him The Original. "True, but one can gain acceptance with minimal effort. You didn't try."

  Daphne jumped to her feet, tiring of the conversation and not understanding it. "How about I get another puzzle?"

  "No," her mother said. "It's time for the Jeromes and their guest to leave. It was a pleasure to meet you Janet. Did you give Frederick your list?"

  "Uh—"

  "I know what she needs," Frederick said.

  Janet blinked, stunned by his assumption.

  He cleared his throat and softened his tone. "I mean I can guess."

  Daphne glanced at Frederick then Janet and began to smile. "I'm sure you can."

  He shot her a glance; her smile grew.

  Mrs. Amsted beamed. "Then it's all set." She patted Janet on the back as she led her to the door. "I expect to see you very soon."

  "Yes."

  "Tomorrow at two."

  Janet inwardly groaned knowing she had no choice. "I'll see you then."

  * * *

  Janet arrived at two on the dot, Brother Jerome made sure of it. The butler, Stephens, led her into the solarium where Mrs. Amsted sat in a chaise lounge talking to Frederick while Milton slept at his feet. The solarium looked like a designer showroom one would see in an upscale magazine. And Mrs. Amsted looked like the perfect model.

  She stretched her hand out to Janet. "Ah, there you are," she said in a booming voice that jolted Milton awake. He yawned and stretched then, seeing Janet, ran over to greet her. "This is how I want you to paint me, sitting on this lounge chair."

  Janet stroked Milton. "That's fine, but I don't see any supplies."

  "I think I should have an animal in it too. Can you paint dogs? Of course you can that was a silly question. Frederick, I'm going to borrow Milton. Do you think he'll be able to keep still?" Before Frederick could respond she called Milton to her and placed him on her lap. "Yes, that's better. How do I look?"

  "Wonderful," Janet said. "but I need supplies."

  "Yes, and I've taken care of everything."

  At that moment, Stephens and another young man entered carrying an easel, paper, canvas pad, a selection of brand new watercolors, pastels and charcoal, pens, and an assortment of the finest brushes. Janet stared amazed by the quality. Throughout her years at college she had only dreamed of being able to afford the kind of collection she was looking at.

  "If you don't like it, you can blame Frederick. He made the selection."

  Daphne came into the room and noticed Janet's face. "I think she likes them. I think she likes them a lot. Don't you Janet?"

  "They're wonderful," she said unable to look away.

  "Frederick would have bought half the store for you."

  Janet glanced at him. "Maybe he thinks I need the help."

  He shook his head. "No I—"

  Daphne interrupted him. "Are you kidding? He thinks—"

  Frederick spun to her. "Don't you have something better to do?"

  She fluttered her lashes. "Not really."

  "Find something," Mrs. Amsted said. "You're distracting us."

  She made a face at Frederick then left.

  Mrs. Amsted gestured to Janet, eager to start. "What do you plan to do?"

  "I'm thinking."

  "Think faster. I can't be here all day."

  Janet agreed and decided to do a quick study in watercolor. Oils would take too long to dry, and she didn't like working with acrylics, although they dried quickly. Watercolor was her favorite medium, next to charcoal, and she wanted to complete this task as soon as possible.

  Janet picked up a pencil. "Now we can get started."

  She expected Frederick to leave, but he didn't. Although she tried to become engrossed with her drawing Janet couldn't ignore his presence. When Janet left to go home, she found Daphne reading and asked her questions about Frederick, hoping she could find out news about Jeffrey, but Daphne didn't give her the information she wanted so she gave up.

  Frederick sat in on the session the next day as well, again saying nothing, but she could feel him watching her. Janet completed the watercolor by the end of the second sitting.

  Mrs. Amsted examined it. "Nice. Very nice. If you keep on practicing, one day you may be able to make money as a professional. Of course you'll be competing with computers that do just as well."

  Janet opened her mouth to respond, but Frederick interrupted her. "Actually, this portrait is one of the best I've seen. Observe how elegant you look and the way she captured your hand on Milton's fur. Computer graphics can't do that."

  Janet stared at him speechless, surprised by his praise.

  Mrs. Amsted tilted her head to the side considering his words. "Yes, you're right. I do look wonderful. I'll have it framed right away and hang it above the mantle. Well done, Janet."

  * * *

  Janet left relieved to have completed the assignment. Now she had a chance to spend more time with Valerie and avoid Frederick. But he surprised her by showing up at their house the next morning while Valerie and Brother Jerome were out.

  She motioned towards a chair and he placed a package on the coffee table, then sat. "Mrs. Amsted wanted to thank you for the portrait by giving you the supplies you used."

  Janet stared at the package. "But they are expensive."

  "They'd go to waste in her house."

  "I see."

  Silence fell. They sat facing each other, but Frederick made no move to leave.

  "Thank you."

  He nodded then tapped his knee. "Your friend seems to be happy here. I see that they displayed your picture." He looked at the painting Janet had given the couple as a wedding gift.

  "Yes, it reminds Valerie of Hamsford."

  "Does she miss it?"

  "No."

  "Would you miss it if you had to leave? I know it's hard to leave family and friends, but some people are more tied to a place than others."

  Janet frowned unsure of what he was trying to say. "I don't understand."

  "Never mind." Frederick stood. "I better go." He pointed to the package. "Enjoy the paints," he said then left.

  Janet watched him walk away and softly said, "I will."

  * * *

  "It's obvious that he's in love with you," Valerie said when Janet told her of Frederick's strange visit and his behavior at Mrs. Amsted's.

  "That's ridiculous."

  Valerie sighed. "Think about it."

  "I have thought about it. I think he's bored. Fortunately, I'm going bicycle riding with Daphne tomorrow so he won't catch me home alone again."

  * * *

  "You're tormenting yourself." Mrs. Amsted said when she found Frederick on her tennis court hitting a ball against the wall. Milton watched him.

  "I'm working on my backhand." He hit the ball again.

  "You've been working on it for nearly three hours. Take a break."

  Frederick hit the ball once more then stopped. "I was just thinking." He walked to the bench where he'd left his things and picked up a towel.

  "About Janet?"

  He wiped his face then draped the towel around his ne
ck, chagrined. "Am I that obvious?"

  "Only to Daphne and me. We know you too well." She handed him a bottled sports drink. He thanked her and twisted off the top. "You're like a brother to Daphne and a son to me," Mrs. Amsted said resting her hand on the chain fence. "Any woman would be lucky to have you."

  Frederick took a long swallow then replaced the top.

  "I've seen the way she looks at you. She's asked Daphne lots of questions about you."

  He turned sharply to her.

  Mrs. Amsted grinned at his interest. "Yes, that's right."

  "I'm not sure how she feels about me."

  "She likes you. It's clear. We women know these things."

  Frederick thought for a moment then put his towel in his bag and zipped it up. "I have to consider my family. Her family. How different our lives are."

  Mrs. Amsted tugged on his arm and forced him to face her. "You're right. But I've seen how the Jeromes live, it's not so very different from us and you can make compromises. I wouldn't have chosen someone like her for you, but sometimes the heart knows what we need. Follow your heart. Do you love her?"

  Frederick took a deep breath then nodded.

  Mrs. Amsted cupped his face in her hands. He was so young and so far life hadn't been fair. She was the mother he no longer had and she wanted to see the lingering sorrow in his eyes disappear. "Then go after her. You've suffered so much. It's time you reach for the joy you deserve."

  He took Mrs. Amsted's hand and kissed the back of it then flashed one of his rare smiles. "I will."

  * * *

  Janet loved long bike rides. She and Daphne rode the bike path along the lake in the park then rested under a tree. Dragonflies skittered over the lake while the grass looked brilliantly green against the sandy dirt path.

  Daphne leaned her head against the trunk. "It's been great having you visit. Usually Frederick is the only ally against my mothers' dreadful dinner parties."

  "So you and he are good friends?" Janet asked curious, hoping she'd have better luck getting the information she wanted.

  "The best. Frederick is a wonderful person to have as a friend. Loyal, generous and he takes good care of those he cares about. He recently told me about his friend Jeffrey."

  "What did he say?" Janet asked in a halting tone.